...Pontiac

And so it ends... After 84 years General Motors has decided to end the production of Pontiac. The sad thing is I thought that they already ended it. GM is still trying to cut its debt and along with many other brands they had to sell or end Pontiac just had to bite the dust. Since I have been alive the only thing that the ever made that seemed cool and acceptable was the Firebird and the Trans AM, other than that they just seemed like horribly styled Chevrolets. While those with Pontiacs can still get them serviced and worked on at any GM dealership and if under warranty it will still be honored, after this weekend any Pontiac left on a dealership will be considered used. I cannot say that I personally am sad to see this brand go, it was already dead. Most people still think of the Pontiacs of the 60's, mainly the GTO, but that was decades ago and when they decided to make a new GTO it looked more like a Grand AM with a body kit, shame. As long as Chevy, Cadillac and Buick are still being produced, no other brand under GM is safe. Actually I could see Buick going away within a decade or 2, what is the purpose of it...really? Anyway I am giving this news a Digit Up because I am sure this will cause something semi major to happen at GM, although I still will not care, this brand needed to die.

...The Rally to Restore Sanity And / Or Fear

I honestly do not know what this was about. I watched most of it and I thought, "What is the point?" Really what was it? Both Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart pretty much put on a live variety show that just happened to take place in Washington D.C. and mention politics. Some of it was corny and cheesy and very scripted. It was a back and fourth between Stewart and Colbert over Fear vs. Sanity and nothing was actually solved. Towards the end Stewart got serious and addressed the problems as he saw it in speech, which can be seen below.

With an estimated 215,000-250,000 people there no one knows what, if anything, this rally achieved. I would like to think it was just a nice outing with people who wanted to have a good laugh or two. Or maybe it was more like a live political comedy show? I am not sure actually, I am not sure the people there even know...or the host. For that reason I am going to have to give this all a Digit Down.

This Defense is a Nightmare

I'm at a loss for words when it comes to this defense.  I didn't think this defense could get any worse after the bye week, but it has.  Mike Martin is clearly the only player on Michigan's defense and when he is out, so are the Wolverines. 

I am done with excuses and whatever we have been saying that gives us reasons for hope for this defense.  It's terrible and yes this is a replay of 2009.  Michigan might have one more win on the schedule and that's Purdue, but guess what?  Purdue has a decent defensive line.  Illinois is a well balanced team and will do the exact same thing to Michigan that MSU, Iowa, and now Penn State has done.

Penn State's offense is not good, they are one dimensional with a walk-on first time starter picking them apart.  The Michigan defense was not prepared to stop the run or the short passing game.   Can someone please explain to me how Michigan could not pressure this kid at all?  What kind of strategy is that?  I've been willing to give Greg Robinson the benefit of the doubt when it comes to this defense.  I no longer feel that way and believe he should be fired and maybe fired this week.  

The Michigan defense could not stop this weak offense and Rich Rodriguez is 4-16 in the Big Ten since he has gotten to Ann Arbor.  This game was an embarrassment to the Michigan Program.  Penn State is a terrible offensive team and they beat Michigan by running basic running plays and screens.  If the Michigan defense can't stop that they can't stop any offense.  

I know the call for a late hit on the kickoff was a bad call but that is not the reason Michigan lost.  The reason Michigan lost is because they have one of the worst defenses in D1.  One of the worst defenses in Michigan history.  I don't want to hear about youth anymore, Michigan should be able to put 11 true freshman on the field and play better then this unit.  Enough F'ing excuses! 

RR now has to get a huge upset to keep his job IMO.  That means a win over Wisconsin or Ohio State.   I also believe that Illinois looks like a loss right now and Purdue should be a win, but at this point, who the hell knows. 

What a terrible game which out shadowed a wonderful performance by Denard.  The offense is doing their job and the defense clearly isn't.   BTW: The call on the first drive to go under center in the I for the 3rd and 1 was a terrible call.  All that does is bring more defenders into the box.  I thought RR clearly understood they can't give away possessions and I thought he did exactly that to start the game. 

The Michigan offense didn't turn the ball over and the defense got what 2 stops all night?  That makes me sick!
 
Want to know the difference between Michigan and Auburn or Oregon?  Some Defensive Stops!  Neither one of those teams has a strong defense but they get some stops.

I'm tired and that's enough ranting for tonight. 

Game Day Video: Michigan at Penn State 1997

1997 a Special Year and a special game at Penn State.  Got to love Keith Jackson, what a great intro. 

You know the story and the ending............................

...Univision

Univision, the Spanish language network, is set to top the American networks in viewership within this decade, according to census. With about 50 million more Hispanics in America than there were a decade ago and with Univision showing a 14% jump in viewers this year, compared to 3% by the big 4 (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) it is only a matter of time. Recently Univision passed The CW to become 5th. Some think that even without the future growth of Hispanics in America Univision would still become number 1. In areas, such as the 18-49 year old range, Univison could possibly lead on some nights, it is very close on Friday nights as it is. This means good things for them when it comes to future sponsors. In the past major sponsors have not been willing to place ads on the network, 2/3 to be exact, but now that could, will change. This will definitely do damage to the big 4 who have seen profits fall due to the recession and sponsors deciding to find more creative ways to reach people, especially since most people can fast forward through commercials now. Univision is set to become a major player in the television world. I have no clue what this means for the rest of us. They are a Spanish language channel so it is not like many English only speaking Americans will be tuning i to watch, but it could change things up on the other networks, maybe they will have better shows, less police dramas...maybe. I am giving Univision a Digit Up

New Looks On Defense for the Wolverines Against PSU?

Rich Rod said there would be some new positions switches for this weeks game against Penn State.  Some are news worthy, some are not.  I hope all are effective.

• Big Will and Q Washington are sticking with the positions switches for right now.  The rumor mill has been saying Q is a beast on defense so far.  Maybe not ready to play right away but that is a good first impression.

• Marvin Robinson to Linebacker - I expect him to back up Jonas Mouton. 

• Defensive lineman on the move - I expect them maybe to move Martin from nose tackle to DE where he can pressure the QB.  Expect Banks or Sagesse at NT.

• Safety - There has been some rumbling that Cam Gordon would move more to the LB/Safety Hybrid role currently held by Thomas Gordon and Carvin Johnson.  The rumor mill is saying that freshman Ray Vinopal might see more time at deep and free safety positions.  Also look for Carvin Johnson to maybe play some deep as well.

Here's  RR's Take from the Radio show.

Also more playing time for some other running backs: 

On offense, Rodriguez said he plans to use freshman tailback Stephen Hopkins, who is 6-feet, 227 pounds, more often, and also said sophomore Teric Jones, who moved to running back from defense before camp, has practiced well.


"He's progressed to the point you'll see Teric Jones probably play some tailback for us on Saturday," Rodriguez said.

Michigan - Penn State Preview

Date: Halloween Eve
Location: Happy Valley
Time: 8:00 EST
TV:  ESPN
Weather:  High 54, Low 37 Partly Cloudy
Line: Michigan -3

Michigan is coming off a bye week after 2 losses in a row.  Penn State got a win over the coach less Minnesota Golden Gophers last week where they gave up 433 total yards. So what do you make of that?  I think neither team is where they want to be and that is competing for a Big Ten Championship.   Both have two losses in the Big Ten and holding on for a Bowl game. 

There are other similarities between the two:

• They both have a first year starting QB's. 
• Both are injured (it seems Robert Bolden will be out, while Denard will play)
• Both defenses have struggled
• Both teams have lost to Iowa
• PSU is 4-3
• Michigan is 5-2
• There are questions if both coaches will be there next year.
• Michigan has Michael Shaw that de-committed from Penn State to go to Michigan.   Penn State has Anthony Fera and Kevin Newsome who de-committed from Michigan.

Who wants it more?  That is the most important question on Saturday.  Both teams have the opportunity for their seasons to go bad in a hurry.   Michigan is sitting at 5-2 with 3 winnable games in a row in the Big Ten before Wisconsin and Ohio State.   Penn State is barley over .500 and needs wins to get to a bowl game. 

The reason Michigan is favored in this game is due to their top five offense against Penn State's banged up defense.   Michigan is expected to run the ball effectively with Denard and their host of running backs.  Michigan can also stretch the field with their wide receivers if JoPa over commits to the run.

Penn State on the other hand is really banged up at QB where the true freshman starter Robert Bolden is most likely out with a concussion he suffered against Minnesota.  Which leaves Matt McGloin a walk-on sophomore.  When Michigan's defense has played well this year it has been against teams with young/in-experienced quarterbacks.  It's the upperclassmen that have picked the Wolverines apart.   With that said, Penn State does have a talent running back in Evan Royster.  I expect Evan to get a lot of carries this week against Michigan's defense that has given up some big plays in the running game. 

Tale of the Tape

Michigan Offense vs PSU D =  Go Blue

Penn State Offense vs Michigan's D = A real ugly push

Special Teams = Penn State (better place kicking, punting is a push, return game who knows?)

Intangibles = Push (both need a win, night game at home favors PSU but talent favors Mich)


I think the Michigan faithful is much more confident in this game then they were at the beginning of the year.  With that said, this is not an easy win for the Wolverines, no matter who is playing QB for JoPa.  Michigan will have to stop the run and make that young QB beat them with his arm.  The Michigan CB's will have to show improvements over the past two games in letting WR's run free.

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

• Denard is week 1-5 Denard
• Michigan doesn't turnover the ball
• The young PSU QB looks young and confused
• Denard has 150 on the ground and so does two Michigan RB's
• The Michigan D gets stops against the young PSU offense

Shout I hate saying Go Blue when Penn State is wearing blue jersey's if..........

• Evan Royster is finding huge holes in the Michigan D
• Matt McGloin is the next Troy Aikman
• Michigan is sloppy and confused after the bye week
• Michigan's LB's keep losing contain
• Michigan beats themselves

I expect the Wolverines to have renewed focus and rest after the bye week and play a very good game.   I hope Michigan fixed things on defense and worked in a few new looks on offense.  A win = Bowl Game which they haven't had in two years.  With the game on prime time national TV they should be ready to play.  

If Michigan doesn't make the same mistakes they made against MSU and Iowa they should win the game even if the defense shows up for only part of the time.  With that said, I expect Michigan's D to get a lot of stops against young Penn State's offense. (examples UConn and ND first half)   If Michigan can pressure the young QB and not let Royster beat them, they should be in good shape.    Michigan 38 Penn State 24


GO BLUE!

Sparty Goes Sparty Again

Michigan State could be on a special run.  They beat both Michigan and Wisconsin already, they don't have the Buckeyes on the schedule and play Iowa for a very realistic shot at a Big Ten Championship and even a shot at the BCS Championship on Saturday. 

Then Sparty decides it can't get out of it's way.   The situation is Chris L. Rucker who was in jail 24 hours ago due to violating his probation for a misdemeanor assault and battery charge by getting arrested for driving while intoxicated the night after the Michigan victory. 

When Michigan State hired Mark Dantonio from Cincinnati, I thought it was a good hire.  A tough coach that would take the un-disciplined Spartans and turn them around into a competitive Big Ten Football Team.   Or just the opposite of the person they fired, John L. Smith that was more known for being a clown then a leader of young men.    

Then we started to see a few clinks in the armour of Mr. Dantonio after State struggled against Michigan.  The first sign was a verbal comeback against Mike Hart's "little brother" comment.  Dantonio didn't just dismiss it, he decided to get into a childish classless "war of the words".

Then came the disaster before the Alamo Bowl game last year where it seemed his entire team was in a dorm fight.  Some players got to come back to the team, others didn't.  After that event, he declared a ""zero tolerance" policy.   Then Chris goes out and has a couple of drinks, gets behind the wheel and gets arrested again.   Spends 8 days in jail and as soon as he gets out he walks right into practice.  Dantonio then says it will be up to Chris if he makes the trip to Iowa. 

I was sorry to hear about Dantonio's heart condition early this year and he certainly surprised me by his new found "river boat" gambler profile by faking field goals and punts to win games.  (BTW:  Those were very high risk decisions that came out positive that could have easily gone the other way.)

What head coaches are missing is they are responsible for everything.  They are the CEO of the Football Program.   Rich Rodriguez has learned that hard lesson over the past 3 years.  Brian Kelly is learning it right now with the tragedy at Notre Dame.   He was responsible for that young man being in the tower under those conditions and he needs to realize that.  Dantonio needs to understand that as well, which he clearly doesn't.  He thinks he is a football coach trying to win a game.  It's not that simple and he has enough experience to understand that, "this isn't his first rodeo".

Let me ask you this:

Doesn't Chris have a few classes to catch up on while he was in jail for 8 days?

Does winning at all costs mean you go from jail to field?    

What happened to the "zero tolerance" policy?

I don't know Mark Dantonio personally and it's very hard to judge someones integrity when you don't know them but, Mark is the wrong person to lead the Michigan State Football Program.   The above examples are enough proof for me.  He is not Tom Izzo.  IMO,  Dantonio is soft of discipline and took a potential magical journey this year and just turned it into a car crash.  If you think about it, John L. Smith is much less dangerous to MSU then Mr. Dantonio.   Isn't it funny how one decision can get you fired when your team is 8-0?  Go ask Mike Leach or Jim Leavitt? 

Detroit News Bob Wojnowski takes Dantonio to the woodshed. 

So does ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

...Marie Claire writer Maura Kelly

This chick is getting beat up by the media and large Americans for her point of view. What is her point of view? Fat people are gross. She wrote an article in Marie Claire, "Should Fatties Get A Room?", about the new show "Mike & Molly", a show about a heavy-set couple who met at their Overeaters Anonymous group. she posed this question: "Think people feel uncomfortable when they see overweight people making out on television?" Her answer was YES. She wrote, “I think I'd be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other ... because I'd be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room.” Of course people got really pissed. Marie Claire received 28,000 emails about the article, and of course they wanted her to be fired. Now what most people did not know is that Kelly was anorexic, not anymore. She feels very strongly about this issue, weight and health, and so I can see why she was probably pissed. Are we getting too comfortable with obese people on television? There are roughly 93 million overweight Americans, but we should not help the cause so much, we do not want more obese people. But back to Kelly. Maura Kelly later apologizes for her comments. Now for me that was horrible. I think you should own up to whatever you said. She should have stuck to her guns and taken the bullet. Now how can I take anything she says seriously? If you give under pressure then you never really believed in what you wrote Maura. I understand that in this economy job security is important and I guess she did not want to lose her job but if that were the case she should have written a nice little fluff piece. I am giving Maura Kelly a Digit Down for apologizing.

10/29-Jack Lalanne, Scott St James

Jack Lalanne-"The Godfather of Fitness"

Jack LaLanne is an American fitness, exercise, and nutritional expert, celebrity, lecturer, and motivational speaker who is widely referred to as "The Godfather of Fitness". LaLanne gained worldwide recognition for his success as a chiropractor and bodybuilder, and for his incredible and prodigious acts of strength and endurance. Through his career, LaLanne has won numerous awards including the Horatio Alger Award from the Association of Distinguished Americans, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hall of Fame.

Early Life

Jack LaLanne was born September 26, 1914 in San Francisco, CA and admittedly, during his childhood days was addicted to sugar and junk foods. At age 15, young Jack heard Paul Bragg speak on health and nutrition which had such a powerful influence, it motivated Jack to focus on his diet and exercise habits.

Jack was truly a pioneer, as he studied Henry Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body and concentrated on bodybuilding, chiropractic medicine, and weightlifting, something virtually unheard of in the 1930s.

Health Clubs

In 1936 LaLanne opened his own health spa in Oakland, CA, and dedicated his life to encouraging people to better themselves through exercise and fitness. LaLanne designed the world's first leg extension machines, pulley machines using cables, and weight selectors, now a standard in the fitness industry.

Scott St. James-Actor, Sports Personality 

Scott St. James began his acting career with a role in Heart Of A Champion: The Ray Mancini Story. Since then, he has appeared in dozens of motion pictures and TV series including Everybody Loves Raymond, ER and Jimmy Kimmel Live! His national television commercial credits include roles for American Express, Pepsi and Honda Motor Company. A true renaissance man, Scott began his career as an award-winning radio personality, enjoying tremendous success at stations all across the country, including St. Louis powerhouse KMOX and KMPC and KIIS-FM in Los Angeles, working with legendary personalities Robert W. Morgan and Rick Dees. Along the way he picked up multiple Golden Mike and Mark Twain Awards for commentary writing. His daily morning commentaries on Arrow 93FM covered a broad spectrum of topics from sports to entertainment to politics, and over a period of nine years, raised an eyebrow or two. In the 80’s, Scott was also the on-camera Sports Director at LA’s KCAL-TV, Channel 9. Contact Scott St. James via e-mail: scottstjames@sbcglobal.net

Michigan Thursday: Could 2 De-commits have Saved Rich Rodriguez Job at Michigan?

For those of you that don't care for RR you have a laundry list of reasons why: 

• Weird new offense
• Really bad defense
• Not a Michigan Man
• Paying him too much money
• Stretching too long before practice which lead to NCAA Violations
• A bad record
• Recruiting kids that are borderline academically
• Piped in music at the Big House
• Transfers
• De-commitments

I'm sure you can list many more.  What's strange is maybe two QB de-commits could have saved his job.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?  The time is August 2008.  Michigan will be starting a season where a walk-on and a non-mobile red shirt freshman are Michigan's only options at QB.   Though help was on the way through recruiting for the 2009 class.  Michigan had two 4 star QB's verbally committed to that class:  Shavodrick Beaver a 6'3, 180 pound QB out of Wichita Falls, Texas and Kevin Newsome a 6'2 225 pound QB from Portsmouth, Virgina. 

Both of these guys had solved Michigan's future QB depth problems and now the Michigan coaching staff could focus on recruiting Offensive Line and Defense.  Well, that good feeling at QB didn't last long as Kevin decided to de-commit from Michigan on August 19th and Shavodrick did the same in December.  From a comfortable feeling to a really bad feeling. 

Michigan went 0-2 on their QB recruits for 2009 but help was on the way, Tate Forcier a long time Michigan fan gave his verbal during the season and things were back on track.    Michigan still had only one QB recruit until signing day when Denard Robinson signed up.   So you could say that Shavordrick and Kevin's decision to not join the Wolverines gave the opportunities for Tate and Denard to.

So that is one interesting point.  The other is what has happened to all four players since then. 

• Shavodrick Beaver is a back up at Tulsa and in two years has completed 5-9 passes for a total of 41 yards.
• Kevin Newsome is 3rd string at Penn State and 14-24 in two years for 144 yards.
• Tate was 165-281 for 2050 yards in 2009 and 30-39 for 349 yards in 2010
• Denard was 14-31 for 188 yards in 2009 and 97-143 for 1319 yards in 2010

Ironically, Michigan on Saturday could face (he is questionable due to a concussion) Robert Bolden a true freshman QB from the State of Michigan that picked Penn State after Devin Gardner verbally committed to the University of Michigan in the 2010 class.  My understanding is that Kevin Newsome is third string behind walk-on redshirt sophomore Matt McGloin.  Tulsa on the other hand plays Notre Dame this weekend and "The Beaver" might see a few snaps.

It was clear that RR and staff did a great job in recruiting both Tate and Denard.  Will that recruitment save his job?  I think the next 3 weeks will go a long way in answering that question.

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week #9

Wow, nine weeks sure do fly bye when your having fun.   When I previewed the season, I got a couple of things right like Iowa losing at Arizona and Wisconsin beating Ohio State.  I also go a lot wrong like saying MSU would go .500 this year.   I thought they would lose to Michigan and Wisconsin but they have gotten through both games. So how will they do this week?

Big Ten Game of Week:

Michigan State at Iowa:  The Hawkeyes had it's table set for a Big Ten Championship with it's win in Ann Arbor and home games against: Wisconsin, MSU, and OSU.  Well, something strange happened on the way to dinner table and Kirk Ferentz went Les Miles and miss managed the clock and cost his team at a shot at least overtime.  After the Michigan game, MSU has struggled against Illinois and Northwestern before pulling both games out late.  The BCS has MSU ranked #5 but some folks are still not buying the Spartans.  You can put "Vegas" in that category and has the Spartans all most a touchdown underdog (6.5) in this game.    This is a put up or shut up game for the Spartans.  If they win this game they will win the Big Ten and go un-defeated this year.  Could Sparty really play for the BCS Championship?  Nope.   Iowa 31  MSU 21


The other games:

Northwestern at Indiana:  I think Northwestern is a decent Big Ten football team and should of had a win over Sparty last week.  Every year Michigan makes IU look really good and then they fall apart.  I was very surprised how they laid down at Illinois last week.  I am off the IU band wagon. NW is a 3 point favorite.  Northwestern 42 IU 28

Purdue at Illinois:  At the beginning of the year, I expected Purdue to be playing pretty good football by now and Illinois heading for a last place finish in the Big Ten.  Well, they have reserved roles and Purdue doesn't have any healthy QB's and Ron Zook is saving his job at Illinois, who has been the surprise of the Big Ten this year (outside of Sparty).  Ron's boys are a 17 point favorite in this game.   This game won't be close either.  Illinois 28 Purdue 7

Ohio State at Minnesota:  How is this a prime time game?  The TV executives whiffed on this one.   This is a match up between the most talented team in the Big Ten vs the least talented team in the Big Ten.  It won't be close.  OSU is favored by 25 points.   OSU 42 Minnesota 10


Wisconsin has a bye week.

I will preview the Michigan at Penn State game on Friday.

...Miley Cyrus

Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus are getting a divorce after 17 years of marriage and 5 kids. Of course they are the parents of the oddly famous Miley Cyrus. This could possibly be the best news for Miley and her career. Think about it... She now will probably get more attention because of it and more people will buy her albums and merchandise. Also she has been wanting to break out of the shadow of the Disney Network and Hannah Montana so now she will have a legitimate reason to be a "bad girl". She can say she comes from a broken home, somewhat true, and she can be bad and angry and upset and hold it in and let it out on stage and in her music, wonderful. Billy and Tish really will be fine, they are both attractive for their age and they have money and can easily get another mate. I thin they should stay together. Maybe Billy wants more, more money, more women, more fame or maybe Tish does, who knows and who cares. All I know is that Miley will get he most press out of it all and it will help her out in the long run. Digit Up to Miley.

Wolverine Wednesday: Thinks Rabbit Tastes Like Chicken

• Ft. Myers teammates Sammy Watkins and Dallas Crawford have Michigan listed as their top school.  I think Michigan has a very good chance for both, but if I was a betting man I would put my chips on Dallas for sure.  Sammy is rated one of the top WR's in the country and will get a lot of pressure to stay in-state.

• Santonio Holmes, Fred Taylor, Anquan Boldin and Vincent Smith like to catch rabbits when they are back home in Pahokee, Florida.  "The first time, I caught, like, three rabbits," Smith said. "It's pretty difficult, running in the mud and having to catch them and keep your balance."  "Every time I get a chance to go home when it's rabbit season time, I got out in the fields and test my luck again," said Smith, a 5-foot-6, 180-pound back who has run a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. "We kill 'em, sell 'em and eat 'em. They taste like chicken."  I'm pretty sure Vincent isn't running a 4.4 after his ACL, but we have high hopes he can get back to that speed.

• It seems Michigan has offered a new Michigan LB named Desmond Morgan out of Holland.  He is 6'1, 225 pounds and ranked with 3 stars from Rivals. 

• TomVH from Mgoblog gives us an update on 2012 QB recruiting.  Nick Patti and Mauty Mauk are the top 2 targets IMO.

• Former Michigan verbal commit DeQuinta Jones got arrested on a "Pot" charge this morning while driving.   He is playing for Arkansas and 9th on the team in tackles.  If I had to guess he was probably headed to a Taco Bell. 

Celebrities Collection: Aishwarya Rai

...Paul the Octopus

I have sad news people. Paul the Octopus has died. The octopus who rose to fame after predicting every single game correctly in the World Cup passed away of natural causes in his tank at the ripe old age of 2 1/2. I was a fan, and so was Spain and many others around the world. I was glad when he retired, it is always great to go out on top. I still wish that the aquarium would have mad ea quick buck or two...millions off of him, but they had principals and stuck to them. There is talk that Paul may get a statue or some sort of shrine, which I could see. I am sure he will get some sort of dedication at the aquarium and he will live on forever and ever in pop culture history as well. I am giving this news a Digit Down.

10/27-Pam McNeely

Pam McNeely - CRN Media Critic

Pam has a unique opinion on TV/Radio/Movies and offers a fresh perspective as the CRN Media Critic at Large. What's Hot and What's Not as well as the inside scoop on the entertainment industry. Pam dishes praise and criticism alike on your favorite shows and actors while telling you why they will be a success or failure. 

10/26-David W. Fleming

The PM Show with Mike Horn delivers today's headlines in the world of POP culture, from news, entertainment, and sports. The perspectives and attitudes that permeate in your everyday world, you'll find on the PM Show with Mike Horn.

Today guest hosted by Jennifer Horn and Tomas.

David W. Fleming  - Founding Chair  Biz Fed 

David W. Fleming, an attorney with Latham & Watkins, was the instigator of the successful charter reform movement in the City of Los Angeles. In 1997, he and then LA Mayor Richard Riordan co-chaired a voters' initiative to reform LA City government, culminating in creation of an elected citizens' Charter Reform Commission that drafted a new charter adopted by voters in 1999. He currently serves on the board of the Southern California Metropolitan Water District, covering all of Southern California, representing the City of Los Angeles.  In 2003 he was appointed by President George W. Bush as a trustee of the James Madison Foundation, which bestows scholarships on high school teachers to promote teaching the founding of our nation. In 2005, he was appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to represent the city of Los Angeles as a director of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (the “MTA”).   Fleming chaired the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and in 2008 and was the creator and founding chair of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed), an organization of 72 chambers of commerce and trade groups with well over 100,000 business members, employing 2 million workers throughout LA County. In 2009, he, along with former California Governor Pete Wilson, served as co-chairs of the Southern California Leadership Council.  In 2005-07, he served as the Chairman of the California Regional Leadership Foundation, a statewide organization of civic entrepreneurs addressing regional problems. He is the current Chair of L.A. Project Grad, an intensive K-12 educational program helping minority public school students achieve excellence.

Michigan Tuesday: Clarifies Medical Redshirts

This is game week and after a week off it's hard to find news worthy stuff out of the Wolverines.  So I will do my best today on getting you the most interesting "stuff" out there.

Funny Quotes from the Michigan Press Conference Yesterday:

-A camera man asked a question to Coach Rod about facing JoPa head to head.  RR responded jokingly: “Joe and I aren’t going against each other, I might be able to take him, if it is just me and him."

-Stephen Schilling on Big Will Campbell playing on the Offensive line:  Sometimes he played the defensive line like an offensive lineman.  He was more interested in finishing blocks then making the tackle.

• The Daily Gopher profiles a "Michigan Man" Brady Hoke for their open head coaching position.  I didn't realize the job he has done at San Diego State.  He is currently 5-2 with a win over Air Force and played Missouri within 3 points and was leading in the 4th quarter. 

• Kelvin Grady was interviewed  for ESPN's GameDay on Monday for his twitter use.

 

• Denard is a semi-finalist for Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award.  There are 15 other semi-finalists as well.

• I know many of you have questions on what qualifies for a medical redshirt for Devin Gardner.  #1 he can't play more then 30% of the games in a season, with all participation being in the first half of the season.  His last snaps were in the Bowling Green game.  #2 He also has to have a documented injury.  Currently, he has a documented back injury.   At the end of the year, they have to file paperwork to the NCAA requesting a medical redshirt.  I fully expect Michigan to file for the medical redshirt also commonly known as a medical hardship at the end of the season.

• The other situation is that it seems Ricardo Miller played on special teams for the UMASS game this year.  Let's hope that stat is a mistake.  You lose your redshirt eligibility if you play one play. 

• Yes, Michigan is recruiting a place kicker.  They were looking at guys in California and Maryland last week.

...Nike Commercial

The NBA basketball season starts today and of course their had to be a little controversy before it tipped off. Nike just released a commercial [See Below] staring the infamous LeBron James. In the commercial he somewhat mocks his "decision" moment and specifically mentions one of his famous critics, Charles Barkley. In the commercial he only mentioned shoes once, and they were only shown for about 5 seconds. This was almost a short movie. If it were black and white it could have come across like an American version of a foreign film. I am sure that this was not meant to sell shoes, and in that sens it is doing its job. People once again are talking about LeBron and Miami and basketball. Of course the Heat will be playing today and I am sure the ratings will be beyond high for their game and I am sure this commercial will play. I am just waiting to hear what Charles has to say about being mentioned in his commercial. I am going to give this commercial a surprising Digit Up. It is doing its job and it is going to only help propel LeBron, blah, and in a sense propel Nike.

10/25-PM Show

The PM Show with Mike Horn delivers today's headlines in the world of POP culture, from news, entertainment, and sports. The perspectives and attitudes that permeate in your everyday world, you'll find on the PM Show with Mike Horn.

Rich Rod's Press Conference Notes - Now with Denard Updates..........

Excited about the night game.  It's a fun experience at Happy Valley.

Big Will is working on the offensive line and Quinton Washington is now on the defensive lines, the moves are permanent yet. 

Fitz Toussaint should be ready to play this week, not sure if he will contribute or not.

Denard is the starter, Tate has played well but Denard will continue to play.  Not expecting to play both QB's.

Denard just needs to minimize the major mistakes.

Devin has a back issue and it might lead to a medical redshirt (really didn't answer the question).   He is learning the offense and picking up more each week.

Watching games on TV is not as good as watching the tape, you don't pick up enough of the play on TV.

Saw Auburn QB Cam Newton at Florida when Tebow was there, knew he was a special player then.

Mike Martin and David Molk did a little bit last week and should be ready to go this week.  Same with Shaw.

JoPa is a great coach with a great staff.

The Penn State fans will be jacked up and they have really good players that are ready to execute. 

Every game we play is critical.  Everyone puts a little more importance on a league game.

You can't press the issue and let the game come to you.  The times we have pressed the issue we have gotten in trouble.

Denard's shoulder needed some rest and he got that last weekend.


Craig Roh:

A week to heal is great looking forward to this weekend. 

He feels refresh.

They have been working on fundamentals the past week.

Just watched the Penn State game.

He gets more out of watching film but he can get stuff from watching the game on TV.

Defense has been improving and it's slowly showing on the field.

Thought Quinton Washington should have been playing defense weeks ago.  Just has the right mentality for defense.

Mike Martin is an amazing athlete and can take on 3 blockers.

Loves night games.  You feed off the excitement from the crowd.

Team is looking forward and staying positive.


Vincent Smith 

Didn't watch any football on TV this week.

Trying to get his body right this week.

This bye week got us back on track.

Saw that Hopkins was special at the end of camp, a good down hill runner.

The team is hungry and been correcting mistakes the past week.

He likes being in space and doesn't mind playing wide receiver.

He is 100% healthy.

Denard Robinson

Feeling good and it feels great having a week off. 

Hung out, slept a lot during the week.

Treating the shoulder everyday last week

Team came together during the week and learned from the mistakes.

Didn't like sitting out practice.

Trainers kept him out of Iowa game, he couldn't go. 

Cam Newton played a great game.

More as a team this year.

The turnovers were preventable.

(about his speech to the team after the MSU game) He rather lead by actions then words but didn't want the season to go the way it did last year and felt he needed to say something.  Didn't want anyone to be down.

Big Will is going to be a good offensive guard.

You don't hear the fans when your on the field.  Just focused on the game.


Steve Schilling

Big Will is going to be a good offensive lineman when he figures out what he is doing.  He almost played D line like an offensive lineman. 

When Quinton hits someone it's going to hurt.  They always joked about the two changing positions.

Team is excited about the trip to Happy Valley. 

Recharged the batteries and watched some football last weekend. 

Jibreel Black will have a great career here.

Taylor gets amped up and Steve tries to calm him down a bit.

Only going to run through the tunnel 2 more times.  Looking forward to the last 5 games to end the season right.

Michigan Monday: Asks For Help From Dr. Fix it

The Michigan Wolverines had a much needed bye last weekend where the Wolverines had time to focus internally to fix a few things on both sides of the ball.

Michigan has 3 winnable games in a row and they need to win all 3 before they face Wisconsin and Ohio State back to back.  Don't get me wrong, those winnable games are also lose-able for these young Wolverines.  So this week was about getting re-focused and getting ready for the home stretch.   

When something in your house breaks, you can either fix it yourself or call a handyman aka Dr. Fix it.  Since I'm allergic to fixing things, I usually call a Mr. Fix it.  Since the young Wolverines need some work I called Dr. Fix it for some help.   Here is what he said:

Michigan Defense

• Protect the young secondary.  In the off week, I hope Michigan found away to protect the young CB's.  There are a few ways to do that including zone coverages and putting pressure on the QB.  Did Greg Robinson find something this week?  Let's hope so.   My vote would be to pressure the QB.

• Where is my Ball Hawk?  Every good defense has a ball hawk.  Michigan doesn't seem to have one.  Sure, you can make a case for Kovacs but Michigan really needs another.  There are rumors floating around that true freshman Vinopal might start at safety this week and Cam Gordon could move to the Carvin Johnson/Thomas Gordon hybrid role.  I don't know if that is the answer, but I'm willing to take that risk at this point. 

• Stop the Run!  Coming into the season, the Michigan defense was expected to be poor against the pass but decent against the run.  Well, they haven't been good at stopping either.  The way the running backs are getting through the defensive line and linebackers is much too easy.  I expect that Kenny Demens has replaced Obi Ezeh permanently at middle linebacker but having Cam Gordon closer to line of scrimmage could also be a positive in the run game.

• Get some turnovers!  Through the first 5 games, Michigan was getting fumbles and interceptions.  In their 2 losses Michigan was giving those things to their opponents and not getting any back.   Denard and Tate will throw some picks, the Michigan defense needs to create some of their own.

• Healing Powers:  Let's hope Mike Martin is 100% after the bye week. 

This is a key two weeks of practice for the defense.  They need time to work out the issues.  On a side note, Michigan really needs a 6th win so they can have the extra bowl game practices.  Having those two weeks are so important to a young team.   Let's hope Greg Robinson mixed up some "mad formulas" these past two weeks for the defense.

Offense:

• Protect the Ball!  Michigan is not good enough on defense to give their opponents extra possessions.  Picks and fumbles have to stop if Michigan is going to win ball games. 

• Two headed QB?  Denard is the starter but is also a bit banged up.  I expect that Tate will see some more time in the second half of the season.  I'm not calling for QB controversy, I'm just saying if Denard struggles with his health, we will see more of Tate. 

• A Running Back needs to step up:  Michigan needs another threat on the ground outside of Denard.  I expect that Shaw is the guy but if he can't go due to injury, someone needs to step up and get some yards from that position.

• Penalties: Are killing drives and need to stop.  Play discipline football!

• Healing Powers: Let's hope Denard's shoulder is a 100% and that David Molk is ready to come back.   Those are probably the 2 most important guys on offense.  

The offense is still explosive but can't play from behind to be effective.  Michigan needs to take advantage of all the possibilities to score since the defense will be giving up a lot of points.  Protect the ball and do your thing and they will be fine.  

I can't tell you how important the next three weeks are for the the Michigan Program.  I hope the Michigan coaches were able to figure a few things out during the break.

More News and Notes:

• Karlos Williams the #7 ranked safety in the country who committed to Florida State has now become a "soft" commit and has USC and Michigan in his top 3. 

•  VA WR Quinta Funderburk who visited to Ann Arbor for the Iowa game has committed to Arkansas.

• RR will have his weekly press conference today at 12:15.  Look for questions on Big Will on offense? Ray Vinopal at safety?  Kenny Demens at LB?  Penn State's QB situation.  Denard's Shoulder.

...The Oakland Raiders

Wow! The Oakland Raiders scored 59 points, the most in the team's history. They scored these points on the Denver Broncos, their longtime rival, holding them to only 14 points. The running-back alone scored 4 times on them. This is pretty good because the Raiders have been the laughing stock of the NFL, well the Lions might be worse. Everyone knew they had the potential, they just though tit was left in the 80's, joke. In a 7 game stretch last season the Raiders managed to only score 55 points, but in 3 hours they topped that. They improved their record to 3-4, second in the AFC West. Could they be Super Bowl contenders? Possibly actually, and that is a tad scary. If they were to make it to the Super Bowl, or dare I say win it, this could make Al Davis' dream of moving back to Los Angeles a little closer to reality, especially since Magic Johnson is looking to buy a team (Jaguars) and bring them to Los Angeles, and even more so because Al Davis said he would not sell the team or retire until the Raiders won another Super Bowl, which at this moment in time is not longer a pipe dream. Digit Up Raiders.

What I learned this Weekend

I think we all know there is a curse on being the #1 team in the nation.  3 weeks in a row the #1 team in the nation goes down.  Besides that here is what I learned this weekend.

Put a Tent on that Team?  Can someone explain to me what is going on with Michigan State this year?  They are winning games on fake field goals in overtime, going down 17-0 and faking punts, juggling catches for touchdowns.   What's next?  Statue of Liberty? They are expected to be #5 in the BCS standings later today.  I don't know if they are BCS contenders (they did beat Wisconsin) or Barnum and Bailey.  If State beats Iowa next week it's all downhill  from there.

Les Miles Timex Award:  Goes to Iowa's Kirk Ferentz when he called his last timeout with 12 seconds left down by 3, in field goal range, after they had a first down.  The play was to spike the ball and try one shot to win the game in the end zone.  The next play the ball was completed in bounds and the game was over.

Iowa's D is a bit Over-rated:  After giving up 500+ yards to the Wolverines a week ago, Iowa struggled at stopping Wisconsin yesterday and gave up 347 total yards.

Wisconsin's Defensive Backs:  Are physical but not really fast.  When Michigan plays them they should focus on passing the ball and trying to beat those DB's deep.  Wisconsin's D is pretty good against the run.

Demar Dorsey Trivia Question:  What does Demar and UConn have in common?  Both teams he signed with this year have wins over UConn (Michigan and Louisville).

What's Michigan's best win this year? I'm not sure.  This weekend: ND got beat by Navy, UConn gets shut out by Syracuse, UMass loses 39-13 to New Hampshire, IU gets embarrassed by Illinois, Bowling Green lost 30-6 to Kent State.   Every team Michigan beat this year lost this weekend.  

Illinois is for real:  One thing I really hate is that we make IU look good every year and they they just implode.  Happen last year, happening again this year.   Illinois beat IU yesterday 43-13.   Michigan will have to play well to beat Illinois when they come to the Big House.  Looks like Zook has saved his job.


Purdue isn't:  If RR can't beat Purdue this year, he should resign.  Going 0-3 vs Purdue the last 3 years would be criminal in my book.  I know it's at Purdue this year but Michigan should and needs to win this game by a lot!


Who will Michigan see at QB for Penn State?  Michigan high school star Robert Bolden suffered a concussion (we believe) against Minnesota on Saturday.  His status for next week is still unclear.  Kevin Newsome a former Michigan verbal commitment is also on Penn State but maybe 3rd string at this point with
Matt McGloin coming in for the injured Bolden.

Oregon is good.  Real Good.  If they don't make the NC game I'm afraid what they would do to a Big Ten team in the Rose and yes, I understand Ohio State beat them in the Rose Bowl last year.    Honestly, does State really want to play Oregon in the Rose?  I'm guessing no.

Isn't it strange that both Iowa and Michigan have two losses?

...Red Celery

What do you do when you are a celery farmer and your product is not selling? You alter it and make it red to attract more customers of course! Apparently the creators of this celery are trying to "jazz" things up because green was boring and since we eat with our eyes the color should help sell more. The product will be hitting your supermarket December 1st, in time for the Christmas season. This makes no sense at all! Besides the fact hat it kind of looks like a radish, what does altering food and good sales have in common? Nothing at all. With many Americans today looking for healthier, less processed and more natural foods so altering natural food to make it anything less than NATURAL, is a dumb idea. Celery is not meant to be a fun food or a happy food, it is a common diet food and a side dish food, or the food that come with your order of hot wings. Deal with it celery people. I am giving red celery a Digit Down.

Non-Game Day Video: Michigan - Minnesota 2003

Since we don't have a game today, I thought I would find a game against a team we don't play this year.  That's right the Minnesota Golden Gophers for the "Little Brown Jug" in 2003.   

I was at a wedding when this game was being played and for those of you that remember, it was played on a Friday night due to the baseball playoffs.  We were watching the Wolverines just collapse in the first half and make an incredible comeback in the second half at the bar.

BTW: How come Michigan has a tradition of not playing the worst team in the Big Ten.  It seems when teams are way down Michigan doesn't play them.  I guess that is just the way it works. 

Enjoy a Wolverine day off!

...The Talk

I had heard about this show for months. The controversy of the show featuring a lesbian mother, but that died down a day after I heard about it. The Talk premiered Monday and I watched it, I watched all week long after I found out what time it came on. No one really seemed to care. Barbra Walters mentioned it, sort of, on "The View" Monday when she said the reason their show is so good and why others try to copy... Oh Snap! Well After watching this week I can see why no one really cared, the show is boring. It has its funny moments but it is boring. The show is for mothers, and mothers can be boring, especially mothers of young children. Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Leah Remini, Holly Robinson Peete, and Marissa Jaret Winokur are the stars of the show and they seem to get along, for now. During their interviews of guest like Jennifer Lopez and Christie Brinkley they played softball, not the actual game, but with the questions. I understand that they are a new show and I guess they are not trying to ruffle feathers, but c'mon ladies, do something! Julie's husband is the main boss at CBS so it is not like the show has anything to worry about. I doubt I will continue to watch next week. I need more substance, more meat. Honestly I do not see this show lasting that long... Digit Down.

Michigan Friday: Forgets to Pay Rent

So we all have wondered why Kenny Demens hasn't been the starter at MLB for the first 6 games of the season when he seemed like he is a big upgrade from Obi Ezeh.   Well, that got answered today as it was un-covered that Kenny and Boubacar failed to pay rent, hardly any rent to an Ann Arbor Apartment complex for a year and is now getting sued.  Now it's starting to make sense.   Not good Kenny, not good.

• Did anyone see the Oregon - UCLA game last night?  Wow, Oregon played well.  I would like to see Michigan move that fast on offense sometimes. 

• WoJo interviews Coach Rod:  Same Questions, Same Answers. 

• Maize and Brew previews Michigan's game against the Bye this weekend!  Hey, I hear we are favored!

• Fred Jackson is the Michigan coach watching DeAnthony Arnett's game this weekend.

• Michigan summer visitor Cyrus Hobbi seems very interested in Nebraska.

• Two 2010 recruits that are on de-commitment watch are Florida QB Kevin Sousa and Ohio CB Greg Brown.  Kevin plays on a terrible team so his numbers aren't too impressive and Greg hasn't improved like many predicted.  Could Michigan being cooling on them?  Maybe.  Greg has visited Syracuse and Kevin is visiting Middle Tennessee State, Wake Forrest, and Louisville. 

• WR Quinta Funderburk has his list down to four schools, Michigan, Florida, Arkansas and West Virginia.  Funderburk was a visitor for the Iowa game.

• Michigan will also be at DT Kevin McReynolds game today.  He is a 4 star DT out of Washington DC.

...The Hangover 2

Mel Gibson just cannot catch a break. It was widely reported that he would be making a cameo in the new movie " The Hangover 2". Now just 4 days after that came out it is being reported that his scenes were cut from the movie. Director Todd Phillips had this to say, "I thought Mel would have been great in the movie and I had the full backing of [WB president] Jeff Robinov and his team. But I realize filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and this decision ultimately did not have the full support of my entire cast and crew." Apparently Zach Galifianakis had a problem with Mel being in the movie. In a podcast interview he said this, "But a movie you're acting in, you don't have a lot of control -- you just show up and vomit your lines out. I'm not the boss. I'm in a deep protest right now with a movie I'm working on, up in arms about something. But I can't get the guys to [listen] ... I'm not making any leeway." No mention of Mel per se but it was implied. On the other hand some think that the backlash from the media was a little to blame if not the whole reason why his scenes were cut. Some believe that if the media had not said anything about it no one would have cared until the movie was out, too late then, and that he would have been well received. I think that this is bad for Mel. This was supposed to be his mini comeback, like when Mike Tyson was cameoed in the 1st movie. Now Mel must wait for his other movie with Jodie Foster to come out, which could be a failure because now people will not have a proper transition into it. I am giving Mel's cut a Digit Down because I would have loved to have seen him as a tattoo artist. Maybe it will be in the DVD, who knows right?

10/22-Joe Bonsall

Joe Bonsall-Oak Ridge Boys and Author

Most of you know Joe as a thirty-year member of the American music group The Oak Ridge Boys (http://www.oakridgeboys.com).

He is the energetic one on the end, singing the high harmonies and lead vocals on such songs as Elvira, I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometime, Love Song, as well as other Oaks’ standards such as Fall To Fly, My Son, and Dancin’ The Night Away.

Many of you have come to know Joe as a successful author. His critically acclaimed Molly The Cat book series, as well as his many published articles have established him as a talented and appreciated author, Joseph S. Bonsall.

Michigan Thursday: Recruiting Blitz

This is like a" run" recruiting blitz update today but with some tasty nuggets in there for you that follow the recruiting trail. 

• The #1 Safety in the country and current Alabama commit Hasean Clinton-Dix will be making another visit to Ann Arbor for the Illinois game with Dee and the Dr. Phillips crew (Chris Gallon WR, Darryl Monroe LB, Roderick Ryles S, 2012 QB Nick Patti) .  If I had to guess, Michigan is trying to put together a Miami Heat like package (no not money!) for the Dr. Phillips guys that would include them all playing together next year.  Dee Hart is already verbally committed and now Clinton-Dix could be re-considering his verbal to Bama.   There are a number of other Dr. Phillips prospects that Michigan is looking at as well.  There were Michigan coaches at their high school just this week.  It seems Michigan would be one of the only schools that could take 3 or 4 Dr. Phillips players.  Let me tell you that with a lot of certainty that Clinton-Dix would be starting right now for the Wolverines.

• Offensive Lineman from Chicago Chris Bryant will be visiting Ann Arbor again in December. 

• TomVH from Mgoblog says that some Michigan coaches will be at Anthony Arnett's football game on Saturday.  Anthony is a State of Michigan player who dropped U of M from his list a number of months ago.   Maybe the young man is reconsidering Michigan and his future with Dee and Denard?

• There is a lot of Michigan negative recruiting going on in the recruitment of Anthony Zettel.  Michigan still remains the leader but State and PSU are a close second.

• Sam Webb has an update on the 2012 Chris Wormley Michigan offer.

• It seems Michigan might be slow playing QB Kevin Sousa from Florida.  Kevin is setting up other visits this Fall.   Michigan had QB Marquise Williams in for an official visit as well (who is currently verballed to NC)

• Iowa visitor Tim Jernigan is one of the top DT in the 2011 class and will be seriously considering Michigan.  The rumor that he is a lock to Florida is not correct.  He will be visiting Florida, FSU and LSU as well. 

• Dallas Crawford and Sammy Watkins have both Miami and Michigan very high on their list.  We know Michigan leads for Dallas and most insiders expect that Clemson leads for Sammy.

• Like we expected AJ Jordan committed to Wisconsin on Wednesday.   It seems Michigan feels confident with some of the WR's that are still in the fold.

Big Ten Preview: Week #8

Michigan is off this week and for Michigan fans a weekend without a Big Ten loss is a good one.  There are some good games this weekend and one that might determine the Big Ten champion. 

There is also a game with a very interesting line.  Any upsets?  

So let's get on with the show.....................

Big Ten Game of the Week

Wisconsin at Iowa: Is clearly the Big Ten game of the week. Iowa comes in after a win in Ann Arbor where they gave up over 500 yards of offense to the Wolverines and Wisconsin had a win over someone like the #1 team in the nation or the Ohio State Buckeyes. Could the Big Ten Title be on the line in this one? It might. Wisky can’t afford a loss and Iowa still hosts the Buckeyes and Spartans. Wisconsin will try to run the football into the strength of the Iowa defense.  Whichever team flinches first will win.  Iowa is favored by 5.5 points. Wisconsin struggles on the road for some reason. Iowa 21 Wisconsin 20


Michigan State at Northwestern: Someone alert the media, The Spartans are un-defeated and ranked #7 in the country. I thought basketball practice just started, I didn’t realize they were playing Big Ten games already. I really think State’s guard play will be the key to victory in this one. Sorry, this is football and State comes in with a win over Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois already and they don’t play Ohio State this year. They have Iowa next week. This is the definition of a trap game. MSU historically has struggled against Northwestern for some reason. Vegas has State only favored by 5: Upset Special of the Week: NW 27 MSU 21


Purdue at Ohio State: Purdue has more starters on the IR list then they do on the field but that hasn’t kept them from winning lately. I’m not sure how they are doing it these days but the backups are playing very well. Purdue upset Pryor and Company the last time they met but this game is in C-Bus where there will be many points scored by the Buckeyes. It will be a payback game after last year and last week.  Ohio State is a 23.5 favorite. OSU 42 Purdue 14


Penn State at Minnesota: Could both of these teams be looking for a new head coach at the end of the year? Minnesota will be for sure and has already started the process. Mike Leach would like it. Which is ok, if you lock all your closets and don’t give Mike the keys. Both of these teams are struggling, Penn State has dropped two in a row in the Big Ten and Minnesota only has one win this year. Penn State will get back their winning ways before Michigan comes to town to play a night game. JoPa is favored by 9.5. Penn State 28 Minnesota 10


Indiana at Illinois: At first glance, this line is very strange to me. Vegas seems to be buying Zook and Company who played pretty well the last three weeks against OSU, PSU, and MSU. IU on the other hand, started the year 4-0 and lost to Michigan at home before getting killed at Ohio State and playing an FCS opponent close. Still IU can score points, even though they can’t stop anyone on defense. Illinois offense has struggled when they get close to the goal line which should be interesting. Is this a sucker bet? Illinois is favored by almost two touchdowns at 13.5 points. That really doesn’t make sense to me, I fully understand that Indiana is on their regular Big Ten downturn but they still can score points! Indiana 31 Illinois 27