Michigan Tuesday: Big Basketball Win and Injury Report

The Detroit Media that covers Michigan Football does a nice job, many have made a career out of it.  Still they leave too much meat on the bone during Sherrone's press conferences.  

For example, nobody asked the question about Hausmann status with the team?  Sherrone said he was day to day with an assumed injury.    Semaj didn't travel either to Maryland and is "fine".    There was at least a couple follow ups needed there, is he in the portal? is he an active member of the team?  A question that was probably a month too late, someone asked if Rod Moore was out for the regular season and Sherrone confirmed he probably was.  

If I had to guess Rod has an issue with his recovery from multiple knee surgeries and his career as a Wolverine is probably coming to an end (unless he tries for another injury redshirt year, which could be possible). 

Max's xray were not good but "if anyone can play on Saturday it would be Max".   So he is out as well. 

Let's hope Marshall is ready and Hausmann is back in the good graces of the coaching staff. 

Now I didn't stay up to watch Michigan - SDSU last night but it seems Michigan dominated from the tip and won by 40, which is usually a good sign.  They had a balanced scoring which is great to see on a roster that is learning to play together.  Michigan has a tough game scheduled for tonight at 8:30 against Auburn and then will have another game on Wednesday or Thursday.  

• Brian Kelly and LSU are in a legal fight over his $54M buyout.  His lawyer sent a note to LSU that his ongoing legal battle is making it difficult to find another job in a very hot coaching market at the moment.  

• The Giants fired their DC after the Lions escaped with an OT win.   That would've been the Lions worst loss since they started biting knee caps. 

• Elle Duncan is  moving to Netflix to be the face of their sports coverage.  I hope this doesn't mean more air time for the cringy Hannah Storm.  There is hope that Elle can continue in a smaller role at ESPN as well as her Netflix duties. 

• Speaking of Duncan's,  Duncan Robinson is the fastest player in NBA History to hit 1000 3-pointers and score 5000 points.  Go Pistons! 

• I missed this news but Draftkings is taking over ESPN Bet on 12/1.

• Two Suns minority owners claim majority owner Mat Ishbia has committed fraud. Shocker!

  

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)

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 

Michigan Thursday: ESPN Getting Close To Buying the NFL Network

Being in business with the NFL is good business.  The value of each NFL franchise keeps going up year after year.  Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys for $150M and now what is it worth? $20B maybe?

If you're a network and want to show NFL games, you better come with Billions for the ugly Thursday night games.   

Now it's reported that ESPN and NFL Network are close to agreement for ESPN to purchase the network owned by the league.  The estimated purchase price is $2B.  This negotiation has gone on for over a year and as the season inches closer, so has this deal to the finish line.  

I'm torn on this deal, the best thing the NFL Network does is the Red Zone, but when you're a media company and now you're in bed with the NFL even further, can you really report the news fairly?  Can you investigate your partner if there is wrongdoing?  

The NFL has a ton of power and with that much power comes corruption.  Having journalists and media companies being able to investigate organizations helps balance the scales.  It looks like ESPN is out of that game and just prefers to provide top tier content.  Which is probably the right strategy for these times.

• Sherrone and the few players are expected on stage at the Big Ten Meetings today.  I hope we learn a few nuggets.  Like maybe the health of the QB room?

Wolverine Wednesday: This Kid Looks Like Mason Graham!

2026 DT Alister Vallejo out of Texas looks like the 2025 NFL's #5 Draft Pick Mason Graham out of Michigan.  He is 6'3 and 310 pounds already and is wrecking ball on the defensive line.  Michigan beat out ND and Kansas for his services.   

Being compared to Mason is not fair for the soon to be high school senior but Alister looks like he could be Mason's brother and does have a wrestling background.  Similar to Mason, he is under rated at 3 stars in the composite (a 4-star to 24/7) but could be one of those guys that gets a huge bump by the services this summer.  

Michigan which has gotten off to a slower start in the 2026 class and had a class ranked in the 40's last week, now with 2 quick commits is #31 on 24/7.   That is a long way from a top 10 class but Michigan was in a similar position last summer before it got rolling on the recruiting trail. 

