Wolverine Wednesday: Misleading Headlines

There is a ton going on and I thought we could have fun with some misleading headlines:

Harbaugh Expected to Sign Extension - The problem is, this is John Harbaugh.

Harbaugh Has Signed with Minnestoa - The problem is, that is Greg Harbaugh Jr. (any relation?) and it's with the Golden Gophers as a TE coach or something. 

Harbaugh on Harbaugh Crime? - Like I mentioned on Monday there are some reports that Coach Macdonald might interview for the open Ravens DC job.  

Again, no new news on the Jim Harbaugh situation.  He is in Dallas this morning recruiting.  

• Warde is now on the CFP Playoff Committee, maybe he can make some waves on expanding the damn thing.   

• Sounds like former OK QB Caleb Williams is considering transferring to Wisconsin, most expected USC with his old coach. 

• Sean Payton left the New Orleans Saints job, this is not expected to be a Harbaugh option. 

Don Brown at UMass:

 

It’s January…@UMassFootball does NOT care 💪 😳pic.twitter.com/z2K9BZo2vq

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) January 26, 2022

The Original Michigan Monday: An Early Look at Ohio State

Well, its that week again.  The week where your mind wonders from Michigan Football to Thanksgiving with family and friends.   Where your forced to watch the Lions take on the Bears that have a combined 3 wins between them.   Where there is something called the Egg Bowl and Nebraska and Iowa play on Friday to put an end to another Cornhusker season.    Then on Saturday, when the tiredness of Black Friday and turkey leftovers leave your system, you wake up to realize that THE GAME is being played today and that bad feeling hits your stomach.  

We all saw Ohio State treat Michigan State like a bunch of walk-on's from East Lansing on Saturday.  So much so, the Buckeyes didn't even need to show up for the 2nd half.  I stopped watching somewhere early in the 2nd Quarter.   Ohio State's offense is about as good as an offense can be right now. 

Passing Yards Per: 362

Rushing Yards Per: 197

Points Scored Per: 47

Points given up Per: 19 

That is an effective offensive unit and will give the Wolverines a ton to scheme against all week.  Macdonald will need all of this NFL experience to slow down that air attack.  

• I don't have much to say on Michigan's Basketball team right now that I haven't already said.  

• You know how much I love off season coaching moves in College Football.   This year is going to be very good with a ton of big time jobs available.   Florida fired Dan Mullen and adds their name to the list of available big time programs needing a head coach.   Not sure there are enough big names to fill all the big jobs.  Florida, LSU, USC, UW, Va Tech, TCU, Texas Tech and more.

• Regular readers of this blog also know how I feel about Don Brown being the DC at Michigan.  All reports are pointing to him being named as the UMass head coach again.  The announcement could come as early as today.  Don by all accounts is a good person and I'm happy for him being the head coach at a place and region he is very comfortable with.  I hope he has a ton of success there.  

Wolverine Wednesday: Michigan Basketball Tips Off Tonight

Juwan Howard has taken Michigan Basketball to new heights through great coaching and even better recruiting.   The latest version of his squad takes the floor for the first time officially tonight at Crisler against Buffalo. 

This squad will include a number of names you already recognize including:  Super Senior Eli Brooks, Sophomore Hunter Dickinson, and senior Brandon Johns.  

The new names include: 5 star Caleb Houstan, 5 star Moussa Diabate, grad transfer Devante Jones, and true freshman Frankie Collins and Kobe Bufkin.    You will see a ton of Houstan who is expected to start, and Diabate who will be first off the bench for Hunter.   Devante was brought here to start and run the offense, to me he looks like a 5 year NBA vet already.  

This team is loaded with a great mix of new young talent and experienced players.   This is a team that has very high goals and the talent to match that dream.   It's going to be a fun ride!  Tune in for it. 

Early tip tonight at 6:30, TV is BTN. 

• I could care less about the CFP ranking right now, Michigan has a job to do and this week Penn State is standing in the way.  My goal like it is every year is to win the Big Ten Championship and then let everything else play out.   You give me a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl win (not in the CFP) and I'm 100% happy with the entire season.  With that said, its amazing to me 2 things about Sparty.  #1 everyone knew Purdue was going to beat them last week #2 everyone knows the officials messed up the UM - State game and that result should of turned out differently. 

• Denver Broncos Graham Glasgow has a broken leg

• I just learned that Jedd and Don Brown got their first win on Saturday as 24 players tested positive for Cal the night before the game against Wildcats.   Arizona won 10-3.  Cal vs. USC this week has been moved to December.  

• MACtion is the best thing going if your not watching.   It's all offense all the time.  EMU took a tough L last night.  3 games last night, 3 more games tonight!  

• Nick Eubanks has been signed to the Lions practice squad 

Michigan Tuesday: Arizona Loves Former Michigan Coaches

For all the places you can coach college football, Arizona has to be pretty nice option.   You have that dry heat in the desert and U of A is a basketball school.  If you compete each year, your probably going to be employed for a long time.  Arizona decided to go on the wild Rich Rod ride and got burned by the loose cannon that is RR.  

