Michigan Monday: Masters Thoughts and Scrimmage Thoughts

There is an old saying in professional tournament golf, "you can't win the tournament on Thursday but you sure can lose it."  I think Rory might have just been then exception to the rule.  Rory played great golf on Thursday and Friday in Augusta and then held on during Saturday and Sunday as his game went in the other direction.   Rory was -12 on Friday night and Scottie was even.  On Sunday night, Rory was -12 and Scottie was -11.   Rory left the door open for everyone in the field to come get him and many played really well, just none of them were close enough to the lead to over take him.   

Congrats to Rory for going back to back, it was just unfortunate for us fans who wanted some Sunday drama. 

Todd Blackledge is not someone I would consider a college football insider.  He is just a solid color commentator on NBC. Though working for NBC gives him some access to Michigan Football.  Here is a tweet from the weekend:

Felt like a crisp fall morning watching @UMichFootball

scrimmage. Takeaways: *Expect Underwood to make a jump in development under OC Jason Beck & watchful eye of QB coach Koy Detmer. *OL has talent, but must improve as pass protectors. *RB,DL,DB all can be strong groups.

The offensive line Pass Pro is obviously an issue but I'm also wondering who was playing and who wasn't.  This might be the best representation of what we might see next season as the Spring Game is expected to be just a back-up bowl.   It's encouraging to hear Bryce is making progress under the new staff. 

• Michigan Basketball had a great weekend with a Championship Parade!  Though their portal recruitment is off to a bit of shaky start.  Michigan had Juke Harris on campus Saturday for the parade but now reports are that UNC is offering him $5.5M to play for them next season.  Kansas big man Flory Bidunga decided to take the bag from Louisville over Michigan and others.  

• Congrats to JJ and his wife who got married last weekend. 

Michigan Thursday: Having Some Fun With Koy

 This is Michigan's new QB Coach Koy Detmer Jr.:

If Koy was not coaching QB's at Michigan, what would he be doing?

• A bartender in an old west salon?
• A deputy that works with the Sherriff to hunt down Billy the Kid?
• A work hand on the Yellowstone Ranch that is taken to the "train station" early in an episode?
• A long reliever for the KC Royals in the 70's?

What you got BHB community? 😀 

Michigan Monday: Masters Recap

This is one of the days where I go off script and don't talk about Michigan Football or Basketball.   

I was bored and little pissed off at Bryson Sunday afternoon.  I had watched Masters coverage all day, from 10:00 AM on the Masters App unil the CBS coverage started.  Rory starts the round by throwing away his lead and giving it directly to Bryson.  The problem was Bryson wasn't ready to receive the gift.  He went opposite Bryson and started to do strange stuff, like hitting irons off the tee.  Then on a perfect day, not being able to hit the green with a wedge. 

I've been to Augusta National once and it's a magical place.  TV doesn't represent the slopes of the greens at all.  The course's defense is the tree lined fairways and its unbelievable greens.  So when a world class golfer has a wedge in their hands from the fairway and no wind, that is on the golfer not the conditions.  

Bryson had no iron control at all.  All his irons are the same length and when he struggles like this, I wonder if that is the proper strategy.  

Rory's horrors on #10 Tee when he almost hit a cabin while leading the Masters in 2011 was now gone.  He was up by 4 on the back nine with a SW in his hands on 13.   He then shanks the wedge into the water and the boring Masters was back!  

Finally someone started to make a run and it was Justin Rose who controlled the tournament for the first two days.  Scotty was treading water all weekend and Aberg finished his round with a triple on 18.  Rory was leaking gas but had enough holes to make up for his bad mistake.   He misses a short eagle putt on 15 and then a short part putt on 18 to win.   Rory was going full Rory at the Masters.   Bryson who had mentally given up around 13, could still have been in the tournament if he hadn't been checked out.  

It's ironic that Rose has been in two playoffs in the Masters vs. two players that the golf gods needed to give them a win:  Sergio and Rory.  Sergio deserved winning a Major and we really can't see that happening again.   Rory was going to win a green jacket, he is just too good, even though he wasn't on Sunday. 

Rory regrouped in the playoffs and hit a great drive and approach.  Rose's perfect approach jumps over the hole and didn't leak back down by the cup.  Rory hits an even better approach and his ball does leak back.  Rose's putt slides by and Rory's makes his putt and falls to his knees.  A classic Rory, even when he is bad, he is really good. (no golfer has ever won the Masters with 4 double bogeys in 4 rounds)

A crazy day at the Masters. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Off The Board

We are 10 days away from Michigan Football, the Harbaugh suspension is now in place, and the submarine continues to remain air tight as the Wolverines prepare for the season. 

