Wolverine Wednesday: Moody on the Move

Jake Moody is on the move again and will now be the Commanders new full time kicker.  This will be Jake's 3rd team this season as he started with the 49'ers struggled and got cut.  Went to Chicago and did well and now has been signed off the Bears practice squad.  Good Luck Jake! 

Is Maryland a trap game for the Wolverines.  I would say YES.  It has a lot of signs of disaster written all over it.  Maryland is struggling and has a long losing streak, it's a weird kickoff time, Michigan is very injured on both sides of the ball, and OSU is next.   This is the trapiest of all trap games. 

• Andrew Marsh was named Freshman of the Week in the Big 10.  He also ranks #2 in Freshman WR's nationally only behind Miami's Malachi Tony.  

• Michigan Basketball takes on Middle Tennessee State tonight at 6:30 BTN. 

• Loveland and Will Johnson are both in the top 10 of impact rookies by PFF this season so far. 

• 2026 QB Dayton Raiola younger brother of Dylan Raiola has decommitted from Nebraska.

Nebraska Post Game: Great Plays and Terrible Plays

Wolverines Wire Isaiah Hole

I asked Biff in my preview to run the ball, let Bryce make plays, and dominate on defense. Michigan sort of did all 3 things outside a few really bad mistakes by the secondary that could have sent Michigan into the bye week with a loss in Lincoln.

This was one of those games where the high's were really high like when Justice, Jordan, or Bryce are in the open field and the Low's were really Low when Michigan is heading to the locker room and Nebraska is throwing a Hail Mary for 7 points. 

This is a game where you don't even stop in the locker room to take a shower, you get right on the bus and head to the plane, before someone changes their mind on the outcome.  This game was perfect example of why we do Cheers and Jeers.

Cheers:

• Michigan ran for 290 yards
• Justice might be one of the best players in America 
• Welcome back Z, great kicks! 
• 7 Sacks and probably missed 5 more 
• Sanders is playing great for a Freshman 
• Cole Sullivan is a future superstar 
• Best game by the offensive line this year! 
• Chip did a nice job calling plays 
• Wink's defense scheme was strong 
• Big goal line stop on the 1st Nebraska drive 
• Great seeing Rod Moore back! 

Jeers:

• Bone head mistakes by the secondary almost cost Michigan the game
• Blown coverage on the 1st Nebraska TD 
• Hail Mary to end the half 
• Hillman's taunting penalty was horrific and changed momentum 
• Last drive 3rd and 22 and give up 21 yards 
• WR's CATCH THE DAMN BALL!
• Semaj had 2 drops 
• Goodwin had 2 drops 
• Semaj under throws a TD on a wide open receiver 
• McCulley needs more targets 
• Klein needs more targets
• Semaj did have a really good catch and run for a 1st down on Michigan's last field goal drive to go up 10 points. 
• Bryce did have a fumble 
• Officiating was not bad, but I thought Michigan's DE's were being held 
• I also thought McCulley's sideline catch was a catch 
• Hollenbeck's first punt was terrible but he did average 41 yards per punt 
• Michigan gift wrapped probably 17 points for Nebraska 
• 21 players on the injury report. WTF?

With all those mistakes, Michigan was the better team and beat a hungry Nebraska program on the road.  Biff did his job and delivered 2 wins to Sherrone while he was pacing at his house.  Now Michigan has a week off to heal.  The Michigan coaches need to rethink how they are practicing as the injury report is way too long.   

Seeing the young guys play on defense is really great to see. They just need to clean up a few things that are fixable.  This team has talent and can make a run.  It was great seeing a Michigan pass rush be so effective all day.  The offense needs to catch the ball and continue to improve on the offensive line. Getting healthy will also help!  Rest up and enjoy the Ryder Cup next weekend and watch the great college games!  (great timing for a bye week)

Preview Nebraska

Time: 3:30

Location: Memorial Stadium 

Weather: 75 and 1% of rain 

TV: CBS

Line: Michigan -1.5

Two young QB's is the storyline for this game.  Dylan Raiola was the top QB in the class last season and took over the Nebraska program.  He had freshman growing pains last season and was weirdly mimicking the mannerisms of Patrick Mahomes.   Bryce is the next big thing and has played pretty well for a true freshman that just turned 18 two weeks before the season started.    

Nebraska had a close win over Cincy in Week 1 in KC and Michigan lost to Oklahoma on the road two weeks ago.  Michigan threw up a 60 burger last week and Nebraska put up 59 on a Christian High School from Houston.  I expect some defense will be played in this game. 

