Michigan Tuesday: Wiping The Dust from my Eyes

It took me a minute to figure out the Dusty to Dallas Mavs situation and how it all came together.  I now believe I have pieced together the story like a famous bad TV detective. 

So I present the evidence to Big House Blog Jury for your judgement:  

Evidence #1:

Dusty wins the National Championship flies home with the team the next day and ends up having to go right into the office due to the transfer portal opening. 

Evidence #2:

Since winning a Ring, Dusty has been working and non-stop recruiting.  No vacation or time off. There are reports he was even recruiting the Monday morning he took the Dallas job. 

Evidence #3:

NIL Juke out:  The top player in the portal Juke Harris committed to Dusty 2 or 3 times verbally.  Only for Juke and his agent to take a higher offer from Tennessee.   If you remember Yax came to Michigan when he had much bigger offers from the likes of UK, many suggest as high as double the Michigan offer.  NIL and situations like the one above, made his job less about coaching and more about being a GM. 

Evidence #4:

Michigan had an offer on Dusty's desk for weeks to make him the highest paid college basketball coach.  He didn't sign and was sending signals to the NBA.  In fact, if Steve Kerr didn't come back he was probably headed for Golden State. (per Brian Windhorst ESPN) 

Evidence #5:

Dallas made him an offer that was hard to turn down:  Big salary, being able to coach Cooper Flagg, and draft one of his former players.  If he fails or doesn't like the NBA, he of course has a soft landing back in college ball.  That is one time special offer. 

Evidence #6:

This is pure speculation, he could give his friend at St. Louis Josh Schertz a promotion to be Michigan Head Basketball Coach. (If Warde is thinking clearly) 

The defensive Michigan Fans rest your honor.  

So this wasn't Warde's fault but it still happened under his watch.   He should've known when Dusty didn't sign his contract right away, something was up and should've paid off his beach house like Alabama did when Saban was flirting with Texas. 

• You know how I feel about Michigan taking commitments from guys heading a 2-year mission.  I believe they are useless and rarely workout.  Here is a similar example that worked out in Michigan's favor.  Weston Port was a 3 Star LB recruit out of California in the 2025 class and committed to UCLA.  Both Michigan and UCLA are different programs now and Weston is ready to enroll in January when his mission trip to Spain completes.  He picked Michigan on Monday over many new offers.   This reminds me of  the Andrew Gentry situation and how he ended up in A2.  Welcome Weston and this should close out the LB class for the 2027 class for the Wolverines. 

• The buzz on 2 Michigan Freshmen that are expected to see the field early and often are of course: Savion Hiter and DT Titan Davis.

• Another bad sign for the Big Ten and college football.  Wisconsin will wear a Culvers jersey patch this year. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Is This How it's Supposed to Work?

Rice guard (basketball) Jordan Williams signed with Maryland from the portal.  He also played at Texas AM and Vandy prior to landing at Rice.  Jordan missed 17 games at Rice last year due to injury.  He will now be playing football for Maryland per Rivals.  Interesting finding football talent in the basketball transfer portal. 

• Reports are that Malakai Lee showed up on campus at 6'8 and 345 pounds.  He might have earned a new nickname as Andre The Giant. Hopefully he is ready to compete for a role on the offensive line as a true freshman. 

• Clint Eastwood at 96 has offically retired from acting and producing.  That is one helluva run.

• Michigan Basketball signee Marcus Moller who announced recently he is cancer free, will join Michigan with his freshman class.

• Elite 2028 QB Neimann Lawrence will announce his college decision on 6/25 and pick between Michigan, Texas, ND, Miami, and Texas AM.

Michigan Friday: Nebraska Wanted Out

I remember this as it was in the news for like 3 days maybe 5 years ago.  The former AD of Nebraska Cornhuskers recently confirmed he did meet with the Big 12 commissioner on returning to the Big 12.  He said, "it died on the vine".  You think?  Do you have any idea what the difference in payouts is between a Big 12 school and a Big 10 school? AI tells me for the 2024-2025 school year, the Big 12 payout was $35M per team.  The Big 10 for the same time period was $63.3M.   Not a hard decision.  

