Alabama Post Game

This post will be a little bit more than the traditional Cheers and Jeers.  As attending this game, gave me some further insight into things that TV just doesn't show.

Atmosphere:

This was my second Citrus Bowl, its an interesting event.  It's a Bowl Game that's not quite a New Years Day 6 but it isn't the Alamo Bowl either.   So neither fan base was crazy happy to be there and it showed.   I would say it was 55% Bama and 45% Michigan fans, the game was about 5,000 short of a sell out with mostly open seats in the upper decks.

Bama has what they call the "Million Dollar Band" (yes they pay the band as well) and have a terrible cheer where the spell B-A-M-A.  This was my first Alabama game and sort of expected a better fight song with all their tradition.

Parking:  As many know, the Citrus Bowl is in an industrial/lower cost hosing area.   If you want to tailgate, you should purchased a permit for parking in a Citrus Bowl lot.   You can find parking near by for as low as $20, but expect to pay $40.   We parked in a parking lot of a business, where the highlight was a bunch of Alabama fans knowing knives at a wooden board.   First time I have seen that at a tailgate.

Weather was great.  It was 68 degrees and sunny all game.

The Citrus Bowl stadium announcer made a ton of mistakes on identifying Michigan players and commonly messed up the down and distance.   There was also a hype man on the field who was pretty bad as well.

The Game 

If you asked me to asses this team in one sentence it would be, "this team can't take a punch".    Here are my headlines:

Gattis called a great first half
Don Brown failed again
Saban is the devil

Let's start with the first half, Michigan came out with passion and played well against one of the best teams in the nation.   Gattis was on point and found running lanes against Bama's defenses.   Kicking fields goals and not scoring touchdowns was really the only negative for the offense in the first half.

Don Brown needs to find a new job.  His philosophy is to solve issues with aggression, I feel like you need to solve issues with intelligence.   Belichick always takes away his opponents best player, Don Brown always lets his opponents best player have a career day.   Case in point this year:

Wisconsin: Taylor 203 yards
PSU: Hamler 108 yards receiving
OSU: Dobbins 211 yards and Fields 302 passing
Bama: Judy 204 yards and Harris 136 rushing

Before the snap of Alabama's first play, Saban had targeted Dax Hill by putting Judy in the slot.   I yelled before the snap that Judy was getting a 20 yard cushion and was on our freshman safety.  You know the rest.  How is Bama's best player not getting special coverage or even a CB?   Double cover that guy!

Michigan's offense is not great but its not the problem either.  Don Brown and his inability to change or stop good offenses is.   We will look back at some of these defenses and wonder how Don Brown F'ed them up.

His lack of DT recruiting is also going to hurt this program for years.   Michigan tried to stop Alabama's NFL offensive lineman with a walk-on and a true freshman.   Unacceptable and embarrassing.

Saban hates Michigan from his MSU days and didn't need that last TD, he also targeted Dax who flipped from Alabama to Michigan on signing day on the first play.  He's not a fan of Harbaugh and made sure his team knew that at half-time as the real Crimson Tide played the last 30 minutes.

Cheers

• Michigan OL played well and put 165 rushing yards on Bama's defense 
• Gattis with 1st half play calling 
• Nordin was Michigan's MVP 
• Jackson is going to be good returning and at WR next year. 
• Michigan was competitive
• Michigan's RB's could be pretty good next year

Jeers with Details

• Shea was terrible - What you can't see on TV is how poorly Shea sees the field.  He missed wide open WR's and was missing opportunities to run for positive yards or even first downs.  I was supporting him all year as I thought he was Michigan's best option to win, I no longer believe that and will wish him well.   Many say that Shea is best when he is off schedule, I disagree - if he doesn't make a quick decision, he makes a bad one.  
• I like Ronnie Bell, but he is really having trouble catching the ball.   Others around me were saying he was having trouble catching in warm ups.   Which continued into the game.    If he can't fix this, we might have a McDoom situation here. 
• Don Brown was able to find the stadium 
• The roughing the passer penalty changed the game.  I'm not saying Michigan wins the game if that call isn't made, I'm saying Michigan had 100% of the momentum and that call gave Bama 4 extra points they didn't need.  The Bama fans even thought it was a bad call.   I can't stand officials that insert themselves into games and change the outcome.  
• Michigan's defensive line is at the highest level of concern.  
• I thought the offensive play calling was not great in the second half, it was clear Bama had made adjustments, I didn't see Michigan make any.   
• Michigan couldn't get off the mat after Alabama landed the 1st TD punch of the second half. 

