Michigan Monday: Tick Tock Alex

Another weekend and still no decision from Alex Kozan.   The rumor mill is saying it's down to Michigan and Auburn, relationship with assistant coaches and business schools.   Alex very much wants to go to business school and at Michigan you have to get accepted as a Sophomore and Freshman very rarely get accepted in.    At Auburn you can be accepted right away.  Too bad Alex can't talk to Zack Novak or Zoltan Mesko (clearly the Ross Business school likes athletes with a Z in their name!)  

Auburn also picked up Jordan Diamond on Friday.  It was clear mid week last week that Jordan wasn't going to Michigan.  His mom was very clear with a few insiders that it wasn't Michigan.   I am not sure what happened in his recruitment and how he went from Michigan as his leader to not even considering them close to his announcement. 

Remember when I said it was very unlikely that Michigan would go 0-5 on the group of (Garnett, Diamond, Kozan, Grant and Reeves)?  Well, unless Kozan goes blue that is exactly what they will do.  I hope Kozan makes a decision soon so we can start looking at the class of 2013.  At this point, he has not announced a timeline.  He had said late last week he hoped to have a decision this past weekend.

• John Beilien's club dropped one to MSU yesterday.   The Wolverines will need to find away to play better on the road this year.

• Congratulations to the Giants.  It was nice to see Mario Manningham make the game changing catch.

• Michigan Blogger "Touch the Banner" has a nice preview of some of the top prospects in Michigan for the 2013 class.  Looks like the talent might not be not as deep this year in the Great Lakes State for Big Ten caliber kids as 2012.

Michigan Friday: The Big Ten Big 2

We all remember the days when it was Michigan and Ohio State fighting for the Big Ten Championship every year.  Last year OSU was done and the 3 years before that Michigan was done.   So we really haven't seen the two fighting for the Big 10 Championship since the #1 met #2 and the day after Bo died.  

Both OSU and Michigan new head coaches and both men can recruit.   Michigan and Brady Hoke had a head started on Urban Meyer but Urban made up some time and took advantage of Penn State programs being upside down at the moment.   Both programs are waiting on a couple of high profile guys to finish their 2012 class but it is clear already that Michigan and OSU signed the top classes in the Big Ten both teams have top 10 classes nationally.   Let's use Scouts as an example of how the Big Ten did:

#3 OSU
#4 Michigan
#36 MSU
#39 Iowa
#48 Northwestern
#49 Penn State
#50 Nebraska
#51 Purdue
#52 Indiana
#62 Wisconsin
#67 Minnesota
#69 Illinois

Wisconsin and Nebraska can out recruit Penn State when their program is a complete wreck and their new head coach is still doing another job?  That has to be very disappointing for both programs.   Wisconsin has the #62 class in the country after winning the Big Ten Championship and going to the Rose Bowl?  They are really hoping Diamond puts on a Wisconsin hat tonight.

I know Mark Dantonio in East Lansing loves to talk about what a strong recruiter he is.  Here are a couple of programs that out recruited him:  Cincinnati, Colorado, Rutgers, Kentucky and Utah.  Yikes!  They also had one player sign with the Spartans that was recruited by Michigan.  That player is Aaron Burbridge and that recruitment was a bit iffy due to potential qualification issues. 

• Jordan Diamond announces tonight at 8:00 est.  The latest buzz is not positive towards Michigan.  It seems Auburn has made a late push.  Auburn could come in and try to grab Diamond and Kozan this weekend.  Insert Cam Newton joke here.  I think Alex might be waiting to see what Jordan does and then could do the opposite.

• Michigan plays at MSU on Super Bowl Sunday.   I think the Spartans might be ready for this game.   

• For Michigan fans Sunday's Super Bowl has of course Tom Brady and Zoltan Mesko on New England.  The Giants have David Baas and Mario Manningham.  Tom has struggled against the Giants in the past and they can put pressure on him with their front 4.   Many are picking the Giants in this game, I don't bet against Tommy.   Patriots 28 NY 24  (look out for Chad Johnson deep - this is the classic hasn't done anything during the season and has his best game in the Super Bowl story)

Wolverine Wednesday: Hosts a Mid-Week 2012 Visitor and Other Michigan News

Matt Godin is an instate DT/DE prospect for 2012.  He was being recruited by RR and Staff and had made it to Ann Arbor for a couple of games in 2010.  He was clearly excitied about playing for his home town team and wanted a scholarship offer.  Well, when the new staff took over at Michiga offers starting flying out of Schembechler Hall to other prospects but not Matt.  He clearly got frustrated as MSU had offered and coaches like Chip Kelly were calling him.  

Matt finally got his offer last weekend and it didn't take long for Matt to take his un-offical visit to his dream school yesterday.  TomVH from Mgoblog has an interview with him up.    I absolutely loved it, a lot of it was more of what the coaches were saying and how they want to bring Michigan back. Also, at some schools you don't really see the players that much, but I walked in there and all the players were in the locker room joking around. It was a good experience, especially for my dad to be there. He's a season ticket holder for 30 years, and for him to see his son get a scholarship from the University he loves is great.

Let's hope we have some good news out of the Godin camp real soon.  Michigan is still looking for it's first verbal commit for the 2012 class.   Written offers can't go out to 2012 prospects until August. 

