Michigan Monday: The Fox Conspiracy Theory

We need Pablo Torre on this pronto! It seems Fox didn't send all the clips to the Big Ten officials for the Jeramiah Smith fumble out of the end zone.  Which means the officials didn't have the angle to show him juggling the ball and stepping out of bounds.

Why would Fox hold back replays from the booth?

1. Fox has a ton of money on the line to have the best football game in the country this Saturday.

2. There has never been a #1 ranked team in the nation play the #2 ranked team in conference championship game. 

3. We have already seen IU play Oregon once this year anyways.  

4. Fox was too busy cueing up their next 1000 commercials to show us during the broadcast 

It's clear Fox lost the game for the Wolverines!  Is that how you do it Ohio State and Michigan State fans?  Yes, that play was a turning point, but Ohio State was clearly the better team on Saturday and still would of won the game. 

A lot has happened in college football since the game ended.  

• Michigan received two new commits. 2026 4 star CB Jamiron Vincent (I like to call him Jam!) who flipped from Baylor.  Welcome Jam! and 2027 4 star DE Recarder Kitchen from Muskegon.  Welcome home guys! 

• Lane after a long think decided to go to LSU and Ole Miss is not letting him coach in the playoffs.  They have already hired their DC as head coach. 

• MSU didn't surprise anyone by firing Jonathan Smith and sending him away with $33M, the surprise was Sparty immediately hiring former Northwestern head man Pat Fitzgerald.  Pat is a good coach but struggled the last few years in the Big Ten when he had the Northwestern job. 

• Mark Stoops was finally fired at UK, not sure what took so long there.  Maybe his last name. 

• Florida seems to be hiring Tulane's coach Jon Sumrall. 

• Arkansas hired the Memphis head coach. 

• Penn State your up?

• National Signing Day is Wednesday.  Crazy I know.  Its actually the early signing period, but its become the #1 Signing Day. 

• Michigan looks to be headed to the Citrus vs. Texas or Vandy.  Should be an interesting exhibition. 

• Corum might have has his best day as a pro, he had 81 yards and TD as the Rams got upset.  Nice to see Moody back kicking well for Washington. 

• The ACC Championship game is very funny.  Duke vs. Virginia.   James Franklin is going to rule the ACC world soon. 

I have thoughts on Sherrone and Michigan's season, but I will save those for later this week.  

Michigan Thursday: Big Ten Preview Week 1

I love so many things during Week 1 when I know football is back.  This post is another example of something that makes me smile because I know football is back.

Update: (how many teams does the Big Ten have?  There alot of games below! 😀)  The Maryland AD says more are coming?  Yikes!

There are 4 Big Ten Games Tonight! 

Ohio @ Rutgers -15.5: Rutgers will continue to be Rutgers as they play tough but just don't have the talent to compete with the Big Ten elite.  They will win this game.  Rutgers 24 Ohio 13 (this is a 6:00 kick)

Buffalo @ Minnesota -17.5: I think The Golden Gophers need to be careful here.  Buffalo sometimes is sneaky good.  Minnesota is also a program that measures success by making bowl games.  Minnesota 21 Buffalo 17 

Nebraska (-6.5) @ Cincinnati: The Cornhuskers need to be really careful here.  Watch how much Nebraska's QB wants to be Patrick Mahomes as has picked up many of Mahomes traits.  Hand signals, hair cut, sayings, etc.  It's a bit over the top if you ask me.  UC is in the Big 12 now,  I see an upset brewing here.  UC 31 Nebraska 28

Miami OH vs. Wisconsin (-17.5): This game will be close for a half and then Wisconsin will wear them down with their running game.  This is basically how every Wisconsin game goes.  Wisconsin 27 Miami 13

2 More Games on Friday Night:

Western Michigan @ MSU -20.5:  Where is this game being played? Italy?  No, East Lansing.  Ok, that makes sense.  I have no idea what either schools has this year.  My guess is Western can stay within 21 points of Sparty.  MSU 31 WMU 14

Western Illinois vs Illinois (-45):  People are very excited about Illinois this year.  Ok, I can understand that but a 45 point favorite over an instate program?  Illinois 44 Western Illinois 3

Saturday:

#1 Texas @ # 3 Ohio State (-1.5): The biggest game of the weekend and maybe ever on Week 1.   The AP could have easily made this a 1 vs. 2.  Yes, Penn State is talented but they never beat Ohio State.  Tough game for Texas to travel to Columbus but Ohio State is going break in a new QB against the #1 team name in nation.  Defense will be ahead of the Offense for both teams.  Texas 20 OSU 17

