Michigan Monday: Mental Warde

The Michigan fan base is losing its mind.  The community as a whole is very much staring to believe Warde Manuel will not be successful in finding Michigan's next Football Head Coach.  If Warde had an approval rating like a sitting US President, it would be a negative number.  Warde and his search firm TurnKey, either has an ace up their sleeve or has completely bungled this coaching search.   

Alabama wins on Friday night and the common thinking was Michigan would turn their attention from DeBoer to ASU's Dillingham.  DeBoer's Alabama doesn't play again until 1/1 and the portal opens the next day.  Michigan wanted a new coach in role prior to that date.   The problem was Michigan was either not ready to offer Kenny on Friday night or wasn't ever going to.  He then signs an extension with ASU Saturday morning.  All signs pointed to him not only wanting the Michigan job but also accepting an offer.  

So now what?

Your guess is as good as mine.  There were two candidates in my mind and it seems Michigan has struck out on both.  There is also nothing leaking out, the insiders know nothing.  The rest of the candidate pool is not exciting and it seems Michigan is headed to Biff as a short term option with maybe a reset next year.  Drink called Michigan's NC fraudulent and has never done anything worth while in the SEC, Kyle Whittingham is 66, he has won a lot of games but is way past his prime (Utah pushed him out for a reason), Who knows what the situation is with Jedd, Vandy's head coach would be interesting Clark Lea. I don't care for Jeff Brohm at all (is Michigan hiring him on his Purdue and Louisville experience?), if your going to roll the dice maybe New Mexico's Jason Ack is worth a call?  Ack seems like a good dude and a very good coach.   

Why isn't Jesse Minter considered more?  I know he doesn't have head coaching experience but damn the NFL is going to hire him (as a head coach) if Michigan doesn't. Biff could keep the boat a float until Jesse is ready to take over.  

In my mind, it was a huge mistake to have a top candidate that wanted the job and Michigan was either slow playing him or wasn't interested at all.  Chip has already jumped ship and this search looks nowhere near ending.  

The flip side where Warde is competent and TurnKey knows what they are doing.  I know this is a stretch but hang with me for a second. 

1. Michigan has some hand shake agreement with DeBoer that he will 100% come to Michigan after Alabama's playoff run.  If that is true, waiting until 10 days is not a killer for right hire.  Though hiring Bama's coach in any situation will be difficult, mostly after a playoff run.   Very high risk! 

2. ASU extension doesn't scare Michigan or the money cannon.  If Michigan wants Kenny today, maybe they make him an offer he can't refuse. 

3. There is some high profile candidate they have locked up that can't start for awhile.  An example would be John Harbaugh or something. 

This whole debacle has me remembering when "Sailboat" Bill Martin was on his boat without a functioning cell phone when Les Miles wanted a Michigan offer. 

At least we have a great Basketball Team to take our mind of this and the Lions.  

Speaking of the Lions, Dan Campbell is doing his best to put me in a Mental Warde.  I love how aggressive he is, but he maybe stupidly aggressive.  Take the points Dan!  I also don't understand how this team in the off season or at the trade deadline didn't improve its defense at all.  You can't take guys off the street and win in the NFL.   The Lions might have missed their window.  Which would be the only window of my lifetime. 

• Opts out for the Citrus Exhibition include: Barham, Derrick Moore, and El-Hadi.  

• Nick Sheridan the former Michigan QB will be MSU's OC 

• Michigan Basketball with another impressive effort on Sunday afternoon.  Fun Hack - Check your listings for the NBC Sports Network, it was once dead but its back and many times it has Peacock games without needing a subscription to Peacock.  That was a nice bonus for the Michigan game yesterday! 

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at The Boilermakers

There isn't a funnier community then Sparty Twitter.  Their program could be absolutely on fire and they would still call out a reason or reasons why they didn't win this game.  Many of you who read this blog, already know the reason they are harping on from Saturday's game.  #14 was not offsides! When he stripped the ball from Bryce and MSU thought they had a big turnover.  I know Terry McAulay said he didn't think he was off sides, but I'm not sure Terry is very good at his job right now.  I do know he has no idea what targeting is.  To give Sparty credit, it was close but I believe his upper half of his body was at least off sides at the snap.  

I know Michigan Basketball is doing these exhibitions to raise money for NIL, etc.  But there never should be a Michigan Basketball game that conflicts with a Michigan Football game, unless its some weird bowl game.  Which in that case the exhibition would be on the football side.  

Purdue (2-6) (0-5 in BIG10) 

Best Win: Ball State 

Worst Loss: Rutgers 

Pass: 246 per (56th)

Run: 142 per (84th)

Score: 22.9 (101st)

Give Up: 27.8 (92nd)

Line: Michigan -21.5

Purdue is on a six game losing streak and we have the BTN to thank for making this matchup a night game.  Why BTN?  This is a noon kick if I've ever seen one.  Purdue is better then they have been but they are still not very good.  They had Rutgers beat last weekend and let it slip away at home.  Michigan is looking for win and then will have their second bye week before heading to Chicago to play Northwestern at Wrigley, and then next week to Maryland.  Everyone knows who is coming to town later in November. 

