Monday Madness: Cher's Son/Daughter becomes Charlie Weis

As we all know, this probably is not the best week in the life of Charlie Weis. His fate at ND, will most likely become public in the next couple of days. With the reports he has stopped recruiting and maybe has cleaned out his office, it seems the writing is on the wall. Or if you watched ESPN in the last week, the writing is being reported 24/7.

With that said, I found this story interesting. Sunny and Cher's daughter Chaz Bono has decided she is more comfortable being a Man and has gone through a process to make that change. What is disturbing to Notre Dame fans is that she has decided to become Charlie Weis. Your not sure? Check out the pictures below and make the call! Who is Who?

If ND decides to keep Charlie, just think of the recruiting possibilities! He could be in Florida and California at the same time! No word if Chaz will have a "schematic advantage" with her change.

Update: Charlie has been fired. Surprise! Charlie has told friends that he has been contacted by 6 NFL teams about being their offensive coordinator next year. Hello Lions!

Michigan Stinks Up The Old Spice Classic

I was lucky enough to be in Orlando this weekend to watch the Wolverines live in the Old Spice Classic. I saw Michigan's first two games but missed the Alabama game today.

I am not a basketball expert by any means and I'm sure Coach Beilein has a plan for Michigan's probems, but I will give you my two cents on the Wolverines 1-2 performance in the Old Spice Classic this past weekend.

I think the Michigan basketball team has a little bit of "Jordan Syndrome". Early in his career for the Chicago Bulls most of Jordan's team-mates would sit back and wait for Jordon to win or lose the game. I think Michigan has a similar situation with Manny (and no I'm not comparing Manny to Jordan). On the offensive side of the ball, I don't see a lot of movement and I don't see plays for Stu Douglass or Zack Novak to get open shots. It seems Michigan has two options on offense: 1) get the ball to Sims in the low post or 2) let Manny create something.

Manny is clearly not 100% back from his hamstring injury and is not shooting the ball well from the outside, but is still an incredible player nearly putting up triple doubles every night. Sims is getting double teamed in the low post and not finding a shooter for an open 3. DeShawn is also taking way too many outside shots, when he does that Michigan has zero shot at getting any boards.

Michigan clearly still has trouble rebounding on offense and defense, but Marquette basically scored every time on the offensive side of the ball. With the lack of free throw shooting, Michigan is firing on 1 of 6 cylinders right now.

The other thing that I noticed was that Michigan seemed to be a little fatigued against Marquette. Before this tournament Michigan had played two games in two weeks and playing 3 games in 3 days seemed to catch up with them.

This tournament showed Michigan is still pretty rusty and hasn't found the right momentum that lead them into the NCAA tourney last year. There is a ton of talent on the Michigan roster and picking up the pressure on the defensive side of the ball will lead to more easy baskets. Stu did struggle with his shot during the tournament and Zack Gibson always plays hard but Zack Novak who is a great "scrappy player" is working his ass off on the defensive side of the ball is not getting many good looks on the offensive side of the court. I can't remember him looking at a three pointer during the Marquette game.

Michigan needs to find a way to score when the opponents try to take Manny and DeShawn away, because everyone is going to try to do that. I would like to see Matt Vogrich get some more time when Stu and Zack are struggling from the outside, but I expect he is a liability on defense since he is still learning the Beilein system.


The schedule doesn't get easier with Boston College coming to Crisler on Wednesday and upcoming trips to Utah and Kansas in December. I also expect Michigan to drop from the rankings this week.


****For those that are wondering, I didn't have anything to do with the Tiger Woods crash. Though, I do have an explanation of what happened. Tiger was meeting me at Best Buy on Black Friday to stand in line for a 4:00 AM special on a 50 inch LCD TV for $500. (Even a guy that has made a billion dollars likes to get good deal). I told him to bring me a new Nike Driver and when he got in his SUV at 2:30 AM he forgot the club and called his wife to bring it out. She did and tossed it to Tiger but the window was up and club broke the glass. With all the commotion, Tiger took his foot off the brake and backed into the tree and fire hydrant. The rest is history.

He never did show up at Best Buy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't Forget to Watch the Wolverines in the Old Spice Classic at Noon!

It will give you something to look forward to if your not real excited about the Lions today!

Wolverine Wednesday: You Got to Have Hart!

The Colts cut Mike Hart on Tuesday. Hart has been on the team for two years and most of the time been hampered by injuries. Not sure if his speed or his fumble in limited action is keeping him off NFL rosters. I know most NFL people will forget more about football then I will know, but it seems Mike is very similar to Ravens starting running back Ray Rice to me. Someone sign him, Come on Lions!

-Don't forget the Michigan Basketball Team plays in the Old Spice Classic on Thanksgiving at 12:00.

-Former Wolverine and NFL Lineman Jon "Paul" Runyan is running for Congress.

-Michigan State current verbal commit William Gholston is planning on visiting other schools. In recruiting terms: a committed player that is still taking visits is not a committed player.

-Sean Parker a highly rated safety from California told reporters that he is planning to visit U of M and Oregon.

Cullen Finds a New Home in the Big House

The Michigan Football team received much needed good news tonight when the #3 ranked CB in the country verbally committed to becoming a Wolverine next fall. Cullen Christian is a 6"0, 190 pound CB out of Pittsburgh. He has been a Wolverine fan all his life and will suit up for the Maize and Blue next year.

His offer list was long but included names like Ohio State, Pitt, WVU, and UCLA. He is rated 4 stars by both Rivals and Scout and is the 88th player in the nation per Rivals. The only negative that has been written about him, is that he might not have elite speed and could move to Safety. Which I respond to with, YES! Michigan needs great cover corners and great safeties so nothing but upside for Cullen in Ann Arbor. I expect him and Justin Turner to see the field a lot next year.

For more info on Cullen please visit Mgoblog's write up.

• Zoltan has been names to ESPN's Academic All American Team

• Two players get thrown off Michigan State: junior safety Roderick Jenrette and sophomore running back Glenn Winston have been removed from the team. Winston saw a lot of time at running back this year and spent some of his last off season in jail but was allowed to come back and play this year. The dismissals seem to come from a fight on the MSU campus.

• Former Wolverine will help find Michigan's new AD. Jed Hughes a former Wolverine and former assistant under Bo works for Spencer Stuart an executive search firms. Also Michigan has an internal search committee with includes Michigan Basketball Coach John Beilein. RR is not on the committee.

• The Big House is not only getting a face lift it's also getting new field turf after next years spring game. I hope the old turf can be donated to a Detroit Metro High School that needs it.

• The Owner of the Miami Dolphins (and huge Michigan Donor - See the name on the Business School) Stephen Ross who currently has Bill Parcells, Chad Henne, and Jake Long on the pay roll, says RR needs more time in Ann Arbor. "If he has a bad year next year, he'll have a lot more pressure," Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told The Associated Press, standing near midfield before the Wolverines lost to Ohio State on Saturday to finish 5-7. "I don't think he has anything to worry about right now in my mind." -- "People take shots at him for whatever reason," Ross said. "Some people like to beat people when they're down. I think he's a great man and he's been a winner wherever he's been. "It's just that a lot of people don't like change. I think it will all work out."
  
  

Michigan Monday: Any Good News?

Some:

• Donavan Warren has said he is coming back for his senior year. He will ask the NFL for his status but he announced he would be back.
• Rich Rodriguez is coming back and lame duck AD Bill Martin made that clear after the game.
• Zoltan is a finalist for the Ray Guy Award
• Tom from Mgoblog interviewed 4 star CB from Florida Tony Grimes and he rated his trip on a 1-10 scale a 11!.
• Rivals is reporting that Adrian Witty has qualified and will enroll at Michigan in January. Adrian was a cornerback in the 2009 class and former teammate of Denard's in high school. There used to be a rule where he could count towards the 2009 or 2010 class but I believe that was changed and he will now have to count towards the 2010 class which would only leave 4 more spots if that rule is accurate.
• Cullen Christian one of the top CB prospects in the nation announces his decision tomorrow around 6:30PM. He was in A2 for his final visit this weekend.
• The Basketball Team is 2-0 and heading into the Old Spice Classic Tournament at Walt Disney World this holiday weekend.
• Urban Meyer continues to not go to Notre Dame. I guess they just can't take a hint in South Bend. He is just not into you!

Not Good News:

• A U of M Football Player has been arrested for Sexual Assault on Saturday Night. The players name has not been released and charges have not been filed yet. What we do know is the player is 18 (a freshman) and knew the person who brought the charges against him. More to come on this story.

Buckeye Monday = Death

Buckeyes Win in the Big House

I think Big House Bob summed it up very well in his game summary post yesterday, “sometimes freshman play like seniors and sometimes they play like high school seniors.” I wasn’t really worried about the outcome of the game (especially after Forcier’s fumble in the end zone) but I didn’t mind all the interceptions late in the game. Coach Tressel’s play calling was once again ultra conservative but once again the desired results were accomplished so why risk it. If Pryor can live with it and remain happy with the results then why change it? I like the way the running game remained solid, the offensive line continues to make progress and once again the defense played really well. All in all it was a great Saturday to be a Buckeye.