So, we need to go a bit off the board for topics today.

• The much-awaited Florida Gators under Urban Meyer Netflix "Untold" Documentary was released on Tuesday and it's terrible.  It's basically the Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow story. the producers completely missed the story and barley touched on arrests, lightly touch on a fight Aaron Hernadez had while having dinner with Tebow.   I've never seen a documentary completely miss the story line.  Don't waste your time. 

• Pelton is now making a Michigan Bike 

• Reggie Bush is filing a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA for saying he was a pay-for-play athlete. 

• Do we realize the Bowling Green game is a night game? 7:30 kick on BTN

• Kobe Bryant would be 45 today.  Kentucky Basketball will be the first "Kobe" school.

• Oregon is really pushing Bo Nix for the Heisman.  I think Michigan has 3 better candidates on its roster. 

Golf Trip Report: StreamSong Resort

There are a ton of great golf resorts in the US but I have a Mount Rushmore list.   Those are Pebble, Pinehurst, Bandon Dunes, and Whistling Straits.   I've been to 2 of 4 on that list and it might be time to let StreamSong into the party.  

Here are the details:

Stream has 3 courses on property Blue, Red, and Black and all 3 rank in the top "courses you can play in the US" by Golf Week and Golf Digest.  

The resort has a new feel as it was built in 2014 and the rooms are modern and big.  It has a SPA and a very nice Infinity pool that overlooks a lake.   While at the pool, you can buy bio-degradable golf balls to try to hit a 75-yard manmade island green in the lake to score a free beer. 

There are other things you can do at the resort, but let's be clear, everyone is here to golf.   The issue is, to say this resort "is in the middle of nowhere" is an understatement.   Bowling Green, FL is in the middle of the state and the resort sits a half an hour away from anything.  There literally isn't a gas station close to this resort.  If you're looking for nightlife outside the resort, you will be disappointed.  

The restaurants are nice but pricey as they got you locked in.   They do have a roof top bar, but this isn't Vegas.   The one thing that is missing is a coffee area, where you could pick up a Starbucks and a bagel before a round.    They want to push you to a restaurant for real breakfast, but if you're like me you want to get something quick and head to the range.  

The shuttle service is very strong and gets you to the courses and restaurants that are not at the main lodge.  None of the courses are at the main lodge/resort area. 

Golf:

All 3 courses are very good and different.  Blue is more of a "players" course, where shot making is key and can be set up difficult.  Red, has more character/views and can be set up to a player's ability on which tees you play.   Black is more of a links course with crazy roller coaster greens, no water, and sand everywhere.  

StreamSong has a strong caddy program and walking is encouraged.  With that said, in Florida's summer heat, I don't recommend it.  We walked Blue the first day in 96-degree heat and got a pull cart.  Huge mistake!!!  StreamSong is built on soft sand and the paths have "beach like sand".   Try pushing or pulling a cart up and down hills in beach sand.  Even the riding carts get stuck!  Blue and Red are in the same area and we didn't see any other walkers during our 2 rounds there.   If you walk either course, (make sure the temperature is reasonable) carry your bag or hire a caddy to do it!!! 

Black is the last course we played and is very walkable.  In fact, the riding cart has to stay on the path for most of the course and walking is preferred.   If we had to do it over again, we would have taken a riding cart for Blue and Red and walked Black.  

The practice area/range is very nice and included in your round.   There are also free unlimited bottle waters on the course in coolers every 3 or 4 holes.  When you walk in the summer heat, you will go through 10-15 of these little waters.  

Caddy Program:

The caddy program is very strong at Stream.   For example, if you take a riding cart, a caddy is mandatory.  The only way to not take a caddy is if you carry your own bag or take a pull cart.  The carts don't have GPS, so the only way you get yardage is from the caddy, from the sprinkler heads, or via your own device.   We didn't hire a caddy the first day but the other folks in our group did and he worked with us as well.   Caddy's come a recommended tip sheet. 

$100 per golfer for double bag walking 

$25 per golfer for riding golf for 4 players

$40 per golfer for riding 2 players 

Depending on how you want to work your caddy schedule, you can really increase the cost of your round.  I really like grabbing a cart and trying to get a round in at 5:00 a night, but you really can't do that here. 

Book in Advance:

There are really good deals for Florida and Georgia residents in the summer but be careful of the schedule.  For example, the resort is closed for three weeks starting today, so they can work on the courses.  The courses might be opened with a limited schedule during the rest of the summer.  

If you come during the winter season, the cost will be much higher.   The resort is building a family course but right now their guests are 95% male.   The Black course also has a family friendly putting course.  

This resort should be on your golf bucket list and I hope the above information is useful to you.  

