Thursday, December 27, 2018

Michigan Thursday: Down Another Starter For The Peach

As reported yesterday, JBB Michigan's senior starting RT did not make the trip to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl. Now your first reaction might be, "Is he really considered an NFL Draft prospect?" He could get drafted but if he did, he would be a Day 3 draft prospect. So why is he sitting?

Michigan's release said that JBB elected not to play but insiders are saying that he is still injured with a Turf Toe and wasn't ready to play in this game.   Jimmy has a rule: if your injured and not playing, you don't travel.    Not sure why the Michigan staff used that wording on his participation. 

If your wondering how to feel about this game, I would say that is a valid feeling.   Michigan will be fielding a team that is more like its future 2019 squad then its 2018 team.   I have always said, that every Big 5 program should have an opportunity for an August pre-season exhibition against a local school (to reduce travel costs).   This game is starting to feel a bit like that. 

Many Michigan fans are feeling the same way, at last report Michigan had only sold 60% of it's ticket allotment and right now tickets are going as low as $55.75 on Stubhub.   Tickets through Michigan's Athletic Department are at $160 per.   (Michigan has to purchase any un-sold tickets in their allotment of 13,000)

If your wondering, Florida expects all their draft eligible players to participate on Saturday.   This is also starting to feel a bit like the Citrus Bowl in Harbaugh's first year but in reverse.   New coach, rebound year, and a program on the rise.   Other teams stars more interested in the NFL Draft. 

Should be a fun game! 

  • Hello Minnesota's run game!  They ran over Tech at Ford Field yesterday.  

  • Hello interceptions!  A total of 9 in the CAL - TCU game. 

  • Hello Lighting, never seen a bowl game cancelled before. 

  • Zach Gentry was happy with the draft grade he got from the NFL, so he will make a decision after the Peach Bowl.   To be fair, Zach has had a nice year but struggled against OSU.  If he has a strong Peach, he might just jump to the NFL.   When are they going to run a trick play, where he throws the ball?

  • Don Brown addressed the OSU game by basically saying they had a great year with one terrible week.  That he just needs to move on.  I know he isn't going to go into specifics with the media but I hope moving on includes teaching his unit how to play a zone coverage.

10 comments:

szanreno said...

How is sitting out the Peach Bowl and then playing in the Senior Bowl get you better exposure? Ie Higdon.

Scott K said...

Great point Steve.... That seems bass-akwards. Playing behind a Oline that has never played together before, on a team that was thrown together for a week or two vs playing for the team you've been a part of for 4 years.

BlueManGroup said...

The Senior Bowl isn't about the game; it's about the practices in front of NFL scouts and NFL coaches. The peach bowl offers greater television exposure, but the senior bowl offers better NFL-draft exposure, and less chance of getting injured.

szanreno said...

Television exposure is the same?!? If he has a great game the scouts will see / know it. Practices not seen so much, and lower chance of injury because of less playing time. Of course you better take advantage of your limited carries. Imo I doubt a good senior Bowl would be any better than a good Peach Bowl in regards to the draft. Just my opinion.

BlueManGroup said...

I think you're missing my point. The scouts could care less about the Senior Bowl or Peach Bowl games. They evaluate the players during practice and would prefer to evaluate them at the Senior Bowl practices where they have full access. Think of high school recruiting; the senior bowl is equivalent to a summer football camp.

szanreno said...

In that respect you're correct. Would you agree that the Senior Bowl is for guys that are not set in stone first round draft picks? It wouldn't do much good for Gary, Bush or Winovitch to participate. Thoughts....

BlueManGroup said...

Agreed. Gary and Bush aren't eligible because they're not seniors. For seniors like Winovich, who are already secured an invite to the NFL Combine and are projected to be a 2nd round pick, the Senior Bowl doesn't add much value - but still more value (NFL draft-wise)than playing in the Peach Bowl.

Unknown said...

Great analogy (H.S. camp v. Game); I personally don't mind these guys focusing on their NFL future with such a small window to play in the NFL. Plus, the Jake Butt situation is still fresh for these guys.

Goblu said...

So Winovich is playing the Peach! Fingers crossed that he has a great and safe game!!

EzmoB said...

Word on the street is coach Harbaugh will interview new OC after the bowl game.

Bob you hearing the same?