Michigan Tuesday: Golden Gophers Tonight

Michigan played its worst 2nd half against the best team they have faced this year on Saturday evening. Tonight they can win a share of the regular season Big Ten Championship by beating the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  The game is at Crisler, its an 8:30 tip on BTN, and Michigan is favored by 22 points.   Dusty's biggest job is to not let the Duke game beat them twice as a trip to Illinois on Friday night is up next.  Then Iowa on the road and MSU at home to wrap up conference play. 

When Michigan completely changes coaching staffs, I always wonder where and if the guys will show up at other programs.  Wonder no more! (ht: wolverine wire)

• Offensive coordinator - Chip Lindsey (Missouri)
• Offensive line - Grant Newsome (New York Giants - asst. OL coach)
• Tight Ends - Steve Casula (Texas - analyst)
• Defensive line - Lou Esposito (Baltimore Ravens)
• Linebackers - Brian Jean-Mary (Notre Dame)
• Defensive backs - LaMar Morgan (Oklahoma - cornerbacks)
• Special teams - JB Brown (Texas - analyst)

I'm shocked that nobody hired Wink, as I've been suggesting he was not hireable by any other programs or NFL teams for the last two years.   Ron Bellamy is also looking for his next opportunity.  

• Lou's son who just committed to Michigan before he took the Ravens job, is blowing up on the recruiting trail with offers from Penn State and USC the last two days.  Louis Esposito is a 2027 OL commit for the Wolverines.

• Very sad news about Rondale Moore, who was a standout WR at Purdue and was a current teammate of JJ's on the Vikings. RIP. Another reminder that mental health is very important. Check on your friends and family members!

Purdue Post Game: Everyone is Injured

Jacob Hamilton - Mlive.com

There is no other way to describe last night's game other than ugly.  Michigan is more talented, playing at home, ranked #22, 3 TD favorite, and beat the 2-6 Boilermakers (whose last Big Ten win was in 2023) by 5 points. 

Michigan has roughly 100 players including scholarship and walk-on's.  I would estimate that 25% of the roster is injured at this point in the season.  The news just kept getting worse, Barham goes out after the first series and McCulley goes down during game.

A win is a win and Michigan didn't want to have to live with a terrible loss for two weeks as they prepare for a two game road trip and the #1 team in the nation (that seems to be very healthy).  Thank you Jordan Marshall and your 21 points! 

Cheers:

• Marshall Law
• 185 yards 
• 3 TD's 
• 25 carries 
• 7.4 yard average 
• 25 yards receiving 
• Zach with 58 yards receiving 
• Ernie had 11 tackles
• Moore with 2 sacks
• Michigan played 23 guys on defense 
• Kuzdzal stepped up with 23 yards!
• Benny with the fumble recovery 
• OL seemed to play well 

Jeers:

• Bryce had a terrible game
• fumble through the end zone 
• pick inside the 10 
• missed a butt naked open McCulley for a TD 
• over throws
• no touch throws 
• 13/22 passing 
• a classic true freshman outing 
• Morgan had his mandated drop 
• Hollenbeck what are you doing?
• Injuries 
• I think Wink is tipping his blitzes on tape
• No way the Purdue OC gets lucky throwing at the open side of the blitz each time
• Other OC's have been reading Wink's "mail" all year 
• Special Teams are struggling right now
• Marsh fumbles a kick off and recovers it, while being tackled at the 15 
• Morgan was -2 in punt return yards 
• To many lost yards on not catching punts 
• Z didn't even attempt a field goal 
• One punt was tipped 
• One punt was shanked 
• Kick Offs not getting to the endzone 

Yes, it was ugly in all 3 phases and Michigan won the game.  The Wolverines easily left 21 points on the field by mistakes and turnovers.  The number one goal now is to get healthy in the next two weeks for the final push.  Bryce needs to take the next step in his development, he is playing against grown men and he will not be able to out talent anyone anymore.  That might not happen until next year, but he could do some things now like throwing the ball with some "air under it" or "touch".

Wink needs to be better.  I know his hands are tied with injuries and playing young guys, but he must keep the defense simple.  Don't tip your blitzes and play to your talent, not your scheme all the time.  

I liked Chip's game plan but Bryce just could not execute it.  More TE throws would help him with confidence, while he learns to see the field better.   Michigan needs to find another RB that can spell Marshall, the deep RB room at the start of the year is now very shallow.

Rest up, get back to fundamentals, less physical practices, play winning football for the last 3 games. 

Preview Purdue

Time: 7:00
Location: Big House
Weather: 48 with 19% of rain
TV: BTN
Line: Michigan -21.5

If you read this blog, you know how I feel about this start time.  Just stupid.  Purdue is struggling and I would like to see Michigan play a complete game prior to the bye and two road trips to Chicago and Maryland before the Buckeye come to town. 

Dear Sherrone.

This is a take care of business game.  Your team should be used to playing night games now and it seems that is going to be a regular occurrence for the program.   Wink again has the defense playing better late in the year after another embarrassing performance on the West Coast. 

