Wolverine Wednesday: Plan For Final 2

It's June 27th and Michigan has two spots left in its 2013 recruiting class. It's still hard to believe that Michigan has 22 verbal commits already in the fold. Which leaves two more spots in this class and many questions on how the Wolverines will fill the remaining two slots. Here is my take:

Wide Receiver is still the #1 target to fill the last spot. Alvin Bailey a 4 star WR from Florida will be in Ann Arbor today or Thursday for a visit, this is his first visit to Ann Arbor so it's hard to know if he is a serious candidate for that spot yet. It seems the recruitment of Laquon Treadwell is nowhere near the end and I bet the Michigan coaches will not wait too much longer for Treadwell to finish his tour of all the top programs in America.

Running Back is the second need in this class. Michigan has two power backs already committed in Wyatt Shallman and Deveon Smith. They would like to add a speed back to that mix. The last two candidates are Derrick Green and Tuesday visitor Jordan Wilkins. My gut tells me that Michigan won't land either one of these guys and won't take another RB in this class.

I think Michigan would like to add one more DB in this class. A safety or corner back. I think the leading candidates to take that last spot is Kendall Fuller or Leon McQuay III. Both of these guys are highly recruited and I believe Michigan would take either one if they want to jump on board. Kendall is rumored to be a Virginia Tech lean and Leon is thinking about leaving the South (Florida) to play at Michigan.

Michigan is clearly looking for a "speed" player on offense for the last two spots. If that doesn't work out, I still believe they will take one more WR but will look to defense to fill the other.

Potential Surprises? I could see another DT if Fuller and McQuay don't work out. I could also see an offer to Braylon's brother Berkley if they really are looking for speed at RB and Green/Wilkins go elsewhere.

• David Brandon on the new playoff system:  "What I really like about this solution is that all the bowls are going to continue to be very relevant and the bowl system will benefit from this whole playoff arrangement as opposed to be a victim of it," Michigan athletic director David Brandon said. "The integrity of the bowls is a very important thing that's been developed for over a century and the fact that we're gonna make sure that that bowl system is important and relevant is a very positive aspect of what has been decided."

• It looks like the Michigan Baseball Head Coaching job is going to Maryland's Head Coach Erik Bakich or Chris Sabo.

• Michigan has offered a familiar name in the 2014 class in Alex Bars.  Alex is the brother of 2012 incoming freshman Blake Bars.  Alex plays both OL and DL and is 6'6 265 pounds as a Junior. 

Michigan Friday: News and Notes

• No Wolverines went in the 1st round of the NFL draft but that was expected.   Tonight has just rounds 2-3 and the only Wolverine with that grade is Mike Martin.  

• Congratulations to Nick Perry who grew up in Detroit and went to USC.  Nick went to the Packers at #28.  I had no idea he was a first rounder.  Nick picked USC over Michigan on signing day.   Could we have used a first rounder next to Mike Martin on the defensive line for the last 4 years?  My goodness that was a big loss for the Wolverines.   (Don't forget there was a ton of "funny business" going on with USC recruiting then)

• Mel Kiper has moved Hemingway's grade up to 4th or 5th rounder.  His grade went up with a strong combine and pro day.  Don't forget his Sugar Bowl MVP, teams love to draft kids where they remember them having a good game on a big stage!

Michigan 2012 signee Mario Ojemudia is enrolled for Spring Term at Michigan.   Some might ask:  Why sign up for Spring Term if you can't get coaching from the Michigan staff and you miss Spring Practice?  A couple of reasons:

#1:  You get used to classes early and have a step up on incoming freshman this summer/fall.

#2:  He gets to start Michigan conditioning right away.  Which is a huge plus for a guy that needs to put on some weight and get stronger for D1 football.

#3:  He can participate in player film work and player practice.   (Coaches are not allowed but players can organize non-mandatory practices).

Good move by Mario!

• Looks like the BCS is going to a Final 4 mini-playoff.   Where the #4 team plays #1 and #2 plays #3.  Then the winners play a championship game.   In this method, they can keep the bowl games and have a mini Final 4 Playoff.   The only issue I am hearing is that the games would be at neutral sites or at the current BCS locations, which will be difficult and costly for fans. 

