Michigan Tuesday: Big Basketball Win and Injury Report

The Detroit Media that covers Michigan Football does a nice job, many have made a career out of it.  Still they leave too much meat on the bone during Sherrone's press conferences.  

For example, nobody asked the question about Hausmann status with the team?  Sherrone said he was day to day with an assumed injury.    Semaj didn't travel either to Maryland and is "fine".    There was at least a couple follow ups needed there, is he in the portal? is he an active member of the team?  A question that was probably a month too late, someone asked if Rod Moore was out for the regular season and Sherrone confirmed he probably was.  

If I had to guess Rod has an issue with his recovery from multiple knee surgeries and his career as a Wolverine is probably coming to an end (unless he tries for another injury redshirt year, which could be possible). 

Max's xray were not good but "if anyone can play on Saturday it would be Max".   So he is out as well. 

Let's hope Marshall is ready and Hausmann is back in the good graces of the coaching staff. 

Now I didn't stay up to watch Michigan - SDSU last night but it seems Michigan dominated from the tip and won by 40, which is usually a good sign.  They had a balanced scoring which is great to see on a roster that is learning to play together.  Michigan has a tough game scheduled for tonight at 8:30 against Auburn and then will have another game on Wednesday or Thursday.  

• Brian Kelly and LSU are in a legal fight over his $54M buyout.  His lawyer sent a note to LSU that his ongoing legal battle is making it difficult to find another job in a very hot coaching market at the moment.  

• The Giants fired their DC after the Lions escaped with an OT win.   That would've been the Lions worst loss since they started biting knee caps. 

• Elle Duncan is  moving to Netflix to be the face of their sports coverage.  I hope this doesn't mean more air time for the cringy Hannah Storm.  There is hope that Elle can continue in a smaller role at ESPN as well as her Netflix duties. 

• Speaking of Duncan's,  Duncan Robinson is the fastest player in NBA History to hit 1000 3-pointers and score 5000 points.  Go Pistons! 

• I missed this news but Draftkings is taking over ESPN Bet on 12/1.

• Two Suns minority owners claim majority owner Mat Ishbia has committed fraud. Shocker!

  

A Classic Reset for OSU Week

Please enjoy this classic opinion piece by Detroit's famous newsman Bill Bonds:

It’s Michigan-Ohio State week, and we’re going back in time to Bill Bonds’ legendary commentary on the game. “To sum up my commentary in two words: Go Blue.” #michigan #ohiostate #michiganfootball #wolverines #football #ncaa #collegefootball #goblue pic.twitter.com/ROrbpExQ22

— WXYZ Detroit (@wxyzdetroit) November 24, 2025

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at OSU

This week always feels a little different.  There is a major holiday on Thursday and pretty much an off week in the corporate world.   Then Saturday roles around and Michigan and Ohio State plays a football game.  We nervously watch for 3.5 hours hoping to have bragging rights for another 365 days.   This year is no exception as the #1 ranked Buckeyes visit the Big House. 

OSU 11-0 

Best Win: Texas or Washington on the road

Worst Loss: None 

Pass: 270 yards (28th) 

Run: 170 yards (56th) 

Score: 37 (11th) 

Give up: 7 (1st) 

When your defense gives up on average 1 TD a game.  The offense just has to show up and run the ball a little, throw the ball a little and win the game.  I guess that is the formula for being 11-0 the defending National Champs and #1 team in the nation.  On the flip side, OSU has not been tested by a quality team all year.  Yes, Texas was highly ranked to start the year but we know now that was fools gold.  Outside of the 1st game of the year, I'm not sure many people have watched Buckeye Football because the games have been so lopsided and not worth your attention. 

Michigan is an 11.5 dog at home for this rivalry match-up. 

• I expect we will get an injury report on Max from Sherrone at his noon press conference. 

• Maybe some more clarity on the strange Ernie Hausmann situation as well. 

• Kick off on Saturday is scheduled for 12:14 so Fox can carry on about nothing. 

• Cal fires Justin Wilcox after getting blown out by the fighting Andrew Luck's. 

• ESPN College Gameday is heading to A2

• Michigan #15 in both polls 

• Michigan Hockey sweeps OSU Hockey this weekend 

• Also Michigan Women's Basketball just barley loses to #1 UConn

• Michigan has a 10:30 tip tonight in Vegas against SDSU or the fighting Steve Fishers (now Brian Dutcher)

Ohio State Post Game - He Called Game

Jacob Hamilton or Neil Blake Mlive

This was a legendary game between two rivals.  Michigan seemed to have the momentum early with Will Johnson's pick and Corum's TD.  Then OSU ended the half on a run in what many thought was going to be a 1 point game at the half.   OSU kicker missed his second attempt after a practice kick went directly through the up rights.  This miss can't be understated on the outcome of this game. 

I was concerned about Michigan's kicker James Turner as he has never had any pressure this year.  I was wrong and he should get a game ball for making 3 big kicks that was the difference in the game. 