Dear Biff:

You are now in week 2 of being the Michigan Football head coach.  I'm sorry to say, no matter what happens in this game, your head coaching role will be over.  With all that said, Michigan needs to start the Big Ten season off on the right foot.  Nebraska is so hungry for a showcase win, they will sell two dozen bundles of corn for a win in this ball game. 

I did enjoy the offense last weekend against Central.  Bryce is a special talent and our RB's are elite.  I do have concerns about the injuries and the offensive line.  I hope both are developing in a positive fashion.

I have a question for you:  Is Wink's defense ready to dominate?  I was expecting this defense would be very difficult to run against with Michigan's talented defensive line and athletic LB's.  Each week they look to be finding their feet and working on depth.  Nebraska likes to throw the ball around the yard and Michigan has to find some pass rush.  Wink should be able to make Raiola see ghosts, but there has to be a pass rush so he doesn't play PAC Man back there.  Let Barham fly off the line and having Rod Moore back would help if he is ready to play and not rusty.  

Michigan has three keys to win this game.  They have to run the ball effectively, Wink has to come up with a scheme that shuts down Nebraska, and Bryce has to create plays with his arm and legs.   BTW, you can pretty much cut and paste that sentence into every preview the rest of the year. 

Road games are tough in the Big Ten and even tougher for young teams.  We need the upperclassman to carry this team through another hostile environment.   Enjoy the opportunity, play great defense, score points on offense often, and get out of there win a W.  

Michigan 24 Nebraska 21

Michigan Monday: A Too Early Look at Nebraska

Michigan has another tough road test this weekend as they travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to play the Cornhuskers.  Nebraska is a program that is extremely thirsty for a hallmark win.   They hired former Husker Scott Frost to the turn the program around and it only got worse.  Scott has now boomeranged back to Orlando and coaching UCF again.   Matt Rule has a rule where he turns programs around in 3 years.  Guess how many years he has been at Nebraska?

Nebraska (3-0)

Best win: 20-17 over Cincinnati, other wins are 68-0 over Akron and 59-7 over Houston Christian.  The rest of the schedule is pretty easy after Michigan.  They have USC at home and a trip late in the season to Happy Valley are the only difficult match-ups.  

Pass: 366 per (5th)

Run: 178 per (59th) 

Score: 49 (15th) 

Give up: 8 (7th)

Those numbers are a bit skewed because of the FCS and poor MAC opponent. I would think the UC game is a bit more on point even though it was week 1 and on a neutral field.   I would also think they would want to run over those couple opponents then passing over their head.   Their Mahomes Freaky Friday QB has seemed to have calmed down on all the Mahomes mannerisms and serious about winning football games this season. 

• JJ suffered his first loss in a long time last night.  The guy beats Chicago on Monday, partner has a child on Thursday, and loses a game on Sunday.   That is a full week! Hey Rome, get your arm loose, I expect to see you throwing in the Big House in 18 years! 😀 

• UCLA and VA Tech has had enough and both programs fire their head coaches on Sunday.  2 proud programs heading in the wrong direction.  UCLA is not stocked with money so finding a replacement in December is going to be difficult. 

• Blake Corum gets his first NFL TD! 

Michigan Thursday: Kirk Caught Fishing on Michigan's Roster

Seems there was some tomfoolery between Michigan's Cade McNamara and Iowa during the off season where he decided to transfer.  So much that head coach Kirk Ferentz and WR coach Jon Budmayr are expected to serve a one game suspension against Illinois State to start the season.  Kirk has a press conference today to address the situation.   The rumored allegation is that Iowa contacted Cade prior to the Transfer Portal opening.  That Budmayr recruited Cade at Wisconsin and had a relationship with the Big Ten Champion winning QB prior.

Instead of Kirk and Jon sitting out a game, how about Iowa sends over to Michigan a TE or a skilled CB's?  

• Arkansas DC says everyone steal signals.  Wow, really?  

• I don't know if you have been keeping up with Dusty on social media since he got the Michigan job, but that guy seems to be doing everything right.  In the last week, he has photobombed a social media post with the ESPN insiders at a Bruce Springsteen concert, shown fishing with the team, and now having an off site meeting/activity with Coach B.  The guy just gets it.  

• In a battle of the 2 highest profile coaches moves in this off season.  Michigan Basketball will face Arkansas in the Jimmy V Classic on ESPN. 

• Speaking of former Michigan QB's Alan Bowman is still in college and will play for OK State. In other long time college QB's: Brett Gabbert of Miami (Ohio) will make college football history by starting his 6th opening game.