• Like we predicted Josh Furman was found not guilty of all charges and I expect he will be back on the team shortly.

• Michigan's recruiting strategy is pretty clear at this point after missing out on EJ.  Linebacker recruiting is closed with 6 players the last two years.  Michigan wants a couple of WR's and 2 defensive line recruits.   The rest of the spots will be open to the top prospects available at a number of positions like Safety, CB and a RB. 

Sugar Bowl Post Game

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

Do you remember that feeling in school when you left a test and thought you just aced it and found out the next day you got like a C?  Or just the opposite, you left feeling like you did terrible and actually got a good grade?  I had that feeling watching the Sugar Bowl in the Super Dome on Tuesday night. 

At first, I didn't think anything was going to go right for the Wolverines:

• The best center in the nation is not on the field for the first series and had hurt his ankle/foot during warm ups.
• Va Tech's 3rd/4th string kicker is making everything he looks at and resembles a NFL kicker.
• The Michigan defense can't get off the field on 3rd and long (can someone explain to me how Michigan plays better on 3rd and 2 then 3rd and 22?)
• Junior Hemingway quits on a deep pass from Denard which causes an interception
• We can't seem to move the ball on the ground against this fast defense that was expecting it
• Hagerup is punting the ball 30 yards inside!
• Va Tech's punter/WR only has to be a WR

That was pretty much just the first quarter.  All signs pointed to long night for the Wolverines.

Then Denard throws a 50/50 ball up to #21 and he caught it and took a stroll into the end zone.   The Hokies then fumbled the kick off and we have a ball game. 

I am not going to re-cap what happened because I am pretty sure every Michigan fan on the planet watched the game.  So here are my first Cheers and Jeers for the new year.

Cheers

• The Michigan fan base for supporting the Wolverines in New Orleans.  What a great showing and support during the game.
• Ryan Van Burgen and David Molk for playing hurt in their final game in the winged helmets.
• Junior Hemingway for making some nice grabs and keeping us in the game.
• The Michigan defense for only letting in one touchdown
• Team 132 for never quiting on the team or during this game
• Brandon Gibbons who a year ago couldn't kick the ball into the ocean from the beach, was rock solid all game and most of the year.
• The Seniors - Those that stay will be Champions!  First time Michigan beat OSU and won a bowl game since 2000.

Jeers

• Bud Foster took Big Al Borges lunch money and took the rest of his wallet for good measure.  Al couldn't find anything to stop the Hokies pass rush and speed.  (Better get to work on Bama right now)
• Hokies Speed on Defense:  Michigan's WR's could not get any separation and they were keying on Denard and the run all day. 
• Denard clearly gets rattled when he is rushed and there are other fast players on the field.   To his credit, I didn't see many if any open routes.  Luckily he had about six 50/50 balls go in Michigan's favor (complete or not picked).
• 3rd and Long.  Michigan has to have better safety play next year.   Both Woolfolk and Gordon struggled.  Many times the Michigan defense had the routes covered but the safety didn't break on the coverage quick enough. 
• I have big concerns on the D-line next year.  Michigan didn't pressure the QB like I had hoped, the only time he got into trouble was when he scrambled.  Big Will played ok. 

The Big House Blog Sugar Bowl MVP was:  Jordan Kovas.   It might have been hard to see on TV but Kovas was making touchdown saving tackles all over the field.  Many times he was the last guy between David Wilson and the end zone.  Wilson also hit Kovas pretty hard a number of times.   If it wasn't for the play of Jordan, Michigan might have been down 14 points in the first half.   He registered 6 solo tackles and 11 overall to lead the team.

The turning point in the game was the Hokies fake punt/rugby style punt in the 4th quarter.   If they were going to go for it on 4th down they should have lined up their power run game, rather then trotting out their WR/Punter to try whatever he was trying to do after a time out.   I also like to thank Frank Beamer for running the ball when Michigan couldn't cover their wide receivers.

If you look at the stats with out the final score you might think Michigan lost by probably at least 10 points.   For example:  Michigan had 56 rushing yards total and only 128 passing.  Michigan had the ball for over 23 minutes in time of possession, Va Tech had it for nearly 37 minutes.   During the second half alone, Michigan was at 9:37 to Tech's 20:23.   Some Michigan fans will say Michigan won this game ugly and I agree with them.  What I would say back is, we have lost about 5-6 games the past 3 years that we should have won.  It was time for payback and it felt damn good being on the other side for a change.    Go Blue! 

