Michigan Tuesday: Sign, Sign, everywhere a Sign

Blockin' out the scenery

Breakin' my mind

Do this, don't do that
Can't you read the sign?

The quiet didn't last long.  Pete Thamel from ESPN wrote another salacious article with more "leaked" information about the possibility of Connor Stalions buying tickets to a number of Big Ten Games, sending them to other people, and surveillance video shows them holding an iPhone.  That he had purchased the tickets with his personal credit card, even tickets on both sides of the OSU - PSU game but the seats went unfilled. 

First off, WARDE WAKE THE F' UP.  You better be on the phone with the NCAA on these intentional leaks and shut them down right now.  There is zero upside for Michigan to cooperate with this investigation if the NCAA continues to play it out in the media.  You have unlimited Michigan lawyers at your disposal, use them and tighten this up right now.  If you don't, it's time for you to find another job. 

Mgoblog did a very good piece last night.  

To me this is interesting and the NCAA considered changing the rule in 2021:

Rationale: The Board of Directors Infractions Process Committee requested that the Legislative Committee Modernization of the Rules Subcommittee focus its rules modernization efforts on identifying rules that no longer serve the needs of the membership and the 21st century student-athlete, and recommending modifications to or the elimination of such rules. Specifically, livestreams of intercollegiate competition and prerecorded game film are readily available in the digital age. The minimal competitive advantage gained by scouting future opponents in-person is outweighed by the monitoring and enforcement burdens of ensuring compliance with the legislation.

Let's look at the gray areas first and then the potential penalty. 

You have to follow the expense reports to find who is at fault here.  If Connor funded this himself with his buddy network, I think Michigan's exposure is much less.  If Michigan was funding this by reimbursing Connor for tickets and travel costs for his buddy network to these "other" Big Ten games, then Michigan might get hit with a harder penalty. 

Is Connor's buddy network a representative of Michigan Football?  If they are paid or expenses taken care of, you can make the argument they are.  If they are not getting reimbursed (outside free tickets), maybe they can be considered an overly zealous fan. 

Reports are that Connor loves Michigan Football and would do anything to be on staff and probably believed he wasn't breaking any rules by sending his buddy network to games. 

Potential Penalty:

There are fans worried about a Post Season ban this year.  There is little to no chance that will happen.  Michigan has not even been officially notified of a rules violation and has 90 days to respond.  These types of situations take years to resolve.   The Kansas FBI thing just got settled.

Main Points for Michigan Fans to consider:

• Was this scouting activity funded by Michigan Football outside of Connor?
• The NCAA is already on record saying this rule might be obsolete. 
• Everybody at games is holding an iPhone 
• Connor's probably going to get a show cause by the NCAA at some point 
• The NCAA is clearly after Harbaugh by leaking these stories to the likes of Thamel and Yahoo's Ross Dellenger.  Since Michigan can't respond, the NCAA can't stop breaking their own rules and should be shut down by Warde immediately. 
• Time for Michigan Lawyers world-wide to unite against the NCAA 

Lastly, why doesn't the NCAA have coaches to helmet communications?  It's not becuase Little St. Mary's of Northwest Iowa can't afford it, they already have headsets and communication from the coaches press box.  It's because coaches love stealing signals and everybody believes their signals are being stolen and changed every week.  

• MSU interim head coach Harlon Barnett said on Monday that he knew Michigan would try to score on that last drive.  "I’m not surprised, not surprised. Not at all … (I will) definitely (remember that). I always remember. I’m gonna remember everything about that game.”  My question would be, where are you going to remember it at?  Because the chances of you still being at MSU with a new staff are slim and none.  Barnett has yet to win a game as MSU's interim head coach.  

Michigan State Preview

Time: Noon

Location: Spartan Stadium 

Weather: 49  20% rain

TV: Fox 

Line: Michigan -4

Dear Jimmy, 

Last week was a bit of a bumpy ride, even though it looked good in the box score.  Now you take a trip to East Lansing to play a team your very familiar with.   For some reason, your teams have had trouble with Sparty in the Big House, but have played well in East Lansing.  You in fact, have never lost in East Lansing as a player or a coach.   I believe this program even broke your arm the first time you played them, even though that game was in the Big House in 1984.  

I obviously will save my motivational speeches, as your team will be hyped to play this game.  This is one of the games that Hutch came back to play and probably will have enough energy to run from Ann Arbor to East Lansing to play this game.   I'm sure practice was good this week and your squad will be ready when foot hits leather.

Like every Friday this season, I will give you some advice on the game.   When your living in a situation, its sometimes hard to see the forest through the trees.   Everyone loves Michigan's run game but its very one dimensional.   Bo and Carr thought that you could line up and run the same offense and Michigan would out power and out talent every opponent.   That is not the case any longer and Michigan needs to break some tendencies on offense.   MSU opened the transfer portal and found lots of talent from the SEC, ACC, and more.   This is not the team you played last season.  

What's interesting about the #10 Spartans is they are a jack of all trades, but master of none on both sides of the ball.    On offense, they score with big plays at the RB and WR position.   On defense, they give up yards but not a ton of points in a clear bend but don't break.  This team struggled to win against Nebraska and Indiana but found a way to win.   That is the difference this year from other Sparty teams, this team tends to not beat itself in head scratching ways.