• Nebraska will be starting Dylan Raiola at QB, we should do a contest on where Dylan will be playing next season.  

Michigan Tuesday: Transfer Portal Prospects Are Visiting

Michigan has its eyes on 3 transfer portal prospects and all 3 are expected to visit Ann Arbor this week. In fact, two are currently on campus right now. 

• Upton Stout, DB from WKU.  Michigan would be his 3rd school as he started at North Texas.  He is 5'9 and 185 pounds and would be looking to fill the Mikey role.  24/7 has him as the #33 overall in the portal and #3 DB. He is on campus this weekend. 

• Jaishawn Barham, LB from Maryland.  Is from a HS that Michigan fans might know, St. Frances in Maryland.  He is a sophomore and played two years already for the Terps.  You might remember him from the Michigan game, he was wearing #1 and picked off JJ in the end zone.  24/7 has him the 88th player in the portal and #3 LB.  He is also on campus right now. 

• Joey Slackman, DL from Penn.  Joey is 6'3 and 300 pounds and rated the 22nd player in the portal and #3 DL from 24/7.  He is getting a number of offers and is expected to visit Ann Arbor this weekend.  

A guy we thought Michigan might be interested in Thor from Harvard, committed to Louisville this weekend.  Thor can play but I'm not sure if he had a Michigan offer or not.   I think we all can agree we wanted a guy named Thor from Harvard. 

Michigan also lost its first player in the portal when CJ Stokes jumped into the portal on Monday.  CJ showed some flashes at Michigan but was quickly falling behind the guys on the roster and Michigan has 2 high profile RB's coming in the next class.   A transfer now makes a lot of sense for him.  I hope he lands at his hometown school South Carolina. 

• MSU's new staff will have to rebuild the entire roster as Sparty's best player Maliq Carr is in the portal. 

• What is going on at Nebraska?  Did they find a pile of money?  OSU transfer QB Kyle McCord visited and now there are reports they might flip #1 QB in the 2024 class Dylan Raiola who is committed to Georgia. 

• Zak Zinter was named 1st team AP All American, Corum and Jenkins were named to the 3rd team. 

Nebraska Post Game

Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan hit the road for the first time this year and came away with a dominant victory.   The Wolverines had gotten a little sloppy in a few areas at home over the last month.  The focus and execution ratcheted up a notch and JJ and Blake got to watch a quarter and half from the sidelines.  With every game, there are cheers and jeers so let's get to them. 

Cheers:

• 0 Penalties
• 0 Turnovers 
• 8-13 on 3rd Down
• JJ's was 12/16 with a QBR of 99.2
• JJ was only hit a couple times
• Both lines A+
• Roman Wilson with a crazy highlight TD catch 
• Liked to see Darrius Clemons with 2 catches 
• Same with AJ Barner
• Mullings is now a really good power back
• Josaiah Stewert with 2 sacks
• Ken Grant with a nice interception
• Brandon McGregor had a good game
• Derrick Moore had a good game
• Starting Defense with another great effort/shutout
• Playing well in 93 degree and high winds

Jeers:

• Defense kept getting beat on the same crossing route play
• The 74-yard TD run on the 2nd team defense
• Tyler Morris muffed a punt but got it back and made a nice return

When JJ plays well this offense goes from good to great.  He was confident and threw dimes all around the field.  His TD run was also good read.  Raise your hand if you yelled at your TV when he started to run after the 1st down line, "SLIDE or run for touch down!"  😀 I sure did. 

Michigan will need to keep the focus as they travel to Twin Cities on Saturday night to play for the Little Brown Jug next week. 

Big Ten Thoughts:

• MSU showed some heart against Iowa and could've won that game.  
• Cade seems to have a serious leg injury 
• All had his best game in 2 years
• Cade's backup looked like an offensive tackle
• Penn State struggled for a half against NW which is surprising 
• Purdue blew out Illinois?
• Minnesota again struggled but won against Louisiana 

Nebraska Preview

Time: 3:30

Location: Memorial Stadium
Weather: Hot 93 No Rain
TV: Fox
Line: Michigan -17

Michigan hits the road for the first time this season after going 4-0 in the comfortable Big House.  Nebraska is 2-2 this season under new head coach Matt Rhule.  This team wants to run the ball, even sometimes in a triple option.  Nebraska headed to transfer portal to find a QB and came out with Jeff Simms from GA Tech.  Jeff started turning the ball over and Nebraska went to Henrich Haarberg who is a run first QB. 

