Michigan Thursday: Now This Is Interesting

Jim Harbaugh knows a number of NFL players from recruiting them or coaching them at Michigan.  This week he signed two players he knows well.  First was Steelers RB Najee Harris who was enrolled at Michigan but decided to get on a flight to Alabama instead of Detroit Metro after the Army All-American Game.  That was a painful loss, when Michigan needed a stud RB. 

Now here come the real interesting one.  Jim and the Chargers have signed former Michigan Wolverine CB Ben St-Juste from the Commanders.   If you don't recall this story its a good one.  Ben was recruited by Jim out of Canada and he had the skill set and body type to be a great Michigan DB.  He then goes on to have years worth of injuries that wouldn't allow him on the field.  I believe it was chronic bad hamstrings, if I remember correctly.  The Michigan Doctors recommended and Jim needing his scholarship asked Ben to "medically retire".   Which means he gets to keep his scholarship but no longer can play football (it also open up a scholarship for a recruit or another player on the team).  

Ben disagreed with that analysis and decides to transfer to Minnesota, where he becomes the CB we all thought he would be.  Gets drafted and has had a nice career with Washington.   After Ben goes to Minnesota he gets on social media describing what happened and how he was treated by the Wolverines medical staff and coaches.  That is was a series of bad luck and not a medical issue that required him to leave football.  He clearly was right.  At the time, Michigan was in need to good cornerback play and honestly must have thought Ben's hamstrings would not hold up. 

Now Ben and Jim are back together again and bygones are bygones, we assume. 

• Bryce Underwood is on the next EA College Football Cover with about 100 other players.  Little early for a player that hasn't taken a snap yet. 

• Minnesota has let Ben Johnson their basketball coach go.  That was the Wolverines worst loss of the season.  I guess Ben will have to go back to track and field.

Michigan Tuesday: The Onside Kick

Michigan was in desperation mode late in the 4th quarter against PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  The blow out had become a tight game after Michigan's two TD lead had evaporated into a 3 point lead.  

Michigan was discombobulated thinking the "Little Brown Jug" was heading out of Ann Arbor and both  players and coaches were in a deep fog of despair.  Minnesota is clearly going to try an onsides kick and it was going to be directed towards the Golden Gophers sideline.   The kick off team nearest the Gophers sideline started early, but are already a few yards behind the line of scrimmage.  To the naked eye, it looked like they were way off sides.  Fox proved they weren't that far across the line and maybe just a head over it.  They tried again and failed, as of course Mullins saved the game.    

So the story line this week is that Minnesota got screwed by a bad call or at least one "too close to call".  The Big Ten has even moved one of the refs position for onsides kicks moving forward.   

Not so fast my friends, one of the Gophers illegally touched the ball prior it to passing the 45.  So lets not overreact to this kick and Minnesota getting screwed.  

Something I continue to struggle with:  Michigan has 3 great defenders in Johnson, Graham, and Grant.  If you throw in Stewart and others on defense.  This defense could be and should be special.  There are two reasons in my mind, why they struggle sometimes.  #1 a bad offense and #2 Wink being Wink.   Do you notice how well the Michigan Defense plays after a Michigan TD?  If you had to list a 3rd reason, it would be depth.   It seems this defense is lacking depth in a lot of areas.

Deep thought: What point in the year do you throw the Freshman QB out there or give Tuttle a shot?  Tuttle has the most playing experience.  He is prone to throwing a pick or two, which is probably why (if he is healthy) he hasn't seen the field yet. 

• Coach Mac got his first loss as an NFL coach to the Lions in Detroit last night. 

• Brad Robbins got released by the Bengals who drafted him in the 6th round in 2023. 

Minnesota Post Game: Lack of Adjustments

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan the last 3 years have been elite in a number or areas.  Halftime adjustments might be the best thing the coaches did every game.  Even when Michigan had a lazy first half, I would know that Michigan was a 2nd half team and the coaches would put the Wolverines in a position to win coming out of the locker room.

Not this year and I'm pretty sure Michigan has gotten out coached in every 2nd half this season.  PJ Fleck did it to them today.  That frankly is embarrassing.  Sherrone has a problem and the problem is his staff not being able to adjust to the game.   It feels very Hokeish.  

There are reason for this.  Michigan is very basic on offense and if they don't knock down a defensive lineman and Mullins hits the hole, they are in trouble.    That 3rd down call late in the 4th quarter where Mullins lost yards, was as basic as basic gets.   

The jury is still out on Orji in my mind, he threw better but not great, and missed a wide open Donovan Edwards when he threw the pick.  If he is not going to run for more than 12 yards, then what are we doing?

Cheers:

• Mullins is the offense with 111 yards
• Michigan increased its passing yards to 86
• Blocked punt and fumble won the game for the Wolverines
• Mullins and Edwards backfield 
• 5 sacks
• Ernie is playing better every game 
• Zvada another solid game 
• Hill with a great pick 

Jeers:

• No Will or Stewart 
• Rain
• 2nd Half 
• 2 calls that almost cost Michigan the game 
• The Mason hands to the face was a BS call by the refs
• #5 the transfer WR was a holding and erased a sure TD 
• Edwards had 34 yards 
• Orji pick flipped momentum 
• I just don't understand what Wink is doing sometimes
• Kenny is held every snap
• That looked  like a junior set of officials
• Non-stop Commercials are undefeated 

Michigan played in the rain without their top pass rusher and cover corner.  They didn't play "clean" and it almost cost them the game.  The circus at the end with the onside kick and bad snap is by a team that doesn't believe it themselves.  They played with confidence for nearly 3 quarters, Orji throws a pick and the team packed it in. 

