Michigan Monday: Just Call Them Champions

Dusty came to Michigan with a clean slate.  Literally, not much of any roster.  He went to the portal and built a team that just won the Big Ten Tournament!  He found some of that in-season magic again this weekend which propelled the Wolverines to 3 wins in 3 days.   

Now, the news is not 100% perfect.  Michigan and Wisconsin played a Big10 Championship that looked like a Wednesday afternoon pick up game at the YMCA.  Both teams were tired and Wisconsin just ran out of gas in the 2nd half after getting an 11 point lead.  

After the win, it only took a few minutes for Michigan to get further disrespected.  Michigan got a 5 seed in Denver and will play on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.   Did the committee do their seedings last week before any of the tournaments?  Michigan played late on Sunday and now has to travel across the country to play on Thursday?   That is BS and another sign the committee had this wrapped up on Thursday and played golf on the weekend. 

• Iowa Basketball Big Man Owen Freeman has entered the portal after Fran was let go and lists Michigan as one of his potential schools. 

• Michigan has hired Charlotte defensive tackles coach David Denham, I believe Michigan is trying to have a 1:1 ratio player to coach. David was at WMU prior to Charlotte with Biff.

Iowa Post Game

Isaiah Hole Wolverine Wire

In my many years of watching college football, I don't recall a team so spectacularly different on both sides of the ball then this Iowa team.  This team has one of the best defenses I've ever seen.  They don't beat you with talent, they beat with being in the right place and reading the play from the opponent.   They don't make mistakes.  This team knew where to cover Michigan's WR and TE's.  They knew where Blake was going to run, they pressured JJ, and they don't miss tackles.  Michigan managed to gain only 213 total yards. 

The flip side is they are just as bad on offense.  They couldn't do anything and didn't even sniff a scoring opportunity.  Iowa had 35 yards rushing and 120 passing.  They are not a passing team.   Michigan didn't play Michigan Football last night, they played Iowa Football and won 26-0.  

Michigan clearly won their 3rd Big Ten Championship in a row.  Something none of us watching a terrible Michigan team during COVID thought was even remotely possible.   I was actually more nervous then I thought I would be last night.  That 10-0 score was not fun, as it seemed Iowa was only one play away from making this a game.  Then Mikey had enough and decided to send the Hawkeyes back to Iowa City.  Michigan made enough plays on offense, defense and special teams to win this game by 26 points.  

Still there is plenty to work on for the next month as we wait to see who Michigan will play. 

Cheers:

• 3 TIMES BIG TEN CHAMPIONS IN A ROW!!!
• Mikey was a perfect MVP and was the best player on the field 
• James Turner was great scoring 14 of Michigan's 26 points
• Semaji Morgan's game changing punt return 
• Tommy Doman had 254 yards in punts 
• Blake with 2 TD's and tieing A-Train's record 
• Josh Wallace with one of the funnier fumble recoveries ever 
• CoJo had 9 catches for 64 yards 😃
• I love Ken Grant, get him on offense
• Payton O'Leary only shows up during the Spring Game and Big Ten Championship?
• Tony Macaroni did shake Jimmy's hand but Harbaugh elected to have the trophy presented to Zak Zinter. 

Jeers:

• Pass Pro is a big problem for the offensive line right now.  
• Michigan was clearly beat up from the War last Saturday. 
• JJ was sacked 4 times 
• Michigan struggled on offense doing anything
• Loveland had 2 drops, Barner with 1 
• Will Johnson as I thought warmed up but didn't play
• 6 punts by Michigan
• Tony P snuck out the back of the stage during the trophy presentation
• Center Drake Nugent did not look healthy but played 
• I made a joke on my group chat, that Fox's commercials should be voted MVP for the game.  Stop with the TV timeouts! 

Now we have a short wait to see where Michigan will play the Semi Final game.  Yes, its expected the Wolverines will be the #1 team in the nation.  I thought Michigan might now pick the Sugar Bowl but that will be in either Bama's or FSU's backyard.  So expect the Rose Bowl against the team the committee awards the 4th spot.   Either way, the team that is left out will go nuclear. 

To recap last night, a win is a win and Those that stay will be Champions!  It's great to be a 3x Big Ten Champion! 

Michigan vs Everybody!

