Michigan Monday: Welcome to Game Week!

There is nothing like the first game week of the year, everyone is un-defeated with dreams of championships and bowl games dancing in their heads.

Today I am going to make some predictions on outstanding players this year:

Top Position Group on the Team:  Offensive Line.  This group has experience, depth, and talent.  A weakness the last two years has finally become a strength.   What to watch:  Look for the young guys to make a difference and get a lot of playing time (Taylor Lewan and Patrick Omameh)

Who will be the QB?  Tate Forcier. Some of you might have just fallen off your chair.  Recent reports have him as low at 3rd string this fall.  Denard has greatly improved and the word from camp is that Devin Gardner might be the starter before year end.  Here is my take:  Michigan can't afford another first year starter, which they have had the last two years.  I expect Denard to play and play a lot and it really doesn't matter who starts.   The problem with Denard is he doesn't have a lot of experience reading defenses at QB.  He is electric and can score with his feet or his arm at any time, but still needs more experience throwing the ball.  With two options at QB, I think it would be a big loss if Devin doesn't redshirt this year.  Having that year to learn from the sideline and in practice is so important to a young talent like Devin.  My pick to get the most playing time at QB: Tate Forcier.

Who will run the ball? Doesn't Matter.  I think RR and staff want 3-4 guys that can step in and play.  I think Michael Shaw is the most talented back but we still don't know if he got his grades up during his summer courses.  Fitz Toussaint is banged up again and Vincent Smith is quick but coming off an ACL and I'm sure they will limit his carries this year.  Mike Cox has a ton of potential and I look for him to step up his game up this year.   

Surprise Player on Offense:  Kelvin Grady, I expect him to make a difference in the slot and getting some touches out of the backfield on reverses and sweeps.  He is now a full time football player and ready to make a difference.  (Mike Cox is a close second).

Surprise Player on Defense:  Jonas Mouton.  JM is a senior and I expect a big year for a linebacker that has had an up and down career at Michigan.  I expect to see him on the edge as a speed rusher and get a number of sacks this year. 

True Freshman of the Year on Offense:  Stephen Hopkins, look for him to get a number of short yard runs.  He is a big back and could score a lot of touchdowns or get a number of first downs.

True Freshman of the Year on Defense:  Jibreel Black.  You could pick a number of guys to win this award like: Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Marvin Robinson, and others.  The reason I didn't pick a DB is because they are going to be learning on the job and will look good at times and terrible at other times.  All JB has to do is hit the QB or stop the run.  The coaches loved this guy out of Cincinnati and I think he is going to make a difference on the Dline.


Offensive Player of the Year:  Darryl Stonum, I expect him to get the ball deep at WR and make a big difference in the kick off return game.   He is in the best shape of his life and is ready to have a big year.

Defensive Player of Year:  Mike Martin, is probably the best player on defense with the loss of Troy Woolfolk for the year due to injury.  Mike has the experience and talent to be a force on the defensive line and stopping the run.

Now to more news and notes.................

• RR has his first game week press conference today.  Should get updates on Mike Shaw and any injuries.

• Stephen Threet seems to be the starter at ASU. 

• 2011 Visitors for this weekend:  It seems Dee Hart could not be coming this weekend.  He had not filed all the paperwork for an official visit with the NCAA Clearinghouse.  The latest rumor is saying the visit is back on and will be bring his 2012 QB and his top rated safety.  Other visitors include: Daren Kitchen a 6'1", 175 pound CB from Louisiana and a number of Michigan verbal commitments.

Wolverine Weekend: Top 5 Freshman With a Shot at Playing Time

We all know that Rich Rodriguez and staff have had to play a number of true freshman that last two years due to depth issues all over the team.  This year the team has better depth (mostly on defense), so it might be harder for true freshman to get on the field.  The below list does not count redshirt freshman which there are a number who are expected to contribute for example:  Lewan, The Gordon's, Toussaint, Turner, Emilien and many more.

#5: Devin Gardner- Getting to school in January and playing spring ball will help Devin get used to the offense and work on his passing skills.   Coach Rodriguez continues to mention him in the "mix" at QB but I feel it will be a big loss for the Wolverines if they have to play Devin this year.  Watching the Spring Game, Devin needs a year to continue to learn the offense and work on his QB skills.  Michigan has two solid options at QB this year with Tate and Denard and I think it would be a pretty significant loss if Denard doesn't red shirt.