 

Michigan Monday: Masters Talk

I heard Jimmy was down in Augusta enjoying the Masters this weekend.   I love that he loves all sports and if I had his money and fame, I would be doing the same thing.  

A few times every year I go off the board to discuss golf.  Today is one of those days.    I watched a ton of the Masters Thursday - Sunday and have a few thoughts and observations to share. 

Scottie Scheffler life changed when he was named to the Ryder Cup team last fall.  It was a controversial choice because Captain Steve Stricker picked him over Patrick Reed who wins so much in Ryder Cup matches his nickname is "Captain America".   The issue with Reed is, he is not well liked on tour and has a reputation for always playing loose with the rules.    You don't want to be labeled a cheater on tour, so nobody goes that far.   Reed is a good player, has a green jacket and a great Ryder Cup record, but was passed over for the consistent Scottie Scheffler (other captain picks included: Daniel Berger, Harris English, Tony Finau, Xander Schauffele, and Jordan Spieth) who had zero PGA Tour wins at the time.  

Playing well in the Ryder Cup and being part of that team, welcomed Scottie into the elite golfers' club.   Which changed his life and golf mindset.   Since the new PGA season started, there hasn't been a better golfer on the planet and he has won 4 times and is ranked the #1 in the world.   He got his first win in Phoenix, followed that up with a win at Arnie's Bay Hill, then the World Golf Match Play event, and now a green jacket.  He played relaxed and steady, in the cold and windy Augusta conditions all week.  He really didn't make too many mistakes until the final green, when that ball just couldn't find the bottom of the cup. 

The guy is 25 but looks 35 and if he can keep that driver in the fairway and that short game sharp, he might win a few more majors.  

Now to the biggest story of the weekend, Tiger Woods.   It was just over a year ago, we didn't know if Tiger was dead or alive after his car crash.   Then we didn't know the status of his legs for what seemed months.   This weekend, he gutted through 4 rounds in some poor conditions.   He only managed to put one good round together on the scorecard, but playing and making the cut was an unbelievable feat.   He is nowhere near 100%, as he struggled walking up and down the fairways of maybe the hardest walk in golf.    His driver game was sharp, his irons were not accurate, and his short game was rusty.  Though none of those things matters, the winners this weekend were the game of golf and having a legend comeback and play through pain, to prove to us he could do it again.  Golf is much more exciting when Tiger tees it up and I'm excited to see him play in the British Open.  

Fun fact: Tiger might have lost the Masters on Sunday, but his clothing line won.  Scottie Scheffler was wearing the Nike Tiger Woods Collection clothing and golf shoes.  While Tiger was actually wearing FootJoy shoes which gives him a bit better support as he continues to recover from his leg injuries. 

• RIP to Dwayne Haskins.  Rivalries is one thing; the loss of a young man is another.   Please keep a good thought for his family and friends. 

• Congratulations to Michigan Hockey who had a great year. 

Michigan Monday: Phil and Adding a DT

If you've read this blog for years, you know I'm a golf fan and sometimes go off the board.  Phil Mickelson who has always been a great golfer but was unlucky enough to be in his prime when Tiger Woods was young and just housing everyone.   As Tiger's life continues to twist and turns like a daytime soap opera, Phil's game started to leave him.  His mindset was he wanted to play on the regular tour but his game was more ready for the Champions Tour.    He was the guy that could shoot a 67 or a 77, you never really know.  

Until this weekend, when Phil started to play Kiawah Island like a fiddle.   His body is thinner and it seems he has done a lot of work on his mind and staying present during the round.   It was an interesting watch as you were just waiting for Phil to hit a drive off the course.   Some of those swings happened but they ended up not really hurting him as the rest of the field struggled.  

I think it was ironic that Tiger is at home with a broken leg and Koepka is playing with a bad knee.  Phil took a great opportunity, played well, and had a historic win for a guy a month away from his 51st birthday.    Well done lefty! 

• Jordan Whittley, the grad transfer from Oregon State did pick Michigan on Saturday.   Yes, this is a chance worth taking as Michigan needs some large men up front as they move away from Don Brown's nothing but DE's defensive lineman.  

• Looks like Gattis got another year added to his contract. Might be the COVID year doesn't' count thing. 

Michigan Friday: Cleans Out My Head

This weekend is for trips the outlet mall or cleaning out the garage.  It's Michigan's bye week and time to clean a bunch of the old stuff out.   So today, I thought I would clean out a bunch of thoughts I have in my head, you might enjoy them or it could be very scary.   So proceed with caution:

• This season, I'm more interested in a Big Ten Championship then a trip to the playoffs.  No, I wouldn't mind a match-up against Alabama in a semi-final game, but I'm more interested in  playing in the Big Ten Championship game and of course winning it.  

