Friday Night Practice Video and Step Into My Office

Sounds like Woolfolk is a maybe (hold him out coach!) and Barnum is probably out.  It doesn't sound like they are planning on playing Cam Gordon either.   Hagerup will take over the punting duties.



For those that missed Step into My Office on BTN last night.  I was going to give you my favorite parts of the show but then I realized I would ruin it for you if you haven't seen it yet.  Enjoy. 

Minnesota Game Preview

Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: BTN
Weather:  Partly Sunny, Cool with a High of 51 
Line: Michigan -20.5

As a Michigan fan this is one of the games we look forward to, it has the tradition that goes with being a Michigan Wolverine.  We all know the story of the Little Brown Jug which is the oldest trophy in football and one of the oldest trophies in American sports.  

With that said, this match up looks like a miss-match.  Michigan is ranked #19 in the country and 4-0.  Minnesota is 1-3 with a loss last week to North Dakota State.  Minnesota has MarQueis Gray who is a dual threat QB who Rich Rod and staff were recruiting at one point.  Gray has struggled this year and went 5-13 passing last week and only ran for 23 yards.  His best asset is his feet and has had a couple 100 yard rushing games this year. 

Gray is a little banged up and there are some questions whether he will play on Saturday.   I believe Gray is the X factor for Minnesota and their best chance to leave Ann Arbor with a win.  Michigan in the past has had trouble with mobile QB's.  I know most of us has tried to forget the Illinois win and the Miss. State loss last year but those are good examples.   If Gray can't go the Golden Gophers will turn to Max Shortell who is more a drop back passer. 

There is also concern over Minnesota's head coach Jerry Kill's health who continues to have seizures due to his cancer treatment.  Jerry re-checked himself into the Mayo Clinic again this week.  It's not clear if Jerry will be with his team this weekend or not. 

Michigan is also looking for improvement in a couple of areas.  I believe they would love to find a #1 tailback and show some improvement in the passing game.  In one word, Michigan needs Balance on offense and a healthy Denard Robinson.

The Wolverines defense wants to continue to improve and having to face a mobile QB will be a good test for the linebackers.  Cam Gordon and Brandon Herron are still questionable, so I expect to see Hawthorne, Demens and Ryan as the starting LB's.    Ricky Barnum is banged up on Michigan's OL and might miss this game as well.   If I have any vote at all (which I don't).  I would sit Troy Woolfolk this week and get him healthy.  JT Floyd has been playing well and we would like to see more of Blake Countess.

Tale of the Tape:

QB vs QB = Denard Robinson
Michigan O vs Minn D = Michigan O
Minn O vs Mich D = Push if Gray plays
Intangibles = Big House
Better M logo: 

For some reason this makes me hungry for candy:

I'm going to give the edge to the Maize M which seems to have some size on the Red M.







I'm not sure what to expect in this game.  Minnesota is struggling right now on and off the field.   Michigan has been playing well but has to improve.  It would be nice if Devin Gardner got some snaps because we will need him at some point this season it would also be nice to see Michigan's WR's get some touches.   I have heard a few rumblings that Michigan's passing game looks good in practice but it's not showing up on Saturday.   I imagine the Roundtree's and Hemingway's of the world are getting a little frustrated.

Michigan will need a passing game and a healthy Denard to beat the better teams in the Big Ten.  I hope we see some progress this week.  I would also like to see more depth on the offensive line like maybe some time for Elliott Mealer and Rocky Khoury.  Mike Schofield has seen time already and I expect he will back fill Barnum if he can't go. 

Take a drink from the Little Brown Jug if.................................

• A Michigan TB has 100 yards on the ground (Paging Mike Shaw)
• Denard has 200 yards through the Air
• Denard is healthy after the game
• Devin gets some time under center
• Golden Gophers score under 10 points
• Blake Countess gets a pick
• Cam Gordon gets on the field

Say, "I Hate Ricky Foggy!" if....................................

• This game turns into Illinois 2010 or Indiana 2010, 2009.....
• Michigan has struggles with a mobile QB
• The Wolverines look past this game   
• There are major injuries to key players

Let's be honest this should not be a big test for the Wolverines.   I expect a MAC type of game. We want to see Michigan get off quick and score a lot of points, so we can see some back ups play.   I'm also not sure if this is the game we start showing more of the offense or not, but Michigan needs some confidence when they hit the road next week to Northwestern.   It's a great day for Big Ten football so let's celebrate a convincing win by the Wolverines and then watch MSU battle OSU at 3:30 and Nebraska and Wisconsin at 8:00. 

Michigan 42 Minnesota 10 

GO BLUE!

Michigan Thursday: Rather Wrestle then Play D1 Ball

Situation:  IU running back Darius Wills is out for the year with a knee injury.  Sounds like it's serious and his playing days are over.  He is still on scholarship and enrolled at IU.  The football program was trying to get a medical hardship from the NCAA so he could stay in school but wouldn't be able to play football any longer. 

Saturday Night:  IU is losing to North Texas at North Texas.   Many are confused if North Texas has a football program, because it sounds like one of those made for TV or Movie programs. 

Saturday Night in Bloomington:  Darius Wills enters the ring in a pro wrestling tag team match up. 

When Michigan has injury issues they usually lose guys to the MAC schools or Pitt.  Never to professional wrestling.  This story couldn't be any better.   I am sure new coach Kevin Wilson is loving his gig right now.  Losing to North Texas and having one of his players in the squared circle on the same night.   Got to love it!  I'm sure Gunner Kiel (top 2012 QB prospect) just loves this type of attention for his program.

•   Word is Mitch McGardy (5 star Center in the 2012 class) is planning to announce his decision next month.  The Wolverine coaches have had the full court press on him this week with a coaches visit and maybe a trip to his parents house as well.

• QB Marqueis Gray is questionale for the game on Saturday.

Big Ten Preview Week 5

Boy what a week makes.  Last week was full of terrible games, with the highlights being OSU vs Colorado and Michigan vs SDSU.   The Big Ten even lost a couple of head scratches to North Texas and North Dakota State.  It seems you don't want to play any team with the word "North" in it.  So don't look for a match up between U of M and Northern Michigan anytime soon. 

This week is Week #1 for Big Ten play in 2011, Week #1 for Nebraska in conference and Week #1 for the new divisions.   Is it me or has anyone really grasped the divisions yet?  Are we supposed to want OSU to beat MSU because the Spartans are in our division?  Can't they just both lose?

Let's get to the games!

Big Ten Games of the Week:

#1: Nebraska at Wisconsin:  Two top 10 teams going at it.  I guess you could call this a Red Out game.   What a perfect showcase for the Big Ten on Prime time.  It has the feeling of an SEC match-up (like LSU vs Bama).   Let's hope they both play well and show the SEC, PAC 12 and others that the Big Ten isn't over rated.   Wisconsin is a 9.5 favorite?  Really?  Wisconsin 21 Nebraska 14  (since Wisconsin is in the other division, Michigan fans want a Badgers win)

#2: MSU at OSU:  Both teams have losses already but both are contenders for the Big Ten title.  OSU is feeling the pain of having a freshman QB , new coach and kids still on punishment.   Isn't that was MSU usually has problems with?  The Spartans are struggling with injury issues on the offensive line.  This game could be ugly with two solid defenses and holes on offense.  I think the key is a senior QB for MSU vs.a true freshman for Ohio.    OSU if favored by a field goal.   MSU 24 OSU 17  (Michigan fans want a OSU win since MSU is in our division)


The rest of the games ( a small cheer for conference play and not having to do this for 12 games! :)

Notre Dame at Purdue:  The Big House Blog would like to welcome ND to the Big 10.   Right now they are 1-1 in conference and playing Purdue this weekend.   Anyone want to bet that on Saturday night is when we start hearing that ND is back?  After they crush the Boilermakers and go on to beat some Service Academies the next few weeks?  ND is -11.5   Notre Dame 42  Purdue 14  (Michigan fans always wants to see ND lose, even if it's to Danny Hopeless)

Penn State at Indiana:  Is this game being played in Bloomington?  Not Philly or DC?    JoPa if favored by 15.5.   PSU 38 IU 6  (Michigan fans really don't care)

Northwestern at Illinois:  This is my sleeper game of the week.  Illinois didn't look very good in a close win last week and The Wildcats had a bye week after getting run over by Army.   Zook is favored by 8.5,   Look for the "North" bug to bite the Zookies:  Northwestern 28 Ill. 24  (Northwestern is in Michigan's division so I guess we want Zook to win - are these two schools located in the same state but separate divisions?  That makes sense)

Iowa: off

6 games is Nice!  The Little Brown Jug preview on Friday.

Wolverine Wednesday: Shows the Future

The final 2012 and 2013 schedules are out.  There are some good games and some bad ones.   Take at look and see what you think. 

