Wolverine Wednesday: Running Towards the Recruiting Finish Line

The Michigan Basketball team went down to a tough Virgina team last night.   Michigan had trouble in the post and getting rebounds.   The game got away from the Wolverines in the second half.   This is a quality loss and nothing to worry about.  Michigan needs to take care of business in the rest of the non-conference schedule and then play hard during the Big Ten season.  Losses to Duke and Virgina are not going to hurt their NCAA Tournament chances. 

• Urban Meyer isn't wasting any time and has been hitting the phones with OSU commits and recruits.  He already has spoken to Jordan Diamond and Brionte Dunn.  Urban told Dunn that he never had a big back like Brionte and he would for sure get the rock in his offense.  The issue is that, Urban has never had a 1000 yard tailback and Michigan had 2 rushers this year eclipse that mark.   (Tebow had 910 yards rushing in 2009) I still think Michigan looks good for Brionte when the final decision comes.  He will be enrolling at his school of choice is just over a month, so a decision (whether public or not) should come in the next couple of weeks.   Fred Jackson and Jeff Hecklinski will make an in home visit with Brionte today.

• Jordan Diamond enjoyed his visit to Ann Arbor for the Ohio State game, he still keeps in touch with former teammate Chris Bryant and the weekend helped answer his questions about the Wolverines.  I think the issue with Jordan's recruitment is that he is going to wait until signing day to make a decision, which could be too late for Michigan.  Watch for the new head coach hire at Illinois (whoever that is) making Jordan a huge priority.

• Ondre Pipkins visited this weekend and is doing some nice recruiting for the Wolverines for the 2012 class.  

• WR Recruiting still seems to be a head scratcher:  I am very surprised that with a 5 star QB coming in 2013 and a 5 star QB on the bench, that WR's are not lining up to commit to Michigan.  Michigan is still looking for 2 WR prospects out of these recruits:  Amara Darboh, Jordan Payton, Jehu Chesson and Stefon Diggs.   Other recruits that maybe a possibility include: Monty Madaris, Kenny Lawyer and MSU commit Aaron Burbridge.  Kenny just de-committed from ASU and mentioned interest in the Wolverines in the last week.  The rumor was that Burbridge was interested in Michigan but had some academic issues.   If those had clear up, you never know!  Neither Diggs nor Madaris has visited Ann Arbor yet, so there is still work to be done if Michigan is going to be a true possibility. 

Michigan Tuesday: All Big Ten and Some Recruiting Updates

David Molk was named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year last night.  I didn't know that was an award but congratulations to a guy that deserves it!  David made 1st team All Big Ten (Coaches - 2nd team Media)

Taylor Lewan made 2nd team All Big Ten (Coaches)
Mike Martin also made 2nd team.  (Media and Coaches)
Denard Robinson 2nd team. (Media)

Recruiting Update

• Brionte Dunn was called by Urban Meyer last night.  I think he is a bit conflicted at this point.   I think his heart is with OSU but his head is with Michigan.  I would expect he is going to be quiet for a week or so before he makes a final decision.  He is still planning another visit (Official) to Ann Arbor with his friend Kyle Kalis.   I still think Michigan leads but it's close. The Michigan coaches are planning to be in home with Brionte this week, so is Urban of course.

• Speaking of Kyle he is now a 5 Star Recruit to Rivals as well as Scouts.  (He was on a trip to NYC with his family and was not at the OSU game)

• Michigan is in the top 8 for 5 star WR Stefon Diggs.   Diggs is good friends with Blake Countess and we need to get him on campus for visit.  Maybe during Bowl Practice (before the quiet period starts in Mid December maybe?). 

• Yuri Wright is still planning a visit to Ann Arbor after his playoffs are completed. 

• Jordan Diamond is still planning a signing day decision. 

• Josh Garnett loved his visit to Ann Arbor last week and now has Michigan in his top 2.  There was also a rumor he bought a ton of gear at the MDen before he left for the airport. 

• One new guy to keep an eye on is TE Taylor McNamara who Michigan has started to recruit hard after Pharaoh Brown took his Oregon visit.  He is also friends with Josh Garnett.   Taylor has one official visit left and is considering Michigan for that spot.   Taylor is also expecting an in home visit from the Michigan coaches this week.   I believe Taylor is Michigan's last shot at landing a TE in this class.  If they don't get him, I expect they fill the spot with a DB or an Offensive lineman.

Michigan Monday: BCS Pieces, Urban Development, Recruiting Notes

If you haven't heard, the worst kept secret in sports is Urban Meyer to Ohio State.  Done deal, not sure I understand it but hay, welcome to the jungle and we will see you in a year.  Thanksgiving at the Meyer Family household:  "Family, I have decided to move you from Florida to Columbus, I spent enough time with you this year and I am feeling much better now.  Working once a day and cashing a nice pay check just isn't enough fun for me."  Wow Dad, Thanks!   The Ohio State Rivalry is back and they could have hired Bill Belichick for all I care.   A strong Michigan and Ohio State is good for the Big 10.   The rumored Gator Bowl between Florida and Ohio State should be nice and awkward.   


BCS

Many Michigan fans are wondering if Michigan is going to a BCS Bowl or not.   Most experts expect them to end up in the Sugar Bowl against Houston.       The problem is, Michigan hasn't qualified for a BCS Bowl yet.  They have to be in the top 14 in the BCS standings.      Right now they are #16 and actually dropped a spot after their win over Ohio State. 

So what has to happen next weekend for Michigan to qualify for a BCS Bowl ?  BTW, the Citrus Bowl has already tweeted that Michigan is their first choice if they don't qualify for a BCS Bowl.  So next weekend:

1. LSU has to beat #14 Georgia:  Many believe LSU could lose this game and still end up in the NC.  If that is the case, Michigan's BCS spot would go Georgia.   LSU not only has to beat them, they have to win by a nice margin.  A loss to the #1 team might not have a big effect if it's close.  They should drop below Michigan with 3 losses but a blow out helps Michigan.
2. A Houston,  Boise State or a Oregon  loss would help as well, but not likely.
3. The Big Ten Championship game loser should drop below Michigan because they will have 3 losses.  Currently, MSU is ranked 13 and Wisconsin is 15 in the BCS.    A close game could hurt Michigan here, some think MSU won't drop too low if they lose a close game to Wisconsin since they beat Michigan.  A Wisconsin blow out helps Michigan, even an MSU win helps Michigan because Wisconsin would drop for sure.
4. A Oklahoma loss to OK State, should drop Oklahoma below Michigan.  The game is being played in Stillwater.
5. It would be good for Texas to beat #17 Baylor just in case the Poll voters decide to move Baylor up a few spots if they win. 
6. It wouldn't hurt if Iowa State upset Kansas State either, but not likely. 

So there you have it, we have to have LSU beat Georgia and let's hope they put a whipping on them.  The other games is one to keep an eye on and could help or hurt Michigan's chances. 


Recruiting Notes from the Weekend

• Brionte Dunn:  Attended with his Dad and seemed to have another good time.  I think he is keeping his decision and his decision time frame pretty quiet right now.  The word on the street is that the Urban Meyer hire doesn't help his recruitment to C-Bus at all.  He prefers more of a power run game then the spread.   Having Michigan have 2 thousand yard rushers has to help his case to come to Ann Arbor.     I would say Michigan is trending strong right now but I'm sure Urban will be on the phone today with him.   Brionte is planning on enrolling in January so his decision should come in the next two weeks or so. 

• Josh Garnett:  tweeted some interesting things after his visit:   @taylormcnamara1 man Michigan was crazy fun. You can tell the legacy and tradition being there. We need to talk asap ---- Thank you to @umichfootball for showing me a great time I love it in michigan can't wait to be back! #GoBlue.   He also ran into Jake Long at a local Ann Arbor restaurant.   Taylor is a TE that Michigan is starting to recruit to replace Pharaoh Brown.  I would say it was a good visit.

• Amara Darboh visited Ann Arbor this weekend and some insiders expected a commit.  That didn't happen and he might take a couple more visits before he decides.  ND and Michigan are his top two right now.  Jordan Payton is all over the board, so Michigan might be looking at a few more WR's in the 2012 class.   A new name to keep an eye on is, 4 star WR Kenny Lawler who is a soft commit to ASU (which is firing their head coach today). 