Arizona has now gotten another former Michigan coach with the hiring of Jedd Fisch.   This was a great decision, Jedd has interim head coaching experience at UCLA and a ton of pro experience in Jacksonville and with the Rams.   He of course led Jimmy's offense the first year he was in A2.    Hiring Jedd was long overdue.  

Jedd now reportedly has his sights on other ex-Michigan coach, this time its defensive coordinator Don Brown.   This also makes some sense.  Defense in the PAC 12 is optional and Don could bring some real pressure to the desert.  It's not a terrible decision but as you know, the book is out on how to beat his defense.  

Jedd is also expected to hire former Wolverine analyst Jimmie Dougherty who is currently the Passing Coordinator at UCLA.  I would expect Jimmie to be the new OC.   I can't argue with any of these decisions, but if I was the leadership team at Arizona, I would be a bit leery of hiring former Wolverine coaches.   At least Jedd and Jimmie left on their own accord. 

On a side note, it would be interesting to see how the hiring of Don Brown would impact the $1.7M that U of M owes him.  

• The biggest news of the day was that Aidan Hutchinson decided to stay another year and play DE for the Wolverines.   This is great news as Michigan will have a ton of holes to fill on defense next year.    Having an All Big Ten quality DE is very important to next years success.   Aidan broke his ankle against IU and should be ready for Spring Ball.  If McGregor is fully healed from his ACL during his senior year of HS, that could make 2 very good DE's.  

• MSU got blown out by Minnesota last night and Michigan's next opponent Maryland beat #6 Wisconsin.  

• 5 years ago Jimmy "processed" a low rated DE named Rashad Weaver.  He went to Pitt and was just named an All American.   Before you go bashing that decision, this was Gary's class and he probably had to trade his spot for him.   Speaking of Gary, he is having a very good year for the Packers and it seems the light has gone on for him.  

• Seems that spring football league is getting another Big Ten QB to join JT and Shea.  As Dwayne Haskins was released by Washington.  Maybe the XFL when the Rock re-opens that league?  I know Justin Fields is a good NFL prospect, but prior (no pun intended) to that, OSU has had a long line of failed QB's in the league.

Wolverine Wednesday: Done and Don

Sporting News

This has been a long time coming.  Don Brown was removed as Michigan's DC on Tuesday afternoon.   If you have read this blog for over 2 years, you know how I feel about Don's 1 dimensional defense.   I'm sure he knows a ton of defense, but it sure as hell didn't look like it on the field.  It did look like it on the defensive stats rankings.   

If your defense can't beat good teams, is it truly a good defense?   That was the question I have asked myself over and over about Don Brown.  He would have the #1 defense in the country and OSU would put up 60.  How is that good defense?  Once the playbook is out, on beating your defense, everybody will do it and we saw an example of that this year.  

A DC has many jobs but I believe the 2 most important are recruiting and game plan scheme.   Both of those have been well under where they should be the last few years.   Don was strong in recruiting DE, LB, and sometimes CB.  He couldn't recruit a DT to save his life and left huge holes on the defensive line and in the secondary.  He was very honorable in telling recruits he most likely was not coming back next year but stay with your commitment to Michigan. 

Michigan will owe him $1.7M and that price is worth every dollar to head in a new direction. 

Who's next?

1. Derek Mason, was on Jimmy's staff at Stanford and became the DC after he left.   Was just let go at Vandy and could bring some toughness to this defense. He also knows how Jimmy likes to work.   Worked and recruited at 2 high academic institutions. 

2. Will Muschamp maybe the best DC available, but not sure he will mix well with Jimmy.   The guy can coach defense but is he ready to work with Harbaugh?  My guess is no.

3. Tim Banks, is the co-DC at Penn State and grew up in Detroit.  He played and coached at Central Michigan and known as a great recruiter in the state of Michigan.   If your looking for a guy on the rise, he could be a good hire.  

4. Jim Leavitt, is the FAU DC and coaches for Jimmy's buddy Willie Taggart.  Not sure he would take a coach from a friend and the guy is a bit of a wildcard personality wise.  He did turn around a terrible Colorado defense a few years ago.  (FAU plays tonight against Memphis)

5. Nate Woody, DC at Army.  Was the DC at Georgia Tech and App. State prior.  He even spent a year on Jimmy's staff last season before getting the Army gig.  Maybe a long shot here, but Woody might be in the mix.  Army is 9-2 this season. 

I'm also guessing Michigan is not done with coaching changes.  This is assuming of course that Harbaugh signs an extension and stays the course.    

Michigan needs a DC that brings a new set of eyes, a complex ever changing defense, and a strong recruiter.  

Michigan Friday: Program's Next Steps

Michigan Football took one step back during this shorten season.  But sometimes you have to take one step back to go two steps forward. Warde and Jimmy finally got around to discussing his future on Thursday.   He is not going to be fired and Jimmy has publicly said he is committed to Michigan.  With that said, the NFL season is not over and they won't be filling head coaches vacancy for another few weeks. 

We all are waiting for the next steps.  Which led me to this post of trying to predict, what is next for this program and the momentum they gained on Wednesday.   