Speaking of that, I wish they would've left.  The Big 10 expected they were getting a football powerhouse and its been just the opposite.  In fact, if we are selling off Big 10 schools, the Big 12 could take Rutgers and Maryland as well.   That invite is still head scratching to me.  If I remember correctly, the Big Ten commissioner was excited about bringing in the New York City TV audience in by inviting Rutgers.  How is that working out?  The lack of leadership and decision making at the Big 10 and NCAA is just shocking.  

Speaking of  NCAA leadership, they took another hit when former Ferris State QB and current Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss won his 6th year of eligibility in a Mississippi court.   The NCAA needs to keep their nose out of college football.  There needs to be a Football Commissioner for the Power 4 that can make rulings and set a salary cap.  The NCCA is no longer a valid organization for big time college football.   The NCAA is expected to appeal the decision on Chambliss. 

• UCLA visits Ann Arbor for a body clock game at 12:45 on Saturday.  At least they get home earlier.

• I know this is a few days late but I love the Tigers signed Justin Verlander.  I hope he has a great year, Tigers Win the World Series, and he calls it a career. 

• Jim Harbaugh and former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel attended a Lakers game together.  This is an interesting relationship.

Michigan Tuesday: Happy For Jay

Jay Harbaugh decided not to follow his dad to the Chargers or stay at Michigan.  Those were easy decisions.  He decided to take a risk with a friend but an unproven head coach Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks to be the Special Teams Coordinator.  IT was very clear on Sunday that Special Teams can be the difference in winning and losing a championship.  Denver and LA both made key mistakes in special teams that cost them a chance at the Super Bowl.  Jay's squad on the other hand has been helping the Seahawks win all year and he now has earned a trip to San Fran.  

Jay and Coach Mac are not the only former Michigan coaches doing a great job in Seattle.  The beloved former Michigan LB coach who was seemingly wrongly terminated by Warde, Chris Partridge is the Seahawks Outside LB coach.   

This guy doesn't have any ties to Michigan Football and spent 20 years at USC; his look just scares me.  This is Seahawks S&C Coach Jamie Yanchar.  I would guess he is able to get the guys to do a few more reps!

• The Big Ten 2026 Football schedule gets released today at 5:30

• Michigan Basketball hosts the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers tonight at 7:00 on Peacock.  This week will be a huge test for the talented Wolverines, with the Cornhuskers tonight and a trip to East Lansing this weekend.   Maybe we should just hire Jamie Yanchar to just stare at the opposing team under their basket. 😀

Michigan Tuesday: The Big Ten 3-Peats

The Big Ten has taken over the reigns of college football from the SEC and has won 3 National Championships in the last 3 years.  2 of the 3 were undefeated National Champions including our own Michigan Wolverines.   I've been critical of the Big Ten over the years and I think that criticism has been warranted, but it is nice to be playing in the top conference in the college football.  With that said, I'm also glad Michigan didn't have IU on their schedule this season.  😀

The game last night went pretty much how I expected.  I thought both teams would score a little more in the first half, but that was probably nerves and getting used to the opponents physicality.   Raise your hand, if you were like me, thinking on that final drive that Beck was going to throw a INT to close out the game?  I was more confident in the pick then the TD.  

I thought the officials were terrible last night.  I'm 100% for letting them play, but some of those missed calls were unexcusable.  My last thought on the game is, I thought both OC's let their teams down.  Both had 10 days to prepare and it seemed both thought they could just run their regular stuff and beat the other team.  Get creative, get aggressive, game plan for the opponent.  I thought Fernando would have a quick passing attack to stop the Miami pass rush, that was not the plan.   Miami thought they were just going to run over IU's defense, which was clear if you watched any of the previous games, that was not going to happen. 

Curt Cignetti has done one of most incredible coaching jobs I've ever seen as Indiana Football is College Football's National Champion.  I guess having a mid-60's year old coach is a good thing after all.  😀

• There is a Mendoza already in the transfer portal!  It's Fernando's brother.   It seems GT has gotten really good at tampering as that is the rumored destination for the Heisman Trophy winning brother.  Here is a tip, hand it off to Justice. 

• The fraud Big Ten Commission gets zero credit for any of these wins BTW.  Just a dope in the right place at the right time. 

Michigan Monday: The Truth Behind the Ohio State Loss

We are all too close and too emotional when it comes to playing Ohio State.  Many times we can't see what is really happening because our heart over rides our head.   I fell victim to that when I wrote my Post Game before the game was even over.  I really didn't have time to process the entire game until I watched IU beat the Buckeyes on Saturday night.  