2012

Sept. 1	vs. Alabama (Arlington, Texas)
Sept. 8	AIR FORCE
Sept. 15	MASSACHUSETTS
Sept. 22	at Notre Dame
Sept. 29	Bye Week
Oct. 6	at Purdue*
Oct. 13	ILLINOIS* (HC)
Oct. 20	MICHIGAN STATE*
Oct. 27	at Nebraska*
Nov. 3	at Minnesota*
Nov. 10	NORTHWESTERN*
Nov. 17	IOWA*
Nov. 24	at Ohio State*

2013

Aug. 31	CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Sept. 7	NOTRE DAME
Sept. 14	AKRON
Sept. 21	at Connecticut
Sept. 28	Bye Week
Oct. 5	MINNESOTA*
Oct. 12	at Penn State*
Oct. 19	INDIANA*
Oct. 26	Bye Week
Nov. 2	at Michigan State*
Nov. 9	NEBRASKA*
Nov. 16	at Northwestern*
Nov. 23	at Iowa*
Nov. 30	OHIO STATE*

BHB Thoughts:  Season tickets holders lose a home game each year with the Bama game in Dallas and the return game at UConn.   2012 schedule is crazy hard with games away from the Big House.   I wonder if 2013 would have been better for the Dallas game?  Bama in Dallas, ND at South Bend, at Nebraska and at OSU is murders row for a 4th year Denard Robinson.  I hope we have a defense.

Good to see Central back on the schedule with a few dollars flowing to Mt. Pleasant. 

• John Belien and crew will be out to visit 5 star center Mitch McGary today.  Keep your fingers crossed on this one.   Love to see Michigan recruiting head to head against the Duke's and Kentucky's of the world.

• Jordan Payton cancelled his planned visit to Oklahoma but will visit ND with some of his teammates.  Michigan continues to be his leader. 

Big AL takes some blame for Denard's passing struggles:  “Well, it’s a work in progress with our offense. That’s the thing … because it’s different. Now part of that, too -- and I’m going to take the rap for that a little bit. I’ve got to get him some better throws. I’ve got to put him in position to complete some more balls so he can gain some confidence and gain some rhythm. Get in a little bit of a zone. He’s a capable passer, you know, but as a playcaller you have to consider everything we’re calling in terms of the passing game. This kid really threw the ball well in two-a-days and threw the ball well in spring. He did. All his numbers were better numbers than now. I think game situations are different. As he learns about how to do this, you’ll see progress. Because he does have a good arm, and he has an accurate arm when he’s comfortable. But part of that has to be my responsibility to get him in better situations to complete some throws.”

Michigan Tuesday: Athletic Department Needs a New Rolodex

One of the hardest parts of being an athletic director at a major university is trying to schedule future opponents.  When you are Michigan it has to be even more difficult.  Why? You have to find teams that:

• Will accept a 1 year contact at the Big House
• Won't require a home and home contract
• Has an available date around Michigan's Big Ten schedule and ND games
• Is willing to take Michigan's dollar amount.  I assume Michigan doesn't over pay for opponents to come to the Big House.

The news broke a few weeks ago that Michigan had rescheduled App. State again, now it seems Michigan has brought UMass back to the Big House for the 2012 season.   The upside?  UMass will be part of the MAC when they play in the Big House in 2012.

I am feeling a little indifferent about this decision. I'm not concerned about Michigan losing this game, I just wish there was a better opponent coming to the Big House.   IMO, If we are going to play a MAC team, I would rather the $$$ stay in state with Western, Eastern, or Central.  Or local against BGSU or Toledo. 

Also if you are a season ticket holder, your games next year look like: Air Force, UMass, Ill, MSU, Northwestern and Iowa.   That is clearly not enough home games for Denard's last year. 

Michigan plays Alabama in Dallas, ND in South Bend, at Nebraska, at Ohio State.  Yikes!

So clearly David was looking for a win and scheduled UMass.  

• Sam Webb is reporting that Chris Wormley is up to 6'6 270 pounds.  Sounds like he could be a  DT at Michigan.

• Remember WR Bryce McNeal?  He was a WR that was committed to Michigan for a short time before he changed his mind and went to Clemson.  Remember Sammy Watkins? who was real interested in Michigan when RR was here (he was teammates with Dallas Crawford).   Well, Sammy is lighting it up at Clemson as a true freshman and has pushed Bryce to the bench and now out of the program as Bryce has decided to transfer.  The ESPN Gameday crew called Sammy the best freshman in the country.

Michigan Monday: Late Updates

Joe Dumars son has left the Michigan Basketball program due to injuries.  He never played at Michigan after transferring from South Florida. 

Michigan Kick Off at Northwestern in two weeks will be at 7:00 PM on BTN.  Four weeks in a row for Michigan and The Big Ten Network.  Second primetime game of the year.

Denard was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the week again.

Will Hagerup is off "of punishment" and will compete for the starting punting position. 

Cam Gordon and Barnum are questionable for Minnesota.  Troy Woolfolk was running on Sunday (maybe he should sit out Minnesota and heal up - let The Count play!)

What is the deal with Mike Shaw?  Is he hurt?  We haven't seen him for a couple of weeks.

There are reports today that Bolden and Ringer are planning on enrolling in January.  Jerrod Wilson was/is also planning on enrolling early.  Which means Michigan could back date 3 scholarships to 2011 if they have them available.  The 2012 number could be up to 28 now.    That must be a difficult decision on whether to give scholarship to a walk-on vs banking it for guys planning to enroll ealry. 

After a very good Spring, I am surprised we haven't seem more Greg Brown.  The good play of Blake "The Count" Countess maybe the reason.  Frank Clark also got some time at DE against SDSU.

Do you think the Michigan coaches can use the tape from the NFL's Week 1 New England vs Miami or Brady vs Henne for recruiting future QB's? 

I know there is a ton of question marks regarding the difference between this years 4-0 team vs last years team at 4-0.  There is one big difference between the two years.  A new Greg, Mattison is the Man! 

Michigan Monday: Ranks the Big Ten and Other News

We all know that Minnesota travels to the Big House this weekend to play for the Little Brown Jug.   It looks like the Golden Gophers head coach Jerry Kill might not be with the team due to his treatment of seizures.  You might remember that Jerry suffered one on the sideline in week two and it seems his condition has not gotten better and that he continues to have them.   "The seizures continue to be a concern for me and my family," Kill said in a statement released by the school. "Rebecca (Kill's wife) and I have made the decision to do what it takes to find a solution. I hope to be back to work soon, but we believe that taking some time away to get a handle on this is the right thing to do."

Obviously, this is more important then a football game and I wish nothing but good health to Jerry and his family.  I hope the Mayo Clinic can figure out his situation and he is on the sideline soon.

•  Michigan is #19 in both polls

• Former Illinois assistant Mike Locksley was fired as the head coach of New Mexico.  His two year run included punching an assistant coach, sexual harassment allegations, giving his son's car to a potential recruit and 2 wins.   Even Rich Rod thinks that is a bad run.

• Michigan is favored by 20.5 against Minnesota

• 4 star Ohio DE and MSU recruit Se'Von Pittman visited OSU this weekend. 

• Not sure what happened here but the latest buzz on Danny O'Brien is that he will not be picking Michigan next week.  It seems he is down to Tennessee and MSU.  Does Michigan need that spot for another position?  Or has Danny warmed to another program?  Not sure.

Ranking the Big Ten Teams

This week starts the Big Ten season and there are a number of "great" games that will go along way to finding out who is going to make it to Indy for the championship game.    #8 Nebraska at #7 Wisconsin and MSU at Ohio State.

1. Wisconsin #7
2. Nebraska #8
3. Michigan #19
4. Ohio State
5. Michigan State
6. Penn State
7. Iowa
8. Illinois #24
9. Northwestern
10. Purdue
11. Minnesota
12. Indiana

It's pretty clear right now that it's Wisconsin, Nebraska and everyone else.  You could switch any team from 3-6.   I'm not sold on Illinois at all as they struggled to beat Western Michigan this weekend.  Iowa and Northwestern have semi-bad losses to Iowa State and Army.  Minnesota lost to North Dakota State on Saturday and Indiana traveled to North Texas and lost 24-21.

Side Note:  Can someone do a little research and find out, when the last time Michigan was ranked higher in the polls over all their rivals?  Ohio State, ND and Michigan State?  I was thinking 2006 but OSU was #1 most of the year that year.

San Diego State Post Game

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

I didn't expect this game to be boring.  I thought it would be a back and forth battle between two high powered offenses.   It turned out one offense was high powered in the first half and the other struggled the entire game.  The Michigan defense played well, maybe their best game since the opening win against UConn a year ago. 

Their counterpart on offense was a bit confusing all day.  Just like everyone wanted, the Michigan offense started fast and scored a quick 14 points in the 1st quarter and added one more touchdown in the second.  A 21-0 halftime lead seemed comfortable to the fans and maybe even comfortable to the players as the Wolverines slept through most of the third quarter.  They lost that quarter to SDSU and didn't put the game away until they won the 4th quarter 7-0. 

So Michigan started fast and started to fade late but found enough to win the game comfortably.  I'm not sure I understand the game plan on Offense.  I agree that it would be nice if Denard doesn't carry the ball 21 times a game and that Michigan gets some yards out of the RB position.  But where the hell is the short passing game?   Where are the screens?  Where are short routes?   I understand Denard is struggling throwing the ball but Michigan can't just rely on him running the ball and beating teams.  A good defense will take Denard away and what does that leave us?  Right now not much. 