My expectation is the defense continues to play well, and the offense finds some rhythm.   Bryce needs to find a better passing game and Chip needs to run plays that gets him into quick throws to the TE's and to #1 and #4.  It seems Justice is banged up again and we will need him later in November so give him two weeks off if he needs it.  

Let's see some deep balls and a quick passing game.   It would be nice if the offense put up lots of points in this game to give them confidence and future DC's to worry about.   The defense needs to dominate while keeping Purdue bellow 10 points.  

Play smart, play clean, get the passing game going with the TE's, and no injuries.   Take care of business on Saturday night and rest up for the final stretch. 

Michigan 42 Purdue 9

Happy Halloween Everyone! 👻

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. 

Purdue Post Game: Sloppy Joe's

Mlive Jacob Hamilton

When I think back on the game last night it reminds me of the sandwich Sloppy Joe.  It can be delicious and a very good sandwich, but it's also going to be sloppy.  Michigan started the game in dominating fashion and my 60-point prediction looked pretty good.   Then a good defensive scheme by Ryan Walters whose Illinois defense caused Michigan many problems last season, started to play better and Michigan's offense looked rusty and wasn't executing at the level we have come to expect this season. 

JJ who passed for 335 yards, might have had his second worst performance of the season.  His accuracy was not laser accurate like it's been and even though he didn't turn the ball over, he made a few questionable decisions. Was it the bye week? Was it a night game? It really doesn't matter now as the Wolverines blew out the Boilermakers 41-13 with the defense only allowing a TD in the final seconds of the game.  Michigan was somehow able to win the game without the mentalist Connor Stalions and will need a better effort when they play a noon game in Happy Valley next weekend.

Cheers:

• Blowout victory 
• Defense played well against an over matched Hudson Card 
• Good pick by Will Johnson
• JJ threw for 335 yards of Michigan's total 445
• Great catch by Donovan Edwards on the long ball
• Roman Wilson continues to prove he is one of the best WR's in the Big Ten
• Blake is a beast on the goal line and won't be stopped 
• Good to knock off the rust against Purdue and not PSU
• Semaji Morgan is becoming a star and helped Michigan get out of its funk 

Jeers:

• Punt Return was a mess 
• Turnover with the ball hitting a blocker 
• Fred Moore blowing up Jake Thaw 
• DJ Waller's strange stopping on a coverage that led to a big play 
• JJ's accuracy was a little off 
• WR's/TE's dropped come catchable balls 
• OL had a poor night in run blocking and pass pro 
• Michigan's overall run game continues to struggle 
• Corum 44 yards
• Morgan 44 yards 
• Edwards 21 yards
• Stopped on 4th down when Mullins missed his hole 
• 1 sack by the Wolverines
• Will dropped a pick in the end zone 
• Giving up a late TD 

Michigan is at a point where we can nitpick a blowout performance.  It's clear that they have plenty to work on this week in practice before they face their toughest match-up this season.  Michigan - Penn State is scheduled at noon and hopefully the Wolverines got out of this game healthy.  The handshake between Jimmy and Ryan Walters wasn't icy, it was ice cold. Which made me laugh.   Every Big Ten coach and AD crying are 100% hypocrites and should just STFU. 

Big Ten Thoughts:

• It's amazing to me that every week OSU forgets they have Marvin Harrison for about 2 quarters and then find him in the locker room at half-time. 
• Penn State rolled Maryland whose offense line could work the entrance of Taylor Swift concert.
• Wisconsin lost to Indiana which is crime against cheese everywhere 
• Iowa - Northwestern luckily was on the Peacock so it didn't embarrass the Big Ten on TV. Baseball score in a baseball stadium.
• Sparty got its first Big Ten win of the season over Nebraska who was booking travel plans to a bowl game and forgot to show up in East Lansing.  BTW Sparty's AD is calling out the Big Ten for suspending MSU players for its assault in the tunnel incident quickly vs. the advanced scouting allegations at Michigan.  Hey Dope, one is a criminal act and the other is over zealous game planning.  If you ever wonder if people in leadership positions are smarter than the rest of us, Allan Haller is a great example of that not being true.
• Minnesota had its sights on Indy after a win over Iowa a couple weeks ago lost to Illinois and cancelled its hotel confirmation to Indianapolis. 

Purdue Preview

USA Today - What the F?

Time: 7:30

Location: Big House 

Weather: 48 and 2% of Rain

TV: NBC

Line: Michigan - 33.5

Welcome to a rematch of the Big Ten Championship Game from last season.  How is the Big Ten East and West working out?  It isn't and this is the last year we will have to suffer through bad Big Ten west teams getting to Indy.   Purdue this year has 2 wins and their brand-new coach knows Michigan was at their games scouting them.  If any coach keeps their signs stagnant from week to week, they're dopes.  I feel bad whoever had to watch those football games.  

Big Ten coaches should take this advice from famous President Abrham Lincoln: "It's better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than to speak up and remove all doubt."

Dear Jimmy, 

How was your bye week?  Do me a favor please and sign a lifetime extension with Michigan.  Yes, I said it, a lifetime contract.  This daily attack on Michigan Football is directed at you, with the hope you take your talents to the NFL.   Don't do that and sign that contract and shut up every one of your distractors. 