FAU @ Maryland (-14.5): Both programs are sort of neutral as football programs go.  Both have had good years on the field but now both are basketball schools.  Thank goodness Michigan has Dusty!  Maryland 17 FAU 7

Ball State @ Purdue (-17.5): Purdue continues to try to rebuild and will beat Ball State.  Purdue 20 Ball State 10 

Northwestern @ Tulane (-6.5):  Here is an example of a Big Ten team going on the road to open the season and Tulane can play.  I expect a Tulane win here:  Tulane 23 NW 13

Old Dominion @ IU (-23.5):  IU was the upstart team last year that snuck into the playoffs.  They will come back to earth this year but will win this game easily.  IU 41 OD 21

Nevada @ #2 PSU (-43.5):  Blowout city here and the Penn State hype will continue:  Penn State 51 Nevada 9

Montana St @ Oregon (No Line):  Come on Oregon schedule better.  Oregon 50 MSU 3 

Albany @ Iowa (No Line): Come on Iowa schedule better Iowa 28 Albany 0

Missouri State @ USC (-35.5): USC 45 MSU 6 

Utah (-5.5) @ UCLA: How did I miss this one?  An old school PAC 12 game!  This is a good game and a reason to stay up and watch it!  Utah 28 UCLA 21

Colorado State @ UW (-21.5):  I like UW at home.  Washington 31 CSU 20

• Fox and YouTube TV have come to a temporary extension, so many of the above games are no longer in jeopardy of being shown. 

Michigan Tuesday: Some Surprises for Starters and Back ups

The Bryce news wasn't a surprise when it was released early by CBS on Sunday.  Some of the other things that Sherrone said was.   For example, it seems Brady Norton the new transfer from Cal-Poly has been playing really well the last couple of weeks of camp and took over the right guard position beating out Efobi. 

Your Offensive Line is: Link, EL-Hadi Crippen, Norton, and Sprague. I think inserting Brady is great for depth and hopefully a very good offensive line. 

The other two surprises are: back-up QB is Jadyn "don't call me Daniels" Davis and legacy WR Channing Goodwin is the #3 WR.

Let's talk QB first: Davis's throwing motion looks "not great".  Which means Mikey Keene is heading towards the Jack Tuttle Award this year.  Garcia is still the break glass if there is an emergency and hasn't been here long enough to learn the offense.   This is a concern.  

My question on Goodwin is, where is Freddie Moore? O'Leary? Bell? Marsh? and Browder?  Let's hope they all are playing well and Goodwin just earned the start.  

On a side note: True Freshman Jasper Parker might be getting #3 RB snaps over the likes of Micah Ka’apana and that guy that transferred from Princeton. 

• Fun Trivia from Augusta J:  Name the 4 Michigan true freshmen quarterbacks that started their first game? (including Bryce)

• Dave Portnoy has been banned from Ohio Stadium as he starts his Fox career.  OSU please continue this type of activity as its funny and so soft.  Update: The Big Ten says this was Fox decision not Ohio State's.

• Speaking of Fox, it seems they are negotiating with YouTube TV and the Texas - OSU game is at risk.  I have YouTube TV.  Yikes!

• Michigan Football is now doing a Michigan Monday on Twitter.  Should I sue them for stealing my IP? 😀

• Answers to the above trivia question: Bryce, Rick Leach, Chad Henne, and of course Tate Forcier.  

Michigan Friday: Deck The Schembechler Hall

As predicted by the insiders, 4-star S Jordan Deck pulled the trigger on flip from Baylor to Michigan on Wednesday evening.  As reported earlier in the week, Jordan is a 4-star to all services and the 25th safety on the composite. 

Jordan is just under 6'2 and 185-190 pounds and plays his HS football in the factory State known as Texas.  He had a nice offer list that included Penn State, Colorado, Arkansas, CAL, LSU, Miami, Stanford, Texas A&M and more. 

Jordan will get to wear the Jordan Brand in A2!  Welcome! 

CB and LB continues to be a focus for the reminder of this talented 2026 class. 

• Fox is trying to even out the hate for Urban Meyer with the hiring Dave Portnoy on its Big Noon kickoff show.  I still won't watch, I can't listen to Urban Meyer.

• As we start to get closer and closer to Summer/Fall camp, I think the main question still remaining for this team is, will Michigan have a passing game? Who will take the majority of snaps at QB?  Will the WR's step up?

• For golf fans, enjoy the last major of the year.  

Michigan Friday: Big Game Night

MSU @ Michigan tonight at Crisler 8:00 Fox - enough said. 

• CJ Carr (Lloyds Grandson) a few years ago picked ND over Michigan.  He is expected to start next year at QB.  Now, Saline QB Tommy Carr (another Grandson) has committed to Miami of Ohio.  Tommy is a 3 star prospect and we wish the best for him as a Red Hawk.