Maybe Big Al isn't showing us everything? Maybe he is keeping things tight for Big Ten play.  Either way it looked like Michigan ran the same 3 plays most of the second half.  Those plays should be called Denard Go, because this offense is him and not much else.  Michigan had a total of 413 yards on offense and Denard had 293 of them.

On the other side of the ball, I thought the Michigan defense played one of their best games in recent memory.  They continued to stop Lindley (253 yards) and Hillman (109 yards on 21 carries) when Michigan would turn the ball over and give the Aztecs great field position.   This type of effort will go a long way in winning conference games, which start next week with the Little Brown Jug game.

Cheers and Jeers

Cheers:

• Holding SDSU to 7 points after losing the turnover margin 3 to 2.
• Craig Roh and Mike Martin putting pressure on Lindley all day.
• Welcome Blake "The Count" Countess! He had a very nice game for a true freshman.

• Denard and his running ability
• I thought the entire DL played well

Jeers:

• One dimensional/person on offense
• Troy Woolfolk and his ankle, hand, and other injuries.
• The 3rd quarter
• Turnovers
• Missed field goal
• The Passing Game
• 2nd half play calling on offense

If you had told me, Michigan would lose the turnover battle against SDSU I might have thought we had lost the game.  Instead, Michigan gave up just 7 points and 376 net yards.   Which is a testament to either a SDSU offense that had an off day or an improved Michigan defense.   I think the answer is somewhere in the middle between the two.   

Michigan's turnovers were not pretty, I feel bad for Stephen Hopkins because his last two carries have been fumbles and I expect his new role will include being a blocking FB for the rest of the year.  Denard also made some poor decisions on his two interceptions and missed some wide open guys. 

So Michigan is sitting here at 4-0 with still lots of work to be done.  The key is to get better each week and I clearly see improvement from the defense, now can the offense make the leap to be more balanced?  The schedule will only will get tougher as Big 10 play starts next week and the Wolverines will eventually have to go on the road at some point.

San Diego State Preview

Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: BTN
Weather: High of 66 and 70% chance of rain
Line: Michigan -10.5

Welcome to the Brady Bowl (Hoke not Tom).  Remember back in 2006 when Michigan was undefeated and they had a late scheduled game against Ball State. The game was November 5th right before Michigan headed on the road to face Indiana and the #1 vs #2 match up against Ohio State. Michigan struggled the entire game and won 34-26. That game went a long way in Brady Hoke getting his current gig.

Between Ball State (his Alma Mater) and Michigan (his dream job) he spent two years at SDSU. He turned that program around and won a bowl game with Aztecs last December. They have been able to continue that momentum under new head coach Rocky Long who was the DC under Coach Hoke with a 3-0 record. This is the best start SDSU has had in 30 years and will have plenty of "intangibles" to play for on Saturday when they met their former coaches team.

The Aztecs are similar to Michigan in the fact they roll up a lot of yards on offense and also give up a bunch of yards on defense. How many yards? 419 total yards to Washington State and 446 to Army.
On offense the two NFL worthy guys are QB Ryan Lindley and RB Ronnie Hillman. It will be both of their jobs to keep scoring up and Denard off the field.

Let's go to the Tale of the Tape:

Running Game: Push (Denard vs Ronnie)
Passing Game: Lindley
Defense Talent: Push
Defense Coaching: Mattison, Hoke and Borges (It was Al's offense he should know how to stop it)
Scouting Report Edge: Hoke and Borges
Intangibles:  SDSU (Our coach broke up with us via text)
Kick off Time: Michigan (it will be 9:00 AM on the West Coast)

This is the best game in the Big Ten this week and somehow ESPN/ABC looked past it.  SDSU likes to get out quickly and has scored at least 14 points in the first quarter the last 7 games.  Michigan has yet to score in quarter number 1 this year.   That could mean the Aztecs could get out to a quick lead and Michigan might be playing from behind again. 

If you haven't blocked out the Rich Rod years, you might remember the tenancy of his teams to get out and score early and then fade late.  The 2011 Wolverines seem just to be the opposite.

Sing Hail to the Victors if................

• SDSU sleep walks through the first half
• Michigan doesn't sleep walk through the first half
• Denard can find his wide receivers and tight ends
• 1 Michigan Running Back gets over 100 yards
• Hoke and Mattison come up with a secret formula to stop Hillman & Lindley
• TWolf is 100% healthy - No casts or limps

Think to yourself, Damn Hoke must be a good coach if they are doing this to us.........

• SDSU gets out to a two score lead in the first half
• They have formula to stop Denard
• Aztecs keep Michigan under 400 total yards
• The Michigan defense is dazed and confused
• Hillman over a 100 yards and Lindley over 300 passing

If I was a betting man, I would assume the SDSU kids want this game more then the Wolverines.   Brady Hoke was their coach and now he is on the Michigan sideline.   On the other hand, if there is anyone in the nation that could "read SDSU mail" it would be Coach Hoke and Big Al.   So I'm guessing that will even it self out during the game. 

This maybe the best offense the Michigan defense has seen but ND was pretty close.  I know San Diego State hasn't seen a Denard Robinson yet but he has struggled early in games by throwing picks and over throwing receivers.   Don't sleep on the Aztecs and it wasn't a joke when Coach Hoke wanted to buy out this contract.  He knows how good they are.  If you need something to reference when thinking about this game, think Notre Dame.    I see lots of points and not much defense.  If Michigan can continue to get turnovers on defense (while not giving them up on offense) that might be the difference.   Brady Old vs Brady New

Michigan 38 SDSU 28


GO BLUE!

Michigan Thursday: Thinks Kyle Turley has a Big Mouth

Everyone pretty much supported Brady Hoke's decision to take the Michigan job.  Why not, he went from making $700K a year to $2M and Michigan was clearly his dream job.    Win - win, right?

Ex-NFL player Kyle Turley doesn't think so, he has been very critical of Brady leaving his San Diego State program for Ann Arbor.  Of course, he continues to have that stance and opened his mouth again this week:

“I don’t care if it’s your dream job,” said Turley, who played in the NFL from 1998 to 2007. “If you’re worth your salt as a head coach, eventually you’ll get that same job. You don’t have to screw people over to get it.”

Turley said he thinks Hoke’s departure from SDSU was like a parent “running out on the family” or an “ex-wife” who one day leaves the house and doesn’t say why “until you hear from her lawyer the next day.”

So I guess Kyle would have stayed with an NFL team that was paying him a low salary instead of another team that would have paid him double that amount.  When that other team was the team he grew up cheering for.  I wouldn't recommend any of us make any business investments with Kyle in the near future.  

Here is Brady response (freep link):

“He’s a really good guy, he’s really passionate about San Diego State, and I had reached out to him early when I had taken the job there because I loved the way he played football,” Hoke said. “When you look at him as an offensive lineman, how he would finish and all those things. Kyle is passionate about his alma mater, which he should be. That doesn’t bother me one bit. He was passionate about the Aztecs when we were, and he’s still passionate. That doesn’t bother me.”It’s simply part of the excitement of college football.

“That’s a guy who’s passionate about his school,” Hoke said. “Everyone’s got an opinion, and he’s allowed to have his.”

Kyle of course hopes Brady eats crow this weekend as SDSU beats the Wolverines.  Kyle, be happy you have Steve Fisher and support your team in a positive way.  Stay Classy Big Guy!

• Happy Birthday Denard!

• Danny O'Brien is planning on announcing his college of choice on 10/6.  The rumor mill is saying Michigan or Tennessee.  I think he is Blue (close to home, been at Michigan more then any program, Michigan coaches are all about the Dline, best friend Matt Godin already heading to A2)

• Braxton Miller will start for Ohio this weekend against Colorado.

• Minnesota game is a noon kick on BTN (3 weeks in a row on BTN has to be a record for the Wolverines)

Big Ten Preview Week 4

The best part of this weeks post is it contains 2 less games with Northwestern and Purdue having bye weeks.  This is a down week for the Big Ten with no high profile games.  Can someone tell me how SDSU vs Michigan slipped to the BTN?  With the list of the below games?