How about we get back to football?  Purdue is up this week and we have seen a season worth of Purdue's at this point.   This game is about Michigan Football and the games following this week.   With that said, I would like you to put 60 on the Boilermakers on Saturday night.   The Big Ten and nation needs to feel the wrath of Michigan Football on the field.  

Keep that fire in your players and coach's eyes and run them out of the Big House.   When it comes to the 3rd and 4th quarters and it's time to sit JJ, Corum, Will, and Donovan.  I want you to pass the ball and score TD's every time.  I want the Boilermakers to take it on the chin for the entire Big Ten in the last week.  

Next week, you play a real opponent on the road.  Then it will be time to take this team to the next level.  Keep your focus and play Michigan Football. 

Michigan 65 Purdue 7

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Purdue

Can we get back to football please?  Even the Wall Street Journal is out there reporting rumors.  What the hell is going on?  Everyone is living by the click and will jump into a story for no reason and report gossip and innuendo.  

My advice is check out on all the social media BS.  Any fan can record any coach at any game. 

Jimmy should pull a Belichick at today's presser.  We are on to Purdue, we are on to Purdue. 

Purdue 2-6 (tied for last in Big Ten West)

Best Win: VT

Worst loss:  Syracuse 

Pass: 215.5 Yards per (85th in the country)

Run: 133.3 (95)

Score: 21.9 points per (105)

Give up: 30 (104)

Line: Michigan -32.5

What are the NBC executives thinking about this primetime Big Ten deal right now?  Another great game on Saturday night.  When 2-6 Purdue travels to the Big House.  Why aren't they promoting a Big Ten Championship re-match? 

Purdue is not good.  End of preview.  

• Big Mo Hurst is healthy and playing some good football in the NFL.  He dropped in coverage and got a pick for Browns on Sunday.  He made the Redzone Top 5 plays of the day!

Big Ten Weekend Review:

• Penn State has to rally to beat IU?  Not a great look. 
• Ohio State struggles with Wisconsin into the 2nd half. 
• Maryland loses to Northwestern for their regularly scheduled Oct-Nov decline. 
• Minnesota beats MSU 
• Nebraska is on a 3-game win streak, 1 win away from bowl eligibility 

Michigan Friday: Players Transferring In and Out

This is just a different time in college football and as Michigan fans we need to get used to it.  Players are now "free agents" and will check their worth and value via the transfer portal.   Michigan felt both sides of that situation on Thursday.   

Coming: 

Ernest Hausmann is a freshman LB from Nebraska with a huge upside.  He played a ton as a freshman at Nebraska with 54 tackles and the coaching staff believed he could be a star there.   Iowa really wanted Erine and last weekend was on a visit with All and McNamara.  Ernie picked Ann Arbor.  Welcome!

Going:

Back-up QB Alan Bowman who seems to have been in college for 10 years.  Surprisingly Alan has one more year of eligibility left and probably could have become a surgeon by now in funded scholarships.  He wants to use his final year at a place where he can play.  The rumor is he might go with Biff and play for Charlotte. If you're worried about back-up QB's for the CFP, Bowman plans to stay with the team through the playoffs.   On a side note, I got inside information that the plan for Davis Warren after the performance in the spring game was to transfer after this season.  Then a lot of things happened including the loss of Cade and now Bowman who he already beat out.  Not to mention, there is zero QB's coming in the 2023 class.   Since he is now a play away from being in the CFP, my expectation is that he changed his mind and plans to stay.  (that is my hope anyway)

Last note on this, I of course don't know what Erine's transcripts look like but we know how hard it's been to transfer to Michigan in the past.  Hopefully, those rules have softened a bit so Michigan can be competitive in the transfer market. 

• Mazi Smith sentencing got moved to 1/12/23

• Purdue hired Graham Harrell as OC, so they're not moving to the triple option. 😃

• Blake Corum won the Chicago Tribune Silver Award for the Best Player in the Big Ten, Voted by the Big Ten Coaches. 

• Edge rusher Josiah Stewart, one of the portal's best players, says he is down to USC and Michigan.  Which one is Pass Rush U again?

• Michael Barrett is not sure what he is going to do next year.  He has one more year left and wants to increase his draft stock but doesn't want to be the old guy in the locker room either. 

• Bryan Mone tore his ACL last night on Thursday Night Football

• Last official weekend before the Early Signing Day!  Let's hope for some good news! 

Big Ten Championship Game: Purdue Preview

Time: 8:00

Location: Lucas Oil 

Weather: Indoors 

TV: Fox (Johnson/Klatt)

Line: Michigan -16.5

Can you have a Championship trap game?  If you can, this might be one.  Michigan is expected to get into the CFP no matter what happens on Saturday night.  That is a dangerous position to be for the Wolverines.  Not to mention, an average Purdue team becomes really good once every couple year's and knocks off a top 3 team.  Good thing Michigan's top RB isn't currently in surgery, Michigan's back up isn't playing one handed, and Michigan's best pass rusher is fully healthy.   Wait a second, shit.  

Also, Thursday happened.  Football gods, we understand please let up. 