• Looks like a couple of teams might find themselves in hot water with the NCAA:  Tennessee is expected to release the NCAA's finding on a number of their athletic programs today (including baseketball and football) and Oklahoma seems to have reported some violations that are similar in nature to Michigan's with making off season workouts mandatory instead of voluntary.  Oklahoma self correction is to take a week off from conditioning.   Also Alabama, has been a hot topic in the media lately.  First a crazy fan kills Auburn's 100+ year old tree and then calls a radio station and brags about it, Nick Saban continues to be the example of what's wrong in college recruiting by over signing players, then Nick is shown on the big screen at an Alabama basketball game with Barry Sanders and his son who Nick is recruiting.  Alabama said they didn't commit a violation and it was just an honest mistake.  That mistake must be similar to the one Dee Hart kept making when he forgot that book in his locker at his high school over winter break and just happened to wathc Alabama's bowl practices a number of times.  

• Former Wolverine QB Ryan Mallett has been dropping down draft boards lately and it seems it could have to do with lack of leadership skills and rumored drug use.  I have to admit I heard similar rumors at Michigan, again they were just rumors.   Let's hope they aren't true and Ryan answers the right questions and passes the right tests.  As your remember, Mario Manningham admitted to doing a little "pot" before the NFL Draft as well.

• The Michigan Basketball Team plays Wisconsin tonight at Crisler Arena.  As you know, Michigan is still not considered a "bubble" team but could change that with the next 3 games which include; Wisky tonight, Minnesota this weekend, and then MSU at home.  Michigan needs a signature win and Wisconsin could fit the bill if the Wolverines were able to get a win tonight.  Michigan needs a .500 record in the Big Ten and one win in the Big Ten tournament to make it's case for the Big Dance.  Let's hope the Wolverines can get a win tonight and at least one more over MSU and/or Minnesota.

• Michigan QB Recruit Zeke Pike now is up over 40 offers.

• New Jersey DB Yuri Wright (6'2", 180 lbs) has been offered by Michigan and Coach Mallory has been in discussions with NY DB Wayne Morgan (5'11", 180 lbs) and an offer soon may follow.

Michigan - Penn State Preview

Time: 3:30 EST
Location: Big House
TV: ABC
Weather: Cloudy 45 degrees with rain expected at 6:00
Line: Michigan +4


With Michigan sitting at 5-2 some fans have forget what the goal of the 2010 season is; go to a bowl game. With a win on Saturday, Michigan would have its 6th win which equals bowl eligibility. That should be enough motivation for the Wolverines on Saturday, but they really don't need any extra motivation because this is Penn State week.

Penn State comes into A2 as the #13 ranked team in the country with the top ranked scoring defense in the country (tied with Florida at 8.7 a game) and an offense that has averaged 510 yards the last three games. So Michigan will have it's hands full on Saturday if they plan on getting #6.

The Big House of Horrors:

JoPa and Penn State hasn't won at the Big House since 1996 going 0-5 over that time period. Most games have been close, even losing one on a last second pass from Henne to Manningham. (I wonder what those two are up to these days?). In fact, Michigan had won 9 games in a row against PSU until they beat the Wolverines in Happy Valley last year.

Cupcake City Baby!

Penn State is 6-1 coming into Saturday's match up and their schedule so far in 2009 has been sponsored by Hostess. PSU has played one quality team (Iowa), which they lost. Michigan is coming off it's top cupcake game of the year last week against Delaware State where they ran up 727 total yards on offense.

What to look for on Saturday:

• Who can run the ball? Both Brandon Minor and Evan Royster had big games on the ground last year.



• Which QB's will excel? Michigan will play two freshman nick-named FedEX for the way they deliver: Tate in the Air and Denard on the ground. Both are healthy and ready for a special Saturday delivery. PSU has an athletic QB Daryll Clark who lead the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten Title last year.



• Who is too fat from the Cupcakes? I think we know more about the young Wolverines coming off their 63-3 win last Saturday but do we know enough about Penn State? They did shut out the Golden Gophers last Saturday in Happy Valley 20-0 but hasn't face an offense ranked higher then 75th nationally.

This will be a tough games on both sides of the ball. The Michigan defense is better then they were just 8 weeks ago. Penn State might not have played anyone yet, but is still a powerful team on both sides of the ball. Michigan will get a lift from having it's center David Molk back and it seems former starting cornerback Boubacar Cissoko might be back from his suspension and dress/play on Saturday. Penn State will be with out it's back up running back Stephfon Greenand and what is the status of Minor's ankle is still up in the air. Either way, this will be a hard hitting game and one not to be missed.

Get another "cold one" if:

• Tate and Denard can't move the ball on the Lions Defense


• The Fed Ex Duo continue to deliver to the wrong address (picks and fumbles)


• The Michigan defense lets Clark run around for a ton of first downs


• Michigan's defense finds itself in 3rd and 20


• JoPa announces his retirement before the start of the game

Sing "Hail to the Victors" if:

• Brandon Graham introduces himself to Darryl Clark many times


• Michigan can stop the run


• Brandon Minor runs like he did last year in Happy Valley


• RR and the offensive staff have a good/new offensive game plan


• Michigan goes 200/200 in the air and on the ground

The Michigan defense will go with a similar game plan as they did for Michigan State. Stop the run and pressure the pass. The mistake they made in that game was letting the State QB's run from pressure. Clark will eat Michigan's lunch if he gets loose and runs the ball. Look for Stevie Brown to spy on Clark, if Stevie blitzes he better get the sack. Vegas has Penn State favored by 4, which seems like the proper line. This game will show which team is ready for prime time and which needs more desserts. Michigan 28 Penn State 24

GO BLUE!