#4: Josh Furman - Will be starting to practice next week and seems like a real athlete that could contribute right away at linebacker.  Of course, he has to get used to Greg Robinson (who is now coaching the LB's full time) defense and what his role will be, but with an athlete like this I expect to see him on special teams and playing some on defense as he learns his position during the year.

#3: Ricardo Miller - I'm not sure I can remember a true freshman that loved Michigan more then Ricardo does.  He moved his family from Florida to Ann Arbor last year just to be closer to the program.   He continues to be one of Michigan's best recruiters in the State of Florida and is actively working on Dee Hart and getting his commitment.  He enrolled in January and played spring ball.   I expect to see Ricardo's name on the X WR position behind Stonum and Stokes or the Z WR position behind Hemingway.

#2: Cullen Christian - was a Army All American at CB last year in high school.  With the losses of Warren the the NFL and Demar Dorsey to Louisville, Cullen might see a lot of playing time early and often.   What will be a big determination in his playing time is where Troy Woolfolk plays this year.  I believe most of him expect to be a CB but he also started the season at Safety last year.   The other wild card is JT Floyd, who was getting good buzz in spring practice and did show some improvements at CB later in the 2009 season.

#1: Will Hagerup - I'm trying to remember a true freshmen pretty much guaranteed a starting position before they even hit fall camp.   Some fans may say: Tate Forcier is an example.  But if you remember Threet and Sheridan was still on the team when he enrolled in January and during fall practice a number of people thought it might be Denard.  (That sounds familiar?)  Will pretty much has this position locked up the putting position with Zolton now kicking in the NFL.

Honorable mentions include: 

Jibreel Black, who I could see getting some time at DE mostly in spot duty.  The Michigan coaches were very high on him.

Austin White at running back.  Austin enrolled early and there is a lot of depth at RB ahead of him but if those guys are not effective and Vincent is still recovering from his ACL he could see some time.

Drew Dileo at punt and/or kick returns.  Could be a factor in special teams if others struggle ahead of him.

Courtney Avery could also see some time at CB and has been participating in Summer 7 on 7's.

Marvin Robinson could see time on special teams and maybe some time at safety.

Michigan Monday: ND Has a Big Recruiting Weekend

BNL has a famous song called "Brian Wilson".  A line from that song is "lying in bed just like Brian Wilson did".  Well, Brian Kelly certainly hasn't been "lying in bed" during his first few months on the job as head man of the Fighting Irish and this weekend it paid off on the recruiting trail. 

Brian was able to land 4 star Michigan running back Justice Hayes on Friday.  Then Friday afternoon 4 star Miami DE Anthony Rabasa gave his verbal commitment to ND.  On Friday night 3 star CB from Texas, Jalen Brown made it a hat trick for the Fighting Irish. 

Not a bad Friday, right?  Well, Brian wasn't done.  On Saturday morning he landed 4 star DE from Florida, Aaron Lynch.  Now that's a recruiting weekend. 

As Michigan fans, we don't particularly like when ND does positive things, but you have to admit they had quite a big recruiting weekend for the 2011 class.   They got a player from Michigan (with a Wolverine offer) and two from Florida where Michigan really focuses a lot of recruiting effort.

• The Wall Street Journal says Year 3 is good for new coaches:  Year three, statistically speaking, is when it all starts to come together—when the no-longer-new coach's recruits and systems settle into place, and the team reaches new heights. The records of college football's current major-conference coaches bear this out: They had a .548 win percentage in years one and two combined, then a .627 mark in year three.

• Ann Arbor.com's writer Dave Birkitt predicts the 5 most common questions RR will hear on Monday during Big Ten's Media Day:  Who is going to start at QB?  Will the defense be any good? How many wins does he need to save his job? Is Michigan ready for the NCAA in two weeks? Is Molk and Vincent Smith healthy?   

• Threet is in a QB battle at ASU.

• Remember when Michigan had good linebackers?  I do and David Harris was one of them.  He gets some run in the NYT. 

Michigan Friday: Drawing Comparisons between Randy Shannon and Rich Rodriguez in their first 3 years

Your first reaction might be how can you compare the two?  Randy was the DC at Miami and a first time head coach.  Rich was an accomplished head coach at West Virgina before coming to Michigan.  

Your right on both facts.  But I think there are some similarities here and not because both schools are abbreviated U of M.