• Brian Kelly gets embarrassed by Texas AM on Saturday night and then loses his job Sunday morning.  If you follow college football at all, you could have predicted that action on Sunday.  You don't get embarrassed at LSU at night and hope to keep your job.  It was a bad hire and a bad outcome.  I hear Coach O wants back in coaching! 

• I'm starting to get worried about Rod Moore's health and his ability to play for this team the rest of the year.  

• I hope we hear an update on Sullivan's and Rod's health today from Sherrone 

• JJ is expected to start this week for the Vikings.  I hope he doesn't continue to hold the ball for so long.  

• Roman Wilson got his first NFL TD.  He almost didn't!

• Michigan is #21 and ranked ahead of USC

• The NFL has to do something about the second window on Sunday.  Those games are tough to watch after non-stop action on the Red Zone in the first window. 

MSU Post Game: Jimmy F'ing Rolder

 Jacob Hamilton/mlive.com/TNS

If you're like me, the punt block game has left serious scar tissue on my brain.   No matter how bad MSU QB throws bounce passes to his WR's or Michigan is up on the scoreboard, I feel MSU has some crazy comeback in them.  I felt that from the very beginning of the game last night.  

As Michigan is looking to close out the game with its running game, Justice Haynes fumbles and gives MSU life at midfield.  All I can say it thank goodness for Jimmy Rolder.  You can make the case he has saved the game for Michigan the last two weekends and probably has saved Wink's job.  His two stops on 4th down last night were crazy good and sealed the game and that terrible Paul Bunyan trophy.  

 

Cheers:

• 2 Michigan RB's over 100 yards, Yes Please! 
• Letting MSU make the personal foul penalties 
• Jimmy Rolder defensive MVP 
• 2nd half adjustments 
• 276 yards on the ground 
• Moore is always good for a late game sack 
• Hollenbeck had a good day punting one went 67 yards 
• Wink has finally realized he can't blitz so much 
• Michigan Basketball beats St. John's in this weird exhibition season

Jeers:

• Chip has to find some type of passing game.  
• Morgan is going to have his own section here soon.  
• Great job catching punts as Goodwin runs into him 
• Tries to tackle Justice on a break away run 
• Pass hits his face mask 
• Marlin Klein was a yard off sides in his alignment 
• For 276 yards on the ground I thought the running game was average most of the game 
• Offense was very predictable 
• Hill can you please catch one of the gift interceptions please! 
• Sullivan's injury 
• Need to use Bryce's legs in the redzone more often
• Missed opportunities to blow the game wide open early
• Another 2nd and long first down given up by the defense 

The game was ugly like most Michigan - MSU games are.  The difference was in talent and Michigan keeping its head, while MSU could not keep their composure. A road win in the Big Ten is a good win and Michigan now has Purdue on tap in the Big House next week before hitting the road to Chicago and Maryland.   The offense can't be that predictable and needs to find a way to get the ball to #1 and #4, if we are going to close out the year with wins. 

Preview Michigan State

Time: 7:30
Location: East Lansing
Weather: 45 and 2% of Rain

TV: NBC 

Line: Michigan -14.5

This is an instate rivalry game and Sparty's Super Bowl.  MSU is on 4 game losing streak which has the fan base pinning for James Franklin. Michigan looks good at home and not so good on the road, even though this trip is just an hour north.  This game never should be played at night and it is again.  NBC should be showing something else and this game should kick a noon.   Night game, big spread, MSU Super Bowl, and a chilly kick make this very upset worthy if Michigan doesn't pack their A game. 

Dear Sherrone, 

I know your familiar with this game and this team.  There is a ton of hate in Sparty's heart against your program and team.  You have the #1 QB  recruit from the State of Michigan and there are a number of kids that weren't recruited by Michigan in Green and White on Saturday night.   These kids know each other and they might be somewhat friendly off the field, on Saturday night they will be enemies. 

Michigan has more talent but Sparty is playing for their season.  They will create rings and other memorabilia if they win on Saturday night..  Michigan will have to be prepared for a team that will play as hard as they can to win this game.  Expect fake punts, fake field goals, and a ton of 4th down attempts.  The kitchen sink will be on the field in Spartan Stadium.  

Bryce has to play clean and Michigan can't keep Sparty in the game by mistakes.  Let MSU make the 15 yard personal foul penalties, make sure your team is above all the BS.   I really hope Justice is healthy because he could really tip the game to the Wolverines favor with 200 yards on the ground. 

I've been quiet on Wink this week as his unit played well against UW.  Sparty has another very athletic QB who likes to run for 1st downs to keep drives alive.  Chiles will have to have a career game but he played really well early last season in Ann Arbor.  Our expectation is the defense plays the same way they did against UW and not against USC.  Not sure what is going on in the secondary but let's get our first team unit back out there please.   

Here is my advice, (thank you for taking it to heart last week).  Spy Chiles, keep him in the pocket, get the best players back in the secondary, continue to throw to the TE's, let Justice and Jordan run free, protect against Tom Foolery from MSU, throw to McCulley and Marsh, don't commit dumb penalties, play clean, and stay above the noise.  The best medicine is driving home with that ugly trophy. 

Michigan 28 MSU 13

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Sparty and Will CSU Target a Michigan Coach?