• 2013 WR recruit Laquon Treadwell was on campus as well and wants to get his Mom up to Ann Arbor as soon as possible.

Ohio State ReCap: The Winds of Change

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

I don't know how you watch a Michigan game but my family and friends can attest I get a bit emotional during games.  Michigan could be playing Northwestern or MSU doesn't really mater.   My emotions flow from anticipation, to joy to even levels sadness or disbelief.  Believe or not there even could be some foul language when things go wrong.   When Michigan plays Ohio State and we haven't won a game in 7 years, those emotions move to another mental state that I'm not familiar with.  At some point today around 3:15 this afternoon, I lost my mind.  Not sure what came over me,  but when Michigan went from a game clinching touchdown TWICE to watching JT Floyd get burned for what looked like the game winning pass (that just floated over Posey's head), to Miller spiking a 3rd down and then throwing a pick to finish the game. 

This game is not what I expected.  For some reason Ohio State plays like Ohio State for 11 weeks and when they see the Winged Helmets they turn into the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Miller was doing his best Vince Young impression with his arm and legs.   They moved the ball against the Michigan defense like only ND has this year and still Michigan found away to win both games. 

Denard almost played a perfect game, minus the fumble it was one of his best efforts.  Big Al Borges knew this was Denard's game to win or lose and put it 100% on his shoulders. Denard was ready hungry and played for his current and former teammates in what was great big game performance. 

Cheers

• Denard "freaking" Robinson
• Michigan's O-Line
• Fitz Toussaint
• All the Seniors
• The Big House Crowd
• Brady Hoke being 10-2 in year 1

Jeers

• JT Floyd (are you kidding me, you let Posey behind you on the last drive?)
• Will Hagerup, Come on man.
• Troy Woolfolk,  Struggled all day.
• Greg Mattison (first time on the list but OSU should not have not been able to move the ball so well on your unit)
• Steve Watson and Pat Omameh those penalties almost cost Michigan the game.

This was a great win and I have some more random thoughts. 

• Enough with the "days since OSU lost to Michigan"  For the record, Michigan didn't beat OSU last year but since they played with "Professionals" the game officially didn't have a winner.

• For those that enjoy conspiracy theory's:  The replay booth over turns the Fitz TD run, when one replay shows he was short of the goal line and another replay shows he got in.  If I am correct, if they have two conflicting views, they have to go with the call on the field (which was a TD).  Michigan was a 7.5 favorite and that would have put them up by 10 points.   The refs called two penalties on the next play almost guaranteeing a field goal attempt making the lead 6 points.   

• I'm not sure how Michigan got on the bad side of the replay booth refs but they need to send them a fruit basket or something.  It seems every close call goes against Michigan these days. 

• I hope Michigan gets a BCS bid and if I could put my vote in, I would vote for the Orange Bowl.  How about a Virgina Tech - Michigan match up?

• Where did this season go?  It seems like it just started.

Let's hope the recruits enjoyed themselves and we can wrap up the 2012 class in the next month or so.  I was really impressed how the team competed today and didn't give up even when things started to go wrong. 

It seemed that "the Wind" played a big role in this years team.  The wind blew Rich Rod to the desert and brought us Brady Hoke from the West Coast.  Brady and Greg Mattison blew into town and turned this defense right around.  Michigan learned from the Wind Storm in East Lansing and under similar conditons it didn't phase them against Illinois.  Today the wind blew through the Big House and blew away 7 years of loses and it even might have blown in a new head coach for the Buckeyes.  Whether it was Miller's arm or that Ann Arbor wind, the winning pass blew a few yards away from Posey to seal the game for the Wolverines.  The winds of change feel good to Wolverines fans everywhere.  It's a wind we remember, it's a wind that feels right. 

David Guralnick/The Detroit News

Whether it's the BCS or the Citrus, this team can hold it's head high and the seniors can get a good nights sleep that the Buckeyes went down today.    All is right in the Wolverine Nation again.

Ohio State Preview

Time: Noon
Location: BigHouse
TV: ABC
Weather: High of 57 with Showers
Line: Michigan -7.5

He cheated he lied and lied a little more

His players had so much ink their arms were sore

 7 in a row he laughed, seems such a shame

That the best rivalry in sports isn’t even a game

Sure my players were ready

I just got them a free tattoo and a great deal on a 2007 Chevy

They paid me to win and not to follow the rules
I just needed to beat Michigan so I used all my tools

Tressel walked out the door and said with a grin
That Urban is on the way, can he win without sin?

Tressel, Rodriguez and Carr are now all gone
It makes you think, where did it all go wrong?

Now things have changed and Michigan is 9-2
But these Buckeyes will be ready to play the Maize and Blue

A Buckeyes win could save Luke Fickell
Who seems to be headed for the same success as NASCAR’s Dick Trickle

Hoke calls them “Ohio” and leaves out the State
Some fans think he got to Ann Arbor 3 years to late

Robinson, Martin and VanBurgen are ready for this game
They could play it right now, at the corner of Stadium and Main

Tressel dominated Carr and Rodriquez to

But he never beat Hoke or these brothers of Blue

You tuned in for a prediction,

Which I hope you keep between you and me

Michigan 32 Ohio State 3

GO BLUE!

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 13

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Here is a quick preview for the Big Ten games this weekend.   My prediction is Wisconsin will play MSU in Indy and Wisconsin will head to the Rose Bowl. 

Big Ten Game of the Week:

Penn State at Wisconsin:  Winner goes to Indy.  Penn State has a lot to play for with it's program being turned upside down the last month.  Wisconsin does as well as they were in the NC discussion before they lost on back to back hail mary passes.   Penn State has a nice defense but a poor offense.  Wisconsin has much better balance on both sides of the ball and is large two touchdown favorite (14.5).  That line seems high to me.   Wisconsin 24 Penn State 14

The rest of the games

Iowa at Nebraska (Friday):  Short week for both teams and this new "Corn Rivalry".  Iowa is a strange team, who doesn't play well on the road.  Nebraska got embarrassed at the Big House last week.  Nebraska is a 9.5 favorite.   Nebraska will play better then last week and Iowa will be over come with its first trip to Nebraska.   Nebraska 31 Iowa 10

MSU at Northwestern:  This is a serious "upset alert" game.  MSU is looking forward to going to the first Big Ten Championship game and might be over looking a Northwestern team that is getting better each week.  Michigan State is the better team but they are already mad they might loose a BCS bid to another Big Ten school.   MSU is -7.   I tell you what, I feel this game will be an upset.    MSU 30 Northwestern 31

Purdue at IU:  Purdue has everything to play for, which is a 6th win and a bowl bid.  This will be IU's last game of the year.   Purdue is -7.5 in this game.  Purdue 28 IU 14

Illinois at Minnesota:  Zook is doing anything he can to hold on to his job.  Minnesota is still a mess but is getting better week by week.  Illinois plays very good defense and if they can stop the turnovers should win this game pretty easy.   Zook is -10.5 on the road.  Illinois 21 Minnesota 7


The Game will be previewed on Friday Morning. 

Wolverine Wednesday: A Duke, A Pharaoh, A Rich and a Urban

Walk into a bar............... Just kidding.

Michigan played hard last night but couldn't get by a cold shooting first half and lost to Duke.   Most basketball people thought Michigan had a chance but wasn't favored to win the game.   So a realistic expectation for Michigan on this trip was 2-1 and they could hit that mark with a win over UCLA tonight on ESPN at 7:30.   Duke by the way, shoots the basketball like an NBA team.  When any team shoots that well, they are going to be hard to beat. 

• Pharaoh Brown, tweeted some things yesterday: "For everybody who wants to know I never de-committed from Michigan. They said they don't consider me a commit because my official visit (to Oregon). That's their policy."   "Yes I am changing my position and will be weighing all my options."  We sort of knew all this but it was confirmation, from him.  Look for Michigan to take another position player to replace Brown in this class.  It seems playing TE is what Brown wants to do in college.   It was said he would of had a shot at that position at Michigan. 