Dear Jimmy, 

Congratulations on the best win of your career as Michigan's head coach.  You were down some of your best players and you and the coaches found a way to beat the #2 Buckeyes at their own game.  Well done and I hope you enjoyed that win for a day or two.   

Now it's time to focus on winning the Big Ten Championship against Purdue in Indy.  This week has been full of "at a boy's", "congratulations" and not so great news just yesterday.  That is a month's full of distractions in just a few days.   Getting this team focused on Indy had to be the #1 priority this week and I hope the players mindset is where it needs to be.   The focus has to almost be higher than last week as this week you're playing for a Championship.  

Purdue is going to unload the play book on you on Saturday night.  They know their 3 scores underdogs and will do everything they can do steal this game.    This is another pass heavy offense with an All-Big Ten WR in (Iowa Transfer) Charlie Jones who will try to get behind the Michigan Secondary as the offense dinks and dunks you for long drives.  Expect fake punts, onside kicks, long throws, and 4th down play calls.  The bend but don't break defense against OSU made me nervous but was effective.   I would enjoy a bit more pass rush in this game and 3 & outs.  

Loved the offense against OSU and we will need to see a similar passing game against Purdue to keep scoring points.  With Corum out and Edwards with one hand, Michigan's depth at RB is limited at best.  Let's give JJ, the WR's, and TE's a chance to impress again this week. 

Michigan has the better team and I would like to see a similar effort to last year's Big 10 Championship game.  It's super important that the team's mind is right because Purdue would love to steal this hardware and Jeff Brohm is 3-0 against top ranked teams.  Play great defense and keep scoring TD's and everything will take care of itself.   Play Michigan Football!  Those that stay..................

Michigan 34 Purdue 13

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Purdue and The Glowing Aftermath

It still feels good, doesn't it?  Are there stages of happiness?  Because, I think I've been going through them this weekend.  Here is how I felt on Saturday after the game.  

1. Shock 
2. Disbelief 
3. Emotional Happiness 
4. Confusion on what to do next 
5. Game recap transfusion anywhere I could find it (why is it when Michigan loses its all that you can see watching other games, when Michigan wins a huge game, it feels like it's hardly mentioned)
6. Satisfaction
7. Confusion again on where the hell this long weekend went?

There is no need to recap everything that happened as you watched the game, but I want to call out a couple of plays (not the big scoring plays) that really helped shape this win.  

- Sainristil pass break up in the end zone.  That was a TD for OSU and #0 took it away.  Having to take the field goal keep the momentum with Michigan.  I wish he played corner the entire time he was here.

-McGregor's 2 tip passes were huge in stopping OSU drives. 

-The internet has sniffed out that OSU had a fake punt on but miss fired.  It was in the 3rd quarter in Michigan territory on a 4th and 6.  That was the play where Stroud had waved the punt team off the field as he wanted to go for it.  Michigan is up 4 with 6:00 minutes left in the quarter.  There is a problem with the snap and OSU is called for a procedure penalty, making it 4th and 11 now.  That is where the confusion starts.  Is the punt fake still on?  Is the long snapper supposed to hike it to the up man or the punter? The LS snaps the ball to the punter, one side off the line is completely void of Buckeyes and 4 Wolverines are unblocked.  The snap is off center and the Buckeyes are running to block the opposite side of the field where there is only one Wolverine defender.   The punter quickly punts and avoids the Michigan punt blockers.   That play had Michigan dead to rights and might have gone for 30-40 yards with only AJ having a chance to stop a TD.  

-Michigan not getting stupid personal foul penalties and letting the Buckeye's receive them.  1st and 35! Yes, please.  

What a win, but in the words of JJ, "the job's not finished".

Purdue: 8-4 (6-3)

The Boilermakers are on a 3-game win streak with wins over Illinois, Northwestern, and Indiana.  

Best Win: #20 Minnesota 

Worst Loss: Iowa giving up 24 points

Pass per game: 280 yards (21st)

Rush per game: 125 (97th)

Score: 28 points per (67)

Give up: 23 points per (41)

Michigan has had trouble with teams like this in the past.  Purdue is very much like their Indiana neighbor IU in that they like to throw the rock and will play very hard in an attempt to steal the Big Ten Title from Michigan.  This is a home game for the Boilermakers and they probably don't even need hotel rooms in Indy.  Michigan will have to play well to win.  Michigan -16

• As expected, Michigan - OSU again breaks a viewership record with 14  17 million people (peaked at over 19M) watching the game.

• In a very strange situation, OSU game visitor (he is a guest of OSU) 3-star CB from Cincinnati Cam Calhoun committed to the Wolverines.  Right after the game.

• 2024 4-star Ohio OL Luke Hamilton commits to Michigan on Sunday.  He is 6'5 and 290 pounds and the 8th ranked OT on 24/7.  (he actually told the coaches on Saturday after the game as well)

• Michigan is also getting a ton of CB's today: Rod Pierce a 3-star DL who just de-committed from Wisconsin, D'Juan Waller a 3-star Safety, 3/4-star Jason Hewlett Athlete, and Jamel Howard 3-star DL (also a Wisconsin recent de-commit).  All players above are in the 2023 class. 