What's next

Michigan has to fix the defensive line as quickly as possible.  The transfer portal, recruiting, and better development.  

Don Brown is the defensive Rich Rod.   Don is fine coaching at UMass, Harvard, BC, and UConn but he is not capable of coaching a high preforming defense against a top tier offense.   His defense is designed to beat Illinois and Rutgers not OSU and Alabama.   I don't want to hear about his highly ranked defense, it hasn't won shit.   

It's basketball season and Juwan Howard just landed another 4 star recruit, which will discuss tomorrow.   Also Stephen Spanellis is transferring as a graduate transfer, which seems strange with two guard spots and maybe a center position open next season. 

Happy New Year

Citrus Bowl Preview

Time: 1:00
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Weather: 70/Sunny
TV:  ABC
Stream: ESPN App
Line: Michigan +7

This isn't going to be a long preview as college football has been changing over the last decade.  Paying players has become more of a battle cry then an NCAA violation and just like PED's in many sports, fans are just sick and tired of the discussion.   Some universities have decided to become football player factories rather then academic institutions.  At OSU you don't even need to go to class any longer and can just take OSU's version of Phoenix University.   That will never be the case in Ann Arbor and you have seen the results.   If your an 18 year old 5 star and the pitch is, come to our football factory, you will have $40K in your bank account, a new car, and play for National Championships.   That is hard argument to sell against.

Tale of the Tape

Alabama everything vs. Michigan everything = Alabama

There are 4 teams this year that I believe Michigan are out manned against.  LSU, OSU, Clemson, and Alabama.   Bama is better then Michigan at pretty much every position and like in the OSU game it will show brightly in two areas: the offensive and defensive lines.   Bama's NFL offensive line will get to play against Carlo Kemp, a true freshman, Hutchinson, and Paye.   Alabama is going to run, run, and run some more on Michigan's defense. (Michigan's lack of defensive line recruiting is now at Red Alert levels.  See the first paragraph on why its that way)

The Michigan offensive line is a better match-up but still favors the talented Crimson Tide.  If Michigan is going to make this game competitive at all, this position group has to have a great day.   This isn't the great Alabama defense, but its not bad either.  

Say, well I wasn't expecting that if...……….

• Michigan's offense can score points on Bama
• The offense plays very clean - no dropped passes or turnovers 
• Michigan's defense can get some stops
• Bama clearly doesn't want to be there 
• Alabama's best players are dressed but don't play 

Say, yep saw this coming if ...…………..

• Michigan's defensive line is getting run over 
• Michigan is turning the ball over on offense or special teams 
• The talent gap is wide and clear as the grand canyon
• Harris runs over the Wolverines like he never had a dorm room waiting for him in Ann Arbor 

I don't think Alabama wants to be in this game.  I'm a bit surprised that so many of their top talent is actually playing.   There seems to be a ton of risk for very little reward for playing in this game if your a 1st round draft pick.   The issue is, if Bama is sleep walking through this game, their talent and running game might be enough to beat the Wolverines.  

Ok, Bob we get it, Alabama is better.  Is there anyway Michigan can win?

There is always a chance and the reason they play the games.  Here are a few ways Michigan could sneak out a win:

• Gattis knows Bama well and could find a few weak spots 
• Offense plays fast and clean 
• Don Brown is going to have to protect his limited defensive line, while not letting the talented Bama WR's get separation.   Does he have some type of blitz with a zone in secondary?  How is he going to stop the run?
• Bama's players play like Florida did in the Citrus Bowl a few years ago.   
• Michigan does play well in this stadium and has a few upsets against better teams.  

Since Sabin has gotten to Alabama, I rarely have seen his teams sleep walk through 4 quarters.   Michigan will need to keep the score manageable and try to sneak out a win late in the game.   Things will have to go very right for the Wolverines as the talent gap is significant.   The weather will be nice and Michigan likes playing in the afternoon.   I'm not expecting a great outcome, I just want a competitive game. 

Alabama 42 Michigan 17

Michigan Monday: Game Week News and Notes

As everyone knows, Michigan gets Alabama on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando.  We had some news over the weekend on who and who won't be playing in the game.  

