National Champions Tuesday: Those That Stay

Jacob Hamilton | jhamilt3/mlive.com/TNS

When we saw this team for the first time, we thought they could bring a National Championship to Ann Arbor.  When we saw the team play in Vegas, we thought they might go undefeated.  The team Dusty put on the floor this year was special and last night they proved it again, in a much different way. 

Dan Hurley might be a crazy man but he can coach basketball and he did all he could to derail the Wolverines last night.  As expected,  they slowed down the pace and tried to shoot the Wolverines out of the gym.  Whether it was Michigan's solid defense or the Husky shooters were just off, that plan failed.  Michigan was too big and too talented to lose on Monday night.  

Before I get to the star of the game, a huge hat tip goes to Yax.  His performance last night in my mind goes right up there with Isiah Thomas playing on a severely sprained ankle against the Lakers in the NBA Finals.   He gutted out 13 points in 36 minutes and didn't even come off the floor in the first half.  Now to Elliott Cadeau, the star of the game.  Michigan had a limited Yax, zero 3 point shooting for most of the game, and early Mara was not scoring down low.  This was setting up to be a Hurley special and Cadeau said no, thank you, this is our year! He lead the Wolverines with 19 points and instead of assisting he stepped up and scored a ton of big baskets.  He had one of his best scoring games of the year during the biggest game.  

UConn hit nine 3 point shots during the game and the Wolverines only made 2.  The difference in the game was Michigan scoring 25 points from the free throw line and UConn clearly being in foul trouble all game.  UConn only had 12 points from the line.  

The game wasn't pretty, it was a tough defensive match-up as both teams struggled to shoot the ball.  Michigan who had scored 90 points in every tournament game only managed to put up 69 points.   Still that was enough to beat the Huskies. I would also be remiss if I didn't call out McKinney who hit a huge late 3 and made 2 important free throws after Gayle had missed two from the line.  Those points from McKinney made it very difficult for UConn to make a Duke game comeback.

Dusty has done a tremendous job turning this program around and last night netted him and Michigan a National Championship.  I still think I'm in shock, I 100% know I was when Gayle threw the ball down the court to close out the game. To quote Dusty, "it still feels like we have another game to prepare for" It's going to be a really long day at work as I'm 100% gassed.  

Congratulations to this team, the Michigan Program, and to us!  We deserve nights like last night and I hope we have many more to come! 

Go Blue to the National Champions! 

• A sign this process never sleeps:  The transfer portal opened at Midnight last night while the Wolverines were celebrating in the locker room.  The staff had it opened and scouting for next year. 

Michigan Monday: Continuation of the Good Building Vibes

The University of Michigan loves Lucas Oil Stadium, it has given them 3 Big Ten Championships in Football and now a dominating Final 4 win.  Lets hope that good building "feels" continues until Midnight tonight.  

I love nights like this one, it just feels good to be alive and care about something so deeply.  Yes, this is a kids game and yes, on Tuesday we need to go on with our regular lives, but for 2.5 hours tonight we get to live and have passion for something we have zero control over.  I'm going to miss this team, maybe not since the Fab 5 has a Michigan Basketball team been so appointment level viewing for me.  Yes, Coach B's teams were really good and a couple should've won the National Championship.  But for one reason or another, this team just stuck a cord with me and I didn't want to miss a game.  

As for tonight, I'm concerned about Yax and didn't like him limping around doing interviews, etc yesterday.  I was hoping for some sleep magic and he would feel better on Sunday, that didn't seem to happen.  His injury is not structural which is a bonus, but that doesn't help it feel any better.  Michigan needs Yax and I know he will give it a go tonight, I just don't now for how long or how effective he will be.  UConn has a similar issue with Solo Ball and a possible foot sprain.  I love Michigan's chances tonight, but I sure as hell would love it even more with a healthy Yax. 

UConn is not an easy match-up and Hurley can coach.  Tarris Reed a former Wolverine is a good player and Michigan's bigs will have their hands full. With that said, Michigan is just as hard to prepare for in one day and I'm sure Hurley has yet to go to sleep and is getting plenty advice from his brother and father.  UConn can shoot the 3 and Michigan will need to protect the 3 ball like they are playing Wisconsin.  

Michigan needs Yax to be Yax, a career night from Cadeau, we need him hitting his layups and 3's, distributing to his fellow Wolverines, and staying out of foul trouble.  We also need another group effort to win this game.  Mara has to continue to dominate down low, Rez seemed to get out of his slump in Indy and will need him to be the Reed stopper.   In nights like tonight, it usually comes from someone we don't expect.  April Roddy needs to be in the house, Burnett needs to continue his good Final 4 play, with hitting 3's and playing strong defense (also make those free throws), McKinney seems to be ready for these bright lights and we need another 16+ from him, and lets not sleep on Tschetter who has been waiting his entire 10 year 😀 Michigan Basketball career for this night.  His shot has been way off in the NCAA Tournament but tonight he might just have the magic touch! On defense, Michigan must stay with the 3 point shooters, we all watched the Duke game and saw the comeback.  Please do not collapse on the dribble drives and stay with the shooters.  Michigan can win this game on defense if they control the 3 point shot.

Fellow Michigan fans, my advice tonight is to savor this feeling as it doesn't come often.  Put your faith in Dusty, the Michigan staff, the Michigan trainers/Doctors, and most importantly the Wolverines on the floor.  I hope we fill up Lucas Oil and play UConn like their visiting Crisler.  I hope Mr. Miyagi visits the Michigan locker room and heals Yax and I hope we go to bed smiling because we got to witness this team play one last game. 

