Why Rich...Why?

One of the more interesting storylines of this young college football season has been the play of the Michigan Wolverines true freshman quarterback Tate Forcier. Forcier, a California native, enrolled at the University of Michigan in January and quickly wrestled the starting job away from incompetent incumbent Nick Sheridan. Forcier was essentially the man at quarterback since day one, and he did not disappoint once the season began.  Half way through his freshman season, Forcier has continually been lauded for his poise and confidence. He has already engineered thrilling 4^th quarter comebacks against Notre Dame, Indiana, and Michigan St. (a game they would lose in overtime). So when the Wolverines trailed (12) Iowa by nine in the fourth quarter of their primetime matchup. I much like everyone else who bleeds Michigan Blue (I grew up in Michigan) expected more heroics from the freshman some have simply began to call “The Force”. Unfortunately, “The Force” was never unleashed down the stretch against the Hawkeyes. Beleaguered Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez decided to bench his star freshman in favor of another highly touted freshman, Denard Robinson, a lightning quick run first quarterback from Florida who goes by the name “Shoelaces” (a tribute to his affinity for playing with untied shoes). Rodriguez was understandably disappointed with his freshman starter after a 4^th quarter drive began with a delay of game penalty and was executed terribly by Forcier and the Wolves were forced to punt after three downs. He responded by turning to Robinson, a move he has made often to ignite the Michigan offense if it becomes stagnant. As it often has this year, the switch to Robinson delivered immediate dividends. Shoelaces methodically scooted down the field for a touchdown against a tired Hawkeyes defense. After the Michigan defense forced Iowa to punt, I was sure that Forcier would return to provide more 4^th quarter magic. Forcier, a gifted athlete who is talented on the run as well and a much more polished passer than Robinson, was seemingly born for two minute drill situations. So please imagine my surprise when “Shoelaces” ran onto the field for the Wolverines last chance at staying in the race for the Big Ten title. Forcier, already proven in such situations, remained on the sideline. Robinson, who does have a very impressive arm, is still terribly one dimensional at this point in his career. He showed his immaturity by failing to see a wide receiver open on the sidelines on the second play of the drive. Instead of hitting Martavious Odoms for a gain of maybe twenty yards and a stoppage of the clock, Robinson overthrew a pass forced into coverage. The pass was intercepted and the game was over. Robinson was visibly distraught by his decision, but he should not blame himself. He was put in a position to fail by his head coach. I can assure you that when Michigan goes over there two minute offense in practice…Tate Forcier is not sitting on the sidelines. Rich Rodriguez, in an attempt to chastise his freshman starter for a bad drive (and maybe even a bad attitude afterwards), may have ruined the confidence of both his starter and his backup. The quarterback situation at Michigan will be a ongoing story for years to come. Forcier and Robinson are both true freshman and Michigan has a solid commitment (if there is such a thing anymore) from the #1 high school signal caller in the country, Michigan native Devin Gardner. I’m interested to see how Rich Rodriguez handles his quarterback situation through the rest of this year and the years to come. I for one think that he has already gotten off to a bad start.