Zak Zinter's serious injury was not great, but it seemed to refocus the Wolverines and the Big House crowd.  Corum broke the best run of the day the play after his injury for a TD! 

I was also a bit torn on the strategy on Michigan's final drive.  Yes, the field goal gets you up 6 but your only 4 yards away from a win and ending the game if you go for it.   As Ohio State was flying down the field on the final drive, many of us were fearing a 31-30 win for the Buckeyes.  But Rod Moore had something to say about that and picked off a pass by McCord and called game. 

It's an unbelievable feeling to win this game 3 years in a row.  As I would imagine, Michigan fans Heart Rate was a bit elevated for 3.5 hours on Saturday.

Cheers:

• Beating Ohio State 3 times in a row 
• Watching the reaction of Charles Woodson and Urban Meyer to the pick 
• 2 turnovers were the difference 
• Rod Moore and Will Johnson's picks 
• That final Michigan drive that killed 7 minutes off the clock 
• Michigan's offense for "playing clean"
• Orji's run, which scared the hell out of me 
• Sherrone Moore for coaching in the biggest game of the year 
• Edwards pass to Loveland 
• Loveland had 5 catches for 88 yards
• James Turner for adding 12 points 
• Junior Colston had another quiet 11 tackle performance 
• Stewart had a good game at DE 
• Michigan's defense for holding OSU to 107 yards on the ground
• Corum on being great when we needed it 
• Q Johnson on the pass break-up
• Watching Ryan Day walk to the locker room being completely defeated mentally and physically 

Jeers:

• Michigan had some bad penalties on defense 
• Only 1 sack 
• Still struggling to run the ball on 1st down 
• How was Harrison getting open so much?
• Zak Zinter's injury seems serious, even though they got some good news at the hospital.  His season is expected to be over. 
• Will Johnson being out on that final drive due to injury was worrisome 
• Not being able to stop the run for a few series

Michigan lives to play another week which will be for a Big Ten Championship and another spot in the CFP.  The most stressful Saturday for Michigan fans becomes the best Saturday. 

Big Ten Thoughts:

• MSU hires Jonathan Smith from Oregon State after he gets blown out by its instate rival last night
• Northwestern finishes 7-5
• Wisconsin also goes 7-5

Wolverine Wednesday: Pre-Turkey News and Notes

Its nice to have a quiet week prior to the big game.  Even the NCAA leakers have taken a vacation week.  

Michigan Basketball is currently in the Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort.  They take on Memphis today at 5:00.  ESPN 2

• EMU and Bowling Green are now bowl eligible (BGSU has 7 wins)

• Per Brett McMurphy there are still 14 open spots and 23 teams still trying to get to 6 wins to qualify for a Bowl Game.  If those 14 spots are not filled, RR's JAX State and JMU can fill those spots. 

• #1 Player in the 2025 class and 5 Star local QB Bryce Underwood is trending towards LSU, which is not a surprise.  Bryce is questionable to attend the game on Saturday.

• Illinois DL's Newton and Randolph both have declared for the NFL Draft.  Newton who is expected to be a top 10 pick, will skip the Bowl Game but play in Illinois final game this weekend.   I'm a bit shocked that Illinois had such a good defensive line and a losing record.  Illinois has to beat Northwestern this weekend to become bowl eligible. 

• Urban Meyer says he has the scoop on Harbaugh.  On one hand, I don't trust anything Urban Meyer says (mostly on the topic of Harbaugh), on the other hand, nobody knows how to side step an investigation like the master Urban Meyer.   I still don't understand why Fox and BTN keeps that clown employed. 

• Funny to me how the NCAA is conducting this investigation like its Watergate, while other Big Ten AD's are saying that the NCAA will be going away and the big conferences will be its own entity.  

• Roman Wilson is partnering with Ann Arbor's Drip House to raise money for his hometown, Maui. 

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! I'm continuedly blessed to have each one of you here everyday, as I share my thoughts and frustrations on the best program in college football. 

Michigan Tuesday: Jimmy Has Jokes

Ryan Day and every OSU fan thinks the only way Michigan beat the Buckeyes the last two years was due to stealing their signs.   As a reminder, sign stealing is not illegal and I'm sure the Buckeyes changed thier signs prior to the Michigan game and should've for every game.   Everyone got excuses when they lose a game.  Most don't hire Private Investigators to spy on other programs.  

When Harbuagh was asked about what he repects about Ryan Day and OSU.  His answer was about preparing for the game this week.   

Harbaugh also had a joke about the closeness of his team under these trying circumstances, that he likes his locker room like his mom's bathing suit, in one piece.  As you know, Ted Lasso was somewhat based on Jim Harbaugh.    To be fair, Ryan Day's hair dye is based off the actor who played Eddie from the Munsters. 

• UNLV Tracker: 9-2 #1 in the Mountain West 

• Sherrone Moore is a semi-finalist for the Broyles Award

• Giles Jackson plans to return to UW next season and The Big Ten

• Fox Big Game and Game Day will both be in Ann Arbor on Saturday morning.  I thought ESPN might skip Ann Arbor for a conference they cover. 

