Michigan Friday: Can a Great Defense Beat a Great Offense?

That is the real question for the Super Bowl fans isn't?  Can Payton's arm hold up against the pass rush and DB's of the Seahawks?   It should be a great game, even if it's in cold temperatures.  My only concern in the game is can the Seahawks offense score enough points to win?  Russell Wilson will have to play a near perfect game or the Seahawks defense will have to score a couple of times.   Broncos 24 Seahawks 17


John Beilein's squad did it again last night and won another Big Ten game.   The game wasn't pretty for the most part with the Wolverines committing 16 turnovers but the much improved play of Derrick Walton and Nik Stauskas carried the Wolverines to another comfortable win.    I love LeVert's athleticism and how he can effect a game, but his dribble around the key drives me crazy.  If he can take out a couple of young mental mistakes in his game, the sky is the limit for him. 

I have two concerns right now.  First is how the defense gives up way too many uncontested layups.  The other is how GR3 continues to get lost on the floor a bit.  His shot has been off a bit and he scored under 10 points last night.   If Michigan has it's eyes on a Big Ten Title and Final 4 run, they will need him to set up and be a difference maker in each game (on both sides of the ball). 

• To recap MM's recruitment:  MSU assistants visited yesterday, Jimbo Fisher visited yesterday as well and Brady Hoke and a couple coaches will be in home this morning with the McDowell family.   The McDowell's will then head to Columbus for their final official visit before signing day.   When they get home this weekend, they will then sit down as a family and make a decision and announce it on signing day.   Michigan's signing day close will come down to this decision.  Yes, there could be a surprise commit but I see very little options outside Malik in the Wolverines last spot in this class.

Bob, if you had to pick a signing day surprise for the Wolverines if MM doesn't come here?  Who do you think it might be? 

I think the Wolverines would "eat" the scholarship and save it for next year and give it to a walk-on this season.   If you made me guess who the Wolverines might throw a late offer to in this class, here are a couple of options that I have zero inside information on.  It's just a 100% total guess:

- Darius West is a 4 star safety from Lima, OH.  He is 6'0 and 195 pounds.  He is currently committed to Kentucky and was recruited by Michigan but not offered.   

-Daniel Cage is a DT from Cincinnati, OH and is 6'3 and 295 pounds.   He has not committed but has offers from the likes of MSU and ND.   Michigan has not offered and I expect he wouldn't flip with the quality offers he already has. 

-Chukwuma Okorafor is a 6'6 285 pound OT from Southfield.   He plays with MM and current Michigan commit Lawrence Marshall.   He is committed to Western but sounds like he might flip on signing day to Iowa.  He also has an Oklahoma offer. 

I believe Chukwuma is the best available prospect in Michigan.  It seems Damon Webb is not going to come to his senses and is 100% solid to Ohio State.  If Urban pulls DW and MM out of Michigan that is going to be tough.  It must be how Urban feels, when Michigan pulls top prospects out of his state.

I checked Glenville and Cass Tech, places Michigan likes to fish for athletes and I don't see any late addition options at either school.  The best bet is they save it for the small 2015 class.

• Hardaway went for 29 points for the Knicks last night.