Michigan Thursday: Another New BBall Assistant Coming

We all know Dusty has been busy since taking the Michigan job.  He has to build everything from the ground up.  To quote Coach Cal yesterday as he takes over an Arkansas team, "I met with the team, there is no team".   News is, the conversation with Tennessee Assitant Rod Clark had cooled and Dusty has moved forward with St. Mary's assistant Justin Joyner. Breaking down the 3rd assistant on Dusty's staff is probably not that interesting to many readers, but he seems to be a good coach/recruiter and St. Mary has has had some recent success with two conference championships and regular season titles.

• Good Luck to Michigan Hockey Tonight in the Frozen 4.

• Masters has a delayed start due to some stormy weather

• Mike Danna returns to the Chiefs with a $24M contract. Really happy for his success!

• Former Wolverine DeShawn Simms will be taking over the Pershing program

• Former Michigan Women's Basketball Coach Kevin Borseth has retried after a 38 year career of coaching Basketball. He is one the guy with a famous press conference rant that sometimes pops up.

Michigan Monday: No April Fools Jokes Here

My late father loved April Fools Day.  When we were young kids on Spring Break, he said the hotel was offering free elephant rides today.  All I had to do was call the front desk and reserve a spot.   Then when I was an adult working in A2 at Bell + Howell/UMS he sent me a Hedgehog for some type of charity event.  Miss you Dad. 

This weekend Sherrone completed his on-field coaching staff again after Greg Scruggs flamed out quickly.   He hired current Co-DC/DL Coach from Memphis Lou Esposito.   Lou had only been with the Tigers since January after being the DC at Western Michigan for 6 years.  Even though Lou played at Memphis, he knows Michigan.  2010-12 he was the DL coach at Western for the first time, 2013 he was the DC at Ferris State, 2014-16 he coached at Davenport and then 2017 back to Kalamazoo. 

To sum up my text's when the news broke on Friday, I got this question a few times:  Is this a good hire?

My response:  I don't know but his name sounds right!  After some research, it seems Lou is a hard worker, can develop DLineman, good recruiter, has an eye for talent, has the respect of Michigan HS coaches, and a great hire for the Wolverines.  If FSU DT Braden Fiske name sounds familiar, he was recruited and developed by Lou before he transferred to Florida State and became a 3rd team All-American last season. 

Welcome Sweet Lou and enjoy some of the best talent on the defensive line in the country.  

• Congratulations to Michigan Hockey for beating MSU and earning a Frozen 4 Berth! Michigan scored 2 goals in 12 seconds to secure the win in the 3rd! 

• Is tonight the biggest night for NCAA Women's Basketball ever?

• Christian Anderson Jr. decommits from Michigan Basketball on Friday as well.  My response, Ok.  Let's let Dusty cook and bring in his own players. 

Wolverine Weekend Catch-Up

Well, that wasn't a quiet Friday.   Lots is happening with Michigan Basketball and Football right now and I needed to catch up on all the information.   

• Hockey loses in the Frozen 4 - Still a good season and a nice run.  

• Michigan Football got a 4-star OT recruit in Andrew Sprague.  For those of you that follow recruiting closely, you know that Andrew was very high on the coaches' wish list and I'm sure there are a number of happy folks in Schembechler Hall right now.  Right now, Andrew is 6'8 and close to 300 pounds and not only plays football but basketball as well.  This is the type of athlete Harbaugh loves and I'm sure one of the reasons he was so high on the Wolverines board.  Sprague has also been a riser in the rankings lately as all the services have taken notice of this rare athlete.   Welcome Big Man! 

• Caleb Love is transferring to Michigan from UNC.  Love is a former 5-star guard who starred in North Carolina's NC game run a year ago (averaged over 18 points in the NCAA Tournament, 28 in a win over Duke, but struggled in the NC and missed a 3 to take the game to OT).  This seems to be the type of guard Juwan has been looking for ever since he took this job.  He of course is very much needed and will be the focus of the offense, unless Hunter changes his mind.  Love did struggle with his shooting percentage this year but if he can turn that corner, could have a big season in Ann Arbor.  A huge pickup and maybe a season changer and job changer for Juwan Howard.