So here comes the advice for the game section.  MSU is going to throw everything at you on Saturday afternoon.  There will be trick plays, deep passes, and this is Ken Walkers chance to win the Heisman so he will be a huge part of the offense.   Mike Macdonald will have his hands full as he will need to shut down the running game and defend the pass against Sparty speed WR's.   MSU gives me a Wisconsin type of feel team.  Michigan's defensive line needs a big day, against MSU's questionable OL.  Stop the run is the #1 goal!!

MSU defense will have everyone in the box and Cade will need to get out of those plays and look for the TE 5-10 yards down the middle of the field.   We need to see some better formations and creatively in the red zone to score TD's, not just field goals.   You can't rely on interceptions and block punts to win this week.   Can we run a traditional screen to Corum at all?   You know the play, Northwestern ran it like 5 times in one drive last week.   Mix in some speed in space with the power run game.  You will find open running lanes and open WR's.  

The nation is not buying either team in this match-up.  Nobody thinks either one of you can beat Ohio State or is even a threat to get to the playoffs.  In fact, the Big Ten playoffs to Indy starts on Saturday at noon.   I challenged you and your program when you went to Madison and Lincoln.    This is another put up or shut up game.  Both teams know what is at stake and there is even a possible LSU job offer on the line for your peer on the other sideline.   Play hard, play smart, win the damn game.  

Michigan 27 MSU 20

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 Friday: Texas Southern and Sparty

Texas Southern and Mt. St. Mary played a pretty ugly game but close game yesterday afternoon to tip off the tournament.   Texas Southern has some athletes but unless they shoot the lights out at Mackey, I think Michigan should be ok in the first round.  Prediction: Hunter has 30. 

MSU and UCLA played a late night close game where I thought MSU played well in the 1st half but you could see the momentum turn in the 2nd.   Izzo and crew will be home for the rest of the tournament as you know by now.  

• Jake Butt on a long and painful journey with the Broncos has come to an end.  My guess this might be it for his football career.   That F'ing Orange Bowl and bad ACL's cost him a longer NFL career. 

• Rhode Island guard transfer Fatts Russell says that Michigan has reached out.

• Michigan Women's Basketball Naz Hillmon is the 1st Wolverine to be named as the 1st Team All American. Congratulations!

Enjoy the basketball this weekend and lets hope the Wolverines go 2-0!

Michigan Thursday: Why the First 4 Matter

Michigan fans have plenty of interest to stay up late and watch basketball tonight, in what used to be the first day of the NCAA tournament but this year its the First 4.   

1st:  Let's scout Michigan's opponent in the 5:10 game Texas Southern (16-8) vs Mt. Saint Mary (12-10).  This is a TruTV game and probably the only time anyone watches that channel.   You will have to search for it in your guide.   This is basically a pick'em game as MSM is -1 favorite.   Strange seeing a team make the tournament with 12 wins.   

2nd:  MSU vs UCLA - which seems more like a first round game then a First 4.   MSU has beat some big boys like Michigan, Illinois, and OSU in the last month.   But they also can look like an NIT team some days.   This is the late game with a 10:00 tip on TBS.    Sparty is a -2 favorite. 

• Jourdan Lewis signs a 3 year $16M deal to stay with the Cowboys. 

• As expected, Josh Burnham committed to ND - the loss of BJM hurt Michigan here. 

Enjoy basketball tonight!  BTW:  Isn't the tournament so much better when Michigan is good?  😀

Preview: Michigan State

Time: Noon

Location: Big House 

TV: Fox 

Weather: Sunny 40 

Line: MSU +24.5

It's not rare to play to play this game in late October but it is rare to play Sparty in the 2nd game of the year.   MSU will make its second trip in a row to Ann Arbor (to make up for the bankrupt former Toys "r" us CEO mistake) but the first new for MSU's new head coach Mel Tucker who was hired late in the cycle when Mark Dantonio left the Houston Rockets as his small ball strategy clearly was clearly not working in the playoffs.  

Mark hated Michigan and had a nice run over the Wolverines as Michigan's best football program was trying to find its way after Lloyd Carr retired.   MSU is in a similar situation with a new coach, little to no roster, COVID, and issues all over campus.  It will take Mel years to rebuild as they try to band-aide through transfers.  The first look was not a good one as they gave up 7 turnovers in a loss to lowly Rutgers last weekend at home.  When Mel feels sad about his team, he looks at his bank statement and smiles.  

Why MSU?

Well, it is Halloween and Sparty has pulled out a few tricks and treats in the Big House in the past.  They were not ready to play last weekend and looked like Big Ten's worst team.   They did show flashes as Rocky Lombardi (who has a famous football name) threw for over 300 yards and they have a speedster in Reed who is a transfer from Western Michigan at WR.  

This is Sparty's Super Bowl/Bowl Game and there is always improvement between week 1 and week 2.   I don't expect Michigan to over look its instate rival but the Wolverines have been known to play down to lower competition.   

Key Match-Up:  MSU's O-Line stopping Don Brown's pressure cooker.  