• Speaking of wrestlers, Jim has given a former Michigan wrestler Mason Paris a shot to make the LA Chargers as a FB.  Mason won the wrestler of the year award in 2023 at Michigan and hasn't played football since high school. "First time on the football field since high school," Paris wrote on social media. "Grateful for this experience and the exact reset I needed."  

• Speaking of Harbaugh, it seems he has had some health procedures during the off season.  He had his hip replaced and a cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation.

• Coach Prime also seems to being dealing with a health issue and not with the team currently. 

• Former Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky has decided not to replace former Detroit Lions QB Gary Danielson on CBS Big Ten Games and will stay with ESPN. 

Michigan Monday: Waiting For a Weekend Return

Michigan Football hosted a number of prospects this weekend as official visits are back on.  Let's hope we see a few commits soon as the 2026 could use some momentum.   Here is a list of the guys that were in town:

This Weekend's Visitor List includes:

• Looks like MSU has a strong AD candidate in J Batt from Georgia Tech who learned the NIL game at Alabama before Tech. 

• RIP to former ESPN Sports Science guy John Brenkus.  His approach was innovative and he wore some nice dress shirts.  His expertise will be missed, he was 54 and had a severe case of depression.

Wolverine Wednesday: Idaho is Close to Montana

Michigan got another top tier TE commit on Tuesday.  Similar to Colston Loveland who is from Idaho, the 6'4 250 TE Matt Ludwig is from Billings, Montana.  Which clearly means he is destined to greatness and a future top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.  

Matt's highest rating comes from On3 who has him inside the top 100 prospects in the country.   The composite from 24/7 has him a consensus 4-star.  His offer list includes: Georgia, Texas Tech, Auburn, Tenn, Florida, Cal, LSU, PSU, Texas, Stanford, and more. 

Greg Biggins from 24/7 has this quote: Ludwig is arguably the best prospect to come out of the Big Sky State in the last decade if not longer.

Welcome Big Man! 

• Looking like the last Corso headgear game will be Alabama @ Florida State on 8/30.

• NFL players playing Flag Football in the Olympics seem a bit unfair and I love it! 

• SVP continues his shutout streak at the Sports Emmys

Michigan Thursday: Starting To Take Shape

Michigan plays its embargoed Spring Game this weekend.  It will not be shown live on TV as Michigan is trying to protect its player from being shopped like AI expert at a job fair. 

Sounds like:

- Both QB's can spin it and showing great accuracy.

- Keene is back throwing from his mystery injury 

- Andrew Babalola was the first pick of the Spring Game (could be a freak Freshman starter on the OL!)

- New OC Chip Lindsey likes RB screens.  What?  I might be in love if that is the case! Not throwing more screens to the Don is maybe one of the worst mismanagement of a players potential/skill set ever! 

- WR's are better and the IU transfer is really good. 

- TE room is talented 

- RB 1 and 2 are locked down.  #3 is a question with Ben Hall gone.

-Expectations is the defense should be ahead of the offense.  

-Dline and Edge could be scary good.  Look out! 

-LB seems really solid but the GA transfer is hurt and recovering from an expected surgery

-CB needs depth and probably needs +2 in the portal 

-Safety will be fine when Rod Moore is back 100%. 

-Need someone to grab the Nickel position

Punter?

Kicker = best in the country 

• Wolf as expected is heading to the NBA Draft.  Wish we had him for 2 years but best of luck to him! 

• The real Wink Martindale (game show host) has passed away.  

• Remember former commit Edge Elias Rudolph who was committed for about a month and then decommitted and went to Miami?  He just jumped into the portal after redshirting last season. 

• Lee Corso is retiring from Gameday and will do one more in Week 1. 

Wolverine Wednesday: News and Notes

• Nico Collins was a good WR at Michigan.  I did not expect him to turn into one of the NFL's best WR's.  Congratulations to him and today his contract was re-worked for cap reasons. 

• Michigan Basketball closes the season at home against Maryland tonight.  Let's hope this game goes better then senior night. 

• OSU QB Will Howard had a tough combine throwing the ball. 

• Michigan is making a push for 5 star QB Ryder Lyons, he is expected to visit this Spring and take an official this summer.  