Dear Jimmy, 

It's time to take your team on the road for the first time this year in a place where your squad has struggled in the past.  I think your team needs some time away from campus to refocus on the top goals for this year and the challenge of playing away from home. 

Like last week, you are facing a run first offense with a defense that likes to stop the run.  It's important that Michigan looks to open the running lanes with JJ passing to the tight ends and the talented WR's.  Loved the JJ run options from the offense last week that got him on the edge with the option of going out of bounds.  

Nebraska ran for 312 yards last week and their QB Haarberg was their leading rusher with 157 yards with a long run of 72.  Rutgers caught Michigan's defense off guard with the passing game early and jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a long pass. Jesse Minter adjusted quickly and shut down Rutgers the rest of the day.  It might just be me, but I don't love it when Michigan blitz's a running QB.  I believe that sends a message to the QB its time to run and there is 1 less defender to stop it.  

Nebraska is looking for a signature win they couldn't get under Scott Frost, having a win over the #2 Wolverines would be a perfect tonic for this program.  This is a dangerous game because of that fact and with the Cornhuskers playing at home.  JJ can win this game by throwing the ball accurately and letting Corum run the ball.   JJ needs to be able to get Michigan out of calls that has Corum and Edwards running into a loaded box.  Michigan will need to take the crowd out of it by stopping the run, throwing for first downs, not having any turnovers, and running the ball.  Hydrate the team effectively tonight as it's going to be the hottest game of the year for your squad.  Play Michigan Football no matter where the game is located.  Your program is built to travel. 

Michigan 34 Nebraska 13

Michigan Tuesday: Jimmy Updates Injuries

Jimmy seems to like to "spill the tea" on his radio show vs. his Monday press conference.  He gives us an update on injuries:

Mason Graham - one or two weeks away from being back.  

Myles Hinton - is playing through an injury

Darrius Clemons - is 100% back and healthy, compared him to Nico Collins 

Amorion Walker - is back and looking good in practice

Mikey was seen in the medical tent at the end of the game but it seems he is ok, even though his status was not mentioned by Harbaugh. 

Jimmy also spoke on the coaching future of Grant Newsome. “[Grant Newsome] is the tight ends coach now. But already grooming him to be the offensive line coach. And then, once he has maybe a year or two under his belt as offensive line coach — just like Sherrone Moore — he’ll be the coordinator. And then, at that point, when we can’t give him any more money or any more titles, somebody will snatch him up to be a head coach. Mark my words, and mark them well. That will happen.”

Jimmy also mentioned during his press conference that his wife cancelled Direct TV and now they have You Tube TV and he was enjoying watching all the Saturday night games.

• Matt Rhule gave Harbaugh and Michigan a compliment. He said that Michigan is the blueprint for turning a program around. That they built it through, being great on the offensive and defensive lines, good QB play, and being physical with tight ends.

• @ Minnesota 7:30 NBC - Primetime match-up for the Little Brown Jug.

• Dax Hill had a nice game last night for the Bengals, looks to be a future Pro Bowler

• Brad Robbins is punting a ton with Cincinnati's offense struggling

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Nebraska and Big Ten Thoughts

Looks like I should've trademarked Michigan Monday! 

Michigan hits the road for the first time this year and travels to Nebraska who is in year 1 of the Matt Rhule re-build.

 

2-2

Best win: Northern Illinois (also LA Tech)

Losses: Row the Boat and Coach Prime 

Pass: 124.5 (127 in the country)

Run: 234.8 (6th)

Score: 21.8 (103) 

Give up: 18.5 (33) 

Nebraska went to the transfer portal to find a guy that would protect the ball at QB.  They picked Georgia Tech Jeff Simms who is known to turn the ball over at a historic rate.  He is now on the bench and Henrich Haarberg and Chubba Purdy are playing.  HHaa fumbled twice in the last game but didn't lose any. 

Line: Michigan -18

Big Ten Thoughts:

OSU - ND was actually pretty boring until the last few minutes of the game.  Neither team could really do anything and now we know why Sam Hartman isn't in the NFL.  We will see a much different Ohio State team later this season, but I do like the possibility of running the ball.  Also, it was interesting that Ryan Day hears everything and rolled over 1000-year-old Lou Holtz.  I also like that Michigan is in his head. 

