Michigan Thursday: I Guess They Didn't Enjoy The Loss

John Beilein's club didn't enjoy the loss on Super Bowl Sunday and took it out on Nebraska in almost a 30 point win.   Michigan dominated from the opening tip and never looked back.  

It seems GR3 was tired of being the 3rd or 4th option and lead the team in points with 23, Levert threw in 16, Irvin was hot in the first half and contributed 16 points and Nik only shot the ball a couple times but added 8 assists.  

This was the type of win that good teams have at home.   In the Big Ten this year, you just have to try to survive on the road and dominate at home.   That is what the Wolverines did last night.   When the 3 drops, this is a very hard team to beat. 

The Michigan schedule now heats back up again with back to back road games at Iowa and Ohio State.

• The Malik McDowell saga continues as his LOI has yet to reach East Lansing. Mom is the legal guardian and she has made it very clear, she does not want her son in East Lansing. “I’m not legally able to do it because I’m not the custodial parent,” Greg told The Detroit News, noting that Malik is only 17. “She has to sign it and I have to sign it, too. I don’t know when it will happen. Malik has to handle that with his Mom. I’m willing to do whatever my son wants. It’s been a long process and an uneasy process.

• Denard, Devin and Big Will were all together at the Nebraska game last night.

• Florida athlete DJ Law signs with 3 schools on NSD.   The guy just wants to have options! :-)

Michigan Monday: Are Champions of the East?

It looks like the Big Ten is about to reverse course on the Luke and Laura divisions, sorry I mean the Legends and Leaders divisions.    When those divisions names were created there was like a 90% dis-satisfaction return from most Big Ten fans on the names.   The Big Ten didn't care and moved forward with the names anyway.  

So how could the Big Ten get out of those names and still keep face they changing the Big Ten for the better?   They could find two bankrupt athletic departments of very good academic institutions in major TV markets and add them to the Big Ten quickly.   They did that and now they are changing the names to East and West.  

Here are the breakdowns:

East	West
Indiana	Illinois
Maryland	Iowa
Michigan	Minnesota
Michigan State	Nebraska
Ohio State	Northwestern
Penn State	Purdue
Rutgers	Wisconsin

Michigan has the much harder division, but I don't think there was much of a choice.   Michigan, OSU and MSU have to be in the same division.   When Penn State gets back they will be a good football program again.   It's hard to know what Maryland and Rutgers will have year to year but I would expect their recruiting to be better now they are headed to the Big Ten.   Games against Nebraska and The Little Brown Jug will be few and far in-between now.   I like the sound of future Big Ten Championship games with Michigan vs. Nebraska or Wisconsin.

• I hate hate stories like this one:  Rumeal Robinson's Championship Ring is on EBay for $90K.  I know RR life has taken a turn for the worse but it's really too bad that he has to sell a ring for the biggest moment of his life.   Maybe Stephen Ross will buy it and donate it to the U of M athletic department.

• Draftcountdown.com has Big Will on the Super Sleeper list.   I agree, I think Big Will could come into is own in a year or two in the NFL.  He came along way under Greg Mattison and Brady Hoke.

• Former FSU QB Clint Trickett could visit Ann Arbor and fill that graduate transfer role that Michigan is looking for next season.   There are a couple of issues with Clint coming to U of M, I believe he has 2 years of eligibility left and most QB's are looking to start not be a back-up to Devin Gardner.  Clint was at West Virginia's Spring Game this weekend and is also considering South Florida and Auburn.

Michigan Monday: Visit Reactions and Auburn Hills

I didn't see a 4 seed coming, I was thinking a 2 or 3 a week ago. With the loss to Wisconsin and how Michigan has played of late a 4 seed seems about right.   They are lucky to be staying home and playing in Auburn Hills.   I don't know if they will be staying out there or sleeping in their own beds but either way its nice for the Wolverines to be close to home.   I don't know much about the Jackrabbits but I'm sure they will be ready to play and looking to beat Michigan in their backyard.

Now on to Recruiting:

• Hand had a "great visit" in his words.  He enjoyed hanging out with the players the most.   He will be back up for the ND game for his official visit.

• Berger enjoyed the visit and his highlight was watching practice and how the coaches were flying around in practice.   He mentioned new coach Roy Manning and he and his dad got to spend some time 1 on 1 with Roy after practice.  Still planning an early summer decision and looking to visit OSU and Tennessee next.

• Doles was similar to Berger in his reaction, he enjoyed seeing practice and the how the coaches interact with the players.  There wasn't a commit and he could be very close to a decision.  I wonder if he is waiting on another offer or something.  It seems he has the highest probability to be Michigan's next commit but we will see.

• Weishar is excited about Michigan and enjoyed talking with the coaches and the school overall.  He is clearly a guy that is high on academics.   He will visit ND next in a couple weeks.  Most believe this to be a Michigan - ND race with ND the slight leader out of the gate.