• Northwestern rolls OSU at home: 70-49  Michigan hangover?

• The Saints hired former Michigan OC Doug Nessmeier, who has been rebuilding his coaching career after the Michigan disaster. 

• Ohio State Football offically announces the hire of Matty Patty as DC

• Ross Douglas former Wolverine DB has been named the WR coach at Oregon.  Ross has been a riser in the coaching community. 

• In business news, Hooters is preparing for bankruptcy. 

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 Monday: Welcomes Phillip Wright III

Michigan Football would always recruit the great state of Louisiana but never had much luck.  There are plenty of water cooler stories about boosters buying homes for Mama, getting Dad a new car, or the kids didn't want to play in the cold weather in Ann Arbor.  When Nick Saban left Michigan State for LSU, he was excited to be the only major program in that state.  Because he knew the talent was deep and they wanted to stay close to home. 

Michigan this cycle now has 3 commits (Washington and Parker) from Louisiana, with the latest coming on Saturday evening with the commitment of Phillip Wright III.  Phil is a 6'0 170 pound WR and picked the Wolverines over LSU and Georgia.  His nickname is "Flash".  Wight is considered a 3-star WR to 24/7 and the composite and ranked as the 86th WR in the class.   The 6'0 might be a little generous as Phillip is expected to fill the Slot WR spot in Michigan's 2025 class.  Welcome to Ann Arbor (it's really not that cold!). 

• I'm not a huge fan of Tim Brando, he called out Harbaugh early on for not producing a depth chart and then walked back those statements.  He has  polarizing style for my taste when he calls games.  Tim will no longer be calling college football games with his long time partner Spencer Tillman, who will be replaced by Devin Gartner.  Let's hope Devin outshines Tim in this role! 

• Michigan continues to trend for another WR in the 2025 in 4-star Andrew Marsh from Texas. 

Michigan Thursday: Friday Night College Football

I like Friday night college football. I would never want Michigan to play on Friday night even if the Twins are in the playoffs.  Anyone old enough to remember that game?  Michigan does not need to play on Friday, it hurts travel, missing classes, and doesn't allow recruits to attend the game. 

The NFL has taken Thursday night football from college football and now there really aren't any good Thursday night college games as ESPN really can't compete with the NFL and Amazon.   

So Fox has taken the opportunity to show Friday night games and they just released their schedule for next season and it's full of Big Ten Games.  (still not used to seeing the PAC 12 teams in there) 

DATE	GAME	TIME (EASTERN)
Sept. 13	Arizona at Kansas State	8 p.m.
Sept. 20	Illinois at Nebraska	8 p.m.
Sept. 27	Washington at Rutgers	8 p.m.
Oct. 4	Michigan State at Oregon	9 p.m.
Oct. 11	Northwestern at Maryland	8 p.m.
Oct. 18	Oregon at Purdue	8 p.m.
Oct. 25	Rutgers at USC	11 p.m.
Nov. 8	Iowa at UCLA	9 p.m.
Nov. 15	UCLA at Washington	9 p.m.
Nov. 22	Purdue at Michigan State	8 p.m.
Nov. 29	Utah at UCF	8 p.m

Michigan Friday: Spring Game Primer

Saturday marks the first time Sherrone Moore will lead the Michigan Wolverines out of the tunnel at the Big House as the full time Michigan Head Coach.   That is a little dramatic for the Spring Game but we are talking the National Champions here folks!  Damn, that is fun to write.  

Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: FOX
Admission is Free!

Weather: Will be chilly in the low 40's or Football Weather
 

What should you expect: 

• Stars on the sideline - No need to risk injury. 
• The defense way ahead of the offense 
• Saying at least 5 times, "who the hell is that?"
• Having someone shine and then not seeing him in the regular season. 

What answers are we looking for?

• Is Orji accurate in throwing the ball?
• Is a QB going to step up?
• Does Michigan have viable WR's?
• What does a backup RB look like?
• Does Michigan need to look at CB in the portal opposite of Will?
• Are we going to get a boost from any true freshman?

Best Outcome:

• No injuries 
•  A freshman star in the making 
• At least 1 QB looks comfortable in the pocket and throws accurately 

Enjoy!

Michigan Thursday: Big Ten Week 2 Preview

It's so hard to predict games in Week 1, when you have no idea what each team has.   As my kids says, I'm here for my flowers for predicting the Fresno State upset over Purdue.   Ok, it was a lucky guess.  Let's see how my lucky guesses continue in Week 2.

