Michigan Thursday: Finds the New Michigan Assistant Coaches?

Brady Hoke said during his press conference that the rest of this staff will be completed by Monday. 

The rumor mill has been running with a couple of names, so I will let you know what I'm hearing. 

Potential New DB Coach is Curt Mallory.   Michigan fans are familiar with the Mallory name.  Dad Bill was the head coach at Colorado, Northern Illinois, and Indiana.  Son Mike Mallory was a Michigan LB from 82-85 and currently coaching on the Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints.  Curt Mallory is currently the DC for Akron and has a lot of experience coaching DB's at stops at Ball State, CMU, Indiana, and Illinois.  As you can see it seems Curt worked with Brady at Ball State.

Potential new DL Coach is Jerry Montgomery who seems to be a hot young coach and was just hired at Indiana a few weeks ago.   Before joining the staff at IU, Jerry spent two years as the DL coach at Wyoming and a couple years at Northern Iowa in the same role.  Jerry is a former defensive lineman at Iowa and had a cup of coffee in the NFL.  He also played a couple of seasons in the arena league, so he knows how the play the ball off the net! Jerry is just 30 years old and should be a great asset in communicating with players and on the recruiting trail.

On the ironic side, Jerry would have been working for Doug Mallory the new DC at Indiana. 

Michigan Tuesday: Recruiting Blizzard

Another update on Dee Hart:  The Orlando Sentinel traded texts with Dee Hart and he says that he will stick with his Michigan commitment as long as RR and staff are there, or he might not.  If RR is no longer at Michigan he says he will select Florida over Alabama due to Florida running the spread.

Here is what I think, Dee is having a bit of fun with the media so he can announce his official decision at the Army All American game.  I don't believe Alabama is out (they are also practicing at Dr. Phillips when they are in Orlando for the Capital One Bowl - wow what luck for Michigan fans!) and it now seems Dee might not be enrolling early.  So this recruitment is far from over and when the RR situation clears up, so might his recruitment.

Conway is Out:  It looks like Shawn Conway instate WR will have to attend a JUCO next year.  It seems he won't qualify at Michigan.  I guess this is why Michigan has been recruiting the WR position so hard lately.

Kevin Wilson, Oklahoma's Offense Coordinator will take over the Indiana Hooisers.

Some Michigan coaches took in Ray Drew's basketball game last week.  Let's hope the Wolverines are still in his recruitment.

With Sousa out, who is Michigan recruiting at QB?  Here is one:  QB Tanner McEvoy (6-6 205) of Oradell, N.J who will visit Ann Arbor on 12/17.

How about a kicker?  It seems Michigan has strongly been recruiting Connor Loftus from California and he may take a visit to Ann Arbor this winter.

It seems last weekend visitor Blake Coutness is still very high on the Wolverines.  Blake is a 4 star CB and will announce at the Army All American Game in a month.  This is a high priority recruit for the Wolverines, mostly after Avery Walls recruitment seems to have been pretty quiet for awhile now.

Instate RB Thomas Rawls gives us his visits plans:  He’ll take an official visit to Central Michigan — the school that first expressed interest — next weekend. Then it’s off to the University of Michigan the following week, with a stop due in Toledo sometime in January. Cincinnati is in the process of setting up a date as well, said Rawls.  Thomas head coach is the son of Michigan RB Coach Fred Jackson and also former Wolverine Andre Weathers also coaches at his school.

Michigan Monday: MSU Week Begins Now

Michigan State week is always a strange week for Wolverines fans.  The reason being is many Michigan fans rank Michigan rivals as #1 Ohio State, #2 ND, #3 MSU.   Michigan State ranks their rivals as:  #1 Michigan, #2 Michigan, and #3 tried for Penn State (didn't really work).  

Don't get me wrong, Michigan wants to win this game and yes it's a rivalry game.  In-state bragging rights mean something for the kids and there is an effect on recruiting.   MSU has also taken advantage of Michigan's two down years and has had close wins over the Wolverines.  Both teams are 5-0, ranked, and have wins over ND so it should be a good game.  Michigan State's head coach is still recovering from his heart attack and had a set back late last week that had him back in the hospital.   Believe it or not MSU really hasn't been on the road this year, the farthest they have been away from East Lansing was a trip to Detroit to play Florida International. 

Should be a fun week.  Enjoy it here at the BHB.

• RR will have his weekly presser today at 12:15

• Dee Hart is planning to announce his decision this week.  The initial reports say it will be completed on Friday.  No press conference is schedule yet. 

• TomVH reports this weekend that Michigan is now recruiting Chris Gallon, Dee's teammate and cousin of current Wolverine Jeremy Gallon.  Chris is a 6'5, 205 WR. 

• AP Poll:  MSU at #17  Michigan at #18  USA:  MSU #16 and Michigan #17

• Early line has Michigan -4.5

• Look for a number of big time recruits visiting Michigan this weekend and next.  It seems the Iowa game might be the biggest recruiting weekend of the year. 

