Big Ten Weekend Preview and Maryland Had Enough

Not the best weekend for match-ups for the Big Ten who was hoping for a top 15 battle between IU and Michigan.  Well, IU lost to OSU last weekend and Michigan got past a struggling Penn State team.  We shall carry on with a non-inspiring weekend of Big match-ups. 

Rutgers @ NW (-16.5): If this was next year, Northwestern would be on the playoff bubble.  They are playing good football at 5-1 and looking to send the 2nd Big Ten coach packing this season.  Northwestern 31 - Rutgers 14

Oregon (-8.5) @ Illinois:  Who is going to QB the Ducks?  What happened to both of these teams this year? Why in Nike's stock down?  Can they make an innovated shoe? Oregon 24 Illinois 21

MSU @ UCLA (-14.5):  UCLA is a team on the rise, with a young coach.  MSU is just the opposite.  UCLA 28 MSU 17

Iowa (-6.5)@ Minnesota:  Both teams beat Michigan, wow it hurts just to think that.  Iowa 21 Minnesota 10 

USC (-3) @ Wisconsin: Maybe the Trojans are playing better when they travel East?  A least this is a night game and in the Central time zone.  Is Wisconsin quietly good?  USC 17 Wisconsin 14

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The Big Ten made one mistake when they expanded.  It was the Rutgers/Maryland wave.  There was no reason for it.  I don't want to hear about the DC and NYC TV markets, neither really care about college football and for sure not the Terrapins and the Scarlet Knights.  Both should be relegated to the ACC. 

Not so ironically, both had head coaches on the hot seat.  Mike Locksley was fired this week and Greg Schiano might be next.

Some names to consider:  Manny Diaz Duke, Brian Hartline USF, Dan Mullen UNLV, Jason Eck New Mexico, and Brian Kelly. 

The only one that makes me laugh is Brian Kelly who would not be motivated to coach Maryland after his runs at ND and LSU.  Jason Eck is a really good coach and Brian Hartline has a ton of upside as a head coach but still learning the role. 

This is funny as IU must have Mr. Miyagi on staff

Maryland Post Game: Most Complete Game of The Season

Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

With a young team, you never know what type of team you are going to get week to week.  Coming off the bye in Chicago the team did somethings really well, but turned the ball over 5 times and snuck out with a win.   Yesterday afternoon in another road trip, Michigan's defense gives up a 1st drive TD on defense but also scores one of their own.  

The team full of freshman and walk-on's turned in a very good performance in all phases as the Terrapins threw the kitchen sink at them to try to get bowl eligible.  Was the day perfect from the Wolverines side?  Of course not, but that's why we have Cheers and Jeers! 

Cheers:

• Kuz with 3 TD's and 100 tough yards on the ground! 
• Marsh is a superstar! 
• TE's with 5 catches 
• 3 Sacks (I thought Moore had all of them, also thought they had 4?)
• Bryce with a sharp game and no TO's
• A Goodwin sighting 
• Curtis pick was nice (also led the team in tackles)
• Field Position!
• Finally a dominating performance
• Marsh with 48 kickoff return yards and 23 punt return 
• Hello Tomas O'Meara!
• No turnovers! 
• No Punts! 

Jeers:

• Semaji didn't make the trip
• There are a ton of rumors floating around Ernie Hausmann and if he is still with the team, did he leave because of mental health or religious reasons? He tweeted later in the day he never left the team.  Lots of confusion with this situation that seems to be very fluid.  Ernie also did not make the trip. 
• Marshall didn't play but was dressed and could've gone.  
• Wink, you are still blitzing too much.  When you have a QB nervous, he is going to dump the ball off quickly whether you blitz or not.  Fake a blitz and get into coverage. 
• Z enough already.  Make your kicks, we need you on Saturday!  Dude, lets go! 
• Max Bredeson is hurt and left on crutches.  Sherrone said it didn't look good. 
• Our CB's got beat on some deep routes that were overthrown by Maryland's QB
• The stats are not crazy high as Michigan had great field position and short drives all game. 

All and all a great game for the Wolverines and some nice momentum going into THE GAME.  My preference is for Michigan to beat the Buckeyes and not go to the Big Ten Championship game, while getting an at large bid for the playoffs.  Michigan has too many injuries and does not need to play an extra game before the postseason.  If Michigan were to go to the Big Ten Title game and lose to IU (basically a home game for them), that would knock them out of the playoffs.  Big week coming up! 

Preview Maryland

Time: 4:00 

Location: SECU Stadium 

Weather: 54 and 6% rain 

TV: BTN

Line: Michigan -14.5

If you play this game on paper or in a video game, it should be one sided in Michigan's favor.  The issue is Michigan has not been playing very well the last two games.   They beat both Purdue and Northwestern by a total of 6 points.  Now Maryland is struggling as well and has lost 6 games straight. The game is on BTN, at Maryland, and has a weird start time.  This is the trapiest of all trap games ever with #1 on deck next week. 

Dear Sherrone:

I have always thought injuries were just random occurrences that sometimes happen to teams and other teams tend to avoid them.  I'm starting to wonder if your doing something wrong in your program right now, with the number of injuries you have had to key personnel the last two years.  I don't think its the S&C guy, but I wonder if your practices are too physical.  Making some changes to reduce injuries in the off season is important. 