Iowa - Penn State: I have been saying since the start of the season that Penn State is really good and should be ranked ahead of OSU.  I don't want to overreact to the 31-0 drubbing of Iowa in a white out, but that was impressive.  Cade and Erick probably had their best moment of their joint careers in Happy Valley in 2021.  Not this trip.  Cade was 5-14 for 42 yards and 2 fumbles.  Erik had 3 catches for 35 yards and 1 fumble. Yes, Iowa's offense is historically awful but I still believe Cade is hurt.  He can't get the ball downfield and is very slow in the pocket.  He hasn't been the same since the end of the 2021 season. 

Minnesota was blowing out Northwestern and then lost in OT.  Some fans in East Lansing want PJ Fleck, please make that hire. 

The Big Ten East has 4 teams at 4-0.  Big Ten West has 4 teams at 2-2.  Maybe Oregon or USC can play in the Big Ten Championship this year?

Maryland still has to play top 10 teams OSU, PSU, and Michigan.  Both PSU and Michigan are at home.   I don't see any other losses on the schedule.  Could be the best year in the Big Ten for the Terps.

• The injury list last weekend did include: Mason Graham which was rumored during the week.  It sounds like the hand injury might have him out 1 more week.   Also included QB Alex Orji which was a surprise.   Might learn more about injuries during Jimmy's presser today. 

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 Thursday: Nebraska QB heads to Boca

Many folks head to Boca Raton when they retire, my son and now Casey Thompson, former Nebraska QB head to Boca for higher education.   Casey Thompson will play his 6th year of college football for the head coach that he started with.  Casey Thompson started his career at Texas and played for Tom Herman, neither lasted very long, Tom was let go and Casey headed to Lincoln.  Tom had been recruiting Casey since the age of 15 and now, they are back together at FAU. 

Casey has thrown 47 TD's and 4,829 yards as a college QB and the FAU offense seems to be a good fit for his skill set which will be led by Charlie Frye who comes off Penn State's staff.   FAU has Illinois and Clemson on the schedule this year.  Yikes.

• The Lions are playing the Chiefs to open the NFL season.  What is going on here?  

• Michigan NBA sharp shooters Jordan Poole and Duncan Robinson have both struggled since signing their big contracts.  Duncan came off the bench last night and scored 17 on 50% shooting from 3 in a losing effort by the Miami Heat. 

• Tom Brady will be honored at the Patriots opening game next season.  

• The Michigan coaches are really focusing on top CB talent and inviting and offering the top talent in the country to visit Ann Arbor.  

Michigan Thursday: More Awards and Updates

The Big Ten came out with its offensive awards on Wednesday and plenty of Wolverines were included:

• Blake Corum RB of the Year and 1st Team All-Big Ten 
• Zak Zinter 1st team 
• Trevor Keegan 1st and 2nd Team 
• Olu Oluwatimi 1st and 2nd Team 
• Ryan Hayes 2nd and 3rd 
• JJ 2nd and 3rd 
• Ronnie Bell 3rd Team
• Luke Schoonmaker 3rd Team 
• Karsen Barnhart Honorable Mentioned 

Blake is also a finalist for the Walter Camp award.  Olu is projected to be named the best center in the country but somehow got on the 2nd team Media vote?

• 12 team playoff seems to be coming next year! 

• Former interim Nebraska head coach Mickey Joseph has been arrested for domestic assault 

• Blake provides an injury update in Harbaugh terms.  In the training room every day, sore and day-to-day. 

• Reports are that Brian Hartline is interviewing for the UC job.  He is known as a top-notch recruiter.

I'm hoping for "chalk" this weekend and zero chaos. Here are my predictions. 

PAC 12: Utah vs. USC (-2.5): The battle of the "U's" (sorry Miami).   The O/U for this game is 68! let's play some defense!  The best unit on either side is USC's offense and I think it will be tough to stop indoors in Vegas.  USC 44 Utah 34

Big 12: TCU (-2.5) vs. Kansas State: This is another close game with some defense played.  TCU is playing in Dallas and I think they get the home crowd advantage.  TCU 31 KSU 27

SEC: LSU vs. Georgia (-17.5): Georgia has been sleepy at times this year but they remember what happened to them in last year's game.  That line is way too high.  Georgia 30 LSU 21

ACC: Clemson (-7.5) vs. UNC: Who cares?  Clemson 24 UNC 21

Nebraska Preview

Time: 3:30

Location: Big House 

Weather: 39 13% of Rain

TV: ABC (Jones/RG3)

Line: Michigan -31

Nebraska Football is in turmoil.  Scott Frost the former Nebraska QB couldn't turn them around and got fired early in the season and the team is just avoid of talent and the direction it needs to compete at a Big Ten level.   The program needs a full re-boot and it reportedly looking at 3 candidates to do it: Matt Rhule, Gary Patterson, and Jeff Monken.  I'll tell you right now, Jeff Monken scares me.  

