Michigan Tuesday: Enough Jimmy and Mike Hart?

Let's start with the Mike Hart situation.  There isn't any official news on Mike's status with the program at this moment.  The rumor mill is spinning that Mike might have taken a leave of absence from Sherrone's staff.  He is not on the road recruiting, so that seems like a plausible situation.   I don't want to speculate if Mike is having a health concern or a family situation.  He also could be upset over not being promoted to head coach or OC after Jimmy left.  Either way, he does not seem to be with the program right now, which is disappointing.  I mean who isn't upset at work for not being promoted?

There are recent reports that Jimmy wants to hire Coach Clink and Coach Elston now.  My response to that is, enough Jim! I understand this is business but for goodness sakes, lets not destroy your alma-mater on the way out the door.  Fish from another pond! 

Sherrone probably needs to hire both as Co-DC's and give them a huge raise.  The good news is both are on the road recruiting.  I think the risk is too high for Michigan to hire Cullen from the Chiefs.  Promote your guys and keep the staff in place. 

• Speaking of Harbaugh's hiring former Michigan assistants.  John has hired Doug Mallory as DB coach for the Ravens.  Doug has been on Jimmy's staff the last 3 years. 

• Jay must have read my post from Friday and picked the Seahawks over the Chargers. 

• Jake Moody is a rookie and now firmly implanted in a huge role for the 49'ers in the Super Bowl. 

• There seems to be momentum that BOB is the leading candidate for the BC head coach opening.   Maybe he hasn't sold his house yet?

• PFF college says Josh Wallace did not give up a coverage TD last season.

Wolverine Wednesday: Mike Hart with a Big Win

Mike Hart is one of my favorite players in Michigan history.  I actually ran into my favorite two weeks ago as my wife and I were in Winter Park, FL outside of Orlando and walked by the GOAT Charles Woodson and his wife walking in Winter Park's downtown shopping district.  

This post isn't about me being a Michigan fan boy, it's about Mike Hart recruiting and turning the run game in Ann Arbor into the runaway train that Harbaugh wants.  Mike has the best 2 running backs in the nation this year and it's probably not close, but struggled on the 2023 recruiting trail.  Many questioned the recruitment of 3-star Ben Hall and not bringing in a higher ranked prospect. 

That feeling changed late afternoon on Tuesday when Cincinnati, OH RB 4-Star and top 100 player Jordan Marshall committed to Michigan over OSU.  Jordan who plays at Moeller will get a chance to wear the Jordan brand in Ann Arbor.   Jordan was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Ohio last season with 30 TD's, 1951 yards rushing and 19 catches with another 4 TD's. 

This was a huge get for Mike Hart and the 2024 class that could be a monster.  The class is currently ranked #5 and there could be an avalanche of commitments coming. 

Couple great quotes:  

“Really just me and Coach [Mike] Hart get along and that's my guy,” Marshall said. “We're like the same person. But their culture is very similar to Moeller's. And that's some things I look for going to a school and which places can give me that and I feel like Michigan can you give me that. Then to take care of my family after football, their school is just amazing and speaks for itself.”

“Some of my friends are big O-State fans & so is my Papa. But he’s going to start rooting for Michigan"

Prayers for Mike Hart

Mike is one of my favorite Michigan Players of all time.  His will and perseverance were off the charts as Michigan's leading rusher.  Seeing him go down on the sideline on TV was dramatic enough for the viewing audience, only imagine what the players were feeling.   When something like that happens, the game seems secondary and the Wolverines played like that for 30 minutes. 

After halftime the Wolverines pitched a shutout on defense and scored 21 points to win by 3 TD's when it felt like they won by 3 points.   On to the Cheers and Jeers:

Cheers:

• Michigan won the game 
• JJ threw for 300
• Blake had over 100 yards
• Bell and Schoonover had big days catching the ball
• The defensive line again was impressive stuffing the run
• and rushing the passer 
• OLine gave JJ plenty of time to pass 
• Okie with another impressive game 

Jeers:

• Overlooking another opponent 
• I thought Michigan's coaching on both sides of the ball was poor
• Offensive play calling was bad 
• Joel Klatt called out Michigan tendencies 
• IU's defense looked to be "reading Michigan's mail"
• The defensive didn't look prepared for the IU's tempo and offense 
• The Big Ten officiating was again the worst in America 
• Penalties were a problem, mostly on defense 
• JJ never should be running against IU, I also thought he got targeted 
• Michigan's LB's continue to struggle to cover in space from like 5-10 yards from LOS
• Moody that field goal should have never been blocked 
• Some bad tackling on defense
• How come Michigan can't stop that WR screen that IU ran like 100 times?
• DJ had a poor game 
• CoJo had a terrible drop but scored 2 TD's after
• JJ threw his first pick trying to get the ball into triple coverage

I didn't like this game for many reasons and I don't understand why Michigan plays so poorly at IU.  Either way, Michigan got the W and Mike is in stable condition (and will spend the night in the hospital down in Bloomington).  It was interesting that Michigan had Fred Jackson on the sideline who helped with the RB's after Mike went down.  