BTW: I was close to the OT non-catch in the end zone.  It wasn't a catch and I couldn't believe they called it a TD on the field.   The ball moves when it hits the ground and his body hits out of bounds before his feet hit the field.

The Big Ten had a tough bowl season, but the last team to play finished on a high point!

Michigan - Virgina Tech/Sugar Bowl Preview

Location: Super Dome, New Orleans
Time: 8:00 EST
Weather: Indoors
TV: ESPN
Line:  Michigan -3

Will Brady put the Hoke in Hokies?  or Will Bud Foster stop Denard and Company?

I haven't watched one minute of tape on Va Tech this year.  When you play a month between games does it really matter?  Va Tech got blown out in the ACC Championship and Michigan beat Illinois, Nebraska and Ohio State.  That might as well been a season ago.

Bowl games are which teams what to be there and which teams that don't.  Michigan is hungry for success and Va Tech is lucky to be here as an ACC at large bid.   But tonight, the past doesn't matter it's all about the teams that show up at 8:00 Eastern.  Last year Michigan didn't show up for their bowl game and got blown out, will tonight be different?  Yes, it will.

There are two things that win bowl games, good defense and no mistakes.   Both teams have great defensive coordinators in Greg Mattison and Bud Foster.  Maybe the two best DC's in the country.    They will do their best jobs in trying to stop each others running game.   Which is the #1 key to this game: Stop the run!

Both offenses will try to run the ball into 8-9 man fronts which will open the passing game down field, who can execute those plays will win this game. 

Tale of the Tape

Greg Mattison vs Bud Foster = Push
Michigan OLine vs VA Tech Dline =  Molk and Lewan
Michigan DLine vs VA Tech OLine =  Martin and Van Burgen
Michigan Secondary vs VA Passing Game = Logan Thomas
Denard vs Open Space = Speed skills

If you ask old time football guys they will say you win football games on both lines.  Michigan has the advantage on both lines in this game.  VA Tech has always recruited athletes and they will have plenty have on the field.   They will try to use their team speed to help the deficit up front.    So look for a lot of blitzing from the corners and linebackers to try to slow down Denard and Michigan's passing game.

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

• Denard and Fitz control this game on the ground
• Denard throws accurate and hits his WR's
• The Michigan secondary learned something from the OSU game
• The Michigan Dline and LB's can stop VA Tech's running game
• If Michigan plays like this game was played the week after the OSU game

Say, "I hate Def Leopards Pour Some Sugar on Me" if..........................

• Michigan can't stop the run
• We can't get pressure on Logan Thomas
• Denard gets flustered by the VA Tech's pressure
• The Wolverines flash back to 1/1/2011

Don't buy into the fact that VA Tech got blown out in their last game.  They will be ready to play tonight.  Michigan will be as well.   I think Michigan is playing for something to prove, while VA tech is out of kickers.   Which will make them play very aggressively for touchdowns instead of field goals.   So expect lots of "going for it" on 4th downs.  Both teams will play to win, which means there will be a ton of points scored, which leads me back to the chess match between Mattison and Foster.   I like Mattison in this one.   Michigan 31 VA Tech 21

GO BLUE!

Michigan Tuesday: Denard on Sports Science and More

Michigan Friday: 5 at 5:00

• Need Sugar Bowl Tickets? Michigan Wolverine fans can register for a chance to cheer on their favorite team live and in person at the Allstate^© Sugar Bowl^© by visiting the Allstate gazebo located at Good Time Charley’s in Ann Arbor this Saturday, Dec. 10.  Allstate will give away 10 pairs of tickets to see the Wolverines take on the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 3, 2012.
  As title sponsor of the Allstate^© Sugar Bowl^©, the ticket giveaways are Allstate’s way of rallying excitement among Michigan fans for the Wolverines’ second trip to the Sugar Bowl.
  Registration will be from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. A pair of tickets will be raffled away every 25 minutes and fans must be present in order to win.