Michigan Football Tuesday: Closed Practice

photo courtesy of Freep:

Anyone up for some Basketball News?

• The top recruit in the 2011 class Michael Gilchrist visited Ann Arbor this weekend and got to catch the IU game. Over heard at the game: and this is where the new basketball practice facility is going to be. There have been discussions about naming it the Michael Gichrist Practice Facility! I'm just kidding, your not taping this are you?


• Casey Prather a 2010 recruit is going to announce his decision tomorrow. It's between Michigan and Florida. He visited U of F last weekend and the insider scoop is that he will choose the Gators.

Back to the Grid Iron:

• Donavon Warren interception won the game for the Wolverines. He also had a great quote about the pick: “We both actually had our hands on it. It was a tugging match from the get-go. We were both wrestling for it and I just Mike Barwised him.”


• Michigan is #22 in both polls


• Guess who Miami's new starting QB is? Chad Henne. With Jake Long already there, the Dolphins now need to trade for Mario Manningham and sign Mike Hart off Indy's practice squad.


• The Iowa night game will be decided after this Saturday's games whether it's an ABC or ESPN. 2 wins = ABC, 1 or 2 losses = ESPN. Iowa has Arkansas State, so it comes down if Michigan beats State on Saturday.


• Michigan closes practice to reporters this week. My first thought is the Michigan coaches don't want them seeing if Tate is throwing or not. My guess is he is still pretty hurt and won't throw most of the week. I have a feeling that RR's statement yesterday, might have been a ploy for MSU's prep this week. As you see from the photo above, Tate was not using his right arm after the game at all.


• Wermers talks again, well sort of: If you remember, he left Michigan and blasted RR and staff while heading out the door. Of course, he flunked out of school before he left. Wermers essentially confirmed an ESPN.com report that he would've been academically ineligible to play for the Wolverines had he stayed there, anyway.
  
  "I screwed up at Michigan," he said. "I'm going to give it everything I have here."
  
  Wermers refused to talk about the allegations that the Michigan program is under now, saying that he wasn't "at liberty to discuss them."
  

Now Some Recruiting News:

• Joshua Shaw, a 4 star CB (#3 ranked CB in the country per Rivals) from California is planning an official visit to Ann Arbor in November. You guess it, during the Ohio State weekend.


• Troy Gloster a 3 star outside LB from Maryland may make his decision this week. It's reportedly down to Michigan and West Virgina.

Michigan vs Notre Dame Preview

Game Time: 3:30

Location: Big House

Line: ND -3

TV: ABC

Weather: 73 Partly Cloudy

This seems like an "old time" Michigan - ND match up. Both teams are 1-0 with a ton of media attention around this match up. I think the attention has more to do with the two head coaches but hey that's what sells on ESPN these days.

So on to this weeks match up.

Both teams played well last week against weaker opponents. The ND defense pitched a shut out and the Michigan D gave up one big play. Both offenses scored often and early and cruised in the second half with over 30 points total. So you can rack both of those victories up as a pre-season win. (I know both are good wins and wins are wins) The real season starts on Saturday.

If you look at head to head match ups, ND is the better team and the reason why they are ranked #18. They have a experienced QB, they have explosive WR's, and a defense that played well against Hawaii in the Bowl Game and Nevada last week. It's not a big mystery what we will see from ND on Saturday. They will run in between the tackles, throw long to the WR's, and try to win the turnover battle again.

If you just look at the match up's and stats, I would say this is a 10 point victory by ND.

What's interesting in this game is the intangibles:

• A Greg Robinson lead Syracuse team beating ND in South Bend last year.


• Goodtime Charlie being 2-2 against Michigan with two Michigan blowouts.


• ND being 3-9 in road openers since 1997


• 5 upsets in the last 7 games between these two teams

Both teams are feeling really good about themselves but only one team has to travel to Ann Arbor and play in the new louder Big House. That could be the difference in this game. I would like to look at last years game but it really don't make sense with Michigan's 6 turnovers.

BHB "keys" to the game:

• Clausen vs Michigan's CB's: ND will throw the long ball can Michigan's CB's cover them tight? Look for Justin Turner to make his debut in some role as a CB, since JT Floyd struggled against WMU.


• Mike Martin and Brandon Graham vs ND OL: Can these two guys get pressure on Jimmy? If ND wants to throw long, Jimmy will need time. (Jimmy likes his chicken spicy!) :)


• Can Michigan run the ball? Nevada averaged over 5 yards per carry. Michigan will need easy first downs on the ground.

Worry if:

• Boubacar is hurt and can't play


• Jimmy's jersey stays clean


• The FedEx duo starts acting like freshman QB's and turns the ball over


• Michigan for some reason can't hang on to the ball


• Sheridan takes his baseball hat off

Sing "Hail to the Victors" if:

• Brandon Graham is a regular in ND's backfield


• Junior Hemingway goes Mario Manningham from ND memories of past


• Greg Robinson's defense has some secret sauce for ND


• If Brandon Minor plays and has a Penn State type of day


• Michigan gets over 200 yards on the ground again


• No turnovers!!!!!

This is a very hard game to predict. ND for all intense and purposes has the more experienced team but gives up a number of yards on the ground. Michigan would love to run all day and only pass when the "Forcier is with them". Buckle up for this one..............