• Michael Dwumfour is out after a medical procedure earlier in the month.  Michigan's lack of depth on the DL takes another hit.   He is still in Ann Arbor and was even at the Lions game on Sunday.  Mike was injured pretty much all year and hopefully this procedure can get him back to 100%.  Mike is expected to come back for a 5th year.  
• Carlo Kemp and Brad Hawkins are both practicing and expected to play.  Brad missed the last two games of the season and Carlo played but nowhere near a 100%. 
• Christian Turner isn't with the team in Orlando but is expected to fly down, but will be held out with an injury as well.  

I will give you a little peak at my preview post for tomorrow.   Alabama has a huge advantage on both lines and will hit the Wolverines with a strong pass rush and running game.  

More news from the weekend:

• I hate to make the comparison but the difference between LSU and Oklahoma looked like a Michigan - OSU game.  

• OSU finally matched up against a team with equal talent and lost a close one.  Ohio State wins easily if they scored TD's instead of field goals early in the game when they were dominating.   After the game, I had one thought watching Urban Meyer in his catchers position watching the last few moments.  If Ryan Day took an NFL job, Urban would slide right back into that job.  

• Michigan Basketball ate another cupcake on Sunday but now the real schedule begins as they re-open the Big Ten season with a trip to East Lansing.

• Nick Eubanks has decided to come back for another year.  I think he is nowhere near his ceiling as a college TE. 

• Former Michigan Special Teams coach John Baxter was fired from USC staff. 

• Former 5 minute Michigan coach Dan Enos was fired as Miami's OC.  

• 2020 OL Micah Mazzccua still plans on signing with Michigan in February. 

• Jimmy and 2 other coaches are expected to visit Stanford's DL transfers right after the dead period. 

Michigan Monday: Bump and Bama

Sorry all for the late post, thought I had posted this but it didn't happen.

Michigan Football lost one of its greatest players and coaches this weekend when Bump Elliott passed away.   He won a Big Ten MVP and back to back National Championships as a Michigan player.  He also won the 1965 Rose Bowl as the Wolverines head coach.

Bump also went on to be Iowa's AD after coaching at Michigan.

Bump will always be loved by the Michigan faithful and clearly a class act Michigan Man.  He will be missed. RIP Michigan Man.

Now on to the Bowl game news.  

I must of fell asleep for a year and Michigan is in the CFP  against Alabama in round 1?

Michigan will get to play Alabama on New Years Day but in the Citrus Bowl, not the CFP.   I actually don't mind this match-up.  Bama is hurting and so is the Wolverines.  Neither team reached expectations this year and both are probably a bit ticked off they are in Orlando for the holidays.

You will make your own judgements about this game, but I'm sort of interested in it.   Bama of course has better players at most, if not all the positions, but will they all play?  Harbaugh needs a signature win and beating Saban at any point in his career (outside of the MSU days) will help that cause.

Bama is favored by a TD and Don Brown will be confused trying to stop their talented WR's.  Either way its a glorified scrimmage and the winner or loser doesn't matter.  I'm just going to go to the game and see what happens.  Maybe 2016 will spin around again and Michigan will beat a ranked SEC team?

Fun fact: The two college coaches with national TV advertising deals go head to head in the Citrus Bowl

• 4 star TE Theo Johnson from Windsor picked Penn State over Michigan.  Couldn't keep a TE an hour away from his home going to Happy Valley.   Not good. 

• Want to know how college football is changing?  3 Transfer QB's and a DE are Heisman Finalists.  3 of the 4 are current or former Buckeyes.   As the last bullet suggests, recruiting matters.  The presumed Heisman Trophy winner couldn't get on the field in Columbus.   Do you think we have a recruiting problem against the team down south?

• Penn State's OC got a head coaching job, Clemson's OC got a head coaching job, Arkansas hired Georgia's offensive line coach, and Missouri hired App. State's head coach who had been there one year.   Why isn't anyone calling LSU's OC or Don Brown?

Wolverine Wednesday: Cold Night

It was going to happen at some point and it happened last night for Juwan Howard's team.  The ball just wasn't going in.  For a team that needs the 3 point shot the Wolverines struggled all night and only made 3.

Yes,  there was a lot of reasons why.   Louisville's defense and talent were big reasons, but so were the tired legs of the Wolverines.   The team looked like they have been playing a lot of basketball and taking a bunch of flights.

Teske did all he could with 18 points but was the only Wolverine in double figures.  The hot shooting Livers only scored 3 points and went 1-9 from the field.   Brooks wasn't much better and was 0-6 from the field only scoring 2 points from the line.