What worked?
As stated above, the running game found its groove in the second and third quarters. Counters, zone reads and dive plays all seemed to work for the Buckeyes. Herron and Saine ran well the entire game and Pryor seemed to be comfortable both on the designed runs and when he was scrambling for yardage. His decision making has really improved since the Purdue game. I guess that game was really the turning point for him this year.
The O-line also seems to be playing with improved intensity and consistency. They are such a young group of players. Bollman can stay as long as the upward trend continues in Pasadena and into next year.
The defense played their usual solid game. Kurt Coleman is awesome. Two picks and tons of tackles. He will be missed next year. Both Gibson and Heyward have expressed an interest in returning next year to anchor the line. That could change after their draft stock is evaluated. Both could leave if they think the money would be there.
What didn’t work?
Geez, nothing really comes to mind. I’m not adverse to scoring more points and I’d still like to see more of a vertical passing game but I’m not going to argue with the results.
What’s next?
I’m guessing that Oregon will represent the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl. Their speed scares me but I don’t think they’re any faster than Vincent Smith or Denard Robinson so maybe we’ll be able to keep them in check. I didn’t want to play USC again in another one of their home games. I’ll hold off on a prediction until their conference champion is determined.
So, outright Big-10 champions, beating Michigan and ending up 10-2. Not bad for a team that was in a semi-rebuilding mode at the beginning of the year. The Buckeyes are scheduled to lose only two starters on offense and three on defense. Year three was when Troy Smith started to find his groove at quarterback. He beat Michigan as a sophomore but Pryor has already done that twice. Next year could be special in Columbus.
Best of luck to Coach Rod and the Wolverines. The Big-10 and The Game will be better off once the rebuilding process is completed.
Go Bucks!!

Buckeye John

It's Over

Thankfully.

Congratulations to the Michigan Defense for giving up 14 points. You did enough and deserved the win.

The Michigan offense showed it's youth, inexpensive and it's ability to lose the game. Freshmen some days look like seniors and other days look like high school seniors.

I'm sad for the seniors and not having a bowl game for the second straight year. Not having a healty Minor and Brown was difficult in a close game.

So one season ends and two begin. Recruiting and Basketball. I'm pretty sure Michigan didn't do anything to embarrass themselves with the dozen of Blue Chip recuits in attendance and the basketball team is 2-0. Go Blue!

Michigan – Ohio State Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
TV: ABC
Weather: Hitting Weather
Line: OSU – 12.5

I have had a lot of time to think about what I was going to write about tomorrow’s game. I feel the same way the Big House Blog readers do. About half of them think it’s going to be a blow out and the other half feel it could be a close game or even a Michigan upset.

The half of my brain that has Michigan playing well; remembers the Cooper years when Ohio State clearly had the better team and left Ann Arbor with a loss. Ohio State has clinched the Big Ten Championship and a ticket to the Rose Bowl. The only thing they have to play for is bragging rights. There is also the Justin Boren and Terelle Pryor situations, both in different ways turned their backs on the Michigan program and surely will hear it from the fans and few select Wolverines on Saturday. It's been 40 years since the big upset in 1969. Michigan will take a little Karma and History on their side on Saturday.

The other half of my brain thinks the “Upset half” is crazy. OSU could throw one pass on Saturday and still beat the Wolverines. The threat of Pryor in the shot gun and watching him sail through Michigan safeties could cause this game to be over by half time. We also know as soon as OSU commits 100% to the run, there will be a Dan “Salamander” wide open down the middle for a touchdown. With that said, I haven’t even mentioned the Ohio State Defense, which is clearly the best in the Big Ten. How is Tate going to be able to move the ball on this talented defense without Brandon Minor at running back? Will he even have time to step back and throw? Will Denard get in a turn the ball over? Just way too many question marks on both sides of the ball for a Michigan win.

So which is it? A hungry Michigan team that has everything to play for? A bowl game and one last chance for the seniors to beat Ohio State. Or a talented Ohio State team that just grinds out the young Wolverines.

I think we will see a little bit of both on Saturday. I expect Michigan to start quickly and maybe even force a mistake by Pryor. But the bottom line in this game is: no matter how good Brandon Graham is the Michigan defense just can’t stop Ohio State offense for 4 quarters. It’s close at half time but gets away from the Wolverines in the second half. Michigan 20 OSU 42

Special note to the Michigan Seniors: You have had one hell of a ride at Michigan the last 4 years. You have seen the misery of App. State and the high of beating Florida in Florida. You have seen retirements, a new head coach and 3 defensive coordinators in 3 years. You gentlemen are loyal teammates, wonderful players, and Real Michigan Men. I know it might be hard to enjoy Saturday, but try to relish in the tradition of Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, Charles Woodson and all the great Wolverines before you while you put on the winged helmet one last time. Saturday is your day. Win or lose, you are true champions for staying and playing hard for the Michigan Wolverines. Today and for the rest of your life you are true Michigan Men. Good Luck on Saturday and Go Blue!

The Big House Blog Takes a Moment of Silence for Chris Spielman's Family

I am sorry to learn about the passing of Chris's wife Stefanie Spielman on Thursday. Stefanie had been battling breast cancer. She was 42.

Having a loss like this is tragic and my thoughts and prayers go out to Chris's family.

I know Saturday's game is Chris's favorite and he even told his dad that he was going to Michigan when he was a high school senior. His dad stopped him and said, no your not! Your going to Ohio State! The rest is history.

____________________________

On a totally separate issue, I am also sad for Brandon Minor who is officially out for Saturday's game. Brandon has battled injuries all year and this latest shoulder injury has gotten the best of him and he will sit out his last chance to play in the Big House. I don't know Brandon but I pretty sure having to sit out on Saturday will be one of the hardest things he has ever had to do.

Big Ten Picks and Predictions Week 12

Well, this is it folks, the last week of the Big Ten Football season. It just seemed like a few weeks ago we started the 2009 season and now it's over before Thanksgiving.

The big hopes we had of a Michigan turnaround, Illinois re-gaining it's form, MSU playing Big Ten spoiler and Penn State dominance didn't really come to pass. Ohio State again is the Big Ten Champion with steady play and a dominating defense. Iowa stepped up for awhile but we all sort of knew it wouldn't last. The good thing is the Big Ten won't be in the National Championship game this year.

The good news is The Big Ten probably has the best basketball conference this year. Sorry ACC it's true!

Now on to the Picks.................

The Big Ten Game of the Week (will be previewed on Friday)


Minnesota at Iowa: Iowa played very well last week in the Shoe but came up a couple of plays short it overtime. Minnesota is a team that plays well at home put not so good on the road. Iowa is a little mad since they were on the doorsteps of the Rose Bowl and will now find themselves in Orlando for the Capital One. They are going to take their frustrations out on the Gophers. Iowa is favored by 10. Iowa 31 Minn 13

Wisconsin at Northwestern: Both teams are playing well right now and both teams will be enjoying a bowl game this year. I think Wisconsin is just too physical for the Wildcats. If Tolizen continues to find open tight ends they are going to be tough to beat. Wisconsin is favored by just over a touchdown 7.5. Wisconsin 28 Northwestern 17

Penn State at Michigan State: I just don't get Penn State this year. At times they look like a top 10 team. At other times, they look below average. This has been a very strange year for JoPa who had Pasadena plans. State on the other hand has also under preformed this year. One of the pre-season picks to make some noise in the Big Ten really hasn't ever got on track and just qualified for a bowl game last week. JoPa is favored by 3 in this one. It won't be that close. Penn State 32 MSU 21

Purdue at Indiana: Neither team is going to a bowl game and both teams are stuck with 4-7 records this year. So this is their Bowl Game, let's call it: The Drive for 5! wins that is. Both teams have looked good and terrible this year. One team lost to Michigan in a close game and one team beat Michigan in a close game. Purdue is favored by 3. This game is for the State of Indiana bragging rights. IU 21 Purdue 20.

Poor Illinois has the week off, so they can face Cincinnati next week.

OSU Week News and Notes Day 4

• One person I left off the visitors list for OSU is "Big Tex" Jatashun Beachum. He is nearly 300 pounds and plays Defensive Tackle and QB. The word on the street is, he is interested in Michigan because RR said they would allow him to play to QB on short yardage situations. He has offers from just about every major program but decided to give his verbal to Arkansas. Which didn't last long when the Wolverines came calling and now he says he is deciding between Michigan and the Razorbacks.

• Very Bad News for the Michigan Offense: Brandon Minor is doubtful for Saturday's Ohio State game. His ankle is healed but his shoulder is giving him a lot of problems. He has not practiced this week.

• Mgoblog is now reporting the 2008 work out logs due exist and were found after the audit and have been turned into the University investigators and the NCAA. RR also said yesterday that as soon as he learned about the problem it was fixed right away.

• Per the Detroit News and RR's agent: "I do know that Rich and Mary Sue spoke on Monday and Mary Sue said, 'Hey, I'm behind you 100 percent,'" said Rodriguez's agent, Mike Brown said. Brown said Rodriguez and Coleman met to discuss a university audit that showed the football program did not submit required logs that reveal how much time players spent involved with the sport last season. Brown also said Rodriguez and his wife, Rita, are very happy in Ann Arbor. "They plan on being (at Michigan) a long, long time," Brown said.

• A Michigan Judge has "stalled" the Sale of the Silverdome. A developer in Bloomfield Hills said it had a deal with Pontiac is 2008 for $17 Million for the Silverdome. Quick Question? Why the hell are you blocking a deal where you over paid by $16.5 Million? If you want the place offer $1M and it's yours!
  