This won't be a popular statement but Michigan needs to see what Jack Tuttle has.  Michigan has to be able to execute at a higher level on offense to win football games.  Mostly when we know Wink is going to Wink out a few times a game. 

A win is a win and I would rather the team work on issues after a win then losing the Little Brown Jug and doing the same. 

The Original Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at the Little Brown Jug Matchup

It was a fun Sunday feeling like Michigan had played much better then it had all season.  Yes, our team is far from perfect (aka last season) but we will take that Win everyday.   

The good news (if we can believe it) is that Will Johnson is ok and could've re-entered the game.  Now, I'm not 100% sure we can believe that as the Wolverines are known for not being a 100% truthful when it comes to injuries.  Getting X-rays and having your parents called down to the tunnel leads me to believe we might have something a bit more serious here.  Fingers crossed its minor.  

Another interesting topic popped up after the game.  Should've USC let Michigan score on that last drive so they would've had more time to drive for a tying field goal or a winning TD?

I can really see both sides:

Let them score:  The worst you will do is tp go down 3 and you have extra time and time outs to drive the field against a tired defense.  You have a good kicker and offensive minded team.  Will Johnson is injured.  

Play D: You are up by 4 points and Michigan is one dimensional.  Everybody knows Mullins will be running at you down field.  Stop him and win the game.  Your QB is getting hammered by the Michigan pass rush and you just went 3 and out.  

I still think you play defense and make them score.  Maybe Michigan will pass on 2nd down and stop the clock?

Up Next: Minnesota 

Record: 2-2 

Best Win: Nevada

Worst Loss: North Carolina 

Last game: Lost to Iowa at home 31-14

North Carolina just got embarrassed by Old Dominion  James Madison on Saturday, it was so bad I thought Mac Brown was going to retire after it.  That team beat Minnesota week 1.  The Golden Gophers gave up 31 points to Iowa on Saturday for another home loss.  

They get another Iowa experience Saturday at the Big House. 

Pass: 217 yards per (82nd)

Rush: 117 (108th) 

Score 26.5 (88th)

Give up: 12.5 (15th)

I think its funny that Minnesota fans think PJ Fleck is doing a good job.  I just don't see it, yes those fans have other expectations but making a bad bowl game is not success in my book.  Minnesota has USC after Michigan.  The rest of the schedule includes ranked Penn State, Illinois, and an improved Rutgers team. 

This game will be about Michigan improving on offense and starting to find a passing attack.  It will also be about Michigan not playing down to its opponent.  If those thing happen, I think the Little Brown Jug is safe. 

Michigan Tuesday: How Much? and a Too Early Look at Alabama

I usually don't read NFL insider articles on Jim Harbaugh wanting to go to the NFL.  They were wrong about him coming to Michigan and rarely have accurate information from the Harbaugh side.  For some reason, I did read The Rap Report by Ian Rapoport about Harbaugh before Christmas and he stated Michigan not only has offered the 5 year for 11M per year contract, but there is also a 10 year 125M deal on the table as well.  

That is the first I've heard of the 10 year/125M offer on the table.  If this big offer is truly on the table, in my mind there are two possible scenarios going on:

1. They are trying to work out the details of the offer and contract, 

2. Jimmy is slow playing this until after the CFP and NFL season concludes to see what options he has. 

I obviously don't like the #2 option at all.  

Moving on.  

Two fun facts on a post Christmas Tuesday. 

-Do you know why Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys are on in Primetime on Saturday?  Because the Wolverines will be playing on Monday Afternoon Football!  

-The last time the Detroit Lions won the division.  Michigan beat Washington in the Rose Bowl for an undefeated season.  The issue?  Michigan had 3 ties. What a strange season that was. 

Now to Alabama:

Record: 12-1 

Best Win: #1 Georgia 

Worst Loss: Only Loss, to Texas at home (2nd game of the year) 

Pass for: 228.5 per game - 59th 

Rushing: 172.7 - 47th

Score: 34.9 per game - 19th 

Give up: 18.4 per - 17th 

If you looked at those numbers without knowing the team, I bet none of us would have guessed Alabama.  This team struggled early in the year but got better each week.  Yes, they looked pretty bad in a rivalry game against Auburn but came back and put a solid effort together to beat Georgia the next week.   This is the magic of good coaching and Nick Saban is the best.  The reason he couldn't make it work in East Lansing was due to talent acquisition.   You could probably make the same case for the Miami Dolphins experiment.  Giving Nick a month to prepare for Michigan is a problem and I hope the Michigan staff is mixing up some magical shit to counteract that. 

• Want to know why Bowl Games are dying?  FSU backup QB Tate Rodemaker that filled in for Jordan Travis is now in the portal.  FSU will be barley bringing any starters to Miami for the Orange Bowl.  Another reason:  USF 45 - Syracuse 0, need one more reason?  The 5-7 Minnesota Gophers are playing Bowling Green today in the Quick Lane Bowl.  Minnesota had to bribe its 3rd string QB with $30K to play in today's game.  Good seats still available today at Ford Field, starting at $2 per ticket. 

Minnesota Post Game

Isaiah Hole Wolverine Wire

Michigan went into Minnesota and for the second straight game got to rest its starters in the 4th quarter.  That is correct, JJ, Blake, Donovan, Roman, etc. got to rest in the 4th quarter as the game was out of hand for the Golden Gophers.   The oldest trophy in football wasn't ever in doubt as Minnesota threw a pick 6 to Will Johnson to start the game.   This was such a blow out, Michigan's defense outscored Minnesota's offense.  No game is perfect, so let's get the Cheers and Jeers.