The UCLA's turnaround is not helping any of these coaches on the "hot seat", Florida is the latest big time program to make a change and they won on Saturday.   Another opening that won't make headlines is Colorado State who fired Jay Norvell this weekend.  What's interesting is some insiders are saying the top candidate to replace Jay is Michigan Running Game Coordinator Tony Alford.   As you know, Tony was Ohio State's top recruiter before Sherrone stole him from the Buckeyes.  He has now done an excellent job building up the Wolverines backfield through traditional recruiting and the portal. 

This is what you might not know about Tony (from Mgoblue):  "[Alford] enrolled at Colorado State and was a four-year letterman from 1987-90. A 1990 Doak Walker Award nominee, Alford gained 1,035 yards in 1989 and set the conference record with 310 yards vs. Utah, a school record that stood for 24 years. He was a first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection and earned honorable mention All-American by USA Today as a junior. During Alford's senior year Colorado State produced a 9-4 record and qualified for its first bowl game in 42 years."

Too early look at Sparty (3-4) (0-4 in B10):

Best Win: Boston College 

Worst Loss: UCLA 

Pass: 213.7 Per (88th)

Run: 123 (107th)

Score: 27 (77th)

Give up: 32.7 (121)

Things are not going as planned in East Lansing and the Spartans are struggling with a difficult schedule and finding the right mix on the field.   There is talent on the roster but getting it all to jell seems to be the issue in Jonathan Smith's second year.   The plan was to be like IU and turn the battleship around quickly, it just hasn't happened.  Their best win is against a really bad BC team at home that took them to OT. 

How is this game the NBC 's game of the week?  Michigan is a 2 TD favorite, but we all know we throw out the records in a rivalry game. 

• Moody is kicking better with the Bears 

• As mentioned earlier, UF fired Billy Napier 

• Michigan is back in the rankings at #25 

• Are injuries also killing the Chargers chances this year as well?

• State of Florida Football over the weekend:
• Miami #2 in the nation loses on Friday 
• UF beats Miss State but fires its head coach 
• FSU goes on the road and loses to a bad Stanford team 
• South Florida beat FAU 
• Scott Frost beat up on RR in Orlando 
• The Dolphins lose to the Browns and their head coach is on fire watch
• The Jags get embarrassed in London to the Rams who flew in the day prior 
• Lions play TB tonight 

Michigan Tuesday: Body Clock

Michigan Football when they travel West must consider their Body Clocks.  There is a reason West Coast Teams play poorly in the East and vice versa.  Michigan played poorly against Washington last season and it seems Sherrone learned a few things from that trip.  

Michigan this time will travel a day early on Thursday and practice Friday at the Chargers new expensive training facility.   I wonder if they know anyone from the Chargers that would welcome the Wolverines?  This will give the Wolverines another day to adjust their body clocks and prepare for what is a late afternoon game in LA on Saturday.

• Since we are talking body clocks, Michigan now has the reverse situation a week later when Washington comes to Ann Arbor, which is now scheduled for a Noon kickoff.  Now that is a body clock game! 

• Insiders are saying Michigan looks good to land instate 4-star 2027 DE Recarder Kitchen from Muskegon.  Cool name and Yes, Please!

• #4 true freshman WR Marsh has clearly earned a starting role. 

• Michigan is  expected to have OL El-Hadi and TE Hogan Hansen back for the USC game 

• Speaking of USC, that Mark Sanchez situation gets stranger by the day and sounds like something out of Breaking Bad. 

• MSU's highest ranked recruit a 4-star WR de-commited from Sparty on Monday.  Their 2nd highest rated recruit visited Ann Arbor on Saturday.

Michigan Thursday: Time For The Offensive Line To Get Better

For about a 10 year period Michigan had a poor to average offensive line.  Jim Harbaugh changed that and solidified both the offensive and defensive through recruiting, development, coaching, and the transfer portal.   The gains the offensive line made got Sherrone the head coaching job at Michigan.   That is the highest of honors.  

Last year, the offensive line took a step back, maybe two steps back.  They struggled with the run game and struggled in Pass Pro (outside their last two games).   Yes, it was nice to see the line improve but they were below average to start the year.   So changes had to be made this spring. 

What we are hearing:

• El-Hadi who last year moved from Left Guard to Right Guard, is moving back to Left where he feels more comfortable. "Yeah, I'm playing left guard. Moving back to the left," El-Hadi said. "It's going good. Yeah, it's going really good. I feel a little bit more natural on the left. I played my first two years on the left side. Last year, (Josh Priebe) came back. When the Priebe came, they moved me to the right to change positions. Then I asked to go back to the left. It's going good."

• Transfer Brady Norton is making some noise for a starting position in Spring Ball.  He is now up to close to 300 pounds and impressing the coaches.  Norton has been practicing at Guard and Tackle.  He has 3 years of eligibility left!  

• Junior Nathan Efobi is one of those guys that has been in the program and is ready to take the next step.  There were plenty of transfer rumors about him leaving, but the coaches got him to stay and could be the starter at Right Guard. Efobi has played 2 game snaps his entire career. 

• Don't forget Larry Hatter the transfer from Big Rapids is not due to join the team until this summer.  He goes by Lawrence but I like Larry. 