Here are some of the number for the early enrollees for Spring Ball:

Butt = 88
Douglas = 7
LTT = 72
Bosch = 65
Thomas = 25
Taco= 33

Here is an article on Denard's impressive Pro Day and how Big Will might be moving up from a un-drafted free agent to being drafted.   Kovas is still 50/50 if he will be a drafted vs. a free agent but he helped his cause with a strong Pro Day.

Michigan Friday: BHB Bullets

• Remember Laquon Treadwell?  He committed to Ole Miss last night.  That was a fun recruitment.

• The Michigan coaches let Cam Hunt know they are done with OL recruiting for the 2013 class.  It was highly un-likely that he was going to commit to Michigan with 6 other lineman committed anyway.

• It seems Michigan has 2 more guys on their 2013 board.  RB Derrick Green and TE Durham Smythe.   There could be some late offers that go off if things don't work out with these two guys.   Michigan has 2 more spots max, DG is announcing on the 26th and Durham wants to make a decision near signing day.

• How about them Wolverines?  John Beilein's squad had an impressive win last night at #9 Minnesota.   It was the complete opposite of the way they played in Columbus on Sunday.   Love that Michigan Basketball is a force again in the Big 10 and nationally.  

• Big Will is doing well in the East - West Shrine game and there are talks be might be a better fit on the offensive line in the NFL.  Right now Big Will has a 6 round grade.

• Kicker JJ McGrath will walk-on to Michigan for the 2013 class.  

Wolverine Wednesday: Denard's and Big Will's Last Stand at the Big House

This Saturday will mark the final time Denard Robinson and Big Will Campbell will walk on to the field at the Big House and play a football game.   Both of them get to travel to C-Bus and play in a Bowl Game but this weekend is their final game in Ann Arbor.

Both players are a microcosm of the success and failure of Rich Rodriguez at Michigan.  

Denard has been one of the most electric players in Michigan history.   When he finds the slightest of holes, he could be gone for a 85 yard touchdown.  He made the RR years on offense exciting and fun to watch.  He will always be remembered as a true Michigan man for being a great role model and staying when everyone said he should leave during the coaching change.

Big Will has come very far from a lazy 5 star freshman that really didn't know if he should be on the offense or defensive line.   "It's been bumpy, it's been up and down," Campbell said. "I wish I was under this coaching staff all four years, but I wasn't, so the opportunities they gave me I just tried to capitalize on.

"I'm not saying that (the previous staff held me back). I was just lazy and young, and didn't realize the opportunities in front of me."

Denard is the type of player RR likes to recruit, he takes guys that don't fit in other systems and turns them into a stars.  Denard was highly recruited as an athlete but most programs wanted him as a DB or WR.  Rich Rod wanted him as a QB.  He was a perfect fit.    "We had a pretty good idea, but I don't think you ever know for sure until you get him," Rodriguez said. "I remember we really liked his film and his high school coach raved about him. But then when our coaches went down to watch him practice, I remember them calling me and saying, 'This guy's got it.' I said, 'What do you mean?' They said, 'He can throw, he can run.

"He has kind of an infectious personality, he has the leadership, he has all those other qualities that sometimes you have to see in person to recognize. I remember when (the coaches) called, they said, 'This is going to be a guy we think we can build an offense around,' and certainly he's had a great career."    Let's hope he is healthy this week and gets a chance to leave the Big House the same way he came in.  Best thing RR did at Michigan = Denard Robinson

There is a long list of bad things RR did at Michigan but the Defense has to be close to the top of the list.   The non-development of Big Will just pains me.  

I know I have said it a 100 times on this blog but not red-shirting Big Will is just stupid.   He said above he was lazy and was out of shape.   He didn't understand the commitment needed to be an Division 1 football player.   Those type of guys you either throw into the fire so they can learn or you keep them on the bench and redshirt them.   RR did the worst thing possible and put him on extra point duty.   What a waste of a year.  Can you imagine another year under Mattison and Hoke?  I would guess probably about a 3rd round draft pick. 

How is Big Will doing now? 
"Will Campbell is a guy who’s really grown and probably played his best football game (against Northwestern),” Hoke said. “Uh, really grown -- well in some ways he hasn’t grown. He’s gotten thinner.

"I think his approach to the game (has helped), and you see that. You see that in guys who become juniors and seniors that are focused. Their mind-set, how they prepare. That’s part of it. Leadership’s part of it.

"The comfort zone a guy gets because he’s been through it and been through the struggles.”

Sorry Big fella, we should of had you for another year.  Congratulations on the hard work and the good play!  Send RR a bill for a couple years of your NFL salary if it doesn't work out for you on draft day.