Wolverine Weekend Update: Didn't See That Coming

The Media is sort of a funny unique thing, there really isn't a ton of creativity outside of Charles Barkley.  The golf was in a rain delay and there really wasn't much sports on Saturday afternoon, so I had to listen to ESPN's College Gameday which does not do justice to the name of the show, when compared to its football coverage.  Each one of those fools picked Arizona to win the game.  I hate pre-game shows, its not getting the viewer prepared to watch the game, they have become a terrible version of Saturday Night Live.

Now, when I say "I didn't see that coming" what I meant was a Michigan domination.  I thought we were going to have a back and forth and maybe even overtime.  The one thing I thought about where Michigan might have an advantage is the 3 freshman starters on Arizona.  That is a ton of pressure to put on a young player to carry the water in a Final 4 game.   Michigan exploited that weaknees and got out early and never looked back.  It was so bad for Arizona, Cadeau was 2-14 shooting in the 1st half and was dominating the game.   Mara was the star of the night with a career game high of 26 points.  

So now the big question, is Yax close to healthy after going down with a ankle and a knee injury?  The Michigan Difference needs to step up today and get him round the clock treatment.  Every knee and ankle device known to man and maybe even a hyperbolic chamber in his hotel room.  His shot stayed clean but his defense was not even close to what it normally is.   With UConn's motion and confusing defense, we will need Yax as close to 100% as possible to win on Monday. 

If you have watched this team all year, this is the Vegas Wolverines we've all been hoping to see.  The issue is now, with Yax and LJ hurt, can the Wolverines continue to be that team?  Dusty has his hands full for the next 24+ hours. 

Another storyline for Monday night is the Tarris Reed revenge game.  Tarris played at Michigan for Juwan Howard and then transferred to UConn.  He has worked on his body and his game and is a lot better player then he was in Ann Arbor.  Will Tschetter is going to need to teach the staff, Mara, and Rez about his game. 

Michigan historically seems to always play well in the first game of the Final 4, its the 2nd game of the weekend the Wolverines have struggled.  Time to flip the script and prepare for Monday night! 

Happy Easter Everyone! 

UConn Post Game: Cupcake Shutout

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

As you know, I'm all of Michigan starting the year with an easier schedule.  I think it allows the players to understand their roles and coaches to get used to seeing the players under bright lights.   You saw how bad the NFL was in week 1 as nobody plays in the pre-season any longer.   

This 3-week run was good for the Wolverines, they were able to get the new coordinators comfortable and QB1 identified.  It allowed Ronnie to come back from injury and Sainristil experience on defense.   A ton of players got game experience and many won't see the field the rest of the year.  There were a ton of benefits that I hope the Wolverines reap during the Big 10 Season.  

Now to the game, UConn was overmatched off the bus and it showed in every aspect as Jim Mora, Jr. needs more practice and recruiting before they make a playoff run.  Playoffs? (as his father famously said). 

Let's get to the Cheers and Jeers:

Cheers

• The defense pitched a shutout 
• JJ was sharp in the passing game
• Blake Corum with 5 rushing TD's
• Special Teams continue to be special
• I really like how they are using AJ 
• All the QB's getting a chance to play in the Big House
• The ovation for Cade was special 
• Ronnie was 4 yards away from a 100-yard day 
• Being able to dominate an opponent in every aspect

Jeers

• Is the pass rush an issue?
• Cade's injury 
• Michigan's OL gave up a couple sacks
• Defense got one turnover - should it be more?
• I think the TE's need more balls
• I didn't love the 60+ yard field goal attempt at the end of the half

Michigan takes on Maryland at noon on Saturday on Fox.  Who just struggled with SMU at home last night.  

The Big Ten West continues to have embarrassing losses:

-NW loses to Southern Illinois

-Purdue looks bad in a loss to a decent Syracuse team 

-Iowa scores more the 7 points in a win 

-Nebraska gets blown off their home field 

Also:

-IU is taken to OT by WKU

-MSU loses to UW on the West Coast after a bad 1st half 

-Rutgers beats Temple by 2 

-Maryland struggles with SMU 

UConn Preview

What a Good Boy! 

Time: Noon 

Location: Big House 

Weather: 78 No Rain

TV: ABC (Bob Wischusen and Roddy Jones)

Line: Michigan -46

This is week 3 of the Michigan shopping the tomato can isle of NCAA Football.  JJ is the QB now and it will be great to see another strong passing performance.  I don't want to see him run, because there is no need to run vs. UConn.  The Michigan offense looked better Week 2 than Week 1 and I expect another jump forward on Saturday.

Dear Jimmy, 

I'm sure Warde doesn't make many (or any) football decisions without you.   This year's non-conference games haven't been great and I'm Ok with that.  Michigan Football needs a pre-season every year and I agree with a couple of sleepers and maybe one power 5 team.  Bring back Vandy to the Big House! 

The JJ decision was an obvious one and I'm glad you made it so quickly after the Hawaii game.  This week's opponent is not great, but another learning opportunity for JJ to lead the program forward.   The defense is playing really well and will have tougher tests down the road.  I do like how the new DC is mixing up looks.  

I would like the passing game to pick apart the Huskies and continue to get the WR's involved.  #1 Anthony needs more catches and time to get #0 Darrius Clemons a catch or two as well.  The defense needs to create more turnovers and look to pitch a shutout.  

Play well and stay healthy.  The Big Ten season starts in a week. 

Michigan 51 UConn 6

Side Notes:

• Nike dropped Michigan Nike Pegasus 39 and they sold out pretty much everywhere.  If you can grab a pair, I recommend you do it.  

• Former Michigan DE's combined to injure Justin Herbert last night on Amazon's first NFL Game.  Mike Danna hit him and then Frank Clark did the same on the following play.  Justin looks to have a rib injury.