Big Ten Game of the week:

San Diego State vs Michigan (sorry you will have to come back on Friday for that one)


The Rest of the Games:

CMU at MSU:  Both lost games last weekend to rivals.  CMU is coached by former Michigan State QB Dan Enos.  Still they just don't have the talent to stay with MSU if they don't have a hang over from the Notre Dame Game where they were dominated.  I expect MSU to run the ball and asking the Chips to stop it.  MSU is favored by 21.5 points.  MSU 31 CMU 10

EMU at PSU: Ron English takes his team from the Big House to Happy Valley.  EMU showed they are a quality football team against Michigan, while JoPa struggled to beat Temple.  The line favors PSU at 28.5.  Take those points.  PSU 24 EMU 7

BCS Match Up Alert: Colorado at OSU: Ohio State might of had it's worst game in 10 years on Saturday.  They couldn't pass the ball at all.  They did find some success running the ball and the defense isn't too bad either.  Colorado is 1-2 and can't play with the OSU defense.  OSU -15.  OSU 28 Colorado 3

WMU at Illinois:  Illinois had a big win last week over ASU and is now ranked.  We know that Western isn't a joke and can move the ball down the field with QB Alex Carder.   The key to the game is can Zook's D hold up? Ill. -11.5.   Illinois 24 WMU 17

South Dakota at Wisconsin:  Really?  Wisconsin -42.5.  Wisconsin 61 SD 10

Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa: Looking at this game you would consider it a blow out.  LM played TCU tough in week 1 and can play a little defense.  Iowa is still trying to find themselves with a come back win last week and a loss in week 2.  Iowa -17 which is too much.  Iowa 21 LM 17

North Dakota State at Minnesota:  NDS can play football and a good FCS team.  Minnesota looked good in a loss week 1, lost week 2 and won week 3 over Ball State.   Minn is -9.  I will call an upset NDS 24 Minn 21

IU at North Texas:  Come on Indiana! Are you really traveling to North Texas?   You couldn't pay me to watch this game.  IU is favored on the road at -6.  IU 10 NT 3

Nebraska at Wyoming: Another travel game for a Big Ten team to a non-BCS opponent.    Nebraska is #9 in the country and Wyoming is 2-0.  I think Nebraska will struggle in the first half and then pull away.  Nebraska -23.  Nebraska 28 Wyoming 13

Wolverine Wednesday: How Come The Big Ten Isn't More Active?

Because, they like the stack of dollar bills they already have. 

The Big Ten likes its current position with the recent addition of Nebraska and the current revenue split.   If they added two more teams the pot of money gets smaller.   For Devil's Advocates sake lets take a look at a pair of teams that could be a nice fit:

The High Maintenance Couple:

Texas and Notre Dame:  These two are the prettiest girls at the party and they know it.  They each have their own TV contracts and want more money then the other schools if they agree to come to a conference.   These two are clearly big names but they come with way too much baggage and demands.   If they can't share, they won't get an invite.  That Longhorn network is already a mess and ESPN should shut it down.  ND says they would rather go to the ACC instead of the Big Ten, really?  Why?  ND is the girl friend you should never call again. 

Big 12 Raid:

Texas and Oklahoma:  We know the issues with Texas and Oklahoma doesn't have the academic record that the Big 10 is looking for.  But let's be honest, with MSU and OSU in the Big Ten, OK wouldn't be that much of an academic stretch.  The problem is OK travels with it's little brother OK State and there really isn't room for 3 and just the OK schools alone isn't really that attractive. 

Big East Raid:

I don't think any Big East schools make much sense for the Big Ten.  UConn and Rutgers Football Programs are too small.  Even though you would bring in the NY market, I'm not sure the risk is worth the reward for mostly a professional sports market.  You really don't relate NYC with college sports and I'm not sure the move to the Big Ten would make it a college football town.  It isn't a strong football recruiting area either.  They have a couple top prospects per year.    (Yuri Wright comes to mind)

The ACC has a $20M exit fee so strike that out. 

The latest news is the PAC 12 is staying at 12 (they don't want to over pay Texas either).  Missouri is knocking on the door of the SEC and asking to join the party.   WVU was already been rejected by the SEC and this weekend they have a chance to take it out on Les Miles and LSU.   So the net of this is, the Big Ten feels good at 12 teams and probably won't consider expanding unless Texas or ND call them and drop their revenue demands. 

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• SDSU might be the best team, Michigan has played so far this year this year.   This game on Saturday worries me.  Pat Forde is picking SDSU 28-27.

• One advantage that Michigan has on Saturday is not only Hoke and Staff coaching them last year but the noon kick off.  It's a fact in the NFL that West Coast Teams that travel East for 1:00 kick offs do not do well.  Having the noon kick off plays in Michigan's favor.  Let's hope SDSU is sleep walking for the first half and Michigan gets off to a quick start.

• Vincent Smith has earned the start at RB and I agree.  He seems fully healed from his ACL from the Ohio game his freshman year.

• I have real concerns with Will Heininger and Nathan Brink on the defensive line.  I'm not sure the walk on experiment is working.   Richard Ash must be struggling and we might see more of former offensive lineman Q. Washington or some rush linebackers.  I continue to give Craig Roh a pass due to his health.

• Oops!  If I can get a press pass, I guess this guy could sneak in.  Michigan pulled his.  (I hope I am still on the list :)

Michigan Tuesday: The Final 4 Recruits

We haven't talked recruiting in awhile, so today I am going to reset what I have been hearing and how this class might end up.  The number I'm still working with is 26 but I believe it could go to 27 with some of the transfers the Wolverines had late in the season. 

I made a comment that Michigan must feel pretty good about landing a RB in the 2012 class because they played Thomas Rawls on Saturday for a couple of snaps.    Coach Hoke said due to new redshirt rule they could still redshirt Thomas. 

The Final 4 Pool:

• Danny O'Brien, DT
• Jordan Payton, WR
• Bri'onte Dunn, RB
• Greg Garmon, RB
• Darius Powe, WR
• Amara Darboh, WR
• Monty Madaris, WR
• Zach Banner, OL
• Jordan Diamond, OL
• Josh Garnett, OL
• Yuri Wright, CB
• Stefon Diggs, WR

Here is my guess on who makes it into the class:

I believe Danny O is a lock to be in this class.  There are rumors floating that he is a silent commit and has told his friends that he is coming to Michigan.  He is planning to announce the first week in October during his homecoming. 

I still think Michigan wants to take 2 WR's still in this class.  Amara Darboh is planning to make his last visit to Ann Arbor with his guardians in November.  The recruiting insiders feel that could lock his commitment to the Wolverines. 

Jordan Payton was blown away by his Michigan visit and is not afraid to state that Michigan is on the top of his list.   If it comes down to 1 WR spot this could be a race between Jordan and Amara and who commits first. 

Zach Banner is another guy that was blown away by his Michigan - ND game experience.   He lives in the Pacific Northwest so if playing away from home isn't a problem, I think Michigan has a great shot at this 6'9 lineman who also wants to play basketball.  

That is who I think will end up in this class.  BUT and it's a big BUT if these guys have a change of heart, Michigan would take them in a NY minute. 

Bri'onte Dunn:  I believe is more on the board then many people expect.  His good friend Kyle Kalis is coming to Ann Arbor and now his cousin is as well.   He keeps saying he will take an official to Michigan.  I think Mr. Dunn isn't Dunn with his recruitment.

Stefon Diggs: is a 5 star WR that wants more "love" from the Wolverines.  He won't get it until he gets to where he needs to be in the classroom.  If he does, he is another guy they would find room for.

Yuri Wright is planning a Michigan visit and now with TRich back on board, this isn't a urgent need but Wright's talent might be too good to pass up.

The word out of Schembechler hall is they are working with the team and not really focusing on recruiting right now.  Don't believe that, I think they have some guys they really want and are willing to play the final 4 commits out for a few weeks. 

Michigan Monday: Loves in Game Adjustments

The one thing that really bothered me about the Carr Era was we never seemed to make any meaningful adjustments when something wasn't working.  When it seemed USC had our play book, nothing.   It drove me crazy and probably you as well.

I wondered what was the reason for that?  Did they try to make changes and it didn't work?  Was it Lloyd not letting his coordinators change the game plan?  What was it?  (Side note on the RR years, I think they tried to make some defense adjustments from time to time, they just didn't work)

I don't have the answer to the above questions but I do know when I see a good game plan working effectively and when I don't.  Both Greg Mattision and Al Borges has impressed me regarding the in game adjustments and changes.  Al is coaching like a 17 year old with the keys to a brand new Lamborghini.  He knows how to drive but has never had a car this fast.

Greg on the other hand is trying to find the right personnel in game time situations.   Both have made very good in game changes and the reason the Wolverines today are 3-0 and ranked 21/22 in the polls.  I continue to be impressed on how Coach Hoke is letting them both do what they do best. 

Let's compare those strategies to our Rival to the north.  I was excited to see the match up this weekend between ND and MSU.  Sparty has owned ND over the past 10 years but was running into a difficult situation with a quality team that now found themselves 0-2.   MSU was ranked #15 in the polls and was a road dog to an 0-2 team.  

What happened was a terrible game plan by Mark Dantonio and staff.  It was like they didn't review any tape on ND the past two weeks.  ND continued to turn the ball over and MSU couldn't capitalize.  They even continued to call gimmick and trick plays.  A fake field goal from the goal line?  (side note; does anyone think ND practiced fake field goals a little bit extra this week? - just stupid).  MSU's game plan wasn't working and they just kept it and got blown out.  No adjustments = big loss. They weren't out manned on Saturday they got out coached.   If I was a MSU fan, I would be very upset at Dantonio playing Tressel Ball all day.