Michigan Tuesday: Talking About Practice

Coach Hoke opening remarks at his Day 1 press conference:

“Ready to go? All right. Thanks for coming out. For us, it was the first day back out there with a new football team. It’s always fun. There’s a lot of questions out there that we’ll continue to have as we go through this fall camp. I thought there’s some excitement, some chippyness, which is always good because there’s some competition. And that’s an important part of every day. We’re going to manufacture that as much as we can and put stress on our players and get them out of their comfort zone so that Saturdays are easy. That’s part of what the plan has always been. I thought we had a pretty good day. We got some good work as a team. Obviously when you’re going out there without pads on, helmets on, it can be deceiving at times, but I liked how we practiced with only helmets on. I thought they did a nice job with that. Thought the seniors and the guys who have played a lot of football at Michigan -- they’ve really taken an accountability, so that part of it is exciting and it was a good first day.”

Did Fitz Toussaint and Frank Clark participate?
“They did not participate.”

Will they?
“I don’t know that.”

When will you make a decision on that?
“When I make it, I guess. When? I don’t know.”

Injury going into camp:  LB Poole has a Pec Injury.

Michigan Friday: Big Will Pleads and Other Info

Big Will pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of property.  He has to pay $2100 in damages to the owner of the car that he slide over.  He will also have to stay clean for a couple of years.   I expect he will have a few early morning work outs or a few steps he has to run at the Big House. 

• Like I mentioned yesterday 2014 DB Damon Webb from Cass Tech got his Michigan offer on Thursday.  Damon and his family are Wolverine fans.  

• Today is the first day the Michigan Basketball Program gives out scholarship offers to incoming high school juniors.   The two players most likely getting offers are Devin Booker and  Keita Bates-Diop.   Today also marks the first day for unlimited calls and texts to recruits from coaches.   This shouldn't get out of hand?  I hope these kids have an unlimited plan.  Update: Just heard Devin and Keita both got offered already!

• Speaking of Basketball, Carlton Brundidge transferred to University of Detroit Mercy.  Poor kid had health issues and got Trey Burke'd in playing time.

Michigan Friday: Big Will - Little Trouble

I won't restate the journey that Big Will has been on.  We all know it too well.

Big Well didn't help his Michigan legacy by getting arrested April 7th for being drunk and sliding across the hood of a car.  An officer was nearby and heard the metal bending under his 322 body and arrested him.  Will is facing one felony and one misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of property.  I expect the felony to be dropped and maybe just a misdemeanor charge left.  Will's status with the team has not changed.

• Commitment Watch:  Maurice Hurst, Jr. will be visiting Ann Arbor this weekend.  He is a 4 star DT prospect to Scouts from Westwood, MA.   He has offers from OSU, NC, Nebraska, MSU, BC and others.   He is 6'2 and 280 pounds.   Michigan is looking to take two DT's in this class.  The wish list is Mr. Hurst and Mr. Poggi. 

• Coach Hoke stopped by Kettering, Ohio where he grew up and dropped some knowledge: “I think really in about three years you’ll see four super conferences, and I think the Big East will go away and maybe the ACC. But look, I’m just a coach. I don’t know all of it.”----On local products Kaleb Ringer and Roy Roundtree: (Kaleb)“He had a great spring. He had over a 3.0 (GPA). He did a great job from the academic side of it. He did a nice job of learning the defense. He was awesome. I think he can be in the mix (for playing time).” (Roy) “He’s doing great. He’s going to wear No. 21 in honor of (Heisman Trophy winner) Desmond Howard. It’s a big deal. Desmond is fired up. Roy is fired up. And I’m fired up.”

• OSU is looking to get out of it's contract with Georgia in 2020 and 2021 due to the Big Ten moving to 9 games and the new contract with the PAC 10.

• If you ever have to wonder if Brady Hoke is the right coach for Michigan, read this ESPN story about the seniors trip to California for SEALS training.  What a great idea and I am glad the NCAA allowed it.

• OSU fan that offered $2000 to take out LTT on twitter has apologized and donated $2000 to U of M. 

  

Wolverine Wednesday: RIP Coach Hokes Father

Brady Hoke's father John passed away on Monday.   John played football at Miami of Ohio for Woody Hayes and was an assistant coach for the Chicago Bears.  No other information has been made available.  

I hope his last two years were at peace watching his son get and preform well at his dream job.  Please keep a good thought out for "Coach" and his family this week.   Rest in Peace John.

• Big Will is looking to step up as a leader this year.  I still can't believe RR didn't redshirt him.  He took a couple snaps on extra points his first year.  If anyone needed a RS year it was Big Will.

• I figured after Illinois didn't land Shaka Smart they would head to Ohio to grab John Groce.   It sounds like a deal is close.   Another quality coach in the Big Ten.  John was making $250K at Ohio and I expect he will make over $1M at Illinois.

Michigan Thursday: Michigan Lands The BIG 3 as Terry Richardson Gives his Pledge

This morning Terry Richardson gave his pledge to join Michigan's 2012 recruiting class.  Michigan's Big 3 is what I consider the top instate recruits in the 2012 class which include; LB Royce Jenkins-Stone, LB James 'Biggs" Ross and CB Terry Richardson.  All are highly rated 4 star prospects and this trio happens to be close friends.  This makes 12 verbals for the 2012 class and all 12 are from Michigan or Ohio.  MSU has received 0 commits from players that has Michigan and MSU offers. 