Now on to this game, Michigan under your leadership has not played well on the road.  Yes, you had the unbelievable win in Columbus last year but other efforts have been head scratching.  Including last week, when your highly favored Wolverines beat Northwestern by a point.  Being -5 in turnovers is clearly unacceptable. 

Everyone knew that fake punt was coming against Northwestern, so I'm going to make this 100% clear, THIS IS A TRAP GAME.  Maryland's coach just got the "vote of confidence" from the AD and they are on a 6 game losing streak.  Not to mention, the game a week from Saturday. 

This was Michigan's RB room coming into the season:

Justice Haynes Jordan Marshall Bryson Kudzdal Micah Ka'apana Donovan Johnson Jasper Parker C.J. Hester John Volker

On Saturday its Bryson and Max running the ball?   It's a TRAP! 

I did like how Chip opened the offense against Northwestern but Bryce's 2 picks were clearly set ups by the Northwestern's DC.  Chip has to be better to give Bryce other others options in the passing game.  

This game will again be all about Wink and stopping Maryland.  Michigan with a limited running game will score limited points, Wink has to keep Maryland under 10 points.   Getting the team to focus on the Terrapins and stopping Maryland will be one of the coaches hardest weeks this entire season.  Being -5 in turnovers means your defense played really well last weekend.  

My final piece of advice is play Michigan Football, stop turning the ball over, play clean, play dominating defense, play solid special teams, and score enough points to win the game.   THIS IS A TRAP GAME! 

Michigan 23 Maryland 10

Michigan Monday: A New Carr in the Garage and a Too Early Look at Maryland

CJ Carr felt disrespected that Michigan was after Dante Moore the #1 recruit in the Nation and even though Michigan recruited CJ they didn't show him a ton of love.   So it was a bit of shocker when CJ picked ND after his Grandpa famously stated, "to hell with Notre Dame".  

CJ's younger brother Tommy is also a QB in Saline and a 3 star recruit. Tommy committed to Miami of Ohio a few months ago and this weekend decided to switch his commitment to the Wolverines.  Some fans might be wondering why Michigan continues to flip MAC commits.  I'm ok with this one for many reasons.   

1. It's Lloyd's grandson and all Carr's should go to Michigan

2. Michigan's top committed QB in this class just blew out his ACL 

3. Michigan dearly needs depth in the QB room 

Tommy's other offers were from the MAC, Wake Forest, Iowa State, and Rutgers. 

This was a no brainer and I usually say Welcome to Michigan Tommy but you are already home.  

Maryland (4-6)

Best Win: Wisconsin

Worst Loss: UCLA 

Pass: 233 (64th)

Run: 110 (118)

Score: 23 (99th)

Give Up: 23 (59th)

Mayland has had 2 streaks this year.  They started the year with 4 straight wins and now are on a 6 game losing streak.  They also have a freshman QB running the show for the Terrapins.  School officials  announced yesterday that their head coach Mike Locksley will return for another year.  The school and athletics department are famously cash strapped and they say they will invest more into football's NIL program.  That is a clear sign that the program didn't want to pay a buyout and big dollars for a new coach.  They will save that expense and put it back in the program.  

Line: Michigan -13.5

Kickoff at 4:00 BTN

• Raise your hand if you knew Devin Bush was on the Browns? Keep it up if you knew he scored a TD yesterday?

• Is Andrew Marsh the best WR at Michigan since Nico?  

• Fox is reporting and I did get some inside info on that Justice is out for the year.  Which really sucks. 

• The internet could not find another college game where a team won the game with a -5 turnover margin.

• Let's hope we get some good news on Marshall at Sherrone's presser today 

• ND women's basketball team hosts Michigan's women's team in Detroit and Michigan wins by 40.  That is an interesting arrangement. Can all Michigan's non-conference games be played in Detroit?

Michigan Friday: Did Michigan Find Its Transfer QB?

SI.com

Michigan has been a bit quiet in the transfer portal so far and it makes a number of fans (including myself) nervous that they are again not taking the portal seriously.   The insiders are saying, don't let the lack of noise mean they are not active.   Which ok, we will trust the process for a week or so before we pull the alarm. 

The latest is Maryland QB Billy Edwards Jr. has entered the transfer portal.  Reports are he is expected to visit Wisconsin this weekend.  Then On3 Wiltfong and Nokas both put in predictions for Michigan to land Edwards in the portal.  

So who is Billy Edwards?

He has been at Maryland for 3 years after a redshirt year at Wake Forest.  

2021 - Redshirt 

2022: 28-46 passes for 313 yards with 3 TDs 

2023:  10-30 for 128 yards with 1 TD and 1 Pick 

2024: 274-420 for 2,881 with 15 TD's and 9 picks. 

Billy is also a runner and gained 136 yards with 1 TD in 2022, 91 in 2023 with 7 TD's, and 148 with 5 TD's in 24. 

Looks like a productive dual-threat QB with two years of eligibility left.  Maryland had a terrible offensive line this year which probably didn't help the picks. 

Is this Michigan's future QB?  We will soon find out and whether he makes a trip to Madison or not. 