It happens and last night it happend to be against the #1 team in the nation in their own barn.  Mark it up to experience and move on.    The rest doesn't get any better as the Wolverines have a Big Ten game against Iowa on Friday at Crisler.   The week after they travel to Illinois and host Oregon.

After that the schedule lets up with Presbyterian and UMass Lowell to finish up the year.

#1 need for the team is to get Franz Wagner comfortable, he isn't part of this offense at all right now.  His defense and rebounding is improving game by game.

• With Alabama dropping out of the top 10, some now are prediciting a Michgian - Alabama match-up in the Citrus Bowl.   

• Michigan only dropped one spot in the CFP rankings to #14

• MSU also got beat by Duke last night in East Lansing

Wolverine Wednesday: Talks About Bowl Prep and Some Recruiting Nuggets

Some programs take the bowl experience to be somewhat of a reward or a vacation for the team.   If your in Orlando, you get to go to Disney and stay in a 4 star hotel/resort.  It's fun and a nice experience.   Even Lloyd Carr struggled with hot to manage Bowl prep and would take his teams out to Pasadena for two weeks before the Rose Bowl.

Jim called the 15 bowl practices - Winter Camp which included 4 hour practices.   Sure they went to Disney but the rest of their day was scheduled very tight with meetings and other team activities.   It was a business trip not a vacation for the Wolverines.   The players said, that under Hoke they had a lot of free time during bowl trips.  Not this year!   The proof was in how they played.   You could also tell that Jimmy and Coach Drevno spent a lot of time during Winter Camp working with the offensive line.   That might have been the best the offensive line has played (against NFL quality D-Line) in the last 5+ years. 

• Michigan Insider Sam Webb predicts there are two silent commits to Michigan at the Army All American game.   My guess would be Crawford and Hill.  David Long could be the other.   I wish/hope one of them could be Isaac Nauta.

• All Ohio State Juniors (even if your not on the football team) are heading to the NFL.

• 2016 DE Josh Uche is visiting Michigan on 1/22. Josh is rated as a 3 star prospect to Rivals.

• Kicker/Punter Kenny Allen will be back for his 5th year next year.

• Mike Hart seems to be following in Wheatley's foot steps and will be the next RB coach at Syracuse.

• Michigan commit Jordan Elliot continues to impress at the AA practices.  He is also very tired of getting questions that he might flip again to Texas.  He has been very clear he is 100% committed to the Wolverines.

Citrus Bowl = Wow

David Guralnick / Detroit News

It was a perfect day.  The weather was in the mid 80's and sunny at kick off and then clouds moved in to cool it down a few degrees.  Before the game, I got to catch up with friends and then got the pleasure to watch a Jim Harbaugh lead team dismantle the Gators in every aspect of the game.

Thank you Jim Harbaugh for coming home and taking the Michigan job.  This program was probably as low as it could go last year at this time and you found away to 10 wins and a Citrus Bowl victory. 

Thank you Jake Rudock, you also played a huge role in getting Michigan back to 10 wins and bowl victory.  You started shaky in the Utah game but the Citrus Bowl was one of the best QB performances from a Michigan QB that I have ever witnessed.   You sir are my MVP for the season, and thank you again for taking a chance on the Wolverines and saving the year. 

Michigan won every aspect of the game but I will take a shot at the cheers list:


Cheers

• Jake "Freaking" Rudock played great against a very good Florida secondary.  The NFL now might be taking the world away from a great future Doctor.  His QBR was near perfect for the game! Jake is only the 2nd QB in Michigan history to pass for over 3000 yards.

• If you give Jim Harbaugh 4 weeks to prepare for an opponent look out!

• I have to give the offensive line some love, that was a talented Florida DL and they held their own by giving Michigan 225 yards rushing.

• Michigan's defense played well minus Peppers and the Gator only scored on a trick play.   The Defense also held Florida to 28 total yards in the second half (262 overall yards).  The Wolverines also forced two turnovers in the red zone with the stop of the fake field goal and the interception in the end zone.  

• Jehu Chesson played great and beat one of the best CB's in county in Vernon Hargreaves all day, who is expected to be the #1 CB taken in the NFL Draft.   Jehu finished with 118 yards receiving.

• Blake O'Neil was out with a leg injury but Michigan only had to punt once during the game.