Iowa Preview

Time: 8:00 

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium 

Weather: Indoors 

TV: Fox (Johnson & Klatt)

Line: Michigan -22

I've watched more Iowa Football then I would like to admit to all of you.  I was intrigued by Cade and Erick's transfer and wanted to see if they could turn the offense around.  Both Michigan transfers went down fairly early in the Big Ten season and then it became the Brian Ferentz game show to see if he would average 25 points per game.  

He didn't and Iowa will eventually move on from Brian after the season is complete.  This is also the exact same team it has always been.  They have a huge (OT size) backup QB in Deacon Hill and lost their top playmaker on defense (Cooper DeJean).  Their offensive struggles have turned into historic Over/Unders from Vegas.  Still, Iowa finds a way to win and is ranked #16 in the country and are 10-2 with loses to Penn State in Happy Valley and at home to Minnesota (on a controversial fair catch signal). 

Dear Jimmy, 

I feel weird welcoming you back, when you have been with the team the entire time.  You just took 4 hours off every Saturday.  I'm sure you can feel the pride from the entire Michigan fan base on your team overcoming everything to beat the Buckeyes last Saturday.  That win every year means so much, but I would be remiss if I didn't congratulate your staff on keeping the team on track the last 3 Saturday's.  

I'm a bit old school on winning championships.  I believe the top goal every year is winning the Big Ten Championship.  Of course, I want to win a National Championship but the Big Ten is the most important goal to me.  In fact, this really could be an old school moment, if Michigan wins on Saturday, they could end up in the Rose Bowl to face a PAC 12 Champion as the last ditch effort for that conference.   I'm sure Bo would never have imagined that the PAC 10/12 teams would ever be in the same conference as the Wolverines.  

Now, lets get to the game.  I of course have a concern that I need to share with you.   Michigan has been getting its "flowers" all week and everybody has been talking about the win over Ohio State that nearly 23M people tuned in for.  Michigan dominated the Big Ten Team honors on both sides of the ball and even the media has turned its narrative on this team (this week).   My #1 concern for Saturday is that your team feels great on what it has accomplished and will over look the Hawkeyes.  

This Iowa team has plenty of flaws but they will be playing with absolutely nothing to lose.  They are expected to get blown out, will play loose, and take some chances.  Michigan will need to have a championship focus to take care of business on Saturday.   I expect the Wolverines are a bit injured after that blood bath last Saturday and won't have all of its starters.  

Iowa's only chance in this game is to stop the run and try to get JJ to make some mistakes in passing downs.  Iowa wins when they score points on defense.  I would like some creativity in the running game and having JJ pick the Iowa secondary apart.   Michigan's defense will need to shut down the run and sit on Iowa's dink and dunk passing game.   If you pressure Deacon Hill his passing game will completely fail.  I love Jessie Minter's blitz packages against him.   Michigan has been doing a great job of playing "clean" and that will need to continue on Saturday with no turnovers and minimal penalties. 

I love Michigan's WR's and TE's in this game.  If Michigan's OL can Pass Pro, I love Roman deep and Loveland and Barner in that 10-15 yards range.  Mix in Corum and DE in the running game and you will find yourself on a trophy stand with another Big Ten Trophy.   Play Michigan Football and live Bo's words;  "Those that stay will be Champions"

Michigan 34 Iowa 9

Michigan Tuesday: Where is Pete?

I didn't realize that ESPN's Pete Thamel had to hide during Game Day because he thought he was going to get beat up by the Michigan fans.  I guess Desmond called him out about it during the broadcast.  Michigan fans might not love Pete for how he has been disseminating information about Sign-gate, but they are not going to beat him up on National TV.   Wonder if he stayed for the game and hid in the press box or got out of town?  

Unfollowing Pete on Twitter was one of the best decisions I've made in the last few weeks. 

Spartans Will go:  Since the end of the season and hiring a new coach Sparty has lost a few players including: Starting QB Katlin Houser, true freshman QB Sam Leavitt (who is from Oregon), legacy linebacker Darius Snow, offensive tackle Spencer Brown, offensive tackle Ethan Boyd and offensive guard Kevin Wigenton.  Expect many more portal jumpers as the entire MSU coaching staff was let go on Saturday.  

• There is a thought that Michigan may look at a portal QB if JJ enters the NFL Draft.  A few big names have jumped into the portal the last few days: Miss State Will Rogers,  Utah's Nate Johnson, KSU's Will Howard, and Miami's Tyler Van Dyke. 