• Thank goodness Dan Mullen is heading to UNLV instead of being the OC at Michigan.  Never thought he would be good fit in Ann Arbor. 

• Warde is making $1.9M a year in his new contract.  No comment.

• Loveland did not win the Mackey, it went to the Penn State TE 

• Mason Graham wins some new award/promotion from Arby's.  Love me some Arby's

Maryland Post Game

Isaiah Hole

Michigan won a football game today, it was the 1000th win in school history. It was not pretty for the Wolverines who struggled with the Turtles most of the day. JJ looked to me like he wasn't feeling well and played one of his worst games since Bowling Green. Yes, the wind was blowing hard, which made it difficult to throw but the entire offense looked sluggish all afternoon.

Michigan, which seems to have a traditional bad game the week before Ohio State, continued that trend today.  Do you guys remember a pass break up in the end zone when the Brady Hoke led Ball State almost upset Michigan the weekend before the OSU game?  Yes, Michigan played a MAC team late in November.  The week before OSU, Michigan always seems to have a number of injuries, this came was no exception as Michigan went deep into the depth chart on the offensive line.

Michigan strangely had 2 Safeties and a fumble return for a TD.  The defense basically scored 11 points today in an Iowa like win.  With those stats, you would think Michigan's Defense had a good game, they really had one of its worst efforts of the year.  They gave up the most points and struggled on 3rd down.  

Still a win is a win and that was the goal for the day.   The Wolverines will have to play much better next weekend if they're going to face Iowa in Indy. 

Cheers: 

• 11-0
• 1000 wins
• The game was on the line on 4th and 1 and Michigan got 1.5 yards
• Blocked Punt
• 2 Picks by Mikey
• Tua 2 last throw at home was a grounding call for a safety
• Tommy Doman was great punting and probably deserves a game ball
• Semaji with a big TD
• More 78

Jeers:

• Oline continues to struggle and now with injuries
• Blake has fumbled 2 weeks in a row but each time Michigan recovered
• JJ could have thrown 3 picks, had just 1 
• Mason Graham with a bad penalty to continue a Maryland drive 
• Michigan could not stop WR screens on 3rd down 
• Roman Wilson went out with an injury early 
• I believe Josh Wallace got pulled 
• The 2-point play fade? 
• Michigan was way too conservative on 3rd down play calling 
• Michael Barrett has a sprained AC joint 
• Pick in the end zone was a killer 
• Secondary struggled in short routes and long routes 
• Defense couldn't stop the Bush Push 
• Josh Gattis called a pretty good game against his former team

It was an ugly win but a win is a win.  Did they miss Harbaugh? maybe.  JJ does not seem to have his best stuff when Sherrone is the acting head coach.  Yes, he was the acting HC for the BGSU game.  

My concern for next week is we need JJ to play his best football and the secondary is going to struggle against the talented OSU WR's.  The last two "good" QB's Michigan D has faced has lit up the Michigan secondary.  Luckily, Michigan got the good and bad Tua 2 today.

Big Ten Today:

• OSU takes care of the gophers
• MSU gets a win 
• Northwestern becomes bowl eligible (who had that one in the beginning of the year?)
• Iowa continues to win games by only playing defense 
• Iowa will be in Indy 
• Penn State struggles early with Rutgers and then puts them away

Maryland Preview

Time: 12:00

Location: SECU Stadium 

Weather: 57 Sunny 

TV: Fox (Johnson & Klatt)

Line: Michigan -21

An old friend in Josh Gattis is helping run the Maryland offense, he left Michigan with a big trophy for being the top coordinator in the country and a big pay check from Miami.  He failed quickly at Miami and is now at Maryland.  Remember when there was an argument about who was calling the plays at Alabama?  Josh or Mike Locksley?  Well, they are back together again and it seems it's easier to call plays when you have Bama's talent.  

Maryland has had a few streaks this season.  A 5-game win streak to start the year, followed by a 4-game losing streak that included OSU and PSU.  They now have a 1 game win streak after a 13-10 win over Nebraska last week.

Dear Jimmy, 

Well, the last time I wrote you a note, you were still the active head football coach and preparing for Penn State.  Then the Big Ten stepped in and suspended you for 3 games.  The TRO didn't get approved and you have a hearing this Friday, before your team leaves for College Park.   It seems the temperature for granting the TRO might not be in Michigan's favor and you might be watching on TV as the Wolverines gets its 1000 win.    I believe the Big Ten showed a huge lack of leadership and rushed to judgement because a bunch of terrible Big Ten programs had their feelings hurt because Michigan's second team could beat their 1st team.  

I don't understand why you and U of M agreed to this settlement at all.  There must be a lot we don't know.  

Back to Football............. 

I loved how the team reacted to your suspension and how your league and collegiate governing body are working actively against you.  Now, you're back on the road and your team has another hill to climb.  Maryland wasn't the threat they were weeks ago but this game is the definition of a trap game.  You had #10 last week and #2 coming up next week. 

Tua 2 might be the best QB your team has seen this year and you will need to consistently pressure him.  This game means a ton to the emotional Josh Gattis who feels he drove Michigan's success when we know that's not true (as it was clearly a lower-level staffer running a ticket broker/vacuum repair business).