• Mikey was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week with his 2 picks

• Dino Babers was fired from Syracuse 

• Michigan is expected to have back all the starters that missed the Maryland game or was hurt during the game.   JJ mentioned a tough week last week but is feeling much better.  Most assume it was his ankle, but I wouldn't be surprised if he also had a virus or something. 

The Original Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at The Buckeyes and Safety Dance

Well, here we are again.  Two programs 11-0 meeting in cold and maybe snowy Ann Arbor in the middle of a holiday weekend.  One team was ranked #1 by the CFP a few weeks ago and another has had more off field drama than a day time soap opera.  Time to take a quick glance at the Buckeyes:

#2 OSU 

Record: 11-0

Best win: #12 Penn State at home  

Worst Loss: None

Pass: 283.7 Per game (24th)

Run:  145.5 (86th)

Score: 33.6 (24th)

Give Up: 9.3 (2nd)

We know that OSU always has elite WR's and this year is no exception with maybe the best WR in the country in Marvin Harrison, Jr., son on the NFL Hall of Famer.   OSU, like Michigan's run game, doesn't jump off the statistics page but whoever runs the ball more effectively will have a leg up in this match-up.  Marvin can take control of this game and it will be Michigan's priority to make sure that doesn't happen.  

Line: Michigan -4

What a strange weekend for Safeties and the Wolverines.  Michigan's defense/special teams scored 2 against Maryland in a blocked punt and a grounding penalty.  Then Hutch strips Bears QB Justin Fields to secure the Lions win on Saturday.  

• Blake Corum continued his tradition of handing out turkey's in Ypsi on Sunday.  A true Michigan Man! 

• Injuries are always a concern before the OSU game.  Michigan will need to heal up quickly this week, while preparing for battle and enjoying some Turkey. 

• Schoonmaker got a TD for the Cowboys on Sunday.

• All of us were expecting some uneven efforts on the court from Michigan Basketball this season.  We got one on Friday night. 

• Loved that some of the Michigan Fans stormed the field at Maryland to celebrate 1000 victories.  

• Here is a fun fact - Did you know back in 1890 one of Michigan's wins was over Ann Arbor High, now known as Ann Arbor Pioneer?  Many college programs during that time had to schedule high schools to fill out a schedule.  Hat tip to John U. Bacon for that nugget! 

• There are starting to be rumors that Kirk Ferentz might be retiring after the season. 

Michigan Tuesday: Rest and Disrespect

In the Harbaugh era at Michigan, I rarely disagreed with Jimmy on game strategy.  Yes, there have been a few time management mistakes and I'm often critical of the offensive play calling.  He did hold on to Don Brown way too long.  So maybe I've been more critical than I thought.

With that said, last Saturday's game was shocking to me.  First off, it's hard to know if any injury reports are ever true coming out of Schembechler Hall, but the consensus was that Morris, Schoonmaker, and Edwards could have easily played on Saturday.  Then Corum runs out of bounds on a long run and gets hurt later in the game, but plays one snap in the 2nd half.   The offense on Saturday, wasn't just vanilla it was French Vanilla (is that more vanilla, then vanilla?).  

Michigan ends up playing walk-on RB's and throwing to a true freshman TE.  While they're losing the game!   Michigan ends up winning on a Jake Moody field goal, as the Wolverines find a way to beat Illinois prior to Ohio State.  

There could be very valid reasons for what happened and it's only fair to give that side of the story as well. 

• The players held out, might have needed one more week.   
• Corum after running into the line and getting 5 or so yards in the 2nd half, knew he couldn't go. 
• Running out of bounds down the sideline, was because he thought the DB had an angle and was going to dive at his legs. 
• French Vanilla offense was on purpose to hide things from the Buckeyes. 
• This Saturday is way more important than last Saturday. 

Can both situations be true?  That Michigan thought they could beat Illinois with their 4th and 5th string RB's and wanted their injured players to heal for one more week? A bit of disrespect for Illinois and rest for healthy players against Ohio State.  

Either way, that is a dangerous game Jimmy was playing and it worked out for him last weekend.  Also, a sign that a Big Ten Championship and win against OSU is way more important than a CFP invite. 

Some early thoughts about this weekend. 

I have a friend, that I have mentioned before on the blog named Augusta J, he always likes to shoot me a text during the game on how many sacks Michigan has had during the game.  It's usually a good thing, as the Wolverines seem to get one, right after he sends the text.   Would you be surprised to learn, Michigan had 0 sacks against Illinois on Saturday.  That is a terrible sign going into OSU.  Michigan won the game last year by doing 3 things.  

1. Running the ball in the bad weather 
2. Pressuring Stroud non-stop 
3. Designing a zone defense to stop the pass  

Michigan will have to do those 3 things at an elite level if they're going to leave Columbus with a W. 