• Former Wolveirne Zach Carpenter who transferred to IU, is back in the portal looking for a new home.

• I was not happy when Michigan fired Chris Partridge.  I don't know Chris, but from the outside looking in, he seems like a good coach and a great recruiter.  The Pete Thamel's of the world reported he was fired for destroying evidence during the NCAA investigation.  He cleared that up on Monday, by releasing a statement that included the reason for his dismissal was talking to other University members about the investigation, when he was instructed not to.  

• Big Ten Championship tickets don't seem to be too crazy in price right now.  You can get a level 600 seat for around $100.  Finding a close hotel might be a little tricky.  

• The expectation is that Michigan will play in the Rose Bowl in the CFP.  The #1 team gets to pick location and if Georgia beats Alabama then they will probably pick the Sugar Bowl.  

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Iowa

I don't know about you, but I've been smiling non-stop since Saturday at 3:30.   It feels so good to beat the Buckeyes again.  Scott Bell on X/Twitter had an unbelievable stat that he posted this weekend.  Michigan in the 4th quarter over the last 3 games against Ohio State has had 17 drives and only punted once. Michigan is playing their best football in winning time.   If your wondering, in those three 4th quarters, Michigan scored 9 TD's, 3 field goals, 3 victory formations, and 1 punt.  

Before we get to Iowa, I wanted to give you my thoughts on the Jonathan Smith hire, the Oregon State head coach that MSU hired this weekend.  I think it was a good hire for both programs.  Smith has been able to turn around a lowly Oregon State program and they are headed into the abyss with the PAC 12 now gone.  If I'm an MSU fan, my questions would be can he recruit?  MSU needs to make hay in the Midwest mostly in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota.  Will he bring in a top notch staff to recruit and develop players?  MSU needed a safe hire and this is a good example of that.   Reports are if UCLA lets go of Chip Kelly, they would've targeted Smith.  

on to Indy................

Big Ten Championship Game 

Iowa: 10-2

Best Win: Iowa State, it was really hard to determine a good win 

Worst Loss: Minnesota and a 31-0 loss to Iowa 

Pass: 130 yards per (130th in the country)

Run: 123 yards (104) 

Points scored: 18 points per (124)

Points given up: 12 (4)

How is Cade and Erick All feeling right now?  They had their dream scenario of having Iowa play their former team in the Big Ten Championship and both went down with ACL's this season.   Iowa also recently lost their defensive playmaker to a year ending injury that was suffered in practice two weeks ago.   

Iowa has a guard/tackle playing QB.  Yes, Deacon Hill is over 260 pounds and playing QB at Iowa.  As everyone knows, Iowa plays elite defense but has one of the worst offenses in college football.  If they were average they probably only have 1 loss on the year and looking at a chance at the CFP.  

Line: Michigan -23

• If you haven't noticed Franz has been balling out in Orlando and had 30 the other night. 

• Seems Saturday was very positive for a number of recruits. 

• Lots of coaching turnover this past weekend and I'm sure we will see more this week. 

• Looks like Minnesota is getting into a bowl at 5-7

Big Ten Champs Again

 Isaiah Hole Wolverine Wire

I asked you in the preview, if there was such a thing as a Championship trap game?  Today, I ask you another question.  Can a game be closer than the final score and at the same time not be that close?  That is a confusing question, but let me explain.  

I've watched one Purdue game prior to last night and I have to imagine that was one of the best games they've played all season.  O'Connell threw for 366 yards and was 32/47, Purdue had 10 more first downs than Michigan, had 70 more total yards on offense, and had the ball 7 more minutes.  They were beating Michigan at their own game.  Purdue even kicked a ton of field goals like Michigan and lost by 3 TD's.

The problem was that Purdue had 2 devastating interceptions and was kicking field goals instead of scoring TD's.  That was the difference in the game.   Purdue played great and got blown out, with Michigan's best players on offense and defense in street clothes and on the couch. 

Cheers:

• JJ being confident in throwing the ball 
• Edwards running for 185 yards with a broken thumb 
• Superstar in development with Will Johnson and his 2 picks
• 4 sacks
• Michigan's defense giving up 1 TD
• Playing well, when you don't have your best game 
• 225 on the ground 
• RB/LB Mullings with 8 carries and 2 TD's
• Colson and Moore combined for 29 tackles 
• Back 2 Back Big Ten Champions!
• 13-0 for the first time in the history of the program!