I understand I'm not a fan of Wink's.  I've been pretty clear about that everyday since he was hired.  I've also given him credit when credit was due.  That win last season against the eventual National Champion with a Michigan team that didn't have a functioning QB, was sorcery.  I will also go on record that I thought Wink blitzed too much during the season and it cost his defense long drives and points. 

Wink's lack of QB pressure against Ohio State cost Michigan the game.  What I watched on Saturday (mostly for the 1st half) was a carbon copy of OSU - Michigan.   The difference in the game ?  IU was pressuring Sayin.  Hell, IU was running plays that Michigan had run the week before.  

Bob, IU is the #2 defense in the country, they must have more talent then Michigan?  

Their roster is full of transfers from the MAC and small schools.  Its was not a talent issue.  It was a scheme and game plan issue.  Now, I get it.  Wink had to protect against the long ball with 2 NFL WR's on the outside.  But not pressuring Sayin at all, was a huge mistake.  It was the difference in IU winning the Big Ten Championship and Michigan booking a charter flight to Orlando. 

Bob, Michigan's offense wasn't going to score too many more points against that OSU defense.

That is an accurate statement, but IU's high octane offense only scored 4 more points then Michigan did against that defense.  If Michigan had more possessions by pressuring the OSU QB, they could've scored more points. 

Wink needs to go to the NFL next season.  Titans please hire him! 

• Sherrone made a quiet hire on Saturday when he hired former OSU DC Kerry Coombs as Special Teams Coordinator.  Kerry is from Cincinnati and has a ton of recruiting contacts in Ohio and in the midwest.  He also was in charge of Michigan for OSU recruiting, so he has a ton of ties instate as well.   Good hire and a guy that can coach a ton of position groups. 

• Anyone else laughing at what the OSU fans were thinking watching the Fox telecast on Saturday night with all the Michigan Basketball promotions? 😀

• Speaking of Michigan Basketball, wow! 

• I missed KG's daughter signed with Michigan Volleyball.  Did you know that KG would've gone to Michigan if he didn't go straight to the NBA out of highschool!

• Blake Corum had his best day as a pro: 128 on 12 carries and 2 TD's! 

• JJ also played better and threw 3 TD's 

• Sherrone confirmed Hausmann has a personal issue and dealing with a thumb injury.  His status for the Bowl Game is TBD.  

• ND that is a shame.  No Pop Tart?

Signing Day Wrap Up

This has been a crazy week, we had the GAME on Saturday and Signing day on Wednesday.  The biggest non-Michigan Big Ten Championship with #1 vs #2 is happening on Saturday and outside those fan bases, nobody seems to care.   Very weird time.  

Michigan had two good signing days and now it seems complete.   Wednesday was better then Thursday as Michigan lost two high 4-stars on Thursday to Stanford and South Carolina.   Michigan replaced the 4-star WR with a flip of Brady Marchese from Georgia.

Michigan signed 26 players, here are their team rankings:

24/7: #11

Rivals: #12

ESPN: #10

Michigan is 4th in the Big Ten. USC has the consensus #1 class, Oregon a top 5 class, and OSU with a top 10.

Michigan still has to do some work in the portal to try to load up for Sherrone's make or break next season.  One he will start off suspended for the 1st game. 

Big Ten Championship Preview.  

I can't think of a more even match-up in any Big Ten Championship game.  It really is going to steal some thunder from the CFP because both teams are moving on, no matter the outcome.  My guess is the IU fans will be pinching themselves and wondering how the hell they got here?  I'm not sure I've ever witnessed this type of turnaround.  We will see if Curt can keep it up. 

I think this is going to be a low scoring game.  Both defenses are strong.  OSU's defense is better but so is IU's offense.  The only time IU was in deep water this season was against Iowa.  Which confuses me and might have been the pink locker rooms.  

This is a home game for IU but very driveable for Buckeye fans.   This is a Ohio State championship environment but if the lights aren't too bright for Indiana, I like them to win the game.   IU 24 OSU 17

Michigan Tuesday: Yikes Penn State

Penn State fired their successful coach because he couldn't win big games and had a championship team this season that barley made a bowl game.  They let James Franklin go mid-season and he has already found a new job but Penn State has yet to replace him.  