Let's look at Randy's record first three years as head coach of Miami:

Year 1: 5-7
Year 2: 7-6
Year 3: 9-4

RR's first two;

Year 1: 3-9
Year 2: 5-7
Year 3: ?

Now let's start drawing some other comparisons between Randy and Rich at Miami and Michigan.

First year 1 Big Win:  Miami beats #20 Texas AM in the third game of the year.  Michigan beats a top 10 Wisconsin team at home in September.  Both teams went on to losing records.

Transfers:  We all know Michigan's long list of transfers: Mallett, Threet, McGuffie to name a few.  Miami had it's own transfer party:  Robert Marve, Jermaine McKenzie, Shawnbrey McNeal, Cannon Smith and Taylor Cook.

Coaching Turnover:  Rich Rod's biggest hiring mistake was defensive coordinator Scott Shafer who was fired after 1 year on RR's staff at Michigan.  He was the former DC at Western Michigan and Stanford and now is the DC at Syracuse.  Miami:  Shannon fired both Patrick Nix his OC (who wanted to run the spread, ironically) and his DC Tim Walton.  As you know, Michigan hired former Syracuse headman and former NFL DC Greg Robinson to run the defense.  Miami hired Mark Whipple as OC from the NFL (asst. with the Eagles and Steelers).  Miami lost it's DC again when Bill Young went to Oklahoma State and replaced him with John Lovett.


Conclusion:  Randy showed big improvement in year 3 of his tenure at Miami.  Both teams had losing records in year 1.  In Year 2, both hovered around .500.   In Year 3, Miami goes 9-4 with a loss to Wisconsin in the Champs Bowl.   What will year 3 bring to RR and Michigan? 

Transfers and Coaching Changes happen a lot under a new head coach.  It's clearly a work in progress for the first 2-3 years.  Both coaches also went to guys with deep NFL experience when they fired key coordinators on their staff.

Randy Shannon was rated as the worst BCS coach by the Sporting News in 2008.  In 2009, Rich Rodriguez was ranked the second best coach in the Big Ten only behind Iowa's Kirk Ferentz. (ahead of JoPa and The Sweater Vest).

Both men have also shown to be top notch recruiters, mostly in the State of Florida. 

I know Michigan isn't used to losing but when you make a massive change like they did, it takes time to work things out.  Miami is a good example.  Randy was just awarded a new contract extension.   Year 3 was a make or break year for him.  He finished 9-4 and got extended. 

Year 3 is the same for RR and staff.  It will be exciting to see what happens. 

I am all in for a Champs Bowl game against Miami.  Can we schedule it now?

Wolverine Wednesday: Players Transfer From Other Programs?

When Rich Rodriguez took over the Michigan program a number of media outlets went crazy when players started transferring to different programs. This must directly relate to Coach Rod and staff and their lack of family values, right? If you remember that was Justin Boren's famous line when he headed out the door to "pay his own way" at Ohio State. Other big names that left the program include Ryan Mallett, Sam McGuffie and back up QB Stephen Threet.

How could this happen at Michigan? Is what the media continued to voice. A player would leave and it would be one of the lead stories on ESPN's College Football Live. Well, folks it happens everywhere and mostly when a new coaching staff comes in. The latest example is Syracuse were this newspaper estimates that 28 kids have left the program. That's right 28 kids! Now that's some serious depth issues! So the point is, when a new coaching staff comes in: losing kids is not alarming, it's the norm.

• TomVH from Mgoblog has an excellent write up on the Offensive Line prospects in the 2011 class. I would say Michigan stands in the best position for Andre Yruretagoyena who is a former teammate of Taylor Lewan and State of Michigan prospect (West Branch) Anthony Zettel.

• Jamie Morris has left his role in the Michigan Athletic Department.

• There has been some recent talk from AD David Brandon about replacing the scoreboards at Michigan Stadium which might add a few seats.

• UMGoBlog runs down the list of 2011 Michigan prospects in the State of Florida.

Wolverine Wednesday: Recruiting Blitz

• 3 for Threet: Maybe Stephen Threet can put that on his license plate. Here is an update article from Rivals on Stephen's progress at ASU: "I'm very excited about the offense he's planning on running. It fits me and the other quarterbacks very well. I have a chance to be successful," Threet said. "It plays to the strengths I have as a quarterback. I'm more of a pro-style quarterback. I can throw the ball and do a lot of the things mentally, like reading the defense really well and get the offense in the right play if protection needs to be changed." Any chance 3/Threet transfers to an SEC or Big 12 School next? For the record, he will have been on the roster for an ACC, Big Ten, and Pac 10 schools.