Michigan   

The Wolverines looked like a different team on offense last Saturday night and Joe Milton made every Michigan fan forget about the McCaffrey's.   It was a great mix of Speed in Space and Jimmy's hard nose power football.   They used full backs, tight ends, and ran between the tackles.    They also hit fast guys on the outside and ran Joe for first downs and touchdowns.   It's what we had hoped to see for a couple of years.   The Gophers defense looked like they were confused all night.   

Ohio State hasn't been stopped on 3rd down and 4 for 10 years as their athletic QB could always pick up a 1st down running the ball if nobody is open.   Michigan finally figured that out and recruited a guy that can do the same.  

Michigan's defense was dominate at times and head scratching all in the same game.   They struggled to stop the run and did a decent job in the secondary.  Dax didn't play in the 2nd half and the secondary took a step back.   Michigan's defense is all about pressure and if they can get it from 4 guys, it gives Michigan an extra person in coverage, if they send more guys, Michigan can get gashed if the QB gets it out fast.  

Key Match-Up:  Michigan fighting ghosts on Halloween 

Are you going to predict anything?

Michigan should find comfort in playing in the Big House and there is plenty of things to smooth over from last week.   Sparty on the other hand, won't turn over the ball 7 times this weekend and will try to take a huge jump in "playing football" from last week.  

My gut tells me this Michigan team loves playing football and will find anytime they take the field a blessing this season.   They won't over look Sparty and will probably be up for another trophy game in a rivalry situation.   I don't believe Sparty has the talent to be able to do advanced things that will confuse the Michigan coaches.  If Michigan plays clean and tightens up some of the loose areas from last week, this will be over at half.    If Michigan is getting kicks blocked and turning the ball over it will keep Sparty in the game.   For example, Rutgers turned the ball over 3 times themselves last week.  

I like that Dax and Nordin are expected back and that Michigan plays the way they did last Saturday night in the daylight.   Ghost only come out at night.  

Michigan 48 MSU 12 

Wolverine Wednesday: Getting Spring Practice Back

Michigan was about to start Spring Practice when the world changed.   Those 2 weeks are very important to the development of young players, for example like finding a new starting QB as the Wolverines are doing this season. 

Per the AP:  The NCAA's football oversight committee expects to finalize a plan Thursday to allow teams to conduct up to 12 unpadded, slow-speed practices, also know as walk-throughs, during the 14 days before the typical preseason begins in August.

Teams will be permitted up to 20 hours per week of what the NCAA calls countable athletically related activities during those extra two weeks, leading into a normal 29-day preseason practice schedule. The walk-throughs will be part of those 20 hours per week, along with weight training, conditioning, film study and meetings. Players will not be permitted to wear pads or helmets during walk-throughs, which cannot exceed one hour per day.

This change potentially could be a positive for the Wolverines as the non-early enrolled freshman will now be able to participate in those two weeks.  If Spring Practice happened in March they wouldn't have.   Word on the street is all but one freshman is in the Michigan Directory and they are expected to be in A2 to start training on Monday.  If you want to crack the 2 deep for a true freshman, having another two weeks will certainly help.  

Now if Expedia will refund me the thousands of dollars that's in limbo for my cancelled family spring break trip, it will be all good news!!!  Expedia the ball is in your court, do the right thing! 

• MLB draft starts tonight and a couple Wolverines (Jeff Criswell, Jordan Nwogu) are expected to be drafted.   

• MSU has added future games against CMU and FAU.  

Michigan Friday: Damn Duncan

Raise your hand if you thought Duncan Robinson was going to be solid NBA player/starter?  My hand isn't raised and I would have been surprised anyone outside of Duncan's family would have their arm in the air.  

Now he has set an NBA record.  He is the quickest player in NBA history to hit 200 three pointers.  He has done it in 69 games, Luka and Donovan Mitchell were the fastest with 84 games.   Duncan will also be participating in this weekend All Star Game 3 point contest.

Well done Duncan!

• Tom Mars the lawyer from Patterson's eligibility case, has quickly removed himself from the Curtis Blackwell legal team. 

• Michigan Basketball takes on IU on Sunday. 

• Pat Forde takes a blow torch to MSU and Beeker-man the AD for everything Sparty. 

• If you're a fan of TomVH who used to be a Michigan recuiting insider, he is now doing some golf articles for ESPN and they are pretty good. Here is one about Tiger Woods and his new Bridgestone golf balls. 

Happy Valentines Day to all the Big House Blog Inmates!  🌹

Michigan Monday: National Championship Night

I don't have anything on Michigan's loss to a bad Minnesota team yesterday.  I do have a PSA for you: if you want to remain a sane Michigan sports fan this winter, just watch Michigan Basketball at home or neutral site games.   Nobody in the Big Ten seems be able to win on the road this season.

When you watch the game tonight, I want you to watch with Maize and Blue glasses on.  What I mean by that, look at the difference between both LSU and Clemson and our beloved Wolverines.  

What are the major differences you see?  I would love your feedback in the comments on Tuesday.

I have watched both teams a few times and I will give you my list.