1 Ticket For Sale for The Ohio State Game this Weekend

I have one ticket for sale for the Ohio State game this weekend. I will take the best offer.

The ticket face is $65 and I will pay the overnight charges if the highest bid is at face or above.

Please email at thebighouseblog@hotmail.com before Noon on Thursday if your interested in the ticket.

It's in Section 9 Row 28


Thanks,
Bob

The Battle Off The Field Might Be More Important To Michigan's Future on Saturday

We all know what is at stake on Saturday for the Wolverines. An upset victory would mean a

• Win over Michigan's biggest rival
• A non-losing record for the year
• A Bowl Game

Those are all important things but we all know this Rivalry won't be truly back until Michigan puts a better product on the football field. The Wolverines took steps this year on the offense side of the football and will need to take major steps on defense in 2010 and beyond.

So Saturday's battle off the field is Michigan's biggest recruiting day of the year. A number of top recruits will be in the Big House to witness what it would be like to put on the famous winged helmet, a blue jersey, maize pants and play in the biggest rivalry game in the country.

Michigan needs to cement interest with the guys that have Michigan #1 on their lists, they need to convince players who have Michigan in their top 5 that Ann Arbor in the best place for them , and they need to even pull out a little "snake oil" and try to convince players committed elsewhere that being a Wolverine is a very special thing. (they also need the continue to lay the ground work for players in the class of 2011 as well). Saturday is a day where the Wolverine coaches will make thier money. They need to spend time with recruits, sell them on the Michigan program, and at the same time prepare to play it's biggest rival.

We all know Michigan has 20 players committed so far for the 2010 class. Which leaves 5 remaining spots or should I say 5 defensive spots. Michigan will still take a highly rated offensive player in that 5 but don't be surprised if all 5 go on Greg Robinson's side of the ball. Michigan expects 12 or more visitors for the Ohio State game this weekend.

Must Win's:

• Cullen Christian a top 100 player and 4 star CB out of Pittsburgh: who is attending the game and will make his announcement next Tuesday.
• Josh Furman a LB out of Maryland,(think Dhani Jones). Josh is a 3 star linebacker with a number of high profile offers including Oklahoma, Pitt, Virgina Tech, WVU and many others. (not planning an OSU game visit)
• Tony Grimes, a 3 star CB out of Florida. Tony maybe rated 3 stars but he has an offer sheet like a 4 or 5 star CB: Ohio State, Miami, Oklahoma State, Georgia, South Carolina, and so on. Tony will be in town on Saturday.

Really Need:

• Tony Jefferson, is a 4 star LB out of California and ranked in the top 50 of all players in the US. He has verballed to UCLA but has continued to take trips to Oklahoma and Arizona and will be in Ann Arbor on Saturday.
• Rashad Knight, a 4 star CB from Florida: could easily be put in the must win category. Has offers from mostly Big Ten, ACC, and Big East schools and will be in A2 this weekend.
• Dior Mathis, is a 4 star CB out of Cass Tech in Detroit. Dior has a final 4 of Michigan, MSU, Miami, and Oregon. He has been to a number of Michigan games this year already and comes from a school that usually sends it's top players to U of M. He is very similar in size and stature to Boubacar. He is 5"9 166 lbs. (rumor mill has Dior at State this weekend for the PSU game)

Nice to Have:

• Christian Jones, 4 star LB out of Florida huge offer list: Florida, ND, LSU and so on.
• Kenny Stills, a 4 star WR out of California
• Richard Ash, a 4 star DT out of Pahokee, Florida with a huge offer sheet including USC, LSU, and many other schools.
• Dillon Baxter, 4 star RB out of California and friend of Tate Forcier. A surprise visitor this weekend and has already committed to USC. Let's hope he has something to celebrate with his friend on Saturday night.
• Clarence Murphy, a DE and teammate of Tony Grimes. Could be one of RR's teammate specials. He is rated as a 3 star prospect and has offers from South Florida, Wisconsin, and Maryland.
• Kenny Shaw, a 4 star WR out of Florida. Played with Ricardo Miller last year.

Here is to Michigan finding a way to get two wins on Saturday! Go Blue!

Michigan Rivalry Week: Day Two

• Another log on the fire: Michigan didn't keep work out logs for a period of time in 2008. Some of the mis-information floating around is that these were mandatory, which is un-true. These logs are one way that Michigan tracks compliance internally. It is not an NCAA mandate. The logs have been put back in place and are now done on a regular basis. Mgoblog has the best re-cap of this story if your interested. I think the bottom line is, if Michigan had these logs the entire "Work Out Gate" would have been avoided but now Michigan needs to show more proof they didn't overwork their players.

• Two former Michigan recruits are thrown off Tennessee's Football Team: Unless you have been living under a rock you know by now that wide receiver Nu'Keese Richardson, 18, and defensive back Mike Edwards, 18 were arrested this week after an armed robbery charge outside a gas station near Tennessee's campus. Both players were recruited by Michigan last year and showed only minor interest. As it worked out, I'm glad they didn't come to Ann Arbor.

• Pardon The Interruption but Michael Wilpon has his facts wrong. Michael went on the radio yesterday saying he had sources saying that Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez were going to be fired. I can't speak for ND, but the only chance RR is going to get fired is if the NCAA comes back with Major Grade A violations. They just paid to get him out of his WVU contract and firing him would cost another $4 Million. Even Dan Syder thinks that's a lot of money. It's not going to happen. BTW: His source was a former Rich Rod player that was willing to bet money or make it rain. :)

• The Silverdome isn't worth it's weight in Silver! So you want to buy a former NFL Stadium that has hosted events like WrestleMania: Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant, The Monsters of Rock, and The Super Bowl? It cost 55.7 Million in 1975 but needs some work. What do you think? 10 Mill? 20 Mill? How about $583,000! Yes, just over half a Million to a Canadian Real Estate firm. Now that is a deal! Now how much for the U.P.? Just kidding U-ppers.

• The Michigan Players had a closed door "Players Meeting" on Monday before practice.

• Next year Michigan will have a bye week. The new 2010 schedule has been posted on the left tool bar.

• Saturday's game will be the most important recruiting day of the year with a number of top prospects taking their official visits to Ann Arbor.

The Big House and The Victors

Well it's not 2006 where the #2 Michigan Wolverines played the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes for a spot in the National Championship and the Big Ten Championship (that was still a terrible personal foul call - I'm still not over it) the day after legendary coach Bo Schembechler died. Nope, it's the 5-6 Wolverines vs #10 9-2 Ohio State Buckeyes who are favored by 12.5 points.

Can it still be a historic day? You bet!

Michigan could pull a big upset or The fans in the Big House can all play the "Victors" from their cell phones. Bongo Tones.com is running the "Hail to the Victors Campaign" and asking fans to download the "The Victors" ringtone for free and play it right after half time.

Here is an excerpt from their press release:
The campaign plans to bring together 106,201 University of Michigan students, alumni and fans to download “The Victors” ringtone free of charge to their mobile phones prior to the Ohio State-University of Michigan game at Michigan Stadium on November 21, 2009. During the game, shortly before halftime, all fans in attendance will be invited to play the ringtone to generate unprecedented noise and support for the University of Michigan football team. A Guinness Book of World Records representative will hopefully be present to verify that the event indeed sets a world record.

Since I know were all about free:

To access “The Victors” ringtone and support the campaign, either:
1) Click on the “Hail to the Victors: 106,201 Campaign” graphic on the BongoTones.com homepage.
2) Go directly to http://www.bongotones.com/goblue or click here!

Big Ten Officals Have Lost Their Minds

I know officiating is the toughest job in sports. No matter what you call, someone is going to be mad at you. Most of the time, these guys do a decent job but recently if you look around the sports world officiating has gotten pretty ugly. For examples, look at the Major League Playoffs/World Series, NFL (Cowboys - Packers game last Sunday) and the SEC.

What I have noticed lately is a strong decline in officiating in the Big Ten. These guys are making bad decisions and they are not using the video replay properly or within the rules.

The latest "high profile"mistake came in the Purdue - Michigan State game this weekend when Purdue's running back Ralph Bolden was given a 15 yard un-sportsmanlike penalty because he hugged Purdue's Mascot: Purdue Pete after scoring a touchdown. Are you kidding me? What was so un-sportsman like about that? What a minute, Doesn't Pete carry a big hammer? I see these guys working now, Bolden was trying to bring a weapon on the field.

Below is a mistake that the officials got right on the field and the replay booth over turned the call. Please notice the IU WR's foot hitting the field turf and kicking up the chopped up rubber. The replay said he didn't get a foot down. Terrible just terrible!





Since most reading this blog are Michigan fans, lets review a few calls that occurred in Michigan games:

- The Michigan Illinois game. There are a number of calls on this video that are in question:

• Roundtree's Touchdown over turned in the Booth.


• Minor's touchdown over turned in the Booth. If you watch the video there is a player in between Minor and camera when they ruled his elbow hit the ground. So in this example the reply booth used their judgement to overturn the call instead of evidence. Which is a huge fail!