• Jimmy signs some type of extension.  My best guess is a 5-6 year deal

• Major changes on the defensive side of the ball.   I believe Don Brown is done and maybe his entire staff.   I would like them to keep Brian Jean-Mary as he is proved to be very good recruiter in Florida.  But not sure they will take my advice. 

• There has been some chatter around Penn State's Co-DC Tim Banks.  He is from Detroit (MLK HS) played and coached at Central Michigan.   Strong recruiter and has pulled a ton of instate talent to Happy Valley.   A bunch of Michigan's football staff started to follow Tim on twitter recently.  Seems like a smart choice. 

• The offensive coaches stay intact for the most part.  Maybe one staff change on that side of the ball.

• Holes on defense which there are many.  CB and DT are the most urgent.  Michigan will have to look to February for options to sign new guys or hit the transfer portal.   Rumors are swirling that instate 4 star DT Rayshaun Benny might be trending back towards Ann Arbor.   

• Michigan gets 11 or 12 early enrollee's next month, who will be available for Spring Ball.  Look for JJ to compete for the starting QB job.  

That is my best guess and something I would like to see happen sooner rather then later. 

• MSU - Maryland football game has been cancelled on Saturday.   

• Quick question for the BHB Inmates - If Clemson wins on Saturday, does that mean ND makes the playoffs and we could see them play 3 times? How is that an option?

• Remember when Belleville's OG Dobbs and CB Barrett picked Michigan State?  Both are in the transfer portal with LB Fulton.  

Michigan Tuesday: DONe BROWN

Do you ever go to Target for a few things but you know your forgetting something you need.  Like toothpaste, razors, body wash, I think you get the theme.   For some reason, I feel there is an important thing I need to do today that people have been reminding me about for 6 months.   I hope I remember.  

I love that there is a new rule about no practice today so college football players can go out and vote.   With that said, It couldn't come at a worse time for Michigan.  

Brian at Mgoblog points out the next huge reason Michigan should be running a zone defense:

Here are the recruiting profiles of Michigan's CB's:

• VINCENT GRAY: "Gray's ability to run is in some question. Upward mobility in the rankings was all but impossible after a 4.76 40 at an Opening regional last April."
• JALEN PERRY: "UGA wouldn't let Perry enroll early and wanted him to play safety … Lacks top-end speed and agility to be a cover CB at the next level." (There were a couple of more positive takes from earlier in his recruitment cycle; the overall picture was not "unquestioned burner.")
• SAMMY FAUSTIN: "… doesn’t have great makeup speed. He doesn’t seem to be a difference-maker from an athletic perspective at the next level … He is not the most explosive kid and can work on his flexibility"
• DJ TURNER: "ESPN's listed combine numbers for him are solidly in the "meh" department, with a 4.63 40 and several other numbers that were middling for cornerbacks .. Even [his] top 20 SPARQ at the Opening didn't see Turner get out of the 4.6s in his 40."

Just so I understand this....................

• Michigan lost their best CB's to the NFL and Draft Prep 
• Michigan wanted a CB to retire due to injuries, who transfers in the league and ends up being a very good CB. 
• Michigan's secondary continually gets gashed by high powered offenses like Alabama and Ohio State
• The playbook on how to beat a Don Brown defense is very well known by Michigan opponents 
• Michigan hasn't recruited the CB position well at all
• The current roster is full of back-ups that have to play
• The current roster of CB's lack speed 
• Michigan's best CB keeps getting burned by no name MSU WR's and got pulled 
• Michigan hires a former DC as safety coach that is known for running a zone and is now working from home for some reason. 
• Michigan has 3 months of practice, most of them non-padded to prefect a zone coverage to make up for areas of concern.  

Don Brown takes all this information and more (as I assume he watches these guys in practice everyday) and still doesn't run a zone.   

What's the plan Don?  To run these 4.7 guys out against 4.3 guys and hope they can cover them?

Is this a old dog, new tricks thing?  If that is the case, then we need to move the old dog out.   

Michael Zordich is also to blame here, as I assume CB recruiting has to be a huge part of his role.   He is the only coach that started with Jimmy at Michigan and still is on staff.  I guess that is a sign that no other schools have come for him with a bigger offer and a new role.   After this short season, he should also be looking for a new role.  

Right now, the only defensive coach I would keep is Brian Jean-Mary as he has clearly separated himself as a good recruiter.  Shaun Nua has not been a strong recruiter and seems to lack the coaching experience for the role.  I like his youth but if he can't coach or recruit he needs to go back to a PAC 12 school.   His latest failure is going to be Rayshaun Benny who is now a strong lean to East Lansing.  

Jimmy says they will adjust.  Outside of hiring Gattis, I have seen very little adjustment since he has gotten to Ann Arbor.  

Michigan Tuesday: Green Field

In business the term "green field" means a net new opportunity with few competitors.  For Michigan's defensive backs there are plenty of new opportunities with Ambry Thomas heading to the NFL.   Don Brown said last night, the leader in the clubhouse for the second CB starting position is Gemon Green next to Vincent Gray.   If we add one more last name color, the Michigan defensive backfield could be like a trip to Sherwin-Williams. 