1. Talent level.  Each team has athletes at every level/positions.  
2. Defensive Tackles are real DT's.  Look to see the 300+ pound human beings on the interior defensive line.  (Not beefed up DE's or LB's) 
3. Speed at Skill Positions.  There are fast guys everywhere. 
4. How running the ball at the QB position, extends drives and wins games.

I have flip flopped on Don Brown from loving him to hoping he finds a new job outside of Ann Arbor.  With that said, I don't believe Michigan has a coaching problem.   I believe the 4 bullet points above are the differences from going Good to Great in Ann Arbor.   Michigan played Alabama and OSU and the talent difference was clear.  I believe Harbaugh has closed the gap but Michigan still has a long road until they have an LSU turnaround (which should be the example Michigan uses). 

The last time LSU won a NC, it was a huge turning point for Michigan's program.  If LSU wins tonight, maybe Michigan's curse will be over.   :)

• Jimmy's brother John had a crushing loss on Saturday as the Ravens were expected to advance and maybe play in another Super Bowl. 

• Ambry Thomas confirmed he was coming back to Michigan next season.  The depth chart is a bit thin at CB so this was good news. 

• For a University that has gone through one of the highest profile sexual assaults scandals in history.   It's unbelievable that MSU still keeps a football coach that brought Auston Robertson to campus.  Losing football games doesn't compare to bringing a sexual predator to campus and putting every female student at risk.   Mark Dantonio makes a $4.3M bonus on Wednesday, every dollar should go directly to Robertson's victims.  

Michigan Monday: Time to Turn The Page To Indiana

Most Michigan fans are probably still smiling from the game last weekend.  We all wanted a blowout but we have watched too many MSU games to know anything can happen.   Sparty bounced out to a 7-0 lead and I know many of us thought we might have another crazy Saturday.  That didn't happen and Michigan turned Sparty in ground beef and sent them limping back to East Lansing.

As good as it feels to beat an instate rival, Michigan must use the 24 hour rule to celebrate the MSU victory and move on to another team that has given Michigan trouble over the years.   Indiana hasn't beaten the Wolverines but played them into overtime in both 2015 and 2017.   IU runs a wide open offense and finds themselves bowl eligible at 7-3 for the first time in a long time.  IU would love a trademark win and the Wolverines would fit the bill if they are looking forward to the Buckeyes in two weeks.

IU lost a close game at Penn State on Saturday 34-27 where QB Payton Ramsey was 21/31 for 371 yards to 9 receivers, 1 TD and no picks.  He also ran for 31 yards and 2 TD's.   So the kid can play and did this in Happy Valley.    This will be a big test for the Don Brown and his new zone bracket defense we heard about on the broadcast on Saturday.   Michigan does have the #4 defense against the pass and will look to pressure Ramsey and hope he makes a few mistakes.   If your wondering who has the best ranked defense against the pass?  It's Ohio State which of course is one of Indiana's losses.  

IU has only been giving up 21 points per game but that came against bad offenses like Northwestern and UConn.   OSU put up 52, Nebraska 31,  Penn State 34 and Sparty 40 so there will be points for the Michigan offense if they continue playing he way they have since the second half at Penn State.

Michigan is -7.5 right now on the betting line.

• Michigan this past weekend offered two new instate OL Caleb Banks and OL Ru'Quan Buckley.

• Shea Patterson is co-Offensive Big Ten Players of the week with Jonathan Taylor. 

I Hope Sparty Felt Pride

John T. Greilick, Detnews

To quote Mark Dantonio's famous words after he felt disrespected by Mike Hart's "little brother" comment, "the pride comes before the fall".  Well, I hope he felt pride because the Spartan Program has fallen and can't get up.  You can say they have entered the "Life Alert" phase of the Dantonio Era.

Michigan's game on Saturday was a microcosm of the season.  The Wolverines started slow, had sloppy mistakes, got behind, woke up, and dominated the rest of the game.   It's also the reason we do the traditional Sunday Cheers and Jeers.

Cheers

• Shea Patterson had 300+ yards passing and probably his best game as a Wolverine 
• Have a day Ronnie Bell! 
• Game plan gets an A for Don Brown and Josh Gattis 
• I know he might not show up large on the stat sheet but Mike Danna is really playing well
• I thought the Oline was excellent in pass protection
• Hutchinson showed speed and quickness
• Defense held Sparty to 54 yards on the ground 
• After getting behind the entire team played with energy and purpose 
• More throws to Nico please
• Nordin made field goals! 
• DPJ flew into the endzone
• Blocked punt was huge! 

Jeers

• Dropped passes early on 
• Slow start getting behind by 7
• Too many penalities 
• State's TD drive was basically on the back of Michigan penalities 
• DPJ's return was great, fumble not so much 
• Black's flex should have been saved for the sideline
• Didn't love the decision to go for it on 4th down early, punt and make Sparty go 80+ yards.  Michigan was losing the field position battle in the 1st quarter. 

Great rivalry win and its so much fun to win these games when we dislike the MSU coach.   Sparty gets a chance to get back to winning next week against Rutgers.  

Michigan on the other hand, has a difficult task of playing IU when they are playing some of their best football of the year.  The Hoosiers gave Penn State everything they could handle in Happy Valley yesterday and will be looking to upset the Wolverines next weekend in the definition of a trap game. 

