I get it . . . Dodd hates Michigan

That was meant to be a private reply to SOS's private message, but I guess I forgot to check the little f-ing box.  That is an alarming trend regarding the graduation rates between white and black athletes, but I'm guessing that there are similar stats at most big-time athletic programs.  This speaks less to any problems specific to UM, and is more of an indictment of the education that these inner-city black athletes receive before they get to college.  This may make the NCAA "dirty" for allowing these trends to continue as long as these athletes generate millions of dollars, but it in no way makes UM dirty for operating within the constructs of the "game" so to speak.  That was my point to SOS. 

And I'm sorry if my post evidenced a lack of concern, but come on, this is a football board.  We are not here to debate and/or fix all of society's ills.  I was just trying to make the point that UM's football program is no "dirtier" than any of the other major programs, and, in fact, Lloyd had one of the better reputations among big time coaches for running a clean and classy program. 

dirtier

I agree with your definition of "dirtier", ejum. I do not mean this as a lack of concern or an attempt to alibi the situation at Penn State, but even with our problems with SOME of our athletes over the last few years, I do not construe that as condemning our program as "dirty". Like you, I think that term connotes that there is complicity amongst the administration, coaches, et al. to deliberately recruit and/or ignore the behavior of  problem athletes. (And, for the record, I have NO programs in mind when I make that observation.)

And, not that you care, but I will cut you only partial slack about your second paragraph. True, this is a football board, but I bet potential recruits read these threads. I am sure you do not want a problem athlete thinking, "University of Michigan fans will condone my aberrant behavior if I enroll there." For almost every transgression, there is a victim who suffers. IMHO, we who post are a (minor) watchdog/litmus test for recruits.

Good luck to the Wolverines! As one who has experienced the ups and downs of Penn State football (I was at State when we got our first official NC and was living/working in State College when we got our second, for example), be patient if your team hits some bumps.

For the Glory!

84

To the Penn State fans: You're usually a very respectable fan base, but don't have the nerve to hate on Michigan so much. It's been how long since you've beaten us? I believe '96, and that would mean this streak started with the 34-8 shellacking in Happy Valley during our undefeated season. Beat us and you can have bragging rights again, but for the time being you're (as Mike Hart might say about Michigan State) a lot like a little brother to us.

On the 2005 Manningham play: With about 50 or so seconds left, 3 or 4 seconds continued to run off the clock when they should not have. Lloyd was furious and it took until there were around 20 seconds before 2 seconds were added. Dont be bitter because you're defense allowed us to drive down the field like that anyways.

On attacking Michigan's changes: It defanitely shows someone's true character when they only attack something once it's weak. Undeniably this will be a rough year for UM, that could mean 8-4, or it could mean 4-8. But just because Rich Rodriguez left for the historically better football program and step up in job status, doesnt mean he needs to be so heavily scrutinized for any and all off the field stuff.

On counting Michigan out: If it's because of the QB situation, that's fair. But don't act like the team can't reload. They've been having excellent recruiting classes for years, especially this new class coming in. Almost every team has holes, and some of them fill themselves with guys that are unproven to this point but step up come fall (I'm talking about sophs and red-shirt freshmen and unheralded juniors). The cupboard is anything but bare at Michigan.

On the actual team: Losing the skill position talent is tough, losing Shawn Crable and Jamar Adams is also tough. But transition aside there will be talent filling in. A deep running back position will consist of feature back Brandon Minor whose got it all, speed back and slot receiver Carlos Brown, finally healthy power back Kevin Grady, and the and speedy playmaker Avery Horn. Wide receiver and QB are the real trouble spots with #1 wideout Greg Mathews starter worthy player at either position. Some young talent will fill the #2-4 receiver spots and Steven Threet will be a fair, though ill-fit for the system, QB. The defense reloads, it always does at Michigan. Morgan Trent will be shutdown like he was last year (i'm as surprise as any other Michigan fan about him) and the secondary is full of young talent that has been thrown into the fray due to lack of depth in the last couple years. FS Stevie Brown will be a stud and some more big recruits return. #2 CB sophomore Donovan Warren will follow in the recent line of stud Michigan cornerbacks (Charles Woodson, Marlin Jackson, Leon Hall) and the pass defense should be surprisingly good to people outside the program. Up front, NT Terrance Taylor plugs the middle and DE Brandon Graham should be ready to live up to his potential. ILB Obi Ezeh will benefit greatly from the playing time he had as a red-shirt freshman last year and blossom alongside him will be a much-lauded OLB Jonas Mouton who finally will get a starting job. The team is far more solid then