Michigan 28 ND 24

GO BLUE! and

God Bless America on 9/11!

BHB Review of: Hail To The Victors 2009

I'm not a big fan of those college football preview magazines. (Editors note: HTTV 2009 is not one of those magazines!) They give you one page of information on your favorite team in a magazine full of information you don't need or care about. Let me save you a couple of dollars and will highlight for you what they will say about Michigan this year :

Michigan was terrible last year in Rich Rodriguez first year. They didn't have a QB to run his offense and the defense played terrible and under achieved. Michigan is now in it's second year in RR's offense and the defense again has a new defense coordinator with the hiring of Greg Robinson, former Syracuse head man. Michigan will be better on Offense with a year of experience but beware! they again will have a new freshman QB with Tate Forcier under center. Tate was an accurate passer in high school but will that translate to D1 football as true freshman? Either way he will be an upgrade from last year combo of Nick Sheridan and Stephen Threet (transferred to Arizona State) . The defense will be better but not great. Look for Michigan to make a bowl game and finish 7-5.

Mable Street Press: Hail to the Victors 2009 is not one of those magazines. In fact, it's a very well written book on what the 2009 Wolverines will look like. It goes into deep discussion about the depth chart, Greg Robinson's hybrid linebacker position, a review of each opponent on Michigan's schedule, a interview with "savior" Tate Forcier, and some great stories about Michigan teams of the past.

The price is value at 12.99 per copy and the chapter titled The Last Autograph, Perhaps written by Craig Ross is worth the price of admission just for this chapter. If you are a fan of Bo and have a love for the Wolverines, this chapter will move you to laugh and cry all in a few pages.

Brian Cook is the editor and the proprietor of one of the best college football blogs called Mgoblog. Brian has enlisted his friends and colleagues to help him write the 2009 version of HTTV. So it's filled with things that will educate and entertain you. Some of the folks that contributed to this book include: Matt Hinton, from Yahoo's Dr. Saturday, Craig Ross author of Obscene Diaries of a Michigan Fan, Dan Feldman who has covered Michigan football for the Michigan Daily, John Bacon co-author of Bo's Lasting Lessons, and many others.

It's everything you need to know about 2009 Wolverines but were afraid to ask. It's a quick read so pick it before a long plane trip or take it to the beach on vacation. The only negative, I could see is the lack for information on future 2009 star and red shirt freshman Roy Roundtree, the favorite target of Tate Forcier in the Spring Game. Roy spent some time with Tate and his family in California this summer and I expect them to have a special bond as the season starts. Could he have a Mario Manningham like start in the ND game on September 12th? Let's hope so.

This is one of those preview magazines on steroids! (in this case, steroids are a good thing :-)) Go out and buy it.

Hey Kid, Do you Want to be Michigan's QB?

Last year, Michigan had a redshirt freshman 4 star pro style QB, a local walk-on QB, and David Cone who had been a back up most of his life at Michigan for good reason. The walk on and the 4 star QB split time most of the year which resulted in a 3-9 record.

So fast forward to April 2009: The 4 star QB has transferred due to competition, Michigan has two high profile freshman available for the 2009 season with one enrolling early so he could play in the Spring Game, the walk-on is still here but broke his leg during spring practice. We also can't forget, Michigan has gotten a verbal commit from one of the top dual threat QB's for the 2010 season as well.

As reported here on Monday, Jason Forcier a former Wolverine and Stanford QB, will be enrolling in graduate school this fall in Ann Arbor. Could he be available to play in 2009? The NCAA recently rescinded the rule that if you have graduated from your current school you can play at a different school without sitting out a year (see Ryan Mundy at WVU or that guy from Utah that played CB at Florida). So most likely 2010 if it works out.

There have been others that have been interested in the role of QB at Michigan recently, including former Miami Hurricane QB Robert Marve, but he decided that there were too many options in Ann Arbor for the 2010 season already. Even walk on (former President :-)) Jack Kennedy took some snaps at QB during the Spring Game. Now maybe comes the most shocking news: DUKE's Point Guard, Greg Paulus is interested in playing QB for Michigan and Michigan might be interested in him.

Your first reaction, might be what? I know Rich Rod's spread is like a basketball fast break, but this is ridiculous right?

Well, maybe or maybe not. It seems Greg could play right away and he does have a pretty nice football background. He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year as a standout quarterback at Christian Brothers Academy in New York where he threw for 11,763 yards and 152 touchdowns in 45 career games. In fact, Fox is reporting that he has already had a try out for the Green Bay Packers and about half a dozen NFL teams have contacted him.

It was also reported that Greg was in Ann Arbor on Tuesday to watch Michigan's final Spring Practice and to talk to RR about the possibility of joining the team.

I would have loved the idea last year, but don't like it at all this year. Sure the kid might have talent, but he would be coming in cold and hasn't really touched a football in 3 years (does anyone remember how that worked out for Drew Henson after he gave up baseball?). Sure it would give Michigan depth this year, but how does Greg coming in give Michigan any better chance then having Tate Forcier playing? The answer is none. The future of the position is in the hands of guys named Tate, Denard, and Devin.

The idea is interesting but not very practical.

• As expected, reports are that Brandon Smith has moved to LB from Safety due to size and lack of coverage skills.