• The Urban Meyer news to OSU keeps leaking out.  Funny how that works during Michigan week.  This is no mistake folks.   Luke Fickell is said to have a job on the current staff.  Meyer is said to also be taking a number of Florida assistants.    I still don't know how you go from Florida to OSU after citing health concerns and wanting to spend more time with your family. 

• Memo to Big House Blog inmates:  Don't be concerned about this hire.  We want OSU and Michigan to be the elite programs in the Big Ten.  The Big Ten Championship Game should always have these two teams playing a re-match.  Also don't forget we had the "hottest' coach in the land come to Ann Arbor 3 years ago.  You can find him today in the desert.   Yes, some top players from Ohio will go to Columbus, but don't forget that Hoke probably has a better reputation with HS coaches in Ohio right now then even Meyer does.  Sorry Mark Dantonio that you didn't get the job.  (Don't be fooled, he would have taken that job in a New York minute)

• I watched Rich Rodriguez press conference yesterday to Arizona.  Sounded and seemed very familiar.  I like Rich Rod and thought his heart was in the right place.   I also think he can coach offense like probably only a few people in the sport.   With that said, he does not communicate with the press very well and after what we know now, he was never a good fit in Ann Arbor.   I think he will do fine in Arizona, I think his biggest challenges will be Defense and recruiting out west, which has not been a big strong point from him.   He did mention pulling the top two guys from Arizona in the past (Lewan and Roh) and will recruit AZ hard.  Coach Graham at Pitt is clearly concerned that RR will be poaching his staff.    Graham said he is not worried about Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez luring assistants Calvin Magee, Tony Gibson and Tony Dews away from Pitt. Rodriguez, hired by the Wildcats on Tuesday, was coach at West Virginia with those three assistants and brought them with him to Michigan in 2008.Gibson, who is Pitt's pass defense coordinator, also played and coached for Rodriguez at Glenville (W.Va.) State. "You hire good people, and sometimes, you have people come after them," he said. "We really pride ourselves on how we take care of our staff and the commitment we make to them. You can't worry about things you can't control. I'm not worried one bit about it."  Clearly coach is concerned. 

• If your an assistant coach and want to coach at Pitt, Florida or Arizona.  Get your resume ready.
  

Michigan Tuesday: Ohio State Visitor Update

As expected, this is one of the most anticipated weekend's for potential recruits to make it to Ann Arbor.  We all know it's the best Rivalry in college sports and so do the recruits.  They want to be there to see what this game is really about.  

Top 2012 Guys Visiting

• Brionte Dunn, RB
• Josh Garnett, OL
• Amara Darboh, WR
• Jehu Chesson, WR
• Dan Gibbs, OL (In state 6'7 320 pound OL with only a couple of MAC offers - guessing he is a walk on candidate.  Talk about upside!)

There should be 14-15 commits there as well (including Pipkins, Houma, Magnuson and Standifer).  Kyle Kalis is not expected to make it due to a trip with his family. The Cass Tech kids have a playoff game.   There should be over 20 2013 recruits at the game as well. 

• RR to AZ:  By know this is old news, so I wanted to give you my take on hire of RR.  I think this is a good fit for Rich Rod.  Arizona is a basketball school and football is an after thought.  Their last coach was Bob Stoops brother (friend of RR btw) who was defensive minded.   Of course they now go in the complete opposite direction and hire an offense minded coach.  My random thoughts on the hire:

- I wonder is the AZ AD read 3 and Out.  If he didn't he should have.  It gets you into the mind of RR and his style of coaching.  Even though many of readers felt the book came off in support of RR, I thought it showed some lack of overall communication and leadership skills.  I would have read the book before signing him to a multi-million dollar contract.

- I hope he does well in AZ, he will have a lot of rope to succeeded.  Much more then in did in A2.

- Hire a good defense coordinator, no matter the cost.   RR clearly doesn't want to coach defense or can't coach defense.  If Casteel is the answer, pay him the extra $10K a year and bring him as well.

- Mike Barwis in the desert is a no brainer.  That is one big Barwis Beach. 

- Recruiting could be an issue.  Right now they have the 57th rated 2012 class by Scouts.   AZ is known for poor facilities and RR doesn't recruit out West very well.   He is more of a Florida guy. 

-The PAC 12 is known for explosives offenses and not very good defenses.  How about an Oregon - AZ match up in a couple of years?  It will be like those WAC games back in the day when each team was scoring in the 80's. 

-RR to AZ was like the 10+ story on Sportscenter last night.  Every miss step at Michigan was like story #2.  Welcome to the coaching witness protection program at a basketball school.

- Good Luck RR!

•  I hope you got to see the Michigan - Memphis game on TV yesterday afternoon.  John Beilein took that young Memphis coach to school.   I had always heard stories about John coaching the other coach out of the gym.   This game was a clear example of that.   Michigan won't have that advantage when they play Duke tonight. 

• Michigan is a -7.5 favorite on Saturday.

• Seems Urban Meyer to OSU is now a forgone conclusion.  My take is, so what?  If he wants to sign up up for a couple years of probation, loss of scholarships and other NCAA penalties, be my guest.  I want OSU to be strong when Michigan is strong.  It's good for the rivalry and the Big Ten.   Michigan will still be able to get kids out of Ohio and will continue to play good football.   I sure wouldn't have left Florida for OSU and their problems that is for sure.  I guess that's what happens when you have Earl Bruce as one of your mentors.   It couldn't be any different that facing Tressel.  Let's hope Meyer plays by the rules and doesn't have similar "loose" policies that Tressel did.    Don't be fooled that this is leaking out during Michigan week.  It reminds me when they fired Earl Bruce the week before the Michigan game.  That is ironic isn't it?   Nice try on the PR move. 

This Could Be the Best Week Ever!

Example #1:  Ann Arbor in the rear view mirror

Example #2:  Michigan 73 Memphis 61

Example #3: Cy Young and MVP

Example #4: Short work week, good food and nothing but football

Example #5 on Saturday

Michigan Monday: The Curious Case of Brionte Dunn

Welcome to Ohio State Week!

Brionte Dunn is a 5 star (scouts) RB out of Canton (Glen Oak), Ohio.  He is rated as the #5 RB in the nation and committed to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes on April 26, 2011.   End of story, right?  Nope.

After his commitment the Ohio State program implodes, the NCAA still hasn't dropped the hammer and Jim Tressel has been fired.  With those big changes, Brionte has slightly re-opened his recruitment.  He has taken a couple of trips to Ann Arbor, Columbus and one to Happy Valley.   Now Happy Valley is no longer happy, but that was really never a serious contender for Brionte anyway.   Sources have said it was always a OSU - Michigan battle. 

So what would change Brionte's mind and have him come to Ann Arbor?

His cousin is a 2013 verbal commitment to the Wolverines Dymonte Thomas who is a RB himself but is coming to Ann Arbor as a DB.

His good friend Kyle Kalis has already de-committed from the Buckeyes and committed to the Wolverines.   Brionte also noticed how some insane OSU fans hit social media to attack Kyle when he changed his mind and became a Wolverine.  Brionte's father has also made it clear that they are watching the NCAA situation very closely and noticed the recent new charge of "Lack of Institutional Control" , the self imposed scholarship reductions and a possible bowl ban.  They are very concerned about a bowl ban.  

So now Brionte's high school season is over and he took another trip to Ann Arbor on Saturday.  He saw former Ohio RB Fitzgerald Toussaint have a big day on the ground and he got to spend more time with recruits from the 2012 and 2013 class.  He even took some time to take a picture at midfield with his cousin and Shane Morris.  

So what's next in his recruitment?

Reports are that Brionte will be back next Saturday for the Ohio State game on his official visit with Kyle.  This is good news and telling news.  Do you think the Michigan coaches would let a kid who is still committed to Ohio State visit for the OSU game if he wasn't really intrested in Michigan? 

Brionte is also planning on enrolling in January at his school of choice. 

You want my take?

I think Brionte is concerned about Ohio State fans reaction when he makes his final decision.  If I was a betting man, I would put a $1 that he shows up on Michigan's campus in January and then announces he is no longer committed to Ohio State.    Let's hope it plays out that way!

Could the impending hire of Urban Meyer in Columbus effect Kyle and Brionte?
It could, but remember recruiting is all about relationships with the coaches and as far as I know Urban doesn't know either Kyle or Brionte.    So he would really have a late start and I don't expect a final NCAA finding this year.   