• So people are saying that Michigan should be rooting for Penn State to beat Iowa this weekend because they will be ranked heading to Ann Arbor next weekend.   I understand that, but I believe Iowa is the best team in the BIG West right now and could beat James Franklin and crew this weekend.  I also like that match-up for Michigan in Indy, if the Wolverines can get by Columbus.  (Wisky would have to lose another game as they beat Iowa already)

• Coach B took a Division 3 player (Duncan Robinson) and made him into a NBA Player.   Wow, what a coach! 

• UCLA is struggling this year, but they are full of connections to U of M:

-Coached by a former 49'er head coach 

-Wilton Speight is there on again off again QB 

-Devin Asiasi is one of their TE's 

-Roy Manning is their LB Coach 

-Jimmie Dougherty is their WR coach 

-Former Michigan recruits include: DTR, Darnay Holmes, & Boss Tagaloa

Weird. 

• I read the Spotlight Boston Globe articles on Aaron Hernandez.   Its very well done if your interested.  It really shows Urban Meyer at Florida and basically doing anything to win including playing and protecting criminals.  They also have a recent interview with Urban and he continues not to remember events from that time.  Urban is either a habitual liar or has a serious memory loss and might be ill.    

• Why does Turner Sports think people are going to pay $20 for Tiger to play Phil on the Friday after Thanksgiving? 

• I guess the Big Ten wasn't buying Dantonio's BS story with a $10,000 fine.   The Purdue game this weekend will be interesting.

• I find the recruitment of 5 star Zach Harrison very interesting.  I think if he was going to OSU he would have committed by now, but if he goes to Michigan or PSU I don't think he wants to be living in C-BUS with that decision.   Many still think the pressure will be too much and he will stay in Columbus.   We will see. 

• Michigan commit Eric Gray was again at Tennessee last weekend.   Eric also received his Army All American Game jersey last week.   If he doesn't get on campus for the PSU or IU game, I think he is gone.   I don't worry too much about not showing up for the Wisconsin game as many coaches asked a few recruits to re-schedule due to the amount of kids visiting that weekend.  Update: Jay Harbaugh is at his game tonight. 

• Quavaris Crouch another 5 star prospect is expected to visit Ann Arbor for the PSU game.   He told his local paper that Michigan and Clemson tied for the lead in his recruitment.  He plays RB or LB and the weather maybe an issue for him.   He is from NC. 

• Michigan really needs a commit from OT Trevor Keegan and/or OT Bryce Benhart.  If they could land both that would really help with the loss of Hudson this week.   That one is a still a headscratcher to me. 
• Bonus thought:  When is Zach Gentry going to throw a pass?
• Bonus bonus:  Wow, AJ Dillon is a good RB! 

• I'm a huge fan of having former players come back and coach or be on Jimmy's staff.   Roy Rountree and Jordan Kovacs are current examples.

Enjoy your weekend

Michigan Monday: Goes Off The Board Today

If you have followed this blog for years, you know a couple times a year I go off the board and talk a little golf. 


With Michigan Football in Spring Practice and Basketball now over, I'd thought I would talk a little Masters and what we saw this weekend. 


Coming into the Masters, all I heard was a Tiger vs. Phil match-up on Sunday again.  I thought that would be difficult as this was really Tiger's first major on his comeback and Phil is always an all or nothing guy in majors.   Starting on Sunday, Phil was in 50th place and Tiger was in 40th.  After both barely made the cut.   They both played well on Sunday but not enough to make any noise.   


I watched many of Tiger's shots this weekend and he is still struggling with his game.  Yes, it was great that he could get through 4 rounds with out pain but his game still has a ton of rough edges.  His driver is killing him, his irons are not consistent, and his short game which had been great coming into the Masters was not sharp.    He had been pretty good on the flat Florida courses and the slower bermuda, but I believe he still needs to play 3 or 4 majors before he sharpens the knife for that type of competition.


I think its great that Patrick Reed won, he has been quietly one of the better players on tour for a few years now.  His game really doesn't have any weaknesses and he showed that this weekend.   About 10 years ago, I got to attend two rounds at the Masters.   TV doesn't come close to doing the place justice, the greens look like a carnival ride (the slopes are borderline unfair).  I don't believe you would ever have a flat putt.   Experience is so important there and Pat finally found that right formula. 


US golf is in great shape.   When Jordan Spieth gets it going like that, he is clearly the best player in the world.  He had been struggling a bit this season but it looks like he has finally found his game again.  Ricky Fowler has always been talented but many had wondered if he was Sergio 2.0 (a talented kid that could never win a major), Sergio won the Masters last year and it looks like Ricky is about to win a major very soon. 