Continue to run the ball but we need to let JJ air it out a little more on offense.  Pressure the hell out of Maryland's questionable offensive line and cover their WR's.   Josh is going to throw the kitchen sink at your defense and expect everything from trick plays to fake punts.  He would love nothing more than upsetting the program that didn't believe in him (which is starting to be a decent number of programs). 

Play Michigan Football, keep the noise out, focus on playing clean winning football and everything else will take care of itself.  Good luck in court and I hope they see your side of the story.  

Michigan 42 Maryland 12

Michigan Monday: A Too Early Look At Maryland

Maryland won a game on Saturday; they beat Nebraska 13-10.  This stopped a 4-game losing streak, which preceded a 5-game win streak.   To call this team "streaking" is an understatement.   Either way, this team will be heading to a bowl game and I wonder if Tua 2 is rethinking the opportunity of millions in NIL money to leave this off season for a "Southern School".   

Maryland, believe it or not, has its own problems.  Co-Offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin got a DUI on their Bye week in late October.  Remember Kevin used to be the head coach of Texas A&M?  I wonder how they are doing?  The other Co-OC might also get your attention, its former Michigan OC Josh Gattis.  Who flamed out at Miami after winning the Browles Award on Jimmy's offense.   Seems Maryland's offensive coordinators have a lot of trouble in Florida. 

Maryland is 6-4

Best Win: Indiana 

Worst Loss: Northwestern 

Pass: 281 yards per (24th in the country)

Run: 115.5 per (115th) 

Score: 28.9 points per (58th)

Give Up: 22.4 (46th)

Line: Michigan -21

Maryland wants to pass with Tua 2 at QB, the issue is their offensive line is one of the worst I've seen.   I could only watch a few minutes when they played OSU and PSU as it was a clear miss match.  That Penn State offense we just saw, scored 51 points on this team two weeks ago. 

• Texas A&M is in the market for a new head coach as they gave Jimbo Fisher his walking papers and $76+ Million to not work there. 

• James Franklin is running one of the best cons in college football.  He fired his OC on Sunday after bad performances against OSU and Michigan.   At some point, these losses have to stick to the head coach. 

• Michigan Basketball picked up a huge recruit on Sunday in 2024 5-star forward Khani Rhoots.  Is the signing window still open?

• Boise State also fired their head coach on Sunday.  Insiders are expecting this might affect Gatlin Bair who won't be enrolling for a few years due to his mission. 

• Michigan Basketball takes on St. Johns and Rick Pitino tonight in the Gavitt Games.

• Word is the Big Ten was able to stop the TRO on Friday by hiring local counsel.  Maybe Tony 4T's is not as dumb as we first thought.  Many believe it will be a close one if Michigan is able to win the TRO on Friday.   Lots of legal arguments come down to, if Tony 4T's had the right to suspend Jimmy under the Big Ten Sportsmanship rules.  Clearly, Michigan does not believe he has the power to do so. 

• Saw Blake Corum in a national Celsius TV AD on Sunday Night Football that also included Bo Nix and Penix. 

Michigan Friday: A Freak Hamstring

After dedicating an entire post to Mazi Smith and his freakiest combine ability yesterday, he has elected to sit out some drills due to a hamstring injury.  He plans to do all the drills at Michigan's Pro Day.  Today, he did put up 34 reps on the bench press which was the highest total for any defensive lineman.  

• Mike Mallory is expected to be joining Harbaugh's non-field coaching staff focusing on special teams. Welcome Home Mike!

• Michigan Basketball lost a tough one last night in double OT to Ilinois.  The team did show some heart but missed some important shots at the end. 

• The NCAA is considering not stopping the clock on 1st downs and only doing it within the last 2 minutes.  Which seems reasonable as college football games can last forever! 

• Reports are that Josh Gattis is going to end his feud with Mike Locksley on who called the plays at Alabama and will become Maryland's new OC.  This report makes me smile. 

• Reports are an XFL QB from the Orlando franchise got cut because he gave the other the team, Orlando's plays. 

Blakeyou Corum

Remember when I asked, "is the pass rush a problem?" It is.  We will dive deeper into that in the Cheers and Jeers as Michigan showed Corum and got a W over the underdog Maryland Terrapins.

Cheers:

• Michigan won the F'ing game 
• Blake Corum kept Michigan in the game 
• Mazi Smith played well 
• The two picks were very important and very athletic plays 
• Roman Wilson is a very good WR
• The secondary played well for the most part 
• The make shift offense line gave JJ time and opened huge holes for Blake 
• TE's had a good day!

Jeers:

• Some terrible play calling
• Early in the game - passing when the run was wide open
• No reason for a trick play 
• Never hand off to a freshman RB in an important situation.  Michigan has some type of fumble jinx on freshman and fumbling. 
• 3rd and 4 and handing off to a walk-on RB
• Not adjusting earlier to Maryland's zone
• Moody, if you're going to be the best kicker in the country, you have to make a 43 yarder 
• JJ - if nobody is open, tuck and run or throw it away 
• Pass rush is a big issue.  Michigan is having trouble getting pressure with the front 4
• I don't know how to announce #18's name - I will just call him Vowels. He needs more snaps
• The blitz has to get home and leaves the field wide open if it doesn't
• Need more stunts
• I don't love blitzing DB's against a passing team
• Wow, Michigan missed Edwards today
• Ball was on the ground way too much 
• Rumor mill is that All could have a back issue
• JJ's deep ball was not accurate today
• Mistakes, poor play calling on both sides, turnovers, a face mask penalty, kept Maryland in the game 
• Raise your hand if you knew EMU had an All-American type kicker last season?
• Fox's images were all messed up, wrong time, wrong down and distance, etc.  