Terry is rated 4 stars by Rivals, Scouts and 24x7 Sports.  He is 5'9 160 pounds and has an offer list from the top programs like Alabama, ND, USC, Oklahoma, MSU, UCLA, LSU, Penn State and many others.   24x7 sports has Terry as the #1 player in the State of Michigan , #3 CB in the country and #31 player ranking in the nation.  Scouts has him ranked the 10th CB in the country.

Terry plays at Michigan feeder school Detroit Cass Tech who has sent a number of players to Michigan the past few years including 5 star prospects Big Will Campbell and Boubacar Cissoko.   As you have seen over the years, Michigan has been targeting taller CB's who can match up with taller Big Ten WR's but Terry's talent was too hard to pass up for Michigan and the other big time programs that had offered him.

My hope for Terry is that he can redshirt and learn from Michigan's coaching staff.  His height doesn't concern me if it doesn't concern guys like Mattison, Saban and Stoops. I just hope he isn't rushed on the field unless he is so talented that it's warranted. 

I expect Michigan to still take at least one more DB and probably two.  Most likely are guys that can play both corner and safety.  I would consider Armani Reeves and Wayne Morgan the top candidates.  Allen Gant might want to "accept" his Michigan offer pretty quickly.

This is Michigan's 12th verbal commit in this class and there are roughly 20-22 opening next year.  Outside DB's, priorities still remain at defensive tackle, offensive line, 1 QB, and 1 RB.

• The #2 rated DT in the country is planning a visit to Ann Arbor.  Jarron Jones a 6-foot-5, 300 pounds DT is a "soft" commit to Penn State but wants to take some visits and U of M looks to be one of them next month.

•  From the Detroit News: According to Tom Lemming of Prep Football Report, the players Michigan has landed instate has put Michigan State in a hole.
  
  "I've never seen anything like this," Lemming said. "These kids are committing to U-M without seeing other schools. U-M is everywhere.
  
  
  "Michigan State ran into a Michigan buzz saw. They have to spend more time in Ohio and the Chicago area to get the players they need. They do a great job of developing players, sort of like Wisconsin and Iowa. They can't beat Michigan head-to-head in recruiting. They have to beat them on the field."
  
  "There is such a thing as momentum in recruiting," said Josh Helmholdt of Rivals. "Getting Ross to commit early was big. It's an exciting time to be around Michigan. These guys are just kicking butt. They're out-working everyone. They're creating excitement and they have openings (for starting positions).
  
  "All this has happened in two months."

ESPN Magazine Cover:

Michigan Thursday: Michigan News and More Tressel Thoughts

Let's Catch Up on Some Michigan News:

• The Michigan coaches had lunch with the media yesterday and there were a lot of topics discussed.  A2.com and Mgoblog has extensive coverage.  The top things, I got out of those articles: Big Will should be Big and will play on the Defensive Line next year (I sure hope RR and Staff didn't screw him out of two good years),  That they really won't know what they have until they start spring practice, Mattison won't watch tape from last year - he wants to see what they have during practice, they will watch a lot of Ravens film, they want to stop the run first, Denard is interested in running less and throwing more and being a more complete QB.   More on the links.............

• Michigan has sold all the Suites and Luxury seating for the 2011 season at the Big House.

• The Michigan Basketball Team has an important game on Friday at 2:30.  If they beat Illinois, I think they are in for sure.  If they don't, they might be back on the bubble.   Go Blue!

Tressel is taking it hard in the media.  Writing the books on leadership and how to live your life isn't exactly helping him today.   In the past, his sweater vests seemed to be made of Teflon he didn't take heat for the mess at Youngstown State or the Clarett business.   I'm not sure if he is going to be able to escape this one with just a two game suspension and $250K.  The one thing the NCAA hates is when people lie to them, the NCAA could point back to Youngstown State and him hiding information.    

So know what?  The NCAA is investigating and I expect they won't accept Ohio State's penalty.   If I had to guess what the NCAA would consider a proper penalty:

• OSU knowingly played with 5 players that were ineligible last year.  I expect those victories might be vacated.

• I also wouldn't be surprised if Jim's suspension is increased.  I wouldn't expect (but they could) the NCAA to go "Dez Bryant" on him and suspend him for an entire season but I could see 6 or 7 games.

• The one thing that the NCAA is now focusing on is the person/coach.  If they find a history of Tressel lying or going against the NCAA rules he could be looking at a major penalty.   

I know Ohio State wants to keep Jim in place and just take a penalty and move on.  If this gets ugly and the program is hit with serious penalties and Jim is found guilty of covering up at ton of booster activity, he won't survive.  No coach ever does.    It makes you wonder about all the top recruiting classes that OSU pulls in every year. Are guys promised special benefits?  Is OSU the USC of the Midwest?