News and Notes:

• Bills signed former Michigan punter Brad Robbins 

• MSU Football is now under NCAA Investigation for it's time under Mel Tucker.  The NCAA does not comment on current investigations unless its against Michigan and Jim Harbaugh. 

• Here is something I didn't remember, current Michigan WR Donaven McCulley who just transferred from IU. Started at QB for IU against Michigan in the Big House is 2021. To repeat started at QB. That is just crazy.

• Chip Lindsey new offensive is expected to be fast paced. Harbaugh loved ball control and running the clock, but I also believe there were times Michigan could have moved much faster on offense.

Michigan Thursday: That Is Unwatchable

Dusty has done a tremendous job getting the Wolverines to be competitive and will miss winning a Big Ten regular Championship by a few games.   That is a unbelievable turnaround.  

With that said, this team lacks athleticism and is clearly gassed as the season comes to an end.   This team is dead tired and in a slump after getting blown out by Illinois and losing Maryland at home in back to back games.   That first half of basketball last night against Maryland was ugly, very ugly.  The 2nd half was better but the deficit was too big to recover from (even though they got close). 

This team does not have its legs and is looking like a team that might have an early exit in both tournaments if they don't get it turned around.   

• MSU Football in their final game with new rival Maryland has moved their final game to Ford Field. 

• Reports are that Brandon Graham re-tore his tricep in the Super Bowl.  

• Jim releases Joey Bosa from the Chargers

Wolverine Wednesday: Sparty Loses Another One

MSU lost the football game on Saturday night, one they had penciled in as a Win.  Then a fight breaks out at the end of the game and the MSU AD asks the Big Ten to investigate and suspended Michigan players involved.  The Big Ten did investigate and came back with no penalty as there was zero evidence that any Wolverine player stomped on a Spartan.   If your keeping score at home, that is 0-2 for MSU in 3 days.    

I guess MSU Twitter has to focus on something else now. 

The rumor mill is spinning that Michigan has a $5M offer out to local QB and #1 player in the nation Bryce Underwood.  Which would be on par with LSU.  It's also known that this is not a Dave Portnoy project and another faction is leading this effort.  Dave is willing to help but not leading the Underwood Flip project, On3 is reporting.

• Wednesday night football RR vs. Liberty tonight.  The SunBelt has stole MACtion

Michigan Monday: Prefers to Duck the Ducks

Michigan won a football game on Saturday and beat its instate rival.  Yes, this game is always more important to Sparty but when it looked like Sparty is taking steps on the way up and Michigan has fallen off the mountain top, it was a nice feeling on Saturday night.  More relief than happiness but I will take it. 

Why couldn't Purdue or Rutgers be next on the schedule? Instead the #1 team in the nation will make their way to the Big House.  

Let's do this quickly and get back to the win on Saturday:

#1 Oregon Ducks

Record: 7-0 

Best Win: Ohio State 

Worst Loss: None

The Ducks have what is considered an easy path to the Big Ten Championship game the rest of the season.  They are a 2 TD favorite over the Wolverines, play the helpless Maryland team at home, travel to Wisconsin, and finish against a bad Washington team at home.   

Pass: 300 Yards per (12th)

Run: 167 (60th)

Score: 35 (25th) 

Give Up: 15 (10th)

When you have an explosive offense with a defense that only gives up 15 points a game.  You find yourself as the #1 team in the nation.   I thought PAC 12 teams didn't play defense?  Great time to start.  

Ok, that is enough.  Back to Saturday. 

Random thoughts from the game:

• Did Loveland celebrate TE Day a few hours early?
• He scored 14 points of Michigan's 24
• Michigan did not turn the ball over, which is nice. 
• Who thought that missed extra point was going to haunt Michigan in the end?
• Was that a bad snap or did Tommy drop the ball?
• The two things that I thought MSU would do on Saturday.  Run the QB and expose Michigan's secondary without its best player, they really didn't do at all.  Chilies ran for 6 yards and threw for 189. 
• Nate Carter was a problem.  He was at UConn?
• Chilies and Carter is going to be a future issue for the Wolverines
• MSU sure is better after hitting the transfer portal hard 
• MSU hired a good coach, I prefer hating their head coach. 

----

• Michigan had a good list of recruits at the Big House on Saturday.  Glad they came in last weekend!  

• There seems to be good momentum in flipping 4-star CB Samari Earls who is currently committed to Georgia.  

• I really don't want to discuss Michigan's continued recruitment of Bryce Underwood, because I don't want to jinx anything.   Michigan Football's GM was at his game on Saturday.  So was Michigan's top WR recruit in 2025. 

• Every time Washington gets blown out (this week to Iowa), I get mad.  That is a bad loss for the Wolverines. 

• This is the best Detroit Lions team in my lifetime.  They blew out the Titans with special teams.

• Michigan Basketball struggled in its exhibition on Friday night against a solid Toledo team.  I have that feeling again, where I really like this team early in the season.  It also looks like we have a freshman scorer in LJ Cason who went for 20.  Dusty and this team deserves our support.  I love how he constructed this roster from nothing.   