•  Michigan has taken a 2012 walk-on commitment from Fenton punter Kenny Allen.  Kenny had 1 scholarship offer from Oregon State and decided to stay close to home and punt for Michigan.  Kicking guy Chris Sailer had this to say about Kenny:   Kenny is a very talented young punter. He has the size and athleticism to dominate in this area. Can hit a huge ball. Also a great kicker. A top combo prospect in the Class of 2012. Will be a scholarship pick!  Kenny is averaging 43 yards per punt this year and is also a place kicker.   This is a good pickup for the Wolverines.  Anytime you can pick up a guy with scholarship offers to D1 schools as walk on, is a huge bonus.   If I was a fly on the wall, I'm guessing the Wolverines are concerned about their scholarship punter Will Hagerup who has been suspended 4 out of the last 5 games and still has one more game to sit out.

• Michigan is 21 in the Coaches and 22 in the AP.

• Michigan is an early 9 point favorite over San Diego State.

• 2013 State of Michigan offensive line recruit Steve Elmer surprisingly committed to ND over the weekend while he was on a visit.   Steve and Shane Morris are the top two prospects in Michigan for the 2013 class.  Michigan was recruiting Steve and had been on campus a number of times.

• Jordan Diamond took a visit to Illinois this weekend.  Has Michigan cooled on Jordan or has Jordan cooled on the Wolverines?

• RB Greg Garmon has Michigan in his top 4.   A month ago I thought there was no way Michigan was taking a RB in the 2012 class.  I now think Michigan has a fighters chance at landing Greg or Bri'onte Dunn. 

Trial By Fire for the Wolverines

- Authored by BHB Reader Voice of Reason

What we can say is that the coaches are learning how their players respond under fire just like we are. Plus, in spite of the defense giving up tons of yardage in the first quarter in all three games, one key difference has been Greg Mattison has been able to stop the bleeding or at least slow it down to a trickle. GREG couldn't do that even with his super bowl rings.

In fact, there is not a single top 25 football team that did not give up some points and yardage to the “nobodies” that they've played thus far. In the past three years, we've gotten so use to our defense bleeding like a sieve that when we see another team complete a significant play against us, we feel, "Oh, no not again!" But you know what, no one is expecting Michigan to win the national championship any way this year, but it's safe to say that we're moving in the right direction. If Michigan’s defense is “average” this year, it would be light years ahead of the last three years, and should keep Michigan in most of their games.

I believe in the old adage, "You don't win titles with freshman and sophomores; you win with juniors and seniors." Michigan has juniors and some seniors, so that helps but their current depth depends upon freshman and sophomores, who are great for "your future" but not good for the here and now. So what does that mean? Michigan’s defense may get burned while our youth is on the field trying to catch up, but that’s where we are for this year.

However, because of Michigan’s upper class experience, those guys overall are mature enough to understand and adjust from their mistakes because they are well coached. However, it's going to take this season before they master the system on both sides of the ball.

Nevertheless, we can still see how their confidence has grown and how they didn't give up even after a tough start...which is huge. They are developing a swagger on both sides of the ball which is needed in order to play in the Big Ten. All of our opponents have started the game by “punching Michigan in the mouth” to start the game to see if Michigan would back down. In fact, ND was beating Michigan like Clubber Lang beat Rocky Balboa in their second fight but more importantly, Michigan hung in there and won the game.

What am I saying? Under some solid coaching, this Michigan team is growing up. They may not win every game, but I don't expect any blow outs even if we lose. It would be as a result of natural growing pains and no embarrassing losses to the little sisters of the poor as we had under RR. So in that respect, Michigan football is coming back. Go Blue!

Eastern Michigan Post Game

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

What did we learn?

There are a couple of reasons why you play an EMU early in the season.  Its good to get another check in the win column but you also hope to learn more about your team and your players.  So the question remains did we learn anything on Saturday about the 2011 Wolverines?

I think we did, here are my observations:

• Have you heard the saying, that you have to run to set up the pass?  Michigan needs to run the Spread to set up the Pro Style offense.  Al Borges seems to have one game plan in mind and then throws that out the window after two drives. 
• Hawthorne has locked down one of starting LB roles.  He has a nose for the ball and is pretty quick.
• Michigan still needs Cam Gordon to get better soon. Jake Ryan did some good things but I think that's Cam job when healthy.
• Raymon Taylor was the first freshman DB off the bench.  Which was a surprise.
• Michigan is feeling good about landing a RB in the 2012 class, why? Thomas Rawls got a few meaningless snaps.  Which would wipe out his redshirt unless he gets a mysterious back injury. 
• Both lines have improved but still have a long way to go.
• Al needs to give Denard some easy throws to start the game, he is so hyped up he is trying to throw the ball through a brick wall.
• Vincent Smith needs more touches at RB.

How is this team different then last year?  I'm not sure we are ready to answer that yet.  They seem fundamentally better on defense but still have a ways to go.  The slow starts concern me on both sides of the ball.  Defense I can understand but it seems Al Borges is trying to fit something into the offense that just isn't there.  I really need to see Michigan's WR's integrated better and some more creative running plays.  Sure you don't want to show a ton against The Eagles but I would like to see some more consistency out of the offensive unit.   Where is Roy Roundtree?  Not enough stuff to the TE's?  It seems to me, Denard is missing the open guy.

I have the same feeling I did last year.  It's good to be 3-0 but with too many question marks.  Look for Michigan to break the top 25 this week with a good SDSU team coming to town next week.   On Saturday we might have learned more about Michigan's rivals and the rest of the Big Ten, then we did about our own Wolverines.

EMU Preview

Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: BTN
Weather: Partly Cloudy high of 66 degrees (is it Fall already?)
Line: Michigan -30


So Michigan's 2011 season has consisted of a weather shorten game and a big comeback against a rival.  So what will week 3 have in store for us?  Hopefully a lot less drama and many more offensive plays. 

Clearly, this is a miss match on paper and talent as EMU comes down Stadium Blvd to get a pay day.  The battle of Washtenaw County helps EMU fund it's athletic department and a chance for former Wolverines to start or continue their coaching careers.

With that said, the Wolverines have struggled in the past with EMU and played some too close for comfort games.   Will there be a let down this weekend?  I doubt it, even though Michigan is 2-0 there still remains a ton of questions that Brady and Staff hopes to start answering on Saturday.   For example:

• Can Michigan find a starting RB?
• Will Justice Hayes or Thomas Rawls get any snaps?
• How will the musical chairs at LB turn out?
• Can Michigan's offensive line dominate like expected?
• Can the Michigan offense be effective with Denard under center?
• Will Devin Gardner get some snaps?
• Can the defensive line get a pass rush with 4 guys?
• Is Blake Countess or Greg Brown ready for regular action?
• Can Michigan make a field goal?

That's a lot of questions to be answered in week 3 with a solid SDSU team coming in next week and the Big Ten season two weeks away. 

The Michigan players should take this game seriously because their playing time in future games may depend on it.   I just hope we can start to identify the clear starters at each position with a couple good options for back up (while not burning any redshirts).

I also wouldn't mind if Craig Roh mixed in a tackle or two.  I'm just hoping he is just not himself from the illness he had late in the summer.

This is not a big recruiting game, so there probably won't be a ton of top rated 2012 guys on campus.  Michigan needs to focus on the game, stay healthy and put this one away early so the back ups can get some time.   Troy Woolfolk please sit this one out.

Sing Hail to the Victors if...............

• Denard is sharp in the passing game and is healthy on the bench in the 3rd qtr.
• Big Will starts to cement his position in the starting lineup
• The offensive line gives some huge holes for the Michigan running backs
• 2 running backs have over 100 yards and neither are named Denard.
• The Michigan defense holds EMU to under 14 points
• No injuries
• Mike Hart runs to the Michigan sideline as EMU takes the field

Say Darn those former Michigan coaches and players if..............

• The game is uncomfortably close
• Michigan can't stop the run on defense
• Mike Hart suits up for the Eagles
• If Michigan has let down after the big win last weekend

Look for EMU to try to run the ball a lot and take some shots down field if the Michigan safeties are out of position or giving big cushions.  Michigan will work on the basics like running the ball and trying to improve Denards's accuracy with some short throws.  Michigan will take plenty of shots deep but they really want to get some yards out of the RB position and not put Denard in harms way.   Let's hope Big Blue jumps out to a big lead and the defensive holds tight. 

Michigan 41 EMU 13


GO BLUE

Big Ten Week 3 Preview

I have to admit I was a little concerned for the Big Ten last Saturday.  Ohio was struggling with Toledo and both Iowa & Purdue lost games.  (Side note: Rich Rod did the Rice - Purdue game.  I was thinking how awkward was that? Purdue hates him while their former head coach dropped the "Snake Oil Salesman" on him and current coach Danny Hope introduced him to his player he got suspended when RR sent video to the Big Ten office.  Then of course on the other side of the ball was one of RR's most famous recruits that he was barley able to keep from Lloyd Carr's class, Sam McGuffie and then transferred) 

Penn State wasn't really competitive against Alabama and the rest of the games were just yawners.

So how does this week look?