• Michigan Basketball also picked up Tray Jackson from Seton Hall, a Detroit native, for depth from the power forward and center position.  Tray is 6'10/215 and has been an off the bench player for most of his career.  This is a move for rebounding and defense as his offensive game seems a bit limited.  Still Juwan needed a big man and we know he does a nice job developing that position. 

• Adam Fantilli Wins the Hobey Baker Award.  Congratulations!

Michigan Thursday: Spending Money on the Right Things

Ohio State doesn't like finishing 2nd to Michigan in anything.  They have had that feeling for the last 2 years as Michigan has won back-to-back Big Ten Titles.  Now, they are looking up at Michigan in recruiting budgets.  

In the recruiting world, you have to spend money in recruiting to cement the relationships you need to have top players commit to your university.  Your first thought might be the Happy Meal bags full of cash for recruits' families.  That is not what I'm talking about.  Recruiting expenses cover transportation, lodging and meals for recruits, additional personnel for official and unofficial visits, phone charges and postage for pursuing recruits and the value of schools' vehicles and planes or those used by the school for recruiting.

Georgia was the highest spender at $4.5M, then Clemson at 3.1M, Texas A&M and Tennessee both spent just under $3M at year.   Michigan came in 8th in spending at just over $2.2M which was the highest spender in the Big Ten.  OSU must be second in the Big 10, right?  Nope, Rutgers was second and Ohio State ranks in the top 5 of Big Ten spenders at 1.3M.  That will not make OSU fans very happy.  

Another question you might have: Michigan spent $2.2M and got the 18th ranked class in the country?  In recruiting, you are really trying to build future years and I believe you're seeing the results pay off in the 2024 class. 

If you wondering MSU spent just below $1M. 

• Good luck to Michigan Hockey in the Frozen 4! 

• Enjoy the start of the Masters today! 

Michigan Monday: Frozen 4

If you read this blog on a daily basis, you already know that I know nothing about hockey or cover that sport in any way.  What I do know is Michigan scored 11 goals on Friday and one more goal in overtime on Sunday afternoon to get to the Frozen 4 in Tampa.  Congratulations! Hockey School? 😀

• Michigan Football's Summer Trip is set and they are heading out East to check out NYC, Washington DC, Gettysburg, PA, etc.   Please raise your hand if you did an Ann Arbor Junior High (pick one) bus trip to Washington DC?  That was the longest bus ride of my life. 

• Gisele in an article says Jack Brady, wants to play QB for Michigan.  

• Reports are that Junior Colson is walking around with a cast on his leg.  Just rumors at this point.

• James "Biggie" Ross has been hired by Tulane as their LB coach.

• Congrats to the FAU Owls on making the Final 4! My son is currently a student in Boca and will find out soon if he got tickets for Houston or not.  If he doesn't get them, "then Houston, we have a problem!"

Michigan Monday: Brandon Naurato is Named Interim Hockey Coach

Warde had two decisions to make after his failed attempt to keep Mel Pearson.   He could hire a net new head coach or hire an on-staff coach to be the interim head coach.  Warde picked the interim route and gave the role to former Wolverine player and current assistant coach Brandon Naurato.  

Here are some bullets on Brandon:

• 37 years old
• Former Wolverine 
• Frozen 4 2008 
• Started a hockey consulting and skills development firm
• Red Wings hired him in a development capacity in Detroit and Grand Rapids
• 1 year as a Michigan assistant coach

He wasn't here for the COVID situation and seems like a young guy with a ton of upside.   Let's hope this was a positive decision on the future of the program. 

Hey Jimmy, how is camp going so far?  First impression after four practices is that we’re further ahead than we were last year at this time, especially on defense. More installed, more coverages, more front, more blitzes. From a conditioning standpoint, I think we’re ahead. Execution standpoint, as well. So far, so good.