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 Thursday: Doubles The Post with Michigan Basketball and Big Ten Week 11 Preview

Happy Veterans Day to all that served!  Thank you for your Service! 

Michigan Basketball opened the season with its young talented team and they looked young and talented.  They opened the game looking like a loaded UK, UNC, or Duke team that is just full of 5 stars and guys that are headed to the league.  Then a little turbulence hit on the way up and the Wolverines weathered the storm and beat a good Buffalo team. 

I love this team's athleticism, Houstan and Diabate have an incredible ceiling.   If you wanted to mold an athlete I think it would look a lot like Diabate.   He is still a bit raw still but has an unbelievable upside.   Houstan on the on hand is a bit more polished and ready for the bright lights.  He seems like a good shooter and can get some boards.   He is still young and at time can struggle on defense and got in foul trouble early.  

This team needs outside shooting and will need to see better scoring nights from grad transfer PG Jones, who looked good and a little off at times.  He only scored 7 points and missed a few free throws.   Hunter of course was great and scored 27 points and could of probably had 40 with a couple of bunnies missed.   I was also surprised to see Diabate and Hunter playing on the court at the same time.  

Hunter played like an All American but Terrance Williams was the game's MVP.  He scored 15 and hit a very important 3 to stop Buffalo's run and in what looked like a big comeback.  He played 29 minutes and was 2 -3 from 3 point land.   Michigan will need him to play a Chaudee Brown role on this team and it looks like he understands the assignment.   

Good win and lots to work on including:

• Free throws 18-30
• Outside shooting - Eli needs to be a bit more aggressive with his shot 
• Freshmen will be up and down, Michigan needs a plan for the down 
• The zone defense wasn't great 
• Need to get Jones more involved in the offense 

Big Ten Week 11 Preview

This is interesting match-up week for the Big Ten.  The giant killer is going against the Mountain from the Games of Thrones.   Wisconsin figured out it was good or found the easier portion of their schedule and Sparty looks to rebound at home against Maryland. 

19 Purdue @ 4 Ohio State (-21):  It seems Vegas is not buying the Spoiler-makers.  Which means they are not buying Iowa or MSU either.   I don't believe this is Ohio State from the last 10 years either.   This has to be a no punt game for Purdue if they are going to win.  Purdue will have to attack the OSU DB's all day.   Purdue 28 OSU 38

Minnesota @ 20 Iowa (-5.5):  Both teams just a few weeks ago were looking like good candidates for Indy and now we don't know anything about either.   I just can't get over that Minnesota got beat by Bowling Green and had a disappointing loss to Illinois last weekend.   Iowa was once thought to be one of the top few teams in the country.   Minnesota 7 Iowa 10 

Maryland @ 7 MSU (-13):   This is a perfect game for Sparty to rebound from a really bad week.  They lost to Purdue,  the Big Ten took some shine away from their Michigan win, and dropped in the CFP rankings.   Maryland always comes out of the gate hot and then moonwalks.   They're in the moon walk phase.  Kenny 41 Tua Two 30

Northwestern @ 18 Wisconsin (-24.5):  The Wildcats will not score in this game.   Wisconsin 30 NW 0

Rutgers @ IU:  No line = No watch   Total wins between the two teams = 6 - - Rutgers 14 IU 17

• Jim Mora Jr. has taken the UConn job.  Michigan plays UConn next season. 

Michigan Friday: U Can or UConn

Warde finally filled the last spot in the 2022 schedule as he picked the UConn Huskies to join the likes of Hawaii and Colorado State on the non-conference home Michigan schedule.  Michigan cancelled a home and home with UCLA and put UConn in that spot.  The Huskies will get $1.8M for a nice Fall weekend in Ann Arbor.   How do I feel about it?

I like it.  There is zero reason to play a difficult non-conference anymore.  It helps build team confidence and gets them ready for the Big Ten season.   This past season was an example of playing a difficult non-conference schedule and having the team not gain that confidence they needed entering into Big Ten play.

Part of me also wants to see Michigan play the big boys, but I see very little upside for that to happen in the first couple of weeks of the season.   Let's also face it, Michigan hasn't done very well in many of those match-ups.   Michigan opens at Washington next season.  

• Chris Partridge didn't get raise to go to Ole Miss, he did get a promotion in title.  Anthony Campanile is still MIA as far as a job with the Dolphins goes. 

• Former Detroit Tiger Curtis Granderson has called it a career

• Michigan Basketball plays at MSG on Saturday, no word if X is playing or not.

• Good look for the former Wolverines playing in the Super Bowl.  Chad Henne and Frank Clark with the Chiefs.   Other names you might know: Mike Weber is on the Chiefs practice squad, Andrew Wylie played at EMU, Eric Fisher CMU  SF: Joe Staley CMU and former Michigan recruit and Detroit Lion  Anthony Zettel.

Michigan Monday: Weekend Thoughts & Chicken Wings

Here are some random thoughts from this weekend:

• MSU was the best team Michigan faced this year. 

• UConn is interested in interviewing MSU defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, please hire him!

• Da'Shawn Hand said no to Michigan and now he is trying to recruit the Wolverines best athlete in the class in Jabrill Peppers with him to Alabama.   I sure hope Nick Saban goes to Texas.

• Ohio State must really hate the State of Michigan. 

• Does Michigan really have to play in East Lansing again next year?  Couldn't they have worked something out like a game at Ford Field or something.

• Michigan commit Shaun Crawford can play.  Here are his junior year highlights.   There are conflicting reports on Shaun planning a visit to Columbus or not.