• Speaking of Wisconsin, they pulled a fast one and is expected to name Luke Fickell as its next head coach today.   Wonder where UC is going to look as they head into the Big 12? 

• Nebraska finally found the right number and hired Matt Rhule.

• FAU fired a Harbaugh coaching tree guy, Willie Taggart.  If Willie doesn't find a job, expect him to replace Biff on Jimmy's staff. 

• Speaking of the Harbaugh coaching tree, David Shaw who replaced Jim at Stanford has resigned. 

• With all these openings and 14 million people watching The Game, it's going to be tough to stop other programs from shopping in Michigan's assistant coaching pool. 

Michigan Monday: Still Smiling

How about the last two weekends?  Feels pretty good.   I had a weird thought on Saturday, Michigan had to cancel two final games to close out the 2020 season those 2 teams: Ohio State and Iowa.  

The non-original CFP committee really went out on a limb and made Alabama #1 which gives Michigan a match-up against Georgia in the Orange Bowl.   To me this game is just the frosting on the cake, I'm super satisfied with the Big Ten Championship.   Does this mean I want Michigan to lay down to the Bulldogs? Absolutely not, I'm just happy this team is playing with house money from here on out.  

We are 9 days away from the early signing day period and the Michigan coaches are on the road to try to ride this momentum and close the class strong.  

• Michigan got a very big commit on Friday and which you have already heard.  Zeke Berry is now a Wolverine.   This guy is legit and will be a difference maker in Michigan's secondary.   Zeke was committed to Don Brown and Arizona early and then opened up his recruitment.  He is a 4-star Safety from De La Salle in California.  He is 6'0 and 195 pounds and ranks the 64th player in the country to 24/7 rankings.  He has offers from all the top PAC 12 teams including USC, UCLA, Wash, Oregon, and more.   Michigan didn't make Domani's final list but this is an elite DB class.  Welcome Zeke! 

• Michigan Basketball also got back to its winning ways with a home win over San Deigo State.  

• Miami's AD and Coaching search seems to be a huge cluster F.  They haven't even fired Manny yet. 

• Oklahoma makes a good decision on hiring Venables 

• Joe Brady gets fired by the Carolina Panthers.   He will have a ton of OC opportunities in college.

• Joe Moorehead gets the Akron job.  Would he be a replacement candidate for Mario if he goes to Miami?

• Big Ten QB's Adrian Martinez and Michael Penix are in the transfer portal

• Ohio State's a year early enrolled QB Quin Ewers (the top-rated player in the 2023 class before he reclassified) is transferring to a Texas school.  He is leaving with over $1M of NIL in his pocket.  The move even surprised Ryan Day.  Quin was OSU highest rated recruit ever.  Quin has already done a visit to Texas Tech.  

• Purdue will be losing David Bell and George Karlaftis to the NFL next season.  Thier participation in the bowl game is TBD. 

• I need to look closer at the bowls, but nothing jumped out at me.  MSU vs. Pitt is an MSU legacy match-up, Oregon vs. Oklahoma may or may not have head coaches, Baylor and Ole Miss is interesting.   

Wolverine Wednesday: Wisconsin Woes

The Big Ten nightmare continues as Wisconsin continues to cancel games with the Michigan game in 9 days remains highly in doubt.   The Big Ten did this to themselves with the 21 day rule and late start with zero flexibility for rescheduling.   Since the outbreak in the Badgers program is approaching 30 positives (players and staff), I don't know how anyone that tested positive will be available in the primetime game in Ann Arbor.   Wisconsin will do everything they can do to play, as losing 3 games to no contest is not something they want on their record as they are trying to make the Big Ten Championship game.  Wisconsin is not scheduled to play OSU during the regular season.  

Look out for Purdue in the Big Ten Championship game, they have already won games against Iowa and Illinois and could be playing the West Championship game next week against Northwestern.  After that the Boilermakers have @ Minnesota, Rutgers & Nebraska at home, and IU on the road.   Purdue was 4-8 last season.   It's 2020!

What do we know about IU?

• Ranked #13 at 2-0 with wins over PSU and Rutgers 
• Michael Penix is now the QB with Ramsey off to Northwestern, he has thrown 4 TD's with 1 pick
• He hasn't run much only 10 attempts for 2 yards 
• Offense scores 36 points per game 
• Defense gives up 28  
• Offense passes for 200 yards per and rushes for 75 

Michigan didn't practice yesterday due to the new rule about having a day off on election day.   So there isn't much new news out of the program.  The Basketball Team is also practicing without a schedule for this season, which is weird and so 2020.

Michigan Friday: PAC 12 is Back, MAC Next?

The PAC 12 is going to come back in November and the Mountain West is coming back in October, which only leaves the MAC as a the only D1 conference sitting out.   The PAC 12 is going to play a 7 game season.  The MAC is expected to make a decision this weekend on whether they will play this season.  They lose money on football, so they might decide to sit this one out. 