Michigan will have to play much cleaner if they are going to beat a talented PSU team who seemed to have brought back the week prior bye before Michigan contract terms.  

Michigan Friday: I Heart Mike Hart

I have some favorite hires in the off season, Mike McDonald's ceiling, top notch recruiter that Clinkscale is, and the instate relationships and recruiting skills that Ron Bellamy has.  But my favorite off season hire is bring back Mike Hart.   The 3 star RB from upstate NY that became Michigan's all time leading rusher. 

If you read this blog you know Michigan's deepest position group this season is at RB:

Power: Hassan Haskins 

Speed: Blake Corum 

5 star freshman with both:  Donovan Edwards

You don't need a crystal ball to know that with the above talent and a good offensive line, that this team will be running the ball as much as they can. 

Then you add Mike Hart into the mix and you might have something here! 

He spoke to the media yesterday and here are some of his thoughts:

“I think you guys are pretty aware of what we have, with Hassan, Blake — from last year, what they’ve done. The experience that Hassan has, Blake’s obviously still young from that standpoint. Two new guys in Donovan and Tavi round that out. They’ve been great. Young guys keep getting better, and that’s what you want to see. They’re growing a lot. They’re mid-year guys so they had a beat on the offense, understand the offense. They’re just cleaning up all the little things with those two guys. Hassan and Blake just continue to do what they do.

Does Blake remind him of himself?

“He works a lot harder! I think that the best — size-wise, yes. Blake’s a lot faster than me, a lot quicker than me. If I was that fast, I’d probably still be playing in the NFL. He’s a great kid, but I think his mentality and the way he does things, the way he approaches the game is really similar to the way I did. He doesn’t like making mistakes, he’s not happy when he makes mistakes. He wants to be perfect. And that’s something that reminds me of myself from that standpoint.”

On Donovan Edwards?

“He’s just an explosive player. I think a lot of you guys have seen his high school tape. The kind of runs he made in high school — he has the ability to make those in college. When he switches gears, you can tell. He doesn’t look out of place. I think a lot of freshmen when they come in, getting used to the speed, getting used to the speed on defense and making people miss, I think it takes a little transition. And it’s still a transition for him, he isn’t where he needs to be, but you can see that he has the skill set to be really, really special one day, if he gets better — he’s not there yet. But if he continues to grow, continues to take coaching, which he does, he has a chance to be a really good player.”

On RB rotation this season?

“Play them how I see fit at the end of the day. You have to let a guy get a little comfortable in the game. I think there’s always two first or second down backs, there’s a third down back, there’s a short-yardage back — it can be the same guy, right? If a guy is better at something — if Blake is better on third down than Hassan, then it would be smart to play Blake, right? If it’s third down, if it’s third and long. If Hassan’s a better short-yardage runner on third-and-1, then put Hassan in the game. I think that whoever earns those jobs, whoever is better at them, then that’s who’s gonna be in the game in those situations, from that standpoint.

“At my previous job, there was a guy who didn’t play on third down at all in his first two years and then last year, he played every third down because he got better at it. It really just depends on where they are in their career. Do they know pass pro? Can they pick up blitzes? Can they do those things in certain situations? Are they better at third-and-1? There might be a guy who never plays but who goes in at third-and-1 that’s gonna be our running back. And everyone knows we’re running. That’s one of those things, whoever earns those jobs, that’s who’s gonna be in those situations — when it’s clear as day. Obviously, you can’t just say, ‘Oh, he’s in the game,’ and it’s gonna be a pass, right? If it’s third-and-12, (put in) the third-and-12 back?”

Michigan Thursday: This Team Needs More Hart

The Spun

Somethings just make sense.  Juwan Howard to Michigan, Tom Brady to the Hall of Fame, and Bo having 200 of the best players in the country to pick from every Saturday.   Mike Hart coaching Michigan's RB's is a no brainer that Michigan fans have wanted for many years.  

We know about his playing career so lets jump to his credentials as a football coach:

2011 - Quality Control Coach EMU

2012-13 - RB Coach at EMU

2014-15 - RB Coach at WMU

2016 - RB Coach at Syracuse 

2017-2020 - RB Coach at Indiana 

We have all followed his coaching career but we really didn't know how good a coach he was until, IU handed Michigan a loss this past season and Stevie Scott ran for nearly a 100 yards on the Wolverines defense.  Mike has shown to be a very good RB coach and recruiter.   He now has a RB room full of some of the best talent in the country.     This wasn't a good hire it was a great one.  

Welcome home Mike!

• The discussion between the Jags and Urban Meyer seem to be heating up and we might hear something today or Friday.  We all know Urban is a bit unpredictable, so we will see.   Might be nice for him to pay players, without it being considered cheating. 