That seems like a good sign.

• Michigan #6 in the Preseason coaches' poll.  Alabama #1, OSU #2, ND #5, MSU #14.

Michigan Friday: Probably Coach Pearson's Last Day

Insider John U Bacon says the Michigan leadership (Interim President, Regents, and Warde) are now on the same page and expect a decision on Mel Pearson today.  That is the right decision, the wrong decision was taking so long to do it.  The report being released should not be the reason you to take action, this should have happened in May or June.  

12:45 Update: It's over and Mel has been let go.  Let's hope this opening goes better than the baseball coaching search.  Hockey is at a different level and this is a premier position, which should get a lot of interest. 

The new roster is out with some new weight gain and loss, here are some significant ones: (+ is pounds added - is pounds lost) (ht to Mgoblog)

Blake Corum + 10 

Darrius Clemons +9

Tyler Morris +10

Carter Selzer +15

Erik All +10

Marlin Klein +30

Trevor Keegan -19

Tristan Bounds +29

Raheen Anderson +18

Mazi Smith +11

Kris Jenkins +20

Ken Grant +21

Mason Graham +22

Julius Welschof -22

Derrick Moore +29

Deuce Spurlock +31

Kody Jones +18

Jayden Denegal +23

•  NFL Pre-season was back last night with the customary Akron weather delay. 

• Mike Smith is playing pro ball in Poland.

Michigan Thursday: Camp Opens and Hockey Thoughts

First off, I want to thank you for your thoughtful condolences.  I appreciate all of you! My dad loved this blog and read it every day.  

The issues with Michigan's Hockey program are vast and deep and all seem to come from head coach Mel Pearson's desk.   I will borrow this paragraph from Mgoblog on Mel's issues: Pearson chased off team captain Strauss Mann, was ineffectual at best when dealing with a subordinate's abusive behavior towards women, instructed players to lie about positive COVID tests before the 2021 NCAA tournament, and repeatedly lied to investigators.

This report was delivered to the University in May and somehow Mel still has a job.  Mel doesn't have a contract and it would cost the University $0 to fire him.  This is not a good look for Warde.  John U Bacon believes we will hear something soon on Coach Pearson.

---

Michigan opened camp on Wednesday and this is a perfect time to remind us what's important during the next month.  

1. No injuries 

2. Get 1% better everyday 

If I could expand on that thought, here are a couple things I hope are achieved:

- Finding a pass rush

- JJ's arm/shoulder is 100% healthy 

- Exciting freshman make an impact on the 2 deep 

• Daylen Baldwin came to Michigan to live out a dream and increase his stock ranking.  Unfortunately, he didn't see a ton of snaps but did average 21 yards per reception last season.  He didn't get drafted but had a good workout with the Browns this week and got a contract.  Let's hope he makes the team and can play aside DPJ.  

• 3-star TE Zack Marshall is trending to the Maize and Blue. 

• Stephen Ross whose name is on the Business School, got suspended from the NFL for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton.   It should be a case study for a business ethics class. 

Michigan Thursday: Outback is Now What?

The Outback Bowl is now called the ReliaQuest Bowl, which is really easy to say.  What is ReliaQuest? Per the Tampa Bay Times:

ReliaQuest is a Tampa-based cybersecurity company with more than 1,000 employees.

“The Tampa Bay Bowl game has a rich history as an iconic game played on one of the biggest sports days of the year, January 1,” said Brian Murphy, the company’s founder and CEO. “We’ve always believed that security is a team sport and ReliaQuest is proud to continue this game’s great tradition.”

Murphy is also a Florida State booster.

We will see the Seminoles in Tampa a ton, if they can win 7 games. 

• Cade has a new NIL Deal with Ping Golf.  Brady Brand and now Ping Golf?  My man is doing well for himself on the golf course.   I'm worried if the "Shea played too much golf" excuse will come back up if he struggles next fall. 