More Recruiting News:

• Pharaoh Brown is no longer a committed recruit for the Wolverines.   One of the "rules" the Michigan coaches ask committed high school players is, "If you want to commit, don't take any visits.  If your want to take visits, take them and commit later".    Pharaoh Brown took a secret visit to Oregon over the weekend and Tweeted about it.  He didn't let the Michigan coaches know and now he is no longer part of the 2012 class.  Pharaoh is a great athlete that could play TE or DE at the next level.  Recent news was he was going to take a shot at TE at Michigan.  Now he might be on the outside looking in.  We will see if they can rebuild this bridge or head in another direction.  

If you think about it, Michigan has 5 (Payton, Darboh, Dunn, Wright, and a # of OL's) really interested guys/positions and only 4 spots.  Now they have 5. 

Nebraska Gets Husked at the Big House

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

The RR Experience is now dead and the Wolverines can put a nail in that coffin next Saturday at 3:30 with a win over rival Ohio State. 

We all have been critical of Denard and Al Borges for Michigan's 2 losses this year.   The play calling and decision making in Iowa City and East Lansing were questionable at best.   Saturday they got their revenge. 

Denard played a near perfect game (minus the tipped screen pass) and Al finally figured out that for this offense to be effective they have to run the Spread primarily and the pro set power game secondarily. 

Credit also goes to the Michigan defense and Greg Mattison who has to be a leading candidate for best assistant in the country award.   Last year the Michigan defense gave up 35 points a game which ranked 108 in the country. This year Michigan is giving up 15 points a game, which ranks 7th in the country.   Same players, better coaching and fundamentals.   An unbelievable turn around. 

The Michigan offense was moving the ball and the defense was stopping Martinez and Burkhead, so all the Michigan special teams had to do was protect the ball and not make mistakes.  Instead, for the first time this year the Wolverines Special Teams unit were a game changer.  There were good returns, made field goals, fake field goals,  a blocked punt, 2 fumbles recovered, and a roughing the kicker penalty.   It's hard to beat any team with those type of results out of a special teams unit.   

Cheers

• Denard Robinson
• Al Borges Playing Calling
• Mike Martin and Ryan VanBurgen are playing great!
• Greg Mattison's defense transformation
• Fitzgerald Toussaint running the ball strong and staying healthy
• Michigan's offensive line
• Jordan Kovacs for his consistent good play

Jeers

• Urban Meyer for a lot of things.  OSU really? The Buckeyes over health concerns and family?  Florida over Ohio?  The last straw was Urban trying to make the case for Devin Gardner playing QB over Denard Robinson during the game.  I know Urban clearly understands football so he must not understand the Michigan Wolverines very well.   There are 1000 reasons to keep Denard on the field. 
• Will Hagerup has to be better punting the football, his punts to me look low and not very far. 
• Gallon's mistake to let that punt behind him changed the momentum of the game, luckily for Michigan the roughing the punter call changed it back.  After that the tired Nebraska defense had enough. 
• Michigan couldn't stop Nebraska's LB David at all.  It seemed like he was in on every tackle. 
• Denard's screen pass was not thrown very well but the defense held the Cornhuskers to a field goal.
• The big dollar HD scoreboards that weren't working.  Not good Mr. Brandon!

This is the Michigan team we all hoped was there and have been waiting all year to show up.  The steps that defense and specials teams have taken are very impressive.   One of my biggest knocks on RR wasthat  his teams didn't get better during the year, they got worse.  That is a clear sign of poor coaching and mostly on the defensive unit.  RR used to say, it's just so hard to win with freshman playing important positions.  That doesn't seem to be the case for the 9-2 Wolverines this year.

The Wolverines still have some unfinished business next Saturday before they make their bowl travel plans.  Sure I would like a BCS invite but I would much rather have a 11-2 record and a top 15 finish.  I can't wait to see how good this team can play with 15 extra bowl practices.

Michigan Friday: Recruiting Update

• Brionte Dunn and his cousin (2013 commit) Dymonte Thomas will be visiting A2 for the Nebraska game this weekend.    It would have probably been a un-comfortable situation if he visited for the OSU game with him being an OSU commit. 

• Darboh is still planning an OSU game visit, he is visiting ND this week. 

• Lots of buzz around Stefon Diggs and Michigan continues.  We shouldn't get too excited about this until he takes a visit to Ann Arbor to see Michigan and his buddy "The Count".

• No news on Jordan Payton, many people believe his family wants him to stay on the West Coast but that Jordan is interested in ND and Michigan.  Decision could come at anytime. 

• Yuri Wright won't be coming this week or next.  His coach has delayed all visits until they are finished with playoffs.  Yuri is still expected to make it to A2 and has Michigan still very high on his list.

• I have gotten a couple questions on Penn State recruits that might flip to Michigan, first off Zettel can't transfer to Michigan without paying his own way, so I would let that dream die.  The only other two that Michigan might be interested in is: Tommy Schutt and Armani Reeves.  I highly doubt Michigan will take another DT in this class (so Tommy should be out) and Michigan might have some interest in Armani if things go wrong with Wright. 

Nebraska Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
TV: ESPN
Weather: Cloudy and High of 50
Line: Michigan -3.5
On the line: Possible BCS birth for either team if they win out


Nebraska has been welcomed to the Big Ten by getting probably the toughest Big 10 schedule this year, they have played Wisconsin, MSU, Ohio State, Penn State and now Michigan.   They have a new rivalry game with Iowa next week.  I'm sure there is a corn trophy on the line.   That is pretty much the Who's Who of the Big Ten.  They have done pretty well with only losses to Wisconsin on the road and Northwestern at home.  

Nebraska is similar to Michigan with a dynamic QB that likes to run and they have a very good RB in Burkhead who has 212 carries and over 1000 yards already.   They also (like Michigan) prefer to run then pass. Both teams on defense will single cover WR's so they can add more defenders in the box to stop the run.   Martinez is not Joe Montana but he can hit a wide open WR or TE.    So Michigan can't sleep on the passing game. 

Nebraska has always been known for it's defense and the "Black Shirts".  Those shirts this year are injured but Bo Pelini is a defensive coach and will have his team ready to stop Denard and Fitz.  
On offense, Nebraska played at Penn State with walk-ons Spencer Long and Seung Hoon Choi at guard.  These guys had to play every snap because they didn't have any back ups on the trip.  (Advatange Martin and VanBurgen).  On defense, defensive tackle Chase Rome (pulled hamstring) played at about 70 percent at PSU and Nebraska is already without defensive tackles Jared Crick and Thad Randle who are out for the rest of the year.

Tale of the Tape

Michigan Running Game vs. Nebraska Defense = Michigan

Martinez & Burkhead vs. Greg Mattison = Push (maybe a slight edge to Nebraska)

Health = Michigan

Intangibles = Michigan being at home and Nebraska's first visit to the Big House

This game will come down to which defense plays the best.   Both defenses were on the road last week and held the home teams to 14 points each.   Nebraska got behind in the second quarter against Wisconsin and tried to pass their way back which turned into a blow out.  This game will probably take about an hour to play because I doubt we will see the ball in the air much by either side.  Look for Nebraska to try to keep this game close. 

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

• Borges and Mattison have come up with great game plans
• Denard is healthy and plays the entire game
• No turnovers on offense!
• The Michigan LB's have a great day and stay in their lanes
• Michigan finds away to get their WR's involved in the game
• Fitz and Denard each have over 100 yards rushing

Say I hate Red Teams if............................

• Martinez and Burkhead get big runs
• The Michigan D doesn't force Nebraska to pass the ball
• Devin Gardner starts under center
• Michigan turns the ball over on offense
• The young Wolverine LB's look like young LB's

This is a coordinator battle and which defense can stop the others offense.   It is plain and simple as that.  Both teams are going try to make hay on the ground and the Michigan defense will have to be smart against the run option with Martinez and Burkhead.   If Mattison has coached them up this week and the LB's play smart, I like a one dimensional offense vs Greg Mattison's defense.    I would say the same thing in reverse if Nebraska wasn't so beat up on that side of the ball. 