• There is starting to be a little bit of buzz on coaching web sites that Michigan will have staff changes.   Nothing to happen quickly, which means nothing before bowl prep and probably after signing day.   Again just a rumor.

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl:

Michigan was rumored to be either in the Gator Bowl against Georgia or BWW against KSU.  It ended up with the game in Arizona.   It seems the BWW Bowl had the third pick and choose the Wolverines over the Corn Huskers.

Since your probably not familiar with this bowl here are some factoids:

• It's played in Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona (not the University of Phoenix Stadium)
• Used to be called the Copper and Insight Bowl
• It's played on 12/28
• The game starts at 10:15 PM EST  -  Great start time for the kids!
• Big Ten is 2-5 since the contract started
• MSU won this bowl last year
• Minnesota has played in the bowl 3 times
• Indiana was even in this bowl game in 2007
• TBS was the original network, then ESPN came in and gave up the rights to the NFL Network.  After 4 years, ESPN picked the coverage back up.

This seems to be the appropriate "penalty" for the year the Wolverines had.    Congratulations to the Michigan fans in Phoenix.   At least Taylor Lewan gets to play at home for his last game in the Maize and Blue.

I would guess that no matter what comes out of the Michigan Athletic Department that David Brandon is not happy with this choice.  Since he is so worried about the Michigan "brand" playing in a game that will end at 1:30 AM EST is not the exposure he is looking for.

Since this game starts in 20 days, I guess bowl practice will start pretty soon.

Here is one reaction from a poster on Mgoblog:   This is a game that nobody cares about, on a day nobody cares about, in a time slot nobody cares about.

Houdini Hoke

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

We were fooled by our love for this program.   We listened to the hype because we really wanted it to be true.  This off season I was all in on Devin Gardner, I hadn't been this excited about a QB that could run and pass since Drew Henson got his shot at Michigan. 

We also saw glimpses in the Central Michigan game and then a very good effort against an ND team that was undefeated and in the BCS National Championship last year.   There were signs of greatness and there were some troubling signs for the Wolverines as well.   For Devin, we wrote off the bad plays as simply bad decisions or things that could be fixed quick as he got more experience.   It was an illusion or the perfect magic trick.  The reason a Houdini, Chris Angel or David Blaine are successful, is because we want to believe their magic is real.  That they can levitate or have the ability to cut a lady in half.   We bought the camp buzz and the hype around this team because we wanted to believe it was true.  After ND, we thought Michigan would storm through the Big Ten with the likes of Gardner, Fitz, Gallon, Lewan and a pretty solid defense without their leader Jake Ryan.  We then go from the high of the ND win to the past two weeks, were we have made two of the worst teams in division 1A look like Oklahoma.  

Like the great Houdini, Michigan escaped another performance last night outside of Hartford.   Rentschler Field provided a great stage as celebrities like Derek Jeter and Ray Allen looked on.  The venue was sold out and the patrons were all on the edge of their seat, wondering if the "Great Wolverine" would get out alive.   Michigan won the game as they scored 17 un-answered points in the second half and UConn's 4th and 30 yards attempt fell 3 yards short.   The fans gasped as 108 inches were the difference in Michigan being 4-0 or 3-1.   That is razor thin and wonderful theater!  The Great Houdini Hoke lives again!  Please tip your waitress and visit the casino on the way out.  Have a safe ride home!

Right now this team is an illusion of a good team.  They aren't having "let downs or over looking opponents" they have some very serious issues.  A lot of it rides on the shoulders of Devin Gardner and some of it lies on Brady Hoke and Big Al.  Devin is completely out of confidence in the passing game.   His mechanics looked terrible last night and after that tipped ball was picked off in the first quarter, I knew he was going to struggle to throw all night.   So did everyone else, as UConn continued to load the box against the run and Big Al continued to call the same plays over and over. 

The issues are many but here are a couple of thoughts on what is going on:

• He is clearly not stepping into throws and trying to aim the ball.
• Devin is targeting Gallon way too often.  Dileo was in man cover all night and many times Jake Butt seemed open as well.
• He knows his back up is scrambling/running.  That is a good and bad thing, sometimes you need to be able to run other times you have to throw it.
• He is not throwing the ball away and it's causing big losses
• His decision making and how quickly he is making those decisions right now has to be improved moving forward.
• Devin is averaging a 7 point mistake for the opponent each week

I liked how Big Al started the game getting Devin some easy throws and then when he needed to do it again, it looked like Big Al didn't ever want to call a pass play again.   So this is a joint responsibility and I think Big Al needs to take some of the blame.  There were some complete head scratchers calls.  That QB sneak couldn't have gone any worse. 

The offensive line is a complete head scratcher to me.  Fitz finally got over 100 yards but probably gained nearly 150 with all the lost yardage he had with the UConn defense in the backfield all night.   Do we ever run between the tackles anymore? 

Special Teams didn't help the cause last night either and looked like a unit that is currently being under coached.   How many mistakes were there on specials teams last night?   Here are a few that come to mind:

• Ball hitting a Michigan player on the 10 yard line that sets up a UConn TD
• Kick off that goes out of bounds
• A great return is erased by a personal foul penalty for blocking a player behind the play.

All 3 could be game changing mistakes and they all most were.   On the upside, the punting game did look consistent last night. 

Thank you Defense!  The bright spot of the night.  They completely shut down the UConn offense in the second half after Michigan's offense gave them a quick TD.  Desmond Morgan's interception was "Woodson like" and completely changed the game and momentum.   Frank and Mario finally got their pass rush going late and those sacks saved the game.   You could clearly see improvements from last week and how GMat coached them up.  Avery looked a bit rusty but that was his first game of the season.  The Count struggled in his first game back as well against Central and has played well  ever since.