Big Ten Games of the Week: (we have 2 this week)

MSU at ND:  Poor MSU they are in the worst possible situation this week.  They are 2-0 and ND is 0-2 and everyone is taking how good they are and that they just need to cut out the turnovers.   I actually see ND winning this game and winning this game big.  I think the chances of ND going 0-3 is pretty low compared to MSU going 2-1.  Vegas agrees that ND will win and has made them a 4.5 favorite.  ND 31 MSU 17

OSU at Miami:  OSU played terrible last week and Miami didn't play at all after a loss to Maryland the week before.  I think Ohio will play better then they did against Toledo but how well will Miami play?   The big joke in this game is that they won't be any referees on the field during the game because neither team plays by the rules.  Give an edge to the Hurricanes if they don't have a 100 turnovers.  Vegas has Miami as a 2.5 favorite.  Miami 28 Ohio 21

The Rest of the Big Ten:

Penn State at Temple:  That's right JoPa is taking his show on the road to a MAC school.  Last year this was my upset special of the week, it didn't happen but Golden turned a good season into the Miami job (many thought he would replace JoPa at PSU in 10 years or so).   I really think this could be another upset with Penn State still having their head down from last week.  Vegas has Penn State favored by 7.5 points.  I have no idea what Temple has this year but what the heck;  Temple 21 PSU 20

Pitt at Iowa is an interesting game.  Iowa lost an overtime game last week to Iowa State and Pitt is 2-0 but struggled with Maine last weekend.   Pitt has a new coaching staff including a bunch of former RR/Michigan assistants.  Neither team is playing well but the edge has to go to Iowa since they are at home and mad after last week performance.  Vegas has Iowa -3.  Iowa 24 Pitt 14

Arizona State at Illinois is another game worth watching.  ASU is Threet-less this year and has QB that is 6-9 throwing around the yard.   I have no idea what Zook has this year but we know their QB is very mobile.   Zook could use a win over a ranked team but does he have the players to do it?   Vegas agrees with me on this game and has Illinois -1.   This game is a toss up. Zook 31 ASU 27

Wisconsin vs Northern Illinois in Chicago = pain for the Huskies.  Wisky is only favored by 16.5 points.  It won't be that close.  Wisconsin 31 NI 10

Northwestern at Army:  Northwestern is the better team by don't sleep on Army, they are getting better.  NW is -7.5.   NW 17 Army 14

Washington at Nebraska:  I wish this was a better match up but Nebraska is much too physical for these Huskies. Black Shirts -16.5   Nebraska 34 Wash 7

Miami (OH) at Minnesota:  I'm not sure the Gophers coach Jerry Kill will be available for the game and there seems to have been a big letdown after the USC game.  Miami of Ohio isn't too bad either. 
Miami 28 Minn 24

South Carolina State at IU:  Indiana is favored by -15.5 and will get its first win of the season.  IU 28 SCS 12

You know the deal about the Michigan game but there are some interesting Big Ten games this week.  Ohio, MSU, PSU, Northwestern and Wisconsin are all on the road (or at neutral sites).  There are also 5 BCS school match ups, which is nice to see.

Wolverine Wednesday: The Last 3 Plays

As you know, I have fun making fun of coach speak.  Press conferences are basically a waste of time for reporters to ask silly questions that we all know the answer to. 

Before the season:  How is Denard doing under center?  Big Al:  He is really making strides and a good athlete and QB.  He still has some learning to do but we will be ready for Western Michigan.

This week:  Do you think you have figured out the best way to use Denard?  "I think we know how to use him. We said we wanted him to carry the ball 15, 16, 17 times, but no promises. There may be games he carries it more, maybe less. But in terms of how we’re using him, I don’t have any reservations about that. That’s our issue now. We’ve only run like 80, 90 plays in two games. Our tailbacks would be getting more carries if we were getting more turns."

Basic stuff right?  What intrigues me, is the behind the curtain stuff, the information we don't get from practice.   One of those things came from Al's press conference yesterday regarding the last 3 plays:

Are last three plays the same three plays every game? “No, that changes every week, and it depends on how they defend you late in the game. That’s part of our film study is to see what kind of defense they have.”

So tie that into what Denard said after the game on ESPN; something to the effect that they had been working on the last 3 plays all summer.   Part of Big Al's offense game plan seems to be to script the final 3 plays each week and the 1st team offense practices those 3 plays over and over.  I found that interesting.

Other news was that Big Will and Hawthorne will get more playing time.  Hawthorne had a great Spring and Fall camps but turned his ankle before the Western game.  Greg Mattison said, Troy's ankle is fine (I don't believe it!).

In other Mash related news:  Fitz, Cam Gordon, Herron and Odoms all participated in practice on Tuesday.  None of the guys above played in the ND game and Gordon and Odoms haven't played yet this year.

Stonum who is red shirting this year has been running as the scout team WR. 

• David Brandon is letting the players keep the throw back jerseys they wore during the game.  He checked with compliance and got the OK.  Memo to Wolverines players, lets keep those off of eBay and Pawn Stars.

• It seems Michigan has added Akron to it's 2013 schedule.  Exciting stuff!

• Every time I write this recruit's name it makes me hungry:  Taco Charlton a 2013 DE recruit from Ohio got a Michigan offer last night.

• The Michigan line is -30 right now on Saturday.

Michigan Tuesday: Trying to De-code the Injury Updates and Some Recruiting Briefs

With a new coaching staff at Schembechler Hall you get new and different things.  One of the changes has to do with injuries.  I will give you an example:

Lloyd Carr when asked about injuries would smile and give a short response like this, "next question"

Rich Rodriguez:  Put out an injury report on Thursday night listing 3 level of injuries:  Probable, Questionable and Out.

Brady Hoke yesterday on the status of Troy Woolfolk:  Were you concerned about him being a little hobbled on his ankle? “He’s fine.”

It's clear Coach Hoke leans more towards Carr's policy then Rich Rod's.  Which some will argue is a good thing, "why give your opponent more news then they need?".  Others will argue the Vegas point, which was the reason the NFL made injuries public so betting insiders wouldn't have an edge. 

It seems Odoms, Cam Gordon and Brandon Herron continued to be banged up and probably won't play against Eastern.  I am willing to bet a beer we won't see Troy either.  That guy had more tape on Saturday then my first car. 

If we are not going to redshirt the likes of Blake Countess and Greg Brown, let's hope they get some good experience this weekend.   Blake has played on special teams and Greg looked pretty good in the spring game.

Craig Roh was suffering from Mono like symptoms during fall camp.  I don't think he is 100% yet as he has ZERO tackles in two games.

Fitz continues to get banged up in every game he plays. We didn't see him at all against ND and I would say he is questionable for EMU as well.

Back to Back Noon Starts

Michigan will have two back to back noon kick offs on the Big Ten Network.  Which seems like a big change coming off a 3:30 and 8:00 kick offs.   The one thing to consider is the "jet lag" of playing SDSU at noon.   I sort of thought that ESPN or ABC might pick up the SDSU game since there is plenty of intrigue playing Coach Hoke's former team.   BTW: SDSU beat Army 23-20 last week and has Washington State this weekend before heading to the Big House (they also play TCU the week after Michigan and Boise State in November).

• Denard was named the Big Ten Player of the week.

• Brady and Chad both played well last night on MNF.  Brady played better.  They nearly combined for 1000 yards passing.

• Sports By Brooks has photos from the charity event in question for the suspended OSU players.  It seems this "charity" event has been a good gig for OSU players for a number of years.  The NCAA spent 14 months in Ann Arbor and found a couple practice overages due to stretching and non-coaches coaching.  The NCAA is spending time in C-Bus and coming up with this type of stuff.  If Toledo had scored on the final drive last week, there would be a huge meltdown in Ohio right now.

• It  will be really strange for Mike Hart to be on the other sideline on Saturday as an EMU coach.  It's a great opportunity for Mike, just feels strange.

• Vegas isn't buying MSU right now as they are a 5 point dog to ND in South Bend.  MSU played three good teams last year and went 1-2.  The two losses weren't close.

Recruiting Updates

• 5 Star Mitch McGary spent the weekend on Tobacco Road at NC and Duke.  He enjoyed both visits.  
• One thing I hadn't considered is Michigan is recruiting lineman Zach Banner for Football and Basketball.  Michigan would let him play both if he is interested.  He is 6'9 310 pounds.  So, yes please!
• Brionte Dunn visited Penn State last weekend for the Alabama game as his cousin was committing to the Wolverines.  So it seems Brionte is serious about looking around as he stays verballed to the Buckeyes.

Michigan Monday: Helps Kelly With Anger Management

David Guralnick/The Detroit News

Kelly Anger Management

10 turnovers in 2 games is enough for any head coach to lose his mind on the sideline.  Brian Kelly has spent a lot of last week explaining his behavior on the sideline of the South Florida game. 

He had a couple of flare ups during the Michigan game but nothing major and do you want to know why?

He had a Grad assistant or team manager tap him on the back or shoulder when he started to lose his cool. If you re-watch the game, check it out.  It is pretty clear on TV a couple of times.  Many times, Kelly turns his back to the TV cameras when talking to players on Saturday Night.