Michigan Thursday:Agrees with Alvarez's Sarcasm

Barry Alvarez was asked what he thinks the Big Ten should name the two football conferences: "Let's say you call (the divisions) Bo and Woody," he said, referring to football coaching greats Schembechler at Michigan and Hayes at Ohio State, respectively. "If I'm Ohio State, I'm saying, ‘This league's about us.' If I'm Michigan, this league's about us. I don't want to identify (them) with another school. They can call (the divisions) A and B as far as I'm concerned." I agree Barry, Bo and Woody makes the most sense. Good idea.  He wouldn't have gone for two against Minnesota either.

• Dhani Jones has designed a new bow tie to support Mott Children's Hospital.  The Bow Ties will be sold at Moe Sports Shops and Underground Printing for $55 per bow tie (his number at U of M).  He will also be at Underground Printing this weekend for those of you in A2. 

Want to hear from RR on Big Will and a change at LB?  Here are some quotes from the Detroit News:

Rodriguez said he expects to see Kenny Demens, J.B. Fitzgerald and Mark Moundros in the mix a bit more against the Hawkeyes. "Particularly if they have a good week in practice," Rodriguez said. "Kenny Demens in particular has had some real good practices and has shown some pretty good things when he's had an opportunity out there. So it looks like they've warranted the opportunity to see what they can do in the game."

Big Will:  "I think he's a better player than he was a year ago," Rodriguez said. "He'll continue to get better because I think the game is important to him.
"He still has to work on some things to be an every-down player for us and be able to help us in our base situations, and he knows that and he knows the things he has to work through. He's still a young player. He's got a good attitude and he's working to get better. There's another level he can get to, and we're hoping he can get there quickly."

• Brian at Mgoblog, tracks all the plays on offense and defense of the State game.   The defensive players that had the worst day were:  Ezeh, Banks at DE (also Black but he is a true freshman looking to hit the QB), true freshman CB's, and Cam Gordon (mostly for poor tackling).  Wrap up Cam!  Wrap up!

TV Tonight:  2 Thursday games: Kansas vs Kansas State and South Florida vs West Virgina. 

Michigan Tuesday: Wolverines MIA

It's been a few days since the Michigan State game and Michigan is in full preparation mode for Iowa on Saturday.   There has been plenty of talk of new players at linebacker, running back, cornerback, and the defensive line.   We need to remember the Wolverines are 5-1 not 1-5 so wholesale changes are not needed, but I think we all agree that some changes do need to be made.  

RR even said on Monday that Avery, Christian, and Talbott would all be redshirting if they had depth in the defensive backfield.   They all are playing and redshriting is now out of the question.  We don't need to re-cap all the DB's that are no longer on the team or down with injury.

I always get texts or emails that says, "what ever happened to this guy?" or "why isn't Big Will playing more?".   So I will tell you what I know or have heard, I'm not at practice, so some of this is speculation but here it goes:


"Big" Will Campbell, DT:  No surprise this guy makes the list.  Here is a 5 star guy that hasn't been able to pop into the starting lineup and has been #3 on the depth chart.  He is still early in his sophomore year but has lost his redshirt ability.   The knocks on Big Will has been his conditioning and his technique.  In High School he just man handled kids at Michigan you have to learn the correct technique for the position.  That is why some recruiting services had projected him on the O Line instead of the D Line in college.

Look for Big Will to get a lot more time this week if Mike Martin can't go.  I would like Big Will to be in regular rotation just so he can be a big run stopper.  Mostly if and when Michigan goes to a 4 man defensive fronts.

Je'Ron Stokes, WR: A 4 star Army All American guy coming out of high school.  Same as Big Will, he is a true sophomore without a redshirt year.   Je'Ron actually got a lot of playing time when Junior was out with an injury, he just didn't get a lot of looks.   With Junior healthy he might only get spot duty but I still think this guy has talent and may have a big game still in him this year.  He reminds me of Darryl Stonum.

Michael Cox, RB:  I have no idea what is going on here.  This is a big, athletic running back.  The "word" from practice is that he might be the best athlete on the team.  Maybe it's a passion or running style issue, but I'm guessing this could be one of those guys that practices poorly and plays well on game day.  If that is the case, I don't think he will get much playing time with Stephen Hopkins a true freshman beating him out already. 

Kenny Demens, LB:  I have given up on Obi Ezeh.  I'm sorry I just have.  I know he is a 5th year guy but watching State's first long run when Obi was chasing the offensive line and Baker ran right through Ezeh's gap/shadow for a 61 yard touchdown, I was done for good.  He was a running back in high school and this 4 year linebacker experiment has failed.   Kenny or JB Fitzgerald might not have his experience but they can't be any worse.  I would rather have a young guy in there making mistakes then a 5th year guy making the same ones.