• There was also rumors about the Eagles wanting Ryan Day, I don't believe those to be accurate reports.  

• Joe Milton showed a photo on IG with a cast on his right hand.  

• Caris LeVert was traded from the Nets in the Harden deal yesterday.  He seems to now be headed to Indiana.  

• Another name to keep an eye on for the DB coach at Michigan is Jessie Minter the Ravens DB coach.   The new role whoever gets the job is expected to coach both the CB's and safeties.  

• 2022 5 Star DB Domani Jackson will announce his choice a week from Saturday.   He and his father are Michigan fans and he wore a bunch of Michigan Jordan gear at an event in Dallas last weekend.   The issue is Michigan doesn't have a DC or a DB coach and currently has zero crystal balls.  Which is 64% to Ohio State and 36% to USC.  

Wolverine Wednesday: Loves This Notification

This year I have been hating ESPN notifications on our beloved Wolverines.   In football, it was full of lopsided loses and even semi-embarrassing wins (like OT to Rutgers).    Last night I loved this ESPN notification so much I took a screen shot of it.  

Rarely does a game leave me speechless, but the win over the Badgers did just that.   At one point during the 43-6 run I wondered if Wisconsin was even going to score anymore in the 2nd half.   I try to keep my expectations leveled off as the Big Ten is just a meat grinder of a league this season.   One team looks great one day and then they roll off 3 straight losses.  

Michigan always lived and died with the 3 ball under Coach B.  Now with this NBA style low post game, this team has a ton of options.   If the 3 ball is going down and the way this team defends, they will be very hard to beat.   

Mike Smith - love his game and a perfect point guard for this team.  Can score when you need it and his defense has greatly improved since the start of the season.  

Franz Wagner - finally is showing what he has.  Dakich called him the Big Ten's best NBA prospect.  His length is a problem on both sides.  

Hunter Dickinson - is maybe the best Michigan freshman since the Fab 5.  I love how he just owns the second half of every game.  

Isaiah Livers - when he plays smart and his shot is going, is another NBA prospect.   When he is shooting well, this is a different team. 

Eli Brooks - just fits his role perfectly, plays suffocating defense and hits 3's when he has a chance.  

Austin Davis - is better off the bench.  He comes in, gets some boards, a block, uses some fouls, and dunks.   Glad he is back from injury. 

Chaundee Brown - Makes me smile every time he is on the court.  He checks up full court, hits a couple 3's, hustles like its his last game, and defends the best player on the other team.   He gives this team toughness that many Michigan teams have lacked. 

Brandon Johns - Is just lacking confidence and it seems he maybe gaining it.   If he starts getting closer to his ceiling, look out.  

Its fun to watch and support a team that wins and competes this hard! 

• There is some interesting news brewing.   When Jay got moved to Special Teams coach, there left an opening at RB coach.  Many Michigan fans want 1 person in that role.   There are rumors that Mike Hart, IU RB coach has been offered that role.   There are also reports that Jedd tried to bring Jay to Arizona and he turned down the offer.  This will be a difficult decision for Mike as he has helped build something at IU. 

• Its not official but Mike Zordich is gone.  I wouldn't be surprised if he also ended up at Arizona with Don Brown and Jedd. 

• RR was hired as the OC for Louisiana Monroe. 

Michigan Tuesday: I Wonder If Mike Hart Was Smiling?

As I was watching Michigan take a knee on Saturday, I wondered if Mike Hart was smiling.  He was actually coaching the RB's as Indiana was taking on Penn State, so I'm guessing he wasn't keeping track of the score.

This week of course he will need to watch tape of his former team and I'm guessing he will enjoy the tape from last weekend.   If you haven't kept up with Mike after leaving Michigan, I thought I would run down his short NFL career and coaching roles:

Fun fact:  Did you know Mike finished 5th in the Heisman voting in 2006?

• Mike was drafted in the 6th round in 2008 by Indy, #202 pick 
• Between 2008-2010 Mike bounced between the practice squad and being cut 
• On 1/3/2010 Mike scored his first NFL TD against Buffalo 
• That season Mike had 2 carries in the Super Bowl! 
• The next season Mike scored his second TD against the Chiefs 
• His best running day was on MNF against the Texans where he ran for a total of 84 yards
• Mike was released during the summer of 2011 

-Right after being cut in 2011 Mike took a quality control job with Eastern Michigan's program.   That became a RB coach role from 2012 - 2013.  

-Then Mike took the same role with WMU from 2014-2015

-Move to RB coach with Syracuse during the 2016 season

-Now the RB coach for IU from 2017-current 

So Mike has stayed busy and seems to be enjoying his role on IU's staff.   I know preparing for Michigan's defense is no joke but I hope Mike found a moment to have a little smile this week after Michigan embarrassed little brother.  