I heard a Kelly interview about a month ago on ESPN radio, he said the #1 key to a successful season was success early.  They are now 0-2 with MSU paying a visit to South Bend this weekend.  Call in the tapper!

BTW: How did ND's last two trips to the State of Michigan turn out?  80 yards in 28 seconds for a loss at the Big House and the fake OT field goal in East Lansing.   Not a very good home coming for the former GVSU and CMU coach. 

2013 in the house!

The excitement of the entire day has moved at least one kid to verbal to Michigan.  The first player to drop a commitment for Michigan is Ohio athlete Dymonte Thomas.  Dymonte plays running back and safety in high school but probably projects to safety at the next level.   Mgoblog did a great write up of  Dymonte, so I won't re-create but he is a nice addition to 5 star QB Shane Morris in the 2013 class.    DT had offers from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Pitt, Tennessee, UCLA, and West Virginia, he also had interest from Ohio State, Alabama, Florida, Cincinnati, and Northwestern.  He is expected to be a 4 star recruit when the rest of the 2013 rankings come out.

The wild card here is that Dymonte is cousins with 2012 RB Brionte Dunn.   This can only work in Michigan's favor of persuading Brionte to Ann Arbor next Fall. 

2012 Recruiting Updates

• The uncommitted 3:  Banner, Payton and O'Brien all had incredible things to say about the ND experience.  There was even a rumor that Danny O had committed on Saturday.  That turned out not to be true and his tentative announcement date is 10/7. Keep an eye on Payton for commitment watch this week. 

• Yuri Wright is planning to visit A2 for the SDSU or Minnesota games.

• The rumor mill is also saying that Michigan just needs to get Amara Darboh's guardians on campus in Ann Arbor for the Iowa WR to commit to the Wolverines.

Notre Dame Post Game: Minute to Win It

David Guralnick/The Detroit News

I'm not sure I have the proper words to explain what happened last night.   I thought the final score would be about right, I just didn't expect Michigan to score all of it's points in the 4th quarter.  

The Tale of Two Halves

I thought Big Al called a terrible first half.  Not even trying to run the ball with the running backs and not doing anything to fool the ND defense with some creative run calls or screens.   The ND defense said to Denard and company "beat us through the air" and Michigan replied, "sorry we can't."

The loss of Troy Woolfolk was huge.  Side note:  Can we get a mobile bubble unit for this kid?  A padded bubble?  Since it seems Brady Hoke went to the Lloyd Carr school of misleading injury information, It looks to me that Troy had a sprained ankle, broken hand or fingers and now a cut or broken nose.  The Michigan coaches need to figure out how to keep him healthy because he maybe  is the most important guy on defense.

What was the deal with man coverage on Michael Floyd?  To go back to my earlier question; It was like the Michigan defense asked ND to beat them with Michael Floyd and Brian Kelly responded, sure!  No offense to JT Floyd or Courtney Avery but they can't cover Michael Floyd 1 on 1 under any circumstances.   The only person that had an outside chance would have been a healthy TWolf and he clearly wasn't. 

The first half of the game went to Notre Dame and without some big changes on both sides of the ball, it looked like it could be a blowout at half time. 

Watch Me Do Me

Nobody is going to confuse Denard's passing game with Andrew Luck's but after hating the play calls in the first half it seemed Al, thought to himself; "we need this kid to make plays even if ND won't let us."   In the 3rd quarter, Denard started to get "creative" and it helped with field position but it really wasn't giving Michigan any points.    The game was clearly on his shoulders to win or lose.   He fought hard but still wasn't sharp throwing the ball and wasn't getting any help from his wide receivers either.

On the other side of the ball, I kept wondering, "how the hell are we still in this game?".  It felt like Michigan was down 41-7 when it really was only 24-7.  The Michigan defense played well in spurts and the ND turnovers were the only reason, Michigan had a shot at the end of the game.   It seemed every time, Michigan blitzed ND had the answer with a short pass right at the guy that was blitzing.  Even when Mike Martin dropped into coverage (really?) they ran up the middle.  That formation on the last drive where it looked like Michigan was bringing everyone, which was a clear attempt to fool Tommy Rees failed and should have been the difference in the game.   When Michigan shows a blitz from Kovacs or a linebacker too early, they sometimes have to check back out of it.   Rees ate them up every time. 

In the 4th quarter the football gods were shinning on the Wolverines for keeping this game close.  The jump balls mostly went Michigan's way and even fumbles were bouncing to Denard for touchdowns.   The bottom line is, if ND CB's played the ball in the air better or didn't blow a coverage on Gallon on the last drive, the end result would have been different.  But who cares, I will take this exciting victory!

Denard played like he could through the air and on the ground.  He won the game for Michigan and the defense did enough to keep the Wolverines in shouting distance.

Cheers and Jeers

Cheers:

• The Big House at Night a Michigan's fan delight
• 2nd half Denard
• Big Will showing some emotion and actually getting some meaningful snaps
• Jake Ryan and Brandin Hawthorne had some nice plays
• The 9-11 tribute
• ESPN for starting the game on ESPN news due to the other game running long
• The Michigan offensive line that keeps having good games
• JR Hemingway's effort that kept Michigan close in the first half and most of the second.
• 4th quarter execution on both sides of the ball

Jeers:

• Al Borges play calls and Denard's execution in the first half
• Michigan's D showing the blitz packages way too early
• Single coverage on Floyd
• Use of the running backs - (Hopkins carrying the ball scares me.  Give him some confidence carries against EMU not ND!)
• Dropping Mike Martin into coverage, let him do what he does!
• Paging Craig Roh
• Some WR drops

Today feels very similar to where we were last year.  2-0 with another last second win against ND.  Denard is all over the media and Michigan is headed for another good start.  It's the good middle and finish we are looking for as well.  I will take any win against a rival on national TV with a last second touchdown but let's not fool ourselves that this team could even play with the Wisconsin's of the world right now.

It's clear, Michigan has work to do on both sides of ball.  Being more consistent on offense because everyone is going to try to take away Denard's run game and finding the right defensive personnel.  I think this defense could be average but we need to find the right guys.   I didn't see much of Brandon Herron in the game and saw Jared Van Slyke a number of times.  The Michigan defense line needs to find a way to get pressure on the QB without blitzing on every down.

The Michigan coaches have plenty to work on and hopefully Eastern will give them a chance to work on few things next week.   Either way, I will take another great win over ND and it sure was fun watching the 4th quarter.   I think Hoke said, games like this is where legends are born.  On Saturday night the Legend of Denard Robinson wasn't born it just continued to grow. 

I'm betting many Michigan fans around the globe didn't get much sleep last night!   Go Blue!

Notre Dame Preview

Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Big House at Night
Weather: High of 73 with isolated thunderstorms
TV: ESPN
Line: Michigan +3

This is one of my favorite games of the year.  It rates right up there in my mind with Ohio State.  ND has come to the Big House in past years and hit Michigan with a rocket and Michigan counter punched with Desmond's TD catch.   Both memorable games for different reasons.    I even remember a night game at ND where a Michigan WR took a pass that looked like it had been broken up but ended up on a teammates shoulder and took it for a touchdown.  Michigan lost a close game.   Another year Lou Holtz played for a tie and the memorable games go on and on in your mind, including Denard's dominance last year. 

My job this year is to try give you a prediction on how this game is going to turn out late night on Saturday.  I usually like to take a snap shot of how they played the week before and try to make the decision on who is playing better.   Both teams had long rain delays and one team played through them and lost the other called it a day a won.   Michigan just wet our appetite on offense as two defensive touchdowns and the weather limited Denard's touches against Western Michigan.  ND fumbled and threw away their game as they pretty much doubled up the yards against South Florida last weekend.  (Does that game sound familiar?  It seems very similar to RR's first game in South Bend).

Vegas isn't buying the turnover fest from last weekend from the Fighting Irish and have them as a 3 point favorite which seems strange coming off a loss and having to travel to Ann Arbor. 

So how am I going to predict this game?

Both teams have:

• Guys that can dominate the game on offense - Denard and Floyd
• Two outstanding players on shaky defenses - Mike Martin and Manti Te’O
• Both schools have new coaches and trying to run new schemes (ND has a 1 year advantage)
• Michigan started 2010 strong and ND finished the year strong
• Both are Adidas schools and will be wearing throw back jerseys

• Neither team is ranked but ND was ranked #16 last week
• ESPN Game Day is in the house and it's the prime time game of the week.

Sounds pretty even doesn't it?  Michigan and the Wolverine Fans will be hyped up for the first night at the Big House.  There will be fly overs, hype videos, new jerseys, fireworks and I'm sure other surprises.  Which should get the crowd ready to explode when the Wolverines hit the banner. That "juice" should carry the Wolverines for the 1st quarter or so. 

Ok, Bob enough hype!  What is going to happen in the game?

I expect ND to have a similar game plan as Western did on Saturday.  They will spread out the Wolverines and try to move the ball down the field through the air.  I would make sure Floyd is closely covered because he is clearly the best player on offense.   ND then will try to hit big plays through mixing in the run, catching the Michigan defense off guard.   I personally don't care who the ND QB is since they both can play.   The ND WR's are fast and if they cut out the mistakes they had last week they will be difficult for the Wolverines DB's to cover.  Michigan needs a 100% healthy Troy Woolfolk and it would help if the new Detroit Lion Donovan Warren could dress on Saturday night as well.