Jeers:

• JJ only completed 11 passes 
• Gave up too many yards on defense 
• Not enough stops on defense 
• Michigan needs to heal in the next 28 days 
• JJ threw a bad pick, when he had a ton of yards to run 
• 4 possessions in the 1st half
• Is it possible to play 2 second half's?

It wasn't pretty on many levels and Purdue came to play but it ended the way it should, with Jimmy raising the Big Ten trophy and giving all the credit to his players.  I was nervous about this game when Utah and KSU won their games.  I knew Purdue had a heavy heart and that they're known for upsetting top 3 ranked teams.  They played the best they could and it wasn't good enough.  That is how football should be and it was on Saturday night. 

I would love nothing more than for Michigan to win a National Championship, but to me the most important thing every year is to beat OSU and win the Big Ten Championship.  Goal Achieved!  The CFP is the icing on the cake.  BTW: that throw from JJ to Ronnie in the back of the end zone might have been the best throw JJ has made as a Wolverine.  That was a bullet. 

This program has come a long way in the last few years and I'm sure as hell going to enjoy it!  Go Blue, your Big Ten Back 2 Back Champions.

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Purdue and The Glowing Aftermath

It still feels good, doesn't it?  Are there stages of happiness?  Because, I think I've been going through them this weekend.  Here is how I felt on Saturday after the game.  

1. Shock 
2. Disbelief 
3. Emotional Happiness 
4. Confusion on what to do next 
5. Game recap transfusion anywhere I could find it (why is it when Michigan loses its all that you can see watching other games, when Michigan wins a huge game, it feels like it's hardly mentioned)
6. Satisfaction
7. Confusion again on where the hell this long weekend went?

There is no need to recap everything that happened as you watched the game, but I want to call out a couple of plays (not the big scoring plays) that really helped shape this win.  

- Sainristil pass break up in the end zone.  That was a TD for OSU and #0 took it away.  Having to take the field goal keep the momentum with Michigan.  I wish he played corner the entire time he was here.

-McGregor's 2 tip passes were huge in stopping OSU drives. 

-The internet has sniffed out that OSU had a fake punt on but miss fired.  It was in the 3rd quarter in Michigan territory on a 4th and 6.  That was the play where Stroud had waved the punt team off the field as he wanted to go for it.  Michigan is up 4 with 6:00 minutes left in the quarter.  There is a problem with the snap and OSU is called for a procedure penalty, making it 4th and 11 now.  That is where the confusion starts.  Is the punt fake still on?  Is the long snapper supposed to hike it to the up man or the punter? The LS snaps the ball to the punter, one side off the line is completely void of Buckeyes and 4 Wolverines are unblocked.  The snap is off center and the Buckeyes are running to block the opposite side of the field where there is only one Wolverine defender.   The punter quickly punts and avoids the Michigan punt blockers.   That play had Michigan dead to rights and might have gone for 30-40 yards with only AJ having a chance to stop a TD.  

-Michigan not getting stupid personal foul penalties and letting the Buckeye's receive them.  1st and 35! Yes, please.  

What a win, but in the words of JJ, "the job's not finished".

Purdue: 8-4 (6-3)

The Boilermakers are on a 3-game win streak with wins over Illinois, Northwestern, and Indiana.  

Best Win: #20 Minnesota 

Worst Loss: Iowa giving up 24 points

Pass per game: 280 yards (21st)

Rush per game: 125 (97th)

Score: 28 points per (67)

Give up: 23 points per (41)

Michigan has had trouble with teams like this in the past.  Purdue is very much like their Indiana neighbor IU in that they like to throw the rock and will play very hard in an attempt to steal the Big Ten Title from Michigan.  This is a home game for the Boilermakers and they probably don't even need hotel rooms in Indy.  Michigan will have to play well to win.  Michigan -16

• As expected, Michigan - OSU again breaks a viewership record with 14  17 million people (peaked at over 19M) watching the game.

• In a very strange situation, OSU game visitor (he is a guest of OSU) 3-star CB from Cincinnati Cam Calhoun committed to the Wolverines.  Right after the game.