The Michigan coaches will have to do some of their best coaching during the week to keep the team focused, as playing IU's offense will be a great test on what they will see from Ohio State in 2 weeks.   

Wolverine Wednesday: That's Better

When you only have 5 players on the floor, one elite player can win games around 4 good other players.   We have seen Melo and KD take their teams on a national championship ride as they were clearly the best players in the NCAA Tournament.  You could even use Glen Rice as a Michigan example of that same theory.

As of today, Michigan doesn't have an elite player on the floor.  Some have said, that could be Wagner when healthy, but that reveal is delayed until he heals.   Michigan this season will have to win like they did last night, play great defense, hit 3's, find Big Sleep down low, and play with energy at all times.   That last point about energy might be the most important.

Last night, Zavier found his assist and dribble drive games and finished with 17 points, Teske closed the game with 10 straight and finished with 17, and Livers was hitting 3's and even added some mid-range game that led the team with 22.   If those 3 play like that, Michigan will be competitive in most games.   Creighton and Michigan seem to have similar talent and Michigan ran away at the end for a 10 point win.  2nd half energy and effort was the difference and  it was great to see the new Michigan staff have that positive effect on the players.

• Could be a strange basketball season as #1 UK went down to Evansville last night.

• Coach Dantonio seems to be in a strange place as MSU's head coach.  He told the media that his QB Brian Lewerke didn't go into the concision protocol and MSU later had to say he was checked for a concussion.   I'm still concerned this an injured wild animal that is playing dead and about to get up and fight. 

Michigan Monday: Deep Thoughts

Yes, this is rivalry week and Michigan is coming off a bye week and MSU took a bad loses to Lovie Smith and Brandon Peters on Saturday.   Still I have some deep thoughts...…..

• First off, rivalry pushed aside the loss of Cassius Winston's brother and now the news is breaking that former WR for MSU and the Detroit Lions Charles Rogers has passed away at 38 goes behind sports and my heart goes out to both families. 

• LSU QB and former Buckeye Joe Burrow is having the season I had hoped for Shea Patterson.  That was a heck of a win by the Tigers on Saturday. 

• Is Michigan going to go all season without playing at 3:30? Update: Michigan @ IU now at 3:30. 

• I wonder which Bowl Michigan is going to play Florida in?  Please no

• OSU has played an un-believable easy schedule, they have Rutgers this weekend.  Their hardest road game all year, has been what at Nebraska or Indiana?

• Does Michigan have a Hyberbaric Chamber and is Franz Wagner hand in it for 20 hours a day?

• I still don't know if Minnesota is good or that Big Ten teams just can't play on the road.   It looked like James Franklin made some coaching mistakes in that game.  Minnesota goes to Iowa this weekend and will host Wisconsin.  It will be interesting to see if Golden Gophers can get through those 2 games.   So the odds are that the Golden Gophers will make the Big Ten Championship game before Michigan.  Come on, man. 

• The Chase Young situation is starting to look like a setup with the NCAA.  Funny how something that happened almost a year ago is now an issue.  There are reports now he might only miss 2 games (not against PSU and U of M) but Maryland and Rutgers.  This reminds me of the time Auburn suspended Cam Newton for just a Tuesday for possibly taking a couple hundred grand from a booster.

• App. State beat South Carolina this week (who beat Georgia).  I just don't understand why AD's not follow my rules, #2 is never schedule App. State. 

• Arkansas fired their head coach on Sunday after losing to Western Kentucky and being 2-8 this season.  Remember when our AD paid Arkansas millions of dollars to cancel the home and home series? Solid investment there Warde. 

• MAC Action on Tuesday has been moved up a couple hours due to a possible winter storm. 

• I don't know what happened on Saturday will motivate Sparty or crush them.  I think either is possible.  No matter what, MSU is dangerous as hell for the Wolverines on Saturday.  

Michigan Tuesday: The Juwan Howard Era Begins Tonight

The first night hopefully of something special for years to come.  This Michigan team isn't great, the expectation is they will compete in every game but this isn't a championship team with a pretty loaded Big Ten with the likes of #1 MSU, #7 Maryland, and #18 OSU.   Looking forward to the season!

• Jourdan Lewis joined, Peppers, Winovich, and Bush with an NFL defensive TD this season.  

• Rumors mill is already saying that Big Game Bob Stoops could go to Florida State.  

• Minnesota is close to giving PJ Fleck a new deal.  See the above bullet for one of the reasons why.   If I'm PJ, I would want to sign that deal before the Penn State game on Saturday.

• Giles Jackson was the co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week 

• Jordan Glasgow is a semi-finalist for the Butkus Award

• Josh Metellus is the Reese's Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week 

• Michigan - MSU game will kick at noon on Fox a week from Saturday

Michigan Thursday: Who is Hassan Haskins?

Freep

Michigan was so deep at RB last season, they moved 6'1 220 pound true freshman Hassan Haskins to LB as he played both RB and LB in high school in St. Louis.   HH wasn't the highest rated or recruited guys in the nation, he was rated 3 stars and his top offers where from the likes of Purdue, EMU, and Memphis.  He was barley in the 24/7's top 1000 (975) and only had a 4.7 40 yard dash.   Some fans have the opinion the reason the program can't turn the corner is because Michigan is offering recruits rated this low.