The golf industry took a big up turn when Tiger was in his prime and dominating the tour.   With Jordan, Ricky, Phil, DJ, Brooks Koepka, Day, Reed, and many more the game is in great shape.   I doubt we will ever see an uptick like we did during Tiger's run but golf might be making a quiet comeback and kids have plenty of good guys to look up to. 

Michigan Tuesday: He is Playing Where Edition?

Michigan Basketball walk-on Andrew Dakich has been planning a 5th year transfer for sometime.  It seemed every time Coach B was planning to redshirt him, Michigan had an injury at the guard position and had to use him to fill some minutes off the bench. 


Andrew had announced earlier this year that he was heading to Quinnipiac to spend his 5th and final year in college.  Well, there seems to be a change of plans and a program in Columbus is in serious need of some guard help.   That's right folks, ESPN tweeted Andrew is heading to Ohio State to play his 5th a final year.   I can see both sides of this, OSU of course is greater then Quinnipiac, but then again its OSU.   Reports are that Dakich will be on scholarship at Ohio State.


Speaking of strange decisions, The number one TE in the country Jeremy Ruckert committed to Ohio State on Monday afternoon.   This decision was not a surprise and many insiders predicted it.   He picked Ohio State over Michigan and Wisconsin.   That is a strange decision as Ohio State really doesn't use TE's in their offense too often.  Reports are that Urban has told him that he will change his offense for Jeremy.  Ok, good luck with that decision. 

• Drake Johnson got his 6th year from the NCAA and will participate in track at Michigan and won't be on the football team.   That is a good decision and I wish Drake all the best!

• Jimmy on Corey Malone-Hatcher:  "It's something that Corey, in conjunction with the doctors and the trainers, decided it was in his best interests and the right path for him to take," Harbaugh said. "I support it, from the standpoint of being very supportive of what the doctors and Corey thought was best." -- "He's still in school," Harbaugh confirmed. "It's a disappointment for his family, for him, for us coaches and for everybody in terms of football, there were high hopes there. I thought he said it very well, I can still get a great education, I can still be a great Michigan man and be able to participate as a student intern if he so chooses. There are other ways that he can contribute."

• 2018 Safety from Miami, Randy Russell Jr. has Michigan in his top 5.

Going off the Board:


I don't know if we have any History Channel fans out there, but there is a new series called The American Ripper.  The premise of the show is they are trying to solve the mystery of London's Jack the Ripper identity.    This series is trying to prove that American serial killer and con man H.H. Holmes could have been Jack the Ripper.  


HH has ties to the University of Michigan.  He actually graduated from U of M's Department of Medicine and Surgery in 1882.  He went on to run a bunch of insurance scams in Chicago and even opened a hotel that was latter nicknamed the Murder Castle.  After years on the run and more murders and scams, HH was hung on May 7th, 1896 in a prison in Philadelphia.  

Wolverine Wednesday: Calls For Corproate Sponsors For Michigan Players

There are many theories right now on how to compensate players who play on big revenue generating sports like football and basketball at major universities.   I support a model that gives each athlete a little bit of spending money (like $200 a month) with their scholarships.   I don't think you will ever be able to pay athletes across all sports, it just won't work. 

One plan I have heard was for each athlete to look for sponsorships to help them with the costs outside the classroom.  Which got me thinking, which current Michigan football players would be a good fit for a corporate sponsorship:

Potential Corporate Sponsor = Current Michigan Player

Miracle Grow = Devin Gardner  

Mio = Drew Dileo

Frito Lay's Funyuns = Devin Funchess

Windex = Brian Cleary

Wrangler Jeans = Jack Wangler

Got Milk? = Jeremy Gallon

Taco Bell = Too easy but Taco Charlton

Rosetta Stone = Fitzgerald Toussaint

Avery Labels = Courtney Avery

Janet Jacksons New CD = Jeremy Jackson

Ross Departments Stores = James Ross II

Star Fleet Trucking = Dennis Norfleet

Bell Labs = Russell Bellomy

Avenger's = Justice Hayes

Pogo Scrabble = Henry Poggi

Gordon's Food Service = Thomas Gordon and Cam Gordon

John Denver's Greatest Hits = Bo Dever

Gantt Charts = Allen Gant

Sesame Street = Blake Countess

Drake Hotels = Drake Johnson

Beach Boys = Jarrod Wilson

Honeywell Thermostats = Delonte Hollowell

You can prevent forest fires = Richard Ash

Indian Jones Movies = Royce Jenkins-Stone

AC/DC Back in Black = Jibrell Black

Bosch Audio = Kyle Bosch

NASDEQ = Brennen Beyer

Boudreaux's Butt Paste = Jake Butt


What did I miss?   List your favorite sponsor for a Michigan Football Player in the comments.