• ESPN's Around The Horn last show will be May 23

• I do not recognize this name at all, but now former Michigan QB Anthony Arnou is now transferring to Delaware State after graduation from U of M.

Big Ten Weekend Preview: Week 13 (also news and notes)

When the season started, we all had one game circled on the schedule.   Clearly, the biggest game of the year.  Indiana @ Ohio State for a shot at the Big Ten Title Game.   With the Big Ten giving The Ducks a free pass to Indy, now the only drama is the traditional rivalry game of IU vs. OSU.

Friday Night Match-Up:

Purdue @ MSU (-13.5): The rare Friday, DO NOT WATCH THIS GAME alert. I guess that no late November night games rule is over.  MSU 17 Purdue 10.

Saturday:

Indiana @ OSU (-13.5):  Michigan's 2nd half gave Ohio State a blue print on how to beat the Hoosiers.  Vegas is not buying IU as they are a 2 TD dog to the Buckeyes.  IU can win this game if they play the perfect game and don't turn the ball over.   This is one of those close first half games and then a blowout after.  OSU 38 IU 17

Illinois (-1) @ Rutgers: Somehow Illinois is still ranked.  Is there a difference between these 2 teams? One is 6-4 and the other 7-3.  Illinois 23 Rutgers 20

Iowa (-6.5) @ Maryland: Does anyone know who is playing QB for Iowa? They found one to replace Cade and then that kid gets hurt and is out for the year.  I expect Cade will play even though Iowa doesn't want him to.  Iowa 14 Maryland 9

Penn State (-11.5) @ Minnesota:  How many of these games are Penn State going to play?  They are going to slip into the playoff by playing nobody and getting embarrassed by Ohio State.   They should play ND in a play-in game to the playoffs.  PSU 38 Minn 28

Wisconsin @ Nebraska (-2.5):  Will the Bowl wins curse continue for Nebraska?  Wisconsin fired their OC after playing Oregon tough at home.  Wisconsin is playing better then Nebraska right now.  At some point Nebraska will win a 6th game.   Wisconsin 24 Nebraska 21

USC (-4.5) @ UCLA:  This is a huge rivalry game and nobody cares.  Both teams have a combined 9 wins and neither have had a good first year experience in the Big Ten.  USC is the better team but UCLA plays pretty well at home.  UCLA 28 USC 23

• Michigan lost another committed recruit with DL Jaylen Williams heading to Wisconsin.  He was committed to Michigan since this summer.  Win some - Lose some. 

• CMU coach Jim McElwain is retiring, clearly a side step from getting fired and the NCAA investigation into Connor Stalions on his sideline. 

• ESPN is ending the show "Around the Horn" next summer. 

• Sounds like tickets are available and low for the Northwestern game on the resale ticket services.

• PFF ranks Mason Graham as DT 1 and Ken Grant as DT 2 in the NFL Draft.  Thanks Wink! 

Wolverine Wednesday: Pre-Game Show Locations

Expect everyone and their brother in A2 this Saturday.  I'm sure all the celebrities will be "All Right, All Right, All Right".  

If your into the two big pregame shows by ESPN and Fox here are the locations:  ESPN GameDay at Ferry Field and Fox will be at Pioneer's Parking Lot.  I love that both Urban Meyer and Nick Saban will be at the Big House and neither will be game planning to beat the Wolverines. Also very weird. 

Since we are talking about the media and pregame shows.  Let's recap what we are hearing about the Michigan - Texas game from both networks:

• Michigan offensive line is struggling 
• Michigan run game is yet to get on track
• Michigan has a QB problem 
• Texas will win comfortably 

We will talk about later this week on how Michigan can actually win this game. 

• Rivalry Game?  Ohio State is hosting Western Michigan this Saturday. 
• Central Michigan will be opening the newly named PittBull Stadium this Weekend !
• Coach Prime vs. Coach Rhule on Saturday as well. 
• How many commercials is Coach Saban in now?
• Clemson is hosting App State on Saturday night.  Look out Dabo!  Fire the AD that scheduled that game now
• Big Ten after dark: Boise State @Oregon at 10:00 EST on Saturday.  Sneaky Good Game! 