Friday Night Games:

Indiana St. @ Indiana (NL): I thought IU played well against a talented OSU team on Saturday.  I expect they will overtake Larry Bird who has to be in his 70's now.   IU 24 Larry Bird 15

Illinois @ Kansas (-3): Hold up, this is a really good game.  Illinois struggled with Toledo in Week 1 and Kansas now has Hunter Dickinson.  Actually, KU blew out Missouri State.  Not sure why I keep putting basketball references into these game previews.  Is KU good, is Hunter worth $2M a year?  I need answers people!  KU 28 Illinois 24

Saturday:

Youngstown State @ Ohio State (NL): I think Ohio State will look a lot better this weekend.  OSU 42 YSU 10

Delaware @ Penn State (NL): Vegas is not looking for a lot of action on Big Ten games this weekend.  This is your Peacock game of the week!  Penn State 51 Delaware 7

Nebraska @ Colorado (-3): Anyone heard of Coach Prime? This is his first game at home after having the biggest upset of week 1.  Nebraska proved that no matter who the head coach is, they can't break the close game curse with a late turnover. Colorado defense has trouble stopping the run which will make this game uncomfortably close.   Coach Prime 31 Nebraska 30

Purdue @ Virgina Tech (-3):  Enter Sandman wins the day.  VT 19 Purdue 12

Iowa (-3.5) @ Iowa State: Both teams are 1-0 and this is the classic week 2 match-up.  Cade started red hot with 2 TD's passes and then seemed to cool off a bit.   This is usually a slug fest.   Iowa 14 ISU 13

Richmond @ MSU (NL): The spiders lost in week 1 and will have trouble with Tuck in East Lansing.  MSU 30 Richmond 10

UTEP (-1.5) @ Northwestern: The minors are favored against NW who is really trying to use AJ Henning the best way they can.  I think they find a way to score a few points and get a W.  NW 10 UTEP 6

Wisconsin (-6) @ Washington State: This is an interesting game and Wisconsin is going on the road to face a PAC 12 opponent.  I know Badgers want to run a modern offense but that quickly became a power run game in Week 1.  Wisconsin 28 WSU 17

Charlotte @ Maryland (-24.5): This is the NBC night game against Texas - Alabama.  Take Biff and the points!  Maryland 34 Charlotte 20

Eastern Michigan @ Minnesota (-20.5): I like the Golden Gophers over a MAC team even though EMU is an up-and-coming program.  Minnesota 38 EMU 24

Temple @ Rutgers (-9): Aren't these the same team?  Rutgers at home has an advantage Rutgers 21 Temple 16

• Josh Metellus just signed a 2-year extension with the Vikings for $13M.  Congrats Josh! 

• Michigan @ Nebraska is a Noon game on Fox

• ECU - Michigan was Peacock's highest rated game 

• Moore and Johnson are practicing and getting better each day per Coach Clink 

• Anyone else concerned about the Lions game tonight?  The old Lions would get embarrassed in this spot.  Is this a new day for the Detroit Lions?

Michigan Tuesday: A Tall Hill to Climb

Lavett Hill was strangely not drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft but signed with the Chiefs as a free agent.  He also had short stays with Eagles, Cardinals, 49ers and Browns but never made a roster.  Now the Steelers have signed the former Wolverine after he played well in the XFL (25 tackles and 2 picks) last season.  Mike Tomlin has enjoyed coaching former Wolverines and let's hope Hill sticks after the final cuts in a couple of weeks. 

• I missed the BTN Michigan Camp episode last night but I assume there wasn't much new said.  From social media: JJ is a great leader and generational talent at QB, Blake and Donovan are quicker, stronger, faster and Jake Butt asks nothing but TE questions. 

• Kris Jenkins comes in at #6 on Bruce Feldman's Freak List this year. #1 is South Carolina's WR Nyckoles Harbor. 

• Michigan is also ranked #2 in the AP Poll.

• Has anyone else noticed that Devin Gardner is in a national Wolf and Shepard commercial with Gronk and Erin Andrews? DG and Jake Butt are really doing well in their early media careers. 

• I know many Michigan fans will be keeping an eye on Iowa to see how Cade and Erik All do this season.  I would also like to submit a team to follow: Charlotte.  Biff Poggi has been getting some great buzz down there and I hope this season is the first step in developing that program.  Biff gets a lot of credit for the turnaround in Ann Arbor and Charlotte was very smart to hire him.

• Michigan @ Nebraska will be a noon kickoff on Fox.

Michigan Tuesday: Is Michigan Tipping Its Plays on Offense?

During the Fox broadcast on Saturday, Joel Klatt said that, "every time a Michigan WR goes in motion it's a run play, when they don't it's a pass play" Of course, after that comment every Michigan fan watched as a WR went into motion and Michigan ran the ball.  