• 2024 4-star Ohio OL Luke Hamilton commits to Michigan on Sunday.  He is 6'5 and 290 pounds and the 8th ranked OT on 24/7.  (he actually told the coaches on Saturday after the game as well)

• Michigan is also getting a ton of CB's today: Rod Pierce a 3-star DL who just de-committed from Wisconsin, D'Juan Waller a 3-star Safety, 3/4-star Jason Hewlett Athlete, and Jamel Howard 3-star DL (also a Wisconsin recent de-commit).  All players above are in the 2023 class. 

• Speaking of Wisconsin, they pulled a fast one and is expected to name Luke Fickell as its next head coach today.   Wonder where UC is going to look as they head into the Big 12? 

• Nebraska finally found the right number and hired Matt Rhule.

• FAU fired a Harbaugh coaching tree guy, Willie Taggart.  If Willie doesn't find a job, expect him to replace Biff on Jimmy's staff. 

• Speaking of the Harbaugh coaching tree, David Shaw who replaced Jim at Stanford has resigned. 

• With all these openings and 14 million people watching The Game, it's going to be tough to stop other programs from shopping in Michigan's assistant coaching pool. 

Still in Shock

©Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

So let me understand this, because I'm still not sure it makes sense in my brain.   Michigan was without its Heisman Trophy candidate running back, had 10 yards rushing in the 1st half, 5-star RB has a broken thumb and could only hold the ball with his left hand, Michigan's new power back is a LB that hadn't run an offensive play since the Spring Game, Michigan's best DE is not playing, Michigan's defense was pretty much giving up 7-10 yards per play, and Michigan won by more than 3 TD's?

That is madness and maybe one of the most unexpected outcomes in Michigan history.  Maybe the Cheers and Jeers can enlighten us?

Cheers:

• Hello JJ, best game of his career 
• Jesse "2nd half adjustment" Fucking Minter!
• Michigan coaches clearing out the play book on offense
• Donovan Edwards is the best player on offense 
• Michigan's offensive line in the 2nd half 
• COJO with the game of his career at Michigan 
• Sainrlstil with the motivational talk, end zone pass break up, and good play 
• McGregor played his best game in college
• JJ's deep ball 
• Loveland's blocking and TD catch 
• Mullings had a QBR of 99.7
• Barrett had 11 tackles and 5 solos 
• 252 yards of rushing 
• 278 passing 
• Got 2 turnovers 
• OSU had 9 penalties for 91 yards 
• First win in Columbus in 22 years! 

Jeers:

• 1 sack and Stroud had all day to throw 
• OSU shut down the run game in the 1st half 
• Bend but don't break defense was bending a lot 
• OSU's LB turned RB was getting a ton of yards on the ground (he picked OSU over Michigan in the portal this off season)
• Michigan had to go to the defense to find a power RB 
• Harrison is really good 
• I didn't love the idea of trying a 57-yard field goal up 11 
• Fox really got mixed up a couple times on what was happening on the field
• Fox was saying how smart Mullings is, when he had a mouth guard in and another hanging from his face mask.  😀

I was actually happy at the half that Michigan was down 3 points, it felt like the lead was much bigger and outside a couple big plays by Michigan, that the Wolverines had gotten outplayed most of the half.  I'm texting friends that Corum is clearly out and Michigan won't give it to Edwards with a broken thumb.  If we can't run the ball, we can't win.  

Then the 2nd half happened, the offensive line was getting a push, and Edwards was off to the races.  JJ played a good game, was accurate, and kept the Wolverines in the game until the running game found its footing.  He also made some important runs when Michigan didn't have a running game at all. 

Ok, I'm going to state this because we're all friends here, but I thought that Edwards might fumble due to his thumb injury and that would change the momentum in the game.  I'm not proud of that thought, but years of watching this game has burned too many images like that in my memory bank. 

Still hard to believe that game happened and it was 3 hours ago. 

Now on to Purdue and the Big Ten Championship game.  (thank you Nebraska for taking out Iowa)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

Normally, I post a picture of Santa holding a Michigan Helmet.  This year, we have so many reasons to be thankful for this team and all they've accomplished.   So, I thought I would share a few of my favorite images.   I hope everyone has a blessed safe holiday.  I appreciate all of you!

Goal Achieved

© Photo: Isaiah Hole Wolverine Wire

Even up 21-3, I was nervous.  My home was cold, chilly even and my t-shirt looked like I had been sitting in a hundred-degree sauna.   Michigan was clearly the better team and Iowa was struggling on offense, but I felt Iowa was still going to get a pick 6 and then TE Michigan to death to make this a close game.   