Trip Report to IU:

The stadium is much improved from the last time Michigan was there.  Their video board is impressive.    The IU fans seem to be pretty nice and it was good to see the Wolverines travel so well.  Best example is last time Michigan was there they were ranked #2 in the nation and were undefeated with OSU the following week.  This year, there were many more Michigan fans and they were loud and supportive.  Great to see.

• I have never seen a fan base celebrate first downs like IU fans.  It's actually pretty funny.  Memo to IU Basketball fans at the game:  First downs are good, but the time to celebrate is for touchdowns.  Like when you cheer for a made 3 pointer!

• Many folks said this was the first sell out since 2007.  The stadium was maybe 1000 seats short of a sell out.  Now I understand why they sold a home game to FedEx field against Penn State.

 

• The IU fan base celebrated like they won the game when they scored to tie the game with 1:15 left.  One guy turned to me and said: "This is the new Big House!".  You only have to double your stadium and get people to show up.  BTW: there is 1:15 left and we have Denard.  I also had to advise the person next to me if this game was "field rush" worthy if they won.  Glad we didn't have to find out.

• The overall trip to IU is pretty affordable for an away game.  Tickets were as low as $5 for kids and there were plenty available to fans not getting advance tickets.  Parking was also $5 to park near the stadium.  They really don't understand out how to flow the traffic after game day but it wasn't too bad. 

Michigan - Indiana Post Game

photo courtesy of John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

I went to a football game in Bloomington, Indiana yesterday and a track meet broke out.  Denard is clearly the most exciting football player in the country and he continues to impress everyone, whether it was the second play of the day or the final one. 

Michigan's offense accounted for 574 yards on offense on Saturday with their quick strike offense.  The problem lies with Michigan's defense that gave up 568 yards of total offense as well.   The Michigan offense is explosive and they will have to be to keep up with their young defense.  This is a crazy stat:  Michigan finished the game with 18:13 it total time of possession, IU 41:37.  The Michigan defense was on the field more then twice as long as the Indiana D and still won the game!   You have to give a tip of the hat to Mike Barwis and staff.  If you would see a stat like that in the box score you would think it was a 42-7 win for the team with 41:37 of possession time. 

Most of you watched the game, so I will just quickly move to the cheers and jeers:

Cheers

• Denard = Unbelievable.  The IU crowd would cheer when he was stopped for a 5 yard gain.
• Junior Hemingway had a great day and a big catch on the final drive. 
• The Michigan offense line.  Was strong in pass protection and run blocking.
• Mike Martin = Beast

Jeers

• Offensive play calling in the second half.   When the D got stops, I thought Michigan was much too conservative in playing calling.   IMO, Michigan had a chance to put the game away and was too predictable on the read option hand offs to Smith instead of mixing up the plays. 
• Michigan's bend but don't break defense will hurt Michigan against teams with a better defense.  IU could throw that WR screen every play for 8-12 yards each time.  I know why Michigan's DB's play off the line so much, but at some point you have to stop that play.  
• Pass rush was hot and cold all day.  You can't let a senior QB stand back there and pick apart your defense.  Michigan needs to pressure the QB to protect it's young secondary. 

Like all Michigan fans, I have big concerns regarding Michigan's defense.  I don't like the "prevent" style that Greg Robinson is playing.  Yes, at times that is a good strategy other times it gives up a lot of first downs.    At some point you have to put Michigan's young cornerbacks in bump and run.  Those WR screens were killing Michigan all day and I didn't see Michigan do anything to stop it.   At some point you have to see if these kids can make some plays.   

I am happy to be 5-0 and heading into a big game against MSU next week.   The defense needs a better strategy on getting stops.  Michigan can't keep it's defense on the field for 40+ minutes and think they will win to many more games this year.  Next week will the best defense Michigan has seen all year, so it should be interesting.

Game Day Video: Michigan vs Indiana 1979

Here is a little memory to get your ready for game day.   Nobody did it like Bo, AC, and Bob Ufer. 

The passion in that play call was a beautiful thing.  This is a great video for the play, the call, but I really love the play before AC's touchdown catch when #23 throws the ball out of bounds to stop the clock.  The head coach on the sideline for IU is of course Lee Corso from ESPN's Game Day fame.

Enjoy and Go Blue!

Players to Keep at Eye on in the Michigan - IU Game

We all know about Denard and what he can do.  What about the other players on Michigan and Indiana who might make a difference in the game?   With a little help from Stephen Hopkins,  I give you:

Who to keep an eye on from Michigan during the IU Game:

• Mike Cox - rumored to be most talented running back at Michigan has been down the depth chart due to "rumors" of missing holes and work ethic.  With Shaw and Toussaint out of Saturday's game, is it time for Mike Cox to raise up? 

• Taylor Lewan - is making his second start on the offense line and at times has been pretty dominate.

• Brandon Herron and Carvin Johnson are coming off injury and if healthy could be a nice lift to the defense.  Mostly against a passing team like an Indiana. 