Here is how I see it:

• Denard has to play and play well
• Greg Mattison has two running teams coming into the Big House back to back and he needs to shut down both teams.
• This will be a field possession game
• Not a ton of points
• The Michigan defense has some confidence and needs to continue to play well
• Stop the Run!!!!
• Both punters will play a big role in trying to flip field possession
• Michigan has to take advantage of Nebraska's injuries

Michigan 28 Nebraska 17

GO BLUE

Big Ten Preview Week 12

The Big Ten shook off the "can't play on the road" tag with good road wins by Michigan, Nebraska and Michigan State.  The road to Indy is now much clearer with Michigan State just having to play a bad IU team and Northwestern on the road.   Penn State has to travel to OSU and Wisconsin to cement it's spot.  Since that program has been turned upside down the last two weeks, Wisconsin is the odds on favorite to have a "Hail Mary" re-match with MSU in the Championship game.

This week has a couple good games:

Big 10 Game of the Week:

Nebraska at Michigan:  Will be previewed on Friday morning.

The rest of the games:

Penn State at Ohio State:  Both teams have suffered a ton of losses off the field which includes both of their famous coaches being fired.   OSU lost to Purdue and Penn State played tough but lost a close game to Nebraska last weekend.  A win puts Penn State one step closer to Championship game but it's trip next week to Wisconsin will be the Championship play in game.   OSU wants some momentum before they head north to play the Wolverines.   Ohio State is a surprisingly -7 favorite in this game.  Which must mean they play well at home.  Both teams play defense but not much offense and will compare legal bills at halftime for a tie breaker for overtime.   OSU 10 Penn State 7

Minnesota at Northwestern:  The Golden Gophers are playing better but I think Northwestern is a decent team when they play defense.  Persa will be too much for the Minnesota defense.   NW -15.5  Northwestern 38 Minnesota 21

Wisconsin at Illinois:  "You just couldn't let it go, could you Shannon?"  see the video here.   Love Ron Zook and hope he never gets fired.   Wisconsin is favored by 14.5 points.   Zook will need to pull out a few magic tricks to win this game.  Wisconsin 28 Illinois 7

Indiana at Michigan State:  MSU -28 enough said.   MSU 42 IU 14

Iowa at Purdue:  These are two strange teams.  Purdue plays poorly on the road but beat OSU at home last week.  Iowa beat Michigan two weeks ago and then lays an egg against MSU last week.  Purdue is one win away from the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit (I am sure Danny Hope would love that).  Iowa is the better team and Vegas has them at -3.5.   I think Iowa sneaks this one out.  Iowa 24 Purdue 17

 Like mentioned above, Michigan and Nebraska will be previewed here tomorrow.

Wolverine Wednesday: Scout Updates It's 2012 Rankings

Scout has updated its Top 300 player ranking for the 2012 class.  Some Michigan targets and commits moved up and some dropped.  Drake Johnson is now a 3 star and Jevon Ringer due to injury most of his senior year dropped from a 4 to a 3 star, AJ Williams is now a 4 star offensive tackle.  Here are the rankings for the guys of interest:

13 - Stefon Diggs
26- Brionte Dunn
32- Kyle Kalis
37 - Josh Garnett
38 - Zach Banner
73 - Tom Strobel
75- Yuri Wright
76 - James Ross
91- Jordan Payton
95- Joe Bolden
101- Ondre Pipkins
114 - Royce Jenkins Stone
132- Erik Magnuson
152 -Mario Ojemudia
161- Chris Wormley
188- Terry Richarson
206- Amara Darboh
217 - Jarrod Wilson
224 - Devin Funchess
236 - AJ Williams

Joe Bolden moved up from #224  to #94 overall and Tom Strobel moved up from #142 to #73.   Allen Gant moved up in position rankings for Safeties from 53 to 29.

• Joe Bolden also has been added to the UA All American Game.  Joe joins an impressive list of other Wolverines in All Star games.

Michigan Tuesday: No News is Good News

Hoke had his regular press conference on Monday and said that Denard has been throwing the ball well after his wrist injury.  He could have gone back in game if they needed him. 

• Looks like the Nebraska game won't be a huge recruiting weekend for un-committed 2012 prospects.  A number of committed Wolverines will be on the sidelines and 2013 prospects.  Josh Garnett is coming in for Ohio State.  2013 visitor OL Kyle Bosch is one to keep an eye on. 

• Jordan Payton tweeted last night that he is nearing a decision.  Let's hope that's not about where he is going to dinner that night.

• Michigan Basketball beat up on Towson last night.   They have one more game before heading to Maui to face teams like Memphis and Duke.

• Michigan - OSU game is a noon kickoff.  TV is ABC/ESPN

• In the not good news section, Marvin Robinson has been charged with home invasion.  The rumor mill is saying it's a misunderstanding between he and a roommate on some property.

Replay Unkind to the Wolverines

Michigan went 1-1 on it's latest road trip, which could have easily been 2-0 if Michigan had played better in Iowa City. 

With that said, the Wolverines haven't exactly had the best luck when it comes to the Replay Booth lately.   Yes, I had flashbacks to the Illinois game in Denard's and Tate's freshman year, when Roundtree got loose for a long touchdown catch and got caught on the goal line.  Michigan never scored but I think they went to the replay booth 3 out of 4 plays on that goal line stand.   I was lucky enough to be at Memorial Stadium that day.  Those reviews changed the game and John Bacon' calls out that goal line stand in his book 3 and Out as the beginning of the end for Rodriguez at Michigan.  For some strange reason, the Illinois game has been the tipping point for the Wolverines season the last 3 years.  (Last years shootout got the Wolverines bowl eligible)

Back to the last two weeks.  How has the Replay Booth been to the Wolverines?

Check out this list:

- Vincent Smith's long touchdown against Iowa over turned - Correct Call

- Hemingway's non-TD catch against Iowa, not over turned - Too close to call, I thought he caught it

- Denard's TD run along the side line (Illinois) over turned - Correct call he stepped out of bounds

-Avery's fumble return for a TD at the end of the first half, over turned - Not a fumble and Avery's knee was down. Correct call.

- AJ Jenkins long catch - over turned and correct call

Replay calls that went in Michigan's favor 1 out of  5.    (I didn't include Zook's challenge of a fumble where the Illinois running back lost the ball spinning in the air but Zook clearly thought his knee was down)

The above calls took 4 touchdowns off the board or 28 points.   I am not going to mention the spot of the ball on Michigan's 3rd down pass during the Wolverines last visit to the Red Zone in the State game or MSU's backwards pass that was recovered by Michigan but never reviewed.

All of the calls above were correct, minus the too close to call Hemingway catch but I still get nervous when the replay a Michigan touchdown that it might be overturned.  Here is hoping that

Michigan Monday: This Is Denard's Team

Some fans are saying there is a QB controversy at Michigan right now.   This is 100% wrong.  There is a QB health issue right now.  Denard is banged up.   He hurt his wrist on Saturday and missed the 4th quarter and Devin lead them to a couple game clinching touchdowns.

I like Devin but I wish he had gotten more time during Michigan's MAC season rather then the end of the Big Ten season.  He made a nice throw to Odoms to secure the game and more importantly didn't turn the ball over.  What I saw under center was a redshirt freshman who was a little excited to be in the game but a little over his head as well.   If Michigan needed to go 80 yards in two minutes to win the game, I'm not sure Devin would have been able to pull it off. 

Denard has to be the Michigan QB the next two weeks if he is healthy enough.   I don't think he will be anywhere near 100% until the bowl  break.   Denard's threat to run is something that each DC (the next two weeks) will spend a ton of time scheming to stop.    Denard's dynamic game is why Michigan has 8 wins this year and could have 10.   Yes, Denard needs to stop turning the ball over but Michigan is a better offense when he is on the field.   The MVP's this week will be the Michigan Trainers whose job is to get Denard healthy enough to play on Saturday.

Let's hope that Denard's wrist is only bruised and not something worse after MRI's and other tests.

The Michigan coaches need to find away to get the WR's and TE's more involved in the game.  Koger needs more touches and our slot guys (Odoms, Grady and Gallon) can make some plays.   I would like to see one of those guys line up in the backfield for a couple drop down passes.  Roy Roundtree for example has 14 catches for 278 yards this year.  That is a good game!  He had 72 catches for 935 yards last year.   We need to find away to get the ball in these play makers hands.  