• GLI Hockey Tournament is moving to Grand Rapids and doesn't include Michigan

• Jordan Glasgow has been released by the Colts

Michigan Thursday: Brandon Johns in Portal

Michigan's 4-year power forward Brandon Johns will spend his COVID year at another program.   Brandon was a great recruiting win as he was from East Lansing and the highlight of his career was subbing in for an injured Livers in the NCAA Tournament last year.  

If I could summarize Brandon's time in Ann Arbor, it seemed he lacked confidence in his game.   I hope he finds that confidence at another school in another conference.   Good Luck Brandon! 

• The Masters start this morning

• Did you know that former Masters Champion Angel Cabrera is in prison in Argentina for domestic violence?  

• Michigan Hockey plays tonight for entry into the NC game

• QB CJ Carr is the 50th ranked player in the 2024 class to 24/7

Michigan Monday: Will Smith Gets a 5 Game Suspension at Bell Air Academy

At least Juwan Howard doesn't have the most famous slap of the year.  Also, how do you think Will feels about the open marriage situation with Jada?  Is that working out for him?

I didn't watch the Williams Sisters Movie, as it looked like a bad documentary made into a movie.  I'm not a movie critic, but from the sounds of it, this was more of a recognition of Will's body of work then his performance in that show.   Either way, hell of a night to be Will Smith. 

• Congratulations to Michigan Hockey making it to the Frozen Four!  

• Congratulations to Michigan Womens Basketball on making it to the Elite 8.   They have a hell of test in Louisville tonight, who beat the Lady Wolverines earlier this year. 

• DeVante Jones has declared for the NBA Draft, good luck to him. 

• Villanova played terrible on the offensive end for two games and somehow made the Final 4.   I know they're very strong defensively but neither Michigan nor Houston shot the ball well enough to make it interesting.

• A rivalry game in the Final 4 between Duke and UNC.  Can UNC end Coach K's run twice?

• Very Blue Final 4, All 4 schools main color is a shade of Blue. 

• Congrats to St. Peters, watching a Cinderella run in the tournament is always fun (as long as Michigan wasn't one of the teams you beat).

• The Outback Bowl is now called the Tampa Bay Bowl (until they can replace the sponsor). 

Post Game: Michigan Beats ASU 8-1

 Michigan Hockey opened the season with a 8-1 victory over the #15 Arizona State Sun Devils. 

"That's one of the most talented teams on paper maybe in the last decade of college hockey, they're that good," ASU coach Greg Powers said. "When you don't have your legs and you're letting them play downhill like they did, I thought our D tonight really struggled. That's just a really talented team that we let execute and let them play the way they wanted to play.

"You flush it and we can hopefully get back into a routine tomorrow. At the end of the day, a loss is a loss. Obviously is it embarrassing to lose 8-1 in your opener, yes. There were a lot of uncontrollable forces at play that contributed to this, but we weren't sharp or ready to go, and they were."

Michigan was 3-4 on the power play and out shot the Sun Devils 57-38 and 37-16 on goal.  The Wolverines and Sun Devils will meet again today at 5:00.   ASU will be adding one more defensemen as Jacob Semik is coming off a suspension. 

Michigan Tuesday: Surprised By The Amount of Monday's News

Wow, there was a ton of news coming out of Ann Arbor and related to former Wolverines.  Lets get to news as it was announced yesterday.

• Michigan Hockey coach Red Berenson retires.  I'm not really a hockey guy but this guy has been a legend in Ann Arbor for many years but has missed the NCAA the last 4 out of 5 years.   Sounds like it was time for a change. 

• Wilson and Wagner are going to test the waters in the NBA Draft.  Neither are going to hire an agent but will be able to go to the combine and work out for NBA teams.   I would expect one or both to be back, but it's hard to say right now.    ESPN projects both guys in the first round but probably later in the first.  