I'm also disappointed where the passing game is at this point in the season.  JJ has had accuracy issues and the WR's are dropping catchable balls.  How many points did drops cost the Wolverines on Saturday? 14 or more?  Anthony, Wilson, and Gash all had drops that cost the Wolverines potential points.  Can't do that against the #2 team in the nation. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm over the moon happy Michigan is 11-0 and I have realistic outcome thoughts for Saturday.  Going into the season, we were concerned about pass rush and a balanced offense and now in Week 13 we're worrying about the same things. 

• Hooker is out for Tennessee, Hello Joe Milton. 

• There was a report on Twitter last night that Lane Kiffin was going to be named the next head coach of Auburn.  Lane quickly shot that down. 

• Michigan Basketball plays the fighting Coach Primetime's on Wednesday.  Let's hope for a better effort by Juwan's program.

• Can your squad give up 418 yards to one team and still win the Broyles award?  Manny Diaz is on the semi-finalist list.  Coach Minter is also on the list. 

• There is MAction tonight, don't sleep on BGSU and what the former Wolverine Scot Loeffler is building down there. 

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Ohio State

It's that week again.  The week where lots of people come together with family and friends to give thanks, maybe take a few days away from work, and even do a little holiday shopping.  There is a lot going on this week.  Not to mention, THE GAME on Saturday at noon in Columbus. 

This year both teams are 11-0 and rated within the top 3 teams in the nation.  The winner will head to Indy to play a Big Ten West team and then to the College Football Playoffs.  The loser could sneak into the CFP or probably play USC in the Rose Bowl.  Here we go, buckle up.

OSU 

Best Win: Notre Dame 

Worst Loss: None 

Passing yards per: 289 (17th)

Rush yards per: 203 (20th)

Points score per: 46 (2nd)

Points give up per: 17 (10th)

OSU like Michigan struggled against Maryland on Saturday.  It was a 3-point game late, until it wasn't.  Both teams got caught looking ahead and both teams found a way to win.  Will the weather play a factor in the game? 

• Michigan got a verbal commit to the 2023 in GA offensive lineman Nathan Efobi on Friday.  Nathan is a 3 or 4-star prospect depending on the service you follow.   24/7 has him as a low 3-star while the new On-3 has him as a high 4-star.  Miami and GT were very interested in this young man and Michigan was able to grab his commit.  Nathan is just under 6'4 and weighs 282 pounds and looks like an offensive guard at the next level.

• I forgot Michigan Basketball was playing a game last night.  Again, the Wolverines struggled to beat a MAC team.  This team has a lot to work on, including better defense, better guard play, better free throw shooting, and better outside shooting.  So almost everything. 

Big Ten Rumblings:

• Reports are that Jim Leonhard will be getting the Wisconsin job.  Probably the plan from the beginning, 

• Redzone has killed my patience for commercials during a football game.  When Michigan is on commercial, I flip to other games.  I thought Sparty had locked up the win against IU, on the 5-yard line in regulation when IU is out of timeouts and MSU just needed a tiny field goal for the win.  How the game went to OT and how they lost is a mystery to me.  

• If Iowa makes the Big Ten Championship, it will be a huge embarrassment for the Big Ten. 

• Purdue barley getting by Northwestern was a bit surprising 

• Part of me wants to look up the Big Ten West scenarios today, the other part of me thinks that's a fools errand. 

• During the Bears game yesterday Justin Fields threw a ball directly into his lineman's head/helmet.  That offensive lineman is Michael Schofield.  Was that a mistake or a little something for rivalry week?

Wolverine Wednesday: Franklin and Visitors This Weekend

James Franklin has signed or will sign a new 10-year contract extension at Penn State.  Insiders believed he would be a top candidate at many of the job openings this off season.  Some Michigan fans feel this is a minor win for the Wolverines as James struggles with in game coaching.   The one area we know James doesn't struggle at, is recruiting and this will continue to be a challenge for the Wolverines to recruit against every year. 

This weekend not only comes with the best rivalry in college football it always comes with a ton of visitors considering Michigan as their program for the next 3-4 years.   No bigger visitor will be 5-star DB and former USC commit Domani Jackson who will spend another weekend in Ann Arbor.  Jackson is no stranger to Ann Arbor and he is also good friends with Will Johnosn.  Jackson is on record as saying Michigan is his "dream" school but right now Alabama or a recommitment to USC seem more probable at this point.  

Other 2022 non-Michigan commits visitors include:

• 5 Star OT Kiyaunta Goodwin, is 6'8 and a UK commit.  Has offers from Bama and pretty much everyone.  (Odds that Cade would fire one off his helmet are high 😀)
• 4 Star DT Deone Walker - from Cass Tech, has a Bama offer 
• 4 Star S Zeke Berry, from CA and a former Arizona commit 
• 3 Star DE Ethan Burke, from Texas 

Yes, please to every name above! 

• Jake Moody is a finalist for the Lou Groza award.  Vote for him here 

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone! 