• Shaq Washington's thoughts from the Michigan Showcase a couple of weeks ago: Maple Heights, Ohio - Late last month I had a showcase camp at the University of Michigan sponsored by rivals.com and scout.com. I went to the football camp with my football club, Raw Talent.
  
  There were plenty of other athletes from the state of Ohio there as well. I performed well out there. There was a lot of good competition to the point where it surprised me.
  
  Me, Dana Day (Glenville), Frank Clark (Glenville), Michael Hollins (Maple Heights) and Nicholas Davis (Glenville) were recognized as standouts in the camp. With trainer Mark Harris, the CEO of Raw Talent, urging us we all bought into it and by the end of the camp everyone knew what Raw Talent was all about.

• TomVh from Mgoblog says that 2011 athlete (LB prospect) Kris Frost continues to be nipping at Michigan's nose. Or in other words, still very high on the Wolverines. He plans to take a trip up to A2 this summer.

• Speaking of visits, this weekend is Michigan's Night of Champions which is a Junior Day, the wrap up of winter conditioning, the kick off to Spring Practice, and a special competition for the current Wolverines to show off their strength in some weight lifting drills. Some 2011 recruits expected to be on campus are: Shaq Washington, Cardale Jones, and Brennen Beyer just to name a few.

• Here is the buzz on the 2010 early enrollees numbers for Spring Practice: Devin Gardner #7, Stephen Hopkins #33, Jerald Robinson #83, Austin White #23, Ricardo Miller #82, and Jeremy Jackson #17.

• We are also hearing that Marvin Robinson should be ready to go with academics to join the Wolverines in Summer Term that starts in the June time frame.

• Spring Game Time is set at 1:00. The alumni flag football game is scheduled for 11:00 on April 17th.

• Latwan Anderson a 5 star safety that was verballed to WVU and flirting with every other school in the nation is heading to Miami.

Tate Forcier: What to Expect Next Season: Threet 08 or Henne 04?

The summer of 2009 seems very similar to the summer of 2008 for Michigan fans. Michigan will start over at quarterback just like they did in the 2008 season. Sure, somethings are different: the offensive line has more experience in the spread and so does the back up quarterback, Nick Sheridan. But don't be fooled by coach speak (RR says the QB position is still up for grabs), this is Tate Forcier's team in 2009.

As Michigan fans, what should we expect out of Tate Forcier next year? Sitting in June of last year, the Michigan faithful had high hopes for a redshirt Freshman that came to Michigan as a 4 star QB via Georgia Tech, Stephen Threet.

As we all know now, Stephen didn't tear up the Big Ten and didn't even get the start against Utah (Michigan's opening game 2008). He looked decent at times (the Wisconsin comeback) and terrible others (the 100 yard Toledo pick 6). That is pretty much the definition of a freshman QB. Threet's numbers in 2008: 51% completion rate, threw for 1105 yards with 9 touchdowns and 7 pics.

So why will Tate be different? Actually, we don't know he will.

Let's compare Tate to another Freshman starter that had a pretty good first year under center; Chad Henne. Chad came to Michigan has one of the top rated QB recruits in the nation, he enrolled in the summer and was the surprise starter opening day after a shoulder injury to expected starter Matt Gutierrez. Chad had a very nice 2004, throwing for 2743 yards with a 60 percent completed percentage. He threw for 25 touchdowns and 12 picks while leading the Wolverines to the Rose Bowl that year. Chad was named All-American Freshman Team QB in 2004.

I would call those numbers the possible upside for Tate. So what's the difference between Chad and Tate that make this upside possible?

1. Tate enrolled in January. Chad in the summer. Tate got spring ball and a ton of experience being around the coaches for 6 months.
2. Tate's QB coach. Tate regularly worked with a QB coach in high school and is probably one of the most prepared QB's in recent memory to start as a Freshman.
3. Tate is very accurate. Thanks to his high school training and QB coach (and we saw some proof in the Spring Game) Tate hopefully can match Chad's 60% completion rate in 2009.
4. Tate's mobile. Chad and Threet weren't. They were strictly drop back passers. Tate hopefully will be able to avoid the rush and get some first downs with his feet. Many analysts say your QB needs to get at least one first down with his legs a game. Michigan fans are hoping more for 4-5 from Tate.
5. Tate doesn't need to win games, just not lose them. You will hear that quote for any Freshman QB so it would apply to Chad and Threet as well. With Tate's mobility hopefully Michigan will be able to have some longer drives and give the defense a break
6. Tate has the skill set to run the spread. Threet didn't.