• Michigan is 18 in coaches poll and 20 in AP

• Michigan is -2.5 against Nebraska right now

• Michigan's Basketball Game is on ESPN3/Watch ESPN Tonight (online)

Illinois Post Game: A Michigan Defense

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison have been talking about a "Michigan Defense" ever since they re-stepped into Ann Arbor this past January.  "That was a Michigan defense," Mattison said. "That was, without a doubt, a Michigan defense. Because they played as hard as they could, did whatever they had to do.
"Without a doubt, that was a Michigan defense tonight."

Can you remember a game in the last 3 to 4 years where the offense struggled and defense dominated?  I sure can't.  It was a team effort on defense as well.  The Michigan defensive line was lead by seniors Mike Martin and Ryan VanBergen who helped Michigan pressure the Illinois QB's all day which equaled 4 sacks and 37 total yards on the ground. 

JT Floyd lead the secondary with helping hold their #1 WR Jenkins to 103 total yards and a game saving interception.  Mike Martin had a team high 9 tackles.  The Illinois offense averages over 400 yards a game and nearly 200 on the ground.  Michigan held them to 214 total yards for the entire game.

Cheers

• Fitz Toussaint with 192 yards rushing
• Devin Gardner for protecting the lead and making a nice pass to Odoms for a game saving TD
• Greg Mattisoin clearly the best football coach on the field
• The Michigan Defense for a Team Effort
• A road win for only the second time this year

Jeers

• Denard is turning the ball over way too much.  I think he is maybe 60% healthy right now.  If I had to guess he has many more injuries then the wrist he banged on the helmet of and Illinois rusher. 
• Red Zone offense
• Not putting the game away in the first half
• We lost to Iowa?

I am concerned about Denard's health with Nebraska and Ohio State on deck.  The good thing is these are at the Big House the bad thing is we need Denard in both games.   Michigan had a chance to put Illinois away in the first half and didn't do it.  It's great that Fitz has taken the #1 RB job, I personally would like to see Mike Shaw get a few more touches.  I think Vincent Smith is a bit banged up as well.

We are still missing a short passing game that I think the Wolverines really need.  I would like to see the RB sneak out for a few 5-10 yard passes and a few more screens.   Michigan seems very tentative in the redzone and I think they are concerned with Denard's decision making in the passing game.   Michigan needs to be able to pass in the Red Zone and this something they will need to fix. 

All in all Michigan played well on the road and that was something we were all looking for.  Michigan has 8 wins this year, which were the total of RR's first two years combined.   If the offense can get healthy and back on track and the defense can continue to get better each week, these last 3 games are going to be pretty fun.

Illinois Preview

Time: 3:30 EST
Location: Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC/EPSN
Weather: Partly Sunny high of 57, Windy with gusts 19-40 MPH
Line:  Illinois -1

After a week of Big Ten schools making national news, we almost forgot we have a game this week.  BTW: If you missed it, yesterday Ohio State got the NCAA "Failure to Monitor" violation.   The Big Ten Office must be just loving all this Positive News! 

Speaking of the Big Ten this year.  It seems nobody can play on the road.  I think maybe the best road win all year was Northwestern's upset of Nebraska last week.   Illinois is coming off a bye week and Michigan is coming off a loss to Iowa.  

If you remember last year, I think Michigan won 100-99 which got the Wolverines bowl eligible for the first time in two years.  Even though that was a win, that game did nothing to help Rich Rodriguez get a 4th year in Ann Arbor.   Both teams are better on defense this year but both teams have struggled lately. 

Illinois is on a 3 game losing streak which include losses to OSU, Purdue and Penn State.  Michigan is 1-2 in it's last 3 games with only a win over Purdue at home in between road losses.   The one game that sticks out to me is that Ohio State beat Illinois by completing one pass.   Really?  Even though playing well up front on defense the Illinois offense is struggling.   The last 3 losses they have scored 7 - 14 - 7 points.   The 14 came against Purdue. 

Guess What?  This is another no brainer game plan for Illinois.   On defense they will stack the box and try to stop the Michigan run game.   I would assume they tried that against OSU as well.  On offense, they are going to try to get to the edge of the Michigan defense to get the young Michigan linebackers out of position.  I expect a ton of options and sweeps.  The weather is calling for high winds similar to the Michigan State game, so expect each team to keep the passes down to a minimum. 

Tale of the Tape

Michigan's Run Game vs #6 ranked defense = Illinois
Michigan's passing game vs high winds = Wind
Illinois Struggling Offense vs Michigan D = Push
Road Borges vs Home Borges = Road Borges
Intangibles = Illinois Bye Week and Being at Home
Coaching = Advantage Greg Mattison

This game (like the MSU and Iowa games) is in the hands of Al Borges and Denard Robinson.  I believe Denard is hurt.  If I had to guess he has some type of knee/leg issue.   He is not explosive as he was earlier in the season.   I only want to see Devin Gardner if Denard is hurt or needs a blow, that 2 QB package is not fooling anyone. 

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

• If Al Borges has learned anything from MSU and Iowa.  Anything!
• Denard gets at least 150 yards on the ground
• Michigan running backs get over 100 yards
• Denard doesn't turn the ball over
• The Michigan defense gets some turnovers and even scores points

Say is that an F'ing rerun because I have seen this show before......................

• Michigan can't move the ball consistency on the ground
• The wind and Denard's inaccuracy caused interceptions
• Illinois QB Scheelhaase and Illinois RB's are getting big runs
• Al Borges continues to not understand how to use Denard effectively

I don't see good news during this game for the Wolverines.  I am just not sold on Al Borges and road games yet.  I think the defense has played well enough to win both games at Iowa and MSU and the Michigan offense has let them down in the red zone when the game is on the line.  

Here is how I see it:

• Al doesn't understand this offense needs to be in the spread most of the time.
• Denard is banged up and Devin is not ready
• The wind is going to effect Michigan taking advantage of a poor Illinois secondary with Roundtree, Hemingway, and Gallon. 
• The defense will keep it close but will give up some points

I am hoping for a Minnesota 2008 type of surprise from this team, but I'm not expecting it. 

Illinois 24 Michigan 17

GO BLUE

Michigan Thursday: Moves to Tight End

The news breaking today is that Michigan commit Pharaoh Brown will play TE instead of DE at Michigan.  Really?  Even before he steps on campus he has already changed positions?  Brown is a great athlete and plays everything from TE to DE to QB in high school.  I think it makes sense to wait until he gets on campus before we make any judgements on his position.   I'm guessing Pharaoh will play at a position that gives him the best possible opportunity for success and early playing time.

• Michigan Basketball got signed LOI's from Mitch McGary and Glen Robinson III yesterday.   Nick Stauskas is supposed to sign his on Friday.

• It seems Michigan is back in it for 5 star WR Stefon Diggs who was Blake "the count" Countess teammate in high school.  Stefon has some academic issues but I guess he has done some good work in the classroom and would now be eligible to enroll at Michigan.   Keep an eye on this recruitment.

• It seems that Michigan's recruitment of Bri'onte Dunn continues even after accepting the scholarship offer of Ann Arbor Pioneer RB Drake Johnson.   So Michigan has 4 spots left and still need 2 WR's, 1 OL and 1 DB/Safety.  I guess if they take Dunn they would not bring in another offensive lineman. 

Big Ten Preview Week 11

Is it possible that the Big Ten could be having a worse year on and off the field?  Two household named coaches have been fired due to "off the field" matters and right now doesn't even have a close contender for the National Championship game.  At this point, it looks like the Big Ten will only have one BCS team.  There is even debate over the name on the Big Ten Championship game Trophy and whether one of those fired coaches names should or shouldn't be on it. 


Big Ten Game of the Week

Nebraska at Penn State:  I wonder if there will be any media at this game?  Penn State has been called the worst 1 loss team in the nation.  Nebraska doesn't play well on the road and is coming off a home loss to Northwestern.   Losing Joe Paterno is more emotional for Penn State then actually a loss during game day.  Clearly, he was just a figure head that sat in the press box and didn't do much if anything during the game.