Cheers:

• Mason "F'ing" Graham dominated with one hand 
  
• DB's had 2 pick 6's 
• JJ with 2 running TD's and throwing accurate passes 
• Cam Goode is disruptive 
• Corum with a nice 40-yard run and a TD 
• 2 penalties 
• A complete dismantling of the Golden Gophers 
• 75 players traveled, 74 played 
• Little Brown Jug stays home for another year 
• PJ Fleck called this Michigan team the best he has ever seen in 11 years of coaching 

Jeers:

• Defense struggled with the run for a bit 
• Long TD pass prior to halftime was not great 
• Had a few drives stall due to dropped passes 
• Michigan had to call 2 time-outs due to not getting the play in fast enough 

You watched that game and I think you would agree there is not much you can really can nitpick.  I also like Michigan right where it is in the rankings.  The only negative thing you can say about this team is that it hasn't played anyone.  UNLV is 4-1 with a win over an SEC team! How about that?

IU next week back in the Big House, 12:00 kick. 

Around the Big Ten:

• Iowa doesn't score 25 again but gets a win against Purdue 
• Illinois offense is really bad 
• Maryland showed they could play with OSU for a half and then showed they couldn't for a full game. 
• Northwestern barley got past Howard 
• Wisconsin beat Rutgers 

Minnesota Preview

Time: 7:30
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium
Weather: 50 Cloudy
TV: NBC/Peacock
Line: Michigan +19

I've done my best to erase all memories of the 2020 season.  Then the Minnesota game week happened this year and my first thought was, it seems we haven't played them in 5-6 years?  Then the memory came back. 

Another night game in Minnesota, first game of the season, Michigan was happy to be back playing football in a shortened COVID Big Ten only season.  Joe Milton was leading Michigan and played a good football game.  Charbonnet broke off a long run, Michigan got the win, and it was a great start to the Big 10 season.  For some reason, the rest of that season has been erased from my memory like someone used that stick thing from Men in Black.  

Let's fast forward to this season and the 3-2 Golden Gophers who might be the best team Michigan has faced this season (Rutgers would like to have a word).  Minnesota is that Big Ten team every year that has a great September and you wonder if they are really good or not.  This season that thought didn't last very long as they had a disappointing performance on the road against UNC and lost a big lead at Northwestern.  Their top RB is injured and missed last week's game.  Stop me if you have heard this sentence from one of my previews this year, this team wants to run the ball and play tough defense.  Minnesota has given up 6.2 yards per play against NW, 6.7 against the Rajin Cajuns last week, and their best running back is questionable.  

Dear Jimmy, 

Back-to-Back weeks on the road is new to your team this season.  I really enjoyed the focus and energy your team brought to Lincon last weekend.  It was the most complete game the Wolverines have played all year and we look forward to that same intensity this weekend.  

All your good to great teams have been a reflection of yourself and we know you and Bo prefer to play college football at Noon or (1:00).  One of Bo's famous quotes was: “We used to tell the TV stations that we’re going to tee the ball up at one o’clock. If you want to come down and take your little pictures, feel free.”  On Saturday, you need to be very careful of a night game let down.  This team's and JJ's worst performance by far was a night game against Bowling Green, your last loss was a night game.  I think you get my point.   With this new TV deal your team is going to find itself on Primetime a ton, weekly prep and a very long game day is something you may want to make some changes on.  

You know you always get an opponent's best effort when the Maize and Blue comes to town.  When the oldest trophy in college football is at stake, that effort and energy rachets up a level.  Minnesota is going to struggle to find 3+ wins remaining on their schedule to make a bowl game.  This is their Super Bowl, Rose Bowl, College Football Playoffs all in one and they get to play it at home.   I watched PJ throw away a winnable game against UNC because they were vanilla as vanilla can be on offense.   I don't know if they have it in them to run fake punts, go for 4th downs, and run trick plays but you better expect it.  As they will need to throw the kitchen sink at your squad and hope JJ Bowling Green's himself again.  

There is no doubt which is the better team and this game and trip is about the focus of the Wolverines.  I thought Michigan needed a road game to up the focus and you proved me right last weekend.  Being on the road 2 weeks in a row and playing at night, is another challenge.  I know I tell you every if you stop the run, you win the game, this week is no exception.  I'm sure PJ and his staff know that and will try to beat your defense by throwing over the top like Rutgers and Nebraska tried to do.  Let's be prepared for that and not always blitz a CB or Safety. Bottom line, if you get strong QB play from JJ, a great running effort from the Dynamic Duo, dominating line play from both sides of the ball, no penalties, and no turnovers.  Your team will have a great flight home with the "Little Brown Jug".

Michigan 38 Minnesota 13

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Minnesota

Michigan hits the road for the second straight Saturday this week as they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers for the oldest trophy in college football, The Little Brown Jug.  Let's take a quick glance at PJ Fleck's squad:

Record: 3-2

Best Win: Nebraska 

Worst Loss: Northwestern 

This version of "Row the Boat" is having a hard time leaving the dock.  The Golden Gophers struggled at home against Louisiana last week after losing a huge lead the week before to Northwestern.  Quick trivia question: Do you know who caught the final play TD for Northwestern to tie Minnesota and take the game to OT (with the extra point)?  I think many of you probably would've guessed AJ Henning and you would be correct. 