Michigan has plenty to work on in practice before a trip to Iowa and then to IU in 2 weeks.  I expect these miscues to be cleaned by next Saturday.   Don't get me wrong, Maryland is getting better week to week and was a lot better than the team I watched play SMU last week.  With that said, I thought Michigan allowed the game to stay close with its own issues.  

Maryland Preview

Questionable Ball Security - Testudo Times

Time: Noon

Location: Big House
Weather: 59 - 30% of Rain
TV: Fox (Johnson & Klatt)
Line: Michigan -17

Michigan opens the Big Ten season in the comfortable confines of the Big House on Saturday afternoon.  Michigan has breezed through the pre-season with probably just one bad half.  Now, we will start to see a glimpse of what the Wolverines really have.  Tua 2 completes 77% of his passes, the O-Line has 5 returning starters, and the Terps have a few WR's that can get down field.  The Michigan defensive backfield will be tested and so will be the pass rush that has been missing the last two weeks.   The miss-match seems to be the Maryland Defense vs. Michigan Offense, Maryland struggles to stop the run and Michigan has a room full of talented RB's.  

Viewer notice: If you don't want to hear Urban Liar speaking about kicking players or Columbus restaurants, the kickoff time is scheduled for 12:10.

Dear Jimmy, 

The Big Ten season now begins and you have handled the pre-season very well.  I know many called it the non-conference but let's face it, Michigan has played 3 teams with nowhere near the talent the Wolverines have.  Warren Davis and his scout team could have won those games.  

Now it's time to tighten chin strap, double lace the shoes, and open up the playbook.  The Big Ten is here and now it's time to show how good this team really is.   I have a few thoughts and a couple of areas of concern to share with you this week.  

Has it been too easy?  I'm worried the starters haven't played more than a half of football against teams void of talent.  Maryland is not Alabama but they're an upgrade over the 3 teams that have already visited the Big House.  I hope the focus is in the right space since you are hosting a team with nothing to lose.  

Time to test the defense.  Pass rush was crazy good the first week and close to zero the next two.  Sure, the defense didn't need to show everything, but the pass rush needs to be back this week.  If the Michigan DB's are put on an island, it could be a much closer game than expected.  Tua 2 completes his passes, Terps have 3 WR's that gobble up yards, and a RB that averages nearly 10 yards per catch.   Michigan's LB and Secondary are being put on notice.  

Let the offense breathe and get the ball to the playmakers.  Would love to see Corum on the ground and 2 WR's in the air with 100 yards each.  Fire up the defense and keep confusing Tua 2 with different looks and a strong pass rush.  This should not be a shoot-out.  Play Michigan Football and win the game.  

 Michigan 31 Maryland 10

Wolverine Wednesday: News and Notes

• Rumor is that Donovan Edwards is healing and could be back on Saturday. If I remember correctly, Edwards had a pretty good day against the Terrapins last season. 

• Winovich has been put on IR with foot/leg injury, he is struggling with injuries since joining the Browns.

• Michigan currently doesn't have a highly ranked 2023 recruiting class, 5-star athlete Nyckoles Harbor is taking his official visit this weekend.  Of course, there are a lot of programs involved with Harbor.  I would really like to have a post titled: Harbor to Ann Arbor 

• John Runyan Jr. is 1 of 4 Guards that has played 45 snaps and hasn't given up a QB pressure

• Nathan Efobi a 4-star DT from GA will also take an official this weekend.

• 5-star PG Isaiah Collier is close to an announcement. Michigan is in Collier's top four.

Michigan Monday: Early Look at Turtles and Another Big-Name Coach is Gone

Michigan is finally moving on to the regular Big Ten season on Saturday, when they host the Maryland Terrapins on Fox at Noon.  

The more you know:

1. US

   a small edible turtle with lozenge-shaped markings on its shell, found in coastal marshes of the eastern US.
2. a freshwater turtle, especially one of the smaller kinds of the Old World. Also called turtle.

I will take a Wolverine vs. an edible turtle any day. 

Maryland is 3-0 with wins over Buffalo, Charlotte, and SMU. 

They pass for 310 yards a game 

Run for 189

Score 40 points per 

Give up 19 per

Tua 2 has a QBR of 84.3 and thrown 6 TD's.  Michigan is favored by 17. 

This Maryland team seems like every other Maryland team minus the week 1 win over Texas. 

• Herm Edwards lost his job after his team lost to Eastern Michigan.  He also had some NCAA violation issues.

• Nebraska has now fired its DC after the blowout by Oklahoma

• BIG10 East is 20-1 West 12-10

• Hutch had 3 sacks in the 1st half of Lions vs. Football Team 

• Pete Thamel said that Urban was not contacted by Nebraska, will not chase any coaching openings and will stay at Fox. 