The Original Michigan Monday: An Early Look at Ohio State

Well, its that week again.  The week where your mind wonders from Michigan Football to Thanksgiving with family and friends.   Where your forced to watch the Lions take on the Bears that have a combined 3 wins between them.   Where there is something called the Egg Bowl and Nebraska and Iowa play on Friday to put an end to another Cornhusker season.    Then on Saturday, when the tiredness of Black Friday and turkey leftovers leave your system, you wake up to realize that THE GAME is being played today and that bad feeling hits your stomach.  

We all saw Ohio State treat Michigan State like a bunch of walk-on's from East Lansing on Saturday.  So much so, the Buckeyes didn't even need to show up for the 2nd half.  I stopped watching somewhere early in the 2nd Quarter.   Ohio State's offense is about as good as an offense can be right now. 

Passing Yards Per: 362

Rushing Yards Per: 197

Points Scored Per: 47

Points given up Per: 19 

That is an effective offensive unit and will give the Wolverines a ton to scheme against all week.  Macdonald will need all of this NFL experience to slow down that air attack.  

• I don't have much to say on Michigan's Basketball team right now that I haven't already said.  

• You know how much I love off season coaching moves in College Football.   This year is going to be very good with a ton of big time jobs available.   Florida fired Dan Mullen and adds their name to the list of available big time programs needing a head coach.   Not sure there are enough big names to fill all the big jobs.  Florida, LSU, USC, UW, Va Tech, TCU, Texas Tech and more.

• Regular readers of this blog also know how I feel about Don Brown being the DC at Michigan.  All reports are pointing to him being named as the UMass head coach again.  The announcement could come as early as today.  Don by all accounts is a good person and I'm happy for him being the head coach at a place and region he is very comfortable with.  I hope he has a ton of success there.  

Michigan Monday: The Week

Growing up a Michigan fan there were always two weeks I would look forward to, Notre Dame and Ohio State.  I can't stay that feeling has stayed with me during this week, as OSU has dominated the Wolverines recently.  Hell, they just had a coach retire quit with an undefeated record against our beloved program.   It's a bit of a strange week as well, Thanksgiving throws a huge wrench into the week and getting your mind right about Saturday when your sitting with family and friends around a feast seems like a bit of longshot. 

I watched most of the OSU - PSU game and its clear OSU will fall back into Urban mode for big games.   Run the RB, Run the QB, then when you get used to stopping the run, pass to talented WR's.   I hope Don Brown and Josh Gattis has one hell of a game plan on Saturday.   I also hope that plan includes throwing to Nico early and often.   It's also smart not to rush the MLB on 3rd and 8 because Fields is going to try to run for a 1st down.  

• Shea Patterson is back to back winner of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week 

• So I assume the new redshirt rule can't be used retroactively, but Shea only played 3 games as a Freshman at Mississippi.   I know many of you are looking forward to Michigan's other QB's but having another year for Shea in Gattis system could be pretty damn good. 

• Its seems Josh Uche's knee injury is not serious

• Tim Hardaway went for 31 last night!  

• Greg Schiano will not be the coach at Rutgers again.  I think this man really has some issues with decision making.   He is un-employed at the moment.  Jedd Fisch and Anthony Campanile are reported candidates for the job.  

• Michigan's bowl projections are all over the board.  If MSU beats Maryland they will head to Detroit in the Quick Lane and could play FSU or North Carolina (per ESPN Bowl projections).

• Coach Howard get his first test on Wednesday against Iowa State in the Bahamas.  Tip is at  noon. 

• Jabrill Peppers has a fracture in his back. 

Michigan Monday: Early Look at OSU and Michigan Basketball Wins A Tourney

Jessica Hill, AP

John Beilein's club looked much different in the Northeast then they did at the Crisler Center for its first two games.  Michigan is now the leader in the Big East with wins over Villanova and Providence.   Michigan took care of  George Washington on Saturday and took on a young talented Providence team on Sunday for the Tournament Championship.  The Wolverines started quickly, let Providence back in the game, and then went on a run just before half-time and never looked back.

If this team can shoot the ball they are going to be hard to beat with that defense.  On Saturday, they shot well and Sunday they didn't.   When that happens they look to their 7 foot starter John Teske who had a career high of 17 points in the game.   Super Freshman Iggy Brazdeikis also added 20 on some nice drives with both hands.  

Michigan plays Chattanooga on Friday and then NC comes to town a week from Wednesday. After North Carolina, Michigan has a few early December Big Ten games against Purdue and Northwestern before they finish off the non-conference. 

Michigan is now the 2018 Air Force Reserve Basketball Hall of Fame Tip Off Classic Champion - Raise another banner!  
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Michigan Football also welcomed a new 2019 recruit Amauri Pesek-Hickson who is from Overland Park, Kansas.  If you think Michigan can find diamonds in the rough in KC like Ronnie Bell,  AP-H is another example.  Amauri stopped playing football his sophomore and junior years to focus on basketball and just started playing again during his senior year.   That is pretty much a death sentence for recruiters as the junior year is pretty much the most important year to get noticed.   Many guys that have great senior year can go un-noticed.  That was the case for AP-H, during his senior year he had 1,158 all-purpose yards (563 rushing on 76 carries, 595 receiving on 38 catches) with 14 total touchdowns.