Fast forward to the end of last season, 1 RB starter is headed to the NFL, another transfers out, and the holdover starter has an academic issue and is suspended.  That left a former walk-on Tru Wilson, Christian Turner, and incoming true freshman.  Michigan needed more tailbacks and pulled Hassan back from defense.   Fast forward again to this season and Michigan is struggling at the RB position.  Tru was hurt, Charbonnet was banged up, and Turner is having trouble holding on to the ball.   Which meant that HH now has his chance in Champaign, Illinois.

Jimmy on Monday said: "First started seeing some wow-type of plays in practice, and now we’ve seen them in the games,” Consistently getting better and better. This last game, he had a great game, over 100 yards, along with Zach Charbonnet”

Clearly the game is starting to slow down for HH as he speeds up.   He started the season mostly on the bench with a total of -5 yards through the first 3 games.  HH started to shine during the Rutgers game where he got more playing time and totaled 45 yards, then 2 caries against Iowa for 22 yards before his career Saturday with 125 yards against Illinois.   His most impressive run all day might have been the 4th and 2 in the 4th quarter.  He didn't make it, but it took the entire Illinois defense to get him down.   (BTW, Shea scores if he keeps the ball on that play - huge miss read)

Now, he will be a big part of the game plan in Happy Valley.  Michigan's offense needs a kick in the pants or a secret weapon and maybe HH will fill that role.   My advice, keep running hard and hold on to the damn ball!!

• Amara Darboh has been signed and promoted from the Tampa Bay Bucs practice squad. 

• Fingers crossed that Coach Howards lands his first 5 star recruit tonight at 7:45. 

• MSU has had 5 players enter the transfer portal in the last month.

• Tyree Kinnell was also drafted by the XFL and will join Pep's team in DC. 

Michigan Monday: Big Ten Pre-Season Predictions Were Mostly Wrong

I know many fans want to go to the playoff and have a shot at a National Championship.   I do as well, but I much prefer a Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl.  I thought Michigan had a decent shot this year, with OSU going through a coaching change.   I had a bunch of pre-season expectations that have been mostly wrong with a few that were right.

Pre-Season Predictions

Ryan Day is not Urban Meyer and Justin Fields would struggle early and get a little better as the year went on.    Prediction was Wrong!  Ohio State could be playing the best football I have seen out of them in a number of years.  Could make a case for the #1 team in the nation.   Big swing and a miss by me.

Michigan State would have a decent defense but will struggle on offense to score points.   Prediction was Right!  I was looking forward to watching the Wisconsin - MSU game on Saturday.  I got through a few minutes and knew the game was over.   MSU is in big trouble this year.  

Wisconsin would be very one-dimensional on offense and struggle to stop teams on defense.  Prediction was Wrong!  I might have been 50% correct here but I was way off on Wisconsin's defense and ability to stop Big Ten Teams.   Wisconsin travels to Columbus in two weeks and then we will see.   Their defense has given up a total of 29 points all year (14 to Michigan and 15 to NW).

Minnesota has an easy schedule and will look really good until late in the year.   Prediction was Right!  PJ Fleck is 6-0 and will have an easy road to 8-0 before they have to play PSU, Iowa, and Wisconsin.   A schedule with no Michigan, OSU, or MSU is just crazy.   The Golden Gophers will come back to earth when they play Penn State and will end the year with at least two loses and probably 3.  

Penn State and James Franklin were going to struggle without Moorehead, Barkley, and McSorley.  Prediction was Wrong!   Outside of the Pitt game, Penn State looks like what my expectation of what Michigan would look like.  Solid offense and a solid defense.   PSU didn't play great at Iowa but did do enough to win the game against an Iowa team that all of sudden has the turnover bug.  

Michigan's offense would finally get modernized.   That Josh Gattis would scheme an offense that made it easy for Shea Patterson to find open WR's.  The offense line would be the best we have seen in 10 years, and the RB's might struggle due to lack of experience.   The defense would take a small step back but would match-up well against Wisconsin, Iowa, MSU, and PSU.   Prediction was Wrong!   Further explanation is not needed. 

Here is the funny thing.  Many people would have predicted that Michigan would be 5-1 at this point in the year, with a tough loss at Wisconsin.   Yes, the Wolverines got embarrassed but a blow out is the same as a 1 point loss in the standings.  

Ohio State being 6-0 is not a surprise to anyone with their toughest game being MSU in Columbus so far.  

Same for Penn State, with their toughest game being their win in Iowa on Saturday.   Wisconsin doesn't seem to play road games and are 6-0, with their biggest test coming up in two weeks.  

If the year has gone pretty much the way you thought, what is all anxiety about?

Michigan fans have a crystal ball and if they could get themselves to bet against their favorite team would make a killing in Vegas.  Wolverine fans know that Michigan is going to struggle and probably lose by a decent number in Happy Valley, come back and play a talent ND team close, beat MSU, and lose to another uber-talented Ohio State team.  