Maryland Post Game

: Isaiah Hole - Wolverine Wire- USA Today

When Alan Bowman is in the box score with 3 of 4 passing and 35 yards, something has gone incredibly right or wrong.  Luckily for Wolverine fans, it went right on late Saturday afternoon in a 59-18 win over Maryland. 

I did like the creativity out of each unit Michigan put on the field.   Michigan found Donovan Edwards out of the backfield 10 times (not running the ball) in the air for 170 yards and a TD.   Michigan kick off return threw across the field on short kick and it turned into a TD return.  JJ was Michigan's 2nd leading rusher behind H2 who only had 78 yards.  It was a fun watch and probably the last time Michigan can play a somewhat none threating game this year.  On to the C and J's :

Cheers

• Hello Donovan Edwards in the passing game! 
• Sainsistil with a one handed TD catch! 
• A2 with another one handed catch 
• Scoring in all phases of the game 
• DJ Turner next CB superstar?
• Kickoff throwback is such a great call 
• JJ was 5 of 5 passing and had 19 yards rushing
• Cade 22/28 259 yards 
• Michigan playing to win the game and being aggressive 
• Another road win
• Guys named Gash and Hughes ran for a total of 12 yards 
• 11 guys caught balls 
• 0 turnovers 
• Special Teams A+

Jeers

• Corn Johnson can we start each game with a catch instead of a drop?
• Cade firing the ball off lineman helmets in this game was comical, he totaled 2 
• Then #25 Junior Colson breaks up a pass downfield with his face mask 
• AJ your making me nervous!  One punt drop and another fumble.   
• Michigan's defense struggled at times - early in the 1st and pretty much all of the 3rd quarter
• Michigan 1-3 on 4th down
• Michigan's first drive of the game was terrible
• Didn't run the ball well 
• Hard to say, but I thought the offensive line had an average day 

Ok, the elephant in the room is what Ohio State did to MSU in the first half yesterday.   They turned MSU worst pass defense into a 7 on 7 tournament.  Remind me again, why we ran the ball so much against MSU?  Second question, how much is that Tucker extension?

We know next Saturday's game is going to be a challenge.  Maybe the greatest challenge Coach Macdonald has ever faced professionally.   Either way this a 10 win team the deserves our praise for how they rebounded after last year.   I think we all wanted Michigan to be relevant and the game to matter again.  Jimmy and staff has accomplished that, lets now see if they can shock the world.  

Maryland Preview

This guy visited my front door a month ago

Time: 3:30 

Location: Maryland Stadium 

Weather: 50 Clear

TV: BTN

Line: Michigan -16

Dear Jimmy, 

Last week might be one of the best wins of your career at Michigan.   After PSU scored a TD and 2 point conversion to tie the game, with an immediate strip sack and field goal.   Your program was looking at an up hill battle and had a 25% chance to win the game.  Cade put it All on the line and the Wolverines won the game.  Well done coach!   

This time of year traditionally has seemed like a Guns and Roses song, a cold "November Rain" and lets hope last week has made it a little bit sunnier.  This week is another road game for your program as you take on a Maryland Terrapin program.  I know we have talked about trap games in the past and this game qualifies.  Maryland came out of the gate fast but has struggled since.    It's also squeezed between Penn State and Ohio State, which could make a player look ahead or behind.  So make sure the boys are focused this weekend, this can't be a trip up weekend.  

Now lets talk Maryland, they have a QB with a familiar name in Taulia Tagovailoa.  You might remember him from former roles at Alabama and the brother of a more famous Tagovailoa.  He is the offense and everything goes through him.  They do have a 5 star WR and an NFL TE but the rest of the offense is either struggling or out for the year with injuries.   Maryland is going to spread you out and Tua 2 will run the ball.   Your defense has struggled with a scrambling/running QB in the past, last week 1st half was an example and the Nebraska is another.   Lock down Jarrett Rakim (that 5 star WR) and Tua 2 and Michigan should do well on defense.   Let them hit the edges and this game will feel way too "trappy".   Nobody wants to feel "trappy" on Saturday.  

I would also like to see Michigan's offense be a little bit more then, "lets run the wheels off Haskins" this week.   Maybe a little better passing game.   It seems the WR group is a bit healthier and it would be nice if the offense could put up 40 points or more.  I also would like to see Michael Barrett on the field on defense, so he can shadow Tua 2.  I think our NFL DE's will be getting pressure on him in the pocket and T2 will look to run a ton.   DJ Turner seems to be coming into his own and would love to see him on Rakim, with some help from Dax when needed.  

Keep the team focused on this weeks goal of 1-0 and play Michigan Football on both sides of the ball. 

Michigan 41 Maryland 17

The Original Michigan Monday: An Early Look at Maryland

Michigan is coming off a very good road win and Maryland is coming off a loss after a trip to East Lansing.   Maryland like Michigan as a former Alabama Coordinator running its offense and also has a Tua at QB.   The problem is neither guy took a bunch of the 5 star talent at Bama with them.   

Maryland always runs out to a quick start to the season and this year was no exception.  As they went 4-0 with a nice win over WVU in the opener.  Then they had a 3 game losing streak, a win over IU, then two more straight losses.   Now Maryland is 5-5 fighting for bowl eligibility with Michigan and Rutgers still to go.