So there you have it Wolverines Fans. There is plenty to be optimistic about in 2009, but we will need to remember that: Tate will make Freshman mistakes, still has a thin high school senior like frame, and defenses will do their best to confuse the young man.

So the upside for Tate is: Chad 2004 the downside is Threet 2008. Good luck Tate, the Wolverine faithful is counting on you.

Michigan loses it's Strength and Conditioning Coach

No, not that one. It was announced on Monday that Mike Curtis is heading back to his alma mater Virgina to be the S&C coach for the men's basketball team. Mike was the S&C coach for the Men's and Women's Michigan basketball squads in 2008 and made a big difference in conditioning for both programs.

As many know, both John Beilein and Rich Rodriguez upgraded the conditioning programs when they came from WVU. When I say updated, they went from Michigan's traditional "caveman" like program to a high intensity modern program. Mike Barwis who works with the football team is already at "rock star" status and Mike Curtis who was from the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA brought in a new type of professionalism to the Michigan Basketball program and surely had a impact on the Wolverines making it to the NCAA tournament last year.

Here is what Mike had to say about leaving Michigan and his new opportunity:

“It was a difficult decision to leave a great institution like the University of Michigan and a fine coach in John Beilein, but the state of Virginia and the University are, and always will be, home for me. I am eager to utilize my experiences both at the University and professionally to better prepare our basketball athletes for their experiences in the Atlantic Coast Conference and beyond.”

• Threet gives his thoughts on who might start next year. Wow, thanks Steve. Maybe you should worry about ASU now. "I feel like Tate has a good opportunity coming in early with the extra reps in the spring and that should be beneficial," he said. "But Nick does a good job of executing the offense the way they want it to be run. People may point out the physical things Tate or Denard may have at a physical advantage, but a lot of time at quarterback in this system comes down to decision-making."

• Michigan is still a big fan of Pahokee High School and just offered three more Blue Devils: linebacker Zachary Allen, cornerback Merrill Noel and defensive tackle Richard Ash. They also have offered wide receiver Chris Dunkley, who will be transferring to Pahokee from Royal Palm Beach High for his senior season. All Panhokee players with Michigan offers are planning to attend Michigan's camp in June with thier head coach Blaze Thompson.

• Deanrd Robinson runs 3rd in the State of Florida in the 100. Maybe he shouldn't have run in those work boots. He is in lane 2.

• Remember when I said Jevohn Shepherd should be getting more time on the court for the Michigan Basketball team? Well, he now has a pre-draft work out for the Toronto Raptors. Jevohn is originally from Toronto. Maybe another D-league star!

Pat White Going in Round 2 Helps Michigan QB Recruiting

One of the knocks on Rich Rod's spread offense is, "it doesn't make NFL Quarterbacks" like Lloyd Carr's pro style offense did. Michigan has a long list of QB's that have competed for spots on NFL rosters. Rich Rodriguez really has had only one NFL QB you can really point to, Shaun King who was under RR's tutelage when he was the offensive coordinator at Tulane under Tommy Bowden.

Now, in somewhat of an ironic twist Michigan's last pro style QB will compete for a job against Rich Rod's top QB prospect of all time Pat White. I give Chad Henne the edge since he has been in the Dolphins system for a year, but look for Pat to get about 5-10 snaps a game this Fall.

With Pat White going in the second round, now Rich Rod and staff can use that on the recruiting trail and tell prospective Wolverine QB that his system can produce NFL QB's and someday maybe even a first round pick!

• Speaking of former Michigan Pro Style QB's: Stephen Threet transfers to Arizona State. "I like the pro style offense and the coaching staff at Arizona State," Threet said on Monday. "My career has been filled with ups and downs and coaching changes aren't easy. I was at Georgia Tech for two weeks when they changed coaches. Michigan had the same coaches for like 30 years and then they change. "When Coach [Lloyd] Carr retired I wanted to transfer," Threet said. "But I took Coach [Rich] Rodriguez at his word about the offense. I tried to stick it out. I tried to help Michigan win. But in the end the offense didn't fit me. They have a run first offense at every position. What they want is Pat White and that's not me." For the record, Dennis Erickson hasn't had too many head coaching jobs, so nothing to worry about at ASU Steve!