With the SEC starting to play this weekend, we might start seeing real college football.   What I've seen so far, isn't great.  With that said, it seems COVID 19 continues to be undefeated:

• ND has over 10 players test positive and their game this weekend has been re-scheduled 
• Houston has had 5 games scheduled - all cancelled 
• FAU has had two games cancel in a row, the latest is USF who played ND last weekend.  (anyone in South Bend regret playing an out of conference game?)
• Colorado has to shut down practice for 2 weeks for a local ordinance. 
• State of Wisconsin is under a State of Emergency for an up tick in cases from college campuses.  
• ESPN is showing UAB vs. South Alabama on a Thursday night

I'm excited for Michigan Football but I don't think we will know if games are on, until both teams take the field.  

• Purdue's Rondale Moore is back 

• Looks like the win requirement for Bowl Games is going to be removed this year  

Michigan Thursday: Heading to Germany and Spider Gone

If I was Coach B, I would make sure I was recruiting a European player every year and then extend the trip a week or so. Franz Wagner brother of Mo will get a visit from Coach B very soon.  Franz still has a few weeks left in his season and is then expected to make a decision.  Rumor mill is Mo and Mom are pulling for Michigan.   Well will see what Franz has to say.   I would also recruit guys in Hawaii.

Michigan Basketball still has an important visit this weekend with graduate transfer William and Mary transfer Justin Pierce.

The big news today is that Miles "Spider" Simms a 4 star red-shirt freshman from Georgia has entered the Transfer Portal.  The WOTS was that Simms was way too skinny and not gaining weight and was getting passed by 3 stars and walk-ons.   He also didn't participate last Saturday which means he is gone or was hurt.

Local kid Vincent Gray got a ton of Spring Buzz and is a borderline starter. Even walk-on and former WR Hunter Reynolds was getting pushing people.   Spider found himself behind a lot of people and was probably clear he didn't see a way to get on the field.

Being in the portal doesn't mean you are 100% transferring but in this case there is a very good chance he is gone.  

Brandon Peters news has to be coming soon.   His planned destination, Purdue got some news today that quarterback Elijah Sindelar got another year granted by the NCAA.

Michigan Monday: The Upside, Injuries, and an Early Look at IU

The media likes to say, "Michigan is peaking at the right time".  Which is a pretty accurate assessment with the #1 defense and Shea Patterson playing well under center.   What's exciting about this team is that the defense is much closer to the ceiling then the offense.

The Rutgers game is an example of that.  Michigan didn't put anything new on tape and Shea had the best performance of his college career.   Michigan's #1 rusher had less then 50 yards but still scored 2 TD's.   What I have really enjoyed this season is Shea's accuracy and that he doesn't turn the ball over.   After the ND game, he has done a great job at protecting the ball.

We also have to "call out" the offense line, who for many years have been one of the main reasons Michigan has struggled on offense.  This unit has greatly improved and has taken leaps and bounds forward.   Michigan is finally playing that downhill style that Jimmy loves.

I believe this offense is still running at about 80% of its capabilities.   Here is why:

• Michigan hasn't put too many RPO's on tape this season and we know that is all the rage in football.
• Tarik Black has been back for two games but hasn't seen too many targets yet 
• How about the slot position?  Grant Perry is losing snaps to Martin and Bell as that position is playing very well. 
• Evans is now just starting to look like 2017 Evans
• Gentry has 28 catches and could easily have 20 more
• Screens!  Michigan could be killing it on RB screens but have only ran a few all year 
• The read option pass! 
• Having to game plan to cover guys like Black, DPJ, and Collins has to be a nightmare

Those are a few reasons, I believe Jimmy is keeping 20% of this offense in the vault for the trip to CBus and anything after that. 

Injuries:  Insiders are saying the following:

-Hill is in the concussion protocol and very questionable for Saturday

-Paye is expected back on Saturday 

-Metellus is expected back on Saturday 

-McCafferty had surgery and is out for the rest of the season

Early Look at Indiana Football:

5-5 

Best win: Virginia  

Worst Lost: Minnesota 

They pass for 255 yards per game ranked 44th 

Rush for 155 ranked 82nd 

They score: 28 points per game ranked 78th

Defense gives up: 30 points which ranks 84th

To get bowl eligible IU needs a win over Michigan or Purdue.  So Purdue.  

A few thoughts from the weekend:

• The MSU offensive performance on Saturday against a questionable OSU defense was pitiful.  It was clear they had the wrong QB in and didn't have a game plan.  

• The new Louisville opening will be very interesting for Michigan for two reasons, 1 - that is Purdue's head coach Jeff Brohm's job to lose or turndown.  2- If Jeff does decide to go home, that could mean great things for Michigan and 5 star George Karlaftis.

Michigan Friday: A Look Back at The Purdue Win

This was John O'Korn's shinning moment!  I hope he saved this game tape!

Things Might Be O'K

Jon Horwedel, Detroit News

The late afternoon game was not going as expected for Wolverine fans.  Wilton was getting hit by a defense that had one sack the entire year and the offense couldn't run or pass.  The play calling looked liked like it was from Bo's 3 yards and a cloud of dust playbook.  


What were we watching?  A loss to this up start Purdue program?


Then Wilton goes down on a apparent late hit and heads directly back to the locker room/medical facility not to be seen again.   It was John O'Korn's chance to be the Michigan QB and this time it wasn't on snowy field, it was in 90 degree weather for the Florida boy.    John took the reins of the offense and marched down the field by hitting the tight ends for a scoring drive that ended in a TD.   Maybe things were looking up?