If you have some extra time to worry about Michigan's Football team prior to Oct 24th, spend that time wringing your hands over the corner backs.  

• The Texan's canned the person that kept cutting Higdon, Bill O'Brien who was the GM and Coach.  I think they even worked out Shea Patterson a week or so ago.  The NFL Texas teams are 1-7.  

• Michigan Basketball will not be traveling to the Empire Classic in November, which means they don't open against teams like Villanova and Baylor.  Smart move! 

• I have been very interested in following Tarik Black's production at Texas.   Through 3 games he has 6 catches, 91 yards, and 1 TD.   Week 1 he had 4 catches, 80 yards and a TD against UTEP.  Since then 1 catch for 12 yards.  Texas scored 63 points in week 2 and 31 points in a loss week 3. 

• LSU is bring back alcohol sales and removing heath checks prior to entry for fans.  They call that stadium Death Valley. 

• Taco had a big sack last night.  Maybe he has found a home in KC. 

Michigan Tuesday: Jimmy Flips Over Southern 4 Star Linebackers

Don Brown hasn't had too many good weekends since last Thanksgiving.  Memorial Day Weekend finally put a smile on the embattled Michigan DC's face as he landed two 4 star LB's from south of the Mason-Dixon line.  On Sunday, Michigan landed 4 star TN LB Junior Colston, whose mom grew up a Michigan fan which clearly translated to her son.   On Monday, Jadon Hood followed suit and made his own pledge for the Wolverines.   Jimmy, Don, and BJ-M all did cartwheels in Jaydon's video. 

Junior Colston is Michigan's first 4 star defensive player in this class.  He is rated #116 in 24/7's composite and the 8th OLB in the 2021 class.  Junior who will be a Freshman in 2021 and is currently 6'2 and 228 pounds.  He also had a ton of offers from the likes of USC, Auburn, FSU, LSU, Tenn, Ole Miss, MSU, PSU, Oregon, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and more.    This was a great get out of Tennessee who has been killing it this year on the recruiting trail and has the #2 ranked 2021 class behind OSU.

Junior received his Michigan offer a year ago when he attended a Michigan Camp and his mom was clearly emotional when that offer came through.   Junior's story is a special one as he is adopted from Haiti after the Earthquake hit that killed 250,000 people.  He was actually in an orphanage when the tragedy happened as his father had recently passed away when he was only 7 years old.  He lived through 2 tragic experiences and now will be a Wolverine.   I have a strong feeling that Michigan fans will embrace this young man and make him a fan favorite. 

Welcome Junior!

Jaydon Hood didn't let Junior stay the only 4 star in the class on the defensive side of the ball for long as he became the second in 24 hours.    Jaydon is out of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas and Michigan's 2nd commit from that school in the 2021 class.  This recruitment is a little different due to the virus and Jaydon not seeing Ann Arbor yet.  Though his uncle knows Joe Milton's dad and was able to get plenty of information on Ann Arbor and the rest of the football program. 

“It was actually a very hard decision between Michigan, Miami, and Minnesota,” Hood told The Michigan Insider. “It just came down to what scheme I liked, what things I like, and where I feel most comfortable. And the biggest thing for me was coaching stability. That’s very important to me. (So too are) coaching relationships, culture, tradition, atmosphere, and good campus life because I’ve got to be able to live there. And that competitive atmosphere. I definitely want to play in the biggest games. I want to be a part of that. And I just looked at it… I went pros and cons with every school, and Michigan checked off on everything I wanted.”

Jaydon is rated 298th player on 24/7 and the 11th ILB in the country.   His offer list included Alabama, FSU, UK, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Minn, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and others.   His is 6'1 and 212 pounds.  

Welcome Jaydon! 

Michigan's "poor" 2021 recruiting now has the Wolverines with the #6th ranked class in the country.   Michigan is done with LB's and now needs DT, DE, WR, TE, OT, and CB's in this class. 

Michigan Friday: Commit Watch This Weekend

Michigan LB recruiting looks to be very strong this year.  Michigan already has gotten commitments at LB from IL Tyler McLaurin and MA Casey Phinney.  Now they are leading for Florida 4 star LB's Jaydon Hood and Junior Colston.   Junior is planning to announce his college choice on Sunday and the Wolverines are the presumed favorite. 

Many of us were upset when the great recruiter Chris Partridge left for Ole Miss but new LB coach Brian Jean-Mary is clearly a strong recruiter and seems to be opening the state of Florida recruits back to Ann Arbor. 

Don Brown had this to say:

“Once again, the Ohio State game was a huge negative for us,:” Brown said. “I’m not going to live in that world. And I don’t want the players to live in that world. We acknowledge it. We move on from it. And hopefully I do a better job. I don’t blame players for anything. You blame the old guy right here. I got to do a better job getting our guys ready and I promise you I’m going to."

Don, we have heard that before and we have zero proof you can beat a good offense.   You better start using the expertise on your staff (Shoop and Jean-Mary) to find new ways to beat the Buckeyes or other good offenses.   I'm tired of hearing how your going to be doing a better job, because you haven't. 