• 7 Wolverines Sign as NFL Free Agents: Carson Butler with Green Bay, Doug Dutch with the Washington Redskins, Sean Griffin with the Seattle Seahawks, Brandon Harrison with the Indianapolis Colts, Will Johnson with the Baltimore Ravens, Tim Jameson with the Houston Texans, and Mike Massey with the Cleveland Browns. I have to say the Doug Dutch and Mike Massey signings are somewhat surprising. I know Mike is from Cleveland so that is good news for him. I wish all the free agent Wolverines well and enjoy that NFL pay check while it lasts.

• In sad news, the Cincinnati Bengals released Chris Perry. Chris was injured most of his NFL career with the Bengals and when he got the starting job last year had a big fumbling problem. Chris is a good 3rd down back that can catch the ball and get you a first down and hopefully another NFL team will pick him up. I don't believe Chris will ever be an every down back in the NFL.

• ESPN is reporting that former Miami quarterback Robert Marve has completed the rounds and narrowed his transfer choices to Purdue, Arizona State, South Florida and Nebraska, with Purdue in the lead for his services. One quick side note. I'm wondering who Dennis Erickson wanted more, Stephen Threet or Robert Marve? I'm guessing ASU is now off the board for Robert.

• Michigan State did a surprising thing yesterday and scheduled games with West Virgina and Alabama. The school has signed contracts for a home-and-home series with West Virginia in 2014 and 2015, and a home-and-home series with Alabama in 2016 and 2017. Good for MSU, I love that Nick Sabin will be back in East Lansing.
  

Single Threet QB to Transfer from Michigan

First off, I wish Stephen nothing but the best and hope he makes an impact at whichever school he picks.

"I have decided to transfer from the University of Michigan," Threet wrote in the statement. "I have requested and received my release. I do not yet know where I will continue my collegiate career, and have no further comment until that decision is made."

Second, I just don't understand when kids make these type of decisions. I know, he is not a good fit for RR's offense, and that Michigan recruited two high profile QB's in this class, and that Michigan will continue to recruit dual threat QB's in 2010.

So sure, Threet has every right to pack up his bags and look for another place to play. Why wouldn't he? Well, here are a few reasons he should have decided to stay at Michigan.

1. A "Free" First Class education. He has already transferred from Georgia Tech and now Michigan. If he wants to play right away, he will have to go to a D1AA school. So for a smart kid, I guess the academics side of this decision didn't really come in to play too much. Of course he can go to another D1 school, but would have to sit out another year (since he transferred once already, he can not use a redshirt, so he would lose a year). Getting a Michigan education gets lost in these decisions and I think that is really too bad. Let's be honest, 1% of athletes make it to the NFL, a Michigan degree means something.
2. He has a year of experience in this offense: No matter how good Tate Forcier is, Steve has more knowledge and experience in this offense and would have been the odds on starter for the Western Michigan game.
3. Did he learn anything from his own experience? Steve transferred to Michigan to "sit" behind 5 star QB Ryan Mallett and then got the chance of a lifetime last year and got to play right away. You never know what will happen in this sport.
4. Competition: Makes you a better player. Use Michigan QB history as an example. Michigan had the strong armed QB "golden boy" Drew Henson that was 5 Star in everything he did. Michigan also had another QB at the same time named Tom Brady. Everyone wanted Drew to play, mostly when Tom struggled and Drew did. Drew got in and struggled as all young QB's do. Tom, came back in and saved a few wins and even got drafted. I guess, I forget to mention he did pretty well in the NFL.

Steve, I wish you all the best in whichever school you decide to continue your career yet, but I wish you would have stayed and competed for the QB position at Michigan.

Memo to all of us Michigan fans: this departure equals even a worse shot at a Bowl Game next year. I had envisioned Foricer staring and Threet pulling out some games. Now it looks like, all our cards are on the table with a couple of freshman and a couple of walk on's. Not good my friends, not good.

Welcome to Michigan Tate and Good Luck!