Michigan Tuesday: Sherrone Speaks

Sherrone gave his first game week presser on Monday and has clearly learned from the Press Confrence Guru of saying words without any information. 

The Highlights of No Information:

• on QB: We're close, we will figure it out soon.  
• Which QB is taking the most 1st team snaps?  It's equal 
• Playing 2 QB's?  Mentions it working at Florida with Tebow and Leak but has also seen it fail at other programs. 
• Excitement for game week?  Team looking forward to not bashing each other
• Is the team over looking Fresno with Texas next week?  If you look forward you don't win today. That answer seems right out of Harbaugh's play book. 

On real information. It seems Jyaire Hill has grabbed the #2 CB slot.  

• The Connor Stalions Netflix doc is out, I haven't seen it yet.  Will watch it tonight.  

• Rumor is that Mason Graham and Benny are both injured.  Could be questionable for Saturday. 

• ESPN continues to cut staff and has let go 5 executives. 

• There are 3 Big Ten teams playing on Thursday (Minn, Rutgers, Illinois)  and 2 (MSU and Wisc) on Friday.  

• The Michigan line for this weekend is Michigan -21 and OU 45.5 points.  45.5 seems low to me. 

• DPJ gets cut by the Lions.  😕

Michigan Friday: Is Michigan's Future QB Visiting This Weekend?

There is a 2026 QB from Florida that has the most Michigan name ever, Brady Hart which combines the last names of two of the greatest Wolverines ever, Tom Brady and Mike Hart.  

Brady is 6'4 180 pounds and plays at Cocoa, Florida.  He is rated the 92th prospect in the country and 7th QB to 24/7 Composite.   He has only 1 early prediction and its to Clemson.   I'm very familiar with this area and Cocoa can produce very good athletes but the school is not known for its academics.  

Brady's father was a pitcher at Florida and was drafted by the Pirates.   Welcome to Ann Arbor Brady! 

• Michigan Basketball signed a home and home with TCU, which means former Wolverine transfer Frankie Collins will get to play in Ann Arbor again.  Frankie is at his 3rd program. 

• The Michigan coaches seem pretty happy on social media, does that mean another prospect committed?  Best Guess is Safety Kainoa Winston.

• Former ND commit athlete Shaun Terry is also in town for his official visit. 

• NBA Championship is 3-0 and Stanley Cup Finals 3-0.  Not great for TV ratings. 

• ESPN's Pete Thamel should never talk Michigan Football.  Heard an update from him this week and it was completely uninformed. 

• Have a great Father's Day Everyone! 

Wolverine Wednesday: More Basketball Departures

Like I mentioned yesterday, whoever Michigan hires as their next head basketball coach will have to rebuild this entire roster and I expect Michigan fans welcome that rebuild.   Tarris Reed and Yo Yo are the latest two to the portal.  The new coach is going to have a blank canvas and the promise of playing time for portal players.  Tarris averaged 26.5 minutes a game and 9 points.  Youssef Khayat under 6 minutes and 1.4 points a game. 

I heard yesterday that there are about 4000 D1 Basketball Players.  Over 2000 are expected to be in the portal.  There will be a ton of players to pick from.   

• The rumor has been confirmed former Raven Pernell McPhee will be on Sherrone's staff 

• Harbaugh had a garage sale over the weekend.  

• Former Alabama 5 star OT Kadyn Proctor who transferred to Iowa, spent a couple months in Iowa and now is back in the transfer portal before Spring Practice starts. 

• ESPN has extended their deal to broadcast the CFP

• Clemson has joined FSU's lawsuit on getting out of the ACC

• OSU Pro Day is today, Marvin Harrison Jr. will not participate. No combine, no Pro Day. 

Michigan Thursday: Bob's Random Thoughts

Sherrone is close to rounding out the defensive side of the football after Jim pillaged that entire coaching staff.  Let us not forget, this is Michigan's #1 unit next season.  The likes of Graham, Stewart, Grant, and Johnson will be 4 of the best players in college football next season. 

I like the hire of Texans Safety coach Stephen Adegoke, when he was in Ann Arbor as a GA in 2021.  He impressed coaches and players with his football knowledge.  He then went to the 49'ers and last year with the Texan's.  Reports are his interview was a home run and sounds like a perfect fit for the staff.  