Losing My Religion

I don't really discuss religion or politics with my friends or family.  Who you pray to or vote for is your own personal choice.  I certainly wouldn't do it here either.  

The religion I want to discuss today is the love we all have for sports.  Which has taken a big hit lately, hasn't it?   Just a quick recap of some of the stories we have been dealing with the last 12 months or so.

• Penn State hides the fact one of their former employees is using University facilities to hurt children.

• Major League Baseball stars Mark McGuire, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Roger Clemens are  pretty much black balled from the Hall of Fame because they used PED's to extend their careers and perform at high levels that made many people (including them and MLB) a lot of money.

• It seems every high profile college football coach takes an NFL interview or links their name to other college openings so they can make more money or extend the contract at the place they are at.  I like to call this practice the "Les Miles".  The last obvious attempt at a "Les Miles" was Brian Kelly's interview with the Philadelphia Eagles.  Chip Kelly did a reverse Les Miles yesterday as he decided to go back to Oregon only to change his mind when the Eagles sharpened their pencil.   I actually applaud the Eagles for this move because I hadn't heard of any of the coaches the NFL has been hiring lately.   The Bears hired a CFL head coach (and former Detroit Lions assistant) for goodness sakes. 

• Lance Armstrong beats cancer, takes PED's to win a bike race in France (and has been denying he did it for 12+ years)  7 times that nobody in the US really watched or cared about before he won it.   During that time he raises nearly 1/2 a Billion Dollars for cancer research from his Livestrong charity.  

• Now the Manti Te'o story of his girlfriend dying was a complete hoax.   Let's be clear here, whether Manti was a victim of a hoax or he and a friend put this entire thing together to get Heisman votes.  It's sick, very sick.   I personally believe that Manti had to have known something along the way but I guess we will learn more as the facts continue to come out. 

What's next?  Is LeBron James a robot?  Is Michael Phelps part fish?   Is Alabama really the next NFL franchise? 

When is this going to stop?  Do we know too much?  Should we not be looking behind the curtain?
Is sports becoming professional wrestling?

It just seems too much and that ESPN News and CNN are on a collision course to becoming the same thing.  I listen to sports radio and many radio hosts wonder out loud why there is so much interest in New York Jets backup QB who looks like he is throwing with the wrong hand?   The above bullets points are why, because good stories in sports are becoming harder and harder to find and when we do find them, we find out it's just a big façade.

Michigan Monday: BHB Turns Over a New Leaf

I'm not really an Olympics type of guy.  I enjoy a few events like watching Locte and Phelps competing in the pool, watching our NBA stars dominate the world on the basketball court or to see if Usain Bolt is still the fastest man in the world.   This year I wanted to watch a few more events and broaden my horizons.  Here are a few of my first weekend's takes:

Opening Ceremony:  I will never get those 4 1/2 hours back.  I turned on the opening ceremony expecting to see the athletes coming in to the arena, lighting of the torch, and Paul McCartney.   I'm sorry if this is not a popular take but in this world economy there has to be a better way to spend 36 million dollars.  I was not expecting a Broadway type History of Great Brittan production.  I thought parts of the show were very good including; the fireworks, lighting of the torch, and James Bond/Queen (not as good as NBC kept saying it was) .   The rest of the show I felt was way overdone and way too long.  Even Paul McCartney was out of tune singing "Hey Jude".   This ceremony should have been about 2 hours not 4 1/2.  NBC please give me more Bob Costas and less Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira.

Women's Basketball:  I don't watch the WNBA or really any other Women's Basketball.   I tuned in to watch the USA team since I have been hearing how good they are and how they are going to lap the field on the way to the gold metal.   I watched a half of some of the worst basketball I have ever seen played.   I assume both teams were nervous for the first game of the Olympics but I won't be tuning in again.

Beach Volleyball:  This is a fun sport and enjoyed watching it this weekend.  It is pretty funny watching them play beach volleyball in 50 degree weather.   I will be tuning in again as the USA goes for the gold!

NBC's Coverage:  I understand you want to have prime time coverage but when Locte and Phelps are in a final at 2:30 EST in the afternoon and you don't show it live on TV because you want to save it for prime time is bush league.   If you want to watch it live you have to do it on the Internet.  Everyone knows the outcome by the time you show it in prime time so you might as well show it live. 