Pass: 149 yards per (125th)

Run: 193.3 (33rd)

Score: 24 (98th)

Give up: 21.6 (45th)

None of those stats jump out at you at being overly impressive.  Yes, they run the ball for nearly 200 per game but their passing attack doesn't strike fear into opposing defenses.   Minnesota is what they always have been, a running football team that struggles to find the top of the Big Ten West.  

• Anyone think that Nico Collins would become a star with CJ Stroud throwing to him?  Nico went for 168 yards and 2 TD's yesterday against Pittsburg. 

• JJ is #1 in QBR for all College QB's

• Let's hope there is positive injury news in Harbaugh's presser and Radio Show today. 

Michigan Tuesday: Jimmy Updates Injuries

Jimmy seems to like to "spill the tea" on his radio show vs. his Monday press conference.  He gives us an update on injuries:

Mason Graham - one or two weeks away from being back.  

Myles Hinton - is playing through an injury

Darrius Clemons - is 100% back and healthy, compared him to Nico Collins 

Amorion Walker - is back and looking good in practice

Mikey was seen in the medical tent at the end of the game but it seems he is ok, even though his status was not mentioned by Harbaugh. 

Jimmy also spoke on the coaching future of Grant Newsome. “[Grant Newsome] is the tight ends coach now. But already grooming him to be the offensive line coach. And then, once he has maybe a year or two under his belt as offensive line coach — just like Sherrone Moore — he’ll be the coordinator. And then, at that point, when we can’t give him any more money or any more titles, somebody will snatch him up to be a head coach. Mark my words, and mark them well. That will happen.”

Jimmy also mentioned during his press conference that his wife cancelled Direct TV and now they have You Tube TV and he was enjoying watching all the Saturday night games.

• Matt Rhule gave Harbaugh and Michigan a compliment. He said that Michigan is the blueprint for turning a program around. That they built it through, being great on the offensive and defensive lines, good QB play, and being physical with tight ends.

• @ Minnesota 7:30 NBC - Primetime match-up for the Little Brown Jug.

• Dax Hill had a nice game last night for the Bengals, looks to be a future Pro Bowler

• Brad Robbins is punting a ton with Cincinnati's offense struggling

Michigan Tuesday: Welcomes an OT and Hawk Gets a Deal

Brad Hawkins didn't get drafted but signed a free agent contract with Atlanta.  He then quickly got cut as the Falcons were juggling their roster during the off season.   Brad worked out with the Patriots on Monday and has found a new home.   It will be his job now to prove he deserves to be on the roster or the practice squad after camp. 

As mentioned yesterday, Michigan landed its first commitment from the BBQ in OT Evan Link.  Evan is a big man at 6'6 and 290 pounds and had a very nice offer list that included the likes of PSU, Stanford, BC, Miami, FSU, Northwestern, Tenn, South Carolina, Virgina, VT, Wisconsin and others.  This is a much-needed position in Michigan's recruiting class as Evan is the first tackle and second offensive lineman with Amir Herring.   Michigan now has the 28th ranked class in the country (24/7). 

• There are reports that the Big 12 is trying to get Minnesota to jump ship from the Big 10.  This is how that conversation went:

Big 12: Hi can I speak to your AD please? 

Gopher AD: Hello

Big 12: Hi this is the Big 12, did you know your Big Ten warranty is up?

Gopher AD: I didn't know that 

Big 12: Yes, we would like to make an offer 

Gopher AD: Sure, please start over $100M. 

Gopher AD: Hello?  Are you still there? 

Big 12: sorry to have bothered you

• A sign that there are too many people in the transfer portal, Former Kentucky QB Beau Allen has signed with Tarleton State.

• 2024 five-star ATH KJ Bolden was "blown away" by the family atmosphere at Michigan during his BBQ visit.

Post Game : Minnesota

I slept very well, thank you.  That was an interesting game last night and I hope an example of good things to come.  There was a lot to love and some concerning areas as well, which brings us to the first CHEERS & JEERS of the 2020 Season! 

Cheers

• Gattis and Jimmy have been working hard.   I loved the offense and the possibilities.  
• Joe Milton played smart and didn't turn the ball over, when he runs its a problem.
• Kwity Paye had a quiet night, until he dominated 
• I thought Hutch played very well 
• Green #22 was a bright spot in the secondary but could of had 2 picks 
• Offensive line as expected, was very good 
• Haven't seen those types of holes and long runs since Denard 
• The RB's room might be the best in the country 
• Michigan didn't flinch on the road after a blocked punt and a quick TD 
• #23 Michael Barrett had a "F-Ing Game", he was everywhere and needed some oxygen.
• Very happy for Chris Evans scoring a TD, welcome home. 
• The DL seems to have better depth then I thought 
• Welschof jumped out to me as playing well 
• Carlos Kemp played well 
• Ross lead the team in tackles with 9 

Jeers

• 3 missed field goals is unacceptable.  Nordin made the trip but is hurt 
• Blocked Punt, is also unacceptable. 
• The defense looked dominating, then pretty bad at times.
• The run defenses needs some work 
• Michigan had two fumbles that they recovered without a turnover 
• Dax didn't play in the second half with an injury 
• Eubanks didn't play at all 
• Erik All dribbled an easy TD pass 
• Ben Mason killed the first drive with a dumb penalty 
• Secondary without Dax seems vulnerable
• Minnesota is not a very good team and shouldn't have been ranked 
• They were missing their entire offensive line and kickers 

This looked liked a different type of Michigan team to me.  Things started bad and Michigan couldn't have cared less.  They just kept dismantling the boat, board by board.  I didn't see the "Primetime - Road game" jitters and they just played their game on both sides of the ball.  They played confident, like I've only seen them play in the Big House.  Maybe it was playing in front of no fans or practicing for 3 months gets you prepared like no other season opener.  