• Rivals did unofficial stat's for the spring game: Tate Forcier: 11-13, 141 yards, 4 TD's, Carlos Brown 10 carries for 146 yards and 1 touchdown, Roy Roundtree 3 receptions for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns.

• Ryan Van Bergen Spring Game knee injury is not believed to be serious and he shouldn't need any surgery.

• Braylon Edwards might join Mario Manningham as a WR on the Giants. Memo to the Giants: David Terrell is available.

• Some quotes from Recuits from the Spring Game: "It was very exciting being in the Big House and seeing a large crowd for the spring game," Miami Northwestern offensive tackle Torrian Wilson said. "There was over 60,000, so I can't imagine how it is for a real game.” ---"I love the Michigan fans and I love the support they give their players," Columbus (Ohio) Brookhaven defensive end Derrick Bryant remarked. “I was thinking some college stadiums don't have that many people that come for a regular game and they had that many people for a scrimmage.” --- “It was definitely a great environment to see all the people there supporting Michigan,” added Livonia Stevenson running back Austin White.

Must Win and Q&A Day

Tonight is a must win for Michigan Basketball if they have any hope of getting an NCAA bid with out winning the Big Ten Tournament. The key to the game will be how Manny Harris deals with his poor performance and benching in OT against Iowa this past weekend. This game will be close and Michigan will need the Crisler Arena crowd to lift them to an important win.

Sporting News does a Q&A with former Michigan QB Ryan Mallett:

Q: You left Michigan after Rich Rodriguez replaced Lloyd Carr. How did that go down? A: We met after (Rodriguez) was hired, and I think we both realized his offense wasn't the right offense for me. It was a mutual thing. After we felt each other out, we knew it wouldn't work. There were no hard feelings. Q: The Internet rumors of your scout team performances are legendary. Can you shed some light? A: Well, I didn't want to stand on the sidelines the entire season. I couldn't just stand there and do nothing. So I had a lot of fun with it. I wanted to give our guys the best look they could get. I went hard every day. Q: Your fumbled snaps at Michigan were legendary, can you shed some light on that? A: I just didn't have my head in the game and I didn't like Mario Manningham yelling at me. -- Sorry that last question and answer, I made up. Also, I follow college football pretty closely and didn't hear anything about the legendary scout teams at Arkansas. I might have to look into that.

ESPN interviewed new Michigan DC Greg Robinson: Here's the highlights:

Q:You talked last month about not getting too wrapped up in 3-4, 4-3, alignment stuff. Is there a time where you'll start formulate that, or are you going to wait to see how guys look in the spring?
GR: No, we'll have a plan going into spring ball. You don't just go out there and play. We'll have the ability to be a four-man front and the ability to be a three-man front. I've done that, really, since I was at the New York Jets to the Denver Broncos to the Kansas City Chiefs to [University of Texas] and at Syracuse, where we have had some hybrid-type players who can play defensive end or linebacker. We'll continue to do those types of things. Then, as you get to working with people, you realize some strengths that maybe were unnoticed that you could take advantage of, and then you work hard to work those kinds of things into the scheme.

Q: You mentioned last month about building the attitude on defense. Are there things you do early in spring practice to form it? What needs to go into it?
GR: I would never imply that I'm trying to make something different than what things were. I'm just going to coach defense the way I know how to coach defense. I know this: This defense will not be outhustled. We will fly around, we will hit, we will play together as a group. You'll sense an enthusiasm about them that they really enjoy playing together. As we get to know the athletes that we like, their talents, we'll be a very tough defense to deal with.

Q: As far as Rich, how have those discussions gone and where are you two in terms of philosophy?
GR: We spent a lot of time talking about those things early, when I came in. I have a good feel for the things he believes in as a defensive football team. I don't think we're very far off in anything philosophically. I can adapt to anything that he has interest in. Philosophically, we're on the same page. The things that are really important to him, I feel very comfortable that I can satisfy those kinds of things. It comes down to effort, philosophical-type things.
As we've talked, I know that there's nothing that's a red flag where I say, 'This is something very different in the thinking.' I just go about my business.

Q:You mentioned talking a lot with the other defensive assistants. As a guy who didn't hire any of those guys, how has that process been with a new staff?
GR: I've been very pleased and I feel very comfortable with the group that we're working with. Bruce Tall, the defensive line coach, and Tony Gibson, the secondary coach, those guys have worked together a number of years. Jay Hopson is a guy that's been around their program. I'm very fortunate to have a group of guys who really know football. I like their foundation of fundamentals as well as understanding schematics and things like that. Our graduate assistant group is a good group to work with. Really, I've been very comfortable and I look forward to getting out on the practice field.

Phelps runs into Barwis for the second time

During this weekend's Michigan - Wisconsin game Michael Phelps will be honored during the game.

This exchange happened some time this week...........................

Phelps is walking past the weight room.

Phelps: Coach Barwis! Coach Barwis!

Barwis: Yea McGuffie, what is it? Shouldn't you be below a weight bar somewhere?

Phelps: Coach it's me Michael Phelps, I'm back from China after winning 8 times.

Barwis: Jesus! McGuffie, we have one win so far this season and it was just South Bend. Have you been smoking with Mario Manningham?

Phelps: Coach, come on. You must have heard about me by now? I was on freaking Saturday Night Live after the ND game. I was even on the cover of SI! Look at this! I could even sign it for you if you want.

Barwis: You did play well against ND but Saturday Night Fever was out before you were born. That John Travolta sure has gotten chubby. He should be here working with us for the next release of Grease! By the way, I don't care how many gymnastics medals you won in Texas, you are a football player now!