The last spot at LB coach is Brian Jean-Mary's for the taking.  Reports are Tennessee is really trying hard to keep him him but Michigan's financial package is strong.   Update: Sam Webb reports BJM has been hired! 

You know how I feel about the Wink hire but the rest of the hires have been very solid and happy with the replacements.  When you see Steve Wilks fired from the 49'ers yesterday, my mind went to, he would've been a better option then Wink,  But, I'm trying to move on. 

Speaking of moving on, Tony Petitti says he and Warde have moved on.  Guess what Tony, we haven't.  You showed incompetence as a leader by suspending Harbaugh hours before the Penn State game and Michigan fans haven't forgot.   If I were you, I would still continue to polish up that resume. 

Random thought: There are a lot of Buckeye fans excited about Chip Kelly having elite talent mixed with his offense.   My thought is, when was the last time Chip coached an elite offense?  Has the defense caught up with his scheme?  Don Brown used to have an elite defense, until smarter coaches found a way to beat it. 

• OSU fired its head basketball coach, Chris Holtmann on Wednesday.  Juwan got a vote of confidence from Warde.  I don't mind giving Juwan another year with his health issues to begin the season.  Though he needs to have a huge season next season.

• Will Michigan break Georgia's record by having 16 players drafted?  Having the NFL Draft in Detroit won't hurt the local love for the Wolverines in the draft! 

• CFP will continue at ESPN, which is a smart move mostly with the 12 teams now.  Paid nearly 8B to keep it.  

• Michigan continues to expand their NIL program now with Learfield and Altius Sports.  

Michigan Tuesday: Where is Pete?

I didn't realize that ESPN's Pete Thamel had to hide during Game Day because he thought he was going to get beat up by the Michigan fans.  I guess Desmond called him out about it during the broadcast.  Michigan fans might not love Pete for how he has been disseminating information about Sign-gate, but they are not going to beat him up on National TV.   Wonder if he stayed for the game and hid in the press box or got out of town?  

Unfollowing Pete on Twitter was one of the best decisions I've made in the last few weeks. 

Spartans Will go:  Since the end of the season and hiring a new coach Sparty has lost a few players including: Starting QB Katlin Houser, true freshman QB Sam Leavitt (who is from Oregon), legacy linebacker Darius Snow, offensive tackle Spencer Brown, offensive tackle Ethan Boyd and offensive guard Kevin Wigenton.  Expect many more portal jumpers as the entire MSU coaching staff was let go on Saturday.  

• There is a thought that Michigan may look at a portal QB if JJ enters the NFL Draft.  A few big names have jumped into the portal the last few days: Miss State Will Rogers,  Utah's Nate Johnson, KSU's Will Howard, and Miami's Tyler Van Dyke. 

• Former Wolveirne Zach Carpenter who transferred to IU, is back in the portal looking for a new home.

• I was not happy when Michigan fired Chris Partridge.  I don't know Chris, but from the outside looking in, he seems like a good coach and a great recruiter.  The Pete Thamel's of the world reported he was fired for destroying evidence during the NCAA investigation.  He cleared that up on Monday, by releasing a statement that included the reason for his dismissal was talking to other University members about the investigation, when he was instructed not to.  

• Big Ten Championship tickets don't seem to be too crazy in price right now.  You can get a level 600 seat for around $100.  Finding a close hotel might be a little tricky.  

• The expectation is that Michigan will play in the Rose Bowl in the CFP.  The #1 team gets to pick location and if Georgia beats Alabama then they will probably pick the Sugar Bowl.  

Michigan Friday: Welcomes Another Cornerback

Michigan missed out on its top two CB's in this class as 2 Ohio athletes decided to stay home and play for Buckeyes.  Michigan then opened its window a little wider and found a 3-star CB from Kentucky Jeremiah Lowe who committed to Michigan yesterday. Jeremiah is a bit of a raw prospect at CB but who has a nose for the ball. He will need to add weight (5'11 and 170 pounds) and technique in Ann Arbor but Michigan has the coaches and S&C program to do just that.