All the big jobs are now filled.  Even Michigan State made a lighting fast hire after letting Jonathan Smith go.  In fact, I saw that Pat Fitzgerald was being hired before I heard Smith was fired.  Nobody hired Gruden and Penn State is still open after their AD got hacked on Twitter saying, he doesn't know who the F to hire.   Did I mention that signing day is Wednesday and James Franklin is raiding the Penn State class? Good times.  

The latest news is that Penn State is targeting BYU head coach Kalani Sitake.  I like Kalani and think he is a good football coach.  He is no where near ready for the Penn State job.   This has been an absolute disaster for Penn State's program. 

• UK hires Will Stein Oregon's OC and its next head coach. CAL is hiring Oregon's DC Tosh Lupoi.

• Coach O is rumored to be a candidate for Tulane 

• South Florida is in Gruden's home town, will they make that happen?

• James Madison’s Bob Chesney is being hired by UCLA, they are going to try to do the IU turnaround model.

• The big story line for Michigan tomorrow is, what will Julian Walker do?  Julian is a 4/5 star DE, he has been committed to Michigan for awhile now but South Carolina keeps coming for him.  He was in town last weekend and I hope he saw the need for talented pass rushers in Ann Arbor.   Expectation is that he will make a decision and sign on Wednesday. 

• Colorado true freshman LB Mantrez Walker is entering the portal.  At one time he was committed to Michigan. 

• Star MSU WR Nick Marsh is also in the portal.  I'm here for Marsh and Marsh at WR, Marshall at RB, and Marshall at TE. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Ten Week 14 Preview

We all know the most important game this weekend, so no need to cover that.  There are a few interesting games that could swing the pendulum of the Big Ten Championship game.   There are also a couple of Friday games. 

Friday:

Iowa (-6,5) @ Nebraska: A battle of 7-4 teams, which seems to be right.  Both teams are average at best and playing for a Black Friday corn trophy.  Iowa 17 Nebraska 13 

Indiana (-28.5) @ Purdue:  What a miss-match game for two teams close to each other in Indiana.  IU will be in Indy for a home game against a foe TBD.  IU 41 Purdue 10

Saturday:

Oregon (-6.5) @ Washington:  UW plays well at home but its a short trip for the Ducks.  Oregon has something to play for in maybe Indy and probably the playoffs.  Oregon 28 Washington 27

Wisconsin @ Minnesota (-1.5): The Badgers have been playing better and the Golden Gophers are doing their late season dive.  I think Wisconsin wins this one 21 Minnesota 17 

Penn State (-13.5) @ Rutgers: Both teams have 5 wins and the winner gets two more weeks of practice and a bowl game.   Neither team wants to pass.   Penn State 30 Rutgers 21

Maryland @ MSU (-3.5): Is this game a Ford Field?  Don't watch or attend this game.  Maryland 17 MSU 16 

UCLA @ USC (-21.5): USC is clearly the better team.  USC 38 UCLA 21 

Northwestern @ Illinois (-6.5): Both teams are bowl eligible and nobody cares about this game.  Illinois was way over ranked all year.  Northwestern 28 Illinois 17

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at OSU

This week always feels a little different.  There is a major holiday on Thursday and pretty much an off week in the corporate world.   Then Saturday roles around and Michigan and Ohio State plays a football game.  We nervously watch for 3.5 hours hoping to have bragging rights for another 365 days.   This year is no exception as the #1 ranked Buckeyes visit the Big House. 

OSU 11-0 

Best Win: Texas or Washington on the road

Worst Loss: None 

Pass: 270 yards (28th) 

Run: 170 yards (56th) 

Score: 37 (11th) 

Give up: 7 (1st) 

When your defense gives up on average 1 TD a game.  The offense just has to show up and run the ball a little, throw the ball a little and win the game.  I guess that is the formula for being 11-0 the defending National Champs and #1 team in the nation.  On the flip side, OSU has not been tested by a quality team all year.  Yes, Texas was highly ranked to start the year but we know now that was fools gold.  Outside of the 1st game of the year, I'm not sure many people have watched Buckeye Football because the games have been so lopsided and not worth your attention. 

Michigan is an 11.5 dog at home for this rivalry match-up. 

• I expect we will get an injury report on Max from Sherrone at his noon press conference. 

• Maybe some more clarity on the strange Ernie Hausmann situation as well. 

• Kick off on Saturday is scheduled for 12:14 so Fox can carry on about nothing. 