• De’Veon Smith went over 100 yards and broke a ton of tackles!

Jeers

None

(The injuries to Darboh and Chesson could be considered Jeers but I don't think either are too serious)

This was by the far the best game the Wolverines played all year.  This Florida defense is for real and the Michigan offense picked them apart all day.   If the rumors about John O'Korn are accurate and if Michigan can find some LB's, this might only be a taste of what's to come next year!!  Go Blue!

Citrus Bowl Preview

Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Weather: 82 - 10%  rain
TV: ABC
Line:  Michigan -4


Bowl games are funny things, some programs consider them a reward for a tough season, others consider it an exhibition.  When predicting a winner, you try to find the teams that want to be there  vs. the ones that don't.   Nebraska didn't even win 6 games and found themselves in a bowl game against a quality UCLA team.     Nebraska wanted to be in a bowl - UCLA didn't and Nebraska upset the Bruins. 

The Citrus Bowl could be a similar situation.   Michigan didn't go to a bowl game last year after Brady Hoke left this program on fire.  Florida did go bowling but was coached by Michigan's DC this year (DJ Durkin).   Both programs replaced their head coaches after last season and have had successful first years.   Florida played in the SEC Championship and had thoughts of Playoffs or at least a New Years Big 6 Bowl.   They lost to FSU and Alabama back to back and that playoff dream slipped away.   UF recently had a bunch of NFL Draft announcements and a few suspensions.

Tale of the Tape:
Michigan WR vs. Florida CB = Florida
Michigan DL vs. Florida OL = Michigan
Michigan OL vs. Florida DL = Florida
Michigan QB vs. Florida QB = Michigan
Intangibles = Michigan


Both programs should know each other very well.  Michigan's former DC and now head coach of Maryland, helped create the dominate Florida defense.  (Did Jimmy drain DJ's brain on the Gators before he left for Maryland?).  Michigan's 1 year OC under Brady Hoke, Doug Nussmeier is now the OC at Florida.   These teams should know each other very well.  

UF has had serious trouble moving the ball on offense under Nuss and with recent suspensions could have mostly freshman on the offensive line.   That should be a huge advantage for the likes of Worm, Taco, and Big Willy.    Florida has also watched the Minnesota, IU and Ohio State games and knows Michigan has had trouble stopping the run against an athletic QB. 

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

• Michigan can move the ball on the UF defense
• Michigan can get TD's instead of field goals
• Michigan has some sort of running game
• Peppers and Rudock are healthy
• Michigan defense shuts down the UF offense

Yell, I just got bite by a gator if........................................

• Michigan's Defense can't stop the new offensive formations we will likely see from Nuss
• Michigan can run against the Florida Defense
• Michigan's WR can't get separation against the Florida DB's
• Michigan offense gives Florida offense a short field
• Michigan LB's continue to look lost

If you want a ton of points and a lot of offense, this is not the game for you.   Both teams have a very good secondary and want to stop the run.   If Michigan is going to win this game they will have to have a game plan that sets up the run through their passing game.   Michigan's offense is a stronger unit then Florida's offense, but has also turned the ball over in spurts and turnovers could push the game towards the Gators.  

Michigan's biggest advantage on offense is their TE's.   I expect Darboh and Chesson will have trouble with Florida's CB and Michigan will have to use Butt and Bunting a ton to move the sticks and get into the red zone.   I expect if Peppers is heathy enough to play, he will only take defensive snaps.  Rudock went to high school in Miami and will want to play well in his last college game in front of family and friends.   I just hope he is 100% healthy after a months rest.    He will have to play very will in getting the ball out fast and throwing in tight windows.   If he is not healthy or not even playing, all bets are off.

I like Michigan in this game, because the Wolverines are excited to be in a bowl game and have Harbaugh as their head coach.  This entire team remembers this time last year.   Florida is playing in their home state but could have their heads elsewhere.   Michigan will have to play smart, physical football to win.  I hope this game doesn't come down to a special teams mistake.