• Drake Johnson is retiring from football and Grant Newsome is probably going to take a redshirt year.   Drake is a local boy from Pioneer that maybe had the worst injury luck any recent Wolverines has had.  He had two ACL injuries and was hit by a fork lift.   This was probably the right decision for his long term health and he will always be a Michigan Man.   Congratulations to Drake on his career!  Now on to Grant, I don't think they have fully closed the door on him making it back this season but it seems like a really long road.  He has a redshirt year available and right now that looks like the best option for him to continue his career.   Michigan is very deep at RB but they are not deep on the offensive line.   This will probably propel a true freshman that is arriving this summer on the two deep.

• Steve Fisher retired from San Diego State and Brian Dutcher will take over.   We know that Steve won a NC at Michigan and coached the Fab Five.   He impacted both programs and deserves to retire with pride.   Brian Dutcher who has been by Steve's side for many years, finally gets his chance to be a head coach.   Good luck to them both!

-------------------------

Now on to the new commit:  Georgia RB Christian Turner

The day Michigan loses an athlete at RB they pick up another one in the 2018 class.   Christian Turner is a 5'11 187 pound RB from Georgia.   He is rated a 3 star RB across the board to all the services.   ESPN is the highest rated service having him in their top 300 and #19 RB in the nation. 

He is visited ND on April 5th, Michigan on April 6th, and MSU on April 7th.   On April 10th he commits to the Wolverines.   His offer list looked more like a 4 star guy:  Louisville, Miami, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Syracuse, NC State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

With a class under 20 players this year, I think kids are going to make a quicker decision if they want to be a Wolverine.  Michigan was probably going to just take one RB and Turner grabbed his opportunity.   Another example might be at  QB with Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Joe Milton both visiting this weekend.  If the coaches are not comfortable with either guy committing to Michigan they might take recent offer Tyler Shough who is most likely ready to visit and commit.

This is Michigan 5th commitment to the 2018 class which is estimated to be at a total of 18 spots.

Michigan Thursday: Notre Dame To The Big Ten in hockey

Well, it's a start.   ND hasn't ever wanted to be a part of the Big Ten for financial TV reasons, now they're coming over and sticking a toe in the water with hockey.   Who knows maybe it's the first step in bigger things to come.   Which would only happen if NBC files for chapter 11.

• Michigan has scheduled another satellite camp, this time in Mississippi on June 8th.

• Mgohoops is reporting that Coach B is looking at possible Sacred Heart PG transfer Cane Broome.  Cane would have to sit out a year but would have two full years in A2.  He averaged 23 points per game as a sophomore this year.   Michigan has a PG coming in with this next class but Cane could give them some experience at the position after Walton leaves.

• OSU Gene Smith's apologizes for his Michigan remarks.

• Jay Harbaugh doesn't have heat in his new house.

• Aubrey Dawkins father Johnny, who just lost his Stanford head coaching job will be the new head coach at Central Florida.

Michigan Monday: 2 More Recruits Coming?

Sam Webb from Scouts said on his radio show this morning that he expects 2 more verbal commits before the Spring game on April 14th.   Your guess is as good as mine on who it could be with a number of guys very interested in the Wolverines including:

Ty Isaac
Ben Gedeon
Laquon Treadwell
EJ Levenberry

As you know by now, The Michigan Hockey team got knocked out of the NCAA Hockey Championship last weekend.  A tip of the hat goes to instate program Ferris State for making it to it's first Frozen Four.

I am on vacation this week, so the updates will be a little late but I will try to get something up everyday. 

Wolverine Weekend Update: Hockey Anyone?

Michigan knocked off Bemidji State 5-1 in the NCAA Hockey Tournament last night. Tonight they play #1 seed Miami of Ohio for the right to go the Frozen 4. I believe you can catch it on ESPN U.

Go Blue!

Wednesday Wolverine News and Notes

• Ryan Mallett's punishment will be: "He'll be in shape, that's for sure," Petrino added. He's going to get up at six o'clock in the morning every day," Petrino continued. "We'll have an eleven o'clock curfew for him for the rest of the semester and then there's going to be some community service involved in it."
  