You know what's stupid but accurate?  I would give Michigan a much better chance next week if the game was played at 12:00 or 3:30.   I'm also willing to bet that the ND @ Michigan will end up being back to back night games for the Wolverines.   Which seem to be the only program in the country that can't play at night.   

Michigan Monday: The Upside, Injuries, and an Early Look at IU

The media likes to say, "Michigan is peaking at the right time".  Which is a pretty accurate assessment with the #1 defense and Shea Patterson playing well under center.   What's exciting about this team is that the defense is much closer to the ceiling then the offense.

The Rutgers game is an example of that.  Michigan didn't put anything new on tape and Shea had the best performance of his college career.   Michigan's #1 rusher had less then 50 yards but still scored 2 TD's.   What I have really enjoyed this season is Shea's accuracy and that he doesn't turn the ball over.   After the ND game, he has done a great job at protecting the ball.

We also have to "call out" the offense line, who for many years have been one of the main reasons Michigan has struggled on offense.  This unit has greatly improved and has taken leaps and bounds forward.   Michigan is finally playing that downhill style that Jimmy loves.

I believe this offense is still running at about 80% of its capabilities.   Here is why:

• Michigan hasn't put too many RPO's on tape this season and we know that is all the rage in football.
• Tarik Black has been back for two games but hasn't seen too many targets yet 
• How about the slot position?  Grant Perry is losing snaps to Martin and Bell as that position is playing very well. 
• Evans is now just starting to look like 2017 Evans
• Gentry has 28 catches and could easily have 20 more
• Screens!  Michigan could be killing it on RB screens but have only ran a few all year 
• The read option pass! 
• Having to game plan to cover guys like Black, DPJ, and Collins has to be a nightmare

Those are a few reasons, I believe Jimmy is keeping 20% of this offense in the vault for the trip to CBus and anything after that. 

Injuries:  Insiders are saying the following:

-Hill is in the concussion protocol and very questionable for Saturday

-Paye is expected back on Saturday 

-Metellus is expected back on Saturday 

-McCafferty had surgery and is out for the rest of the season

Early Look at Indiana Football:

5-5 

Best win: Virginia  

Worst Lost: Minnesota 

They pass for 255 yards per game ranked 44th 

Rush for 155 ranked 82nd 

They score: 28 points per game ranked 78th

Defense gives up: 30 points which ranks 84th

To get bowl eligible IU needs a win over Michigan or Purdue.  So Purdue.  

A few thoughts from the weekend:

• The MSU offensive performance on Saturday against a questionable OSU defense was pitiful.  It was clear they had the wrong QB in and didn't have a game plan.  

• The new Louisville opening will be very interesting for Michigan for two reasons, 1 - that is Purdue's head coach Jeff Brohm's job to lose or turndown.  2- If Jeff does decide to go home, that could mean great things for Michigan and 5 star George Karlaftis.

Michigan Monday: Lands 2 Commits on Sunday & An Early Look at Rutgers

If your considering being part of the Michigan program and happened to be in the Big House on Saturday, it must have been difficult to leave unimpressed.   The Wolverines played like Winovich's hair was on fire and a number of recruits took notice.

2019 CB/WR Athlete Mike Sainristil who recently de-committed from Virginia Tech, committed to the Wolverines this weekend.  Mike visited Ann Arbor for the BBQ and everyone but VA Tech knew he was going to commit to Michigan at some point.  Mike is from Don Brown territory in Massachusetts and is 5'9 175 pounds.  As we know,  Jimmy loves him some athletes that can play different positions.   At Michigan he could play WR, RB, CB, or even Safety.

The services have Mike ranked as a 3 star player across the board, except ESPN who has him as the #1 Player in MA and a 4 star athlete.  His offer list is one you would expect from a school in MA:  VA Tech, BC, Rutgers, Wisconsin, UNC, Ole Miss, and some MAC schools.  This is also a bit of a recruiting style change for the Wolverines who have seen Penn State and Purdue have great success with shorter elite athletes this year.

It's clear Michigan would like to have most of its class if not all of its class signed in December.   Which means the Wolverines want to go 5 Star hunting with needs still at OT, LB, and Outside WR.  Either way the rooms at the Inn are starting to get very full for the 2019 class.


2020 RB Tim Baldwin RB joined the future class as well.   Tim is rated as a 4 star to 24/7 and a 3 star on the composite.  He is 5'11 and 187 pounds and from Ashburn, VA.  His early offers included Michigan, BC, Maryland, and Charlotte.   This was his second trip to Ann Arbor and this time sealed the deal for the talented RB.  Tim is the first RB commit to the 2020 class that now has 6 commits 5 commits.

Welcome to both Mike and Tim!

• Breaking News:  DT Denver Warren has de-committed from Michigan in the 2020 class.  He said on Twitter, that Michigan didn't have a spot for him on the D-Line in the 2020 class.   Which seems very strange this early.  Denver is a 3 star prospect from Illinois. 

• Look at all these rumors:  Confidence continues to grow around the recruitment to Ann Arbor for 5 Star Zach Harrison.  Quavaris Crouch of course visited this weekend and there was a rumor he was in the locker room singing with the team: "It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine".   We will see for both guys.   Harrison wants to enroll early so he will need to make a decision in the next month or so.  