• Seems the next "Last Dance" type documentary from ESPN/Netflix will be on Tom Brady in 2021.   

Michigan Thursday: News and Notes

• DPJ sings with the Browns 4 years $3.4M

• Don Brown says that Michael Barrett is 220 pounds and runs a 4.5 at Viper 

• Jimmy prefers football with no fans vs. no football at all

• Ty Law and Tripp Welborne are among 6 inductees for Michigan's Hall of Honor in 2020

• Seems NCAA Schools are going to try to open slowly on 6/1. I'm interested if football programs can get their 2 weeks of Spring Practices back.

• Florida 2021 LB Jaydon Hood has Michigan in this top 10

Michigan Monday: Gets a Guy That They Hope is a Dude

Don Brown grabbed another under the radar defensive line recruit from New England this past weekend.  TJ Guy is 6'4 220 DE 3 star prospect from Mansfield, MA.   TJ has offers from BC, Pitt, Nebraska, UConn, Syracuse, and Virginia.

TJ didn't start playing football until high school so he is closer to the basement then the ceiling with his football skills.  TJ is a basketball player and was averaging nearly 14 points per game.   He clearly checks one of Harbaugh's boxes having a multi-sport athlete on his roster.   Having a potential freak athlete in clay that Coach Nua and Brown can mold into a freak DE or DT is very appealing to the coaches.   The fans may question fishing in a 3 star lake when OSU is fishing in a 5 star puddle, but this is our new normal.  

Welcome TJ we hope Don Brown calls you a dude.

• Jake Ryan signs a one year deal with the Ravens 

• Joshua Burnham a 24/7 4 star 2022 LB from Traverse City is getting a ton of crystal balls lately to Michigan. 

• Former Michigan walk-on RB Tru Wilson has transferred to Northern Colorado.  Good luck to one of the best blocking RB's ever at U of M.  

Michigan Thursday: The Defensive Line Problem

Michigan's major flaw this year was on the defensive line and the 3 games they lost, that was very evident.   We will also see the difference between Bama's OL and Michigan's DL on Wednesday.  Michigan has had trouble recruiting DT and lost two very talented DE's to the NFL a year ago.  

The lack of depth at that position had the Wolverines trying their fullback at DT, which failed.  

So now what?

Michigan got some good news last night as Kwity Paye elected to come back for his senior season.  Paye is a good pass rusher that could become great with another year.  Coming back to Ann Arbor was a good decision for him and the 2020 Wolverines.  Carlo Kemp is also expected back for his 5th year.  Carlo is a good player but not a nose, I would like to see the Wolverines move him around more next year.  Mike Dwumfour is also expected back for a 5th year but always seems to be injuired and Adrian Hutchinson will also be a Junior DE starter.  

Here are other options for 2020 on the roster (Michigan lists DT/DE as DL):

-Chris Hinton - True Sophomore

-Luiji Vilain - Junior with a few injury redshirts - clearly a DE 

-Mazi Smith - Redshirt Freshman 

-David Ojabo - Redshirt Freshman - DE 

-Julius Welschof - Redshirt Junior 

-Donovan Jeter - Senior 

-Phil Paea - Senior 

-Mike Morris- Redshirt Freshman 

-Taylor Upshaw-Senior

-Gabe Newburg - Redshirt Freshman 

The rest are either Walk-on's or True Freshman.  (Michigan currently has 0 traditional DT's in the 2020 class) 

Chris Hinton got some snaps this year and I know the coaches are excited about Mazi Smith.  Still this doesn't seem like a big up grade from where we are at right now?

Jimmy and Don Brown both know that, so off to the transfer portal we go:

Michigan is reportedly looking at two guys from Stanford: Jovan Swan and Michael Williams both are currently redshirt Seniors.  Williams is more of NT vs. Swan a DE.  Williams has also confirmed he spoke with the Wolverine coaches.  Swan is 6'2 270 has lots of playing experience and had 8.5 sacks in two years.  Williams is 6'2 290 and had 64 tackles the last 2 years with 2 sacks.  

Next is Michael Thompson from Oklahoma - He hasn't played yet due to an ACL but is a huge human being at 6'5 336 pounds from the 2018 class.  He could be a DT or OG and you never know with an injury.   He might need to sit a year via the transfer rules, but could have a number of years in Ann Arbor.  He was an Army All American in the 2018 class.

Long Shots:

Ike Walker from UCF - hasn't played and is currently a RS Freshman at 6'4 350.  

Almosse Titi from Iowa Western CC and is 6'3 310 pounds from France.  We know the issues with getting into Michigan from a junior college and Titi probably hasn't played that much football.  

We know the Stanford kids can get passed the Michigan admission transfer issues, but are they an upgrade on what we have today?  Swan is from Indiana and could give a nice pass rush if he wants to play inside.   I do like the idea of a big body at NT and Williams and/or Thompson could fill that role.  Thompson seems to be a bit risky but with a higher upside.  