Maryland 5-5 

Best win = WVU 

Pass Yards = 319 per game

Run Yards = 112 per game 

Scores 27 points per game 

Gives up 31 points per game 

3:30 kickoff on Big Ten Channel 

Michigan -15 

This game is all about Michigan and not Maryland, as this is a trap game of all trap games in between Penn State and Ohio State.   It sounds like Corum is either out until Ohio State or maybe a bowl game.  So it will probably will be the Haskins show again.  

• Penn State had a 75% win percentage rate after they kicked the field goal to take the lead

• Gary suffered a bad arm injury against the Seahawks last night. 

• Domani Jackson has de-committed from USC and will visit for the Ohio State game.  Unfortunately, it seems to be an Alabama or USC battle for the talented 5 star.  

• Washington has fired Jimmy Lake after bad performances and a sideline incident.  Giles Jackson transferred there prior to the season. 

• I hope Harbaugh has some positive injury news during his press conference today. 

Michigan Thursday: Welcomes in a New Year

Since I seem to be in a classic rock mood, I will quote Ann Arbor legend Bob Seager today and say it's time to "Turn the Page" on 2020 and welcome in a new year.   This year has been a disaster for many reasons, including our two win football team.   Time to move on to bigger and better things.  

Michigan Basketball takes on a hot Maryland team tonight on the road.  Michigan has played 1 game in two weeks and Maryland just upset Wisconsin on Monday.    Michigan is a slight favorite at -2 but I would consider them underdogs since they are playing only their 2nd road game of the year.   If Michigan can get the effort they got in the 2nd half at Nebraska, they have a good chance of winning this game.   Franz is the key if he can give the team 18-24 points. 

My take on the college playoffs hasn't changed.  It has become almost unwatchable.   Florida and Oklahoma played a meaningless game last night where Florida was minus 8 or more starters who opted out.   The game was terrible.   

ND is almost a 3 TD (20) underdog to Alabama and Clemson is favored by 7.5.  Dabo was giving an interview to ESPN on the tarmac last night after the team arrived, a Clemson player was shown in the video having a $3000 Supreme suitcase.   Yea, they are playing a different game then Michigan is.  

You have to expand the playoffs, just so more teams are involved.  Who watched that 4 hour ESPN selection show last week?  Why would you? the 4 teams were already locked.  A day after Clemson blows out ND.   The BCS was bad and it got changed, the 4 team playoffs was better but now its under similar scrutiny as the BCS.   No, I don't think Cincinnati would beat Alabama or even stay within 40, but they deserve a shot.   The Playoff selection committee is just a way to get friends of the NCAA an extra salary.  

The way this system is set up, it's like giving the KC Chiefs the first 5 top draft picks in the NFL Draft every year.   If your not going to police Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State's bagmen lets open the playoffs to other teams, so at least it keeps more fan bases interested.  If your worried about the Bowl Game dying, they are already dead.   Wisconsin won the Mayo Bowl yesterday and broke the trophy in a few minutes.   Florida - Oklahoma should have been a great match-up but the Florida players didn't think so and opted out to protect their knees.  

• Seems instate TC LB Christian Boivin has accepted a PWO invitation to Michigan.  Here is an interesting article from November where he talks about sending out work out videos and highlights to college coaches.   Then those coaches asking him to take a photo next to chair, so they could estimate his true height.  

• Golden State picked up the 3rd year option on Jordan Poole's rookie contract.

• Carlo Kemp is going to participate in the Hula Bowl.   I wonder where they are going to play that game since I read recently the former Pro Bowl stadium is no longer safe, due to structural damage. 

Michigan Monday: What's next?

That is the question for Michigan Football.  Jim Harbaugh has yet to sign an extension but has already let go of his much aligned defensive coordinator.   There are a ton of rumors floating around, with names like Derek Mason and the explosive oil and water combination of Jimmy and Will Muschamp.  Mason's name has also being tied to the DC opening at LSU. 

One name I didn't consider was former Texas and Louisville head coach Charlie Strong.  He is currently on Saban's non-field coaching staff at Alabama.   He would bring more recruiting to Florida and is a pretty smart guy when it comes to defense.  He was South Florida's head coach prior to Alabama.   He is also good friends with Brian Jean-Mary who I believe has a great shot at staying on staff, no matter who gets hired as DC. 

Michigan Basketball took care of business with another great second half on the road against Nebraska on Christmas evening.   That is the game I think Franz should have every time out, a quiet 20 points.  Love Brown's defense and Smith hit a huge shot when the Wolverines started to lose momentum.   Hunter is clearly the best freshman in Ann Arbor since Trey Burke.   Loved the effort and any win on the road in the Big Ten is a good win.  

Next game is against Maryland on New Years Eve at 7:00 in College Park.  The Northwestern game on Sunday is set for 7:30.

• Iowa loses their bowl game when MIZZU tests positive for COVID.  

• MSU QB Rocky Lombardi is transferring to Northern Illinois. 

• CA 4 star CB Ceyair Wright is announcing on Saturday.  Michigan is in his final 5, but he is going to USC.  

• Congratulations to Jacksonville for winning the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes, Trevor will get to play his NFL games only 6 hours away from Clemson.