• Red Berenson, Michigan's Hockey Coach gets a 1 year extension. Red is considering retiring but doesn't know when.
  


• Hockey at the Big House? It might happen after the renovations are completed. A mgoblog reader suggested the idea of a double header with the Red Wings. Sounds like a great idea!

• Michigan's Junior Day will be March 13 and has been named "The Night of Champions". In-state prospects planning to attend include: Detroit Southeastern defensive end William Gholston, Detroit Cass Tech cornerback Dior Mathis, Inkster quarterback Devin Gardner, Warren Fitzgerald linebacker Austin Gray, Charlevoix offensive lineman Bill Ivan and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s quarterback Robert Bolden. Out of State prospect hoping to attend include: Spartanburg, S.C., quarterback Cornelius Jones (6-2, 197 pounds) is and Flower Mound (Tex.) Marcus running back Stephen Hopkins (6-0, 220). Spring practice starts the next day, March 14th.

• Desmond Howard, Michigan Wide Receiver (1989-91) is on the ballot for nomination to the College Football Hall of Fame. This picture alone should get him into the hall.

• ESPN 's Bruce Feldman's Blog on Intriguing new assistant coaches: has #1 Scot Loeffler the former U of M QB coach that is now at Florida to work with Tim Tebow and #2 is Michigan's new defensive coordinator, Greg Robinson.

• Ed Hightower did the Iowa - Ohio State game on The Big Ten Network last night.

Free Style Friday

• Can Michigan pick up some big time recruits from the Southern States in last few days before signing day? There are two big time targets: DE Sam Montgomery (pictuired above) and OL Quinton Washington (pictured below). Both men list Michigan as one of their finalist with other Southern schools. Yesterday, Sam hosted at home Butch Davis from North Carolina, Monte Kiffin new DC at Tennessee, and Les Miles from LSU. Sam will visit Tennessee this weekend and had also has USC and Clemson on his list. It seems the leader in the clubhouse, might be UNC for Sam. I think Butch Davis is trying to sign 40 guys this winter. As for Quinton, he recently cut his list down by removing Clemson and Tennessee, he is visiting Miami this weekend but most believe South Carolina and Michigan are in his final 2.

• As you can see from the poll on the right side, the BHB readers feel that Denard Robinson is Michigan's most important recruit still pending. Denard would give Michigan another dual threat QB and some much needed depth at the position. Most believe Denard, will pass on his Florida offer so he can play with his good friend Adrian Witty (DB). The two schools that have offered both players are Kanas State and Michigan. The betting money, is on both players to be Blue next Wednesday.
  
  
  
• This from the Ann Arbor News, regarding the father of the Michigan Hockey player who was slashed on the ice and then ran into the MSU locker room to confront the players: Bruce Kampfer, the father accused of physically confronting Michigan State hockey player Corey Tropp in the Spartans' locker room at Yost Ice Arena last Saturday, is banned from most buildings on the University of Michigan's campus, a police spokesperson said Thursday. Bruce Kampfer, has been given an official tresspass order and is not allowed to enter any building on the University of Michigan's campus, except the university hospital as necessary. This is a sad ending to a terrible incident. This father will never be able to see his son play at Yost Arena again.
  
  
• Michigan will start it's spring football practice on March 14.
  


• Michigan Basketball plays again on the road on Saturday as they visit Purdue. We all know how the Wolverines have been playing lately and I don't give them much of a chance in West Lafayette. The game is on at 1:00 on CBS. Don't expect to see Zack Novak in this game, who will most likely will be sitting out due to a suspension for his elbow in the Ohio State game. I think Purdue will be favored to win this game easily. If you are looking to place a bet on this game or to bet on other sports try the guys at BetUS.com, they are good guys and a very professional site (don't forget there is a pretty large football game this weekend as well). With the recent poor play, Michigan is now looking at an NIT bid which is a disappointment after the pre-season wins against UCLA and Duke. Don't forget Michigan still has a road date with "soon to be #1" UConn as well. Nothing but bad news from the Wolverine Basketball program at the moment.