Michigan looked like the better coached and talented team.  It also felt like they played the entire road roster, as a ton of guys that haven't played or true freshman got time and even started.   It was a good night and a great way to start the season.  On to MSU and the rest of the Big Ten.   On Saturday night the boat capsized and the Jug stayed home. 

Welcome back Michigan Football, we missed you.

Preview Minnesota

Time: 7:30 EST 

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Weather: Cold, 20 with light snow

TV: ABC

Line: Michigan -3

Can't believe we are close to watching Michigan Football again.  I didn't expect it to happen in 2020 after New Years Day.  There have been 3 Michigan schedules this season, the trip to Washington is only trumped by a trip to Twin Cities to start the season.   I can't stand opening day road games (I need a support group for this aliment) and the only way to make it worse is to have a primetime kickoff.   The Big Ten Bingo again gives OSU a cake wake at home and sends Michigan into the frozen tundra against a ranked Gophers team that was 11-2 last season.   Let me say that again, the Golden Gophers were 11-2 last year.  

Why Minnesota?

We really don't know shi*t about either team.  We know Minnesota was pretty good last year and beat Auburn in a Florida Bowl game.   We know the Gophers have an accurate QB in Tanner Morgan and an NFL WR in Rashod "Jason" Bateman, who opted back in after heading for the NFL when the season got cancelled.   The Gophers secondary is anchored by former Wolverine Ben St-Juste, who left Ann Arbor under strange circumstances and has been playing well for the Gophers.  

We know Minnesota lost a ton on defense and also could be suffering some COVID loses to the roster but at this point we don't know who and if they're starters or not.  Their giant offensive lineman (that Michigan recruited for a minute) Faalele is rumored to have opted out.   I'm guessing someone would have noticed if a 6'9 400 pound man was practicing.  

The Gophers want to run the ball but their best shot to beat the Wolverines is to light up the inexperienced secondary, as I'm sure Don Brown has a LB covering Bateman.    They will also have to take advantage of some Michigan offensive turnovers.   They probably lose a bit of the home field advantage in an empty stadium but it is still a night road game for the Wolverines.  

Key match-up: Bateman taking Don Brown to the Ozarks.  

Michigan 

Lets be real, we love the hype about the offense but I'm not buying it.   Michigan never looks good week one and even worse with a new QB.  Yes, I hope Joe has Brady's accuracy, Denard's speed, and Cam Newton's body/athleticism but we know he will be nervous and make mistakes when the game speeds up.   Speed in space isn't great in cold weather and Michigan will try to protect their young QB with a ton of quality RB's and a good Oline.   If Michigan can run the ball for first downs, they will let Joe throw a few deep balls.   Move the damn game to whatever is the Metro Dome now.  

This game will be ugly on both sides and Michigan has to win this game on defense.   Hutch and Paye needs to pressure Tan Morgan all night and hope he doesn't have time to find his WR's down field.  Stopping the run in the Big Ten is always an important strategy and really shouldn't even be mentioned.    I expect Dax to see a ton of Bateman, as Michigan CB's still are brand new to Big Ten football.  

Key match-up:  Michigan DE's not against Andre The Giant 

Well, we're waiting...............

Did I mention that I don't love opening the season on the road at night?  Michigan hasn't lost in Minnesota since 1977 and even Nick Sheridan (IU's OC) won a game there.   This is personal for PJ as he made a name for himself in Kalamazoo and would love to dust off the case for the Little Brown Jug.  I do like that Michigan has been practicing non-stop for 3 months and should be as ready as any Michigan team has been under Jimmy in 6 years opening day.   Michigan did play better in the second half against PSU on the road last season and maybe Jimmy figured something out.  I don't believe in moral victories, but Alabama seems to be wrecking teams this year and Michigan was ahead at the half in the Citrus.      

There is a lot of mystery around Minnesota and players not being available, so much that the Vegas line went from Michigan getting +2 to a -3 favorite.    Many people in the media think Minnesota is the 3rd best team in the Big Ten behind OSU and PSU.   I think the jury is still out on that and my biggest concern is the Wolverine secondary.  If Tan Man Morgan has time to pick apart Michigan's secondary, I won't have a good nights sleep.   I do think Michigan will have the talent advantage and both lines could dominate.  The Gophers might feel like Chris Evans has been killing them out of the backfield for like 10 years.  

Michigan 24 Minnesota 20

Michigan - The Day Before The Day Before: What We Think We Know

The first game for both teams is always a crap shoot.  No matter how much practice and film watched we really don't know what Michigan or Minnesota has.  Before the traditional preview on Friday, we take a look at what we know and what we don't.

Michigan

Know:

• Deep and talented at RB
• Deep on the Offensive Line 
• Should have good LB play
• DL is decent but not deep 
• DE's Hutch and Paye are NFL Prospects 
• Dax is probably the best player on defense 

Don't

• Can Joe Milton live up to the hype?
• Brand new group of WR's 
• Are the CB's any good?