• UW's Jacob Eason is heading to the NFL and won't get to open next year's season against Don Brown's defense.  
• MSU plays today in warm New York City

Wolverine Wednesday: Adds a Surprise DE

24/7

Michigan added a surprise 2020 4 star DE commit from Tampa in Jaylen Harrell this afternoon.  His crystal balls were 50% Florida and 50% FSU.  Reports are that Don Brown and Harbaugh were in home today with him and must of put on the hard sell.

Jaylen is 6'4 and 235 pounds and had offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Florida, FSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and many more.  Jaylen visited for the Ohio State game and must of liked what he saw from a DE playing time opportunity.

With signing day getting close, Michigan still would like to add a QB, CB, and maybe a DT depending on available scholarships left.   The QB market is very tight as most of the top talent has already committed.

It will be interesting to see how much of this class signs in December or waits for February.  Michigan currently has the 12th ranked class on 24/7.

Michigan Monday: Picking Up The Pieces

We have a new normal folks and that normal is Ohio State is better at football.  It's really not even a debate.   They have had coaching changes, NCAA probation, a sexual abuse scandal, and they just keep beating Michigan year after year.   Harbaugh was quoted as saying last summer, "It's hard to beat the cheaters".  Are they cheating? maybe.   But they are getting away with it and just have better players then the Wolverines.

Bill Belichick the best football coach of my life, said to win you have to understand your teams weakness and attack the weakness of the other team.   Michigan didn't have the advantage at any position group on Saturday.  Yes, this Michigan team has enough talent to beat 90% of the teams out there, they just don't have enough talent to beat the very elite teams.     When elite teams don't make mistakes, your not going to win the game.

Michigan's weakness on the defensive line, showed brightly against the top 2 offensive lines they saw this season: OSU and Wisconsin.   Neither game was close and Michigan must do a better job at recruiting the DT position.  I'm not excited about Ryan Day owning Don Brown, but we could've had Belichick at DC and I don't think we win that game on Saturday when OSU plays clean.

I'm also concerned about some of the higher academic schools continuing to be competitive at the highest levels.  Teams like Michigan, ND, Stanford all struggled this year.    Those 3 schools combined for 13 losses this year.  To be fair, Stanford had 8 of those losses but this could be the beginning of a trend.   Is following the recruiting rules and high academics standards to high of hill to climb to be competitive at the highest levels?  This isn't Bo vs. Woody anymore when Michigan could have 110 players on scholarship.  I mean Justin Fields said earlier this season he is just taking on-line classes.  He is there to play football, not school, as a current XFL QB once said.

I know some of you maybe thinking:  How can Auburn compete with Alabama?  They are closer in talent then Michigan is to Ohio State.  Plan and simple.  I don't believe for a second that Auburn has better coaches then Michigan does.

• EPSN predicts Michigan to the Holiday Bowl to play either USC or Washington.  CBS thinks Gator Bowl against Auburn.  

• Michigan Basketball will be ranked today when the new AP Top 25 comes out.   They also get to play probably the #1 team Louisville Cardinals tomorrow. 

• House cleaning has started at a number of programs:  Texas cleared out both of their coordinators, ASU fired its OC,WR, TE coaches and Northwestern fired its OC.   BC, Ole Miss, USF, and Missouri fired their head coach.  With the Ole Miss firing,  RR is out of a job again.  He was the OC this year. 

• There were reports that Clay Helton at USC was about to be fired, those reports came up false. 

• Rutgers put the coaching golf cart in reverse and came to terms with Greg Schiano. 

• Another thing you might be thinking?  Could Don Brown in a candidate for the head coaching job at BC?  Possbily.  

Iowa Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
Weather: 55 No Rain
TV: Fox
Stream: Fox Sports. com
Line: Michigan -3.5

We all know there are two Iowa teams: Home Iowa and Road Iowa.  The Hawkeyes play very well at home with the Children Hospital overlooking the stadium.   Road Iowa struggles, similar to a team we love when they leave Ann Arbor.   Yes, Oliver Martin is now a Hawkeye and will be on the field on Saturday but the biggest loss is probably the biggest recruiting mistake since Hoke turned down Joey Bosa.  Iowa tackle Alaric Jackson from Detroit had flipped to Michigan prior to signing day 2016 and former Michigan OC Tim Drevno didn't send him his LOI to sign.  Jackson is now a senior and considered a high round NFL draft prospect.    He has a knee issue and is questionable for Saturday after missing a few games.

Tale of the Tape  
Rushing D = Iowa
Passing D = Michigan
Passing O = Michigan
Rushing O = Iowa
Intangibles = Michigan
Consistency = Iowa

Michigan's offense has struggled until Rutgers came to town with a lame duck head coach.  It's time to test the engine and see if it really has improved.  

Can Shea find WR's quickly and also spot the buck naked ones?
Can the OL pick up a stunt by Iowa's defensive line?
Can Don Brown game play for Iowa better then he did against Wisconsin?
Can Michigan run the ball?

If Michigan can answer yes, to all those questions our beloved Wolverines are in good shape on Saturday.

Think to yourself, "well that is F'ing better" if...…………..