• Cal fires Justin Wilcox after getting blown out by the fighting Andrew Luck's. 

• ESPN College Gameday is heading to A2

• Michigan #15 in both polls 

• Michigan Hockey sweeps OSU Hockey this weekend 

• Also Michigan Women's Basketball just barley loses to #1 UConn

• Michigan has a 10:30 tip tonight in Vegas against SDSU or the fighting Steve Fishers (now Brian Dutcher)

Big Ten Weekend 13 Preview and BBall Thoughts

Another interesting week in the Big Ten, there is one solid game out West but the rest are just ok, as programs fight for bowl eligibility. 

Rutgers @ OSU (-31.5): What is OSU's best win of the year? Washington on the road?  Great job with the schedule Big 10.  OSU 45 Rutgers 6

Minnesota @ Northwestern (-3.5): This is is another Wrigley Game and Northwestern would like to get its first win in its home away from home.  I wonder what attendance will look like?  Northwestern 17 Minnesota 14

USC @ Oregon (-10.5):  That seems like a lot of points for this traditional PAC 10 match-up.  This might as well be a playoff game, loser is going to a Bowl Game.  Oregon 31 USC 28

MSU @ Iowa (-16.5): Iowa plays good football in November.  MSU does not.  Iowa 24 MSU 10 

Nebraska @ Penn State (-7.5):  How in the world is Nebraska 7-3?  They are also a TD and a hook dog on the road.  Neither team has their starting QB and Penn State's head coach is now at Va Tech and Nebraska's head coach was wanted by Penn State. What a mess.  Neither coach is any good.  Penn State 20 Nebraska 13

Illinois (-7.5) @ Wisconsin: Illinois is the better team but they are not really that good.  Wisconsin is really bad but play better at home when its cold.  Illinois 21 Wisconsin 17

Washington (-10.5) @ UCLA:  Is Nico playing? Both teams had a moment in the mid-Big10 season.  Not so much now.  10:30 kick is right.   Washington 30 UCLA 22

Basketball:

Dusty clearly doesn't know what his best rotation is yet and continues to tinker with it.  Games against Middle Tennessee is a good time to experiment.   The team does seem to lack a natural shooter and can get lazy on the boards sometimes.  Still they have talent everywhere and maybe too much talent.   Loved to see Yax dominating like he can, we need to see a bit more dog in him.  He is a great player but also a team player and it might not be in his nature to take control of a game.   Mara is a good passer but he also makes too many dangerous passes.  

They will be better and can't wait to see when Dusty figures it out. 

Big Ten Weekend Preview: Week 12

Not the best matchup weekend but there is at least one interesting game to keep an eye on. 

Friday Night:

Minnesota @ Oregon (-25.5):  I don't believe the Ducks are as good as everyone thinks but the Golden Gophers don't play well on the road ever.  Night game, short week, long travel, no way.   Ducks 31 Gophers 10 

Saturday:

Wisconsin @ IU (-29.5):  I have no idea how Luke kept his job when he is traveling to a Big Ten school on Saturday and the Badgers are a 30 point dog.   Wisconsin does have heart and just had a big win over Washington who is another team that can't play road to save their lives.   IU 44 Wisconsin 14

Iowa @ USC (-6.5):  This is the best game of the weekend.  Iowa is tough and should've beat the Ducks last week and was competitive with IU.  USC is rolling and has a shot at the Big10 Championship game and maybe even the playoffs.  I think this will be low scoring affair.   USC 24 Iowa 16

Penn State (-6.5) @ MSU:  Both teams are 3-6 and both teams are currently on fire.  MSU had to vacate wins this week and Penn State is the most disappointing team in the country this year.  One head coach is fired the other could be replaced by the red hot Brian Kelly, who just wants his $54M.   I would normally say don't watch this game, but the dueling flame throwers could be entertaining.  PSU 20 MSU 17

Maryland @ Illinois (-14.5):  I don't see any other reason to watch this game then scouting Maryland for next week.  Illinois 27 Maryland 17

Purdue @ Washington (-16.5):  The Huskies are a different team when they play in Seattle.   Purdue is getting better but not today.  UW 28 Purdue 9 

UCLA @ OSU (-32.5):  NBC must love that they have a primetime game with #1 team in the nation and a 32.5 spread.  Yikes.  OSU 41 UCLA 13

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Northwestern

It's always strange watching Big Ten Football when Michigan isn't playing and some teams just don't change.  Iowa does what they do, plays a close one and loses by a field goal at the end.  Penn State puts up a great effort against IU and then coughs it up in the end, and Washington can't play on the road.   Tigers don't change their stripes. 