• Michigan only has a few targets left for the 2020 class.  2 were on campus for the MSU game.  4 star OT James Pogorelc came away impressed and seems to be down to Michigan, VA, and Stanford.   Next is 4 star and #3 TE from Windsor Theo Johnson was also in attendance.   Many believe Theo is leaning towards Penn State but hopefully Saturday and the closeness to his hometown will help in his recruitment to Ann Arbor.   Jimmy also needs to find a QB late in the cycle. 

Michigan Thursday: Mike Hart Interviewing For ND RB Job

This tweet text is from Pete Sampson but I'm thinking Mark Dantonio really wrote it: "Indiana running backs coach Mike Hart is a candidate on Notre Dame’s short list of replacements for Autry Denson. Notre Dame will interview for the vacant position this week. Hart is Michigan’s all-time leading rusher. 

Good Luck to Mike, but I wish other top programs wanted him like Oklahoma or something.

• 2020 WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. got a Michigan offer.  His dad is in the Hall of Fame but has had some questionable actions off the field.  

• Fred Jackson's son Josh who is the starting QB at VT is transferring (he broke his leg this past season):  Per Freddie, he has Brady's brain, Rodgers arm, runs like Vick, and has the likability of Manning.   Josh played his HS ball at Saline. 

• Sam Webb now believes Pep Hamilton is going to be on staff this year.  Yes, folks Michigan will have a $1.4M QB/WR coach. 

• Chris Hinton got his 5th star back on the 24/7 composite.  Which is nice!  

• Here are 24/7's final rankings (not composite):  HT to Fishaw Twitter 

23. S Daxton Hill
38. RB Zach Charbonnet
47. DT Chris Hinton
109. OT Trente Jones
160. WR Cornelius Johnson
161. OT Karsen Barnhart
170. DT Mazi Smith
179. OG Nolan Rumler
184. OT Trevor Keegan
220. DE David Ojabo
233. WR Giles Jackson

Amauri Pesek-Hickson isn't a top recruit but he moved up 372 spots!

EMU Preview

Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: BTN
Weather: Partly Cloudy high of 66 degrees (is it Fall already?)
Line: Michigan -30


So Michigan's 2011 season has consisted of a weather shorten game and a big comeback against a rival.  So what will week 3 have in store for us?  Hopefully a lot less drama and many more offensive plays. 

Clearly, this is a miss match on paper and talent as EMU comes down Stadium Blvd to get a pay day.  The battle of Washtenaw County helps EMU fund it's athletic department and a chance for former Wolverines to start or continue their coaching careers.

With that said, the Wolverines have struggled in the past with EMU and played some too close for comfort games.   Will there be a let down this weekend?  I doubt it, even though Michigan is 2-0 there still remains a ton of questions that Brady and Staff hopes to start answering on Saturday.   For example:

• Can Michigan find a starting RB?
• Will Justice Hayes or Thomas Rawls get any snaps?
• How will the musical chairs at LB turn out?
• Can Michigan's offensive line dominate like expected?
• Can the Michigan offense be effective with Denard under center?
• Will Devin Gardner get some snaps?
• Can the defensive line get a pass rush with 4 guys?
• Is Blake Countess or Greg Brown ready for regular action?
• Can Michigan make a field goal?

That's a lot of questions to be answered in week 3 with a solid SDSU team coming in next week and the Big Ten season two weeks away. 

The Michigan players should take this game seriously because their playing time in future games may depend on it.   I just hope we can start to identify the clear starters at each position with a couple good options for back up (while not burning any redshirts).

I also wouldn't mind if Craig Roh mixed in a tackle or two.  I'm just hoping he is just not himself from the illness he had late in the summer.

This is not a big recruiting game, so there probably won't be a ton of top rated 2012 guys on campus.  Michigan needs to focus on the game, stay healthy and put this one away early so the back ups can get some time.   Troy Woolfolk please sit this one out.

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

• Denard is sharp in the passing game and is healthy on the bench in the 3rd qtr.
• Big Will starts to cement his position in the starting lineup
• The offensive line gives some huge holes for the Michigan running backs
• 2 running backs have over 100 yards and neither are named Denard.
• The Michigan defense holds EMU to under 14 points
• No injuries
• Mike Hart runs to the Michigan sideline as EMU takes the field

Say Darn those former Michigan coaches and players if..............

• The game is uncomfortably close
• Michigan can't stop the run on defense
• Mike Hart suits up for the Eagles
• If Michigan has let down after the big win last weekend

Look for EMU to try to run the ball a lot and take some shots down field if the Michigan safeties are out of position or giving big cushions.  Michigan will work on the basics like running the ball and trying to improve Denards's accuracy with some short throws.  Michigan will take plenty of shots deep but they really want to get some yards out of the RB position and not put Denard in harms way.   Let's hope Big Blue jumps out to a big lead and the defensive holds tight. 

Michigan 41 EMU 13


GO BLUE

Michigan Thursday: Your In but Suspended

Raise your hand if your tired of Pryor news.  It has been non-stop for 4 years and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. 