Isaiah Bell, LB:  Remember this guy?  A safety from Ohio that ESPN loved?  Well he is now at linebacker at 6'1 245 and has out grown the safety position.  He is a guy that was able to redshirt last year and probably falls into the "not quite ready" camp.   It would be nice to see him at LB or Safety but lets hope his future is bright at linebacker.  (he is not listed on the 3 deep)

Marvin Robinson, SS: a true freshman who seems to be playing special teams.  He has also been beat up this year.    I know Kovacs is probably one of our best players on defense.  He is a smart kid plays and makes up for his lack of foot speed with heady play.   I just would like to see Marvin get some spot time, maybe on pass plays.  If he is that good of an athlete we need to find away to get him on the field.

Who will replace Odoms, who is out with a broken foot at SR?  I'm betting on Jeremy Gallon over Terrence Robinson.  I think TRob is still having some "catching" issues (the entire WR unit had them last weekend) but I think RR has more confidence in Jeremy. 

Michigan - BGSU Post Game

Well that was more like it.   We got want we wanted but it just came a week late.  Michigan got all 3 QB's in and all 3 looked pretty good.   Tate went 12-12 in throwing the ball and Denard was lighting it up on the ground before he went out with a knee injury.  65-21 is an obvious mismatch but it's good to be 4-0 heading into October and The Big Ten season.

Devin looked pretty sharp throwing the ball and even had a long bomb dropped by Junior Hemingway.   The defense played well for most of the game.   

So what did we learn from this game?  Not much in my opinion.  BGSU was not a very good team.  Their backup QB seemed to struggle most of the day.   Michigan got whatever they wanted on offense and didn't punt all day long.  They didn't even attempt a field goal.  

This game was good for confidence on both sides of the ball after a pretty humbling week against UMass last week.  All the running backs found holes and ran the ball well.  It was good to see Fitz Toussaint, Mike Cox and Stephen Hopkins get some touches at RB.   I would like to see Mike Cox be the goal line/short yardage running back. 

Let's quickly get to the Cheers and Jeers:

Cheers:

• The Michigan offense was un-stoppable
• Michigan finally got some pressure on the opposing QB and recorded 3 sacks
• Michigan got to go deep in the depth chart
• Confidence should be high going on the road to IU next week
• Defense seemed to be more aggressive this week

Jeers:

• Michigan seems a bit banged up with Denard going out with a knee and Shaw getting tripped in the 3rd quarter.  Shaw's injury could last into this week.  He was limping coming off the field after the game.  RR said Denard will be ready to play at IU next weekend.
• The Michigan defense did give up a big play on a 71 yard screen for a touchdown.
•  No punts or field goals mean our kickers didn't get any more confidence
• Devin's redshirt is for sure gone

Michigan played well and blew out a team they should of blown out.  It's difficult to see Denard go down in such a mismatch but it gave Tate a chance to show he isn't dead or transferring.  I still don't understand why they would blow Devin's redshirt unless they fully believe they will need him this year.   I guess he could always redshirt next year? 

So Michigan is again 4-0, just like last year.  The Big Ten season is now on tap with  a trip to IU next Saturday and then huge games against MSU and Iowa at home.  Michigan needs to prove they can win on the road and start off the season the right way.  IU likes to score points and they will test Michigan's defense.  Let's hope some of the guys banged up at linebacker will be back for next weeks game.

Let's also hope Denard's injury isn't serious and he will be 100% next week.

Go Blue!

Enjoy some photos from the game:

Barwis and Big Will

 Mike Martin

 Denard after the game

The last drive of the game

Inmates Run The Big House Day #4: What I Want To See From The Spring Game

With an NCAA penalty and a Do or Die season for Rich Rodriguez on the horizon, here is what I’m expecting from the 2010 Spring Game.

I’m expecting to see:

• A mature Tate Forcier. One that practice and prepares like a Michigan QB should.
  
• Devin Gardner a QB full of promise but one that isn’t quite ready for the field in 2010.
  
• Denard Robinson still a freak athlete that sees the field more at the running back or wide receiver positions.
  
• Linebackers that understand what Greg Robinson is saying and are in the proper gaps and assignments.
  
• Justin Turner replacing Donovan Warren at cornerback and really showing flashes of the 5 star rating he received.
  
• A much improved defense in all faucets of the game.
  
• Running Backs by committee. With Vincent Smith out, I expect to see lots of guys running the ball. I’m hoping that one is very special.
  
• Roy Roundtree to have another great Spring Game.
  
• A few guys on scholarship playing the safety position.
  
• Mike Cox jumping over a Buick.
  
• Big Will Campbell seeing a lot of playing time and stopping the running game.
  

I realize that Rich Rodriguez has taken a lot of heat for two losing seasons in a row and a NCAA investigation on his watch, but he has done some good things for the University of Michigan as well. Some examples are the number of Junior Days, The Victors Walk, an emphasis on the Spring Game, strong recruiting in the State of Florida, and the alumni flag football game. So get out and support the team and the Michigan program this Spring!