If you didn't know, Michigan has a scout in KC (Jimmy's brother-in-law) who found Ronnie Bell and I assume also found AP-H.   This is a Don Brown recruit and AP-H is expected to play on defense as a Viper or another LB.  He is 6'3 and 210 pounds and for sure heading for a red shirt.  Welcome big man! 

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Winovich Injury Status?

We really don't know and I'm not sure we will until 12:00 on Saturday.  From Jimmy's report on Saturday the XRay and Scans were negative.  Chase also posted on IG that basically, the reports of his demise are overstated and he will be back.   Which still leaves a ton of room for interpretation.
Jimmy has his presser today around noon and I don't expect to hear too much of an update on him.  Solomon also went out on Saturday and his status is also unknown at this point.

JBB left after a couple of snaps on Saturday and is clearly still working through something.   His status is still TBD as well.

----

Early Look at OSU:

10-1

Best Win: @ PSU    
Only Loss: Purdue

Total Offense: #2 at 41.6 points per game
Total Defense: #75 at 25 points per game

It's clear OSU strength vs. weakness.  OSU's neighbors on the total defense list include Minnesota, Memphis, and Middle Tennessee.

Line:  Michigan -3.5

Weather: Warm 51 and Rain

ESPN Gameday in attendance

Ohio State Preview

Time: 12:00
Location: Ohio Stadium
TV: ABC
Weather: Cloudy and 42
Line: OSU -6.5

I don't care who is ranked what, I don't care who leads in the series, I don't care who has won the last few games.   This game has always been about two things:  heart and talent. 

Michigan has been lacking in the talent department ever since Lloyd Carr retired.   RR didn't understand the rivalry and Hoke was over his skies.  Michigan now has talent and a head coach that can go head to head with Meyer. 

I don't care what Ohio State looked like last week, they will be a completely different team Saturday at noon.

Tale of the Tape

Michigan D vs. OSU RB's =  Michigan D
Michigan O vs. A Stacked Box = Ohio State
JT Barrett vs. 3rd and 4 = JT
Special Teams = Michigan
Michigan Passing Attack vs. OSU D = ?


This game comes down to one thing to me.   Can Michigan move the ball through the air against OSU's defense?  It's a noon start and the weather shouldn't be a factor.   If Wilton plays, can he stay healthy enough to hit the Michigan WR's down field?   Can Darboh and Chesson get separation? 

Both teams will try to stack the box to stop the run.   I'm betting Peppers will be spying on Barrett all game.   The 3rd down and 4 scrambles worry me for keeping drives alive.    Peppers is going to have to tackle JT early and often for Michigan to stop the Buckeyes on defense. 

Sing, Indy here we come if........................

• Wilton plays and has 250 yards+ throwing
• Michigan is getting first downs on the ground
• Michigan is not letting JT scramble for first downs
• Michigan is stopping the OSU running game.
• Peppers is the best player on the field

Yell, this sh*t is all too familiar if.....................

• Michigan offense looks like it has been the last two weeks and can't move the ball
• OSU is getting to the edge on Michigan's defense
• OSU is winning the game on the ground
• It doesn't matter who is playing QB for Michigan

I don't like how Michigan has played on offense the last two weeks at all.   There are questions at QB and the lack of scoring is a huge concern coming into Columbus.   Michigan finally can match the talent and even has more experience this year then the Buckeyes.   Will the most important position on the field trump that talent and experience? 

That is the question of the day.   MSU beat OSU last year with their second and third string QB's.   That was in terrible weather, when JT seems to struggle.  I like this game much more if Wilton is 100% healthy and they have put up 40 points the last two weeks.  From what my eyes saw last week, I'm not sure John O'Korn can beat the Buckeyes.  I do like the noon start for the Wolverines, this team seems to play better earlier then later in the day. 

The bottom line is Michigan struggled on the road against Iowa, Wilton had a terrible day and got hurt.  With the way the offense has been trending, with OSU having a similar defense, and being at home, the Buckeyes are the clear favorite.   It's time to find out if Harbaugh is a great coach or a freaking wizard.

Ohio State 24 Michigan 10

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wolverine Wednesday: Wilton's Status?

Will he or Won't he play is the big question for Wilton on Saturday.   Darboh said he practiced on Tuesday and looked good.   Other insiders are expecting Wilton to play on Saturday if everything continues to progress this week in practice.   That has to be a good sign, but I expect we might see Wilton, O'Korn, and Peppers taking snaps on Saturday as Wilton is one good hit away from being knocked out of the game.

I believe Michigan will need a balanced offense of throws down field and a good running game to beat the Buckeyes on Saturday.  Since John seemed to struggle throwing last Saturday,  I believe we need Wilton to provide that downfield threat. 

• Michigan is trending strong in the recruitment of 4 Star CB Ambry Thomas from Detroit King.   Michigan would love to get DP-J and Ambry to join the 2017 class.