• The Oline has its best day 
• Shea looked like last weekend Shea 
• Don Brown shows he is one of the best DC's in the country 
• Michigan runs for 175 yards and passes for 325
• Michigan covers Iowa TE's

Think to yourself, "this is Wisconsin F'ing 2.0" if...…………………

• Don Brown's defense continues to curl up against a ranked team
• Michigan's offense is giving Iowa short fields with TO's
• Home Iowa actually shows up 
• Ferentz and Harbaugh are up late on Friday talking about the "good all days of the Big Ten" and slamming beers. 

Iowa lost a boat full of talented offensive players last year including the new Detroit Lion TJ Hockenson.  Their offensive line has been decent this year but banged up.  They could get healthier this weekend if Jackson can play and is 100%.   Iowa's QB Stanley is starting his 10th year at Iowa and has a strong arm, but will  pick you apart with dumps off if you let him.   Iowa's game plan is similar to Wisconsin's, control the ball and clock and let Michigan make mistakes.

Michigan just needs to play smart on both sides of the ball.  Have they gotten better or was it just the Rutgers effect?  Shea needs to play like Russell Wilson did last night, get out of the pocket,  hit some WR's down field, and scramble for a few first downs.   This is a game the Michigan defense can win if they stop the run, cover Iowa's TE's and RB's out of the backfield.

Michigan 24 Iowa 13

Michigan Tuesday: The Don and Josh Show

Sounds like a new show on Nickelodeon, as both Coordinators answered questions yesterday as Jimmy took the day off from the media during the bye week.

I watched both interviews and tried to gardener what they were saying even though everything was spun mostly positive.

Don Brown is full of personality, he is the guy you could have a beer with and think your best friends after two beers. Don's son called him and asked why they didn't play a 4 man front against Army?  Which is exactly what I would have asked.   Don thinks Glasgow is one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten, he also doesn't have a true position.   So Don preferred to keep Glasgow on the field to try to stop the option pitch play.   Ok, I can see that and Michigan seemed to do a decent job against the pitch.  The issue is Army was killing the Wolverines at 4 yards a pop with the FB dive.   Keep the beef in first and second down!   Don also continued to mention how difficult it is to prepare and play Army and is looking forward to getting back to playing Michigan defense against Wisconsin.  He said they had to prepare for the Run and Shoot week 1 and the triple option week 2.

Don also sent in the play where the FB started to crawl towards the line of scrimmage on the goal line.  When I saw that, I wondered how it was a legal play even if he re-set.

Josh was also very positive and talking about what went right against Army.  The issue with the offense is the drive killers which include 7 fumbles, 10 penalties, and 7 drops.    I would also include 1 missed field goal and 2 change of possession on 4th down.   Josh feels that is the #1 concern with the offense right now, protecting the ball.   Which I would agree with.

Both Jimmy and Josh said that Shea was healthy (Josh did say that Shea was dealing with an oblique injury from the MTSU game but wasn't limited in the game) and had the ability to keep the ball on the option plays.  If I can read between the lines, it also seems both are not happy with the amount of time Shea is taking in the pocket to throw the ball.  Right now I see a senior QB that is lacking confidence and trying to "over think" the game.  I'm sure he is a bit banged up but has to play better if this team is going to compete in Madison and beyond.

I think Don Brown has too much power on the defensive side of the ball.  I don't believe his formations were sound against Army and there needs somebody checking his game plans and theories.   Turnovers are offensive killers and right now Shea seems to be the issue.   He needs to play better or he is going to end up like Quinn Nordin, who has clearly lost his confidence.  I'm guessing practice Shea is much different then game day Shea right now.

Michigan July 4th Update: Everyone Loves Kris!

The commitment train keeps rolling down the track and yesterday was no exception.   Kris Jenkins Jr. committed to the Wolverines in the 2020 class after visiting two weeks ago.  You might remember Kris Senior who played for Ypsi, went to Maryland and had a 10 year career in the NFL at DT or Kris's Uncle Cullen Jenkins who played at Central and had a 14 year career in the NFL.  

Now that is a good bloodline and makes it a little strange that Kris Jr. is so under the radar.   This is another East Coast prospect that is closer to the basement right now then his ceiling.   Even though he plays for Good Counsel a powerhouse program in the area.   His current weight might be the reason, Kris is 6'4 and 240 pounds and rated a 3 star prospect to all the services.  He currently listed as a DE but Don Brown and crew have talked to him playing anything from OLB to DT at Michigan.  
Unless Kris is crazy fast of the edge, I expect him to redshirt has he puts on a few pounds and some more muscle in Michigan's S&C program.  If he grows big like his dad or uncle and has the talent of those two, this was a complete steal.  Michigan is lacking DT's in this class and Kris getting around 300 pounds wouldn't hurt anyone's feeling.   I expect after a strong senior year, Kris will end up firmly in the 4 star range.  

Kris's offer list included the likes of Northwestern, Yale, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Iowa, Michigan State, Air Force, Duke, UNC, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple, and Vanderbilt.  With all those academic schools in there, Kris must be a strong student athlete.  

Rooms at the Inn are getting tight! 