MSU Post Game

Jake May Mlive

I'm pretty sure I saw a competent game plan and offensive strategy last night.  One that took thought and preparation.  One that took the skills of players and planned around it.  It's amazing what happens when a plan comes together.  Warren once he got his confidence in the passing game, started to throw dimes and Orji was the best player on the field running the football.  I even saw Michigan's WR's catch the football!  It was by far the best balance on offense Michigan has been all year.  MSU went all in on stopping the run and Michigan beat them in the air. 

Just so the coaches don't get confused here a couple helpful reminders.

-Donovan Edwards is a WR, and sometimes a QB and RB. 

-Alex Orji is a RB and sometimes a Wildcat QB 

-Donovan Warren may look like JJ with his helmet on, but he isn't

-Orji and Mullins are really the only folks that should be running the ball 

It was nice to beat a rival and stop the losing streak but there are plenty of cheers and jeers to discuss:

Cheers:

• Warren/Orji combo had their best games as Wolverines 
• Loveland was running wide open all night 
• Good stop by the defense on 4th down to save the game
• Stewart/Grant with the last second strip fumble to get an bonus 3 points at the half
• Kenny Grant had was nice TFL's
  
• OLine pass protected well 
• Michigan won the game 

Jeers:

• Michigan had a very sleepy start to the game 
• For the life of me, I have no idea what Wink is doing
• The tackling is just terrible
• Michigan has a punting problem and I don't think it's a slump any longer
• OLine could not open holes for the RB's
• The defense could not stop MSU's run game 
• Will did not play due to injury 
• The end of the game fight was unnecessary 

Wink believes that the people who are critical of the way he coaches, "Don't know ball".  That's fair in this case, as I don't have any of the experience Wink does.  But I do know a good coach when I see one and Wink is not one.  

Having all your defenders on the LOS is designed to confuse your opponents QB, but it just puts people out of position.  Michigan LB's could've been much more efficient yesterday if they were in LB positions.   I know part of this defensive scheme is to drop DE's into coverage to fool the QB,  put when Stewart is in the game, let him rush the damn QB, please!!    

Lastly, I've never seen a team get so many first downs on 3rd and long by running the ball.   Michigan had no answer for it.  It worked so well, that MSU barley threw the ball against a secondary that was missing its best player.  

We need some booster to buy him out of his contract and let him move to Shady Acres or UTEP.

I don't understand why Michigan never runs a traditional RB screen?  It's almost like they have signed a contract to not run that play.   Every other game I watch, I see nice gains with this play and it would seem to fit Edwards skill set.  Still no screens.

The fight at the end of the game should not have happened.  Yes, it's a rivalry and a heated one.  Still the game is over and there is no need for that.  I hope no one got hurt on either side and the Michigan players should've stayed on the bench.   

MSU Preview

Time: 7:30

Location: Big House
Weather: Chilly 45 No Rain
TV: BTN
Line: Michigan -5

The last 3 years or so this has been a game of the HAS vs, the HAS Not's as Michigan has rumbled to Big Ten Championships, Playoff appearances, and eventually a National Championship last season.  MSU has had to deal with fights in the Big House tunnel, a head coach's private life scandal, and now a brand new head coach.  This is now a game of the HAS Not's as Michigan has fallen off the mountain top and MSU is starting to show signs of making their way back up the hill with a competent coach. 

Dear Sherrone, 

I'm sorry man but you are in the worst type of spots as a head coach.   It's your first year, you have talent all over the field, and you and your staff are just not getting the job done.   I can't remember any team losing its season more in the off season then you and your staff have done this year.  Everybody and their brother knew what this team did and didn't have and from the outside looking in, you did nothing to fix it.  

The story gets worse my friend.  You have the worst offense in D1 football, no solution at QB, and your instate rival is in town.  You have a killer schedule with 3 guaranteed loses which includes probably an embarrassing loss to Ryan Day and Ohio State still left on the schedule. You have to win this game Saturday night.  

This is not a fair situation to you.  Your a first year head coach and Michigan's long run in January and Harbaugh's later departure made it incredibly tough for you to do your job effectively.  Your recruiting seems solid but having a losing record after a National Championship run is probably one of the worst things you can do for your career.  This is not Auburn!! There are a few things you can't do at Michigan and losing to your rival is one of them.  You have to win this game Saturday night.  

I know you made the worst hire possible when you hired Wink.  Please tell me you are not paying that washed up DC $3M a year for 3 years?  Outside of Jim hiring Don Brown that might be one of the worst coaching hires in the history of the program.  RR wasn't a great decision either.   Try to wake him up in his office and see if he can muster anything up against MSU.  Sparty's QB likes to make big plays and big mistakes, make sure a LB is spying him.  Your offense which I blame you for over Campbell, is a train wreck and probably can only generate 10 points a game or so.   Which means if your going to win on Saturday, it has to come on the defensive side of the ball.   That unit has been average at best with maybe 4 first round draft picks on it.  Are you freaking kidding me?  What a Wink disaster. 

Sherrone there is nothing good about this situation.  Nobody cares about going to a shit bowl game.  What we do care about is putting a good football team on the field every Saturday that is well coached, disciplined, beats its rivals, and plays Michigan Football. We have yet to see that this year.  Your best win over USC has now become less of a win because they are in just as bad as shape as your program is.  You have to win this game on Saturday. 