With all that said, this team does play hard and could easily have more than 3 wins.  Don't forget how close last year's game was and it took a really late fumble to avoid a major upset.  Fun Fact: Oliver Martin will be back in the Big House, as he follows his quest to play for every Big Ten team. 

Dear Jimmy, 

I'm a bit worried about this team playing down to the competition.  It amazes me that Rutgers was tied beating your talented team at half-time.   On the other hand, I'm very impressed with your coach's 2nd half adjustments that clearly tilted the game in the Wolverines favor.  Luckily, there were other big games last Saturday night and most folks only caught the highlights from the Rutgers game that masked a close game for 30 minutes.  

Michigan needs to crush the Cornhuskers often and early.  This game should be over in the 2nd quarter.  Get Corum and Edwards their touches and let's complete a deep ball in the passing game.   I know you love to run the ball, but after this game, Michigan will only have ranked opponents on the schedule and will need a strong passing game to beat them.  I would like to see a balanced offense for the entire game.  

I like how Michigan's defense is playing and have a few concerns.  We can't lose every 50/50 ball thrown and would like a little bit more pressure on the QB.  This game will have two inexperienced QB's playing, they will try to run and let's make sure we are prepared for that, so we don't have a Clifford Penn State situation.  The defense line has been very good and I hope they can dominate the Nebraska OLine. 

Let's get a WR over 100 yards and keep Corum's Heisman's candidacy alive with a good game.  Play solid defense and pull the starters in the 2nd half.  There is zero reason for JJ to run the ball in this game.  Play Michigan Football. 

Michigan 51 Nebraska 10

Wolverine Wednesday: Offers Instate RB Darius Taylor

The early signing period is about a month away and Michigan sent out a very interesting offer yesterday to 2023 Wallad Lake RB Darius Taylor.  Darius is a 3-star RB and has been committed to PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers since April.   Darius is also coming off a monster senior year where he ran for 2,178 yards, 246 receiving yards and 32 TD's.  He is a candidate for Michigan Mr. Football for sure, but it will be difficult beating 5-star QB Dante Moore.

With all that production, it's not shocking that Michigan offered.  The interesting part is Michigan already has 2 RB commitments for the 2023 class in 4-star local boy Cole Cabana and 3-star GA RB Benjamin Hall.  We know the Michigan coaches are very high on Cole, so the assumption is that Hall's signing with the Wolverines is shaky at best.  

Darius did attend the Michigan - MSU game, so there might be some interest in flipping his commitment from Minnesota to Michigan.  We will see. 

• Nebraska's starting Safety Myles Farmer got a DUI over the weekend and has been suspended by the program. 

• Nebraska's starting quarterback Casey Thompson is questionable at best for Saturday's game with an elbow injury.  He could be ruled out of the game, as early as today.  That would leave two back-ups with little experience taking on the Wolverines on Saturday. 

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Nebraska and 4 Big Ten Teams in the AP Top 10

When Michigan starts playing poorly and could be on the wrong side of a major upset, I start writing the post-game post in my head.   That is not a fun exercise and I'm glad I didn't have to execute that task on Sunday morning.  Time to move on to the Cornhuskers. 

Before we do that, I thought it was interesting that everyone is saying the Big Ten has 2 very good teams and the rest of the conference is pretty terrible, when the Big Ten has 4 teams in the AP Top 10:

OSU #2

Michigan #3

USC #8

UCLA #9

Also, lots of discussion about how bad the Big Ten Championship game will be.  I have two solutions for you.  

1. Play the 11/26 Michigan - OSU game in Indy and whoever wins is the Big Ten Champion 

2. The winner of UM/OSU plays the winner of USC/UCLA in Indy

There you go, two solutions to replace the Big Ten West winner.  I don't think anyone would have any problems with either solution.  😃

Cornhuskers: 3-6 and 6th in the Big Ten West 

Best Win: Rutgers 14-13

Worst Loss: Georgia Southern 45-42

Worst loss outside the US: Northwestern 31-28 

Pass: 260 yards per (60th)

Run: 143 yards per (75th)

Score: 25 points per (164)

Give Up: 29 points per (91)

Line: Michigan +29

3:30 ABC

Those stats are not what Nebraska fans want to see and hoping a new leader can right this ship in a hurry.  Last week, Nebraska played Minnesota tough but just didn't have enough gas in the tank to win the game late and lost 20-13.  The Cornhuskers have to win out to get to a Bowl game, with a schedule of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa.  A bowl game is highly unlikely and it's probably better if they focus on a coaching search that doesn't seem to have a clear candidate at this point. 