Today comes the news he is in the NFL Supplemental Draft now re-scheduled for Monday.   The only catch is that Pryor will be suspended for the first 5 games of the season, which should only effect Pryor's bank account because he surly wouldn't be playing QB for any team that picks him in the first 5 weeks.   Heck, he maybe even more attractive to teams now they get a discount.   This is sort of like the NFL Draft meets TJ Maxx. 

Some have wondered if this the first step in the NFL working with the NCAA on rule breakers.  The answer is no, this is the NFL's way to try to persuade any other "Pryor's" from trying to work the system by not declaring for the NFL Draft and trying to land a better spot in the Supplemental. 

For the Pryor "shocker" of the day his "mentor" Ted Sarniak gave him and his mother money while he was at OSU.   Really?  I guess nobody thought that was important when everyone had to recruit Pryor through Ted.  Pryor's entire time at OSU should be stricken from the record.

• If you want to hear me preview the Michigan Offense please tune into the Michigan Man Podcast.  Part 1 is up and Part 2 is coming.   (I'm a little long winded)  Mike does a great job, so please check it out on a regular baiss or download it on your Ipod phone pad, etc. 

• If you haven't heard Mike Hart is done with the NFL and is a quality control assistant at Eastern Michigan for Ron English.  I expect Mike to be Michigan's RB coach as soon as Fred Jackson retires or moves to another offensive coaching position at Michigan.  On a side note, I like what Ron is doing for former Wolverines.  He also helped Tyrone Wheatley get his coaching career going, he is now with Syracuse.   Here is Mike talking about camp:  "I love it, and I have a lot more fun coaching in camp than playing in camp," Hart said, laughing. "Camp is camp. It's a grind for the coaches, it's a grind on the players, but my body isn't taking a beating. I just love working with young men and having an impact on them. I'm definitely having a lot of fun." Having Mike in and around Ann Arbor is a great thing!  It will be very strange for him to be on the other side of the field on 9/17.

Michigan Thursday: Drunk Driving is a Serious Offense

There are three Wolverines with recent Drunk Driving offenses; Darryl Stonum is a current Wolverine who is suspended from the team for 2 violations, Jalen Rose who is a member of ESPN and a former Fab 5 member and of course Braylon Edwards former Michigan WR and current NFL Free Agent. 

There are whispers that Darryl is hanging on by a thread to his college career with Michigan and could face being kicked off the team to a 4 game suspension.  Let's hope he has learned his lesson, cleans up his act and gets to re-join the team some time this year. 

Jalen was just sentenced to 20 days in jail for pleading guilty to his DUI this winter.  Which seems to be a pretty harsh penalty but so was his crime.   I like Jalen a lot but what he did was serious and he is paying a high price.

Braylon won't face any jail time but will have his probation from a Cleveland fight extended one year and will serve 100 hours of community service.

I like all 3 guys and hopefully they will all learn from these serious mistakes. 

• TomVH catches up with WR Amara Darboh who visited A2 this week:  I feel a lot better with them. They all seem like really nice guys and they have a great staff there. This visit helped Michigan a lot, and it also helped with my comfort level, so yeah.

• The Big Ten Media Days start today.  Should be lots of coaches talk.  For example; We have a talented team but we also have holes we need to fill.

• New BBQ visitor is 2013 ATH Dymonte Thomas who will be there with his father and his cousin Bri'onte Dunn.   The early returns on Dymonte is he might be one of the best players in Ohio in the 2013 class and has Michigan #1 in his recruitment right now. 

• I know NFL transactions are flying around fast.  To catch you up on some Wolverines:  Mike Hart got cut by Indy,  Jonas Mouton signed his deal with the Chargers, Stevie Breaston is now with Kansas City, Martell Webb signed with the Eagles, James Rogers with Denver and  Perry Dorrestein to the Jets.   Good luck Guys!  (Obi Ezeh, Greg Banks and Adam Patterson are still looking for teams).

Wolverine Wednesday: 10 Things I like to see from Michigan before I buy a condo at the Villages

#10: A Wall of Fame, A Circle of Honor something that honors the great former Michigan football players.  I agree that retiring numbers may not be the right thing to do but there are so many great former Wolverines and there should be some lasting memorial somewhere at the Big House.  Name it the Gerald R. Ford Memorial: Circle of Champions.

#9:  Tom Brady gets close to U of M.   When Tom is ready to hang up his cleats, I would like there to be some type of partnership between Tom and U of M.  Is it a Tom Brady Scholarship? Is he the associate AD?  I don't know but having Tom close to the program has to be a good thing. 

#8: The Michigan Baseball team gets more TV exposure.  I have always thought there would be a nice fan base for the Michigan Baseball team if they got some more exposure.

#7:  Mike Hart on the Michigan coaching staff.  He seems the perfect candidate when Fred Jackson retires. 

#6: The Michigan basketball team makes an un-expected run to the Final 4.