-Bill from Toledo

Coach Rod's Press Conference Updates

• Minor's ankle and shoulder are still giving him problems and he remains day to day. Minor did not do any contact drills on Tuesday.
• Odoms is still day to day with his knee as well, he did practice a little on Tuesday.
• Molk is planning to have surgery today on his knee.
• Hemingway also has a sore back and is on the day to day list.
• Carlos Brown is healthy
• RR said he is worried about Wisconsin's offense they are big and physical and do a really good job on that side of the ball. It really isn't an offensive style they have seen/played yet this year.
• Question on how Big Will is coming along: Coach Rodriguez: “He’s coming along. He’s a true freshman. He’s still learning to play. Technique wise, some of the things that we ask him to do with his hands, instead of just looking over and trying to find the ball to trust his techniques a little bit. He has gotten a little bit better each week, which is good. Will’s got the type of size that we need. He’s not playing nearly at the level that he will be in the future though.”
• RR doesn't know yet who will be starting at LB this week

Wolverine Wednesday: A Mix of Everything

Mailbag:

Jason from Augusta writes: Why hasn't Big Will gotten more snaps?

BHB: The Michigan coaches have been critical about about Big Will's (William Campbell) technique at defensive tackle. When these kids are in high school they are much bigger and stronger then everyone else. They just barrel their way through the offensive line and hit the running back in the backfield. In college, the competition is much better and you need a strong technique to be effective. Mike Martin was able to play last year as a true freshman and I hope/expect to see Big Will to get more snaps in the next two weeks and against Delaware State. He did look impressive in the two snaps he got against WMU, one was a tackle for a loss against the Western RB.


Bill from Boston writes: Which other true freshmen do you expect to see on the field the next two weeks if Michigan blows out Eastern and IU?

BHB: Michigan has serious depth issues at cornerback and safety. Michael Williams left the ND with cramps and Jordan Kovacs (a walk on redshirt freshman) came in and played well. Look for Vladimir Emilien to see some snaps at safety along with Justin Turner and Teric Jones at CB.


Depending on the injuries to Hemingway and Stounum, look for Je'ron Stokes and Roy Roundtree (redshirt freshman) to see action as well.

On a personal note, I would like to see Michael Cox and Michael Shaw get more snaps at running back as well.

Denard has to throw when he gets in the game the next two weeks. In fact he should throw more then he runs.


Recruiting:

• Michigan welcomed two out of state visitors for the ND game (one official = Michigan paid for it) and one un-official (meaning the recruit and their family paid for the trip themselves). The un-official visit was from Woodberry Forest (Va.) outside linebacker Aramide Olaniyan. Who had an amazing time at Michigan. Aramide is a current Duke commit and a 4 star rated LB from Rivals. The official visitor was Millersville (Md.) Old Mill's Josh Furman who Michigan would also like at LB in a Dhani Jones type of role/player. "The atmosphere, when I was going down to the game and fans everywhere, this is what you live for," Furman said. "Just looking at how the fans reacted and how the players reacted after a win like that, it's something I want to play for.”


• A top 2010 Michigan recruit Cullen Christian at cornerback visited OSU last weekend. "I'm pretty much open to anyone, but I wasn't really giving Ohio State a hard look because they haven't given me an offer," Christian said. Plenty of others have offered Christian a scholarship. His list stands at close to 20 and includes Michigan, UCLA and West Virginia, which are his top three choices. "Those are the three I'm mainly looking at," Christian said. "Michigan is my favorite. I grew up a Michigan fan. They show the most interest."


• Defensive lineman Beau Allen from Minnesota: "My top four are still Wisconsin, Minnesota, Notre Dame and Stanford," Allen said. "Michigan recently offered me. I think I'll give them a look. It's Michigan, Michigan State and UCLA for the last visit."


• DB Tony Grimes (Hollywood Hills, Fla.) is still planning a visit to Ann Arbor.

News and Notes:

• Tate and Michigan get the corner spot of the cover of SI this week. That doesn't qualify for the SI jinx right?


• As a BHB reader points out: Tate is now on the Heisman watch list on ESPN now and also is up for one of the college plays of the week. Check out ESPN and vote for him.


• Troy Woolfolk is no longer the "other" Woolfolk at Michigan. His dad is proud of him and didn't twist his arm in going to Michigan.
  

Something to think about this week: Ron English recruited most of the defensive players on the field for Michigan on Saturday. He knows their strengths and weakness. Can he put together a game plan that exposes their weakness?

Michigan Monday: Recruits, Clothing, and Carr gets a new job.