To summarize, your in your fist year as a head coach, your in way over your head, your offense is god awful, you have zero options at QB, your DC is washed up, your best player on defense is probably not playing, and your looking at a difficult schedule to close out the season.  Did I mention your instate rival is in town and this is their Super Bowl every year?  You have to win this game Saturday Night.

When Harbaugh struggled here, at least we knew he could coach at this level.  I'm sorry man, this is not a fair situation for you. Last reminder: You have to win this game Saturday night. 

Michigan 10 MSU 24

Michigan Monday: It Might Be Basketball Season Already

I have been a vocal non-supporter of how Wade does business.  He completely messed up the Harbaugh situation and has made other high profile mistakes.  Hiring Dusty was not one of them.  Dusty for all accounts has gotten to Ann Arbor and gotten to work.  He rebuilt the team through the transfer portal and some lucky fans got to see a preview of that team on Sunday as Michigan played Oakland in an exhibition game at Little Caesars.    Michigan won the game 92-48.  Sure it was just an exhibition but Michigan had 5 players in double figures and two others with 9 and 8 points respectively.   I always get too excited about the basketball team early, but there seems to be solid evidence that feeling is warranted this year. 

Back to football.  This is Michigan State Week and both teams are not great.  Michigan might be worse coming off another embarrassing offensive effort and MSU beating Iowa at home handily.  One of the best games of the year was on vs. MSU/IOWA so I didn't see a snap of that game.  

If the heat is not on Sherrone now having the worst offense in division 1 football, guess what is coming if they lose to Sparty in the Big House on Saturday night.  On the flip side, Kalen DeBoer and Lincoln Riley might be available.  

MSU:  4-3

Best win: Maryland on the road 

Worst Loss: BC 

Pass: 233 (67th)

Run: 133 (90th)

Score: 21.6 (111) 

Give up: 20.9 (39th)

It seems Cade got pulled in the MSU game for the backup and Sparty kicked 6 field goals.  I'm sure NBC ratings went through the roof.  This game will be ugly for both sides as Michigan tries to hold on to any resemblance of a season and Sparty plays their Super Bowl.  Not a good combination for the home team.  

Michigan is another head scratching -5 favorite.  

• Ronnie Bell all most scored on Sunday but had a knee down.  I wonder what his brother is up to?

• Blake had 3 rushes for 11 yards 

• Metellus almost beat The Lions singlehandedly.  Damn, he is really good. 

• It's Harbaugh night on ESPN, I don't think putting Jimmy on ESPN + tonight is going to work out for ESPN.  

• Chaundee is hooping it up in Japan! 

• Michigan got a WR commit on Thursday night.  Welcome Jaylen Pile a 3/4 star WR from Dallas!  Jaylen is the 3rd commit to the 2026 class. 

Michigan Tuesday: Where is Pete?

I didn't realize that ESPN's Pete Thamel had to hide during Game Day because he thought he was going to get beat up by the Michigan fans.  I guess Desmond called him out about it during the broadcast.  Michigan fans might not love Pete for how he has been disseminating information about Sign-gate, but they are not going to beat him up on National TV.   Wonder if he stayed for the game and hid in the press box or got out of town?  

Unfollowing Pete on Twitter was one of the best decisions I've made in the last few weeks. 

Spartans Will go:  Since the end of the season and hiring a new coach Sparty has lost a few players including: Starting QB Katlin Houser, true freshman QB Sam Leavitt (who is from Oregon), legacy linebacker Darius Snow, offensive tackle Spencer Brown, offensive tackle Ethan Boyd and offensive guard Kevin Wigenton.  Expect many more portal jumpers as the entire MSU coaching staff was let go on Saturday.  

• There is a thought that Michigan may look at a portal QB if JJ enters the NFL Draft.  A few big names have jumped into the portal the last few days: Miss State Will Rogers,  Utah's Nate Johnson, KSU's Will Howard, and Miami's Tyler Van Dyke. 

• Former Wolveirne Zach Carpenter who transferred to IU, is back in the portal looking for a new home.

• I was not happy when Michigan fired Chris Partridge.  I don't know Chris, but from the outside looking in, he seems like a good coach and a great recruiter.  The Pete Thamel's of the world reported he was fired for destroying evidence during the NCAA investigation.  He cleared that up on Monday, by releasing a statement that included the reason for his dismissal was talking to other University members about the investigation, when he was instructed not to.  

• Big Ten Championship tickets don't seem to be too crazy in price right now.  You can get a level 600 seat for around $100.  Finding a close hotel might be a little tricky.  

• The expectation is that Michigan will play in the Rose Bowl in the CFP.  The #1 team gets to pick location and if Georgia beats Alabama then they will probably pick the Sugar Bowl.  

MAC Post Game

Grace Beal/Daily

What a strange week this has been.  Michigan gets notified about an over scouting allegation mid-week, suspends a low lever staffer, MSU considers not playing "due to player safety" and fans from both sides gets welcomed to Spartan Stadium with a trivia contest and a large photo of Hitler.   Michigan and Michigan State hadn't even kicked off the game and the outside news dominated the media coverage.  Hard to even make up a story this strange.  

The game was played and Michigan completely dominated all phases and won 49-0.   I will get into more details in Cheers and Jeers, but sitting here on Sunday morning, my first thought is, it's been a very weird week.   Raise your coffee or tea this morning to a quiet Bye Week. 