The Real McGuffie walks by both Phelps and Barwis

McGuffie: Hi coach, Hi Michael great job in China!

McGuffie shakes Phelps hand and keeps on walking.....

Barwis: What the hell is going on? McGuffie are you some sort of Chris Angel magic guy? You were in two places at once. We could use that during the game you know!

Phelps: Coach are you ok? Did your wolf bite you or something?

Barwis: Actually it did when we were wrestling. I have an Internet ad out for a pet Wolverine, I guess they are pretty hard to find.

Phelps: Well coach, it's good somethings never change. Be well and keep getting those Wolverines in top condition.

Lloyd Carr grabs Phelps so he can go meet with Bill Martin to discuss sailboats and other nautical hobbies.

Barwis: Will do! Thanks McGuffie!

Barwis sits back on his weight bench to reflect on what just happened.........

Barwis: I really like magic, I bet with magic I could have gotten Boren to stop eating and start lifting. I wonder if I can turn my wolf into a wolverine? (barwis shouts across the room) HEY McGuffie SHOW ME THAT MAGIC TRICK AGAIN.........

Buckeyes add more nuts and Jamar likes to tee it up!

• Buckeyes add more 5 & 4 Star Nuts: The Vest is putting together another top top 10 recruitng class and like last year he is getting it done early and often. Yesterday, The Vest got verbal confirmation from 5 Star LB from PA Dorian Bell and 4 Star RB from Terrell Pryor High, Jordan Hall. These gentlemen join 4 Star verbals: DB CJ Barrett, WR Chris Fields, DB Darell Givens, ATH Strom Klein, DT John Simon, LB Jordan Whiting, and DB Jordan Wood. They also have two guys who are not rated as of yet. For those of you keeping score at home that is 11 verbal commits for the class of 2009. Whatever the vest is selling the top talent in the Midwest is buying!


• Marvin Robinson a DB from Florida (class of 2010) and considered a Michigan lean attended the OSU Spring Game last Saturday.


• Jamar rather get in 18 holes then watch his NFL future unfold: Jamar Adams can't stand watching the 2 days of draft coverage on ESPN or the NFL network. He rather play golf while his family takes in the Draft. I assume Jamar will have his cell with him.


• A hint at where Kevin Newsome might play is college ball? As we know, Kevin is Michigan's top 4 Star Dual Threat QB from Wash. DC. who visited during the Spring Game. On his my space page, he has a song playing called I'm Blue. It's either a hint or the guy enjoys a techno beat. 2 Michigan coaches were at Kevin's High School yesterday. Yes, this is the guy they want.


• Can anyone tell me why Adrian Arrington left school? Was being the number 1 receiver on the team a bad thing? Who is giving this guy advice? He is being projected as a 5th or 6th round guy and maybe even a Free Agent. Bad decision my man.


• Mario right now is being projected anywhere from 1st round to day two. Mario please don't let the ESPN cameras into your home. Better yet go play golf with Jamar and stay off "the chronic" for a couple of hours.

Trouble in the air in Columbus? Maybe that's not trouble you smell

This is all coming together for me now. For many months now, I've wondered how sure handed Mario Manningham dropped all those balls against Ohio State last year. Then the reports came out last week, Mario failed two drug test while at Michigan and both times tested positive for "the Chronic. Then the "rumor" comes out that OSU may have a similar problem with some of their defensive backs.

So Mario who is from Ohio and his boys from OSU (Eugene Clifford, Donald Washington, and Jamario O’Neal) all got together hours before the Michigan - OSU battle in Ann Arbor last year, put on Bob Marley CD and shared the peace pipe. Then Mario in a daze and with the munchies slept walked through his last Ohio State game.

Ok, maybe the above scenario is a reach, but the rumor mill is saying that Eugene has most likely been kicked off the squad, Donald maybe next, and Jamario has one strike but better not get another. They all are rumored to be currently under some type of suspension.

Maybe all 4 of them can get a place together and watch a "weeds" marathon on ShowTime.

Mario Marijuana Manningham or M3

Well, this explains a lot. The very talented Mario Manningham could have been the best WR in the country or at very least The Big Ten, but he never lived up to his potential. He showed greatness in short flashes during his career. We all remember the Notre Dame game where he couldn't be stopped, the catch in the back of the end zone to beat the undefeated Penn State, or finally the leaping catch to beat State in East Lansing this past year. We also remember him disappearing for long stretches during games, The App. State game comes to mind as one of his worst performances. He always seemed to be in Lloyd's dog house even when he played well.

Now he enters the draft early, runs with a piano on his back at the combine, then preforms better at Michigan's pro day a couple of weeks ago. Pro Football Weekly is now reporting that Mario has sent a letter to all the NFL teams stating that he tested positive twice for Marijuana while at Michigan. Are you kidding me? Lloyd what kind of dog house did you have? I guess you can smoke weed and miss the EMU game.

As you think back on Mario and his attitude, being on the "chronic" isn't a big surprise. At times when he disappeared from games, he sort of looked like a guy that was more interested in a bag of Doritos then beating a Division 1A team.

Mario, I understand your a young man and that most of us tried different things in college, but you have talent and abilities that most men don't. Please be smarter then hanging out and smoking pot with the fellas. That "high" you felt is now going to cost you millions in draft spots. I guess it wasn't worth it.