People that have more time than you or I do will watch tape from every Michigan game this season and come up with the data if this is true or not.  Brian at Mgoblog has a theory that every time Michigan is in the Pistol, they run the ball.   Here is what I do know, that Big Ten staffs are full of guys that chart plays against the opposition, I'm betting that OSU has a staff member that his/hers only job is to scout and chart Michigan plays every Saturday. 

I don't chart plays but I watch pretty much every snap of every Michigan game every year.  I can determine with a high probability (I would guess 90%), whether it's a pass or run play.   Now add analytics, add play charting, and tendencies.  Now you have a defensive problem if your Michigan or an advantage if your IU.  We all know Indiana doesn't have the talent to match-up with most of the Big Ten and definitely not Michigan.   They have to go the Casino route and try to hit the jackpot by guessing and blitzing in the proper spots.   A run blitz can be just as effective as a pass blitz.   That is what happened at IU on Saturday.  

There are two thoughts here on why Michigan is doing this.  

The first one, is the one we all hope to be true.  Michigan is doing this on purpose.  Meaning, Michigan is putting tendencies on tape, just to break them against "the States" (PSU, MSU, and OSU).   This will keep those defenses off stride and open up big plays if they're guessing wrong.   That Michigan doesn't need to be any other Baskin Robbins flavor than vanilla against Maryland, Iowa, and IU. 

The second one is the worst possible scenario, that Michigan is arrogant enough to run what they run and hope to just out execute you.   Who cares if you know if it's a run play or a pass play? You don't know where Blake is going to run and you don't know where JJ is going to pass to.  Michigan has lost a ton of Rose Bowls with that type of offensive thinking (pun intended).  

So now what? 

We have to give the Michigan coaches the benefit of the doubt here and assume we are dealing with #1 above.   Michigan has Penn State this week and we will test that theory.  For a more effective pass game, Michigan has to put defenders in conflict with play action and motion.  

I'm shocked we haven't seen more production from the Michigan WR's this season.  Anthony has gotten very few targets and the freshman WR's only have 1 or 2 catches in blowout games.  I'm also a fan of running the ball in 4 wide sets, I believe that takes defenders out of the box, and gives our RB's more room to gain more yards.  Jimmy believes just the opposites and wants more TE's in the run game.  

If the declines at Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin have taught us anything, you have to change and bring new looks every year/week.   Don Brown was easy to beat, when you knew what was coming every week.  You have to think the same way on offense. 

• Michael Phelps will be the honorary Michigan captain at the Penn State game.  New Michigan President Santa will receive the same honor against MSU.

• If you missed it from yesterday, Fred Jackson will be filling in for Mike Hart until he is ready to resume his role.  Michigan got a waiver to allow Fred to fill in. 

• Matt Rhule got fired yesterday from the Carolina Panthers.  He will now get to sit back and think about that $40M he has coming and decide between the likes of Nebraska or Colorado. 

• Has anyone considered we might have a ND/Charie Weiss situation at Michigan State right now with Mel Tucker?  Win with the portal, lose with the portal. 

• Big Mo Hurst said he will be attending the Penn State game on Saturday!  Great to have former players back in the Big House. 

• Speaking of former Wolverines, did anyone catch Devin Gardner on Fox on Friday night and Saturday afternoon?  He did an excellent job! I think Fox has a star in the making. 

Michigan Tuesday: Another Position Switch-a-Roo

Jimmy on the recruiting trail likes to look at a player and see a different position.  Some famous examples at Michigan are: turning a QB into a TE, a LB into an RB, and a WR into a CB.  One player didn't want to move from the defensive line to the offensive line, so he transferred.  Where he played offensive line.  

Jimmy is kicking himself for not figuring out his latest change sooner, when last week he took Dominick Guidice from defensive line to offensive line. 

"He was playing defense completely since he got here," Harbaugh said of Giudice on Inside Michigan Football. "I had the idea last Tuesday. Dom Giudice could be a good offensive lineman. I remember recruiting him. He played center. Hey, Dom, you want to go to offense? Yeah, coach, I really do. Dom's dad texted me saying great move. Then we went to the practice field and in one day it was like, man, I'm not a very smart guy."

"It took me a year to think of this," Harbaugh said. "I've never seen a guy pick it up that fast and play. Tuesday, he makes the switch. Saturday night, he's pulling. He's making calls on the right guard. The center, Raheem, was probably telling him what call to make but he's making calls. He's pass protecting and he's doing stuff. I wish I was a little smarter and thought of that sooner."

Don't expect Dom to be the starting Guard anytime soon, but Jimmy loves this type of stuff and is excited about the future and Giudice on the offensive line.  