• Denard played with a staff infection during the season.  That explains the bandage on his arm during the year.  I'm glad it wasn't too serious.

• The Wolverines have their first bowl practice today and will practice this weekend as well.
• Yuri Wright has scheduled his visit to Michigan.  It's pay walled but I expect it to be January.  If you are wondering Yuri is projecting at Safety, which means Michigan is still in the market for one more CB as well.  
• Update from Brionte Dunn's visit from the Michigan coaches last night:  I heard his entire family was there, including 2012 Michigan commit Dymonte Thomas.  Big Al and Fred Jackson made the visit and I hear Brionte's mom also made a nice meal.  Let's hope this is good news going into his OSU visit this weekend.  Hoke can only do one in home visit, so they are probably waiting to do that one next week or soon after.

Detroit News and Sparty!

The picture says a 1000 words......................

(click the picture if you have a hard time seeing the green banner ad)

Michigan Monday: Sugar with Some Spice

Let's get to the Spice first: the commitment of 4 star WR Amara Darboh. 

Amara is a 6'2 200 pound WR from Iowa.  He he rates out  as a 4 star to Rivals, Scouts and 24/7.  He is considered a physical WR with speed.  He runs a 4.4 forty.   He had offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Florida, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Vanderbilt.   Amara seemed very interested in ND, Michigan and Iowa.  Kirk Ferentz was even in home with Amara this weekend to try to pull him to his home state program. 

Amara only played in 7 games as a senior due to a shoulder injury.   He wanted to get his college decision out of the way so he could get surgery and rehab for his freshman year of college.  

Michigan's recruitment started early this football season with a unofficial visit for an early game and an official visit for Ohio State.  The rumor was Amara needed to get his family to Ann Arbor before he committed.  He did that waited a week and announced his decision for Michigan.

I expect Michigan to take one more WR, it seems it's now a race between Jordan Payton and Jehu Chesson.  Jordan seems to be all over the place with a decision and Jehu was just in Ann Arbor for the OSU game.  Stefon Diggs recruitment will have to heat up quickly if Michigan will have a shot.  He hasn't been to A2 yet and seems to be planning to announce near signing day.

Now on to the Sugar:

Michigan was rewarded as a "brand name" with a 10-2 record and a 13 place ranking in the BCS.  Michigan and Virginia Tech passed over a few teams to get their spot including Boise State and Kansas State.   Usually, you don't see an ACC team that just got blown out in their Championship game get an at large bid to the BCS.   I guess the Sugar Bowl though Va Tech could sell a few tickets.  Speaking of tickets, I have been looking at EBay and Stub Hub for about a week on Sugar Bowl tickets.   If you are planning on going, plan on spending some money for tickets.  Most tickets I have found are in the $200 per range.   I was watching an Ebay auction that ended last night for lower bowl tickets.  His minimum bid was $500 for 4 tickets.   The two pair sold for a $1000.  You can get tickets through the U of M athletic dept starting at $125 per.      

I have no idea what Va Tech has this year and have only caught bits and pieces of a couple of their games.  Like most of us, we were watching the Big Ten Championship game on Saturday night.  

Speaking of Sparty, nicely done on Saturday.  They played a very competitive game and you could say they had most of the momentum from the second quarter on.   They lost the game on a roughing the punter penalty, when they shouldn't have even bring rushing the punter and setting up the return.   Sparty being Sparty.  Then they drop all the way to the Outback Bowl in Tampa. 

Instead of being upset they didn't get into a BCS Bowl they should be happy about a good match up with Georgia.    They both seem evenly matched and play good defense.  

"Our focus is on winning our last football game -- the bowl game," he said. "It’s important for out seniors -- the winningest four-year class in Spartan history -- to add a bowl victory to its long list of accomplishments." said Mark Dantonio who is 0-4 in bowl games.

Michigan State senior quarterback Kirk Cousins:

"I’m still hurting," he said. "I would be lying to you if I told you I was moving forward and feeling great. It’s tough to come that close two years in a row. Its almost a tease. And we just need to keep moving forward, stay positive. We have time to get back on our feet.

"This program is in great hands. If any other program had 21 wins in the last two years, they would be talking about them like they are the program. Think it is forgotten all the success we have had, how good we really are, how good we have been."
BTW: State didn't qualify for a BCS Bowl in the final rankings.   They had a chance and decided to try to block a punt.