Michigan - Northwestern Preview

What a difference a week makes. Michigan hasn't tasted sweet victory since "late Septemeber, when we really should be back at school" This season almost made me "join a rock and roll band that needs a helping hand" Ok enough!

Michigan played it's most complete game of the season last Saturday and was lead by walk on QB Nick Sheridan. If you had predicted that a week ago, you would have been laughed off the Internet! So now the Northwestern game in upon us and we will see if the Wolverines from the Metro Dome or the Wolverines from games 1-9 show up. Who knows? Michigan fans can't even decide who should play QB this week. I ran on this poll this week that shows 47% think Sheridan should start, 36% believe Threet should, and 15% feel Freshman Justin Feagin should be taking the snaps. My goodness how a week changes things, If I had run that poll a week ago it would have been, 99% Threet, 1% Sheridan (his mom checking in at Big House Blog).

Northwestern has played decent football this year and has gotten out to a 7-3 record and will be heading to a Big Ten Bowl game, which marks a very good year for the Wildcats. With that said, the Wildcats have struggled in their last three games, a head scratching loss to Indiana, a last second interception returned for a touchdown to beat Minnesota, and last weeks blow out loss to Ohio State 45-10.

So like Michigan: Will the real Wildcats, please stand up, please stand up (how in the world do you go from Rod Stewart to Eminem in the same post? I don't know man, just stay with me).

The Wildcats have the injury bug: their two top RB's are out for the year and their starter at QB CJ Bacher has been hurt but is expected back for Saturday's contest. Mike Kafka has been filling in for CJ while is has been out and is more of a runner then a passer. Michigan will be out their top runner since the Penn State game Brandon Minor.

The Michigan defense has struggled against running QB's this year and Mike Kafka could be the better choice at QB if the Wildcats want to leave Ann Arbor with a W. Of course, if CJ has time and throws the ball around the yard, he could also end up with 400 yards passing on Michigan's defensive backs.

Northwestern is very similar to Minnesota. They both have a winning records, both are going to a bowl game, both have benefited from "soft" scheduling, but both are not quite where they want to be and have struggled against teams with superior talent.

Here is what I think will happen on Saturday: (I wish we had the two players pictured below)

• Northwestern prefers to throw and will do that early and often with CJ Bacher at QB



• Michigan will show all 3 QB's on Saturday. Look for Feagin to come in for spot duty no matter if Sheridan or Threet is running the offense.



• The Michigan Defense will play better and continue to get pressure on Northwestern QB's.



• I expect a lot of points in a Michigan - Purdue type shoot out.



• Michigan will lose some ground in the running game with the lose of Minor



• Look for big receiving days from Michigan WR Stonum and Matthews



• McGuffie goes over 100 yards, Shaw has 65 on the ground.



• Sheridan plays better with some confidence but not like last week. Threet comes in after halftime.

This game will go back and forth with a lot of scoring. Northwestern was ranked in the top 25 last week and is a 3.5 dog to the 3-7 Wolverines. I guess Vegas isn't buying what The Wildcats are selling. Michigan 42 Northwestern 34

Michigan Update: Threet Healthy but Sheridan to Start, Minor Doubtful

This has been a very strange year for the Michigan Football program. Just when you think you have a good idea on what is going to happen next, something unexpected happens.

Threet who through 9 games had clearly shown he was the only true QB on Michigan's roster, found himself continuing to have head aches from a concussion he suffered in a loss to Purdue where his offense generated 42 points. So the starter for the Minnesota game was Nick Sheridan (who I labeled as a safety that should be playing on special teams) who played very well, didn't throw a pick and leadsthe Wolverines to their most complete game of the year, a 29-6 win over the Golden Gophers.

So now what? Threet is back and healthy enough to play, but has missed two weeks of practice. Sheridan looked good last week but hasn't played well most of the year.

Coach Rod made the decision on Wednesday, saying the Threet was healthy but Sheridan would play just beacuse he has been practicing for the last two weeks and is more familar with the offensive game plan.

When asked if Michigan would play 3 QB's (including Freshman Justin Feagin) in the Northwestern game this Saturday? Rodriguez joked, "Maybe four -- you got anybody else?

It also seems that Brandon Minor, Michigan's leading running back since the Penn State game will be out of the lineup on Saturday with a plethora of injuries including an injured shoulder. Brandon missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and will not start even if he feels better by game time.