So where are we as a program right now?  One searching for answers and luckily they have two weeks to figure it out.   This is the perfect opportunity to get back to work on the things that is killing this offense right now.   It might also be a good time to give the kids a few days off.   These guys looked a bit "shell shocked" and what they might need is a weekend off to re-focus on their fundamentals and seasons goals.

As Michigan's enters into their bye week and the Big Ten Season, they find themselves feeling like they are 2-2 but their actually 4-0.   There is something to be said about finding a way to win.    There is also something to be said about getting better week to week and right now Michigan is heading in the other direction.   Let's hope they spend the next two weeks fixing those issues.

So is the illusion that this team knows how to win?  Or is illusion this team is not that good and they have played some pretty lousy teams?   You will have to buy a ticket in two weeks and see for yourself. 



See you there!  - Houdini Hoke

Game Day Deep Thoughts

 

Tec clearly has the size advantage over the Huskies this week! 

 

 

 

Memo to the Wolverines:  Do what you did 2 weeks ago not last week. 

 

 

Other things to watch tonight:

• Good Devin vs. Evil Devin
• Is Fitz following his FB?
• Hello Dileo and Jehu are you open?
• Can Michigan pressure the QB without Wreck it Ryan?
• Who is playing on the Dline?
• Are our safeties still playing 40 yards off the ball?
• Can Michigan play well on the road?  (Penn State trip is not that far off)
• When is Peppers getting here?  Will he be at the game? Who is going to be our #2 or #3 CB?
• Will the sold out crowd and UConn's biggest game of the year effect the young Wolverines?
• Jake Butt will get a TD
• Gallon loves the bright lights of a night game and it's the 21st of September (which has to be a good sign).

UConn Preview

Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Rentschler Field
Weather: Mid-high 60's 10% rain
TV: ABC Regional
Line:  Michigan -17.5


This has seemed like a very long week after that debacle last weekend.  Michigan can make everyone forget the Akron game with a good turnover free outing in Connecticut on Saturday night.  Being on semi-national TV, coming off the Akron letdown and a night game should wake up the Wolverines and get them to play some decent football.  

A couple unique facts for this game:  UConn expects over 42,000 fans which would be a record for the University.  That is like three sections at the Big House.   Michigan hasn't played in a stadium this small since they visited BC in 2007.    UConn's AD Warde Manuel played DB at Michigan in the 80's.  (Warde this is a better basketball game then a football game - give us a call for a home and home with the B-Ball Team, that was fun a few years ago and we are better now)


Tale of the Tape:

UConn's Running Game vs. Michigan's Dline = Michigan (UConn averages 57 yards rushing a game)
Devin Gardner ND vs. Devin Gardner Akron =  A Smarter Devin
Michigan Road Team vs. Michigan Home Team = Advantage UConn
Michigan's running game vs. UConn's DLine & LB = UConn
Night Game vs. Day Game = Push
Need a Win = Push

UConn has a decent DLine and LB Yawin Smallwood is leading the nation in tackles per game.   Michigan should still be able to run if they learned anything from last week.  If they didn't, UConn will try to steal the game by stopping Fitz. 

Both teams need a win as Michigan is coming off an embarrassing win against Akron and UConn is 0-2 on the season and their coach Paul Pasqualoni who is failing at UConn and failed at Syracuse is squarely on the hot seat.   Michigan doesn't play well on the road and UConn has nothing to lose, which could equal a closer game then expected.  

The only issue is that Michigan might of had their letdown game last week and traveling for the first time and now understanding the thin line between winning and losing should have them focused for the Huskies.

Sing Hail to the Victors if...............................

• Devin protects the ball at all times
• Fitz finds that 100 yard Mendoza line
• Gallon has another big night game
• Avery is back and playing well at CB
• The defense has 3 sacks and gives up 1 TD

UCan't Stop the Huskies if...................

• If they wear Akron's jerseys
• They throw everything at the Wolverines and their not prepared
• Michigan starts turning the ball over again and again
• Michigan can't run the ball
• The defense is bending and breaking

I expect some changes this week in the starting lineup.  I expect we will see more Willy Henry, Q Washington/Pewee on the D-line.  My gut tells me they don't mess too much with the offensive line unless there are some very bad breakdowns.  GMat has to figure out Michigan's defensive backfield.  Jarrod Wilson has been playing well but the "other CB" is getting killed when The Count moves to Nickel.  Avery could fill that role if he is healthy. 

It really comes down to which Devin Gardner shows up a 8:00 PM.   He has the ability to win or lose a game by himself.   If he stays clean with turnovers, Michigan should win by a nice margin.  If Fitz has trouble finding holes and Devin makes poor decision, this game could go down to the wire.  

Here are some hints if Gallon is double teamed:

• Throw it to Dileo!
• Throw it to a TE!
• Nobody ever covers Fitz out of the backfield on passing downs
• Run!

Lewan, Fitz and Gardner understand what happened last week and won't let it happen again.   Michigan has a bye next week and they don't want to think about a loss after a bad game for the next two weeks.   The Wolverines are focused and will play well.  Starters need work and will play the entire game.

Michigan 31 UConn 13


GO BLUE!

Michigan Thursday: Changes Coming To the O Line?