We know the rest of the story.   Purdue then confuses the Michigan defense on basically the same play 3 times in a row and scores its only touchdown.  John throws a pick that turns into a field goal and then The Wizard Don Brown puts a complete stop to the Purdue offense the rest of the day.


Michigan scores 21 points in the second half and wins the battle in West Lafayette.  Michigan used better play calling and strong QB execution in the second half.   The defense barely gave up a yard as all the trick plays had run out.


 I think we all learned a few things about this team on Saturday.  

1. Michigan's offense line will not be dominating any team left on the schedule.   Michigan will have to pass to run. 
2. Michigan will need good QB play to score TD's on offense.
3. Don Brown deserves a raise

The first half to me was a throw away half, I hated the play calling and the trick plays by the Purdue offense.   I knew the trick plays wouldn't last but Michigan running into the line for two yard gains on first down was clearly frustrating to everyone except the play caller. 


The second half was Michigan Football and it was great to see the play calling open up and Michigan be aggressive on offense.  When Michigan is scoring touchdowns and letting the defense do it's thing, this team will be tough to beat.


Cheers

• John O'Korn who played well and in front of the Purdue OC who was the head coach that benched him at Houston.
• Don Brown and the Michigan Defense!
• Chris Evans for finding his stride and putting the game away
• Sean McKeon had 5 catches for 82 yards
• Zach Gentry for being a team player and scoring the first TD
• Chase Winovich had 3 sacks
• Devin "The Missile" Bush is everywhere!
• Brad Robbins averaged 40 yards per punt
• Watching the Purdue DC "Mr. Clean" vein pop out on his head.

Jeers

• First half play calling
• Offensive line in the first half
• Purdue's trick plays that worked
• Fox's Baseball game coverage
• Purdue's locker room not having AC is embarrassing
• Wilton's injury that was a late hit
• 2 turnovers on offense
• The illegal man downfield call on the Hammering Panda

Michigan is 4-0 and win is a win on the road.  You will take them pretty or ugly, just get out of there with a win.   I hope the Michigan offensive coaches now understand this team will not run over anyone and each defense will stack the box to stop the run and make the Michigan QB beat them. 


I think John O'Korn has made the case to be the starter, no matter what the injury status is for Wilton  (Jimmy said it was a soft tissue injury and didn't know how long he was going to be out).  Either way, Michigan has two weeks to prepare and rest for a difficult rest of the schedule.

Purdue Preview

Time: 4:00 EST
Location: Ross Ade Stadium
Weather:  Hot! 88 and no rain
TV: Fox
Line: Michigan -10


Many Michigan fans see this game two ways.  A: Purdue has a brand new coach, playing very well, looking for a program changing win, and they have their sites on Michigan.   B:  This is Purdue, we will be fine.  Can it both?  I think it can, lets take a look. 


Tale of the Tape:

Michigan Oline vs. Purdue Dline = Michigan
Michigan Oline vs. Purdue LB = Purdue
Michigan Dline vs. Purdue OL = Michigan
Purdue WR's vs. Michigan DB's = Purdue
Don Brown vs. Jeff Brohm = Michigan
Overall Coaching = Michigan
Intangibles= Purdue


This is a classic strength vs. strength game:  Purdue's offense vs. Michigan defense.  The Purdue offensive line will try to hold up against the best defensive line they will see this year.   We will see a lot of quick passes from Purdue as they hope their WR's can take advantage of the youth in Michigan's secondary.


On the other side of the ball, there is a lot of talk about Purdue's front 7 being pretty good.  They're not bad, but they only have 1 sack on the year.  That leads me to believe they are strong against the run and at the LB position.  As every team will do this year, they will sell out on the run and will make Wilton beat them.   Wilton plays the best when he has time to throw and wait for the routes to develop.


Yell, This is How we start the Big Ten season if......

• No turnovers on offense
• Limit mistakes/penalties
• Wilton is accurate
• Michigan goes over 100 yards on the ground
• Ian Bunting gets a catch
• The Michigan defense is getting the to the QB
• Red Zone TD's is not an issue
• Michigan D gets two turnovers

Yell, I hate that damn train whistle...................................

• Purdue's offense is keeping Michigan's defense confused
• Michigan's running game is not gaining yards on 1st downs
• Michigan is kicking lots of field goals
• Purdue is hot and Michigan is making game changing mistakes

Michigan has sort of played a road game already.  The Boilermaker fans are excited about this new coach and how this team is playing.  This will be the best defense they face all year and Purdue will have it's hands full with the Michigan defensive line.   I expect a Cincinnati type of game plan, quick passes, so the DB's will have to be sound, and the DLine can't get to the QB.


Purdue will run some misdirection and even some trick plays, hopefully the Michigan defense is still sticking with their fundamentals after seeing AF last week.   Purdue will sell out against the run and how Wilton plays will be how successful the Michigan offense is at scoring points.   Purdue will want a close game in the 4th quarter so that maybe they can sneak out a win.  