Greg Mattison has a tough job this week trying to figure out how to cover Floyd with more then one player, covering the other talented receivers while trying to stop the run.  That is a big task for the Michigan defense that is prone to giving up lots of yards and points to good any offenses.   It's clear Vegas hasn't forgot the Gator Bowl either.

ND has the same problem with trying to stop Denard.  Here is a quote from their DC:
"Unfortunately it just is what it is," defensive coordinator Bob Diaco said. "We need to be perfect, because any little crease and it's over, he's gone. It's not like, somebody hits a crease and he rattles for eight, 10 yards and you get him on the ground. This guy hits the crease and he can punch a hole in the top of the defense like that." …

"It's just a monumental task defending a runner at quarterback in particular, that it almost gives you the feeling like they're playing with 12," Diaco said. "It's a problem." 

I expect to see the ball in Denard's hands more then last week.  The ND defense will all go to Denard on the threat of a run and should leave Michigan TE's and WR's wide open.  Look for big days from Koger, JR and Roundtree.   I don't expect big days for the Michigan running backs unless Al Borges can just flat out fool the defense.   Speaking of fooling the D, I expect a trick play from the Wolverines on Saturday night.  Could it be a pass to Denard?   I also expect to see Hopkins in the I formation as a FB that could get a few carries.  The Michigan offense didn't show much last week and us fans hope there is a lot more to come. 

I hate to say who wins the turn over battle will win the game because that is usually the case in any football game.  The talent is pretty even and I would say the biggest gap is between ND's offense and Michigan's defense.  Most believe that ND won't have the turnovers they did last weekend but I will tell you this, after watching the Wolverines the last few years, turnovers are contagious and sometimes they just don't totally go away from game to game. 

Sing Hail to the Victors Late Night if:

• Denard stays healthy and can dominate
• The Michigan WR's and TE's have big nights
• The Michigan Defense can take one thing away from the ND offense (Floyd or the running game)
• Michigan wins the turnover battle

You feel like Bo when he said, "To Hell with Notre Dame"

• If we have flash backs to when Boubacar tried to cover the ND WR's
• Brian Kelly isn't angry at all
• The Michigan defensive line doesn't get any pass rush at all
• Michigan's offense struggles and can't keep pace on the score board. 

Michigan needs to limit the big plays on Saturday night and I feel the key unit will the Michigan defense.  Both teams will score points and who gets the most stops will win the game.  I have a feeling we are going to see a ton of points and a close game.   Watch the TE's on both sides, they could be a huge difference in the game.  ND is used to playing night games so the first Big House night game shouldn't play too much of a factor for them.   One play or turnover will change this game and tip it for the other team.

Michigan 34 Notre Dame 31

GO BLUE

Michigan Thursday: Recruiting Updates

Big Weekend for the Big House, lights, camera's and football for the first time.

Here is some notes from the recruiting world:

• With TRich not taking visits and sticking with Michigan, the thought was that maybe Michigan was going to back off Yuri Wright.  Nope, they still want him in this class for sure.

• Danny O'Brien's recruitment continues to look positive for Michigan.  I think he still wants to take visits but the "pull" of the Big House at night might convince him to be a Wolverine.  He will be in Ann Arbor on Saturday night.

• Jordan Payton the former USC commit will be in Ann Arbor for his official this weekend.  He is down to Michigan and CAL.   The word on the street is Michigan should have WR commit in the next week or so. 

• Not coming this weekend is WR Powe and OL Garnett.  Both want to reschedule and it seems Garnett is going to take visits after the season.  Both are on the West Coast and hard to travel across country with a game on Friday.

• There continues to be rumors that Bri'onte Dunn's verbal to Ohio is a "soft one".  He is 50/50 that he will be in A2 on Saturday night.

• Amara Darboh's legal guardian wasn't real excited about Brian Kelly's rage last weekend: “I know how emotional it gets out there,” [Dan Schafer, the guardian] said. “I understand that’s part of the game. I really do. But it did shock me. You hold Notre Dame up a little higher than that. It made me wonder how I would feel if Amara was treated like that on national TV.”

• Wow it continues to look good for a match between 5 star center Mitch McGary and Michigan Basketball.  I still don't want to think about it, because the awesomeness of M2 coming to A2 would be mind blowing.

• Current verbal Eric Magnuson will be in town on Saturday.

• There should be plenty of 2013 guys and current instate commits under the lights as well.

Big Ten Preview Week 2

Week one was like Big Ten's version of the NFL's preseason.   I am still in favor of each Big Ten team playing a preseason game against a D1A or a team not on the schedule so they can work the bugs out and give some guys some game experience (for example freshman wouldn't lose thier redshirt if they played).  Charge everyone $5 to get in and enjoy the show.   It would be great for revenue and maybe the first game of the year wouldn't be so bad if the kids got a chance to play a preseason game. 

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

GAME OF THE WEEK

Alabama at Penn State:  This was a miss match last year and I still think it's pretty close to one.  Bama has some young QB's but they still have a very strong defense and running game (even with Dee Hart out with an ACL).  Bama is ranked #3 in the county and Penn State is ranked #23.  JoPa's team is better then they were last year but Bama's defense is just way too strong and will be the difference in the game.   Bama is favored by 10.  Sabin 24 Jopa 10

The Rest of the games...........

Florida Atlantic at MSU:  Sparty plays FAU at home even when they play them on the road (last years game was at Ford Field).   Sparty struggled in this game last year for some reason.  Vegas doesn't expect them to this year making them a 32 point favorite.  With MSU struggling with YSU last week, I would take the points and see what happens.  MSU 31 FAU 14

Toledo at Ohio State:  Bucky does a great job helping the Ohio economy by playing other MAC schools in the state.  It's just a way to give back instead of rigging raffles I guess.  This will be another bad game before OSU heads to Miami (no not Miami of Ohio but I see what you were thinking!) to play a real game.   If you watched the Akron game last week, just change the color of the jersey for the visitor and there you go.   Bucky is a 19 point favorite, which means Toledo can play a little bit.  OSU 28 Toledo 7

Iowa at Iowa State:  This is the annual game for that Corn Trophy that everyone hated.   So you got that going for you.  Iowa State is probably more concerned if they will be in Conference USA next year.   This is a road game for the Hawkeyes and this game is usually close even though ISU isn't that great most years.  Iowa is a 7 point favorite on the road.   Iowa 21 ISU 20

Oregon State at Wisconsin:  I have to give Wisky credit for scheduling a PAC 12 opponent on Saturday.  Most years this would be a really good game but OSU lost to a team that I didn't even know had a football team last week.  I always think a team is dangerous the week after an upset.  I would give OSU a better chance if Wisconsin had to travel across country, they don't and I don't think this one will be close.  Wisconsin is a 20.5 favorite.   Wisc 40 OSU 17

Fresno State at Nebraska:  Usually Fresno State has a pretty good team, I guess that is not the case this year as Nebraska is 28 point favorite.  I haven't seen either team this year but there is no way Fresno is going to be able to stop the running game of Taylor Martinez.  Neb 42 FSU 10

South Dakota State at Illinois:  I guess South Dakota was already booked for this Saturday.  This game is embarrassing to the Big Ten.  Are you kidding me?  Only one service has a line on this game and Zook is a 20.5 favorite.   Someone needs to give Zook the number to a few MAC schools.   Ill 45 SDS 3

Virgina at Indiana:  Neither team is very good but I have to credit IU for playing the ACC.  Back in the day this would be a good basketball match up but after IU lost to Ball State last weekend, I think the new coaches will install a countdown clock until Gunner Kiel is on campus.  Virgina is a 7 point favorite on the road.  IU 10 Virgina 7


Eastern Illinois at Northwestern:  The Wildcats had a nice win at BC last week without their starting QB.  I think Persa is still questionable and probably shouldn't play since Northwestern is a 30 point favorite and  Tony Romo isn't showing up for Eastern Illinois (he played there right?). NW 40 EIU 13

New Mexico State at Minnesota:  The Gophers played well at USC last week and almost left LA with an upset.  Jerry Kill is getting some good buzz as the Gophers look to be improved this year.    New Mexico has been a very bad program for the past few years.   Minn is favored by 20 points and it shouldn't be that close.  Minn 51 NMS 2

Purdue at Rice:  This game caught me off guard, I didn't expect that the Boilermakers were going on the road to play Sam McGuffie and Rice.   Sam only had one rush for 4 yards in the Texas game last week and is questionable this week with a leg injury.    Purdue struggled to beat Middle Tennessee State as they blocked a field goal to save the win.  This game has the smallest line of the week with Purdue favored by 1.   I think Rice at home will be tough to beat for Purdue.  I also expect that Texas might be 210 degrees.  Rice 24 Purdue 14

 
There are a lot of noon games this week, so pick the better match ups to watch.  I will pick the ND - Michigan game on Friday.