• The Big House BBQ came and went this weekend with out any commits.   There was a ton of Internet buzz yesterday that Derrick Green was going to commit to the Wolverines.   He didn't but seemed to have had a good time.   Michigan seems to lead right now for him but he is a guy that feels really good about the school he just visited.  I hope he pulls the trigger for the Wolverines soon.  I don't like our chances if his recruitment continues towards signing day.  Seems Brady and boys pulled out all the stops this weekend on him.  Here he is holding the Heisman Trophy and he also hung out with Denard.

• Kendall Fuller committed to Virgina Tech this past weekend.  That was not a surprise.  

• Rob Bolden former Penn State starting QB (he played HS football at St. Mary's in Orchard Lake, MI)  has left the team and is expected to join Les Miles at LSU.  Joe Paterno had blocked his two other attempts to transfer.

• Former Michigan recruit and OSU Freshman Brionte Dunn is having some legal troubles.

• Denard:

Jack & Joe Have Mad Flow

Michigan QB Jack Kennedy and WR Joe Reynolds have BIG plans after graduation.   Their group is called JDK and Rey.  Enjoy!




Did you catch the cameos by Denard and Taylor Lewan?

I hope Leon McQuay gets to see this.

Michigan Thursday: Is Worried About James Tony

I don't follow boxing like I used to.  Speaking for myself, MMA didn't take it's place (I know it has for many fans) in my fandom,  I'm just not into it like I used to.   Back a number of years ago, it was fun watching boxing and mostly with the local flavor that James Toney brought to the sport and Ann Arbor. 

James Toney the former Huron QB and Boxing's former three division World Champion was fun to watch back 10+ years ago.  It seemed he would fight anyone on TV from ESPN to pay-per-views against the likes of Roy Jones Jr.   There was even a "rumor" that James got into a fight with Deion Sanders at Michigan's football camp while he was in high school. 

That was along time ago and James is now 43 and just signed to fight Tomasz Adamek on September 8th.  Here is a quote from ESPN's Dan Rafael on the September match-up:

You don't have to be a doctor to see that the man is clearly damaged. Perhaps Toney will pass his New Jersey medicals, which are supposed to be conducted this week. But it doesn't take a medical professional to diagnose that Toney shouldn't be fighting anymore, no matter how much financial distress he's in due to his tax issues.

Somebody needs to make him stop, and that obviously isn't going to be Main Events. Toney is 43, in his 24th year as a pro, has fought 86 times, sparred thousands of rounds, gained and lost inordinate amounts of weight and been in some very violent fights. He is a cracked shell of what he once was.

I understand professional athletes want to compete and will stay in their sport as long as they can.   I also understand that boxers go from making a few hundred dollars per fight to making Millions and then back to a few thousands.   They have agents, cut men, trainers, who all need cash.   Boxers no matter how well they manage their money have a hard time keeping it.  

This situation with James Toney worries me and I'm worried for his prospects of having a healthy life past the age of 43.   I understand that James fight against Denis Lebedev last November was a complete nightmare.  I hope the best for James, I hope someone close to him wants the same thing.

• Today is the start of Nike's Opening.   Like I mentioned before the 4th there are a ton of Michigan guys in attendance.   A couple of prospects names that I left off that will also be at Nike's HQ includes: DB Kendall Fuller,  DE Joe Mathis and RB Derrick Green.   Go get them Shane! 

• Former MSU head coach and current interim head man at Arkansas, John L. Smith is bankrupt due to some bad real estate deals.  As you remember, Rich Rod also lost some money on a real estate deal.  I guess football coaches are targets for guys looking to sell some land.

• Darius Morris is expected to sign another deal with the Lakers for just under $1M per year.  The Lakers also just traded for one of the best point guards ever in Steve Nash.   This could be a great thing for Darius as he can learn behind a legend or a bad thing if the Lakers don't feel like they need him.  Manny Harris also got cut by Cleveland.   Manny was injured last year after a freak freezer accident.

Michigan Thursday: What Might Have Been

Since we are getting into the summer months and Michigan's 2013 class is pretty close to full, I thought I would jump off the board a bit and propose a question to all the Big House inmates this week. 

I got this idea watching the NBA playoffs the last few days.  Kevin Garnett was having a big night for the Celtics in game 1 against the Heat and I started to think what if he had come to Michigan instead of going pro?  Would he had been one of Michigan's best big men ever?  Would he have been a one and done?

So below is my top list of guys that were considering Michigan but went the other way.   I would like you to vote on who would have made the biggest difference in the Maize and Blue if they did come to Ann Arbor.


Kevin Garnett:  Was the high school player of the year and McDonald All American in 1995.   Instead of playing college basketball he decided to enter the NBA Draft and was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Kevin was on record as saying, if he didn't pick the NBA he was headed to Ann Arbor to play basketball for the Wolverines.   Could Kevin been the best center in Ann Arbor since Roy Tarpley?  I guess we will never know. 