I like Michigan's offense vs. Purdue D if Michigan plays clean.  Michigan's offensive turn overs could cost them this game.   We don't want a high scoring shoot out.  Michigan's defense might give up a play or two but hopefully can handle the Purdue offense.   Michigan needs to get the ball to the tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. I'm looking for better production on first downs and in the red zone.


Michigan 27 Purdue 13

Michigan Monday: Looks Ahead To The Boilermakers

The Boilermakers are a hot tech stock right now that people are either buying or considering buying.   They have a new young CEO/head coach Jeff Brohm and the offense is putting up some points.   Wall Street/Big Ten is noticing and have a chance to send their stock price through the roof with a win this weekend.


Record: 2-1 (only loss is to Louisville by 7 points)
Last Week: Housed Missouri/SEC Team on the road, 35-3
Line: Michigan -9.5
ESPN Big Ten Rank: #8
Passing: 286 yards per game at 35th in the county
Defense: Gives up 19 points per game which is 41st

Jourdan Lewis struggled in his first NFL game on Sunday but did have an interception.

Darboh also had his first catch for the Seahawks.

Michigan transfer "Footwork" Freddy Canteen has torn his labrum and is out for the year for ND.   Sounds like he could be eligible for a injury redshirt.

Recruiting news has been slow of late as the Wolverines are planning huge weekend visits for the MSU and OSU game.   I hadn't seen this reported but 3/4 star 2018 VA WR Dillon Spalding visited for the Air Force game.   2019 WR Quinten Johnson also visited this weekend.

Big Updates:

• Black's injury of a broken foot was confirmed by Jim Harbaugh today.   Will need surgery -no timetable for return but probably will be gone for the year.
• He feels Ty Isaac will be Ok.
• There are reports that Drake Harris may leave football to play for Coach B and the basketball team.  If you remember Drake was a top 100 player and MSU commit before deciding to play football full time.  Not sure if Drake is planning to play both or will leave football right now for basketball full time.   He will have two years of basketball eligibility left on the hardwood.

Michigan Monday: David Dawson Exits Stage Left

When Michigan landed most of it's 2013 class this summer the biggest fear for most Michigan fans was; "it's really early and we could have some de-commits before signing day".  Well that fear became reality on Sunday, when David Dawson decided to de-commit from the Wolverines. 

 Here is a tweet from David: 
Would like to wish the university of Michigan the best of luck ..nothing against anybody associated with that program  — David Dawson (@D3_FutureLegend) October 14, 2012

One of the things that is difficult for 18 year old recruits to handle when they commit early is the loss of other recruiting trips.  Brady Hoke has a rule that says if you take another visit to a different school, you are not committed to the Wolverines.  David and CB Gareon Conely have been the two recruits who have taken issue with that rule in the 2013 class and have wanted to visit other schools.  Since David has broken "trump" don't be surprised if Conely is next. 

Is it 100% over between David and Michigan?  Maybe.  Here are my thoughts, David wants to visit Florida, Alabama and LSU during the season.   Don't forget that David attends Cass Tech coached by a former Wolverine in David Wilcher and still has teammate Jourdan Lewis coming to Michigan as well.  David lost his father this summer in a tragic auto accident.  I'm wondering if being close to family will be big decision factor for him.  "Big Will" did the same thing, he de-committed took visits and finally decided on Michigan.   Update:  It seems the parting of the ways between David and Michigan were mutual.   I assume the Michigan coaches were tired of hearing about Florida on and off for awhile.   It seems David's recruitment to Michigan is dead for now.

Update #2:  Mgoblog reports that insiders have been saying that David had been calling Florida for awhile now asking to set up a visit.  Florida wasn't that interested since he was committed to Michigan and even one of the Florida coaches might have tipped off the Wolverine coaches.  If this is true, that is a class move by the Florida coaches and the reason why the Michigan coaches weren't interested in keeping David in the class. 

As of now, Michigan will move on and look to add other offensive lineman to this class.  There were plenty of guys looking at Michigan before they filled up this summer.  Many have committed to other schools.   More to come. 


State of the Big Ten

Michigan, Iowa and two teams that can't make the championship game are the only un-defeated teams in league play.

Iowa upset an MSU team at home:  Sparty Stock is going down quickly.

Purdue hype - Nope:  Purdue will never have a better chance to win their division.  They are 0-2 in the Big Ten and Wisconsin fans can now re-confirm their reservations to Indy. 

OSU wins but gives up 49 points to IU:   It seems the Buckeyes have some issues on defense.   A win is a win but giving up 49 to one worst teams in the Big Ten is not good. 

Northwestern is quietly bowl eligible:  6-1 and 2-1 in the Big Ten.  Their next 4 weeks are home for Nebraska and Iowa on the road to Ann Arbor and East Lansing.

The Big Ten didn't have any teams in the first BCS poll.   AP: OSU #7, Michigan #23.  Coaches: Michigan #25.

Do you think OSU is kicking themselves for not taking their bowl ban last year for that match up in the Gator Bowl?

BHB Big Ten Power Rankings

1. OSU
2. Michigan
3. Northwestern
4. Nebraska
5. Wisconsin