Northwestern 5-4

Best Win: Penn State 

Worst Loss: Purdue 

Pass: 169.9 (119th)

Run 181.4 (42)

Points given up: 19.1 (21st) 

Points Scored: 21.9

Line: Michigan -11.5

Northwestern is on a two loss streak with recent losses to Nebraska and USC.  They have Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois to get to Bowl eligibility.  

I'm very happy its a noon kick and I hope my flight doesn't get cancelled, its also forecasted to be unseasonably warm on Saturday and I will take 65 in November anytime!  

Michigan needs to be careful in this game, Northwestern is not terrible and will play you tough.  If Michigan doesn't play clean, the Wildcats could steal a W.  Michigan needs to be healthier then they were against Purdue to win this one. 

• Sherrone gets mentoring from Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban.  That is pretty smart actually. 

• No time yet for Maryland game, will get it next weekend. 

• Big Ten tells USC and Michigan too bad we are taking the private equity money.

Michigan Friday: Welcomes a New LB

Michigan has done well in finding talented Linebackers in the portal and on the recruiting trail.  I wish they weren't all hurt at the moment.   Wisconsin is struggling in all phases right now and even though they say Luke will be back, nothing looks good about the Badger program right now. 

That led talented Ohio 3 star LB Aden Reeder from St.X in Cincinnati to flip his commitment from Wisconsin to Michigan after a recent visit to Ann Arbor.  Aden is expected to play the Ernie Hausman role in Michigan's future defense.  He is rated the 45th LB in the country and is also strong student with eyes on the Engineering school at U of M.  Michigan needed another LB in the class and Aden fit the bill! 

Aden had offers from the likes, UC, Nebraska, BC, UK, UVA, VT, WVU, IU, MSU, Northwestern, Iowa, Maryland and Minnesota.  Welcome Aden! 

• RIP to former WMU DE Marshawn Kneeland who was coached my Michigan's DL coach Lou Episodio at Western. 

• As a reminder, two games to watch for Michigan fans this weekend.  Tonight - NW @ USC and Oregon @ Iowa on Saturday. 

• Michigan is playing Wake Forest at Little Caesars Arena next week.

• Is it possible two things can resolve itself this weekend?  
• I would love to have my ESPN back for college football on Saturday 
• Would love for the Government Shutdown to not affect my flight to Chicago to watch Michigan play NW at Wrigley.  

Michigan Thursday: With Bonus BIG10 Weekend Preview

I'm not a big fan of Warde, if your a daily reader of this blog you know this already.  Like my feelings about Wink, I do give credit when credit is deserved.  Warde made an excellent hire in Dusty, who I consider one of the best basketball coaches in America.  He has also made a smart decision by cancelling the game in Germany.  

In my mind, there was zero reason to play that game.  #1 It takes a home game away from the season ticket holders, #2 Western is located like a hour and half away from Ann Arbor, and #3 Michigan would make a lot more money hosting the Broncos then traveling overseas.   Not to mention the Wolverines would also lose a recruiting visit weekend.  Smart move Warde. 

ESPN is struggling right now.  They are in a huge fight with Youtube TV that has 10M subscribers and now they are shutting down the ESPN Bet app after 2 years into a 10 year agreement.   The worldwide leader in sports better start to figure out how to be a better partner.  Maybe not paying $30M+ for your MNF Booth might be a good start at saving some money.   Reports are they losing $5M per day with the Youtube fight and shows audiences are way down. 

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 11

Friday Night:

Northwestern @ USC (-14.5):  This is an interesting game for Wolverines fans to watch.  Michigan needs USC to keep winning to keep their quality loss status and next up at Wrigley is NW.  We know what happens when teams travel west and a Friday night kick doesn't help.  USC 31 NW 17

Saturday:

Indiana (-14.5) @ PSU:  This seasons difficult schedule didn't cost James Franklin his job, the easy games did.  It what was supposed to be another major match-up has PSU at a 2 TD dog at home.  PSU plays tough by IU wins.  IU 28 PSU 20

Ohio State (-30.5) @ Purdue:  We know Purdue is feisty, but I think us Michigan fans are going to be ashamed of the point total that the Buckeyes will put on the Boilermakers this weekend.   OSU 40 Purdue 10. 