Week Until Signing Day and The Wolverines Super Bowl Shuffle?

• How would you like to be a 4 Star Defensive End with offers from many of the top programs in the country? Well, Sam Montgomery is that young man these days and he is having to make some difficult decisions. Late on Monday he cut his list down. "Even though Oregon has a lot to offer, he felt that it was not the place for him," Mrs. Montgomery said. He will visit Tennessee this weekend. Sam was planning a mid-week visit to The Ducks/NikeTown this week. She said more cuts are coming. "We're going to do some serious soul searching," Mrs. Montgomery said. "It just hard to say good bye. You get to like them as a person." Sam will also be hosting coaches from Tennessee, North Carolina, and LSU this week.

• Don't forget the Wolverine Basketball team is playing OSU tonight in C-Bus. The game is an early tip at 6:30 and the Buckeyes are favored by 4.5. If you are looking to place a bet on sports or any other game try the guys at BetUS.com, they are good guys and a very professional site.
  The Georgia Bulldogs are making a late charge for Je'Ron Stokes and are trying to get him to campus for an official this weekend. Tony Ball the Bulldogs WR coach is recruiting Stokes and is working with OC Mike Bobo to see if they can get Je'ron an offer/visit for this weekend. On a funny side note: On Tuesday, he (Stokes) couldn’t call UGA until very late because Michigan coach Rich Rodriquez was at his Pennsylvania house for most of the evening.

• With 2009 Recruiting Closing Down, it's time to focus on 2010 recruiting efforts. 2010 looks to be a good class for QB talent in the State of Michigan. Devin Gardner, 6"4 195 lbs QB from Inkster already has offers from Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Nebraska, and many others. Just yesterday, Michigan offered Orchard Lake St. Mary's QB Robert Bolden, who also stands 6"4 and weighs 195. Robert isn't a secret either, he is sporting offers from Vandy, CMU, Nebraska, MSU, Northwestern, and Wisconsin.
  
  
• Are you into Flight Stalking? Per the Mgoblog message board it seems Coach Rod's plane last night went from Philadelphia to visit Je'Ron Stokes to Cleveland to maybe visit Marcus Hall. Check this link out and picture below.

• MSU has thrown Conboy completely off the team and he has left school. Tropp is done for the year and might not be asked back. Both kids were involved in the ugly incident at Yost Arena this past weekend.
  
  
• Wolverine SuperBowl Shuffle: Alan Branch former Wolverine DT and now a member of the Arizona Cardinals won the a rumba dancing contest at Super Bowl Media Day. The contest was organized by ET's Kevin Frazier and Warren Sapp was a celebrity judge. "It means a lot," Branch was quoted as saying in Tampa Bay Online, regarding his dancing victory. "I came here with a good game plan." With Alan's big win, your probably ready for the game on Sunday and remember no mater if your favorite team isn't in the game watching it with a few bucks down makes it much more interesting. The place I would recommend is Super Bowl Betting, check it out before Sunday. There are plenty of Wolverines to root for no matter if your a Steelers or a Cardinals fan. I just hope Woodley doesn't take Breaston out when his route calls for a short pass over the middle!
  
  
  

Alan is holding the hardware, Former Wolverine Gabe Watson is pictured above during the competition.

MSU Players Done for the Year

Per the Freep: MSU's head hockey coach: “What happened near the end of the game this weekend is not the way in which we want our hockey program represented,” Comley said in a statement. “We cannot condone their actions. We felt that we had to send a strong message that this behavior will not be tolerated."

CCHA Commissioners thought: "We feel that the measures taken by Michigan State are appropriate and consistent with the parameters of the sanctions that were being contemplated by the league," league commissioner Tom Anastos said in a news release.

Is it enough? Maybe, maybe not. I lean towards the side that it's not enough. But that is more of an emotional decision after watching this video too many times. Either way, this incident will not help the Michigan - Michigan State rivalry on or off the field. Thank God, Kampfer is ok.