How about the Urban Meyer Bowl?  His former 6-6 team vs his current 6-6 team.  Best line from last night was on ESPN when they called this the "Former" Gator Bowl.  

Breaking News: Sugar and A New Commit

More to come on Monday but............

Michigan got its first WR commit for the 2012 class with the public commit of Amara Darboh.  AD is a 4 star guy to Rivals, Scouts and 24/7.

I am hearing Michigan vs. Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.   We should know for sure in a half an hour.

Michigan Friday: Coaches are Hitting the Road to Recruit

One of the advantages of not playing in the BIG 10 Championship game is an extra week of recruiting on the road before bowl practices start.  Michigan will find out on Sunday if they are heading to the Sugar or Citrus Bowl.  This week though the assistant coaches are on the road to visit as many prospects as possible.  Think about a couple other things as well: OSU doesn't know who their assistant coaches will be and still waiting for the NCAA, PSU is worried about the off the field situation and they don't have a head coach either, Wisconsin and MSU are busy this week preparing for a game and Illinois needs a head coach, so the time is now to make up some ground on the local competition. 

Here are some of the visits we know of:

• Brinote Dunn
• Josh Garnett
• 2013 WR Kevin Gladney
• 2012 TE Taylor McNamara
• Today with Yuri Wright
• 2012 TE (PSU de-commit) JP Holtz
• WR Jehu Chesson
• 2012 Center Evan Boehm (4 Stars and Missouri de-commit)

Rumor Mill:

I love this time of year because so many changes are happening in college football. 

• Mike Sherman got fired last night from Texas AM - the rumored leading candidate is Houston's head coach, Kevin Sumlin who seems to be the "hot" candidate right now.  There is a report out that ASU has already offered Kevin as well.  Looks like if Michigan plays  "5 Slamma Jamma" in the Sugar Bowl, they might be with out their head coach.

• I watched WVU beat South Florida last night and wondered if Jeff Casteel would join RR in Arizona.  It's pretty strange that he hasn't hired any assistants yet.  I am sure Pitt and Indiana are trying to lock down their assistants right now.

• Have you ever seen such a bad championship game as the PAC 12 game tonight?  Oregon plays 6-6 UCLA who just fired their coach.  The Ducks are favored by 31 points.  Good game.  There are plenty of rumors that UCLA wants to target Chris Peterson from Boise State.   Chris said no the last time they had an opening but there is some thoughts that Chris might be more interested now.  That would be a huge hire for them.

• If Alabama plays LSU in the NC game,  I think Michigan and Ohio State should get their 2006 teams back together and play for the 2006 NC game again.   (I thought nobody wanted to see are-match?)  Both Michigan and OSU lost their bowl games by wide margins that year.

• There are plenty of rumors floating around that Mac Brown is about to retire at Texas.   That would be an interesting job opening. 

• Don't forget Monday's post on who you want to root for this weekend if Michigan can jump two spots an earn a BCS Bid.

Michigan Monday: BCS Pieces, Urban Development, Recruiting Notes

If you haven't heard, the worst kept secret in sports is Urban Meyer to Ohio State.  Done deal, not sure I understand it but hay, welcome to the jungle and we will see you in a year.  Thanksgiving at the Meyer Family household:  "Family, I have decided to move you from Florida to Columbus, I spent enough time with you this year and I am feeling much better now.  Working once a day and cashing a nice pay check just isn't enough fun for me."  Wow Dad, Thanks!   The Ohio State Rivalry is back and they could have hired Bill Belichick for all I care.   A strong Michigan and Ohio State is good for the Big 10.   The rumored Gator Bowl between Florida and Ohio State should be nice and awkward.   


BCS

Many Michigan fans are wondering if Michigan is going to a BCS Bowl or not.   Most experts expect them to end up in the Sugar Bowl against Houston.       The problem is, Michigan hasn't qualified for a BCS Bowl yet.  They have to be in the top 14 in the BCS standings.      Right now they are #16 and actually dropped a spot after their win over Ohio State. 