• We have a kick time for the Maryland game: Noon on Fox.  Plenty of time for a weather delay and finish on a Saturday. 

• Donovan Edwards seems to have turned an ankle on Saturday.  We don't know how serious it is but I wouldn't expect to see him against the UConn Huskies. 

Michigan Tuesday: Jett to Play Melo in a LeBron Movie

Juwan Howard's son Jett is due any day on campus to start preparing for his freshmen season as a Wolverine.  Those plans might be delayed a few weeks as Jett is going to play Carmelo Anthony in a movie about LeBron called Shooting Stars.  The movie is being filmed by Universal and will be shown on NBC's Peacock streaming service.  

Per ComicBook.com: Shooting Stars chronicles how James and his best friends in Akron formed a close-knit bond that sustained them first through a failed national championship tournament to winning a title by the end of high school. Along the way, there were plenty of tests, such as broken homes, jealousies, and even James’ own mega-success.

The movie is based off a book by James and Buzz Bissinger and filming begins in Ohio this week.  There are a few young stars in the movie including: Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things and Algee Smith from Euphoria.  What a great opportunity for Jett! 

• In not so shocking news, Fox will carry Michigan vs. Ohio State and it will kick off on Noon.  In other news, the sun will rise tomorrow. 

• Michigan Basketball has 5 former players in the NBA Conference finals.  We all know about Jordan Poole, Duncan Robinson, and Tim Hardaway Jr., but let us not forget Trey Burke (Mavs) and Nik Stauskas (Celtics).  Neither Trey nor Nik is really seeing any floor time and Nik was a late in the year signee for Boston.  Duncan was used very sparling against Philly.   This guarantees at least one Wolverine will be an NBA Champion this season.

• A real Wolverine was spotted in Montana earlier this month

• Please keep a good thought for former Michigan assistant Calvin Magee who suffered a heart attack on Sunday night.  

• The Pats signed Andrew Stueber last night

Michigan Tuesday: The GOAT in the Booth

Tom Brady is such a good football player; he gets opportunities that we don't even know he can do.   He has a new clothing line called "Brady" and now has agreed to a 10-year contract to be Fox's lead analyst after he retires.   The reports are that the contract is worth $375M for those 10 years.   There goes the dream that he becomes Michigan's Head Coach.   If he ends up being Jason Witten in the booth, then Fox will owe him a bundle of money.    

Since Fox owns a large percentage of the Big Ten Network, you would think Fox Sports will get some part of the new Big Ten TV Contract.  Yes, please having TB12 on Michigan Big Ten Football games.  

• Ohio State has landed the #1 player in the 2024 class, QB Dylan Raiola

• Harbaugh was at the Padres game last night

The Original Michigan Monday: An Early Look at IU

Part of me wants to discuss all the problems from Saturday's game, but that really doesn't help us move forward by looking back with a negative eye.   Michigan is still ranked in the top 10 and has all of their goals still in front of them.   Time to move the focus to the next game.  

Before we go there, I would like to throw Fox Sports under the bus.  Fox has always been a partner of the Big Ten as they own a large percentage of the Big Ten Channel.   No problem there, the issue is when Fox Sports proper jumped into the College Football mix and picked up a Big Ten contract.  

Fox also has the best "booth" in the business with Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt.  Again no problem there. 

Here are my issues with the network:

1. Way too many commercial breaks, Fox Sports games are at least a 1/2 a quarter behind every other game at the same start time.  Less Geico more Football please. 

2. Forcing bad primetime games.   

3. Bad pre-game show.  They hired Urban Meyer.  More CWood less Reggie Bush. 

Fox to take the Michigan - IU game to primetime is one of the worst decisions possible.  Why?  Because Fox knows that at least they will get Michigan fans to tune in.  My understanding is that Big Ten rules dictate that both programs have to agree to play a night game in November.   Warde, not a good decision.   (I've been told by reader Jon, that Big Ten rule starts after this weekend, so I can't blame Warde on this one - Fox gets all the blame!) 

Indiana

These are not the COVID Hoosiers that took college football by storm last season.  This year they're 0-5 in the Big Ten (last place East) and 2-6 overall with wins against WKU and Idaho.  They have lost 4 in row with a 38-35 loss to Maryland on Saturday. 

Sounds like a perfect primetime game.  7:30 kick at the Big House.  For fans attending that want to stay for the entire game, pack a sleeping bag as you will be there until Sunday morning. 

Rush for 124 yards per (97th)

Throw for 202 yards per (96th) 

Score 22 points per game (210th wow!)