Jeremiah is a good athlete and competes well at CB on film His offer list included: Mizzu, UK, BC, WVU, Marshall, and MAC schools. I expect Lowe to compete on special teams and maybe the nickel at Michigan.

With 28 commits on board, Michigan would like to add a WR and/or a top ranked player (Zaquan Patterson and Ryan Wingo are good examples) to this class. Michigan is probably done for the year and can focus on keeping this class intact and move to building the 2025 class.

• CJ Stroud's first NFL pre-season pass was completed to Nico Collins, who then trucks a first round CB. CJ later in the series throws a pick.

• Winovich had a sack for the Texans last night.

• Phil Mickelson bet over a $1B? No wonder he went to LIV Golf, he needed the money to pay his mortgage.

• ESPN has been making strange decisions and now has pulled off one of its best commentators off college football, Dan Orlovsky. I'm betting he regrets signing that new contract with ESPN about a year ago.

• With 3 weeks to go before the season starts, I'm betting (sorry Phil) we will hear news soon about the final verdict in the Harbaugh situation. The NCAA won't want this to linger close or into the season.

• Duncan Robinson is holding a youth basketball camp in Ann Arbor on 9/10

Wolverine Wednesday: Mid-Week News and Notes

• Mazi Smith was held out of Tuesday's Cowboys practice to get an MRI on his knee.  His MRI luckily turned out clean. 

• Trey Burke will be getting a look from the Warriors in the next two weeks.  Golden State is in the market for a free agent veteran and will look at a number of players. 

• Former Alabama and Raiders WR Henery Ruggs will be sentenced today for his Vegas fatal drunk driving incident. 

• ESPN who is clearly having money problems due to cord cutting has struck a partnership deal with Penn National that will pay ESPN $1.5B over the next 10 years.  This means there will be betting locations around the US called ESPN Bet.   Do you think there is any chance of being at Disney World and being able to put $100 on the Cowboys - Raiders Over in a walk in ESPN Bets facility?

• I didn't win the $1.5B if you're wondering.  I forgot to play Mega Millions. 

• Aidan Hutchinson is 23 today.  Happy Birthday! 

• Reports are that Michigan is now practicing in full pads.

• EA Sports confirmed that NCAA Football is expected back next summer.  I'm a bit torn on this as Denard was the last cover athlete on that game back in 2014.  I grabbed a great poster from a local game stop and had it framed. 

• OSU AD Gene Smith is retiring at the end of June 2024.

Michigan Thursday: Time to Hit the Transfer Portal

Michigan Basketball lost two 5-Star prospects on Wednesday as both Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate both decided to stay in the NBA Draft.   You know my stance on this, and I won't beat a dead horse.  I wish them the best of luck in professional basketball.   

So now what? Juwan has 11 players on scholarship with a 13-player limit.  They have holes at the guard position (losing 4 guys from last year's squad) and could use a big man to back-up Hunter.   That guy doesn't have to be a center, my guess Juwan would like a power forward/wing.

I assume losing both guys to the draft does not come as a surprise to Michigan's staff and assume they have done the proper due diligence in the portal.  Please find some shooting! 

How did Juwan take the news of losing his two 5-stars to the NBA?  He took a bike ride in France. 

• RIP former Golden Gophers and NFL RB Marion Barber who was 38

• Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers won The Match last night

• ESPN provided some billboard material for the QB Room listing Cade and JJ in Tier 7 of QB situations heading into next season. 

Michigan Tuesday: Poole Party

Jordan Poole likes the NCAA Tournament and now the NBA Playoffs.  He has one of the most memorable buzzer beaters in the tournament and now is putting up big numbers in his first experience in the Playoffs.  Game 1: 30 points on 69% shooting, Game 2: 29 points on 62% shooting.   I think the Splash Brothers have added a Poole! 

• Per reports De'Veon Smith was cut from his USFL Team because he wanted Pizza instead of Chicken Salad for a pregame meal.  WTF?  Smith has been in the NFL, AAF, XFL, CFL, and now a short stint in the USFL.  

• I watched the ESPN JoPa 30 for 30 last night and thought it was weak and just a retold story of things we already knew. 

• Which franchise do you trust more with Hutch's career?  JAX or Detroit?