So what has to happen next weekend for Michigan to qualify for a BCS Bowl ?  BTW, the Citrus Bowl has already tweeted that Michigan is their first choice if they don't qualify for a BCS Bowl.  So next weekend:

1. LSU has to beat #14 Georgia:  Many believe LSU could lose this game and still end up in the NC.  If that is the case, Michigan's BCS spot would go Georgia.   LSU not only has to beat them, they have to win by a nice margin.  A loss to the #1 team might not have a big effect if it's close.  They should drop below Michigan with 3 losses but a blow out helps Michigan.
2. A Houston,  Boise State or a Oregon  loss would help as well, but not likely.
3. The Big Ten Championship game loser should drop below Michigan because they will have 3 losses.  Currently, MSU is ranked 13 and Wisconsin is 15 in the BCS.    A close game could hurt Michigan here, some think MSU won't drop too low if they lose a close game to Wisconsin since they beat Michigan.  A Wisconsin blow out helps Michigan, even an MSU win helps Michigan because Wisconsin would drop for sure.
4. A Oklahoma loss to OK State, should drop Oklahoma below Michigan.  The game is being played in Stillwater.
5. It would be good for Texas to beat #17 Baylor just in case the Poll voters decide to move Baylor up a few spots if they win. 
6. It wouldn't hurt if Iowa State upset Kansas State either, but not likely. 

So there you have it, we have to have LSU beat Georgia and let's hope they put a whipping on them.  The other games is one to keep an eye on and could help or hurt Michigan's chances. 


Recruiting Notes from the Weekend

• Brionte Dunn:  Attended with his Dad and seemed to have another good time.  I think he is keeping his decision and his decision time frame pretty quiet right now.  The word on the street is that the Urban Meyer hire doesn't help his recruitment to C-Bus at all.  He prefers more of a power run game then the spread.   Having Michigan have 2 thousand yard rushers has to help his case to come to Ann Arbor.     I would say Michigan is trending strong right now but I'm sure Urban will be on the phone today with him.   Brionte is planning on enrolling in January so his decision should come in the next two weeks or so. 

• Josh Garnett:  tweeted some interesting things after his visit:   @taylormcnamara1 man Michigan was crazy fun. You can tell the legacy and tradition being there. We need to talk asap ---- Thank you to @umichfootball for showing me a great time I love it in michigan can't wait to be back! #GoBlue.   He also ran into Jake Long at a local Ann Arbor restaurant.   Taylor is a TE that Michigan is starting to recruit to replace Pharaoh Brown.  I would say it was a good visit.

• Amara Darboh visited Ann Arbor this weekend and some insiders expected a commit.  That didn't happen and he might take a couple more visits before he decides.  ND and Michigan are his top two right now.  Jordan Payton is all over the board, so Michigan might be looking at a few more WR's in the 2012 class.   A new name to keep an eye on is, 4 star WR Kenny Lawler who is a soft commit to ASU (which is firing their head coach today). 

• 2013 WR recruit Laquon Treadwell was on campus as well and wants to get his Mom up to Ann Arbor as soon as possible.

A Quick Look at the Big Ten Bowl Games

So the BCS did what they usually do, which is nothing exciting. With that said, let's take a quick initial look at all the Big Ten games:

1. Rose Bowl: USC vs Penn State: A great accomplishment for Penn State, for USC it's like a home game. In fact, didn't USC just play in that same stadium on Saturday night? If you look at both teams, USC is much more talented and could make a case for the National Championship game. (Does the winner of this game, play the winner of Oklahoma vs Florida?). If USC has their hearts and mind in this one, then they should win easily. They have already opened up as a double digit favorite (10.5). Poor match up for the Big Ten.



2. Fiesta: OSU vs Texas: Ohio State attends more fiesta's then Dora the Explorer. This year is no exception as they get to face the "very mad" Texas Longhorns who feel they should not have only played in the Big 12 Championship game but be on it's way to Miami for the National Championship game. Again, Ohio State is way over matched in this game against a Texas team that could easily put up 40+ points against the Buckeyes. The Longhorn again are double digit favorites to win this game (10.5). Another poor match up for the Big Ten.