#5: The Fab 5 plays an exhibition game against the current Wolverines for charity.  Maybe to re-open the "new" Crisler Arena?

#4: Michigan Football Dominates Midwest Recruiting. I want Michigan to be able to recruit like Texas does. Bring in all the top players in from Michigan, Ohio and neighboring states. Give the kids offers right there and then and give them 48 hours to accept or decline them. Michigan would have 70% of it's class full in a couple of days.



#3: Keith Jackson to do one more Michigan - Ohio State game in the Big House.

#2: Michigan goes on a new winning streak against MSU and OSU.

#1: Big Shocker Here:  Michigan has an un-defeated National Championship season where they beat OSU twice and USC in the BCS National Championship Game in the Rose Bowl      


Honorable mentions:  A night game at the Big House (next year), A huge music festival at the Big House with all the top bands,  Michigan and Michigan State play one or two games at Ford Field to help the downtown economy,  Zack Novak's number retired, Michigan signs the #1 rated high school prospect in either football or basketball or both!, an August pre-season exhibition football game against an opponent not on the schedule (yes I know this is more of an NCAA rule/issue) and Michigan doesn't need to hire a new football coach for the next 15 years!

Michigan Monday: Doesn't Feel Like a Rivalry Week

Do you remember the last time you were excited about the Michigan - Ohio State game?  I do, 2006*.   The day after Bo died.  Michigan was a personal foul penalty away from being in the National Championship game.   That was a very emotional week for many Michigan fans.    This week doesn't have the same feel and it shouldn't.  Michigan needs to be better to get this rivalry back on track, right now it's just a one sided football game.   Similar to what we watched last weekend.  (*Michigan had a chance in 2007 but Mike Hart and Chad Henne were both injured and Michigan lost 14-3 at home)

The early line has Ohio State favored by close to 3 touchdowns or 18 points.   Doesn't feel like Ohio State week does it?  I am sure Bo is pissed and Woody is smiling.  

Brett Bielema should be fined and suspended by the Big Ten:  After the game Saturday, Bielema said his offensive line -- which grinds opposing defenses into dust by pulling its guards and ramming them into linebackers downfield -- was prevented from pulling by Michigan. He used the word "tactics," which is coaching code for "holding," to describe what Michigan's defensive line was doing. "But we rectified the situation," Bielema said. When asked how, Bielema recalled a chop-block penalty that went against his team -- and took a touchdown off the scoreboard -- in the second quarter. Wisconsin lost seven points but delivered a message.

So Bielema ordered an illegal chop block on Mike Martin.  So let me understand this, your team is dominating Michigan in the first half and your about to score another touchdown and you order a chop block on Michigan's best defensive player? What a classless move. The Big Ten better come down hard on him, this type of activity doesn't have any place in college football.   I hope all the parents of Wisconsin 2011 recruits read that quote before they sign up to play for that head coach.  What an (insert your own expletive here). 

What the hell as happened to college football coaching profession?  This year alone we have seen a coach have his QB re-enter a game after a concussion, that same coach made a terrible decision later in the year to practice outside in un-safe conditions which caused a student to lose his life.  We have seen a coach let a player walk out of jail and on to the field and now we have had a coach order a potential career ending penalty in a game where they are blowing out their opponent.  This activity come after a year two coaches are fired for being too physical with a player and another coach locking a player in the closet.   None of it makes sense to me and these guys need to start to understand that they are here to teach and protect young men - not injury them. 


Quick Recruiting Updates:

• Update: Sammy Watkins has committed to Clemson. 

• Kris Frost seemed to enjoy his Michigan visit this weekend.  The Wolverines need him badly in this class and he should be Michigan's #1 priority.  They will need to beat out Auburn.

• 2011 Michigan running back Justice Hayes has de-committed from ND and has re-opened his recruitment.  He lists Tennessee, ND, and Michigan as his top group.  We will see what happens here.

• 2011 Florida LB Ryan Petro 6'3", 205 lbs. also enjoyed his visit.  He is currently one of those late bloomers to the recruiting arena and doesn't have any offers yet but is getting interest from Michigan, Nebraska, and Pittsburgh.

• 2011 TE Jack Tabb also visited Ann Arbor and has Michigan near the top of his list.  He will make his decision is a month or so.    

Former Michigan great running back Rob Lytle died on Saturday at the age of 56 due to a heart attack.   RIP Michigan Man. RIP.

Game Day Video: Michigan vs Michigan State 2004

If you have time today with the late afternoon kickoff, enjoy this "classic" Michigan comeback when the Wolverines go "Braylon" on the Spartans in 2004.  Watch Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Braylon Edwards in this great great comeback victory.  This has to be the closest thing the Big House has seen to a night game. 

What a memory and a perfect video to get you ready!  Enjoy.

Go Blue! 