• Duncan Robinson went off on Christmas with 6 three pointers.  This guy continues to surprise and amaze me. 

• More on the 2022 commitment from Connor Jones.   He is 6'7 and 285 pounds out of Colorado.  His early offer list included CSU, New Mexico, IU, Oregon State, Northwestern, VA, and WVU.  He seems to be a kid closer to his basement then his ceiling and will probably need a redshirt year to get with the S&C program. He was recruited by Ed Warriner and Michigan was his dream school.  Great to lock him in early to what hopes to be a class full of lineman on both sides of the ball. 
  

• Kentucky Basketball is a very 2020 1-6 to start the season.  So it does happen to other programs?

Boring Is Good

Julio Cortez, AP

Michigan started the game with a 100 yard kickoff return TD by Giles Jackson and really never looked back to an easy 38-7 win.   With that said, there is a reason we do Cheers and Jeers after games because the score really didn't tell the entire story.   The Wolverines lacked energy on both sides of the ball and didn't dominate in areas they probably should have.   The offense was a bit concerning with only 155 yards on the ground and 176 in the air.   The defense gave up a total of 233 yards but zero points.

Cheers:

• Business trip and deal closed 
• No turnovers!! 
• Uche with 2 sacks 
• Metellus with 2 TFL's and a pick!
• Mr. Jackson if your nasty with a KO TD
• Will Hart averaged 50 on two punts 
• Tru Wilson had a nice 39 yard run

Jeers:

• Against one of the worst secondary's in college football Shea was 13/22 for 151
• No RB had more then 60 yards total 
• Turner ran the ball twice for -6 yards 
• No WR had more than 65 yards which was Nico with a 51 yard catch
• Field goal kicking is a mess right now 
• McCaffrey looked shaky in relief of Patterson
• Michigan Special Teams gave up a KO TD

I don't particular like bye weeks, I like to look forward to a Michigan Football game on Saturday.  I understand why the program needs them, I just prefer to watch the Maize and Blue every week.  There is plenty for this team to work on in practicce for the next two weeks before a rival comes to town and difficult trip to IU.  

The one thing I know for certain and wish Michigan didn't have 3 difficult games left, is Dylan McCaffrey needs more time under center.   We have to start thinking about next season and this season if Shea gets hurt running the ball.  Dylan had some decent time to play on Saturday and went 3/7 for 25 yards and 4 yards rushing.    Do I need to mention again that Maryland is ranked #116 in passing defense?  

A win is a win and it says something that Michigan was a bit sleepy but still beat Maryland by 31.   Funny what happens when you don't turn the ball over. 

Maryland Preview

NBC Wash DC

Time: Noon

Location: Maryland Stadium

Weather: Sunny 50 No Rain

TV: ABC 

Stream: ESPN App

Line: Mich -21

Maryland head coach Mike Locksley and Michigan's OC Josh Gattis both shared the same role at Alabama last year.   There was even a report that Josh was going to be Mike's OC at Maryland before Jimmy called.   

Both got into a war of words before the season started on who did what at Bama last year.  

Doesn't matter now because both have new big time roles and new offenses.  Maryland's offense was great early and bad lately.  Michigan has been the opposite, bad early and hopefully they found their stride against ND. 

Tale of the Tape

Healthy Local QB = Michigan 

Secondary = Michigan 

Defense = Michigan 

Coaching = Michigan 

Intangibles = Maryland 

I didn't do a, is Michigan better than Maryland? post this week, because we already know the answer.  Here are a few stats to see the differences:

Passing D:

Michigan #6

Maryland #116

Rushing D:

Michigan #20

Maryland #56

Total O:

Michigan #78 

Maryland #73

The offenses are close and the defenses are not.  Maryland's secondary is clearly struggling.

Say to yourself, its always good to have a win before a bye week if...……….

• Shea passes for 300 yards for the first time as a Wolverine 
• Nico, DPJ, and Tarik each has a TD 
• Ronnie Bell has over 100 yards receiving 
• HH goes for 100 
• Michigan doesn't turn the ball over 
• Defense shuts down Maryland's offense 

Yell, I hate trap games if ………………………..

• Maryland's offense finds something that works against DB's defense 
• Michigan is road sleep walking 
• Michigan is turning the ball over 
• Maryland is about to make an Illinois turn around 
• Maryland's defensive line is pressuring Shea  

Maryland has athletes and recruiting better, they will be better in a few years.   I hope this game isn't the Maryland - OSU game from a year ago.  Maryland found a hole in the OSU defense and continued to pound it, OSU was playing catch-up all day and won in OT.   Mike Locksley probably hasn't slept all week finding a way to exploit the Michigan D as he knows his defense won't be able to slow Michigan.  

Michigan won by running the ball for 300 yards last weekend, this week they need to win by passing the ball.  Yes, Michigan won't forget about the run but the Wolverines talented WR's should be running open all day and Shea needs to find them quickly and accurately.  Don't let Maryland hang around and if you get up by 28, keep running the offense.   Also don't let Josh Jackson get the last laugh, as his father says: Josh can read a defense like Brady, run like Vick, and throw like Mahomes.  Josh has a high ankle injury and only played 3 snaps against Minnesota last week. 

Michigan 48 Maryland 13