• It looks to me Brown had scored on third down - no review
  
  
  
  
  - My next big Michigan complaint came in the Wisconsin game. Wisconsin's running back Clay dove over the top and Brandon Graham met him in the air and drove him back in to the Wisconsin backfield. The call on the field was touchdown, why I don't know because only the tip of his helmet was over the line. They reviewed it and let the touchdown stand when the replay clearly showed the ball didn't make it over the goal line. In fact it really wasn't close.
  
  First off, I'm am not taking the position that Michigan wins either game if those calls were executed properly but there is something wrong in the process here. Humans make mistakes but the replay system is here for one reason only: to make the correct call. Judgement, feelings, are not allowed to come it to play for replays. It's either yes or no, black or white. If it's gray, the call stands how it was called on the field.
  
  I was in the stadium at Illinois when those calls were made or not made and I can tell you with 100% certainty it changed the game on both sidelines.
  
  So what's wrong with the system? Don't just complain, come up with a new solution.
  
  Ok, first off I have been watching the same old officials for years in the Big Ten. It's time for some fresh new blood on the field and in the booth. I know the good jobs come with experience, but you can't tell me there aren't some young officials out there with good experience.
  
  One problem maybe from the definition of instant replay from Wikipedia: When replay is used, a Replay Official (usually a former college, NFL or XFL game official) reviews every play at its conclusion from a secure booth in the press box. If you have worked for Vince McMahon you should not be able to make any type of call at an NCAA event.
  
  I'm also not sold on the booth review. They seemed to detached to the action to make the proper call. Mostly if these guys are near retirement or have been put out to pasture. Maybe the NCAA should go more to an NFL style system and add another official to the field. The game is delayed too long and too often by these replay stoppages. If you give the coaches a couple of challenges the game would be stopped less and they would only challenge the important calls.
  
  BTW: This maybe the only time in history I agree with Charlie Weis, the Big Ten has some bad officials and something needs to be done. Big Ten coaches can't talk about it or they will be fined. Replay needs to be in the game because there are too many mistakes on the field, but these replay officials have lost the purpose and intent of their role. The Big Ten has been suspending players, it's time they suspend their officials as well.

Michigan Monday: OSU Week Starts Today

• Michigan has offered two star safety Ray Vinopal out of Youngstown, Ohio. Ray is 5"10 and 178 pounds, runs a 4.56 40 yard dash, and carries a 4.5 GPA .

• Per Mgoblog's TomVH it seems Michigan is still interested in LB Holmes Onwukaife. If your remember back in the summer Holmes tried to commit to the Wolverines and he was told his position was filled but he could play middle linebacker if he wanted. Then the Michigan LB's have about the worst year possible at now they have gone back to Holmes to see if he is interested in again becoming a Wolverine. BTW: He committed to Florida State. Not the finest recruiting moment for the Michigan coaching staff.

• Adrian College fires coach after a 45-20 win. “In my opinion, I was surprised, especially the way it was done,” said Lyall, who was 98-91-1 in his 20 seasons as Adrian’s head coach. Stephen Threet was not available for a comment on the firing.

• If you missed it on Saturday: Manny Harris was messing around and got a triple double, the first one since Gary Grant for the Wolverines.

• Excerpt from the NYT College Football Blog: with the inevitable whipping the Wolverines will receive against Ohio State this weekend.

• The line for The Game right now is OSU -12.5.

RR's Press Conference Notes:

• Minor's shoulder has giving him trouble and RR isn't sure what his status will be this Saturday. He is a tough guy and will go if he can.
• This week will be very emotional for the Michigan coaches and Seniors.
• Still searching for the right combination on defense.
• The next two recruiting classes are critical for Michigan's defense.
• In RR's opinion that Pryor has played well and is a difficult athlete to prepare for.
• Michigan will win these type of game and other games when Michigan has a better team.
• No comment on the Justin Boren situation
• He feels better offensively over last year going in to the OSU game.
• RR got a little upset that he kept getting asked about the importance of beating Ohio State. He knew this was an important game before he even took the job. Someone gave him a "beat Ohio State" button before he first press conference. He still keeps that button on his desk.

Ryan Van Bergen:

• Enjoyed scoring the touchdown but would have liked to play better so Michigan could have gotten a win.
• They are not getting tired
• Need to stop making the big mistakes
• Ohio State game is a great experience

Roy Roundtree:

• Never was an Ohio State fan living in Ohio
• Desmond and Charles Woodson was his favorite moments in the OSU games
• Nothing special this week in practice, just need to go harder
• Teammates and coaches and the hard work give the team the belief they can win on Saturday

Stevie Brown:

• He is going to treat Boren like any other offensive lineman
• Pryor is reading the coverage better but is doing a great job and making plays when nobody is open
• He is going make sure everyone, watches more film, works harder, and fixes mistakes quickly.
• Not a vocal leader, he likes to lead by example.

Mark Ortmann:

• Knows the OSU defense will be a huge challenge
• Was more used to Texas A&M vs Texas rivalry growing up
• Knew as a freshman on the scout team that this was a special team
• Nobody on the line really keeps in touch with Boren
• He feels the comments Boren made were inaccurate but he has the right to his own opinion.

Donavan Warren:

• Defense needs more confidence to stop the big plays and it starts in practice
• Played some safety against Wisconsin
• Will do it again if its' good for the team
• He kept saying the offense needs to earn it
• Guys have been in the wrong gap or playing zone instead of man.
• Boren going to OSU and saying what he said, was sign of disrespect

David Moosman:

• Doesn't think about Boren, didn't have a relationship with him.
• There will be a new intensity this week
• This week is everything
• Throw the records out and whoever brings it the hardest will win the game
• Will take their best effort to beat OSU
• Wants Minor to play because this is his last game in the Big House

Buckeye Monday: Iowa Review and Michigan Week

Buckeyes Win 5th Consecutive Big 10 Title – Headed to Rose Bowl

What an interesting year this has been. Buckeye fans have gone from calling for Jim Tressel’s head, questioning the competency of the quarterback, and planning on a bowl game in Tampa all the way back to the Big 10 title and a trip to Pasadena in January.

Iowa was without starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi and everyone expected a comfortable win for the Buckeyes. With ten minutes to go in the game Ohio State was up by 14 points and visions of Pasadena on January 1st danced in my mind. Two quick scores by Iowa replaced visions of the Rose Bowl with the possibility of having to play an SEC team in the Capital One Bowl. Not a pleasant thought for Buckeye fans. Overtime ensued and Devin Barclay kicked the game winner from 39 yards away bringing out the roses in Columbus.

What worked?

The Buckeye running game is really starting to click late in the year. I can’t say that it’s because teams have to respect the passing game because that still isn’t true. I hope Herron and Saine came out of the game healthy and ready to play in Ann Arbor next week. Both runners played well today.

The offensive line played well again. Like Pryor, they have played with better intensity since the Purdue game. Fewer false start and holding penalties, better pass protection and they are also opening up more holes for the running backs. This is still a very young unit. I think the struggles early in the year have been corrected and I look for big things from them on Saturday and next season.

Terrelle Pryor has rebounded well since the disaster against Purdue. He hasn’t been asked to do much in the four games since that loss but I think he’s doing a much better job of playing within the system and his abilities. He finished the day 14-17 for a modest 93 yards. More importantly, he didn’t force any throws and didn’t take any huge sacks. His play isn’t flashy but he’s winning games. I guess that’s a trade I’m comfortable with.

What didn’t work?

Chimdi Chekwa might not be the shutdown corner back he’s been billed as all year. He was burned several times during the game including two scores and several long passes. I wonder what Coach Rod might dial up against him next week.

I was not very happy with the play calling during the game. I believe Pryor has earned the right to make more plays with his arm and I think this game was a wasted opportunity for him to do that. It has to be that the coaches still don’t trust him to make all the throws. He was 12 for 12 on throws under 10 yards and 2 for 5 on anything longer. FIVE throws over 10 yards….come on. Iowa’s last score came with over two minutes left on the clock. I was very disappointed with the conservative nature of the play calling by the Buckeyes at the end of the game. Playing for overtime was not what I wanted or expected.

The defense played a little flat. Not having to face Stanzi probably took away some of their focus and intensity. Obviously, they regained their mojo in overtime. That was a dominant series and a great way to set the table for the offense.

What’s next?

The semi annual trip to Ann Arbor. I predicted Michigan was looking at 8-4 or 7-5 this year. I’ve been just as surprised and disappointed in their progress as Big House Bob and the rest of the UM fan base. I also predicted Ohio State would end up 9-3 with losses to USC, Penn State and one other team. After the Purdue game I thought the third loss would come in State College. When that didn’t happen I looked to Iowa. That didn’t happen either. That leaves the Wolverines as the last team with the ability to make my prediction come true. I think I’d rather win on Saturday than be correct on a preseason prediction. I haven’t seen the line on the game but I’m guessing it’s double digits. I think the Ohio State defense will play more like they did against Penn State as compared to Iowa. I think we will see more creativity and surprises in the play calling on offense….after the running game has been suitably established. Michigan hasn’t had major difficulties putting points on the board this year and that will continue on Saturday. I think they will even score the first points of the game. I think the game will be close for the first half but the Buckeyes will blow things open in the second half. Much like last year. I have it 35 – 13…Buckeyes.