• Michigan Basketball is on the road this afternoon against South Carolina.   The game tips at 5:00 on ESPNU.   A nice afternoon pre-Thanksgiving game!

• Pat Forde of Yahoo has a nice article on Jack and Jim and coming full circle to Ann Arbor.

Michigan Tuesday: A Free Playoff Game

Bryan Fuller - Mgoblog

I just love the above photo.   For those that watched the game on TV, wasn't it strange to watch a game without snow right after the Michigan game?   The clear HD hurt your eyes after watching the snow of the 4th quarter.

The College Football Playoff System gets a freebie on Saturday as #2 Ohio State host #3 Michigan.    Which is a huge help to the committee.   What they will have to decide is what to do with OSU if they beat the Wolverines, as OSU is probably not headed to the Big Ten Championship game.   Let's hope the Wolverines make the decision easy for the committee and beat the Buckeyes this weekend.   If it does end up a Penn State vs. Wisconsin Big Ten Championship, I think Wisconsin will win.   I would have bet a million dollars that Penn State had zero shot of making the CFP after that performance in Ann Arbor.  This is a crazy sport.

The QB Question

Michigan can't seem to have a healthy QB for the biggest rivalry in college football.  Brian at Mgoblog jogged my memory on how the Wolverines have had QB issues in this game.   Chad Henne couldn't throw his senior year against OSU, Denard was a RB his senior year because he couldn't throw and Devin Gardner broke his foot one year during the game.   Last year Jake Rudock was healthy but as a rent a QB, clearly wasn't invested like other program QB's would be.

So now Michigan has two choices:

1) Maybe Wilton is healthy enough to play on Saturday but he is clearly injured and coming off his worst performance as a starter. 

2) John O'Korn who has played one full game as a Wolverine starter and passed for 59 yards.    That type of performance won't beat the Buckeyes in the C-Bus. 


OSU and JT Barrett have similar concerns.  MSU beat OSU last year with two back up QB's in C-Bus.  JT didn't look very sharp last week in the cold in East Lansing.   JT seems to struggle in cold weather and tends not to be very accurate with his throws.   Both Michigan QB's also have similar issues, Wilton struggled in the cold at Iowa and O'Korn struggled in the wind and cold on Saturday.   O'Korn is from Florida and played most of his starter snaps in Houston.   I doubt he has played in too many snow games before this past Saturday.

Saturday is supposed to be chilly but no Snow or Rain really in the forecast.

• Michigan Basketball is now ranked #25



Michigan Monday: Tightens Its Chin Strap

This is the week that players on both teams have to worry about being too hyped to play.    I would imagine practice is going to be lively for both teams as they enjoy Thanksgiving dinner as a team on Thursday before the world stops on Saturday at noon.

Both teams are sort of limping into this big game, both got upset on the road this year and both had head scratching wins over the weekend.   OSU beat a 1 win Big Ten team by 1 point and Michigan did snow angles to a 10 point victory over a 5-5 Indiana team.

I hope Jimmy practices outside most of the week, because I have not liked how the Wolverines have played in cold weather at Iowa and the wind and snow on Saturday.   The early forecast for The Game is low 40's and a small chance of rain.

• Jimmy answered all the questions about Wilton's availability for next weekend, as he is day to day. 

• Brooklyn (NY) Poly Prep 2017 OL Isaiah Wilson visited for the IU game this past weekend.

• If it was 99% that Charlie Strong was going to be fired at Texas, it became 100% after the loss to Kansas.  If you remember, Texas did take a couple of shots at Jimmy when he was in the NFL.  He isn't going anywhere and the leader in the clubhouse for that job is former OSU assistant Tom Herman.   I wouldn't be surprised if Charlie ended up at Purdue.

A look ahead to the rival in Columbus, Ohio:

OSU is anywhere from -6 to a -7 favorite on Saturday.

Ranked: #2 by the CFP
Best Win: Oklahoma
Worst Loss: Penn State

They are 8th in the country in running the ball with an average of 263 yards per game.
They are 68th in passing at 230 yards per game.

They are 5th is scoring offense at 43 points per.
Defense is 3rd in points against at 13 points per.

ESPN GameDay will in in C-Bus and will start the show at 7:00AM.   Love that there is a former Wolverine and a former Buckeye on the GameDay crew.

I have watched some OSU games this year and this team goes as it QB goes.   JT pretty much controls the entire game.   The OSU offense will dink and dunk in the passing game, run you death with Mike Weber and JT Barrett and then hit you will a long pass for a TD.  

The Buckeyes are not as talented as they were last year but they have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.    Michigan's #1 goal on defense is to stop JT Barrett as he prefers to run much more then throw.   It would be great if Michigan could fly Denard up for the week of practice, so he could simulate Barrett.   Maybe he just stayed in the Detroit area after Jacksonville's loss on Sunday?