This game could go two ways.  Penn State could play the game of their lives in support of their fallen coach or they could just roll over and not play with any passion.   Nebraska is coming off a loss, ranked lower then Penn State and is playing in Happy Valley but is still a 3.5 favorite.    I hate how the Big Ten has been playing on the road this year and I think there might be some passion in the air at Happy Valley on Saturday as Paterno looks for his remote at home.  Penn State 31 Nebraska 17


Other BIG10 games:

Rice at Northwestern:  Wow, I didn't realize is was mid-September.  A McGuffie vs Persa match up outside of Chicago.   Northwestern is coming off their biggest win of the season and Rice is Rice.   NW is -16.5.  Northwestern 38 Rice 21

Michigan State at Iowa:  This is an interesting game.  Iowa had a big win over Michigan last weekend after an embarrassing loss to Minnesota.  MSU has had a clear let down since they played the Big Ten Big Boys and struggled against those same Golden Gophers in East Lansing.  State hasn't played well on the road all year and Iowa only plays well at home.   MSU is -3.   Iowa 28 MSU 21

Ohio State at Purdue:  For some reason OSU struggles with Purdue at Purdue.  Maybe it's that Big Drum?  OSU prefers to never throw the ball and Purdue will try to spread out the Buckeyes and sneak out a win.  OSU is -7.5.  OSU is just too powerful and if they protect the ball they will earn a win.  OSU 21 Purdue 7.

Wisconsin at Minnesota:  This is a miss-match on so many levels.   This is pretty much Minnesota's biggest game of the year and there is no love lost between these two states.   Wisconsin is -27 in this one.  I think it could be closer then that.   Wisconsin 41  Minnesota 24

The Illinois game will be previewed on Friday.

Judgement Day

Back in 1997 an un-defeated Michigan team traveled to Happy Valley as the #4 team in the nation, lead by Heisman Trophy candidate Charles Woodson.    Penn State at the time was ranked #3 in the country lead by QB Mike McQueary.  Similar to this past weekends Alabama - LSU battle this game was getting a ton of buzz.   ESPN tagged the weekend Judgement Day.

I have 3 clear memories of that game. First came during the week when in an interview McQueary said he wasn't afraid of throwing at Woodson.  Second memory, comes from the first play of the game (first PSU possession) when McQueary drops back to pass and Glen Steele comes un-blocked and totally lays him out (it what seemed like a 1/2 a second).  The third memory is a huge hit by a Michigan DB on a PSU tight end (that hit ended that DB's career with a neck injury I believe).   Michigan dominated the game and won 34-8 and went on to win the AP National Title that year.  

That day really wasn't judgement day.  That day came much later in March 2002 when McQueary witnessed a crime and reported it to Paterno and to other Penn State Officials.   That day was truly Judgement Day and each one of those adults failed miserably.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Good News Mitch McGary the 5 star power forward that committed to the Wolverine Basketball program last week is expected to sign his LOI today (first day of the early signing period).   Glen Robinson III and Nick Stauskas are also expected to sign today.

• Drake Johnson the Pioneer Running Back who got a Michigan offer yesterday morning and quickly accepted it, is interviewed on the radio at this link.

Breaking News: Michigan Gets a Running Back in the 2012 Class

It's local boy Drake Johnson from Ann Arbor Pionner.  He is 133 yards away from the State of Michigan HS rushing record.   Drake has had a huge senior year and just got offered this morning.   He didn't wait too long and committed right away.

Drake is 6'1 205 pounds and rated 2 stars by Scouts (that will go up for sure!).  He is also a track guy, so he has a nice top end speed. 

How the Mighty Have Fallen: 3 Big Ten Legends Ruin Their Legacies at the End of Their Careers

Let me first give you a quick disclaimer.  I don't know any of these men and don't have any inside information.  My opinion is 100% out of media reports and the book 3 and Out. 

#1 Offender Joe Paterno - Before last week Paterno was regarded as maybe college footballs #1 Living Legend.  Now he should be fired and all awards and any accolades taken away.    Here is he statement from yesterday:  ''It was obvious that the witness was distraught over what he saw, but he at no time related to me the very specific actions contained in the grand jury report,'' Paterno said in the statement. ''Regardless, it was clear that the witness saw something inappropriate involving Mr. Sandusky. As coach Sandusky was retired from our coaching staff at that time, I referred the matter to university administrators.'' 

In another account:  “They kind of bent things, said it was not sexual assault but horseplay,” says Mr. Keneally after reading the indictment. “So, the president of the university is being told by Mr. Curley and Mr. Schultz that it is horseplay and he is being led to believe nothing else is necessary.”

Mr. Paterno and Penn State we are not idiots.  A distraught graduate assistant coach comes to your house, reporting a serious crime and it's considered horseplay?  Why was he distraught over horseplay?  Why was Sandusky then not allowed to enter PSU football facilities?  This is one of the most tragic and terrible cover ups I have ever heard a football coach do.   I assume the authorities are sparing Paterno on his community status and age.     He needs to resign and resign immediately.  

Here are Penn State's records during that time period:

2001: 5-6
2002: 9-4
2003: 3-9
2004: 4-7

Who were you protecting Mr. Paterno?  If I had to guess; yourself, your program and your friend.

Would you want to send your kid to play for this staff?  The Big Ten Championship trophy needs to be re-named and re-named quickly.

#2 Offender Jim Tressel:  We don't need to recap what happened in Columbus.  We now know Jim had been taking a "blind eye" to the rules off the field by letting his players engage in business deals around the community for his entire time at Ohio State.  He is now waiting for his "show clause" penalty from the NCAA after lying to that organization almost a year ago.  Jim was on the way to being the best coach at OSU since Woody now he is a replay coach for Indianapolis Colts.   He may never coach in college again.   Tressel probably had at least 10 more years as the head coach of the Buckeyes and he flushed it away.

#3 Offender Lloyd Carr:  A coach that brought Michigan a National Championship, something that Bo never did.  He also brought some embarrassing losses to the University as well, but those go forgotten with a big win over Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow in the Citrus Bowl during his last game.

Lloyd's crimes are against the University and Football Program on the way out the door.   He called a team meeting and told the players that he would sign transfer papers if they wanted to leave,  he made sure that Les Miles never got hired, he might have conspired to get Rich Rod removed from his position, he let former players talk against the program and he let players skip class during rivalry weeks.  If these accounts are correct in the book 3 and Out,  Lloyd has diminished his reputation and his Michigan legacy. 

All 3 of these coaches have done things that has now forever affected their legacy.   2 out of 3 are out of a job and the third should retire ASAP.   I don't expect that to happen right away but I do expect him to step down at the end of the year.  Like I mentioned earlier, how do you decide to send your son to play for Joe Paterno and this staff after this?   I don't think you do.

Michigan Monday: The Hoke Honeymoon is Over

I like Brady Hoke and I believe he is the answer long term in Ann Arbor.   He understands Michigan and understands Michigan tradition.  I also like a lot of things that he has done in Ann Arbor including; recruiting a top notch class, letting his coordinators coach, helping the defense rebound and bringing back a toughness that has been missing for the past 3 years. 

With that said, he has gotten out coached badly in 2 out of 3 road games this year.   You even could have made a case for the game they won at Northwestern.  Al Borges offense is full of gimmicks one week and predictable and boring the next.    They have taken away one of the biggest weapons in college football in Denard Robinson.  Didn't he learn anything from the second half of the ND game?

Hoke jokes all the time that he is just a D-line coach.  I really hope that isn't true.  I really hope he is leading this team and giving his coordinators advice on what needs to happen with this team.   Greg Mattison understands the Big Ten, does Al Borges?  Al spent one year as Indiana's OC from 2002-2003 under Gerry DiNardo who won 8 games in 3 years and had a 3-21 record in the Big Ten. 

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have run Denard against Purdue either.  If Michigan can win easily without Denard getting hit, I am all for it!   But when Michigan is in a competitive game, they need to let Denard loose and be effective with his feet and his arm.  Denard running will open up passing lanes.  IMO, Michigan should be in the spread 85% of the time and 15% under center or in a pro formation.    Denard is one of the best kids to ever walk into Michigan Stadium but he will never be a drop back QB.  Let him be creative with a run - pass mix.  He looks confused back there and it seems he feels he has to throw instead of running.   I am very disappointed in the Iowa game and the way it was called.   Hoke needs to teach Al about the Big Ten and how you play on the road.  Al needs to put the offense in a position to succeed, right now he isn't.