Buckeye John

Michigan - Wisconsin Review: No Defense = No Chance

I actually thought Michigan played hard this afternoon. They showed flashes of what could have been this year. The defense got a couple of turnovers and even scored a touchdown. Tate and crew seemed to move the ball through the air and could of won the game with a few more touches and stops on defense.

The future does look bright for the Michigan offense with a strong game by freshman Vincent Smith at running back and catching the ball out of the backfield. If Michigan doesn't rough the punter in the first half and if they could have found a way to land on the ball on Wisconsin's fumble on the first play of the second half, Michigan could have snuck away with a win.

With one game to play it seems, Michigan is headed for a 5-7 record and missing a bowl game for the second straight year. That's disappointing after starting the year with a win over ND and a 4-0 start. With that said, this team did get better on the offensive side of the ball but with young players and 3 defensive coordinators in 3 years the defense continues to under preform. Right now this defense can't stop anyone and has probably cost Michigan 3-4 more wins this year.

I don't understand why they continue to be in Zone pass coverage. Tight ends seem to run wide open anytime the opposing offense wants to run a pass play. I would rather see these guys covered in man to man. I'm sure there are reasons for the Zone but Matt Millen actually made a valid point during the OSU game. He said most defensive breakdowns in college come via the zone because of the 20 hour a week rule. That defensive players don't get enough experience/practice running that form of coverage. My point on the man to man is that it would hopefully show a tighter coverage to the QB and could give Graham and others the 1-2 extra seconds they need to get to the QB for a sack. It seemed on Saturday the rush was getting there just a second too late and Wisconsin was finding the tight ends for a 5-10 yard gains.

(What was with the Wisconsin rushing touchdown where Graham laid out Clay? Why do they even have replay? He wasn't even close to crossing the goal line. Another terrible call)

I'm concerned about the defense next year. I know experience helps but does Michigan have the right talent and depth (on defense) they need to win 8-10 games next year? I don't think so. The Michigan coaches really need to recruit hard for the last 5 spots in the 2010 class for impact players.

I feel sorry for Brandon Graham who is playing at an All American level and Brandon Minor with his banged up ankle. They deserved a Bowl game and they are not going to get one. Enjoy next week gentlemen, you have both been loyal Wolverines and you both will be missed.

If you didn't catch the #15 ranked Michigan Basketball team in action tonight, they have a ton of young talent and will be exciting to watch all year long. I haven't seen this much young talent on the Wolverines since the Fab 5. With Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims leadership this team will make some noise in the Big Ten this year. It's fun to watch a ranked, well coached, basketball team again!

Reality Check: If your feeling down about Rich Rodriguez Wolverines take a second to think about the fight that Phil Brabbs and Vada Murray are going through. Both are proud former Wolverine football players and both are fighting cancer. If you need some perspective on whats really important in life keep Phil and Vada in your thoughts and prayers. If you want to donate to Phil's treatment please donate here. I have.

I'm not excited about Ohio State week, but I am excited about Michigan Basketball for the first time in a long time. Go Blue!

Michigan - Wisconsin Preview

Time: 12:00 EST
TV: Big Ten Network
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Line: Wisconsin -8.5
Weather: 52 degrees and cloudy

I really want to be positive in this preview and give you ten reasons to watch this game if your are a Michigan fan. If you are a Wisconsin fan you have plenty of reason to watch.

So 10 positive reasons to watch this game if your a Michigan Fan:

1. Michigan's Offense game alive last week and put up over 400 yards of offense.


2. Michigan won 3 games last year and 1 of them was against Wisconsin.


3. Michigan played well in a similar trip to Minnesota last year.


4. The Michigan Offensive Line played better last week with the addition of red shirt Freshman Patrick Omameh.


5. There is a rumor that Freshman Vlad Emilien might start at safety replacing Mike Williams.


6. Brandon Graham is still the best player on defense and should be an All American.


7. If your going to the game, the local start time is 11:00AM and you will have plenty of time for drinking and eating cheese after the game.


8. If Michigan wins this game they will play in the Pizza Pizza Bowl.


9. The defense can't play any worse. Right?


10. You can "jump around" with the Wisconsin students from your couch.

That list was tougher then I thought. I would like to write how this is going to be a close battle of physical teams and it could come down to a field goal or whoever makes the last mistake, the reality is: Michigan just doesn't play well on the road and has major issues on defense. Remember when we were watching all the big plays in Fall Practice and we wondered out loud if that was an explosive offense or a bad defense? I guess we have our answer.

Wisconsin beat Purdue at home 37-0 two weeks ago. Last week that same Purdue team came into Ann Arbor and beat Michigan. I think Michigan can move the ball on Wisconsin if they can pass protect and Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown are both healthy. The only chance they have in winning this game is out scoring Wisconsin, since we can't expect too many stops from the Michigan defense. If there is one thing we know about Wisconsin they are going to line up and try to run the ball down your throat. Michigan shouldn't need to worry about "hooks and ladders" or 3rd quarter onside kicks in this one. If Michigan doesn't protect the ball this game could get very ugly before noon Madison time. Expect to see more Denard this week as the Michigan coaches are hoping his running ability gives them an edge.

As much as I want the Wolverines to pull the upset, I just don't think the defense is going to get enough stops and Wisconsin as a whole are just too physical for these young agile Wolverines. Wisconsin 38 Michigan 20

One last bright spot: #15 Michigan opens it's basketball season on Saturday night against Northern Michigan! 7:00 BTN: Michigan 96 Northern Michigan 67

Michigan Mash Report: Week 11

OUT
C David Molk, knee

PROBABLE (75 percent chance of playing)
WR Martavious Odoms, knee
DT Greg Banks, foot

Who are missing here are Brandon Minor with shoulder and ankle and Junior Hemingway with a Back problem.


Game captains for Wisconsin: linebacker Stevie Brown, defensive end Brandon Graham, wide receiver Greg Mathews and punter Zoltan Mesko.

Big Ten Week 11 Preview and Predicitions

Isn't it strange how the Big Ten conference implodes around Ohio State each year. Purdue beats OSU early in the year and opens the door to Penn State and Iowa. Penn State gets beat by Ohio State last week and this week Iowa travels to Columbus to get similar treatment without it's starting QB. Fun stuff! At least Ohio State will get to see what a Rose Bowl is like.

The Big Ten Championship Game:

Iowa at Ohio State: This game was much more interesting before Ricky Stanzi went down last week. Now it might as well be Ohio State playing Northwestern. The only way Iowa has a chance in this game is for their defense to create turnovers and points like they did when they traveled to Penn State. The line is huge in this one and I think Vegas has it right, Iowa is getting 17 points. Iowa 10 OSU 31


Indiana at Penn State: Penn State lost a chance at the Rose Bowl last week with their home lose to the Buckeyes. Indiana which a played well in spurts this year is going to run into a pissed off Penn State team looking to take their frustrations out on someone. Penn State is favored by 23.5 points a home. Yikes! Penn State 38 IU 17


Michigan State at Purdue: This is going to be a close game. Purdue is coming off a win against Michigan in the Big House and State beat up on Western Michigan last week. Both teams got beat the week before. Purdue beat the best team in the Big Ten in West Lafayette this year and State sometimes doesn't travel well. MSU is favored by 3 in this game. Purdue 24 MSU 20


Northwestern at Illinois: The Juice has finally gotten loose with two wins in a row. Northwestern beat the #5 team in the nation last week on the road. Both teams have momentum for this in-state rivalry game. Zook and crew are favored by 4 at home. I'm thinking Northwestern pulls the upset. NW 38 Juice 28


South Dakota State at Minnesota: Both teams should be used to cold weather. I don't' know a thing about SDS, but I do know Minnesota has been on a strange roller coaster ride this year, they beat MSU two weeks ago but lost to Illinois last week. Minnesota 24 SDS 7


The Wisconsin - Michigan game will be previewed on Friday.

Coach Rod's Press Conference Updates

• Minor's ankle and shoulder are still giving him problems and he remains day to day. Minor did not do any contact drills on Tuesday.
• Odoms is still day to day with his knee as well, he did practice a little on Tuesday.
• Molk is planning to have surgery today on his knee.
• Hemingway also has a sore back and is on the day to day list.
• Carlos Brown is healthy
• RR said he is worried about Wisconsin's offense they are big and physical and do a really good job on that side of the ball. It really isn't an offensive style they have seen/played yet this year.
• Question on how Big Will is coming along: Coach Rodriguez: “He’s coming along. He’s a true freshman. He’s still learning to play. Technique wise, some of the things that we ask him to do with his hands, instead of just looking over and trying to find the ball to trust his techniques a little bit. He has gotten a little bit better each week, which is good. Will’s got the type of size that we need. He’s not playing nearly at the level that he will be in the future though.”
• RR doesn't know yet who will be starting at LB this week

Wolverine Wednesday: News and Notes

• Michigan Basketball signed two recruits today in the early signing period for the 2010 class. Both Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Evan Smotrycz signed up to join John Beiein's squad.

• Congratulations to Joe Cada a Michigan native who won $8.5 Million in the World Series of Poker last night. Joe's fans in Vegas were all dressed in Maize U of M T Shirts. If you watched the final hands Joe played like a poker veteran, even though he is just 21 and started playing poker at 17.