• Michigan Basketball tips off its season tonight against Purdue Fort Wayne.   Jett went off for 30 against the instate Ferris State Bulldogs (exhibition) on Friday night.  Hopefully, that is a great sign of things to come during the season. 6:30 BTN

• Hutch picked off Aaron Rodgers on Sunday in a rare Lions win

• My surprise of the weekend was MSU's upset of #16 Illinois at home, -8 players including 4 starters.  That win will hurt Michigan's future strength of schedule with Illinois heading to the Big House in two weeks.  TV for sure was hoping for a ranked vs. ranked match-up.

Michigan Monday: JJ and Warm Nebraska

Jimmy didn't wait very long to name JJ the starter for the UConn game and probably the rest of the year. Even though Cade won a Big Ten Championship last year and should be honored for that, he never looked comfortable in the offense this year and played poorly.   Did the competition get to him? He just hasn't looked himself this season through 2 games.    

JJ brings the most upside to this team and potenitally the greatest risk.  He is very talented but hasn't been down 5 with 1:40 left on the clock and needing to go 80 yards for the win in Happy Valley.   You really never know your QB until they go through a situation like that.   

Nebraska finally pulled the plug on Scott Frost on Sunday.   If they had waited 3 more weeks it would have saved them $7M in his buyout.   I'm betting a donor called and said, "I'll pay the buyout, get him the hell off campus!" Either way, that disaster is finally over for both parties.  I have a canidate they should hire and hire today, Dan Mullen.  It's going to be hard to get top canidates to come to Lincoln.   Dan can recruit and if you put strong coordinators around him, you will win a lot of games. Dan is working for ABC/ESPN and can start this week.   

Nebraska hosts Oklahoma on Saturday.  Yikes!

Too early look at UConn:

Record 1-3

Win over Central Connecticut 28-3

Losses: Utah State 31-20, Syracuse 48-14

Fun fact: Head coach Jim Mora, son of "Playoffs?"

Michigan is -46

• Sneaky game on Saturday night: MSU @ Washington.  These Huskies are favored by 3.

• The NFL was very sloppy on Sunday, signs that playing in the pre-season might help an offense. 

Michigan Monday: Game Week

I love the sound of "Game Week" it just rolls off the tongue! We have been waiting all year to see Michigan Football again and Saturday at noon, we will watch the Maize and Blue in the Big House.   To be honest, I don't love the dual starters thing that Harbaugh announced but I understand it.   Jimmy is in a tough position and is trying to make both guys happy.  In the long run, one will not be.   This is the time of year to experiment and try new things, so from that point of view, I get it.  

An early look at Colorado State:

2021 Record: 3-9 

Best Win: Toledo

Trend: Lost 6 in a row 

Line: Michigan -27.5 Over/Under 58

TV: ABC

This was not a good team last season, but with the transfer portal, a team can turn itself around in one short off season.  Case-in-point, Nebraska's lost on Saturday.  Last season, Nebraska beat Northwestern 56-7.   Michigan has a very good team, but they can't overlook CSU.   We remember the last time Michigan was in the top 10 to start a season and had an easy game in the Big House. 

• During the NW-Nebraska game there were technology issues in the stadium, so they decided to give away free beer! 

• Nebraska up 11 in the 3rd and decided to call an onside kick that was unsuccessful and never scored again.  Another 1 score loss on Scott Frost.  I do have to admit Mark Whipple's offense did look better, the defense did not.  

• Sounds like Sainristil will be starting in the defensive backfield with Turner and Green.  My guess is Nickel.  True freshman Mason Graham is starting on the defensive line (that is quite the honor and a hat tip to him and the power of enrolling early)

Michigan Tuesday: Let's Discuss the Basketball Roster

The deadline has come and gone for players to jump into the portal and still play in the fall for football and basketball (yes, there could be players in there that haven't been announced yet).  So, let's discuss the Basketball Roster where it stands today:

NBA Draft

Diabate and Houstan are kicking the NBA tires.  Both are very raw and could be making a poor decision if they stay in the draft.  The word is that Moussa will probably stay and Caleb will come back.    A high school 5-star prospect doesn't mean they are ready for the NBA after 1 year.  

Davante Jones will also take a shot at the NBA.  The best way to describe his 1 season in Ann Arbor, is disappointing.  