Michigan 17  Florida 9

Michigan Monday: Feeling A Little Green

Michigan is now in Orlando having regular bowl practices as they prepare for the Gators on Friday.    The biggest news out of practice is that former 5 star RB Derrick Green did not make the trip.  The rumor mill is saying that he hasn't been with the team for awhile and didn't even attend the Ohio State game.  The expectation is that Derrick has "one foot out the door" to another program.   Jim did confirm he is still with the team, but didn't travel due to an internal matter.
If DG does decide to leave Michigan, I wish him nothing but the best and wished it would have worked out better for him in A2.  He came to Michigan much heavier then he should have and had a hard time coming back from that.  His poor vision to hit the holes and inability to break tackles is his biggest barrier to playing time.  With the luck of Michigan RB transfers he probably will end up on a NFL roster in a couple of years.  Derrick will be a senior next year and would have to sit out a year if he transfers to another school.  (unless he had enough credits to graduate early from Michigan )

• Jimmy would not come clean on Peppers status for Friday or if he is practicing. 

• Jimmy did say he is going to extend Jedd Fisch's contract.  Jedd was on a one year deal. 

• LB recruit Jon Jones did say he was going to take in practice on Sunday.   The rule is he can watch practice but can't have any face to face contact with the coaches.   The coaches can speak to him on the phone.  There is probably a SNL comedy skit in there somewhere. 

• Gators starting RT Mason Halter and back-up LB Anthony Harrell are both suspended for the Citrus for academics and  RB Jordan Scarlett was cited for marijuana possession and did not make the trip to Orlando.

Funny Side note:  Michigan last played the Gators in the Citrus Bowl in 2008 when Heisman Trophy winning Tim Tebow was the Gators QB.  This was ironically the last time the Michigan Football team wore Nike uniforms.    Friday will be the last time Michigan wears Adidas uniforms.   It has finally come full circle.  Michigan beat the Gators in 2008 for Lloyd Carr's last game 41-35.  Friday's game might have a few less points!! :)

Wolverine Wednesday: Butt Back

• After Jake Butt said he was 50/50 on returning to Michigan for his senior year, he has decided to stay in Ann Arbor.    Most mock drafts had him around a 2nd or 3rd round prospect.  I think that is a bit low which he should easily increase with another good year.   I sometimes wonder what Michigan's offense would have looked like with Funchess in it this year.   He started very slowly with Carolina but is really starting to find his stride.   I would imagine being un-defeated after last years season feels pretty good for the rookie. 

• Wormley said he was also coming back for his senior year.  The next real decision is from Jourdan Lewis, who was just named to the USA Today First Team All American Team.   Lewis had a great year and will be a very good pro.   I just hope he wants to stay for one more year. 

• Michigan sold out it's Citrus Bowl allotment of tickets within an hour or so.   They didn't release the numbers but it's estimated around 9,000 tickets.   A little tip for some of those going to the Citrus Bowl stadium for the first time, reserve parking.   They do not have the huge lots like Tampa's stadium does. 

• Michigan Basketball played another road "stinker" last night in getting blown out by SMU. 

 

• In an interesting move, Scott Shafer has been hired by DJ Durkin as the new DC for Maryland.   They worked together at Stanford under Jimmy.

• Want to know what players get for going to bowl games?  Check out this list for each gift bags per bowl game.  Each player can get $550 worth of stuff.

• Brandon Peters jumped 102 spots in Rivals latest rankings.  He is now ranked the 140th player in the nation.  Gary is still the #1 player in the nation per Rivals.

Michigan Tuesday: Informative Bullet Points

• Jake Butt is 50/50 on leaving Michigan early for the NFL.  He wants to sit down with Jimmy to discuss.   This makes sense to me, there are benefits for him in staying and going to the NFL.

• Instate recruits Corley (WR)  and Hill (CB) will announce on the same day.  Were not sure of the day.  Hill seems to be heading to Michigan, most believe Corley will end up at MSU.  Which should make for some fun future matchups.

• Jake Rudock hasn't thrown yet but Jimmy expects him to play on 1/1.

• Jimmy has watched half of Florida's games already.  Man doesn't sleep.

• Jimmy wants Jim Hackett to stay on as AD -  I think we all agree that would be a great thing!

• Jehu was named team MVP.  Congratulations to him!

• Jimmy confirmed he is focused on winning the Citrus Bowl and not hiring the next DC.  With that said, some names have been floating around from the likes of former coaches that coached in Florida including Butch Davis, Randy Shannon and Jim Leavitt.  Each of these guys are good coaches but come with some "baggage".   Butch's issues with the NCAA and Jim's player abuse probably don't make them great candidates in Ann Arbor.   Other names include Dean Pees DC of the Ravens and Stanford's DC Lance Anderson.   I liked DJ was a younger DC and could relate to the players.