Payton Manning:  Many Michigan fans remember Payton at Tennessee for two things.  Finishing second to Charles Woodson in the Heisman race and his Tennessee team getting destroyed by Nebraska to somehow earn a share of Michigan's National Title.   Payton was in the 1994 recruiting class and was one of the highest rated QB's in that class due to his talent on the field and his last name.   He stunned many by picking Tennessee over his fathers Alma mater Ole Miss.   What many don't know is he seriously considered Michigan but choose the Volunteers instead.   Michigan did win a National Championship during his college years with another legacy QB in Brian Griese but could you imagine Payton in the Maize and Blue?


Derek Jeter:  When do you ever remember the State of Michigan having the best high school baseball player in the country?  In 1992 they did (Kalamazoo), Derek won the High School Player of the Year Award from the American Baseball Coaches Association, the 1992 Gatorade High School Player of the Year award, and USA Today's  High School Player of the Year.   Derek was taken #6 in the draft that year by the Yankees, the Houston Astro's who held the #1 pick passed on Derrick for concerns he would want too much money not to go to college.   His college choice was the University of Michigan.   In fact, Hal Newhouser Houston's top scout quit after the draft because they didn't listen to him (he wanted them to draft Derek) and didn't draft Jeter.  They ended up picking Phil Nevin. 

Would Derek had been the best player ever in Michigan Baseball history?  I think there was a very good chance at that! 


Mateen Cleeves:  Yes, the MSU standout guard from Flint was in the car for the famous accident that took down the Michigan Basketball Program and introduced us to Ed Martin.  Mateen was pretty much a Michigan lean at the time of the accident and after that backlash/investigation, he took his talents to East Lansing.  He gave Tom Izzo his first National Championship in 2000 and was named the MVP of the Final 4.  His #12 is retired.

It's hard to argue with Mateen heading to East Lansing after the entire Ed Martin scandal started to come to light but if that accident never happen and he did come to Ann Arbor to play, would we ever really know about Ed Martin  (probably would have after his number running case became public) or would have MSU's program really have taken off?    


So please vote on the right side of the blog on who you think would have made the biggest difference in a Michigan jersey.  I will keep the voting open for a week.   If you have other guys that come to mind, put them in the comments and I will do another "What Might Have Been" next week. 

Michigan Lacrosse Update

Written by BHB reader Lax Daddy Dave

So the Blue is finding out what the difference between Club and Varsity D-1 is in a tough love sort of way. At 10-3 so far, cannot say yet if this first season will be a success yet. In order to make it a success, they will have to win the majority of their remaining games against some good teams. With two ranked teams in Dartmouth and North Carolina (not to mention Ohio State which is hovering near the top 20) left on their schedule , it will be a tough stretch. But let's not give up. They have some great recruits this first season, and I believe that coach John Paul will be able to do in this league, what he has been able to do at the Club level. Go Blue! Beat OSU April 14th in the Big House. That would be the exclamation point, regardless, of this breakout season.

Optimistically
Lax Daddy Dave

Chaz Bono is a Michigan Fan

I hope the health issues are just tabloid rumors.   I just copied the above photo to show even though Chaz is becoming more Charlie Weis then Cher, she/he seems to support the Wolverines.  Go Blue Chaz!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween and Go Blue! 

-via BHB reader David and Tec

Let's hope Michigan has some Dog in them when they play Iowa this weekend! 

Michigan Friday: Has Another Contest For You!

The last T-Shirt contest for the Spring Game was a huge success.  It seems a lot of you like T-Shirts that pokes a little fun at that school in Columbus.  I think Coach Hoke calls them "Ohio".
Well, the good folks at Smack Apparel has sent me some different "Ohio" shirts.   This time, I think I have 12 of them.  Which equals 12 winners! 

I will take email entries from Today to Monday August 22, 2011.

Contest Instructions:

1. Send me an email at thebighouseblog@hotmail.com with:
2. Your best guess on the next two football players from the 2012 class that will verbally commit to Michigan.
3. As a tie breaker, I  will use the order of the players listed on your email for a timeline. (the players don't have to commit this weekend, I am just looking for the next 2 no matter the time frame) For example: 

Example Email:

Bob,
I think the following guys will commit to Michigan in the next few weeks:

1. Uncle Ron
2. Voice of Reason

(If Uncle Ron commits on 9/1 and VOR commits on 9/15 - this is a winner, if I don't have 12 winners with the correct order, I will take the correct 2 players) 

The first 12 people in my inbox with the right answer will win this T Shirt.  I will do my best with sizes.



If you have any questions, please put them in the commets field so I can answer them for everyone.

Thank you and have fun!

-Bob