The 2 QB thing is not working and it's effecting Denard's confidence. 

These losses are on Hoke and Borges period. 

Top of Mind Things

• How is that Alabama game looking next year at Dallas Stadium?   No matter what the dollar amount, that game looks very one sided at the moment.  Not sure losing a home game against that defense is worth it.  Maybe the entire Defense will go pro!

• This Penn State situation is just terrible and JoPa is involved in the cover up.  This isn't about free gear or paying players, it's far worse.  They say the cover up is worse then the crime, in this case they both are horrific.   The AD and Administrator has already stepped down.  JoPa has to be next if the the reports of him "knowing" are true. 

• Michigan - Illinois game is a 3:30 kickoff on ABC/ESPN
• Michigan - Nebraska is a noon kickoff on ESPN

• The Big Ten is a mess right now.  Michigan loses to Iowa, Nebraska loses to Northwestern,  MSU struggles to beat Minnesota and OSU barley gets by Indiana.   Penn State is the highest ranked team and is having huge off the field issues (they also are pretty poor on the field).

Iowa ReCap: The More Things Change The More They Stay the Same

Michigan clearly didn't get their wake up call in Iowa City this morning because they slept walked through most of the game.   A pretty poor Iowa team beat Michigan due to many mistakes by the Wolverines. 

Mistakes in order of memory:

• AL Borges not losing his play calling sheet
• Winning the coin flip and electing to take the ball
• Missing an extra point
• Dropped passes
• Denard fumbling
• Denard making a terrible (tipping point) decision to throw into coverage at the end of the first half at the goal line.  
• Putting Devin in when Denard was ready to go out.   (I LIKE DEVIN BUT HE IS CLEARLY NOT READY TO LEAD THIS TEAM).  This was a huge missed opportunity for the Wolverines.
• Running the same damn sweep play like 4 or 5 times in the second half with out any luck.
• Denard missing a wide open Roundtree on a post route
• The original call on Hemingway's non touchdown catch - should have been a touchdown.  Like the Vincent Smith play they should have used replay to overturn it if it wasn't. 
• A clear pass interference on the last play of the game

Iowa is a decent team but simple on offense.  They run the ball and throw to McNutt.   The Michigan defense for the most part played pretty well.   The Michigan offense was just plan out terrible.   They were stopping themselves against one of the worst run defenses in the Big Ten.  

Al Borges is lost, he needs to let Denard be Denard and create plays by running some tempo offense.   Use your running power game and hand offs to Fitz, but get Denard more involved in the game.  In my mind, they didn't run any type of of sound offense until it was too late.  

Denard lost this game with mistakes in the passing game and Al lost this game with predictive play calling.   Michigan should have won this game by 21 points and lost.  I can't believe our defense is stepping up and our offense is letting us down.   Not sure what is going on with Big AL but WR's are not open, Denard feels like he needs to force balls instead of scrambling and Michigan's running plays today were predictable and didn't show any mis-direction.   All Iowa had to do was send lots of defenders to the ball.

This team better figure out how to play better on the road and against good defenses or there might not be another W on the schedule.   Brady and Al also better figure out how to coach on the road in the Big Ten pretty quickly.  They are 1-2 right now and had to fight back to beat Northwestern.   They have pretty much been out coached in all three road games. 

Iowa Preview

Time: 12:00 EST
Location: Iowa City
TV: ESPN
Weather: Partly Cloudy High of 60 Low of 46
Line: Michigan -3.5

Each week the Michigan Football program has another test to see if they are a different team then the squad that took the field the last 3 years.   This week is no exception.   RR's Michigan's program had a hard time beating quality opponents on the road in the Big Ten.  If my memory servers me correctly, I think the wins on the road in the Big 10 over the past 3 years are against Minnesota, Indiana, and Purdue.  Not exactly a murders row is it?

Michigan has done a great job protecting the Big House where they have 6 wins this season.  That was a must, but they have found themselves 1-1 on the road with a win over Northwestern and a loss to MSU.  So which team will the Wolverines put on the field the next two weeks?  It will be easy for them to get up for Nebraska and OSU at the Big House but the season might be defined by these next two weeks.  

Iowa is one of those strange Big Ten teams this year.  They have looked decent at times and terrible at other times.  If you had asked me if Michigan could lose to a team that lost to Minnesota  after Michigan beat them 58-0, I would have given you a clear "no way".   Now, I'm not so sure. 

Why?  You might ask?

I think teams play very hard after an embarrassing loss and mostly at home.   There is nothing better to heal the team and a fan base is a big win over a named opponent.    Michigan won't see the same team that played at Minnesota last week, they will see a motivated squad that will be desperate for a win. 

Tale of the Tape  

Michigan Offense vs Iowa D = Denard and Fitz

Iowa Passing vs Michigan's Secondary = The Count and TWolf

Iowa Running Game vs Michigan Linebackers = Marcus Coker

Intangibles = Pink locker room, home field and bad loss last week

Coaching = Push (Greg Mattison sent his son to play for Iowa)

On paper Michigan has the better team and I actually like Michigan's pass defense a little bit better with The Count and JT Floyd at the corners and Troy at Safety.   Kovacs is the much better run stopper and I hope he is healthy, but if I had to guess he probably will be out. 

Iowa's game plan will be a balanced one.  They will want to be physical and throw to the tight ends and WR McNutt down the field.  Their offense is based off the Big Ten's leading rusher Marcus Coker who is a big physical back.   Iowa plays well at home and will be looking to score a ton of points to protect a pretty weak defense up front. 

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

• The Michigan Defense can stop the run
• The Michigan offense keeps drives alive with short accurate passes
• Denard and Fitz each have over 100 yards
• Michigan has no more then 1 turnover on offense
• Michigan slows McNutt and limits big plays

Say, how did this team lose to Minnesota if............

• The Michigan linebackers lose contain on runs and forgets to cover the tight ends.
• Al Borges starts calling crazy plays from the press box 
• Iowa's defense is much improved from their performance last week
• The pink locker room and the 11:00AM local start causes the Wolverines to sleep walk

I don't like this game at all.  I could see a ton of things happening from a Michigan blow out to a Michigan loss.   Big Ten teams have played terrible on the road this year and Iowa got embarrassed last week with a loss to the worst team in the league.   Michigan might have played their most complete game of the year last week but will that translate to Iowa City?  Michigan's defense has played well against the run this year and is the one of thing that Coach Mattison and Hoke stresses with the defense everyday.    Though when they saw the most balanced offense they have seen in East Lansing they gave up lots of yards on the ground.    Iowa has a balanced offense but was stopped last week by Minnesota.    This is crazy!   Time to prove Michigan is one of the better teams in the Big Ten and it doesn't matter where they play the game.  Flush the last three years down the toilet and don't beat yourself.  Denard had a chance to beat Iowa at Iowa his freshman year and threw a pick on the last drive.  He hasn't forgot that and will finish the job this year.  Look for big games from Woolfolk, Demens and Martin on defense - Denard, Fitz and Hemingway on offense.   

Michigan 28 Iowa 21

GO BLUE

Breaking News: Mitch McGary Goes Blue!

Mitch is the #2 rated player in the nation for the 2012 class.   He is 6'10 250 pound power forward/center.  He is the highest rated player to commit to Michigan since 1999. 

This is a huge pick up for the Wolverines and a real feather in the cap for Coach Beilein.   Mitch will be able to firm up his verbal commitment next week on the 9th when the early signing period starts.  (Football please take note!)  During his ESPN interview he said he might wait to sign with his parents.  The Michigan coaches will do whatever they can to make sure he signs during the early period for sure. 

Mitch is good friends with Zack Novak and I bet Zack played a big role in his recruitment even though "Agent 0" will be out of  eligibility when Mitch hits A2.  

Things are starting to take a very positive turn for the Basketball Program with the new Crisler Arena, Player Development Center and a very strong 2012 recruiting class.

Is Michigan Basketball Back?  I would say, this a pretty good sign that it is.