Brian from MGoBlog does an interesting post every week where he details out all the plays of the prior weeks game.  One of his revelations this week was that the Offensive Line might be taking too much blame for the poor Michigan running game.    That said, they have made some mistakes and Jack Miller had a very poor game last weekend.   We know Glasgow is improving and we all think Kyle Kalis will be a star offensive lineman someday.    The issue Brian points out is that Fitz isn't following his FB in the hole enough, which is causing backside LB's to make more tackles and limit his yardage.  Per Brian:

We've been trying to figure out why the run game sucks so much basically since the season started, and every time I try to explain this I talk about the offensive line mostly and then go "oh by the way, Toussaint probably should have done something different." Those add up. He's turning 2 yards into –2 yards and 10 yards into 4 yards too often and not making up for it much. He's got a nice 14-yarder against ND and then yet another cutback into trouble when he had a gaping hole that he managed to turn into 22 yards by breaking a tackle and juking. That's it.

Sounds like Fitz needs to stop trying to break every carry and go a little Mike Hart/North & South running for more positive yards.   This could also be a little bit of an injury reaction, trying to juke more and keeping guys off his legs.   Let's keep an eye on that this week.  

(the 50-60 yards he lost in holding penalties doesn't help either)


During Hoke's press conference he mentioned he is considering some changes to the OLine either this week or after the bye week (next week):

"Chris Bryant's a guy that we've been excited about. He's been banged up a year ago. Had a little bit early in fall camp and probably right in the middle. He got a little banged up again, but he's back and playing awfully hard. Ben Braden's another guy. We like what he's doing. And Erik Magnuson. I think all those guys are doing a nice job and they're all improving."

If they bring Bryant in, I assume Glasgow would move to center and Bryant to his guard position.   I expect that Jack Miller might be the odd man out in that move.

other notes:

• Avery and AJ Williams are back at practice.   We could use both back in their spots.  AJ is the best blocking TE we have and Avery needs to fill gaps in the secondary.
• Taylor Lewan has been limited in practice with a walking boot, he is expected to play on Saturday. 
• Mario Ojemudia is also limited and probably won't play on Saturday night.
• Johnny Football texted Devin to keep his head up after Saturday's game

ABC Viewing Map is below if your concerned about your location and seeing the game on Saturday.

ABC Viewing Map for the Michigan Game

If you live in the aqua section, I guess it's the Watch ESPN app for you this weekend.

Wolverine Wednesday: Will You See The Game This Weekend?

No matter where you live in the US, you pretty much have no issue seeing every Michigan game.   You just need the Big Ten Network, ESPN and ESPN 2.  Your covered right?

Not this weekend.   ABC is covering the game at 8:00 EST and splitting the national audience between Michigan vs. UConn and Kansas State vs. Texas.  Which means depending on where you live you could get a game with a defense coached by Greg Robinson instead of Greg Mattison. 

What about the reverse mirror?  If your Big Ten game isn't on ABC, it's on ESPN 2?  Since Michigan is on the road this week, this is an American Conference (formerly the Big East) game which doesn't have reverse mirror rights and ESPN2 is showing an Alabama game that starts at 7:00.


So what can you do?  Before yesterday, pretty much nothing.  Then ESPN wised up and put both 8:00 games on the Watch ESPN app.   Normally, they don't put ABC games on Watch ESPN/ESPN 3 channel this week they are.   So hopefully you have access through your cable company.   If you normally don't watch ESPN on the internet, this is a free service if you have cable subscription, you just need your cable log in and you have ESPN on your tablet or PC.   It also looks like the Michigan - UConn game will now be on ESPN Game Plan, which means you might be able to pay a fee to watch the game if your local ABC is showing the other game.  


The Good Greg DC Presser was yesterday and I bulleted below some important topics you might be interested in:

• The DLine has to do a better job winning the 1 on 1's to get more pass rush
• He hasn't been playing Q and Pewee much at Nose because they are looking for faster guys to rush the passer.  They are more run stoppers. 
• Feels The Count is doing a good job at Nickel and will keep him there.   The 3rd CB will come in and cover his spot at CB.    (Not sure I understand why you take your best cover guy and put him in the Nickel on passing downs.  It seems to me you would keep him a CB lock down the #1 WR and put a younger guy in the Nickel spot)
• That 3rd CB continues to change with last week going to Delonte Hollowell and Jourdan Lewis, week one it was Stribling.   GMat is going to the play the best CB that practiced that week.
• Ross didn't start last week due to his lack of focus in practice.
• Should see Avery this week, wanted to wait until he was 100%
• Terry Richardson needs to get stronger physically before he plays
• Wilson and Beyer have been practicing well and that's why they are playing well in games.
• As a good coach does, GMat is saying the lack of pass rush is on him not the kids he is teaching how to do it.

Michigan Monday: We All Got Bruises

The Big 10 took a big perception hit this past weekend and our Wolverines were one of the teams that didn't help the cause.   Let's do a quick run down of the Big Ten before we discuss the Wolverines. 


UP

MSU finally scored some points, 55 in fact.  Yes, it was against Youngstown State but it's a start.
Iowa beat instate rival Iowa State - They are the King of the Corn!
OSU looked impressive beating a CAL team on the road.


Hold

Northwestern handled WMU at home
The health of Minnesota's head coach Jerry Kill is more of a concern then their win over Western Illinois.


Down
Penn State lost to UCF at home
Illinois lost to Washington at home
Michigan beat Akron on a goal line stop
UCLA beat Nebraska in Lincoln
Purdue started well but lost to ND at home
Arizona State beat Wisconsin on a strange ending


The B1g Ten went 1-5 in big games on Saturday and almost made national headlines with a huge upset of Michigan.  Not a good weekend for the conference at all. 

----------

Player reaction after the win/felt like a loss to Akron:

Taylor Lewan: "I don't know about disrespect. I think Akron came out and fought hard. Like we said before, we didn't prepare as a team. That is truly embarrassing for Michigan that we came out like that. It's not fair to the fans, it's not fair to the people who are associated with this program. It's not fair to the freshmen on this team who aren't playing. This is the seniors' fault. This is the captains' fault. We will not come out like this again."