Give up 31 points per game (106th)

• Gary Patterson is out at TCU and former Gophers coach Jerry Kill will be taking over for the rest of the season.   I did not know Jerry was still coaching and glad his health has allowed him to do so. 

• There seems to be a new recruiting service called On3, which has taken a ton of the former Michigan Rivals recruiting guys. 

• I also learned after the post on Saturday that Cade was in the tent working through an injury during the second JJ fumble in the 4th quarter.   That is why JJ was in the game at that time.    

The Original Michigan Monday: Hates Commercials

College Football has a problem and its the in game commercials.   It's slowly killing the sport that we love.   The NFL realized this a couple of years ago and if you watch a full game the commercials are reduced and made up between quarters, etc.   They also have the hugely successful Red Zone which has zero commercials between 1:00 and 8:00 PM. 

Fox and NBC are the worst during college football, but ESPN isn't afraid to give you commercials during a short injury timeout.   I understand these networks pay huge dollars to get these games, but there has to be some type of middle ground so you don't Geico and Burger Kinged  to death.    Right now they are.  

What my eyes saw this weekend:

Iowa: Was beat up and not ready to play this weekend and got stung by a rested prepared Purdue team.  I really thought Nebraska was going to ruin Iowa's season the day after Thanksgiving, but even that was taken from Cornhuskers fans.  

MSU: I don't know if MSU was trying to not show everything against IU but they're about as vanilla as vanilla gets on both sides of the ball.   The Spartans are a solid team but one you should be able to game plan against.  They're on a bye this week and get two weeks to prepare for Michigan and will show a bunch of new stuff.  Also you can describe the entire roster by saying, "he is a transfer from _____"

Indiana:  Is not the 2020 team by a long shot. 

Rutgers:  Why does a team play Michigan tough and then just fall off a cliff?

Northwestern: Why does a Big Ten team always get on track prior to playing Michigan?

Nebraska:  See the Rutgers comment. 

LSU: I somehow knew that LSU would get a home win against Florida and Coach O would still get fired.  Something is just off about that guy.  

Bama: Is being Bama after an off week.  They seem to have 1 of those every year. 

Joe Milton:  If you weren't watching the TN - Miss State game this weekend.  Joe has been benched for another transfer QB for UT.  That QB goes down late in the 4th with the game on the line and TN needs a TD.  Joe comes off the bench cold and makes a good throw for 10 yards and a first down.   Next throw sails over a TN WR in the end zone.  Last play, no time left needs a TD, ball on the 21 yard line.  Joe scrambles and looking for a open WR, decides to run and gets hit after a short gain and the game is over.   The worst possible decision.   I'm guessing USF next season?

Seems all referees in both college an NFL were instructed this week to spot every ball short of a first down.  The above TN game had one of those and 100K fans lost their collective minds. 

• Chris Evans only scores TD's in Michigan and got his first NFL one at Ford Field.   Quick second to consider on Michigan's roster last year:  Haskins, Corum, Charbonnet, and Evans as RB's.   Michigan should have been running the wishbone and I'm not kidding! 

• DPJ caught a halftime Hail Mary and totaled 2 TD's and 100 yards receiving in a Browns loss. 

• Two bench players from the MSU Basketball Team held up an "F" Harbaugh sign that was poorly written and they clearly did not not use the proper spacing on Jimmy's last name.   

• Northwestern and Michigan will be playing for the George Jewett trophy for the first time on Saturday.  I don't believe the trophy has been reveled yet. 

• Rumor mill is Michigan Basketball team will play a secret scrimmage against DePaul.  Also that Super Senior Eli Brooks might have a lower leg injury.  

• San Diego State Football was made for Brady Hoke and is undefeated this year.  Well done!

Michigan Tuesday: TV Times with News and Notes

• If you missed it, the Rutgers game on Saturday is a 3:30 kick on ABC and Wisconsin a week later will be at Noon on Fox.  

• I believe for the first time ever:  ESPN's Game Day and Fox's College Pregame show will be in the same location on Saturday morning.  In Chicago for ND vs. Wisconsin which is a Fox Game.  It seems Fox is eating into Game Day's ratings some.   I much prefer Game Day over anything Fox does for college football.   I do like Gus Johnson, a known Michigan fan.  

• Domani Jackson a 5 star DB from California has loved Michigan since he was little.  He is committed to his local team USC but the Washington game pulled some heart strings for the young man.  Here is a quote from his dad on a Sam Webb interview:  “Like I said, they surpassed our expectations. They did everything that they needed to do. It was mainly just about seeing how Domani fit in there, and when he walked around, the feeling that he got. The fans, were they receptive too him? Which they very much were. He was surprised at how many people knew who he was. The student body, when you walked past there they were yelling things at him (like), 'we want Domani! We want you to be here!' So, that was very welcoming to him, and that meant a lot to him. So, like I said, they surpassed everything they needed to do.”