• Zoltan Mesko has been named a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy. The Wuerffel Award is given to the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

Wolverine Wednesday: Veterans Day Special: The Legend of Tom Harmon

Most Wolverine fans know that Tom Harmon was Michigan's first Heisman Trophy winner but after winning that trophy Tom Harmon became a war hero. Today is Veterans Day and took a break from the normal Wednesday post to back at WWII hero and the Michigan legend, Tom Harmon

Tom Harmon wore #98 at Michigan and I think that number stood for the number of positions he played for the Wolverines. Tom played for the Wolverines from 1938 -1940 and finished with 33 touchdowns (at the time a record). He also rushed for 2,134 yards, threw for 1,304 yards, kicked 33 extra points and two fields in his time at Michigan. Fitz Crisler his head coach must of had a rule: that if you score a touchdown, you had to kick the extra point!

Tom was pretty well known during his time as a Wolverine. He was on the cover of Time in 1939 and Life magazine in 1940. I never saw Tom play but it seems he was the Barry Sanders of his time. Opponents would have a hard time tackling the allusive Harmon who would go through a number of tear-away jerseys each game.

Two of Tom's best games came when the spotlight was the brightest. Michigan opened the 1940 season at California and those days teams used trains for travel but for this trip Michigan took a historic cross country flight. Michigan was the first college football team to travel cross country via an airplane . The plane had to stop three times (Des Moines, Denver, and Salt Lake City) and it took two days to get there. Michigan won the game 41-0 and Tom returned the opening kick 94 yards for a touchdown, returned a punt 72 yards for another TD, had an 86 and 8 yard touchdown runs, and threw for another score.

Of course Tom's last game as a Wolverine came against Ohio State. In Columbus, Tom ran for 3 touchdowns, threw for 2 more, and kicked 4 extra points for a 40-0 win. A couple weeks later he won the Heisman trophy which he finished as the runner up the year before. Tom lead the NCAA in scoring in both 1939 and in 1940 and also won the Maxwell Award in 1940. Tom's #98 jersey was retired when he graduated in 1940.

Tom wasn't done dominating the opposition after his time at Michigan. Tom decided to enlist in the Army Air Corps on November 8th, 1941. Planes he piloted went down twice during the war and both times Tom parachuted out to safety. His most famous flight that went down happened in early 1943 when Tom's plane flew into a tropical storm and he parachuted out into a South American Jungle. When his plane was reported missing the Army sent out a large search partybut the team was not able to find the Heisman trophy winner. Four days later he walked out jungle into Dutch Guiana.

Tom was later awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his actions with the 449th Fighter Squadron. Legend has it that Tom saved the silk material from his parachute so that his wife could use it for her wedding dress.

As you know, Tom married Elyse Knox and is the father of actor Mark Harmon and actress Kelly Harmon. After football and the Army Tom had a nice career in sports broadcasting. He passed away at the age of 70 in 1990.

So on this day, when we are thinking about the state of our beloved Wolverines. It's good to think back about a Michigan legend that beat the Buckeyes single handily and then enlisted in the Army to fight in the Great World War.

Michigan could use a few guys like Tom Harmon these days.

Good Night and God Bless.


*portions of this post came from the book: 100 Things Michigan Fans Should Know Before They Die by Angelique Chengels

Michigan Tuesday: Recruiting Tidbits and News and Notes

• Munchie Legaux a 2010 QB from New Orleans who continued to have Michigan in his top 5 after Gardner and Jones had committed to the Wolverines picked Colorado on Monday. There was zero chance Munchie was coming to Michigan with Tate, Denard and Devin in the mix. I also watched him at the Disney 7 on 7 last summer and his QB skills seemed very raw.

• Bill Martin pushed a couple of students working in the Regents area of the Press Box on two separate occasions. Bill was trying to get in with out a pass.

• 2010 recruit Drew Dileo says Michigan is interested in him returning punts.

• If you haven't noticed Morgan Trent has been getting some time for the first place Cincinnati Bengals and has been playing pretty well in Nickel situations. The problem is the TV announcers keep calling him Trent Morgan.

• 2010 Safety recruit Bobby Swigert picked Boston College over Michigan and Stanford.

• Here comes the Michigan should have hired other coaches articles: Jim Harbaugh and Brian Kelly. Those are two good coaches and both might have done a fine job at Michigan, but I'm not sure even those guys could of worked a miracle with the talent that was left on the team after Lloyd Carr rode into the sunset. Jim never would have gotten the job after throwing Michigan under the bus a number of times and there is a reason why Brian Kelly doesn't keep getting these jobs at big time programs (I just don't know what it is?).

• Think RR is going to be fired if/when they miss a bowl game for the second straight year? Bill Martin, says no. "He's not going anyplace," Martin said of Rodriguez, who replaced Lloyd Carr, who retired after the 2007 season following 13 years as head coach.
  
  "Rich is an outstanding coach. There is no question he's got my total support. I think the world of that guy. Is he perfect in every respect? Nobody is. But he works hard. He'll get it right."
  
  Martin and Rodriguez shared an emotional moment together after Saturday's 38-36 loss to Purdue, which won at Michigan Stadium for the first time since 1966.
  
  "It was a very emotion-filled time for Rich and myself after the game," said Martin, who said the Purdue loss was particularly hard to bear. "He helped me, I helped him (after the game). I think this loss was hard on all of us. It was hard on Rich, it was hard on me.
  
  "But this guy is a winner. This guy's not used to losing."
  

Ohio State Game Time and TV

12:00 - ABC

Purdue Head Coaches's Lack Class

I'm not sure whats in the water in West Lafayette, but it seems to make grown men grow mustaches and lose their mind every once in awhile (mostly when it comes to Michigan).

I understand being competitive, I understand the heat of the moment, but the Purdue current and former head coaches have always seemed to have a problem with the former and current Michigan coaches.


Joe Tiller the former Purdue head coach never had a nice word for Lloyd Carr. There really isn't any evidence of the rift between the two but Joe always made it know he was not a fan of the Wolverines and the coaching staff. Two years ago after LC retired, Joe got upset that Roy Roundtree a WR changed his mind from Purdue to Michigan on signing day. Joe during his press conference, laid the famous "snake oil salesman" on Coach Rod for convincing Roy to change his mind. Roy had his best game of the year against Purdue on Saturday going for 10 catches for 176 yards. He also said today at RR's press conference that the Purdue DB's were in his ear the entire game talking smack saying they were going to hit him hard, he was going to drop the next ball, etc.

Then after Purdue beat Michigan this weekend, Danny Hope went to shake Rich Rodriguez hand and introduced him to Purdue offensive lineman Zach Reckman who was suspended by the Big Ten for a late hit earlier in the year. Danny's "thinking" was that Rich Rod played a role in Zach's suspension by this comment RR made earlier in the year: "We will watch every Big Ten game very closely, and any non-football act -- whether it's a 6-inch jab or anything that's not called for the game of football -- we're going to ask that person get the same type of punishment Jonas Mouton got."

So my understanding of Danny's way of thinking is that, Coach Rodriguez had mystic powers to make Zach make the penalty and then convinced the Big Ten to punish him. Makes sense to me. If RR really has that type of power look for the entire Wisconsin offense and defense to be suspended this week.

Danny I understand this is your first year as a head coach and you had some nice wins this year. A couple of pointers moving forward:

1) Act like you have been there before
2) Show class after you get a win or a loss
3) Don't alienate fellow head coaches (you never know who you might be working for in a few years)
4) Don't give teams any more reasons to beat you next year

Good luck with the rest of your season and stay "classy" my friend.

Michigan - Purdue Review: Sad for the Seniors

I'm sad for Brandon Graham, Brandon Minor, Carlos Brown, Zoltan Mesko and all of Michigan's seniors. When they came to Michigan they never thought they would not be going to bowl games. That was a given right being a Wolverine. Anything from the Rose to the Alamo was an option. Well, not in 2008 and for all intense in purposes not in 2009 either. Michigan had two good chances to get to 6 wins by beating Illinois and Purdue teams near the bottom of the Big Ten. They now have to face Wisconsin on the road and Ohio State in the Big House, two teams at the top of the Big Ten.

In a day where the Michigan offense showed some life, the defense flat lined. Purdue was shutout by Wisconsin last week and looked liked New Orleans Saints on Saturday. What cures the offensive blues? The Michigan defense does. Look at Illinois, they beat Minnesota on Saturday.

If the next two weeks play out like most of us think, Michigan will have started 4-0 and finished 1-7 with their only win coming against a D1A school Delaware State. That is just pure disappointing all around. Nobody thought Michigan was heading for a New Years Day Bowl after 4-0 but most people thought they could find 2 more wins on the schedule.

Is the team better then last year? Yes, on the offense side of the ball. The defense no.

What about next year? I don't see a lot of improvements coming next year either. Brandon Graham will be heading to the NFL and Warren may join him if he thinks he will be drafted in the first couple of rounds.

Cheers:

• The Brandon Brothers - Minor and Graham both had good days.
• The offensive line showed some improvement
• Roy Roundtree played well in the slot

Jeers:

• The entire defense is terrible
• Greg Robinson
• Rich Rodriguez (please stop getting out coached by Danny Hope)
• Jason Olesnavage a missed extra point and the missed field goal in the 4th

Teams are going to pull out the stops to be the Wolverines, Michigan first better understand that and second start playing that way too. They just don't have enough talent to beat teams straight up.