Minnesota

Know:

• Gophers QB Tanner Morgan and WR Rashod Bateman are really good 
• Even though the 2 above guys are dynamic, The Gophers prefer to run the ball
• Minnesota lost a number of guys off their defense from last year 

Don't:

• Minnesota has COVID and injury concerns, how many and who?
• Rumors are the offensive line has been hit 
• Everything else, it seems the defense could be a concern 

Like every 1st game of the season, more questions then answers.  Watching college football for 2 months, it will be an ugly football game on Saturday.  The winner will take home the Little Brown Jug, that we know for sure.  

• I think the ESPN's made up story about Harbaugh's contract is very funny and not at all accurate.  

• Don't forget the Big Ten is kicking off on Friday Night.  Illinois @ Wisconsin (Lovie's biggest win at Illinois was the win over Wisconsin last year - The fighting Brandon Peters!)  The Badgers are favored by 19 points.  

• 2021 Instate DT Rayshaun Benny has delayed his announcement which was expected this weekend.   Not a good sign for the Wolverines. 

• Penn State Basketball Coach Pat Chambers has resigned after an internal investigation of new allegations of inappropriate conduct by the coach. 

Michigan Friday: 2 Weeks From Football

In a world, where the US President and Les Miles both have tested positive for COVID in the last week and a small group of people were targeting the Michigan Governor for kidnapping, the Wolverines take the field in just over two weeks.  That's right, Michigan is starting its season in late October for the Little Brown Jug.  Things are clearly the same and nothing out of the ordinary is happening.  

Things we don't know about the game in two weeks:

• Kickoff time 
• Will both teams stay positive and test negative 
• Nico?
• Weather - Snow?
• Joe Milton as the starting QB
• Michigan DB's outside of Dax
• Chris Evans rust?
• Will Michigan's road woes continue

I don't love how the Big Ten put the Wolverines on the road in week one and did it against a good Minnesota team.  Just like I had a sinking feeling about not starting the season in the Big House, I have a similar sinking feeling this will be a night game.   With 3 networks (ESPN, FOX, and BTN) needing a primetime game, there is no better team to put under the lights then the Wolverines.   Don't forget the Big Ten's strategy: put Michigan on TV against tough opponents for TV ratings and give OSU the easiest possible path to the playoffs.   That strategy is undefeated for Big Ten Millions. 

If Michigan moved to the Big 12, it think they could negotiate only home games and neutral locations.  👍😀

When I watched the Golden Gophers last season, I thought they were over rated.  PJ is building something in the Twin Cities that wasn't fully formed yet.   To remind you of their season:

Struggled but won the first 4 games against the likes of South Dakota State (28-21), Fresno State (38-35), Georgia Southern (35-32), and Purdue (38-31).  

Then went on a blow out streak for the next 4:  Illinois (40-17), Nebraska (34-7), Rutgers (42-7), Maryland (52-10)

The next 4 included huge wins and losses:  Penn State W (31-26), Iowa L (19-23), Northwestern W (38-22), Wisconsin L (17-38).

Post Season: Nice win over Auburn 31-24 in the Outback Bowl. 

The Gophers struggled early but found a way to win against lesser teams.  They won a big game a home against Penn State and like all Big Ten teams (outside the professional one in Columbus) struggle to win games late in the year on the road against good teams.  

We have no idea what either team will be in two weeks,  What I have seen watching college football for the last month is pretty poor execution.   I would hope that is not the case for the Wolverines as they have been practicing for almost 3 months.  

Every year its a mystery on what the Wolverines are going to be, their kryptonite has been away games and away night games.   Let's hope in this new world, that is different as well. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Time to Shift Worry from OLine to DLine

How many years did we worry about Michigan's offense line?  10 years maybe?  It seem liked forever that Michigan couldn't block anyone and was going through offense line coaches like Harbaugh goes through khaki's.  

Then Harbaugh hires Ed Warriner and he starts turning talented prospects into NFL prospects.  There is even camp noise that a walk-on (Andrew Vastardis) may challenge for a starting spot.   The offensive line is in good shape with little to no concerns they will play well this season.   

The area where we haven't had any concern is Defensive Line.  The likes of Big Mo, Winovich, Taco, Danna, Gary, and Mone made this one of the best units in the Big Ten.   Those guys are now in the NFL and Michigan is struggling to fill the voids.  Carlo Kemp has been in the program for 10 years and has yet to be a difference maker, Jeter who gets hype every year has yet to see success on the field, Mazi Smith has little to no camp buzz, Hutchinson and Hinton both have a very high ceiling, and Michigan has a high round draft prospect with Paye. 

Is Depth a concern?  It depends what they get out of this group that Don Brown mentioned: "The guys that improved, Luiji Vilain is certainly playing at a higher level. Gabe Newburg and this Kris Jenkins is going to be a really good player. He's a freshman, and you're going to hear about him as we move forward. Over behind Kwity, Taylor Upshaw is much bigger in the 256 to 260 range where he was probably 235 a year ago, so he's able ot handle the run game but still fast and quick and his pass rushing ability is outstanding. Mike Morris is a guy that was hurt most of last year. He's also out there. He's 6-6, he's 275 pounds."

We also didn't mention Phil Pea and Jess Speight who we hope have made improvements on clogging up the middle.   Let us not forget, Michigan has a FB playing on the Dline last year.  

This unit has to play well, because Michigan is going to have issues in the secondary.   The best way to protect a secondary is getting to the QB fast and against Minnesota this will be a huge priority.   I also hope Don Brown's blitz aren't so obvious because Minnesota has been preparing a "hot receiver" off of those blitz for a couple of months.   Michigan has great LB's and I hope they are not in the backfield watching a Gophers RB running catching a pass wide open for 15 yards.  