Iowa with all its troubles, came in with a very good game plan.   They shut down Michigan's run game, put Michigan's LB's in coverage and did their best to keep this game close.   They had 3 very good drives where it looked like the Hawkeyes would cash in for TD's.  Iowa only scored 3 points in those drives and struggled in the red zone.  If they put up 21 points in this game, the outcome might have been different or at least looked different. 

Michigan was not sleepy coming off the huge victory last weekend, they were so focused Gattis went deep in the playbook to call a tailback pass from Donovan Edwards that resulted in a 75-yard TD to Roman Wilson.   That and a great run by Corum was enough to beat Iowa but it didn't feel like it.   The 14-3 lead at half felt good, but not safe. 

One of the best traits of this Michigan team, is they play their best after half-time.  Which means the coaches learn, adjust, and put the team into a winning position.   That TE Boot play was killing Michigan in the 1st half and under other DC's it would have continued to kill them.   Not under Coach Mac's defense and he adjusted and shut it down in the second half.   

Michigan dominated the 2nd half and won the Big Ten Championship by a score of 42-3.  History made; Championship won!  No matter where or who Michigan plays in the CFP this team will go down in history of Michigan Football as Champions.  I could not be prouder of this team. 

Cheers

• The coaching in this game was spectacular 
• The players were focused 
• Michigan's offense was ugly at times, but Michigan was not going to let Iowa win like Iowa.
• Edwards perfect pass 
• Corum is a home run hitter
• Brad Robbins 61-yard punt was huge 
• The blocked punt by CoJo was also big turning point 
• Cade threw a few dimes and didn't make a back breaking mistake 
• Luke Schoonmaker with a few huge catches 
• Leading tacklers on D:  Ross, Gray, Hawkins, Hill 
• Seltzer got his catch! 
• Kolesar with the pick!
• JJ had a good game and for a second, I thought he might complete that Hail Mary

Jeers

• Was not a fan of Upshaw's 15-yard penalty
• Michigan's running game had 211 yards but a majority of that came on a couple of plays
• Offensive line struggled in this one 
• AJ kept fair catching inside the 5 
• Cade's pick was a bad throw, but a bit unlucky as well

I loved seeing Michigan on the trophy stand, it's been a very long time and this team deserves all its accolades.  Hutch should get a free trip to NYC and this team will have a date with probably Georgia on New Year's Eve.   The goal every year is for Michigan to win the Big Ten Championship and they did just that.   Every Friday, I've asked Jimmy to "prove it to me" and he and his team just rubber stamped it right on my forehead and it feels so good!

Go Blue! 

Iowa Preview

Time: 8:00

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium

Weather: Indoors 

TV: Fox 

Line Michigan -11

Dear Jimmy, 

I've been writing you letters every Friday asking you and your team to prove it to me that times have changed and that your team is different.  You sir proved that on Saturday without a shadow of a doubt.  I also want to thank you for your off-field decision making this week.  Donating your bonus to AD staff that took a pay cut is an extremely generous offer.   I also want to give you a heartfelt thank you for recognizing the young students that we lost at Oxford High School with a patch on your jerseys this Saturday.

In my entire life that was a top 5 Michigan moment great feeling having your team win THE GAME last Saturday.  Wonderful win, but I hope you turned the page on Monday.   There are plenty of examples of a team getting a huge program changing win and then failing the next weekend.   The latest example was MSU beating the current #2 team in the nation and then falling the next weekend to Purdue.  I've used the USA Hockey Russia and Finland example a couple of times, so I will spare you that analogy.   The bottom line is that Michigan's win over OSU gets diminished some if your team doesn't show up on Saturday night.   Playing for a championship is different and your team needs to be ready to play just as hard as they did last Saturday this Saturday.  

Michigan has never played in the Big Ten Championship game, so this is a new feeling and experience for your program and us fans.   It still feels pretty weird, actually.   I'm sure you feel the same.   I hope you went "Hoosiers" the Movie on your team this week to keep them focused on playing Michigan Football this Saturday.   Michigan's #1 goal every year should be winning the Big Ten Title and you and your team finally has its shot.  I expect the team to run through a wall and Iowa on Saturday night.  The other stuff will get figured out.  