Michigan Tuesday: Woodley and Hart Rising

When NFL teams passed on LaMarr Woodley in the NFL draft, I knew they would end up regretting it.   If you remember, LaMarr was a second round pick and the 46th pick overall in 2007 draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  In his short NFL Career, LaMar has had 136 tackles, 29 sacks, and 1 interception. The USA Today says don't be surprised if LaMarr is the highest paid defensive player next year.   LaMarr is on a list with a number of other young stars in the NFL.  Congratulations to Wood and I hope he gets that big check!

• RIP to Bob Probert.  Sad to see a guy pass at 45. 

• Mike Hart is ready for new NFL Season with the Colts:  "I'm always happy and this is probably the healthiest I've been since I've been on this team," he said.  "I'll be fighting for a position on this team, just like always."  Head Coach, Jim Caldwell weighs in on Mike:  "He's a guy who has a real solid football instinct about him," coach Jim Caldwell said. "He has a knack for understanding how the game should be played. He's got a great knack in terms of his vision and ability. He knows himself. He's obviously a guy who has great passion for what he does."

Michigan Wolverines in the Super Bowl

Editors Note: Post was re-purposed from Thursday due to the Super Bowl being tomorrow.

Now that National Signing Day is over, I'm told there is one more football game to be played this season. Of course, the Super Bowl is on Sunday and a number of former Wolverines have interesting stories.

#1: Mike Hart, Indianapolis: My goodness what a wild ride Mike has had this year. He was out injured during his rookie season and during his second season he was on and off the practice squad and cut and resigned twice. He is now getting a few snaps a game at running back and even got his first NFL TD this year. Mike has run 26 times for 70 yards this season and has 5 catches for 54 yards. I know there has been a lot of talk about Mike being a coach and someday coaching Michigan. I am 100% comfortable about Mike being Michigan's running backs coach and working his way up the ladder. I am more interested in Mike winning the Super Bowl and getting the Championship he so deserves.

#2: Adrian Arrington, New Orleans: I was very critical of AA leaving Michigan early for the NFL. I thought his draft "stock" could have used another a year. As it turned out, I was right and Adrian was taken in the 6th round. He has yet to see the field and has lived on the practice squad for two years. He did get a chance to dress in the playoffs due to some WR's injuries. I hope AA gets a chance at playing time next year.

#3: Jonathan Goodwin, New Orleans: Was drafted by the Jets in 2002 and signed with the Saints in 2006. Jonathan is a starter at the center position and has been in all 16 games this season. JG will see the most action (of all the former Wolverines) on Sunday.

#4: Marlin Jackson, Indianapolis: Marlin is hurt this year and out for the season.

Former Michigan players or coaches include: Mike Mallory as special teams coach for the Saints and Terry Mallone who coaches the tight ends.

So there you have it, your Michigan football report for the Super Bowl. I sure hope Mike gets in for a few plays, I would love to see his stats in the record book. I have even heard you can bet on each play this year. “If there is a grand tradition in modern United States sports, it revolves around Super Bowl betting, and when it comes to that great United States pastime, there isn't a better place on the face of the earth to be than on your favorite Sportsbook. If you are looking for anything and everything to do with Super Bowl betting, we truly have it down to a science, and when the big day comes you are going to be able to go from the first play to the last and you'll have something to root for every step of the way!

First get ready for the game with future wagers on the teams and players who will make an impact. Who will win the game straight-up? Who will score first? Who will win the Super Bowl MVP? How many field goals will each team kick? How many yards will each player gain? There's almost nothing that is off-limits.

There will be Super Bowl betting on each quarter, both halves, and every conceivable statistic you can imagine. As if that isn't enough, put that television on and fasten your seat belt, because you can wager on what is going to happen on each and every play using the Internet! When you're looking for Super Bowl betting, why would you want to be anywhere else?"

So your bored that signing day is over right? Well, we have one more football game to watch until August rolls around. So go buy your new big LCD TV, root for the Michigan basketball team to find what it's missing, hopefully watch two high powered offensives on Sunday light up the scoreboard, and place your bets on the action!

Michigan Monday: Hart to Hart

Mike Hart has had an interesting pro career so far. Last year, his rookie year he spent most of it on the IR with the Indianapolis Colts and this year he has spent most of year on the practice team or on the waiver wire. He has bounced back and forth from the practice team to being cut to back to the practice team. But the last two weeks, has seen Mike not only dressed on the sidelines but getting into game for the un-defeated Colts. Last week against Tennessee, Mike had 4 carries for 11 yards and 2 catches for 27 yards. This week against the Broncos he had 9 carries for 28 yards.

Now were talking! Let's hope Mike continues to contribute to the Colts and maybe there is a Super Bowl ring in his future!

• Kansas and Louisville: I have to go on record and applaud these two schools on two great hires. Last year during this time, Universities seemed to be making the worst decisions possible decisions for their head coaching vacancies. This year it seems the AD's are smarter or learned something from last year. Either way, the hiring of Turner Gill at Kansas is a great hire and so is hiring of Charlie Strong at Louisville. Both of these fine coaches should have jobs sooner, but I bet they are not complaining on how things worked out for both of them. Congratulations!