Transferring

Brandon Johns to VCU

Frankie Collins

Graduating

Adrien Nunez

Brandon Wade 

Jaron Faulds 

Eli Brooks 

Staying in A2

Hunter Dickinson 

Kobe Bufkin

Terrance Williams 

Isaiah Barnes 

Jace Howard 

Will Tschetter

Transferring in

Jaelin Llewellyn, Princeton

New Freshman

Jett Howard

Tarris Reed

Gregg Glenn

Dug McDaniel 

Worst Case, Michigan will lose 9 players from the roster while adding 5.  There were rumors that Isaiah and Kobe might also try the portal but didn't.   There are also a ton of rumors about mega transfer and local boy Emoni Bates.   He has always been a "hard pass" to Juwan and I hope that stance still stands.  The juice is not worth the squeeze with him.   I don't believe the NIL money will be big enough and every transcript has to get through admissions.  

Michigan is in dire need of shooting.  Yes, the Princeton transfer will help but I would argue they also need shooting from their point guard and a wing.   

Potential Starters

Kobe PG

Hunter C

Jaelin SG

TWill F 

Isaiah or Jett SF

If Caleb or Moussa come back, they of course would take their place in the starting lineup.  Either way, shooting still seems to be a problem.  Unless Jett comes in and shoots the lights out.  

• Scott Frost got hit with a 5-day suspension and a 1-year show clause from the NCAA for using too many coaches on the practice field and during games.   I thought an NCAA show clause meant that coach couldn't work in the NCAA, but it means if they get a new job in the NCAA, the penalty follows him.  

• Jack Stewart picks UConn to transfer to

• Devin Bush didn't get his 5th year picked up by the Steelers

• Hunter blasts Michigan's NIL program which doesn't help the student athlete navigate those waters

• Per 24/7 Xavier Worthy got a 7 figure NIL offer to leave Texas for another school.  He stayed a Longhorn.  He of course, was once a Wolverine for a cup of coffee. 

Nebraska Post Game

Isaiah Hole Wolverine Wire 

That was one of the craziest sports day of my life and the Michigan - Nebraska game didn't disappoint in crazy.   There was miss spots, over turned TD's, comebacks, turnovers, and great execution.  I'm glad there wasn't a heart monitor on me during the game because I think it would of triggered a 911 call. 

Michigan showed heart and resolve as they trailed for the first time all year but the defense and Moody made the plays that needed to be made to win the game.   There is a ton I liked and didn't like, so lets not wait any longer for the Cheers and Jeers.

Cheers:

• Hawkins made the play of the game on the strip fumble
• Moody was rock solid and put the ball in the middle of the up rights each time 
• Michigan RB's are special and made great play after great play 
• Dax Hill had a pick and had great defense on the last play 
• Robbins averaging 50 yards per punt was huge 
• Michigan got the win when past Wolverine teams wouldn't have.  
• Michigan is 6-0 at the midway point of the season

Jeers:

• Michigan's defense gave up 29 2nd half points 
• 291 yards in the air 
• 140 yards on the ground 
• The officials looked like the lights were too bright for them 
• I sometime wonder if Jimmy and Gattis are "feeling" the game properly.  Meaning, I hated the 2 point attempt - take the point - too early.  Putting in JJ on 3rd down after the the fumble, is like letting the defense know what you are running.  Give it to a RB! 
• I need better play calling after a turnover, Michigan is very predictable when they should be scoring TD's not field goals.  
• AJ makes me so nervous returning punts 
• Martinez was the only Husker that could beat Michigan and the Wolverines almost let him do it. 
• I kept yelling, stop throwing at #5 on Nebraska 
• Michigan had a ton of injuries on the OL
• Michigan is also very thin at WR right now.  Oliver Martin are you available? 😎

The bye is coming at a good time for the Wolverines, they played a ton of guys on the offensive line and was running out of WR's during the game.  The defense again struggled in the 2nd half, as the Huskers went deep into the play book to try to beat the over aggressive Wolverines.

I thought Michigan left too many points on the field in the first half and that almost cost them. Either way, a win is a win and Michigan's defense made a play when they needed to.   Cade had 38 attempts and thought he played just Ok.  He made some smart decisions but under threw a few deep balls that could have flipped the score and momentum.   I did like how he was finding the TE's on 3rd down.   How are we not getting Corum the ball more?

This team deserves two weeks of rest before the schedule gets even tougher with the likes of MSU, PSU, and OSU.  I'm very happy how the team didn't quit and left Lincoln with a W.