• 5 Star power forward Yohan Traore will take an official visit to Michigan Basketball this weekend.  Always great to have Basketball Recruits on campus for a football game. 

• Michigan on BTN had a funny fact today.  Half of Peppers TD's at Michigan came against Rutgers. 

• PFF has Hutch as the highest rated DE in the country. 

• Western Michigan's head coach Tim Lester has tested positive for COVID. 

• Nico Collins got banged up and is out 3-4 weeks for the Texans.

• Schiano praised Mike Hart during his press conference on Monday and that he was thinking about hiring him.

• One of Manning's asked Gronk if he ever watches tape?  Gronk's response: “No I don’t. I just run by guys. If I’m feeling good, I’m feeling good.”  --- I'm pretty sure he knows a guy that watches a ton of tape for him.  

Michigan Tuesday: Jimmy Is Not Having It

Jim Harbaugh has never been 100% forthcoming when it comes to injuries or game plan.   He does let things slip every once in awhile, like when he said that Rashan Gary has an AC joint issue.

Not this week, asked is Gary will be back this weekend: "I don't know if he will be back this week," Harbaugh said. "Past that, I won't be talking about any injuries ... I am not talking about any participation, gameplan-specific this week."

On billboard material? "I think we could all use a break from the clichés that have been plowed so thoroughly on both sides"

Love the focus.  A fun stat:  Jimmy has never lost in East Lansing as a player or head coach.

• There continues to be a quiet confidence in Michigan's recruitment for 5 star DE Zach Harrison out of Columbus.  He has visited Michigan now 3 times, with the latest being this past weekend's win over Wisconsin.  Most believe its a Michigan - OSU battle with Penn State running a close third if he can't pick between the two.   The sun won't rise for 10 straight days in Columbus if a hometown 5 star player heads to Ann Arbor. 

• Walk-on News: Michigan received a PWO commitment from QB Andy Maddox from Kansas to the 2019 class.  Welcome Andy!  

• In what I consider the best college football booth, Fox will have Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt call the Michigan - MSU game. 

• Is Ben Mason hurt?  We didn't see him much on Saturday.  The rumor is he has a foot injury

• The guy that takes the Washington State flag to Gameday each week, finally gets his big payoff as the ESPN show will be hosted at Washington State on Saturday morning. 

Michigan Tuesday: Dissects The Big News From Yesterday

Jimmy did confirm that Tarik Black has a broken bone in his foot, will need surgery, and probably out for the year.


Not a great situation for an offense that is having a hard time scoring TD's.  Black had come in early and impressed almost immediately.   I expect DPJ will now be the starting outside WR.  Also expect more Moe Ways, who will finally get more snaps as a senior.  


If he could come back, should he?   Black seems like an NFL type of talent, I don't know if an injury redshirt year is worth it as he probably is not a 5 year player.   If he can get back by OSU or the Bowl Game, the Michigan coaches should consider it. 


Ty Isaac should be ok.


That isn't really a ton of information.  Will he be able to play this week?   Does he need a couple weeks worth of rest and then be ok?  Jimmy will play this one close to the vest and that is probably all the information we are going to get.   Let's hope he is healthy this week as losing two offensive weapons will be tough to overcome on the road.


Drake Harris might play basketball


When Drake commitment to Michigan I was very excited.  He was DPJ before DPJ as an instate recruit.  He was a 4 star two sport star and looked like the deep threat the Michigan offense needed.   Injuries and the day to day grind of football on his frame has caused too many injuries for this talented player.   If the rumors are true, I'm sure Coach B is smiling in his office and would love to have the athletic guard.   He would have two years left to play basketball and his scholarship would count towards football this year. 

• Toys-r-us filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy yesterday.  They hope to keep their 1600 stores open as they go through this process.   David Brandon might want to consider free Lego's if a customer purchases two cokes.

• Was that the Detroit Lions playing well on MNF last night?

• Did you see that PSU James Franklin called a timeout to freeze the Georgia State kicker when PSU was up 56-0?  That comes the week after he calls the rivalry with Pitt, "like beating Akron". Class act James.   Penn State has moon walked through their non-conference schedule, the trip to Iowa City will be their first test of the year.  

• Quinn Nordin named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week

• Michigan is on Fox this weekend but we won't get Gus Johnson.   The rumor is that Ross-Ade could sell out, which is a rare occurrence.   Fox has a the State of Indiana vs. the State of Michigan thing going.  Michigan at Purdue at 4:00 and ND at MSU at 8:00.