Use the Forcier, Rich

Michigan took the field Saturday for their homecoming game against the #15 Iowa Hawkeyes. Michigan was looking to rebound after a big defeat at the hands of the Michigan State Spartans. They needed a win here, but they were the underdogs at home.

They started off strong, getting a 7-0 lead but by the third quarter they were down 21-7, then Denard got injured on a run. Denard Robinson is out, all hope is lost, right? Wrong. In comes Sophomore and last year's starter Tate Forcier.

Forcier efficiently led the Wolverines down, but then they fumbled, and gave up a touchdown, falling down 28-7.

But fear not, as Forcier led the Wolverines a quick scoring drive when he connected with Junior Hemmingway on a deep ball. Iowa would score again after a Forcier interception, but Tate was up to the challenge engineering another touchdown drive. Then the Wolverines got a stop, and had a chance to cut it down to seven.
.
And Forcier would deliver another scoring drive that ended with a QB keeper for the score, making it 35-28. Michigan's D could not come up with an important third down tackle for the stop, and Iowa added a field goal to make it 38-28 which was the eventual final.

But this post isn't a recap, this post is to try and start a debate. On one end, we have the "heisman candidate" (not anymore) Denard Robinson, and on the other, the pre-modana starter from last year Tate Forcier. Who's the better fit at the helm for the Wolverines?

Let's look at Denard, he's fast, 4.2 40 time, he's elusive, he's athletic, he's Michigan's Pat White. In theory he's the perfect fit for this offense. His numbers are absurd, and he's already thrown and rushed for 1000 yards. That's something special. However on the other hand, the two times he's played real defenses, he's been terrible. He was unable to effectively move the ball against Iowa, and he was clearly flustered against State and Iowa. He clearly doesn't have the composure to be starting these important Big Ten games. He questions his first read, he gets happy feet every time he pump fakes, and quite frankly his throws aren't good. He makes bad decisions facing pressure. But do you bench someone that good, after only two bad starts?

And then there's Tate. He is smart, composed, and a dual-threat QB. He's not as dynamic and flashy as Denard, but he is more composed, a better thrower, and smarter. Tate makes better decisions, and has the better throwing arm. He can do something that Denard can't: the pump 'n go. They ran it effectively against Iowa with Tate, and every time Denard pump fakes he gets flustered. But Tate isn't as much of a big play threat as Denard. He can get you that big pass play, but he doesn't have that electric 4.2 speed that Denard does, and you don't have to worry as much about him taking off and beating you with is feet.

So which QB should take the field on October 30th against Penn State? Tate Forcier. He is clearly the better QB right now. Denard is flashy, but Tate is effective at moving the ball down the field. Tate Forcier is clearly more composed. Even last year you could tell he had ice water in his veins. He has composure, Denard doesn't. Denard is an athlete, not a quarterback. Tate Forcier is an efficient and effective quarterback and provides Michigan it's best chance to win. Michigan has great wide receivers and Tate is their best option at getting them the football.

These Big Ten defenses will continue to stop and contain Denard Robinson, so if Michigan wants to salvage their season, they'll go with Tate.


The Bearded One has hit a milestone, this was my 100th blog post. YAAAAY!!!!!! *confetti flies everywhere and there's fireworks going off* I would like to thank everyone for the support, and for taking 5 minutes out of you life to read what I have to say. I really appreciate it. Looking forward to another 100

Thanks, and God Bless,
"The Bearded Fellow"