Cheers:

• JJ is dealing!  
• We finally got the TE Game! Barner and Loveland combine for 3 TD's 
• Michigan's offensive play calling was on point for a defense designed to stop the run 
• Mikey's pick 6 was beautiful 
• Happy for McBurrows after last year's tunnel incident! 
• For the most part, Michigan played clean and let Sparty get the Personal Foul Penalties.
• Michigan was locked in and focused after a tough week in the media 
• Michigan's defense continues to prove they are one of the best units in college football 
• Michigan covered the over/under by themselves 
• Love Michigan's 4th down defense
• TJ Guy records a sack!

Jeers:

• Running game continues to struggle against a loaded box 
• There were some missed tackles early in the game 
• Tyler Morris dropped an easy one 
• Even though Michigan saved the shutout, it got pretty sloppy at the end with the backups in 

Hard to find anything wrong during that game.  I thought it was funny that the MSU QB would run to the sideline to get the play and then head to the huddle.  We also didn't see any TV shots of former MSU head coach Mark Dantonio, I'm sure he was enjoying the proceedings. 

Lastly, how fun was it to end the game with nothing but Michigan fans owning Spartan Stadium? As all the Sparty's had headed to Rick's.

Thoughts Around the Big Ten:

• What was that PSU - OSU game?  A comedy of errors and bad football.  Good defense but terrible offense by both sides.  The difference was OSU had the best WR in college football Marvin Harrison.  I don't know how James Franklin and his 0-10 Top 15 road record has been fooling Penn State fans for so long. 1-16 on 3rd down? That was a terrible coaching performance on Saturday. 

• Iowa and Minnesota had one of the lowest over/unders in the history of college football and still didn't hit it.  The way Iowa lost that game was unbelievable.

• Just when Illinois was getting hot, they let one get away.

• Rutgers is bowl eligible in October.

• Future Big Ten, USC continues to try to find a defense and Washington barley gets by a trap game.  Which should knock down Penix in the Heisman race. 

• Big Ten West is ugly. 

• UNLV tracker 6-1

Michigan Tuesday: Night Grass

Ann Arbor's own Bob Seger has a song titled "Night Moves" it's not about football and outside of Bob being from Ann Arbor it really doesn't have any relevance to Michigan State week.  I just needed a way to start this post.  

I woke last night to the sound of thunder
How far off I sat and wondered?
Started hummin' a song from 1962
Ain't it funny how the night moves?

Michigan Football's night moves have been well documented in the past.   Michigan has been working on its night game preparation and we've seen better results of late.   The Minnesota night game was good and so were both Big Ten Championship games.  Bowling Green was not great and of course we know about the CFP.  

The more alarming stat is how Michigan plays on grass.  Michigan has lost 3 games since 2021 and all 3 were on grass fields.  Two of those three games were at night.  I was strongly on the record that the Fiesta Bowl grass was trash and slippery and even though they replaced it for the Super Bowl, it was still awful.  

Per Jimmy's presser yesterday on preparing to play on grass: 

We’re going to practice on grass this week. And we’ve had success on grass. The last game we lost was on grass, but the only thing different to do - is not doing anything different, we’re going to prepare to practice on the grass like we’ve done in the past. I think it’s the best we can do.

MSU should already have Michigan's attention, but when you combine a night game atmosphere, the tunnel incident, and a grass surface it should be ramped up 10x.  

As we know, MSU might relate to this verse..........

When you just don't seem to have as much to lose
Strange how the night moves
With autumn closing' in

• Urban Meyer says he has no desire in coaching again.  Like everything, you can't trust those words.  I bet if a big enough college program came knocking that desire would come right back.

• JJ was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week 

"The Original" Michigan Monday: State Week

We last left this story with criminal acts in the Big House tunnel.  Suspensions, charges, and a ton of shame from the visitors an hour north.  Now the story continues Saturday night and a ton has happened since last year.   MSU's $100M head coach is now on the street after a very messy off the field situation, the Big Ten commissioner with a son on MSU left his job to become the President of the Chicago Bears, Michigan is back-to-back Big 10 Champions and undefeated on the season, while MSU is looking for its first Big Ten win.   

Let's take a too early look at the Spartans:

Record: 0-0 as records don't matter this week. 

Best Win: Central Michigan 

Worst Loss: Being up 18 in the 4th against Rutgers and losing last weekend. 

Pass: 231 per game (71st in the country)

Run: 118 per game (111th)

Score: 22 points per (109) 

Give up: 24 (61st)

MSU is on a 4-game losing streak after the news about Mel Tucker's inappropriate relationship with Brenda Tracy became public.  Sparty has struggled on both sides of the ball, though this past weekend they did show some improvement as they changed QB's from Noah Kim to Katin Houser who was 18/29 for 133 yards and 2 TD's (0 picks).  He also ran for 27 yards and another TD. 

Every year this is Sparty's Rose Bowl/Big Ten Championship game/CFP all rolled into 1.  This year is a little different because they don't have anything to lose and will not be bowling.  Even Scott Bell on Twitter has eased up on the jokes, because it just isn't funny anymore.  Michigan will need to expect the hardest hitting and most physical game of the year.   The night game aspect just adds more fuel to the fire and Michigan better be ready for a battle.  

