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Time: 3:30 EST
Location: Big House
Weather: 53 Sunny
TV: CBS
Line: Michigan -7
These two programs are at similar cross roads. Both hired new coaches in the off season and both programs were ranked to start the year. The problem is both have been pretty bad lately. Penn State is 3-3 and Michigan is 3-2 and neither programs seem to have any answers. There are even empty seats in Happy Valley and that is a strong statement. The Big Ten set up two premier games this weekend. OSU at IU and PSU at Michigan, that plan didn't go as the home office thought.
Dear Coach Whitt:
Coach, I'm very disappointed in the effort the team brought in Minnesota. They looked tired and disinterested the entire game. This is a tough question to ask, but have you lost the locker room?
I know you were brought in to be the CEO, but the lack of discipline, turnovers, penalties, poor execution, and lack of effort are very troubling. Then you do something maybe unpresidented for Michigan Football and brought in two new transfers this week. What is the thinking behind that? Are there more injuries we don't know about? How are these guys able to enroll in October?
That is the issue coach, there are more questions then answer at this point. The good news is the guy across from you is also facing similar questions. He rolled into to Happy Valley from Ames, Iowa to learn the Big Ten is different then the Big 12, a lot different. I think you are feeling something very similar from your time at Utah.
Ross Perot when running against the Governor of Arkansas for the President of the United States, had this memorable line: "You can't go from managing the general store to managing Walmart". Ross clearly didn't win the election but the saying is accurate to both yourself and Matt Campbell, who reportedly turned down the Detroit Lions at one point.
Coach this is where I give you advice on the game, but this week I don't have any. I'm not sure how to fix your problems on offense. I've watched Bryce for 18 games not get any better but he is still the starter because he makes bank. I see a 2nd string guy with strong QB mechanics and no experience continue to sit and watch. There is also a Colorado State transfer with a ton of playing experience continue to watch as well. I see what should be the best RB's in college football continued to get stuffed at the LOS, and talented WR's not get the ball. The offensive line is also very questionable at this point and I'm not smart enough to understand if its scheme or skill.
I'm glad you made one good hire with Jay Hill's defense who will probably have to win the game on Saturday again, like they did against Oklahoma and almost did against Minnesota.
Coach, my hope is your team got better the last two weeks but Michigan fans need to see it with our eyes and not our heart. The injury report was troubling for both teams and I'm not sure we are going to see inspired football from either party on Saturday. This is where I tell you each week to play clean football, no turnovers, and only a few penalties, but that hasn't worked. So I'm going to change the advice this week, try to have some fun with the kids this week, play the game like you were playing Madden and just throw deep every play. Go George Costanza and just do the opposite of every football instinct you have and lets see how that plays out.
Prove me the fool for questioning you.
Michigan 17 Penn State 14