3. Capital One: Michigan State vs. Georgia. Wow, Dog fans had hoped to be in the National Championship game as the pre-season #1 rated team. Instead they get a trip to Disney World to play the Michigan State Spartans. This has been a good year for "Sparty" but they have more then their hands full with this Georgia team. Did you watch MSU play Ohio State and Penn State? Well expect an even worse blow out against he Dogs! Terrible match up for the Big Ten.



4. Outback: Iowa vs. South Carolina. This is an interesting match up between good coaches that should compare bank account balances before the game. Neither team is play a very exciting brand of football but Iowa finished the year must stronger then USC with their highlighted win over Penn State. Look for Iowa to win this game. A good match up for the Big Ten!



5. Alamo: Northwestern vs. Missouri. Let me understand this correctly: One team just played in it's conference title game and the other finished 4th in the conference? With that said, I expect Northwestern to be competitive in this game but lose a close one to Mizzu who is more battle tested this year. An average match up for the Big Ten.



6. Champs Sports: Wisconsin vs. Florida State. This will be a decent match up of teams that had high hopes at the beginning of the season. Wisconsin pulled their season out of the fire late in the season but has struggled all year. Florida State all most made the ACC Championship Game. Advantage: Seminoles. An average match up for the Big Ten.



7. Insight: Minnesota vs. Kansas: Quick question for the group. What do you get when you lose 55-0 in your last game? A trip to the Insight Bowl! Minnesota is coming of 4 losses in a row where they really were only competitive in one. Kansas attended a BCS Bowl game last year and has a pretty good Big 12 passing attack. This one won't be competitive at all. A terrible match-up for the Big Ten.

From the looks of it, the Big Ten could have another "embarrassing" bowl season. Let's hope someone can pull a "Michigan" and pull an upset, like Michigan did over Florida last year. BTW: In the last 12 months the two teams that have beat Florida and Heisman Tim are Michigan and Old Miss. Very strange.............

Side Note: The BCS put together 3 games with double digit lines and two games with lines under 5. Not exactly the great match ups we were looking for.

• Bama -11 over Utah



• USC -10.5 over PSU



• Texas - 10.5 over OSU



• Cincy -2 over VTech



• OK -3 over Florida

Memo to BCS: Please Don't!

Thank goodness Oregon beat Oregon State this weekend. Who would have wanted to see a replay of Oregon State vs Penn State a 44-14 whipping by PSU in September. USC vs Penn State will be a much better match up and it will be interesting to see if PSU is ready for prime time. (JoPa may want to retire before the game)

Ok, BCS you got lucky on that one. With that said, please give us good match ups this holiday season. Here are some games, that I want and don't want to see.

Fiesta: Texas vs Ohio State: Haven't we seen this game enough the past few years? Let's have a different match up please. What is the deal with Ohio State and the Fiesta Bowl? Does Columbus eat more nacho chips then any other city in America? Come on, give some else a shot to dip the nachos! BHB Pick: Texas vs Utah

Sugar: Will most likely get the loser in the Florida - Alabama game this weekend. This could be a nice match up between quality teams. BHB Pick: Alabama vs Ohio State/Boise State

Orange Bowl is pretty much a lock with Cincinnati vs Virgina Tech/Boston College winner. I think this could be a very entertaining game. BHB Pick: Cincinnati vs Virgina Tech

National Championship: Oklahoma vs Florida

Note: If Ohio State excepts a bid to a BCS game they should be required by the NCAA to sign a 10 year home and away contract with Cincinnati. This would be great not only for the State of Ohio it would also help Brian Kelly (one of the hottest coaching candidates) stay in the Big East. We also know that Ohio State needs another rival and not just two year contracts with major programs.

In fact, a Cincinnati - Ohio State Orange Bowl would be quite entertaining. Book it Orange!

BCS please stay away from the re-tread games, we don't want to see them and they make your system look even worse then it already is.

Most likely BCS Losers:

• 12-0 Boise State: All they do is wins games but most likely will be left out in the Idaho cold over a two loss Ohio State team. BSU is also rated #9 in the BCS, while OSU is rated #10. Doesn't make a lot of sense. What a great system we have!
• 11-1 Texas Tech: All they did was have one bad Saturday to the team in the National Championship game and they can't get a BCS invite because of the 3 team rule. Another example of how this system if flawed. Who wouldn't want to see an Alabama - Texas Tech match up in the Sugar Bowl?