• Rutgers kick is at 3:30 on BTN

• If MSU beat OSU on Saturday at Noon and Michigan beats Rutgers and IU, that would put Michigan into the Big Ten Title game in Indy.  Dantonio still wants to win that game right?

Too Early Look at Rutgers:

Rutgers started off the year with a win against Texas State and have lost 8 in a row.   Though they did play Northwestern tough 18-15.  Wisconsin beat them last week 31-17.  They also had to dismiss a RB recently due to a plot-to-murder charge.  

Offense is consistent:  

Pass for 152 a game which is 119th in the country 

Run for 124 a game which is 114th  

They score: 14 points a game which is 130th 

Defense gives up 33 with is 99th

Line: Michigan -39

On a side note, how is that Big Ten expansion going for Maryland and Rutgers?  I hope the  TV revenue from those markets are worth it. 

If we are doing side notes:  Since ND is sort of in the ACC, Shouldn't they have to play Clemson in the ACC Championship game?

Michigan Tuesday: James Hudson Transfers

We are going to have to get used to this, players are going to transfer and transfer often.   The time of kids developing and waiting their turn as a junior and senior might be over.   Now, I don't have any information on what is going on in James's life but consider the following:

• Moved from DT to OT last season
• Coaches are saying that offensive line is his natural position 
• Was getting high praise as being a future NFL Tackle in the off season 
• Has a real offensive line coach now 
• Was getting second team reps at tackle 
• Team is #5 in the nation 
• The player ahead of him just went down in the last game 
• Jimmy said he had a hand injury and that's why he didn't go in the game against MSU

Then he decides to transfer, some insiders are saying that he had probably decided before the State game.  James red shirted last year and will still have three years to play at his next school.

Good luck to him at his next stop. 

• Mike Sainristil a WR/CB with a Michigan offer just de-committed from Virginia Tech.

• MSU released a statement on the pregame situation.  Guess what Sparty?  Purdue is coming to town and you better start focusing on them. 

• So I'm on the Iowa bandwagon, I think they are the second best team in the Big Ten right now. Not the most talented but they are playing solid football.   Penn State hosts Iowa, comes to Ann Arbor, and then hosts Wisconsin.   Could James Franklin go 0-3 in the next 3 games?  

Michigan Tuesday: The D-Line Injuries Could Be An Issue

Michigan's program under Greg Mattison has had great defensive lines.  This year is no exception and with the loss of Mo Hurst has done very well.    I will take DE's Gary and Winovich over any pair in the country.   This is a deep position group but injuries continue to pile up and if there is one thing you need against Wisconsin's power running game it's great defensive line play.

Here is a current list of defensive line injuries:
#2 Carlo Kemp - Limped off on Saturday, being evaluated for this week
#3 Rashan Gary - Has an AC injury*, missed Maryland, questionable for Saturday
#5 Aubrey Solomon - Had surgery week 2, expected back late Oct - Early Nov
#18 Luigi Vilain - Missed last year and expected to miss this year with injuries
#50 Mike Dwumfour - carted off on Saturday, reports are not as serious as first thought

Those are 5 valuable players that equal 22 recruiting stars.

Backups and co-starters include:

• Bryan Mone - a run stopper perfect for Wisconsin 
• Taylor Upshaw - Needs to stay on a red shirt 
• Lawrence Marshall - been getting plenty of playing time
• Donovan Jeter - Is the sophomore ready?
• Julius Welschof - true freshman not an option 
• Carl Meyers - Walk-On and has gotten some snaps 

Michigan has plenty of depth at the DE position with the likes of Paye, Hutchinson, and Uche who is a LB but can rush the passer. 

• Jared Wrangler tweeted that when DJ Durkin was at Michigan he told Jared,  he would never play at Michigan. DJ your a bleep hole.

• Michigan at MSU is a noon kick-off,  Yes! 

• There continues to be concern over Urban Meyer's health as he took a knee with a headache during the game on Saturday.   I'm obviously not a OSU fan but shouldn't they have moved Saturday's game to Monday on Columbus day? 

• The media kept asking Harbaugh that the Michigan fan base wants Shea benched.  Who the hell are they talking about?  This is the best QB play we have seen in a very long time. 

*More info on AC Injury from sportsinjuryclinic.net:

An AC joint separation, or AC joint sprain, is an injury to the ligament that holds the acromioclavicular joint together at the top of the shoulder. It is usually caused by a fall onto an outstretched arm and there can be different grades of damage. There will be severe pain and swelling on top of the shoulder, especially when trying to move the arm overhead.

Pain will be worse when trying to move the arm overhead and there is often swelling and depending on the extent of the injury a deformity may be seen in the form of an obvious lump on top of the shoulder joint. Acromioclavicular joint separations are graded one to six with grade one being mild with only minor ligament damage and no separation of the bones whilst grade 6 is a severe injury with complete ruptures of the ligaments and visible deformity.

A grade 1,2 or 3 injury is usually treated conservatively without surgery. Grade 4,5 and 6 injuries and grade 3 sprains which do not respond to treatment usually require surgery.