I know you love my Friday advice, so I will continue it with Iowa this week.   Iowa plays old Midwest football.   They have a very conservative offense and win by playing elite defense.  If they win the turnover battle, they win games.  What this means is they want to play a low scoring game, that they can steal with a field goal at the end.  What Michigan needs to do is to play smart football.   What I mean here is run the ball but mix in a solid passing game.   The Iowa DB's love interceptions, so Cade needs to continue his smart decision making in the passing game.   If Michigan scores points and touchdowns, you will win the game.  Stay aggressive. 

Iowa is well coached, so don't expect getting turnovers and they love throwing to the tight ends.  I've watched too many Michigan - Iowa games where Iowa beat Michigan with TE throws.   The team that executes better will win this game.    Pressure the stiff Iowa QB with Hutch and Ojabo, confuse him with your zone and man to man defense.   Run the Michigan offense like we saw last weekend.  The one that ran the ball with authority and threw the ball to set up touchdowns.  If last weekend was a bad match-up for your defense, this offense is right in your sights.   I expect a huge game from guys like Brad Hawkins and Josh Rosh who have a ton of battle scars of falling short in making this game year after year.   

I don't have to remind you what is on the line this Saturday.  Time to cement your legacy and getting everyone in this program a ring.   Play to win the Big Ten Championship on Saturday.   Prove it to me!   

Michigan 28 Iowa 13

The Original Michigan Monday: An Early Look at Iowa

Michigan has another game this weekend and it still seems very strange.  Ann Arbor resident and NBC lead broadcaster Mike Tirico, summed up the weekend late on Sunday night after the Ravens beat the Browns:  "For the week, Harbaugh's 2 - Ohio nothing."

Guys, I'm still feeling the joy from that win.  It just feels so damn good! 

I've been keeping an eye on Big Ten Championship tickets but it seems Ohio State fans that purchased ahead is trying to get a bump in their holiday budgets by reselling tickets for ridiculous prices.   I'm not going to purchase a pair of bad seats for over $1000.   At that point, you just watch it in HD. 

Michigan now has its "do you believe in Miracle's game" over the Russians and now must play Finland for the Gold Metal. 

On to Iowa:  

The Hawkeyes came out hot to a 6-0 record with winds over #9 ISU and #4 PSU.   Then they hit 2 loses in a row to Purdue and Wisconsin then finished 4-0 over bad Big Ten teams.   Iowa is known to have a very solid defense but struggles on offense.  

Pass yards per game: 178 

Rushing yards per game: 121

Iowa scores: 25 points per game 

Give up: 17 points 

If Ohio State is a bad match-up for the Wolverines, Iowa is a good match on both sides of the ball.  There is no mystery with Iowa and they win by playing hard nose football and count on getting a few turnovers.   Iowa is all about waiting for the game to change.  Best example is the Penn State game.  Iowa was getting run off the field, then Clifford goes down and the Hawkeyes make a comeback and win the game.  

The key for the Wovlerins is to not make mistakes and play fundamental football.  

Michigan is -10.5

• Michigan landed a 2023 commit from 4-star DT Joel Starlings from VA!  Welcome big man! 

• Deep thought:  Hard for OSU to win their Golden Pants pendent when Michigan wears Navy pants. 👍

• Crazy coaching job changes:
• Riley to USC - PAC 12 equals an easier road then SEC.  OK in the SEC is Ole Miss. 
• Louisiana's Billy Napier goes to Florida.  Good hire! 
• LSU?
• Nick Sheridan out as IU's OC 
• Now what at OK?  Big game Bob stepping in for the Bowl Game 
• Duke thinks they can find a better coach then David Cutcliffe
• Reports are that Joe Moorehead might take the Akron job.  Seems like he could get a better one then that. 
• Ryan Osborn on Michigan's non-field coaching staff, was hired by UConn
• Jerry Kill gets another head job at New Mexico State 
• 21 head coaching opening in total this year so far

• Hutch and H2 combine for the Walter Camps Defensive and Offensive players of the week.  Add the same award for the Big Ten Players of the Week. 

• PFF College says that no other player has had more QB hurries then Hutch did in the OSU game since they have been tracking it since 2014. That number was 15.

• John Madden texts Jimmy: “as good as an offensive line performance he’s seen in a game” 

• I can't imagine how many people watched The GAME? 15M maybe?