DG on Pressure:  "It's something I deal with well usually. I wasn't myself today. I can't really say much else. You know, pressure doesn't bother me, but they got to me today, and I made a lot of bad decisions. I probably played my worst game ever. It won't happen again."

On Wake UP call:  "You guys can call it what you want, but we're going to respond. That's what we talked about all summer. Responding to adversity. This is the probably the most adverse situation we could be in. We almost lost to Akron. No disrespect to Akron, but we almost lost after coming out and having a great win last week in front of the whole world, and we come out and almost blow it. It's majority me. I would have been sick if we didn't have a chance to pursue our goals of a national championship and Big Ten championship because of the way I played today."


The common theme was that the team didn't prepare very well this week, due to a couple of hot days and not being motivated to play Akron after coming off the ND win.

• Michigan at UConn is an 8:00 Kickoff on ABC.  They really must of had a hard time finding a good game to show, if their premier games are Purdue - ND and Michigan - UConn in back to back weeks.  UConn is 0-2 with loses to Towson and Maryland. 

Really? It seems the players weren't the only ones that didn't show up on Saturday.   First time since 2001 that the stadium wasn't filled to capacity.  Almost 3,000 people skipped the game.




MVictors Twitter Account

 

 

 

The Akron defenders couldn't let his teammate watch Devin run or the end of the game.  Photo thanks to Rivals.



Michigan Tuesday: Michigan at UConn - Should They or Shouldn't they?

In 2013 Michigan will make a trip to UConn's Rentschler Field on September 21st.   This was a return "home and home" contract that Sailboat Bill Martin signed so he could have a medium profile game to open the "updated" Big House in 2010.  

The catch is that Rentschler Field is basically the size of an end zone at Michigan Stadium which holds 40,000 people.  Playing on the road in a 40K stadium doesn't exactly make current Michigan AD David Brandon very happy.   He would prefer UConn host the game at an NFL stadium so that the Michigan faithful in the NYC area can get a ticket.  He would also prefer the game have a bigger TV impact.   As you know, David signed a contract to play at "Jerry World" to kickoff the 2012 season against defending National Champion Alabama.  Why would he agree to that?  Because Jerry will pay Michigan a similar amount of what they would have made hosting a game at the Big House.

UConn AD (a Michigan Grad) Warde Manuel doesn't what to move it to an NFL stadium: "We have a contract to play at Rentschler Field," Manuel told the Courant, "and that's where we're gonna play."

So what should Michigan do?  Play in a 40,000 seat house or buy out the contract or pay UConn $2M for breaking the contract?

On one hand, the game isn't that big of a risk, UConn football isn't really trending up after thier head coach left for Maryland a year ago.  UConn hired a former Syracuse Head Coach and we all know how that works out.  

On the other hand, Michigan could make probably double the buy out if they scheduled a home game at the Big House.   The problem is, it might be hard to find an opponent to fill that spot at this point.  The game is 15 months away but football schedules are done years in advance. 

Could Michigan throw UConn an extra $1M to play at the Big House?  $3M for a trip to A2 isn't bad and they probably would make more money then they would attending a bowl game.

It's clear that David Brandon is not a fan of this contract and would like to change it.   The big question is, is he $2M mad or not.   I'm guessing David is trying to find some common ground with Warde but as they say "a contract is a contract".   Maybe they can bring in some folding chairs or something?  :)

When the Detroit News asked Dave earlier this month about the game, he replied:  "Working hard on it".

Michigan Thursday: Denard Version 1.0 Speaks About Denard 2.0

Pat White who is now a member of the Kansas City Royals organization spoke about Denard Robinson:

"He's a beast, that's all you can say," White said Wednesday in a teleconference announcing his shift from pro football to a baseball career with the Kansas City Royals. "He's just doing amazing things out there."

"He obviously knows the position and looks like a hard runner and a good leader," White said. "He doesn't look afraid to run the ball or stick his nose in there."

"I do think he's durable and will hold up," White said. "It's more than just being the right kind of quarterback, though. It's the right 11 guys doing the right things most of the time.

"He just needs to show up for work every day and be who you are. That's what he's doing now."

BG will be back in town to play his home town Detroit Lions this weekend.  Here is what he had to say about RR and Denard:  (freep link):  “I know he’s going to be there,” Graham said. “I know he’s staying there. He ain’t going nowhere, you can say that. I can see that, already within the team, that those guys, very strong. A lot of linemen that was light last year gained a lot of pounds to get ready, got stronger and got faster. “I don’t see Coach Rod leaving now. I just think them boys going to take it one game at a time, and a lot of people are going to have a different perspective when they talk about Michigan.”   On DRob:  "just one move, and he was gone,” Graham said. “That’s what I see that he gained a lot from last year. Last year, he was trying to do too many juke moves. Now I see him just making one cut, and he’s gone. “That was the biggest thing that we had to get him to do, to know his own speed. And to see him out there really killing it right now, I’m very happy for him, because I know he worked hard.”

• U of M to honor Ron Kramer #87 before the kickoff of the UMass game

• 3 Keys to an UMass Upset on Saturday.  Stop Denard, Stop Denard, Score points 

• Mike Marrow a former Alabama running back has decided to transfer closer to home and picked Eastern Michigan, over Wisconsin and Michigan?  That U of M offer doesn't pass the sniff test in my book.  Maybe there was a walk on offer.  Mike is from Toledo. 

• We will see how good UConn is this week as the take on a quality Temple team that is expected to compete for a MAC Championship and already has a win over Central Michigan.