• The Michigan Basketball Team finally got a win yesterday against Detroit. If this team doesn't start playing defense, it's going to be a long Big Ten season. The shooting will comeback, it's the defense that scares me. I also recommend not watching the Kansas game. That's going to be ugly.

• Michigan has offered a LB from Florida named Darrin Kitchens. He is rated 3 stars but has a nice offer list that includes Florida and Florida State.

• Johnathon Hankins, a DL from Michigan visited Ohio State this weekend. His father said, he is planning on a decision before Christmas. My guess is it's down to: Florida, OSU, and Michigan.

• The strong rumor in Cincinnati is that Butch Jones from Central Michigan might be the next head coach at UC. We will see.

Big House Friday Update

• Lee Corso pulls a "not so fast" on life, after suffering a minor stroke: Corso suffered no permanent damage in the minor stroke, which was caused by the blockage to a small artery, according to a statement from Corso. He is expected to make a full recovery.
  
  "This is just a small bump in the road," Corso said in a statement issued by ESPN. "A 'not so fast, my friend' in my game of life. I look forward to making a full recovery and returning to ESPN for my 23rd season analyzing the greatest sport in the world -- college football." Things I didn't know about Lee include: that he coached Louisville and was a head coach in the USFL. Glad to hear he will be ok.

• The Wolverine Softball Team beat Bama 6-1 last night in the World Series.

• Mike Hart and Marlin Jackson are healing nicely and should be ready in the Fall for the new season. Both players had injured their ACL. Jackson was more serious.

• Big House BBQ is tomorrow! Let's hope for good weather and a couple of commits!

• Here is an early look at Michigan's 2010 Schedule:
  9/11 - at Notre Dame
  9/18 - vs. Massachusetts
  9/25 - vs. Bowling Green
  10/2 - at Indiana
  10/9 - vs. Michigan State
  10/16 - vs. Iowa (Homecoming)
  10/23 - BYE
  10/30 - at Penn State
  11/6 - vs. Illinois
  11/13 - at Purdue
  11/20 - vs. Wisconsin
  11/27 - at Ohio State

• The Motor City Bowl will be kicking off at 1:00 the day after Christmas. The 2010 Schedule and the Motor City Bowl are not related in anyway. I'm serious, not in anyway!

Hart done for the year in Indy

With the opportunity of more playing time with Joseph Addai's hamstring injury, Mike Hart has seen his season come to a quick end. The Colts today put Mike Hart on the injured reserve, ending his season.

Mike hurt his knee in last week's game against Baltimore. Mike has a total of 9 yards rushing on two carries and 18 yards receiving. Kevin Grady had no comment on who would back fill Mike Hart's role on the team.

There is never a Chad issue in Florida!

How does Brett Favre effect the future of a former Michigan QB?

No, there isn't any Michigan QB's on the Packers or the Jets but there is one on the Miami Dolphins and when Brett signed with the Jets, the Jets gave Chad Pennington his walking papers who a couple days later signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Not good news for our Chad (Henne) right? (Also Bill Parcells, doesn't exactly have a great track record of managing former "strong armed" Michigan QB's either - Drew Henson is off getting married and had no comment). Well, that was my first take. But after hearing how Chad Henne played on Saturday, some people might be changing their minds.

On Saturday Night against Tampa Chad was 5-10 for 67. Those numbers don't stick out as a great night but he got rave reviews from some Miami Newspapers:

South Florida Sun-Sentinel, comparing Chad Pennington to Henne: "The Chad to watch wasn't the veteran on the sidelines, learning and tutoring. It was the impressive rookie on the field. It was Chad Henne, the second-rounder from Michigan who played the second and third quarters, and showed arm strength, poise and moxie."

Miami Herald: "A young quarterback who looks like he could be something special someday. Maybe even soon. I don't care what Chad Henne's passing numbers were. (They were 5 of 10 for 67 yards.) What mattered more was the poise this rookie exhibited in his NFL debut, such as on a 21-yard strike on third-and-18. And the arm strength evident on a couple of deep-out routes, some good decisions he made and the fact both of Miami's scoring drives in Saturday's 17-6 loss to Tampa Bay were with Henne in the huddle."

The other Michigan QB in the game for Tampa Bay, Brian Griese went 10-14 for 59 yards and a TD.

Mike Hart Update: Mike continues to impress as a member of the Colts. On Saturday against Carolina, he had two carries for 20 yards and caught two passes for 21 yards.

Adrian Arrington is hurt. He came away from this past Thursday game with a turf toe (Sprained toe ligaments). Sean Peyton the Saints head coach called it, "pretty serious." This injury does not help the 7th round draft pick (who should be in Ann Arbor playing his senior year) make the team as a Special Teams player.