Michigan Monday: Big Ten Pre-Season Predictions Were Mostly Wrong

I know many fans want to go to the playoff and have a shot at a National Championship.   I do as well, but I much prefer a Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl.  I thought Michigan had a decent shot this year, with OSU going through a coaching change.   I had a bunch of pre-season expectations that have been mostly wrong with a few that were right.

Pre-Season Predictions

Ryan Day is not Urban Meyer and Justin Fields would struggle early and get a little better as the year went on.    Prediction was Wrong!  Ohio State could be playing the best football I have seen out of them in a number of years.  Could make a case for the #1 team in the nation.   Big swing and a miss by me.

Michigan State would have a decent defense but will struggle on offense to score points.   Prediction was Right!  I was looking forward to watching the Wisconsin - MSU game on Saturday.  I got through a few minutes and knew the game was over.   MSU is in big trouble this year.  

Wisconsin would be very one-dimensional on offense and struggle to stop teams on defense.  Prediction was Wrong!  I might have been 50% correct here but I was way off on Wisconsin's defense and ability to stop Big Ten Teams.   Wisconsin travels to Columbus in two weeks and then we will see.   Their defense has given up a total of 29 points all year (14 to Michigan and 15 to NW).

Minnesota has an easy schedule and will look really good until late in the year.   Prediction was Right!  PJ Fleck is 6-0 and will have an easy road to 8-0 before they have to play PSU, Iowa, and Wisconsin.   A schedule with no Michigan, OSU, or MSU is just crazy.   The Golden Gophers will come back to earth when they play Penn State and will end the year with at least two loses and probably 3.  

Penn State and James Franklin were going to struggle without Moorehead, Barkley, and McSorley.  Prediction was Wrong!   Outside of the Pitt game, Penn State looks like what my expectation of what Michigan would look like.  Solid offense and a solid defense.   PSU didn't play great at Iowa but did do enough to win the game against an Iowa team that all of sudden has the turnover bug.  

Michigan's offense would finally get modernized.   That Josh Gattis would scheme an offense that made it easy for Shea Patterson to find open WR's.  The offense line would be the best we have seen in 10 years, and the RB's might struggle due to lack of experience.   The defense would take a small step back but would match-up well against Wisconsin, Iowa, MSU, and PSU.   Prediction was Wrong!   Further explanation is not needed. 

Here is the funny thing.  Many people would have predicted that Michigan would be 5-1 at this point in the year, with a tough loss at Wisconsin.   Yes, the Wolverines got embarrassed but a blow out is the same as a 1 point loss in the standings.  

Ohio State being 6-0 is not a surprise to anyone with their toughest game being MSU in Columbus so far.  

Same for Penn State, with their toughest game being their win in Iowa on Saturday.   Wisconsin doesn't seem to play road games and are 6-0, with their biggest test coming up in two weeks.  

If the year has gone pretty much the way you thought, what is all anxiety about?

Michigan fans have a crystal ball and if they could get themselves to bet against their favorite team would make a killing in Vegas.  Wolverine fans know that Michigan is going to struggle and probably lose by a decent number in Happy Valley, come back and play a talent ND team close, beat MSU, and lose to another uber-talented Ohio State team.  

You know what's stupid but accurate?  I would give Michigan a much better chance next week if the game was played at 12:00 or 3:30.   I'm also willing to bet that the ND @ Michigan will end up being back to back night games for the Wolverines.   Which seem to be the only program in the country that can't play at night.   

Wolverine Wednesday: Michigan Lands a PFF All American Graduate Transfer DE

Michigan this season lost two DE's to the NFL in Gary and Winovich.   Next year, they hope to lose another in Central Michigan graduate transfer Mike Danna.   This also explains the Pesek-Hickson moving to Kansas situation on NSD.
inherit;">
PFF was very high on Mo Hurst and they were right.  They're also very high on Danna:  He recorded 54 total QB pressures and 53 total tackles while missing only four attempts this year.  Dana ranks as the 69th player in all of college football to PFF.  

Last year Dana had 9.5 sacks, 15 TFL's, forced 4 fumbles, and even scored 2 TD's. 

Some may say that Dana isn't exactly playing against Big Ten teams every week and he did have his worst game last year against MSU.   That is fair, but Michigan needs depth at this position and having a guy with experience is certainly a plus.   If Michigan can get healthy with some other DE's already on the roster, this position won't be a concern going into Fall Camp.

Fun Fact:  Danna was a 2 star out of high school, where he played with Tru Wilson another guy that has outkicked his coverage as far as his ranking/non-ranking is considered.

• Jerry Kill got a new role and just took out PJ Fleck:  
  He coached with me, but after that, he changed a lot. I’ll just be honest with you guys. People that have known him before — When he got with [Greg] Schiano, his personality changed a lot. And I knew his first wife, and he just changed a bunch. And then once he became a head coach, I mean, I helped him get the job at Western Michigan, and I just think sometimes, ego gets carried away.
  And when he went into Minnesota and treated the people the way he treated my guys and telling ‘em he had to go in and completely change the culture, and it was a bad culture and bad people, you know, he made it sound like we didn’t know what we were doing, and I took it personal. You just don’t treat people that have been with you and helped you career and you don’t even talk to him, you know, once you get the job.

Michigan Tuesday: Plenty of News To Go Around

The Sub popped a leak on Monday and news started to flow out.