Line: Michigan -24.5

• Sounds like Frank Clark is going to get another chance with KC 

• Alan Bowman passed for 336 yards and 2 TD's in a big win for OK State over Kansas last weekend.  How good is Michigan?  Their 4th string QB from last season is the starter for a major school in the Big 12. 

• Erick All suffered a knee injury in Iowa's win over Wisconsin. 

• Sounds like Mullings might have a wrist injury. Mullings was a surprise on the injury report on Saturday.

• UNLV Win/Loss Tracker: 5-1 

• Moody Blues, as he missed the game winner for the 49'ers at Cleveland. 

• Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai broke his hand against Iowa and had surgery on Sunday

Wolverine Wednesday: An MSU Rumor

The rumor mill is spinning on Urban Meyer having interest in the Michigan State head coach opening.  The report is saying he will be in East Lansing this week, both sides have interest, and he will be interviewing for the position.  Remember when I said, MSU needed a squeaky-clean person as its next head coach after Tucker and Dantonio?  Like the "John Beilein" of college football.  This is not it.  In fact, it's the complete opposite of that. 

I believe this is a reporter trying to make a name for himself.  I would be very surprised if Urban even considered East Lansing.  He is not going to a place where Nick Saban failed at.  I also would be shocked if MSU even seriously considered him, as it's a terrible look after the Tuck scandal.  Brady Quinn and Joel Klatt who work with Urban every week, think the report is not accurate.   

• Now we know that Cade has an ACL and clearly out for the year.  "His intention is to come back and play next year again," Ferentz said. "So that’ll be great. It’s a long road in front of him, but it’s a lot better than it was 30 years ago, that’s for sure. A lot more predictable. And he’s got a great attitude and he’ll work hard at it."  Iowa has now lost its best TE and starting QB for the year with injuries.  Which is not good news for one of the worst offenses in college football. 

• The USA Today coaches' salaries report came out again.  Harbaugh is #12 @ $8.2M per.  Saban is #1 with over $11M per year.  Tuck was #5 at $10M.  Time for a new contract for Harbaugh.

Michigan Tuesday: Stop, Tuck, and Roll

As you know by now, MSU gave Mel Tucker a notice of termination for cause and 7 days to respond to the action, with a dismissal date of 9/26.  This from ESPN's Pete Thamel's twitter post: In documents, Michigan State tells Tucker's attorney that the school has "amassed a body of undisputed evidence of misconduct that warrants termination for cause."

Firing Tucker for "cause" voids the remaining 79M on his contract. I'm sure there will be a legal battle at some point, but in a week, we can put this ordeal to rest. I did receive a few texts on where does MSU go now? My response is they need to find someone with as clean of an off the field record as possible. I would put the follow folks on top of my list:

1. Kansas Coach Lance Leipold. He has done wonders for Kansas Football.

2. David Shaw, former Stanford coach and had a long run after Harbaugh

3. Jeff Monken, Army head coach who just got an extension yesterday @ $2M a year

4. Jim Caldwell, former Detroit Lions head coach

5. Eric Bieniemy, Washington OC and former Chiefs OC will be hard pull out of the NFL

• Michigan @ Nebraska 3:30 kick on Fox 

• Seems very unlikely that international recruit Lee Aaliya will be joining the basketball team this season, at least not to start the season. 

• How about Chad Henne being in a Subway commercial!  Always great to have a friend in Patrick Mahomes. 

Michigan Tuesday: Loses a LB and Jimmy Catches a Stray

When you're a recruit it's pretty obvious if a team really wants you or not, if they keep recruiting you after you commit.  Case in point is 2025 3-star LB Mantrez Walker who decommitted from Michigan last night.  This might have been a situation with a guy that had an offer but it wasn't a committable one.  Walker has been hinting that he might be looking for other opportunities and made it official last night.   Reports from insiders say that Schembechler Hall wasn't very concerned with this development.   It would be good though if Michigan added to the 24 and 25 class instead of subtracting lately. 

Mel Tucker released a statement last night from his lawyer.  Basically, he says this was an adult relationship and I want my buyout.  In a random remark, he says that Brenda also had recent criticism of Coach Harbaugh.   First off, there is no reason to include Harbaugh in this situation and when asked later that day if he had any comment on Coach Tuckers situation, Harbaugh said, “Don't know anything about it. I know Brenda Tracy. Respect her a lot. She's done really good things, talked to our team. As far as — I’m not in a position to weigh in on it. Have no understanding or facts on the matter.”

It's not good to assume, but if I did, I believe this "criticism comment" comes from the situation that Harbaugh told Brenda he would have her back every year to talk to freshman and sophomores in 2019. The pandemic hit and budgets got tight and she hasn't been back to Ann Arbor.

Brenda replied on twitter after Harbaugh's latest comments: "I really appreciate this stance by Coach Harbaugh. This situation should not be weaponized for the rivalry."

• Sounds like Zeke Berry might have a lower leg injury and could miss multiple games. We beleive he got hurt on the opening kickoff against UNLV.

• I don't have words for the Aaron Rodgers Jets situation from last night.

• Rutgers 12:00 Kick BTN