• The weather prediction for Saturday's game is rain and cold with a high of 43 degrees. Michigan is practicing with wet footballs to simulate Saturday's proposed conditions.

The Battle for the Little Brown Jug: The Michigan vs Minnesota Preview

Want to know how crazy this year has been? Ponder this question for a minute: When has the Michigan football program ever wanted to be like the Minnesota football program? The answer before this year was: Never. Fast forward to 2008 and the answer is: NEXT YEAR!

Yes, that is correct Michigan fans, we want our beloved historic program to be like the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2009. Minnesota last year were 1-11 under 1st year Head Coach Tim Brewser. This year Tim has lead one of the most impressive turn arounds in recent memory with his 7-2 bowl eligible football team. Before last week's last second loss to Northwestern on a "weird" interception, their only loss was to Ohio State in Columbus.

So there is hope out there Wolverine fans! Michigan has 100% more wins this year then Minnesota had last year!

So when it's all said and done, this game really doesn't mean much. Michigan hasn't won a road game all year and their only QB on the roster is probably out with a concussion. Minnesota is playing at home and will be ready to defend their "Dome" and take revenge for every loss they have ever had against dominating Michigan teams of the past.

So it would just make sense for Michigan to hand over the second oldest trophy in football history, "the little brown jug" before the game, so they don't have to witness the entire Golden Gopher team running over to the Michigan sideline to retrieve the trophy.

For those that are not familiar with this famous trophy: The Little Brown Jug rivalry was created after the two teams met up on October 31, 1903. The earthenware jug, originally used by Michigan coach Fielding Yost, is painted with the victories of each team. . After Yost took over coaching the Wolverines in 1901, the team went on to win 28 straight games. In the meantime, Minnesota assembled one of the best teams in school history, so Gopher fans were excited about possibly ending the Wolverines' streak. As Yost and the team came into Minneapolis, student manager Thomas B. Roberts was told to purchase something to carry water. Yost was somewhat concerned that Gopher fans might contaminate his water supply. Roberts purchased a five-gallon jug for 30¢ from a local variety store. Late in the 4th quarter a storm approached and the fans rushed the field with two minutes left with the score tied at 6-6. Due to the storm and the fans rushing the field the game was called before in could be finished. The Wolverines walked off the field and left the jug behind. Later, Yost wanted the jug back, and sent a letter asking it to be returned. LJ Cooke Minnesota Head Coach wrote back in response: "We have your little brown jug; if you want it, you’ll have to win it." Michigan did exactly that when the teams met up again in 1909 and 1910. Michigan has dominated the series going 65-22-3.

With all the history behind this match up, why do you think Michigan is history this year?

Michigan's offense has struggled this year and the defense at times as won or kept them in games. Last weekend at Purdue the opposite thing happened, the offense scored 42 points and the defense gave up 48 running a new defense formation. The worse part is Michigan will be with out Stephen Threet the only QB that has shown to be able to move this offense at all. Michigan minus their QB and the defense struggling this will equal a very long day for the Wolverines.

How has Minnesota been able to turn the battleship in just one year?

Turnovers my friend, Turnovers. Last year Minnesota's QB threw 19 picks, this year just 4 so far. The Minnesota Defense is ranked #2 in the nation in turnover margin. Protecting the ball and getting turnovers have been the #1 difference in the record.

Minnesota doesn't do anything special on offense or defense except win football games. Michigan on the other hand does just the opposite: they turn the ball over, run a complicated spread offense, don't have their starting QB, and are changing defensive personnel and formations every week.

This game is going to be ugly for Wolverines fans.

Minnesota 28 Michigan 7

Michigan's QB: Threet Likely Out Against Minnesota

Rich Rodriguez said today before practice that Stephen Threet is "very, very questionable" for Saturday's game at Minnesota". Rodriguez explained that headaches usually associated with similar concussions go away after a day or two, but Threet's have remained. He has not practiced all week.

That sound you hear is a bunch of people running to all the Sports Books in Vegas and putting money down on Minnesota to cover the 8 points.

As we all know, Nick Sheridan (Threet's backup) has not preformed well this year and is more of a special teams player then a division one quarterback. If Threet does not play that means the #2 QB is Freshmen Justin Feagin who played on special teams last week and was supposed to see some time at slot receiver.

If your a Michigan fan, it's time to buy an umbrella; "Because when it rains it pours"

So has basketball season started yet?