Last but not least, you need to apologize to Jake Long, Mike Hart, and Chad Henne. Mostly Jake Long. Jake stayed in school to try to win a championship and was committed everyday on trying to win that. You my friend weren't and you owe Jake Long a huge apology.

Cell Block News and Notes: Tuesday Hello - Good Bye Edition

• Good Bye Super Mario. We will remember: The Penn State catch with no time left, The Blow out of ND in South Bend where you continued to beat their DB's deep for touchdowns and crashed into the band, when you went "Braylon" and won the MSU game this year. If you keep your head on right you will be a good pro. I continue to see him going in the first round to the Jacksonville. Sounds like a good fit.
• Hello new 4-Star recruit LB from Youngstown, OH: Taylor Hill. TH had offers from MSU, LSU, WVU, Wisconsin and others.
• Fluff article from the Chicago Tribune on Pryor.
• People love to watch the Wolverines! The Capital One Bowl took at 9.13 rating,which was higher than the BCS Fiesta, Orange and Sugar bowls. The Rose Bowl got at 11.11 and the NC game drew a 14.4.
• Here is the current commit list. Taylor hill is not included. Look at the number of LB's recruited this year. Look for a couple of guys to de-commit in the next few weeks.
• Interesting article about the loss of composure in the locker room at half time by Ohio State in the National Championship game. This seems strange for a Tressel coached team. Shouldn't Tressel be getting his team ready for a 2nd half comeback? Instead guys are pointing fingers at each other and fighting.

Cell Block News and Notes: Monday Edition

• OSU has it's own backup QB transfer: Robby Schoenhoft will transfer to Delaware. I think he likes the helmets! :-)


• Crable, Henne, and Adams are playing in the Senior Bowl


• There won't be any baby fat on the Wolverines next year. The new Strength and Conditioning coach does not mess around.


• Look for the official word on Mario Manningham going Pro today as Tuesday is the deadline. Let's hope Taylor stays at U of M.


• Coach is coming here? Coach Rod is visiting his new players at their houses/apartments off campus. Better clean up the chips and beer cans.

• Slaton off to the NFL. OSU Players there is still time left! The NFL is calling you!!!!

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Coach Rod confirmed yesterday that Ryan Mallett, Mario Manningham, and Adrian Arrington are leaving the program. The WR's are turning pro and Ryan is looking to take his act to another school.

My view on the departures of Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington and Ryan Mallett:

Ryan Mallett: This kid has huge upside but has a maturity problem. He got a ton of snaps this year and his experience would have been nice in his second year. If Pryor comes to Michigan, we won't miss Ryan at all. If Pryor goes to OSU or somewhere else, we have a major problem at QB. Looks like it could be Steven Threet the transfer from Georgia Tech next year. Overall: This is a knucklehead move, he could start for Michigan even if Pryor comes to A2 next year or sit out at UCLA or somewhere else. Dumb move. The rumor mill is he can't cut it in the classroom in Ann Arbor.

Mario Manningham: At the beginning of the year, I thought he would be a lock to turn pro. He started off the year very poorly, got suspended for a game, and played very well in the middle of the year. He had a terrible OSU game and the Citrus Bowl was average. I hear he is still considering going pro or staying. From a skill set stand point he is ready to go, his mental meltdowns this year may cost him a few spots in the draft. Should stay for one more year but I doubt he will. OK move will be a fine pro on the right team.

Adrian Arrington: Adrian was Michigan's most consistent receiver this year and showed some great hands. He had a terrible Wisconsin and OSU game but had a highlight reel worth of catches in the Citrus Bowl. Considering he wasn't even on the team last spring, I doubt his stock will ever be higher then after the Citrus. Smart Move but we will miss you.

Cell Block News and Notes: Tuesday Edition

• More Assistants coming to A2: Mike Parsons, deputy athletic director, said Sunday night that Bruce Tall and Tony Dews are rejoining former head coach Rich Rodriguez at the University of Michigan. Tall, who coached the safeties, came from Western Michigan in February 2003, while Dews came from UNLV in March 2007 to coach the wide receivers.



• Tom Lemming says it's down to Michigan and Ohio State for Pryor.



• Darryl Stonum a 4 Star WR from Texas enrolled early at Michigan and taking classes.



• Will he stay or Will he go? Grandpa does or doesn't know - Mario's Grandpa thinks he is going to stay, but if someone tells him that he is a first round lock he will go. Not sure Grandpa is the best source of information.



• Terrance Taylor has asked the NFL where he might be drafted. He will make a decision after he hears from them.



• The deadline for Jr's to enter the draft is January 16th or just over a week.

Hail to Lloyd!

I love it when I'm wrong, wrong about which Michigan team would show up on New Years Day. In a day of last times, Michigan showed that they were the team we were looking for all year. They showed up as a double digit dog against the 12th ranked Gators in a game nobody gave them a chance to win (even me).

The Wolverines played aggressive on both sides of the ball. The offense ran a "throwing" spread formation and the line protected Henne like Fort Knox. In turn Henne, ripped apart the Florida Defense like Japanese Chef with a Ginsu knife, throwing for a career high 373 yards. Even Coach Myer was surprised; “I am very disappointed in the pass coverage. We have to do a lot better and we have to get some things corrected. This was a defense last year that held Ohio State to 82 yards."