• Shea Patterson is your starting QB.  This was always going to be the case once the NCAA granted his waiver.  Harbaugh has done well with one transfer QB and had a miss with another.  It's time for him to hit a home run with Shea.  

• Grant Newsome medically retires.  He tried to comeback and we will never know how close he was.  The good news is, he is walking and the Michigan doctors were able to save his leg.   He will be a great coach or anything else he decides to do. 

• The OSU Board of Regents will meet on Wednesday to discuss a suspension for head coach Urban Meyer.  Reports out of C-Bus is that it will be a suspension and not a firing.  Not sure how you move forward with a leader that is comfortable covering up and lying events.   How did all the second chances work out for a basketball coaching legend at Louisville?

• Michigan DE Deron Irving-Bey has decided to transfer to CMU. DIB was a red shirt freshman and was ranked as a 4 star DE Army All-American out of Flint. Though his offer list was a bit confusing with the likes of MAC Schools and places like Pitt and Syracuse. This seems like a strange decision for a guy just starting his career at Michigan but maybe the writing was on the wall for future playing time or maybe he wanted to be closer to home? Either way good luck to him in Mt. Pleasant!

• Chris Partridge said Michigan doesn't have a punter yet. Which is not good news less then two weeks from a trip to South Bend.    Time to call the Michigan Soccer Team! 

• The Michigan Basketball Team beat the Madrid Generals 82-72 with true freshman Ignas Brazdeikis leading the Wolverines with 17 points, while senior Charles Matthews added 13.   Has a team with the nickname "Generals" ever won a basketball game?   

• The Golden Gophers are starting a walk-on true freshman QB.  Zack Annexstad did play at IMG last year, so he isn't the star of the Co-Ed flag football league or anything. 

Michigan Thursday: Another 2020 Commit and We'll Throw In an Edwards

Michigan continued two trends yesterday, getting 2020 commits and taking famous family walk-on transfers.  Let's start with the commit first.


2020 CB/Slot WR prospect Andre Seldon Jr. from  Belleville committed to Michigan yesterday.  Andre probably will be CB at the next level as that is the position he has been running at during camp season.   He is still a young man but right now is 5'9 140 pounds.  He still has two years of HS football left, so he has some time to fill up and out .   Reports are that he ran a 4'3 at Michigan's camp this week.  So here is another example of Michigan recruiting speed in the future. 


His early offers were from the MAC, UK, Iowa State, and Syracuse.   Same thought from yesterday, it's so early in the process, I don't put a ton of stock into the current offers as he still has two years of HS football to play. 


The positive is that Seldon plays at Belleville which has two highly rated 2019 guys but the rumor mill had been spinning that both coaching staffs were not seeing eye to eye.   Maybe this helps?


Insiders are also expecting more commits this week, so stay tuned!




Another Edwards will suit up for the Wolverines.   We know that Stan and Braylon Edwards starred at Michigan, now the long journey for Berkley Edwards will come to an end in Ann Arbor.   Braylon was upset when Michigan didn't offer the 3 star RB from Chelsea 5 years ago.  So Berkley took his talents to Minnesota for a few years, then transferred to Central Michigan.   He sat out a year and then returned kicks last season for the Chips.  He was just granted a 6th year by the NCAA and will play a graduate year as a walk-on at Michigan.   Many expect that he will be a kick returner, with an upside of being the #3 RB.   Good luck to him and get ready for more Braylon takes.

• Good luck to Mo Wagner tonight in the NBA Draft.  Hopefully, he will be taken in the first round.

• 5 star RB Quavaris Crouch was on campus on Monday and it seems he enjoyed himself.

• Remember Michigan recruit Matt Falcon who tore his ACL twice in high school?  He ended up at Western, red shirted his freshman year, hurt his knee in Fall Camp 2017, got into one game and had 10 carries for 37 yards.  He now has been medically disqualified from playing football any longer.   Poor kid just had bad luck with injuries.

Michigan Monday: Coach B and The Pistons

When I first heard the news about Coach B getting an interview with the Pistons, I had a little laugh and thought the Pistons are trying to interview every basketball coach in American before they make a decision. 


Then the Athletic's Brandan Quinn reports this truly could happen.  That Coach is not doing this for more money at Michigan and both sides are interested in continuing the conversation. 


Now that doesn't mean this is a done deal by a long shot, but it also doesn't mean they had a cup of coffee at Starbucks to discuss basketball either.  We know coach just put down new mulch, this is no time to leave!   :)


Coach is 65 and this might be his last and final shot at the NBA.  I'm a little surprised that he even wants to go to the league in the first place.  I guess the NBA bright lights out weighs the "hired to be fired" circumstance.   We will see what happens, but Warde better put together that new contact quickly and pay his assistants what they are worth. 

• Michigan QB Cade McNamara has been at the Elite 11 Camp all weekend and continues to rank in the top 10.

• Jimmy spoke yesterday and said that they are a little below the 85 scholarship limit and 2 people have left.  Some insiders are saying that number could be 3.   It's not uncommon for players to leave after Spring Ball when the signs don't show a path to playing time.   I expect we will hear this week who the players are.  The internet is predicting that it's probably a RB and WR for the first 2 that are leaving. 

• Remember former Michigan commit Vic Viramontes?  He recently joined Minnesota and now has decided to leave and head back to California.  That leaves the Golden Gophers with 1 scholarship QB.  Speaking of guys that have been with a few programs TE Chris Clark has also left Pitt this Spring.

• Michigan makes the top 5 for 2019 Instate Viper/LB Lance Dixon.  His other schools include: Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin