Michigan Thursday: Lying in Bed Like Russell Wilson Did

Former Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson has decided to call it a career and take a job at CBS.  Wilson became a famous QB transferring from NC State to Wisconsin (when there weren't that many QB transfers) and winning a Super Bowl (and losing one) for the Seahawks.   Good luck to Russ in his next chapter.  

• As you know there is a conflict on who owns the rights to a Duke/Michigan Basketball game, Prime or Fox.  Well it seems a new venue of the Marlins Stadium in Miami might be where they play the game.   That is a terrible decision and really strange venue to watch a basketball game. 

• 4 star CB Blake Jenkins is expected to announce tonight and is trending for the Maize and Blue! 

• If the Knicks win the NBA Championship, NYC might never be the same. 

• Michigan Football looks like they are having fun in a bonding trip in what looks like Northern Michigan. 

Wisconsin Post Game: Paging Jason Avant

Finn Gomez, Detroit Free Press

Michigan passed for 270 yards and ran for 175 yards against the #1 rush defense in college football.  The Wolverines won the game in the 2nd half by a comfortable score of 24-10.   What's the problem?  The drops are the problem.  Drops happen to everyone, even our former star TE Colston Loveland had some drops, but this continues to be an issue for the young Wolverine offense. 

Michigan has a clear #1 in Donaven McCulley who is the transfer from IU.  He is a walking mismatch has great hands and was the best WR on the field for either team. He finished with 112 yards receiving.  Andrew Marsh also had a solid game.  The true freshman caught 4 balls for 80 yards.  

With all that good news, Michigan probably dropped 4 passes that were very catchable.  Semaj dropped one, Ronnie's brother had a drop (it was a high throw), and full back Bredeson had a bad drop.   I know Bryce throws fast balls but the WR's have to CATCH THE BALL!

Cheers

• Why isn't Justice Hayes on any Heisman lists? Another 100 yard game! 
• Bryce with 270 yards in the air! 
• McCulley with his best game as a Wolverine
• Marsh had his best game! 
• Defense gave up 175 yards in the air and only 75 on the ground 
• Jimmy Rolder led the team with 7 tackles 
• Derrick Moore had the only sack 
• Zeke Berry had some nice pass break ups 
• Rod Moore had a pick and is just a smart football player 
• Hudson had a 57 yard punt 

Jeers

• 2 fumbles that weren't lost 
• Z missed a chip shot 
• Andrew Sprague was getting beat often 
• Only 1 sack 
• The Tight Ends need more targets
• That first drive by Wisconsin was ugly and fooled Wink 
• The previously mentioned drops 
• The new injury report had a new designation named, out for the year, Michigan has 6 players on it.

Wisconsin is clearly a better team after the bye week. They are getting back to playing physical Wisconsin Football.  Still they are lacking in that area, they don't have a good run game and even though he played well they are down to their 3rd string QB.  They are still in for a long year with a very difficult schedule and will have to rebuild next season. 

Michigan will now have to focus on another west coast trip to USC.  We all saw what happened to James Franklin and Penn State, as the UCLA win was the biggest upset in Big Ten play ever.  I wonder how long Penn State is going to allow James Franklin (a great recruiter who can't coach) to continue to stifle their program. 

Preview Wisconsin

Time: 12:00

Location: Big House 

Weather: Hot 80-87 No Rain 

TV: Fox 

Line: Michigan -17.5

When Wisconsin hired Luke Fickell I thought it was a great hire for them.  A traditional football coach that likes to run the ball and play great defense.  What a perfect fit for at team with the same sensibilities.  Luke wears the word TEAM on the back of his jacket.  I know what team means, but there is clearly a second meaning to Luke:  Together, Everyone, Achieves, More  (which is an accurate statement).  

The problem is Luke tried to change the offense when he got there and it's been a disaster because he loses a transfer QB to injury every year when the team really just wants to run the ball and Jump Around.  This year Wisconsin has loses to Alabama and Maryland back-to-back, barley beating Miami of Ohio, and blew out MTSU.   After Michigan they have Iowa, Ohio State, and Oregon in the next 3 games.

Dear Sherrone:

Welcome back coach! Did you enjoy your vacation?  Biff did a nice job while you were out and even had a funny back and forth with Saban on Game Day.   Biff gave you 2 wins going into your bye week, which was the goal.  

Now back to business this Saturday with a frisky Wisconsin team coming into Ann Arbor.  Yes, they are struggling but this is not a game you can overlook.  Wisconsin and Michigan always play a close game no matter where the game is played.  

We need to discuss the injuries.  It seems the players are getting hurt during practice and during Fall Camp.  I like that your being physical during practice but it may be impacting your depth chart.  The Nebraska injury report was ridiculous.  Re-thinking how you practice is going to be very important as the year moves on.  Many times the healthiest team wins championships. 

Now to the wide receivers.  You have a great one in McCulley and some really good Tight Ends.  I would like to see the young WR's use their speed to go deep and then hit the TE's for first down and in the red zone.  If Simpson knows the playbook lets try to see if he can fill the slot WR role.  Not sure you have the time to watch Chad Powers but I hear Ronnie Bell is available. :)

I know you have another high profile road trip next week and lets not let the team over look the Badgers.  They are looking for anything to save their season and a win at the Big House would suffice.  Let's continue the evolution of the offense on Saturday.  Get Justice 100 yards on the ground and Bryce 250 yards passing.  I also would like to see the defense keep the Wisconsin offense to under 10 points.   My hope is the team is healthiest its been all season and we see the best players we have on both sides of the ball on Saturday.   Play clean football,execute on both sides of the ball, and be great on special teams.

Michigan 28 Wisconsin 9 

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look at Wisconsin and Weekend Thoughts

Both Michigan and Wisconsin had bye weeks last weekend as both team needed the rest and healing time.  Back to work this weekend as the game at the Big House will be the Fox Big Noon Match-up. 

Wisconsin 2-2 

Best Win: Miami of Ohio 

Worst Loss: Maryland at Camp Randall 

Next 5 games: Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, and Oregon.   YIKES!

Pass: 205.8 Per (89th)

Run: 117.8 (110)

Score: 20.8 per game (108)

Give up: 18.8  (937th)

Out of all those .8 stats it seems Wisconsin is only good at playing defense.  Seeing a Wisconsin team be 110th in rushing the ball just does not compute in my Brain.  With the next 5 games Luke Joseph Fickell might find his seat very warm. 

Line: Michigan -16.5

Weekend Recap:

Ryder Cup: The US team needs to rethink the Ryder Cup.  This competition means so much more to Europe right now then it does the US.  Most of the European squad lives in the US anyways.   The US 

Team just can't get their head around the funky format on Friday and Saturday.  To use a bad pun, that golf is foreign to them, it just doesn't compute.  Sunday it was clear the US has better head to head golfers but the US just doesn't like the weird early round formats.  

The loss by Penn State was the most Penn State thing ever.  I'm also pretty sure I saw James Franklin punt from like the 40 yard line on a 4th a short earlier in the game.    Does Drew Allar remind anyone of that one friend in college that was 50% clumsy and 50% a really good athlete?  The problem was, you never knew which one would show up in the championship softball intramural game. 

This doesn't compute in my head.   Iowa played Rutgers a week ago and gave up 28 points.   IU a week ago played Illinois and scored 63.   IU travels to Iowa and struggles to score 20 points.  Did Iowa defense get really good in a week or did Curt Cignetti out think himself?

In the rare occurrence of a Pretender - Contender game, both USC and Illinois came out as Pretenders.

OSU predictably played UW close for a half and then put them away in the 2nd half. 

Minnesota and Rutgers are the same team. 

• Bobby Petrino is back leading Arkansas after Sam Pittman got fired.  Bobby after crashing his motorcycle was one of the best press conferences ever! 

• 4-star CB Dorian Barney flips from Michigan to Ole Miss. 

• Mason Graham was back in Michigan as Cleveland lost to the Lions on Sunday afternoon. 

• Sounds like the 1st ever concert at the Big House went well.  Let's hope this a great way to raise money for the athletes! 

Michigan Tuesday: News and Notes

• Kickoff for the Wisconsin game at the Big House a week from Saturday is scheduled for Noon.  Fox on the call. 

• Z was named Co-Big 10 Special Teams Player of the Week 

• Hutch had a nice punch out fumble on Derrick Henry in a big win for the Lions last night 

• Sherrone is back and will re-evaluate the way the team practices to reduce injuries.  He is also going to work on team fundamentals and catching the ball. I have an idea for the WR's.  Add Jason Avant to the staff.  He is the best hands catcher I have ever seen at Michigan. 

• Everytime I watch the Browns on defense on the Red Zone, I see Mason Graham getting double teamed.  Interesting how they are playing the former Wolverine rookie. 

• Former Virginia Tech QB and Super Bowl winning head coach Bruce Arians is going to help Va Tech hire a new head football coach.

• Michigan offers Iowa linebacker commit 4-star Kasen Thomas

Michigan Monday: Too Early Look At The Wildcats

This season is weighing on me, I haven't felt this way since the 2020 COVID year.  I actually want this season to be over so Michigan can right the wrongs and fix this roster moving forward.   I feel terrible for the great players on this team that has had to go through this season: Loveland, Edwards, Mullins, Grant, Graham, and Johnson.   This season must feel like night and day after coming off a National Championship campaign just months prior.  If Sherrone had done an average job, this team is 9-3 easy. 

Speaking of that, I do like the 12 team playoffs concept because the Bowl Season is just a waste of time.  Sherrone talks about getting to 6 wins to play more football.  Why?  Michigan will be a shell of themselves if they play in Nashville or wherever they end up.  Those names above will not be playing, nor should they be. 

How about the state of football right now?  The #1 team in the nation struggles to beat Wisconsin who Iowa just put 40 on a couple weeks ago.  Is Georgia in the playoffs or out?  Does ND belong in the playoffs after losing to Northern Illinois then not playing anyone?  I will tell you one thing, there is not a team close to Michigan 2023 right now.  Its a Grand Canyon gap between the skill level and coaching of that team vs. any other team in the top 10 right now.   The best person to figure out this mess is the leader of our Michigan Football program, Warde Manuel, the blind leading the blind. 

IU keeps climbing the rankings and now gets a trip to Columbus.   Not sure I ever remember a week before Michigan - OSU there being a better game.   OSU took care of Northwestern at Wrigley on Saturday, so we take a look at the Wildcats today. 

Northwestern 4-6

Best Win: @ Maryland 

Worst Loss: Iowa 40-14

Pass: 178 yards (120)

Rush: 161 (121)

Score: 17 (127)

Give Up: 22 (52)

Northwestern was a great story last season and this year not so much.  Michigan fans can relate.  Remember when everyone wanted to hire Pat Fitzgerald?  What happened?  There are reports he turned down Michigan twice, 1st time after the Carr Retirement and 2nd time after RR. 

This is Michigan's chance to get to 6-6 with a presumed loss in Columbus a week later.  Northwestern is very limited and Michigan needs to win this game. 

• Anyone else wish Jessie Minter was the head coach of Michigan right now? 

• Nice to see DJ Turner and Kris Jenkins starting on SNF last night for the Bengals.  I hope DJ is ok. 

• Wisconsin fired its OC on Sunday.  Sherrone can't fire himself, but should. 

• Cade is back! After a concussion/benching the current QB starter is now out for the year with ankle injury, so it sounds like Cade will get to finish his career on the field for the final 2 games and a Bowl Game. 

• Michigan plays Miami of Ohio tonight at Crisler.  6:00 with Nik Stauskas on the call for BTN. I wonder if Nik ever got a drivers license? 

• Update: Don Brown Fired from UMass - I have a great idea on a replacement!  Wink!

Michigan Tuesday: Happy for Duncan

Duncan Robinson made NBA history a couple years ago as a member of the Miami Heat.  He was the only D3 player to ever start an NBA Finals Game.  Lebron ended up being too much for the injured Heat in the Orlando Bubble.  Duncan since then signed a huge new contract and was regulated to the bench.  His shooting all of sudden became inconsistent and his defense was a liability.   The Heat struggled all year long and barely made the playoffs after going 1-1 in the play-in games.  

Then Tyler Herro gets hurt and Duncan's time on the floor and role all of sudden gets elevated in the playoffs.   Jimmy Butler and Duncan's bench buddies start playing well and now the Heat is headed to the NBA Finals again.  Duncan had a high point total of 22 in Game 3 of the East Conference finals and finished with 10 points last night as the Heat closed out the Celtics in Game 7.  For example, last year in the Heats final playoff game vs. the Celtics, Duncan did not play.  Great bounce back Duncan, keep playing well and be confident in that jumper!   

• Michigan will need a big year from Kris Jenkins on the defensive line next season.  Kris is up to 309 pounds in this off season. 

• Paul Chyrst ends up at Texas as an offensive analyst.  Some projected he might end up on Harbaugh's staff since they seem friendly. 

• Former Michigan WR commit Markus Allen who ended up at Wisconsin, recently got arrested. 

• Has anyone else noticed that Jake Butt and Devin Gardner are sideline reporters for Fox's USFL coverage? Love to see former Wolverines making it covering football!

• 5-star WR in 2024 Ryan Wingo will be visiting Ann Arbor June 9-11.  Ryan is rated as the #2 WR in the class as hails from St. Louis. 

Wolverine Wednesday: AA to OK

Michigan fans expected Andrel Anthony to be a star WR this season.  As a true freshman, he came on to the scene with a huge game against his home town MSU Spartans.  Michigan ended up not winning that game due to a fumble by JJ and a terrible call by the officials.  Still #1 looked like the next Braylon Edwards or Anthony Carter.  Then this season happened and Ronnie Bell was back from injury.  Yes, that limited Anthony's snaps but the talented WR basically disappeared from the offense.   So, he decided to pack his bag and head to the portal for a new program.  He found one yesterday in the Oklahoma Sooners who had a rebuilding year last season and will look to take a few steps in the right direction in 2023.  Good luck to Andrel! 

Is it me or is there less fanfare around the Harbaugh decision to stay or go?  I just think we're all just tired of it and wish he would make a decision before we lose a 5-star QB in the 2024 class and other recruits.   Santa and Warde, can we get something done already?  Jim, this is on you as well, don't let your new agent air all your activity on social media.  

• Fickell is active in the transfer portal and now has grabbed another QB.  This time its Mississippi State's Braedyn Locke who was a true freshman last season. 

• The ratings are in for the NC game on Monday.  They peaked early at just over 22M and by the end it was 10M.  What a disaster for ESPN and the CFP.  Stephen A. Smith said on air that ESPN should get a refund for that game. Basically, the two semifinal games averaged the same number of viewers the NC peaked at. 

Michigan Tuesday: Five

I'm going to start with an old professional wrestling analogy, because the kerfuffle in Madison has taken a bit of a wresting like turn.  Back in my youth, King Kong Bundy of the WWF would ask the ref for a 5 count instead of the traditional 3 to win his wresting match.   The purpose was to show the other wrestlers he was better than everyone else.   My purpose here is not to make fun of a serious situation, but this situation in Madison is turning out to be a bit comical.   I got hit harder in NYC this past weekend walking around Times Square. 

First thing first, Juwan got suspended 5 games which feels to be the proper amount.   It ends up being about a two-week suspension, Terrance Williams and Moussa Diabate will miss the Rutgers game.  Juwan will pay a $40,000 fine and Greg Gard will pay $10,000, the Wisconsin player that was throwing hands will also miss a game.   I would have given Gard a game for being a prick and instigating this thing, but at the end of the day he was just using words and not hands.   Greg did get the maximum amount fine the Big Ten can levy.   The Big Ten max suspension is 2 games, so Michigan added on another 3 and $30,000 to Juwan's penalty.  Again, rightfully so.  

Michigan and Juwan released an appropriate statement.  The funny part of this entire situation is Wisconsin's AD playing the victim card and basically saying they're not at fault in any way.

Statement from Wisconsin Athletics pic.twitter.com/Lyo5ai8uHf

— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) February 22, 2022

 

Chris, that was a clown show response.

Moving on:

Michigan will host Rutgers, Illinois, MSU, and Iowa before heading to Ohio State to close out the season.    Phil Martelli will lead the program while Juwan is suspended.   

Michigan will probably need to win 3-5 of those games and a couple in the Big Ten Tournament to make the NCAA Tournament.   This team will either come out and play with a renewed spirit or just the opposite.   I'm hoping for some inspired play and a nice little run but on the other hand, it wouldn't' be all bad if this season came to end sooner rather than later.  

• Nice to see the football team back practicing again.  This is the time of year, where the team bonds and gets better with every practice.   Time for some new players to step up and lead.  

Wisconsin Post Game: Jump Around

Fansided

The Rutgers second half brought a ton of bad memories for me and many Michigan fans.  Memories of playing Army or other teams that had no business being in the game with the Wolverines let alone OT.  Memories of a disastrous 2020 season that almost got Jimmy and did get his staff fired.   Even though Michigan was 4-0 now, that second half felt almost like a loss.  Because it was a movie we have seen a 100 times.

This Michigan team didn't want to hear that.  I asked them to prove it to us, that they could play on the road and beat a team that not only stops the run but does it better then anyone else in the nation.   They took the challenge of being on the road, playing in a place where they haven't won in 20 years, being an underdog to a 1 win team, playing poorly the last we saw them, and jumped on it.   They beat Wisconsin at their own game and outside a "stupid" squib kick, played a magnificent game. 

Michigan was up 21 points when Camp Randall played its famous Jump Around song between the 3rd and 4th quarters.  But to see the Michigan sideline get into it and celebrate the fun of the moment with the Badgers fans was something special.  It's the difference between Mike McDonald and Don Brown or Sherrone Moore and Ed Warriner.  To be 100% honest, I believe its the difference between playing for John Harbaugh vs. playing for Jimmy.   It was the difference of playing with a clear mind vs. being scared to lose.   For me, it was very important moment on how different this team really is.  

Cheers:

• David Ojabo had his best game ever 2.5 sacks
• Mazi Smith and Chris Hinton played very well 
• Hutch was being Hutch
• Defense had 6 sacks!
• Dax continues to be special in the secondary (even though he did give up the TD)
• Cade protected the ball and threw 2 nice deep balls 
• Special Teams was nearly perfect all day 
• Moody with 3 field goals and Robbins averaged 44 yards per punt 
• Offensive line played well against a very good Wisconsin defense 
• 3 penalties for 10 yards 
• Mike McDonald deserves a game ball 

Jeers:

• I don't understand the squib kick before halftime.  In fact, during the 15 minute break, I thought that mistake was going to cost Michigan the game.  I know it almost worked, but Moody had been getting touchbacks all day and Wisconsin probably takes a knee if they start from the 25.  That was a horrible call and changed the momentum of the game. 
• The play calling after a turnover has to be better.  Michigan gets a turnover on the 5 yard line and the entire drive nets - 3 yards and a field goal. 
• There has to be more play calls to get Corum the ball - maybe a screen?
• I was very surprised to see Camp Randall with areas without any fans.  Never seen that before. 

I know we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves as Wisconsin is 1-3 and Ohio State treated Rutgers like Rutgers of old.  Nebraska played their best game of the year yesterday and Penn State is going to move to #3 in the nation.   The road still remains long but it will be fun to watch. 

Wisconsin Preview

"Scary" from Pinterest 

Time: 12:00 EST 

Location: Camp Randall 

Weather: 72 and 30% Rain 

TV: Fox 

Line: Wisconsin -2

Dear Jimmy,  

Back on the road for the first time this year as you're taking your team to Madison, Wisconsin.   A place Michigan hasn't won at for 20 years.   That is just crazy!  I know we had some hand shake agreement with the Badgers where they would win in Madison and Michigan would win in Ann Arbor, but Wisconsin broke that rule last season and embarrassed your squad in the Big House.   I hope that was the theme this week in the weight room and on the practice field.  

I know your friendly with Paul Chryst because you share the same football sensibilities.  You both like to run the ball and play good defense.  You also believe in full backs and passing only when you need it.   Wisconsin is much better then their 1-2 record.  The Penn State game was a coin flip and Wisconsin looked like the better team for 3 quarters in the ND game before they returned a kick off 100 yards.   They also have the best rushing defense in the country by a wide margin.  

So this is a time in my letter where I remind you of few things that your staff forgot last week in the 2nd half.  Please don't run the ball into a loaded box/brick wall.  This is not a wining formula against Wisconsin.   You also have to get the ball to your play makers.  Blake Corum and AJ Henning will help you win games and need as many touches as possible in space.

This game is going to test Mike McDonald and the rest of Doobie Brothers defensive scheme as the key to beating Wisconsin is making them pass the ball.   They have an NFL quality TE in Jake Ferguson who is QB Mertz favorite target.   Don't allow him to run free and always have someone on him, even in a zone.  Taking away the run and stopping Ferguson will give you the best chance at leaving Madison with a W.   Mertz has thrown a ton of interceptions against PSU and ND, which means he is ready to look like a Heisman candidate on Saturday against the Wolverines.   This will be a close game as both teams are just too similar. 

So to recap, stop Wisconsin running game (their offensive line and RB's are not as great as they have been in the past, but they are not shabby either), be creative on offense, get your play makers the ball, and cover Ferguson with someone fast.   Wisconsin needs a win and your squad needs to beat a quality opponent on the road, which has alluded you for the most part.   Fox takes a ton of commercial breaks and takes a 3 hour game and makes it 4 hours.  You and your coaches will have plenty time to make adjustments.  I hate to put more pressure on you, but this is really a "prove it" game for me and where your program is at.   Are you the program that blew through 3 decent opponents or the one that reverted back to 2020 in the 2nd half last week?  Michigan has the best talent in this game, but Madison has been a nightmare for our beloved program.  This is put up or shut up moment.   What do you have?  Prove it to me, to all of us.  

Wisconsin 20 Michigan 14

Michigan Tuesday: Primetime Football in Nebraska

I saw two pieces of news on social media on Monday that did not make me happy.  First, the Michigan - Nebraska will be a primetime game.  I hate that Fox, ESPN, ABC, and BTN have to fill primetime games every Saturday.  I can think of two Harbaugh primetime wins on the road, Minnesota and Rutgers.  Keep putting OSU - Akron on at 8:00 and let Michigan play at noon.  

Second, Wisconsin has the #1 rushing defense in the country and its not even close.   Which means that Michigan will not be able to be one dimensional against Wisconsin with the run.   At least this is a noon game. 

Do you ever wonder how former Michigan players are doing that transferred? I do.  

Guys that you still can't believe are still in college:

Kekoa Crawford at CAL: Had over 100 yards receiving in a loss to Washington

O'Maury Samuels at New Mexico State: 34 yards rushing and 10 yards receiving

Aubrey Solomon at Tennessee: no stats 

Kareem Walker at South Alabama: had a bye 

Jordan Anthony at Troy: 3 tackles in a loss to Rich Rod's team

Other notable transfers:

Zach Charbonnet UCLA:  118 yards and 1 TD 

Jaylen Kelly-Powell Akron: 5 tackles in a loss at the Horseshoe

Oliver Martin Nebraska: 3rd Big Ten team and is out with an injury 

Dylan McCaffrey N. Colorado: Passed for 199 yards

Tru Wilson also at N. Colorado: 16 yards on the ground and 4 yards receiving

Joe Milton Tennessee: Off the bench 2/8 for 54 yards 

Hunter Reynolds Utah State: 3 tackles 

Wake Forest has both Christian Turner - 54 yards on the ground and Luigi Vilain - 2 tackles with 1 sack and 1 TFL. 

The Original Michigan Monday: On to On Wisconsin and The Detective Commits

As Michigan has struggled the last 10 years, Wolverine fans have wondered out loud, "why can't we be more like Wisconsin?"  That comment really wasn't a goal, it was more of wondering how the team out of Madison could play winning physical football with mostly 3 star and lower recruits.   Michigan gets better recruits but seems to struggle at the exact things Wisconsin wants to do. 

This year the schedule didn't do the Badgers any favors.   They opened the season with a low scoring loss to Penn State and now has ND and Michigan in back to back weeks.  Michigan is now playing a more physical style of football with a strong running game and an improved defense.   Wisconsin is playing good defense but struggling on offense.   Saturday should be a good game.   On a side note, how does Wisconsin always come up as a Big Ten West opponent?   The Big Ten does know we have a trophy game with Minnesota right?  (also thank you for keeping Iowa off the schedule this season).  

Wisconsin wants to go 2-0 this season on teams from Washtenaw County, Michigan.   Week 2 Wisconsin beat Eastern Michigan 34-7.

Passing yards: 197 per (94th)

Rushing: 202 Per  (34th)

Scores: 19 points per (215th)

Gives up: 21 points per (75th)

Wisconsin is favored by 4 this weekend. 

--

Michigan got an Alabama athlete commit this weekend in Detective Deuce Spurlock.  It might be very early to give him a nickname but his name sounds like an Private Eye who has been on the "job" 30 years before taking his retirement from the NYPD. 

Deuce is a 3 star athlete 6'2 and 200 pounds and is most likely coming to Ann Arbor as a LB.   Michigan might have found another diamond in the rough as they are very high on The Detective.   He has a ton of offers but here are some of the top programs on that list:  BC, Army, Auburn, Syracuse, South Carolina, Pitt, Mississippi State, and Vandy. 

Welcome Detective, I hope you "lock up" future opponents! 

• OSU has removed LB Pope from the program after he quit on Saturday.  So who won the breakup? :-)  The Buckeyes have lost two LB's in the last 2 weeks. 

• Rhett Rodriguez  (Rich Rod's son) who started at QB for Louisiana Monroe against Troy on Saturday night got seriously injured.  “Our family would like to thank everyone who has reached out with their thoughts and prayers for Rhett, as he is currently in the ICU at the hospital because of a lung injury from last night’s game against Troy,” Rich Rodriguez tweeted Sunday.  This team's head coach is Terry Bowden and Rich is the OC and Assistant Head Coach.   Please keep a good thought for Rhett.  

Michigan Tuesday: TV Times with News and Notes

• If you missed it, the Rutgers game on Saturday is a 3:30 kick on ABC and Wisconsin a week later will be at Noon on Fox.  

• I believe for the first time ever:  ESPN's Game Day and Fox's College Pregame show will be in the same location on Saturday morning.  In Chicago for ND vs. Wisconsin which is a Fox Game.  It seems Fox is eating into Game Day's ratings some.   I much prefer Game Day over anything Fox does for college football.   I do like Gus Johnson, a known Michigan fan.  

• Domani Jackson a 5 star DB from California has loved Michigan since he was little.  He is committed to his local team USC but the Washington game pulled some heart strings for the young man.  Here is a quote from his dad on a Sam Webb interview:  “Like I said, they surpassed our expectations. They did everything that they needed to do. It was mainly just about seeing how Domani fit in there, and when he walked around, the feeling that he got. The fans, were they receptive too him? Which they very much were. He was surprised at how many people knew who he was. The student body, when you walked past there they were yelling things at him (like), 'we want Domani! We want you to be here!' So, that was very welcoming to him, and that meant a lot to him. So, like I said, they surpassed everything they needed to do.”

• 5 Star power forward Yohan Traore will take an official visit to Michigan Basketball this weekend.  Always great to have Basketball Recruits on campus for a football game. 

• Michigan on BTN had a funny fact today.  Half of Peppers TD's at Michigan came against Rutgers. 

• PFF has Hutch as the highest rated DE in the country. 

• Western Michigan's head coach Tim Lester has tested positive for COVID. 

• Nico Collins got banged up and is out 3-4 weeks for the Texans.

• Schiano praised Mike Hart during his press conference on Monday and that he was thinking about hiring him.

• One of Manning's asked Gronk if he ever watches tape?  Gronk's response: “No I don’t. I just run by guys. If I’m feeling good, I’m feeling good.”  --- I'm pretty sure he knows a guy that watches a ton of tape for him.  

Michigan Thursday: Big Ten News: Nebraska Will Not Only Out Hit You - They Will Out Practice You

There can be some parallels drawn between Scott Frost and Jim Harbaugh.  Both had success at other programs and both are now leading their Universities where they once played.   You can also state truthfully, that neither has had the success that everyone was expecting at their home schools.  Frost has only won 12 games in 3 years and his program has struggled more then Michigan's has.  

Now the NCAA is investigating the Nebraska program for a number of issues, including analysts being used as on-field coaches (during practices and games) and doing private off-campus workouts and practices when everyone was supposed to be shut down for the pandemic.   Some outlets are reporting that there is plenty of video tape on the off campus workouts/practices.  (To be fair, the Free Press is reporting something similar today on Harbaugh's staff with the use of analyst Ryan Osborn as a coach during Spring Practice)

Is this a fire-able offense?  My guess is, most Nebraska leadership won't fault Frost for trying to get better, but that he has to follow the rules.   Maybe a slap on the wrist sort of thing.   A fine or sitting out a game against a lower opponent. 

Northwestern:  Which is back on Michigan's schedule this year, will be starting former Clemson 5 star QB Hunter Johnson who beat out former South Carolina QB Ryan Hilinski.

The Wisconsin Badgers are 90% vaccinated. 

Illinois seems to be the Big Ten's Biggest Mystery going into the season.

Did you know there is a ton of Big Ten Football Week 1 (or earlier)?

Nebraska@Illinois on 8/28

OSU @Minn on Thursday 9/2

MSU@Northwestern on Friday 9/3

IU@Iowa in a huge game on 9/4

Penn State@Wisconsin in another huge game on 9/4

• Wayne State is opening a new arena (co-funded by the Pistons) and Juwan is taking his team there to open it for an exhibition game on 11/5.   What a great decision all around! 

Wolverine Wednesday: Tip Off Day!

Michigan's Basketball season tips off today at 4:00 on ESPN2 against BGSU.  Michigan has to be careful with this one, Bowling Green is expected to win the MAC and has a good squad.  This game won't be a walk over by any means.  Either way, it will be good to see the Wolverines back on the floor this afternoon!  I'm looking forward to see if Franz has stepped up his game and how the transfer play. 

• Off Wisconsin - The Badgers have had another game cancelled as the Golden Gophers pulled out of Saturday's contest.   The only luck Wisconsin has had this year is facing Done Brown's defense two weeks ago.   The Northwestern Widcats defense dominated them last weekend.   What is it going to take to get Done out of here?  

• Xavier Worthy a Michigan WR commit is going to visit Bama this weekend.  That is not a good sign for Michigan, but a good sign for his bank account. 

Enjoy the game and Happy Thanksgiving!

Wolverine Wednesday: Wisconsin Woes

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

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

What do we know about IU?

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

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

Wolverine Wednesday: Oh Wisconsin

The Big Ten's nightmare started today as Wisconsin has had an outbreak of 12 positives, which has led to the cancelation of their game against Nebraska on Saturday.   Wisconsin will be shut down for 7 days, which puts it's next game against Purdue in jeopardy as well.   Michigan of course will host Wisconsin in less then 3 weeks.  Even head coach Paul Chryst has tested positive.  

Now the concern goes to Illinois who played Wisconsin on Friday night.   Per Wisconsin the tests didn't start showing up positive until Saturday, which could mean they were exposed after the game.  Illinois hosts Purdue on Saturday, who expects to have their head coach back from quarantine.   I guess the 21 day rule is only for players and not coaches.  

Every Big Ten team should take this as a huge lesson that any championship team could be shot down very quickly with this virus.  Michigan Football players can't be too careful.  If one player goes to the wrong Halloween party, the season and entire team could go down.  Don't be that guy. 

• Former OSU QB Terrelle Pryor, received 90 days' probation in return for a guilty plea to a harassment charge in Allegheny County, PA Court on Tuesday.

• Former Michigan RB Kareem Walker is in the transfer portal again. His latest stop was at Mississippi State. 

• Congratulations to the LA Dodgers. 

Michigan Monday: Big Ten Pre-Season Predictions Were Mostly Wrong

I know many fans want to go to the playoff and have a shot at a National Championship.   I do as well, but I much prefer a Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl.  I thought Michigan had a decent shot this year, with OSU going through a coaching change.   I had a bunch of pre-season expectations that have been mostly wrong with a few that were right.

Pre-Season Predictions

Ryan Day is not Urban Meyer and Justin Fields would struggle early and get a little better as the year went on.    Prediction was Wrong!  Ohio State could be playing the best football I have seen out of them in a number of years.  Could make a case for the #1 team in the nation.   Big swing and a miss by me.

Michigan State would have a decent defense but will struggle on offense to score points.   Prediction was Right!  I was looking forward to watching the Wisconsin - MSU game on Saturday.  I got through a few minutes and knew the game was over.   MSU is in big trouble this year.  

Wisconsin would be very one-dimensional on offense and struggle to stop teams on defense.  Prediction was Wrong!  I might have been 50% correct here but I was way off on Wisconsin's defense and ability to stop Big Ten Teams.   Wisconsin travels to Columbus in two weeks and then we will see.   Their defense has given up a total of 29 points all year (14 to Michigan and 15 to NW).

Minnesota has an easy schedule and will look really good until late in the year.   Prediction was Right!  PJ Fleck is 6-0 and will have an easy road to 8-0 before they have to play PSU, Iowa, and Wisconsin.   A schedule with no Michigan, OSU, or MSU is just crazy.   The Golden Gophers will come back to earth when they play Penn State and will end the year with at least two loses and probably 3.  

Penn State and James Franklin were going to struggle without Moorehead, Barkley, and McSorley.  Prediction was Wrong!   Outside of the Pitt game, Penn State looks like what my expectation of what Michigan would look like.  Solid offense and a solid defense.   PSU didn't play great at Iowa but did do enough to win the game against an Iowa team that all of sudden has the turnover bug.  

Michigan's offense would finally get modernized.   That Josh Gattis would scheme an offense that made it easy for Shea Patterson to find open WR's.  The offense line would be the best we have seen in 10 years, and the RB's might struggle due to lack of experience.   The defense would take a small step back but would match-up well against Wisconsin, Iowa, MSU, and PSU.   Prediction was Wrong!   Further explanation is not needed. 

Here is the funny thing.  Many people would have predicted that Michigan would be 5-1 at this point in the year, with a tough loss at Wisconsin.   Yes, the Wolverines got embarrassed but a blow out is the same as a 1 point loss in the standings.  

Ohio State being 6-0 is not a surprise to anyone with their toughest game being MSU in Columbus so far.  

Same for Penn State, with their toughest game being their win in Iowa on Saturday.   Wisconsin doesn't seem to play road games and are 6-0, with their biggest test coming up in two weeks.  

If the year has gone pretty much the way you thought, what is all anxiety about?

Michigan fans have a crystal ball and if they could get themselves to bet against their favorite team would make a killing in Vegas.  Wolverine fans know that Michigan is going to struggle and probably lose by a decent number in Happy Valley, come back and play a talent ND team close, beat MSU, and lose to another uber-talented Ohio State team.  

You know what's stupid but accurate?  I would give Michigan a much better chance next week if the game was played at 12:00 or 3:30.   I'm also willing to bet that the ND @ Michigan will end up being back to back night games for the Wolverines.   Which seem to be the only program in the country that can't play at night.   

Wisconsin Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Camp Randall
Weather: 72 - 80% rain
TV: Fox
Line: Wisc -3.5

In my heart, I believe Michigan is the better team.  The Wolverines beat Wisconsin at home 38-13 last October.  In my head, I wonder 2 things:  First, when was the last time Michigan played a good football game?    Secondly,  when has Michigan last played well on the road?

Michigan beat #14 ranked Penn State in the Big House on November 3, 2018 42-7.  For the road win, it was probably the MSU win the week before the Penn State game.   Michigan hasn't played a good football game in 11 months.   That is a bit scary.

Tale of the Tape

RB = Wisconsin
O Line = Push
Ball Security = Wisconsin
Defense = Michigan
Skill Positions = Michigan
Intangibles = Wisconsin
Coaching = Push

It's clear why Jimmy and Paul Chryst are good friends.   Both coaches would love to run the ball on 1st and 2nd downs and pass on 3rd.   Win a bunch of 17-7 games with a great running game and a stout defense.  Jimmy even hired the former Wisconsin S&C Coach to make his team stronger and faster.  So both coaches feel good about their game plans as it's like preparing to play themselves.

Wisconsin is not going to fool anyone, they are going to run with the best RB in the country Jonathan Taylor and if you stop him, they will attempt a pass.   Their defense has yet to give up a point but their opponents have been poor and the reason I give Don Brown a bit of an edge here.

Sing "This is how we do it".....if...………….

• Michigan's offense is really speed in space 
• Michigan's offense has zero turnovers
• Shea wakes up and plays a good game  
• The defense can keep Taylor under 100 yards
• Michigan gets some healthy players back 
• The road woes don't continue 

Yell, Damn this could be a long f'ing season if:

• Michigan's offense continues to be a negative 
• Wisconsin is + in turnovers 
• Taylor is finding gaps and gaining yards
• Don Brown has his yearly "head scratching" game 
• Wisconsin is as strong as the first two weeks looked 

Michigan has 2 keys to win.   1 - Shea Patterson has to have a great game, protect the ball, and hit open WR's quickly.    2- Defense has to stop Taylor and make Wisconsin pass.   

Both teams will try to stop the run and will have a good shot to do it.   Which means it comes down to Shea Patterson vs. Jack Coan which sounds like the Match Play Championship at your Country Club.  Shea has played in big games and should have the advantage even though Jack is playing his home course.   We will see.  

Michigan is a mystery, they are talented, have good coaching but have barley gotten passing grades through 2 games.  Wisconsin has run over two cupcakes through 2 weeks.   Both teams are coming off a bye week.   I still believe Michigan is the better team but having to research the last time they played well is very depressing.  Wisconsin is at home and should be favored, they should be used to the 11:00 AM local kick. 

Wisconsin 20 Michigan 14