Adrian Arrington looked like a first round draft pick by catching everything thrown his way. Even an unbelievable catch for a 36 yard first down on Michigan's last touchdown drive with just over 4 minutes left. That catch by the way made ESPN's best play of the Capital One Bowl Week.

The Defense pressured Heisman Tim all day and gave up some long running plays, but in the end they stayed aggressive for their head coach and departing Defensive Coordinator Ron English.

See today was the last time for a lot of things including:

• Mike Hart's non-fumbling streak


• Michigan laying down for better coaches and better teams in bowl games


• Jake Long in a Michigan jersey


• Chad Henne in a Michigan Jersey


• Mike Hart in a Michigan Jersey


• Shawn Crable in a Michigan Jersey


• Lloyd Carr on the sideline leading the Maize and Blue.


• Michigan's bowl losing streak

In a year of up and downs, of retirements, coaching searches, sailboats, lost expectations, the Michigan Seniors, the Michigan Head Coach, and the departing Michigan Assistants all left as winners. Team you made your Alumi, Fans, and the Big Ten proud. Well Done! and Go Blue!

Cheers:

• The play calling on offense. Debord you have been thrown under the bus all year (as you should have been). You called a heck of game today.


• The Spirit - This team was ready to play and play hard for their retiring head coach.


• Chad Henne - played like robo quarterback. With a healthy shoulder he played his best game in a Michigan uniform. Congratulations on the game's MVP.


• The Michigan WR's- Both played a great game. Adrian and Mario, I know the NFL is calling but we would love to see you stay one more year.


• The Michigan Offensive Line - You protected Chad and gave him time to throw the ball.


• Michigan's speed was equal or better then Florida's.

Jeers:

• Mike's lost fumbles cost us 14 points and the difference between a close game and a blow out. Doesn't matter. A win is a win.


• The Defense did give up a ton of long runs.

In a day where Wisconsin lost to Tennessee, The Juice and Zook got embarrassed by USC, the Michigan Fan Base was able to smile and hold it's head high, as they won a game they were supposed to lose. New Years Day was a good day.

Ask the Warden

A new feature at BighouseBlog is ask the Warden. Today's topics will focus on what's next for some important Wolverines:

Will Ryan Mallett Transfer?

Maybe. Ryan would you like to weigh in?: "It gets old when people keep asking me about it; we're trying to beat Florida," said Mallett, who likely would have to play next year without his quarterback coach, Scot Loeffler, who recruited Mallett and was fired by Rodriguez last week.
Carr has had multiple discussions with Mallett and his family. "It's a career decision for him," Carr said. "I will support whatever he does. The Warden's take: Ryan gives Michigan the best chance to win next year with the experience he gained this year, he did run a throwing spread in High School. If Pryor commits to Michigan, I think the likelihood of Ryan transferring is high.

Will Mario go Pro?

Yes. Mario what's your take: "The stuff that matters: Am I ready? Who's coming out next year? And this year?" Manningham said. "Stuff like that."What about Rodriguez? What's his role in Manningham's thinking? "Nothing," Manningham said. "He has nothing to do with my decision." The Warden's take. Mario is a great talent and was a 2nd team All American this year. I think he had a very "up and down" year last year and couldn't catch a cold against OSU on National TV. I think he could use another year but they say his draft grade was high during a the recent NFL grading process for Juniors. If he as a good Capital One Bowl he is gone for sure. High probability he is gonzo

What about Adrian Arrington?

I think he stays. A2 your thoughts?: "Of course, I applied for the papers and I'll get back and talk with Coach Rodriguez and make my decision," said Arrington, who smiled and added the NFL feedback "looks good." The Warden's Take: A2 has matured since his off the field problems and I believe he would like to get his degree and be Michigan's #1 option next year. High probability he stays in Ann Arbor (A2 in A2).

How good is recruit Terrelle Pryor?

Really, Really Good. He was just named USA Today's Offensive Player of the Year. He is the first Pennsylvania high school player to pass for more than 4,000 yards (4,249) and rush for more than 4,000 (4,250) in his career. Led his team to the state’s AA title and a 16-0 record as it scored a state-record 860 points. He can throw a football 75 yards, or 50 yards on his knees. Passed for 23 TDs and ran for 34. Also a top basketball recruit. The Warden's take: Damn, that boy has some serious skills! He will announce his choice on 1/5 during the Army All American Bowl. Michigan, Florida, OSU, and Penn State is his final choices.

Does Michigan State have a shot against BC on Friday?

Nope. Mostly with the loss of Saint-Dic and some other Spartans. Does anyone think it's ironic that Saint-Dic was declared academically ineligible on Christmas? I guess making all those gifts doesn't allow a lot of free time for classes and home work.

What is the status of Texas 4-Star WR Darryl Stonum?

Darryl has graduated early and is excited about Coach Rod's offense. Darryl is expected to enroll early at Michigan and be in class at the start of next term. A lock to be on the team next year.

Should Coach Rod hire anymore Michigan Assistants?

The Warden's take: Yes, I would like to see quarterback coach, Scot Loeffler retained. I would also keep a few others but I think Scot has the best shot of staying on with the new staff.

On Friday: Look for the preview of MSU vs BC and enjoy the Holiday Bowl.

My prediction was correct for the Motor City, I just got it backwards. CMU faded early and came on late. Look for CMU HC Butch Jones to get an offer from WVU today or Friday. I can't help but think this isn't one of their top 5 choices, since he has 1 year of head coaching experience.