Amid coaching questions, ‘M’ dismantled in Gator Bowl, 52-14
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After Mississippi State ran Michigan out of EverBank Field, handing the Wolverines’ their worst loss in 40 bowl tries, 52-14, Michigan left the field exposed, plagued by the same execution problems that followed them after their quick start to the season. With them walked their embattled coach, who, after months of speculation and drama, may have paced his last sideline as the Wolverines’ head football coach.
Nicole Auerbach: Rodriguez’s possible final game with Michigan full of familiar sights and struggles
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Coach Rich Rodriguez walked briskly down the hallway underneath EverBank Field, the long, lonely path from Michigan’s locker room to the post-game press conference.
Notebook: Michigan’s offense panics, can’t keep up with Bulldogs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — His coach said he must have had an angel on his shoulder during his Gator Bowl performance against Michigan. In the 52-14 victory, Mississippi State quarterback Chris Relf completed 18-of-23 passes for 281 yards and accounted for four touchdowns.
Report: Brandon to announce Rodriguez’s job status this week
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon Brandon told The Detroit News tonight that, like he has stated all along, he will evaluate Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez this week now that the season has ended.
Notebook: Michigan’s offense panics, can’t keep up with Bulldogs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — His coach said he must have had an angel on his shoulder during his Gator Bowl performance against Michigan. In the 52-14 victory, Mississippi State quarterback Chris Relf completed 18-of-23 passes for 281 yards and accounted for four touchdowns.
Martin, teammates defend Rodriguez after bowl game loss
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl, the members of the Michigan football team have no control over whether their coach returns for another season. Players, coaches — everyone seems helpless.
Breakdown: In first bowl trip in three years, ‘M’ rushing attack up against tough Mississippi State front seven
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After two years of bowl-less seasons, a 15-22 record in three years and continued rides on the coaching carousel, the Wolverines are again a part of bowl season. On Saturday, Michigan will take on Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl, one of many Big Ten-SEC matchups on New Year’s Day.
Notebook: Gardner named backup QB, Forcier sent home
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — True freshman quarterback Devin Gardner will be the Wolverines’ backup quarterback in Saturday’s Gator Bowl, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez announced Friday during a press conference.
Rodriguez, Mullen exchanged ideas and schemes over the years
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — No scheme is safe in college football. Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez has said that he will watch other teams and maybe implement their schemes and plays into what the Wolverines do.
Amid criticism, Michigan defensive players ready to prove themselves
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Michigan football team’s defense has dealt with its fair share of criticism this season. The defense has heard the criticism, but fifth-year senior defensive lineman Greg Banks said the players hear the criticism and feel like they need to prove themselves.
Video: Football writers break down Michigan-Mississippi State matchup
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Daily football beat writers Nicole Auerbach and Tim Rohan sat down with Bob Carskadon of the Reflector, the Mississippi State student newspaper to break down the Gator Bowl matchup.
Forcier ineligible to play in Gator Bowl
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sophomore quarterback Tate Forcier has been ruled ineligible for Saturday’s Gator Bowl because he failed to meet “University standards,” according to a press release.
FNotebook: Defensive players discuss Rodriguez’s job security during week of Gator Bowl
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On a day when up-and-coming Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen signed a contract extension — one that would give him a substantial pay raise — much of the talk, per usual, centered on the nation’s hottest coaching seat.
Forcier ineligible to play in Gator Bowl
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sophomore quarterback Tate Forcier has been ruled ineligible for Saturday’s Gator Bowl because he failed to meet “University standards,” according to a press release.
Bulldog defense prepares to stop Denard Robinson
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mississippi State linebacker Chris White has seen more than a few talented quarterbacks in Southeastern Conference play over the past two years — guys like Tim Tebow and Cam Newton. He has watched countless hours of opponents’ film.
Michigan’s kicking situation remains unsettled before bowl
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez still doesn’t know who his starting kicker is. He let out a nervous chuckle when asked about the situation before practice on Wednesday — neither Seth Broekhuizen or Brendon Gibbons have separated themselves with the Gator Bowl three days away.
Notebook: Michigan keeps it simple in preparation for Gator Bowl
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Things are getting a lot simpler as the Wolverines prepare for the Gator Bowl. The strategy of cutting back on the bowl game playbook has worked in the past for Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez. Offensive schemes, defensive drills — everyone’s going back to basics.
Relf develops as a passer in Mississippi St. offense
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A full year as the team’s starting quarterback? Check. Effective runner and passer? Check. Took time to develop into a better quarterback in the offseason? Check. Mississippi State junior quarterback Chris Relf has seemed to follow Denard Robinson’s blueprint for collegiate success.