Michigan Monday: A Look Ahead To The Game and Possibilites

This is the place where we look ahead to this weekend's opponent.   This week Michigan will host currently #3 Ohio State.   The Buckeye's will drop out of the top 4 after a loss at home to the Spartans over the weekend.   We all know the Buckeye's too well and it seems they are coming apart at the seams a bit.   Urban Meyer proved last year he is one of the best college coaches in the country, this year he proved why he ran away from Florida.   OSU looked terrible on Saturday and only scored when MSU sent them two 7 point gift cards.   Urban's Heisman trophy candidate RB ripped his play calling after the game and his National Championship QB said he walked out on the Horseshoe for the last time.  Some are now pointing out that last year's run was more Tom Herman former OC and now head coach of Houston, then maybe Meyer.   Urban hasn't dealt with OSU's adversity well this year well and got out coached on Saturday.  

Even though it was disrespectful for Elliot to rip his coach, what he said was the truth.  I think you give him the ball until they stop it.  It will be interesting to see what Meyer does this weekend with him.   

I expect some Michigan fans were sadden a bit on OSU not beating MSU this weekend and not setting up a play-in game this weekend to the Big Ten Championship.   I'm not one of them.  The game even though close in score, wasn't close.  MSU dominated the Buckeye's on both lines of scrimmage and with two back-ups QB's.   Another thought Michigan fans might have is, "we were one punt away from a un-defeated Big Ten season going into the OSU game". 

Here is where my head is:  If Cook doesn't play on Saturday against Penn State it will not be an easy win.   Penn State might have one of the best defensive lines in the league.  Michigan didn't even try to run the ball on them.  It's obvious that MSU is not comfortable having their back-up QB's throw very often.   Penn State has a great shot at winning the game if Cook is on the bench.   My big concern is with James Franklin, who is known has a great recruiter but I have big concerns on his overall coaching ability.  To me he seems like a coach who is over is head being at a major program in the Big Ten.  We have had two recent coaches with that same problem (RR & Hoke) and to me it looks like a similar situation. 

OSU will be ready to play on Saturday.  Yes, their goals for this season are gone.  Even if they win on Saturday and MSU loses, I don't expect Ohio State to make the playoffs even if they win the Big Ten Championship game.   The weather on Saturday was so extreme in Columbus it completely killed their passing game.    Michigan will still have to play one of their best games of the season on Saturday to win.    Michigan's D-line will have to play like they did against Penn State and not like they did against Indiana.   Michigan will also have to try to find a running game and Rudock will need to be perfect. It will be fun to watch and feels great that this game has meaning again.

ESPN Big 10 Power Rankings has OSU #3.  Michigan is #4.

Michigan is favored by 2 points. 

BTW: Iowa is ranked #1 in the Big Ten by ESPN power rankings.  Not sure they will leave Lincoln, undefeated on Friday.

My power rankings:

1: MSU
2: OSU
3: Michigan
4: Iowa

• U-M Athletic Department announced that Gerald Ford (#48), Tom Harmon (#98), Desmond Howard (#21), Ron Kramer (#87), Bennie Oosterbaan (#47) and the Wistert brothers (#11) -- Albert, Alvin and Whitey -- will have their jerseys retired in a ceremony against Ohio State next Saturday.   These were the former Legend numbers worn by players under Hoke, another good move by Jimmy!

Ohio State Preview: Grey Street

This is how I feel about this game on Saturday, so since we need a miracle I thought I would mix it up and go to Dave Matthews for some inspiration:

Grey Street

Oh look at how she listens
She says nothing of what she thinks
She just goes stumbling through her memories
Staring out on to Grey Street

She thinks, “Hey, How did I come to this?
I dream myself a thousand times around the world,
But I can’t get out of this place”
There’s an emptiness inside her
And she’d do anything to fill it in
But all the colors mix together - to grey
And it breaks her heart

How she wishes it was different
She prays to God most every night
And though she swears it doesn’t listen
There’s still a hope in her it might

She says, “I pray But they fall on deaf ears,
Am I supposed to take it on myself?
To get out of this place”

There’s loneliness inside her
And she’d do anything to fill it in
And though it’s red blood bleeding from her now
It feels like cold blue ice in her heart
When all the colors mix together - to grey
And it breaks her heart

There’s a stranger speaks outside her door
Says take what you can from your dreams
Make them as real as anything
It’d take the work out of the courage

But she says, “Please
There’s a crazy man that’s creeping outside my door,
I live on the corner of Grey Street and the end of the world”

There’s an emptiness inside her
And she’d do anything to fill it in
And though it’s red blood bleeding from her now
It’s more like cold blue ice in her heart
She feels like kicking out all the windows
And setting fire to this life
She could change everything about her using colors bold and bright
But all the colors mix together - to grey
And it breaks her heart
It breaks her heart
To grey


Urban is going to try to send a message to the voters and all Wolverine fans.  He will run this score WAY up if he gets a chance.  Hoke has his platform to pull a great upset or an embarrassment that will get him one step closer to coaching in the MAC again. 

Bo, if your listening we could use some help on Saturday.

Michigan 10 OSU 48

Go Blue!