Michigan has 21 guys committed right now with a full class expected to be at 25.   I'm not counting the wrestling guy, who is expected not to use a football scholarship at least for a couple of years.  (rule is, if the kid sees the field he automatically counts against the football scholarship count).   That leaves 4 spots with needs being DT, OT, TE, and probably another CB.

• Don Brown has also signed a new 3 year extension to stay as Michigan's DC.  Love the guy, he just needs to figure out the one game a year where he gets completely out coached.

Enjoy the holiday!

Michigan Friday: 1 New Commit -1 Announcement and Luke's Intentions

Michigan landed Baltimore (MD) St. Frances Academy 2020 four-star linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green yesterday.  He is from Biff Poggi's school where it seems Jimmy wants to sign his entire team as this is the 3rd commit from his school for the 2020 class. (OT-Mazzccua and LB Savage)

Green-Hill is a 4 star to 24/7 but a three star in the composite.   He is 6'1 230 pounds and projects to a OLB at the next level.   His offer list included the likes of Duke, BC, Nebraska, Pitt, Syracuse, WVU, and Wisconsin.  His lead recruiter is Don Brown, who continues to do well on the East Coast.  

Nikhai is very high on Michigan's overseas trips: “I think it’s something every school should do. School and sports take a toll on student athletes, and these trips are amazing refreshers for both the players and the coaches to take a step back from their 24/7 football schedules," he said at the time. "In conclusion, the international traveling Michigan’s football team does shows that they are about more than football. They help players expand their horizons and give them lifetime memories."

Welcome!

• The Michigan Staff is also waiting for Braiden McGregor's decision today at 7:00 PM.  The talented instate DE is reportedly down to a Michigan - ND decision.  Its too close to call at this point, but many insiders are picking a decision for the good guys.   McGregor's is at the top of the Wolverines 2020 board and would be very nice addition to the class.   Per 24/7 Composite, he is a 4 star and the 27th player in the nation (#3 DE). 

• There have been false reports on social media that Luke Yaklich has already made a decision to leave U of M and not join Howard's staff.   Luke has led Michigan's defense the last two years which as been nationally recognized.   Luke's wife went on twitter to shoot down any rumor that a decision has been made.    Reports are that he as an opportunity at Texas and hopefully one to stay in Ann Arbor as well. 

• Michigan DE Ron Johnson has put his name in the transfer portal.  He came in as a 4 star in the 2016 class and never really materialized.   We wish him the best on his new team. 

It's been a crazy two weeks, enjoy the holiday the weekend! 

Wolverine Wedneday: So There Has To Be a Plan, Right?

Michigan has lost two key recruiters off its defensive staff to it's top rival the last two days.  Not only is that a bit strange, its also a hit to the staff.

Staff changes are very common each year, situations like Fred Jackson who was Michigan's RB coach for 150 years is not the norm.   Harbaugh is very respected in coaching circles and hires strong coaches young and old, so it's not a surprise that his staff gets jobs each off season.

I actually thought Michigan could have kept both Mattison and Washington with a new title and few extra dollars.  For some reason, that didn't happen.  (Per Sam Webb, Al left because his family is in CBus and he could have a great job near his family.  That Jimmy tried to keep him but the family closeness was the difference)   Which leads me to believe, there has to be plan.

I have been batting .000 on predicting these coaching moves, so I will give you what I think.

I expect Don Brown to stay at this point, Temple has expanded their search and are now in contact with Wisconsin's OC, EMU's and N. Illinois's head coaches.  The local paper says they are down to a small group and hope to have a decision this weekend.   Is Don in that group?   Don't know.  But if they wanted Don, I would have expected an offer and a hire by now.

Bust Guess: Don Stays

Don now has 2 openings on his staff.  DL and LB coach, if past history is any indication Michigan won't be in any rush to hire these positions.   The first shoe to drop has to be Don staying and then these positions will get filled.   A name that has started to pop up is former Wolverine and current Raiders DL coach Mike Trgovac.   Former Michigan LB Larry Foote is/was the LB coach of the Arizona Cardinals and is probably available as well.  He is a bit out spoken but could be a strong recruiter with his ties to the area.  He might be headed to Tampa Bay anyway?

I have also heard wishes from fans for Charles Woodson or Brady Hoke.   Chuck has a good job and a wine business, he is also on record on not being interested in coaching.  Brady is a good DL coach and a very good recruiter, but that might be just a little too weird.   I don't believe either to be an option.

Best Guess:  these roles get filled later this month after the Don Brown saga with Temple is over.

Nothing new with Pep and I do expect that he will eventually head to the NFL, once all the head coaching openings are filled and they start hiring offensive coaches.   USC needs a new OC, I'm just saying.

Best Guess:  leaving, but might take a minute.

Some other coaching news:

• Some have pondered Matt Canada as the OC when Pep leaves.   Matt is looking at the IU OC job and is also interested in the N. Illinois job if Rod Carey goes to Temple.  Matt did a fine job at Maryland this year under very tough circumstances.  

• Denard has lost his head coach in the new AAF! Current head coach for the Atlanta Legends Brad Childress is stepping away and Kevin Coyle is taking over.  Yes, Denard is on the roster of the Atlanta Legends which new league is expected to start after the Super Bowl.