Thank goodness Michigan Basketball starts next week. Michigan is ranked #15 in the nation and will have the dynamic duo of Manny Harris and DeShawn Simms coming back.

Michigan - Purdue Preview

Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: Big Ten Network
Line: Michigan -6
Weather: 58 and Partly Cloudy

I was at Illinois last week to see the 3rd quarter collapse live and I'm here to tell you that Michigan went from blowing out Zook and Company to getting blown out with 2-3 questionable calls by the Big Ten crew of officials. Illinois was about to lay down after the Roundtree/Brown/Minor touchdown but that stop gave them life and they ran away with the game.

Purdue on the other hand got shutout at Wisconsin where they were dropping balls and making only a hand full off first downs.

Both team are young across the board and going through coaching changes. Purdue's is a little less "disruptive" since Danny Hope was on board under Joe Tiller. Danny did change the offense from a open/spread style to a power run game.

The Numbers Game:
Purdue is very consistent on both sides of the ball when it comes to national rankings. They are 65th and 7th in the Big Ten in both Total Offense and Total Defense. Their defense gives up 363 total yards per game and they will be facing the #1 run offense in the Big Ten.

The Michigan defense is the real story here. Currently, Michigan is giving up 382 yards per game which equals 176th in the country.

I will let that sentence stand on it's own, since it pretty much speaks for itself.

Keys to the game:

• Can Michigan stop Purdue's offense? Juice got healthy last week, will Purdue's offense get back on track this week?


• Can Michigan run the ball with long drives?


• Can Michigan score touchdowns in the red zone?


• Has Michigan's Pass Protection improved at all?

This game won't get the eyeballs that a Bama vs LSU or Penn State vs Ohio State will this weekend but this will be a very interesting game. This is a must win for both teams with biggest "must" going to the Wolverines who need one more win to be bowl eligible.

Call in sick for the next three weeks if:

• Michigan isn't playing like this is the most important game of the year


• Purdue's offense is moving the ball


• Michigan gets over powered on both sides of the ball


• Michigan continues to fumble away their bowl lives

Sing "Hail to the Victors" if:

• Michigan opens up the offense and shows run but completes passes


• Tate has a bunch of roll out passes


• Minor is healthy and goes for 200


• Roundtree finds his next gear


• The defense bends but doesn't break

This game will go, one of two ways, Michigan either loses a close one or wins in a blow out. If this team plays with confidence they can move the ball on offense and even score if Purdue takes a lead. The coaches need a much better game plan then they have had the last two weeks on both sides of the ball. Hopefully, JT Floyd can get some snaps at corner and Woolfolk can play some safety. The safety spot has killed the Michigan defense all year and they need some competent play out of that position or they will lose he next three games.

Michigan's first goal this year was to go to a bowl game. That goal could become a reality if Michigan can beat Purdue on Saturday. The weather should be sunny and warm for November in Ann Arbor. Michigan 34 Purdue 14

G0 Blue!

Michigan MASH Report

Out:
Molk
Odoms

Questionable (50%)
Greg Banks

Probable (75%)
Zac Johnson

The bad news here is Michigan's best slot WR is for sure out for the Purdue game. Odoms had a pretty good day against Purdue last year that included a punt return for a touchdown. Michigan will need Roy Roundtree and Kelvin Grady to set up big in the offense.

Game Captains: linebacker Stevie Brown, defensive end Tim North, left tackle Mark Ortmann and slot receiver Ricky Reyes.

Big Ten Picks and Predicitions Week 10

So it seems to be a three horse race for the Big Ten crown: Iowa, OSU, and PSU. After this weekend, it most likely will be a two horse race. Some interesting match up and must win games this week.

Now on to the show............

Big 10 Game of the Week

OSU at PSU: Many thought this game would decide the Big Ten champion back in August. Both teams have struggled at times and looked pretty powerful at times. JoPa's only loss came against Iowa and The Vest has lost to USC and Purdue. This is going to be a close game since both teams play very well on the defensive side of the ball. Which ever team protects the ball the best will win this game. I expect TP to be nervous and make a few mistakes in his homecoming. Penn State is favored by 4 at home. Penn State 20 OSU 17

Northwestern at Iowa: The Hawkeyes were asleep for 3 quarters against IU last week and woke up to find themselves down 14 points. They decided they better step up and scored like 300 4th quarter points. I have a feeling the Iowa coaches have been coaching against a similar let down all week in practice. This one will not be close. Iowa is favored by 16.5. Iowa 42 NW 14

Illinois at Minnesota: Both teams enjoyed wins over the Big Ten teams from Michigan last week. Minnesota is a different team playing at home and will handle Illinois new found confidence that they always seem to gain when they play the Michigan Defense. The Golden Gophers are a 6.5 favorite. Minn 31 Ill 20

Wisconsin at IU: Indiana has played well in spurts this year but always seem to lose it at the end. Wisconsin on the other hand is just playing power football and winning games just like the Badger Nation expects. I'm sort of thinking this might be a letdown game for Wisky and might be a Purdue - OSU type of situation. Wisconsin is favored by 10.5 .This is my upset alert special of the week! IU 28 Wisky 24

Western Michigan at MSU: Western is not as good as many people expected this year and Sparty believe it or not is not even playing .500 ball yet. The Spartans keep their bowl hopes alive after beating a down WMU. Sparty is favored by 20.5. MSU 38 WMU 10

The Michigan - Purdue game will be previewed on Friday.....................

Ortmann Cleared by Big Ten

Left Tackle Mark Ortmann will not be suspended by the Big Ten for the alleged unsportsmanlike conduct in the Illinois game.

“They agreed with our assessment that there would be no penalties,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Wednesday.

Wolverine Wednesday: News and Notes

• Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman is a Guns & Roses fan: She is saying "all you need is a little patience" with Coach Rod and the football team. "I don't think it's fair to coaches to bring them in and say, 'We're going to give you three years,' " Coleman told the WSJ. "When Tommy Amaker came in, we stuck with him for six years. It just wasn't going to work; it wasn't the right fit. But it wasn't a rushed decision." No word from U of M if this an example of a Coleman family outing :
  
  
  

• Local Man at the Final Table in the WS of Poker: Joe Cada could score over a cool $8M. Joe maybe getting a luxury box email from AD Bill Martin soon.

• No word from the Big Ten on Ortmann's status. Last time it took until late on Thursday, which is really very late for a change in the game plan.

• Mgoblog lists the high profile recruits coming in for the OSU game: DT Michael Thornton and team-mate LB Tyrone Cornelius, CB Cullen Christian, S Tony Jefferson (changed from this week to OSU), WR Kenny Stills, and maybe CB Josh Shaw. I'm sure this list will grow and that we don't have every visitor listed.

• The Wisconsin game will be at 12:00 EST on the Big Ten Network.

Wolverine Wednesday: A Memo to RR

November 4, 2009

To: Coach Rich Rodriguez
From: BHB

Dear Coach,
How are things? That 4-0 start seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? Your team is sitting here today with a 5-4 record with three games left. You need at least one win to go to a bowl game (even if it's in downtown Detroit - btw: would you leave two weeks early to go to Detroit? never mind).

I know things have been difficult this week after getting blown out by Penn State at home and then losing on the road to the worst team in the Big Ten. Heck, even Charles Woodson said yesterday that the Wolverines are hard to watch. He is right.

I know you focus on the future and not the past like that monkey in the Lion King, but I have a feeling the pressure is getting to you and your players. They seem to be playing tight and not as loose as were at the beginning of the year. Sure injuries and cold weather might come it play for those guys from San Diego or Florida but the competition really hasn't gotten any better and the team has regressed on both sides of the ball.

So enough of that negative talk, I have a solution to all your problems. Win the last 3 remaining games. I know it will be difficult/next to impossible but stay with me here and I will walk you through it.


Step 1: Beat Purdue on Saturday. I know they beat The Vest, but you can beat these guys if you play a little defense and get a bit more consistent on offense. If you do this, you will have reached one of the season's goals which is a bowl game. That should be enough motivation for you and the team.


Step 2: Ok, hopefully step 1 was successful. Now you have to head to Wisconsin for a cold difficult game against a physical team that plays a traditional offense and defense. This is where you bring out that "special sauce" that you used last year for the Minnesota game. The spread could work against these guys if you can stop their run game. (side note: before the game go up to the press box and check the eye sight of the old geezer in the replay booth, if he thinks your Tony Orlando, take him to the local Lenscrafters and get him fitted for a new pair of eye glasses. It only takes an hour and worth the $150). Win this game by a point or two and then get on the bus and get the heck out of there.


Step 3: This is going to be a hard one isn't it. Pryor's first trip to the Big House and the young Michigan offense against a very good Ohio State defense. The boys will be ready to play in this one and we know Michigan can stay in the game if they play sound football. (side note: Fly John Cooper up for this game and give him a field pass - it couldn't hurt right? :))

What do you think? Do we have a plan here? Everyone will forget about Illinois if you can win out and be 8-4. 9 out 10 Michigan fans would have taken that record if it was offered to them in August. You will have beaten ND, OSU and had a better overall record that MSU. Your team would have started 4-0 and finished 3-0. You might even find yourself in Orlando at the "Champs Bowl". Not too bad right?

Enjoy practice this week and btw: please don't finish 5-7 that would be really really bad.

P.S. Getting Seantrel Henderson to come to Michigan would also help.