• In a surprise move, Brennan Clay one of the top RB's in the 2010 class and former teammate of Tate Forcier verbally committed to Bob Stoops and Oklahoma over the weekend. The surprising thing was Brennan's quick trigger to commit after he had set up a number of official visits, including one to Michigan in September. (I assume to watch his friend play QB for Michigan.) The key will be if BC keeps those official visits or not, all college coaches follow one rule in recruiting: "if you take visits to other schools, your not committed". We will see how this plays out and let's hope Michigan still has a chance. I"m thinking Tate believes Michigan is still in the race.

• William Campbell last year committed to Michigan very early, decided to take some visits, and even said he had dropped Michigan from his list before he picked Michigan at the Army All American Game. It seems another "Big Will" from Michigan is planning something similar. William Gholston has long been rumored to be a Michigan State lean, but has been to the Big House a number of times and continues to say his recruitment is wide open. I submit you proof of William's attention via the Tux he wore to his high school prom. I have a feeling Will, knows where he is going to play his college football.

• With two posts of bad news, some good news: It seems that Michigan QB commit for 2010 Devin Gardner performed well in a Nike Camp in Illinois over the weekend. He also seems to have a nice connection with the #1WR recruit in the nation, Kyle Prater (both were also at the BBQ at the Big House). Michigan already has enough WR's committed in the 2010 class but would definitely make room for Kyle. Also, Michigan recruit Austin White won the RB award. per ESPN: Gardner started a bit slow, but by the end of the camp was throwing very well. He showed a strong arm throwing the out pattern. ----ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver Kyle Prater (Hillside, Ill./Proviso West) was impressive on Saturday. He stands every bit of his listed 6-foot-4 height, and runs with an effortless gate. Prater made a number of nice catches and had little trouble getting the best of the defensive backs during drills. It was anything but a surprise when Prater was named the MVP for wide receivers at the end of the camp.
  If a "look test" award were given out, it almost certainly would have gone to Gholston, another ESPNU 150 Watch List prospect. Gholston not only looked great physically, but he showed speed and agility for a big guy. On more than one occasion, Gholston blew by his opponent with an outside speed rush.

• DHR hires former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr to it's sports practice: DHR's sports practice conducts searches for both collegiate and professional sports, recruiting athletic directors, head coaches and other executives. Carr “is one of the most celebrated and successful coaches in the history of the NCAA,” said DHR CEO David Hoffmann. “His character, integrity and leadership qualities are, in our opinion, second to none in the sports world.”

• Update: Lo Wood Announcing June 26th. Early on Lo (a DB from Florida) was a strong Michigan lean but ND jumped into the picture and many believe that Lo will announce that he will become a "golden domer" on the 26th of this month. Hopefully, Lo will dream about a 40 yard dash between "good time Charlie" and "RR". The winner of the race is Lo's school of choice. :-)

Wild Wednesday Wolverine Update: Another Big Will?

As many of you know that follow Michigan Football religiously, The University of Michigan signed the top player from the state of Michigan in 2009 "Big Will" Campbell a 5 Star OT and DE. Now Michigan has it's sights set on another "Big Will" in 2010, but this time it's William Gholston. William is the #1 ranked player in Michigan on both Rivals and Scouts and comes in at a staggering 6"7 240 and plays Defensive End. MSU has always thought to have been William's leader (and most likely still is), but the Wolverines are giving him something to think about. Coach Robinson has this hybird DE/LB position in his defense that intrigues the athletic player from Southeastern High School. William has visited Ann Arbor a couple times now and Michigan is starting to make an impact on the young man: "It's evolved a lot from where it was at first,” Gholston said. “I was looking, but I wasn't feeling them as much as I am feeling them now.”

• Barry Larkin and Branch Ricky are heading into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.


• Michigan is starting to recruit 3 star DE Dominique Easley.


• TX LB Caleb Lavey had good things to say about his trips to Michigan and Notre Dame this past weekend.
• Charlie Weis doesn't drop a lot of hamburgers but he does like to name drop, the NFL coaches that he knows. Good thing he has all those contacts. He might need a favor from them next year if "Good Time" Charlie puts up another .500 year. "My intent is to coach the game from the field," he said. "That is my intent. Okay? As (Bill) Parcells said years ago, I reserve the right to change my mind, but that is my intent. I talked to people at the collegiate level and pro level, from Andy Reid right on down. By a very, very large majority, almost everyone I talked to were overwhelming thinking I was thinking way outside the box." Question to ponder: where else was he thinking about coaching? The Press Box or for the Oakland Raiders?

Here is a YouTube video of a recent Michigan Spring Practice:

Welcome to Spring Practice Boys!

Gentlemen, The 2008 season is over. It's 2009 and time for a fresh new start. Preparation for 7+ wins starts today!


Welcome Son. No Pressure. Do you know who Chad Henne is? He took the Wolverines to the Rose Bowl his freshmen year. We expect Rose Bowl every year here in Ann Arbor.

Hey Big Will, let's see that 5 star talent young man!

Coach them up Greg! This isn't Syracuse, NY. Don't let John Beilein's success fool you. This is a Football School!