Oregon (-6.5) @ Iowa:  I did not see this one coming.  The Ducks have zero good wins and a home loss to IU (Yes, the PSU win in Happy Valley was good at the time).  Iowa is playing really good football and is the only program to give IU a game this season.  This game will knock one of the teams out of the CFP picture.  Yes, Iowa is playing for a spot!  Iowa 24 Oregon 21 

Washington (-10.5) @ Wisconsin: The UW Bowl as nobody has ever called it! 😀 Poor Wisconsin.  Washington is still really good in my mind.   UW - West 34 UW - Midwest 7 

Nebraska @ UCLA (-2.5):  I like UCLA in this one as Creepy Mahomes is out for the year with a broken leg and Matt Rhule has James Franklin vibes to me.  UCLA 21 Nebraska 13 

Big Ten Preview Week 10

This season is flying by, and we are already at Week 10.  Let's get to the matchups! 

No Friday Game

Penn State @ Ohio State (-19.5):  This was supposed to be the game of the year in the Big Ten.  After OSU beat Texas, they were ranked #1 and Penn State was #2.  How things have changed for the Nittany Lions since then.  OSU 28 PSU 10 

Rutgers @ Illinois (-11.5):  I don't know about either one of these teams.  Neither are very good and both teams think they are decent.  Greg Schiano fell to his knees when they beat NW last weekend.  Illinois 21 Rutgers 13

IU (-21.5) @ Maryland:  I believe Indiana is the best team in the Big Ten and has the best win @ Oregon.  Maryland is a tough place to play and an improved squad.   I still think IU has more fire power.  IU 38 Maryland 17

Michigan State @ Minnesota (-3.5):  This is the don't watch this game of the week.  The Golden Gophers only play well at home.  Minnesota 24 MSU 23 

USC @ Nebraska (-4.5) Both teams only have 2 loses.  USC is the better team, but they play terrible on the road.  Might be chilly in Nebraska.  Neb 30 USC 28 

Big Ten Preview: Week 9

What a stinker for a Big Ten weekend match-up preview.  UCLA is the top Big Noon game and the Instate rivalry of Michigan - MSU tops the NBC game of the week. On to the show:

UCLA @ IU (-26.5):  I love UCLA's turnaround but that comes to a halt this week.  IU 51 UCLA 14 

Northwestern @ Nebraska (-8.5): Both of these teams are 5-2?  That seems strange to me.  Nebraska just got embarrassed by PJ Fleck and Matt Rhule wants the Penn State job?  Nebraska 24 Northwestern 14

Rutgers (-1.5) @ Purdue: Not sure this is a watchable game.  I think Purdue sneaks one out here.  Purdue 28 Rutgers 21. 

Illinois @ Washington (-3.5): Both of these teams are 5-2? Illinois is ranked again? I guess this is a good game.  Will Illinois get the travel west cold and not show up and play?  I like UW after the Michigan loss as Illinois travel west.  UW 31 Illinois 20 

Minnesota @ Iowa (-8.5): Both of these teams are 5-2? This could be a good game.  Iowa plays great defense and Minnesota plays well at home.  This game is at Iowa.   Iowa 21 Minnesota 14

Wisconsin @ Oregon (-31.5):  Do not watch this game.  It will be ugly and it will be amazing if Luke gets through this year in this role.  Oregon 61 Wisconsin 6

 

Wolverine Wednesday: Too Many Night Games

I get why NBC wants Michigan on night games.  Even if Michigan is playing a bad team, they bring with them a big audience.  Each week there isn't a good night game.  Fox Big Noon game this week includes UCLA, some weeks just won't have good match-ups.   

Still Michigan is playing way too many night games.  This week's game against MSU and Purdue the following week at home are both a night.  What are we doing?  Doesn't NBC have the NBA now?  Show an NBA game and give us back our Noon kicks!   

I will stop yelling a clouds now and give you real information.

• BG is back! He signed back with the Eagles

• Lane Kiffin says Brent Venables steals signs, what everyone does it? I'm shocked. 

• Michigan has offered Wisconsin LB commit Aden Reeder 
• Michigan offers Northwestern LB commit Brayden Reilly 

• Word is Marcus Freeman is having his agent call on open jobs.  He either wants out of ND or more likely wants a big raise. 