Thank you,
Your friends at Big House Blog

Michigan Welcomes it's 20th Commitment for 2010

Mgoblog and Michigan's Rivals site is reporting that Carvin Johnson a safety from New Orleans has committed to the Wolverines. Carvin is 6"1, 195 pounds and runs a reported 4.68 forty, he is not rated on any of the major recruiting services.

The Freep weighs in a couple of weeks ago on Carvin's visit: Michigan was one of the first to recognize Johnson’s talents. “It was early on in the spring that they offered me,” Johnson reported. “They say I fit pretty well in their defense. If I were to go there, I would get a chance to play early on..." Besides U-M, Johnson has received scholarship offers from Minnesota, Utah, Tulane and Tulsa. The Times Picayune is also reporting that he also had offers from Colorado and SMU and that he is fully qualified academically. He was recruited my Fred Jackson on Michigan's staff.

He is rated #48 player in the state on NewOrleans.com. His high school coach also give us some information on Carvin: Rummel coach Jay Roth said Johnson is a player who is effective in both pass coverage and run support.“He’s a 6-1, 195-pound safety who is very aggressive and physical,” Roth said.Carvin Johnson has done everything we could possibly ask for--help at wide receiver on offense, stars at defensive back and has returned three punts for touchdowns.--“First of all,’’ Roth said, “everybody who knows Carvin or who has been around him knows that he’s as good of a person as he is a football player. That’s a compliment to him and his momma. Football-wise, he’s a ballhawk. He’s always around the football making plays.’’

So if your a Michigan fan your probably in one of two camps:

Camp 1: Why are we taking non ranked players and the #48 player in the state of Louisiana?
Camp 2: Michigan needs all the help we can get at safety and Carvin is a welcome addition to the class of 2010.

BHB Take: I'm more in Camp #2. Sure I would love Carvin to be a 4 star prospect and one of the top 10 safeties in the class, but Michigan needs all the help they can get in the defensive backfield. I also wonder how Rivals, Scouts, and ESPN can cover all the top athletes playing high school football in the nation? I don't believe they can. I'm also pretty sure colleges don't use those services and have their own recruiting database services. If he was such an "unknown" how did Utah, Minnesota, Colorado and Tulsa find out about him? If it's true that Michigan offered him back in the Spring they must have known of him for sometime. I expect Carvin to end up with a 3 star rating with the number of offers he had.

This leaves 5 spots at the most for the 2010 class. Michigan needs all those spots for defensive help. Linebackers, Safeties, and Corner backs come on down!

Michigan Tuesday: Troubles with the Schembechler's

• Shemy is suing Bo's 3rd wife: Glen "Shemy" Schembechler III Bo's son is suing Kathryn Schembechler, his father's third wife, in federal court Monday in Columbus, Ohio. The lawsuit alleges that Kathryn Schembechler, of Boca Grande, Fla., is not providing Glenn Schembechler with quarterly statements about the trust that he's entitled to. The lawsuit says at least $75,000 is involved.

• Someone might need a pound of grandma's nut butter! Michigan offensive lineman Mark Ortmann is seen during the Illinois game taking some type of action in the lower region of Illinois defender Corey Liuget. RR had this to say at his presser on Monday: "Yeah, I did," Rodriguez said. "I wasn't aware of that until last night, and I watched all the angles that we had, and you couldn't see anything on the football copy. And then I watched the Internet thing. I met with Mark this morning. He was upset that a lot of folks were telling him that it was a cheap shot, or what have you. And then he explained to me: 'Coach, I just had an open hand. He was leaning up against me. Their players were even saying, telling him to get off me.' And he just kind of shoved him away real quick. "Mark, he's a great young man. I'm sure when the guy was leaning on him or something, he just wanted him to get off him at the time. I don't think that should be an issue there." The Big Ten is looking into it and could suspend Mark. I hope they also looking into the officiating during the game as well.

• There are some rumblings that former Michigan recruit, Florida Commit then Tennessee signee, Nu'Keese Richardson might be looking to transfer. He was not at practice on Sunday.

• Seems Purdue is having a hard time catching the ball. Purdue's Head Coach Danny Hope: "There were nine (drops), which is a lot,” Hope said. “I believe there were eight or nine drops on Joey’s 23 throws, so 35 or 40 percent of the balls he threw. That’s tough to establish an offense that way.”

• The forecast on Saturday is a high of 55 degrees and partly cloudy. Michigan is favored by 3.5 points.
  

Things I Just Don't Understand.................

After Saturday, after App. State, after the 2008 season, you get tired and sort of used to losing. Which is really sad and not the norm for Wolverines fans. With that said, there are some things I just don't understand. Like:

• Why is Mike Williams still the starting safety? How many big plays does it take to be taken off the field?
• Why did Michigan have 2 walk on's starting on defense for the Illinois game? I would rather see 4* freshman making mistakes then walk on's.
• Why hasn't Michigan developed more depth at linebacker and in the defensive backfield? I know recruiting is an issue, but there has to be "fast" players elsewhere that could learn the position and contribute.
• Why aren't they calling more roll outs for Tate? He likes to throw on the run and the O line is having serious trouble pass protecting.
• Why is the Freep running articles like this?: Where might MSU go bowling? State is 4-5. Get to .500 before you start talking bowl games for goodness sake.

Also: I re-watched the goal line stand by Illinois and those Big Ten officials should be suspended. I think Carlos might have scored on 1st and 3rd downs and you can't tell that Minors elbow hit outside the goal line (there was a leg in the way of the video) that play should be called 10 out of 10 times a touchdown. They didn't have any evidence to overturn that call, none.

I'm not saying Michigan wins the game with that touchdown but if your going to review the Roundtree and Minor play, they needed to review at least one of Brown's run. Terrible Big Ten, Terrible. If your going to suspend players you better look in your own house as well.

Buckeye Monday: New Mexico State Review

Buckeyes take New Mexico State to the Woodshead

I was at the Shoe for the game on Saturday afternoon. It’s always fun taking my two young boys to the games. The threat of rain never really left the Columbus area but we managed to watch 55 minutes of football without getting wet. The sun even came out for a few series in the 4th quarter.

What did I see?

Well, I saw more attempts to establish the vertical passing game. In previous posts, I noted that Pryor never throws the ball downfield. For the last two weeks the opposite has been the case. Not only has Terrelle thrown the ball down the field, we even got Devier Posey into the act throwing a touchdown pass off a double reverse. On the particular play Posey looked off his primary receiver (Pryor running the wheel route) and threw it to a secondary option in the end zone. Replays on the jumbo screen clearly showed Posey going through his progressions prompting the guy sitting next to me to say “Why can our flanker check off options before throwing a pass but Pryor still locks in on his intended receiver before throwing?” I told him that was a fair question. Back to the passing game - throwing the ball down the field should, in theory make the running game a little more productive. I saw Pryor throw at least 4 passes over 35 yards in the first half. He completed one and the other three weren’t close. He just throws it up and hopes his receivers can make a play. I will say that each of his long throws was to the receiver with single coverage…so I guess he’s making progress on those types of reads.

I also saw another dominating performance by the Silver Bullet Defense. At halftime OSU lead New Mexico State in total yards 305 to 58. I think the final totals were 550 to 68. I like the way Heacock got his defense refocused after the Purdue game. They have looked great the last two weeks.

New Mexico State was bad so the overall performance was expected. I thought Jordan Hall and Dane Sanzanbacher looked good on offense. I also give credit to the offensive line who I think avoided a false start penalty for the first time all year. Jermale Hines and John Simon looked good on defense.

What worked?

Pretty much everything. Holding an opponent under 80 yards of total offense was fun to watch. The defense was flying all over the field. Even the third team got some meaningful minutes in the second half. For the second week in a row, the running and passing games were fairly balanced. We also won the turnover battle again.

What didn’t work?

Much to everyone’s surprise on Saturday, Ohio State was 1 of 5 on field goal attempts. To be fair, two of the attempts were from 50+ yards into a pretty stiff breeze. To make matters worse, Aaron Pettrey left the game in the first half after getting hurt covering a kick. We got to see a replacement named Devin Barclay kick in the second half. He missed on two attempts but made one and also converted all of his extra points. I haven’t heard a report a Pettrey’s health. I hope he’s ok. Additionally, Pryor came out of the locker room after halftime without pads on. He spent the entire second half on the sideline helping signal in plays, talking with coaches and players and generally acting like one of the leaders on the team. Tressel mentioned in his press conference that Pryor got dinged up in the first half. I heard “hamstring” in Sunday but nothing since then. Not sure if there is a story here or not.

What’s next?

The trip to Happy Valley is never fun and next Saturday starts a three week stretch of games that will determine who’s going to the Rose Bowl. At the beginning of the year I predicted that Ohio State would lose this game. The only time I’ve watched Penn State play this year was their terrible performance against Iowa a few weeks ago. They seemed to have bounced back….playing better on both sides of the ball. The two teams played a close game last year in Columbus. The difference was a late fumble from Pryor that lead to the winning score for Penn State. This will be the most difficult environment Pryor will play in during his four years at Ohio State. He’s made some progress in some areas this year while regressing in other areas. I don’t see him making enough plays to win this game. I have it Penn State 17 and Ohio State 13.

Go Bucks!!!

Buckeye John