Wolverine Wednesday: Starts to Look at 2012 Recruits

In recruiting, the early bird gets the Worm.  Michigan hopes that analogy rings true when it comes to 2012 recruit Chris Wormly a 6'4, 255 pound defensive end out of Toledo, Ohio.  Chris is expected to be one of the top players in Ohio in 2012. 

Chris was in town for Michigan's win over UConn and will be a high priority for the Wolverines in the next class. 

James Ross is a 6'0 209 pound linebacker from Orchard Lake, Michigan.  He was also in town this past weekend and enjoyed his visit.  He has Michigan as his early leader.

Maty Mauk, a 6'2, 185 pound QB from Kenton, Ohio.  Some of you may remember his brother Ben Mauk who was the QB for Brian Kelly at Cincinnati.  Maty will be a very highly recruited QB and already has a Cincinnati and ND offer.  Maty was in Ann Arbor this weekend as well.

Danny O'Brien is a 6'4 255 pound DT from Flint Powers. He enjoyed the UConn game: "(Mike) Martin is a beast. The defense looked good. Me and Matt both had a great time, it was an awesome game."  Danny already has offers and interest from programs like Tennessee and Ohio State.

Matt Godin is a 6'5 243 pound DT from Detroit Catholic Central.  He is friends with Danny above and was on the sidelines as well on Saturday.


Nick Patti, Dee's QB in Orlando, Florida. This is Nick's second trip to A2 and he enjoyed himself: "It was great for me, I loved it. It's hard not to like it there," he said.  Nick is a 5'9, 171 pound QB, I'm guessing Michigan would want him as a slot WR. 
 
Basketball Recruiting:

The Next Big Dog?  Michigan is recruiting 2012 shooting guard Glen Robinson, III from St. John, Indiana.  Glen is 6'5 and 212 pounds.  Many of you will remember Glen's dad who starred at Purdue and was known as the Big Dog.  Glen III is being heavily recruited by John B and staff and was up as well for the UConn game.

Michigan vs UConn Preview

Date: September 4, 2010

Time: 3:30 EST

TV: ABC/ESPN 2

Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Weather: 65 degrees
Line: Michigan -3

Final pre-season rant: 
Harvey Danger has a song called Flagpole Sitta that has a line that states:  "I'm not sick but I'm not well".  This line best describes the Michigan football program the last 3 years.  Yes, the last 3 years.  The last year in the Lloyd Carr era was full of lows and highs with some things that were just un-excusable.   We all know what has happened under RR the last two years.  This program is not sick but it's not well either. 

The time for change is now.  Not a year from now, it's f'ing now!   It's time to flush the past 3 years down the toilet and start playing Michigan football.  I don't want to hear about the Freep, Stretching Gate, players leaving, players with out wings, past records, or hot seats.  I want to see some GOD DAMN Michigan football.  I want to see fast, physical, smart football.  On Saturday it doesn't matter if your a freshman or a senior, it doesn't mater if you love or hate the new Big House.  On Saturday it's time to STAND UP and play Michigan Football.  Play hard, Play for the men that came before you, Play for MICHIGAN!

Ok, I feel better.  Thanks for the letting me get that out. 

Game Preview:

I don't expect any surprises on Saturday.  Both teams are pretty familiar with each other.  The reason being is; Michigan is full with a Big East coaching staff and UConn of course is a Big East Team.   Rich Rodriguez and Greg Robinson are two former head coaches in the Big East vs Randy Edsall.   It's clear both teams are better on offense then they are on defense and whichever team get more stops is going to win.  Pretty simple, right?

Opening games are normally sloppy, full of penalties, with a number of turnovers, and special team mistakes.  If we even those things out with both teams, then the game prediction is pretty clear in my mind. 
Let's go to the tale of tape to see if what I am thinking is right.

Michigan Offense vs UConn's D = Michigan

UConn's Offense vs Michigan D = UConn

Special Teams = Push

UConn's offense strength is in the running game with junior RB Jordan Todman who ran for 1,188 yards in 2009.  Michigan defense is the strongest up front with a good defensive line and experienced linebackers (I know - I said experienced).   Michigan weakness is clearly in the secondary where they have a ton of youth with zero experience.   Still I don't expect UConn to go Texas Texas and start throwing the ball around the yard.  They will still try to run the ball, unless they get down big. 

Michigan on offense has two sophomore QB's nicknamed the "Fed-Ex duo"  that can beat you via the air or land.   I expect Tate Forcier to get the start but Denard to get a ton of time.  I also expect some sets with both Tate and Denard in the backfield.  (Maybe Tate pitches to Denard and he throws or runs or maybe he is just a decoy).   This unit with an experience offensive line is the strongest unit on the field for either team.  UConn is also young in the defensive backfield and could give up some big plays in the passing game. 

Whoever plays the best defense wins the game. 

Players to watch for Michigan:

• Michael Shaw at running back
• Cullen Christian at cornerback
• Taylor Lewan offensive line
• Cam Gordon at Safety

Sing Hail to the Victors if...............

• Michigan has a RB over 100 yards
• Michigan limits turnovers and negative plays
• Both Tate and Denard play well
• The freshman CB's know where to lineup
• The senior linebackers play like seniors

Worry if...........

• Michigan has trouble stopping the run
• There is little pressure on the Zach Frazer UConn's QB
• The Big House atmosphere doesn't rattle the young Huskies 

I expect that Darryl Stonum will be the difference at WR and in the return game.  He catches 2 touchdowns passes and one deep.  All the Michigan running backs play and they play well.  The offense line dominates and the new Big House shakes! Michigan wins 31-21.

Brock Mealer you are an inspiration to everyone!    I'm looking forward to you walking across the field! 

Go Blue!