• Jimbo Fisher and Coach O both want to coach again 

• Link's injury is expected to be not as serious as expected and we might see him back this season.

• Cam Rising has been coaching Brady Smigiel before his injury 

• 14 former Wolverines made NBA Rosters
• 5 are on a 2-way (Goldin, Houstan, Livers, Castleton, Dickinson)
• Kobe Bufkin was cut from the Nets

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 8

Last week every Big Ten had an interesting story line, the one game we thought didn't NW at PSU ended up having the biggest impact as the Nittany Lions lost their starting QB and head coach in one game.  

Now to this week, with much less interesting games:

Friday: 

Nebraska (-7.5) @ Minnesota: The Golden Gophers are home dogs to the 25th ranked team in the nation.  Yes, Nebraska is ranked.  I think Nebraska is a better team but not by a TD and a hook.  Nebraska 23 Minnesota 17

Saturday:

Purdue @ Northwestern (-2.5):  Northwestern is 4-2 and Purdue continues to rebuild.  Either team can win this game.  Northwestern 20 Purdue 17

Ohio State (-26.5) @ Wisconsin: Remember when this used to be a big game?  This might be Luke's final game in Madison.  Ohio State 41 Wisconsin 7 

Oregon (-17.5) @ Rutgers:  Be careful Ducks if your still hung over from the IU slap.  Rutgers will grab an early lead and then give it up in the 2nd half.  Oregon 31 Rutgers 20

Penn State @ Iowa (-3.5): Now this is an interesting game now.  When the season kicked off what was the chance Iowa would be favored in this game? Zero Chance!  That is why they play the games.  Nobody knows what is going to happen here.  PSU 17 Iowa 14 

Maryland @ UCLA (-3.5): Is UCLA the hottest team in the Big Ten?  No IU is but still they have comeback from the dead and we are close to Halloween..  UCLA 28 Maryland 23

USC @ ND (-9.5):  Football insiders believe ND is close to a lock to make the playoffs.  I have yet to see them play a complete game (I did not see last week's win over NC State).  Vegas is not buying USC after the Michigan win.   This might be the last chance for someone to knock out ND from making the playoffs after going 0-2.   I like USC if the team that beat Michigan shows up, if its the team that played Illinois, no thanks.   USC 34 ND 28 

Big Ten Weekend Preview: Week 7

How did we get to week 7 already?  Didn't the season just start?  I rarely say this, but every Big Ten game this weekend has its own story line and somewhat intriguing.  For example:

Friday Night:

Rutgers @ Washington (-10.5): Both of these teams are pretty good and UW only has one loss to the #1 team in the nation.  That line seems pretty high but its the travel west that will get you.  UW 28 Rutgers 21

Saturday:

OSU (-14.5) @ Illinois:  This is an interesting game because everyone thought Illinois was going to be good at the start of the season and then got slapped by IU.  OSU has been #1 since beating Texas and winning a football tournament at the end of last season.  Classic OSU game,close early, run away in the 2nd half.  OSU 31 Illinois 17

UCLA @ MSU (-8.5):  A week ago this game would've had the infamous, Do Not Watch label.  Now there is some intrigue after UCLA upset Penn State.   Body clock game for the Bruins.  MSU 38 UCLA 21 

Northwestern @ PSU (-21.5):  Raise your hand if you thought both of these teams would be 3-2 right now?  James, put your hand down!  Most would think last week was the "get right game" now its Northwestern.  Iowa on deck for PSU with OSU in the hole.   PSU 41 NW 13 

IU @ Oregon (-7.5): Big Game Alert 💥 #7 IU travels to #3 Oregon.  Time to see if IU is for real.  Like many new up and coming programs IU struggles on the road.  I expect they will on Saturday as well.  Oregon 34 IU 24 

Nebraska (-6.5) @ Maryland:  Both teams are 4-1 and Maryland plays well at home. Nebraska is still a strange program to me. Maryland 21 Nebraska 14  

Iowa (-3.5) @ Wisconsin:  The Badgers played pretty well against Michigan last weekend and back to power football.  That is Iowa's love language.  Close one.  Iowa 17 Wisconsin 14

Purdue @ Minnesota (-7.5):  Purdue is frisky and getting better.  Minnesota is the same team under PJ Fleck every year.  Not sure why this is a prime time game? Minnesota 27 Purdue 21