• Wild card:  true freshman Marvin Robinson.  IU is going to air it out, might we see some of #3 at safety this week?  Double Down Wild card:  Ray Vinopal. 

From Indiana:

• Benny and the Jets:  Ben Chappell is senior QB who is averaging 296.7 passing yards a game and hasn't thrown a pick yet this year.  He has a host of play makers at WR including:

• A Toss to Doss:  Tandon Doss the junior WR almost had 200 yards against the Wolverines last year in the Big House.  and.....

• He's from Michigan?  Terrance Turner a 6'3 210 pound WR from Auburn Hills, MI had a touchdown catch and 121 yards receiving last week. 

• What u talking about Willis?  How about 152 yards last year against Michigan's D and a 85 yard TD run.  Let's hope that doesn't happen again for RB Darius Willis.   

Family Feud:

Punting:  Hagerup vs Hagerup:  Neither one expected to punt much during the game. Chris= IU, Will = U of M
Defensive Line:  Back in Black:  Jibreel (Michigan) vs Larry (IU).  Both play on the defensive lines. 

Michigan Mash Report: Indiana Game

OUT (0% PLAY)
Jones, Mike --- Leg
Shaw, Michael --- Knee
Toussaint, Fitzgerald --- Shoulder
Van Slyke, Jared --- Clavicle
Williams, Mike --- Head
Woolfolk, Troy --- Ankle

QUESTIONABLE (50% PLAY)
Ferrara, John --- Hand


PROBABLE (75% PLAY)
Herron, Brandon --- Ankle
Johnson, Carvin --- Knee
Robinson, Denard --- Knee

Michigan - Indiana Preview

Time: 3:30 EST
Location: Bloomington, IN
Line: Michigan -10
TV: ESPNU
Weather: 66 and Partly Cloudy


This is the first Big Ten game of 2010 for both teams.  IU is 3-0 with wins over Towson, W. Kentucky, and Akron while Michigan is 4-0 with wins over UConn, ND, UMass, and Bowling Green.  

If it was a boxing match, most experts would expect a knock out in the first 3 rounds.   Both guys throw a ton of punches but don't protect themselves very well.

Let's go to the team ranking through 3 or 4 games:

Rushing:
Michigan #2
IU #96

Passing:
Michigan #50
IU #11

Points For:
Michigan #11
IU #10

Points Against:
Michigan #64
IU #43

So what do you make of these?  It's clear both teams like to score points, Michigan on the ground and IU through the air.  Neither team plays much defense.  I would say Michigan being #64 against the teams they played is a bit better then IU's #43 through 3 cupcakes.   Everyone is predicting a ton of points in this one and a running time of about 5 hours.  Which should make the crew from ESPN U happy since 2 million people tuned in for the Michigan - BGSU blowout a week earlier. 

Tale of the Tape:

Michigan Offense vs IU Defense = Denard

IU Offense vs Michigan D = Lots of practice for Michigan's Young DB's

Special Teams = Push

Intangibles = Push (IU is at home but Michigan is the best team they have faced this year)


Indiana has a senior QB and good players at the skill positions.  Michigan on defense will have to get a ton of pressure with the pass rush and not get surprised by the running game.   Michigan's DB's will have to make some plays to get some stops.   If there was ever a time to consider Brian from Mgoblog's theory of putting Kovacs at middle linebacker, this would be the game.   IU came into the Big House last year and almost beat Michigan with only a controversial interception by Donovan Warren giving Big Blue the win.

IU on defense won't be able to stop Michigan's offense since they had a hard time stopping Western Kentucky and Akron.  So ball protection will be key for Wolverines.  Michigan was focused and ready to play the last time they had a road game in Indiana a couple of weeks ago against ND and they need to have the same focus against IU.

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

• Michigan doesn't have to punt or kick field goals again
• Denard is Denard
• The Michigan Defense against UConn, ND, and BGSU shows up
• Michigan gets 5 sacks and 2 picks
• A Michigan RB has over 100 yards and Stonum and Roundtree are open all day
• Bill Lynch launches his gum toward the crowd 3 times.  Is that double bubble?

Scream, Indiana is a basketball school! if............

• The game becomes the "Chappell Show"
• If Saturday starts to look like 2009
• IU gets some stops on defense
• Michigan turns the ball over
• Michigan's DB's look like high school seniors

There is one thing I know for sure in sports:  When everyone thinks one thing is going to happen the opposite usually does.  Everyone and their brother are calling for a ton of points in this game (like 80!).  Whoever scores last wins!  Which could be true but I think Michigan's 2010 defense is actually better suited for a Pistol or Spread type of offense then a Pro Style (like Michigan will see the following weeks).  Greg Robinson will be very key in this game on the personnel and formations he uses.   I think both teams will give up big plays but not as many as predicted.   Turnovers will be the difference.  Michigan 31 IU 20


GO BLUE!

Wolverine Mid Week Injury Report

RR had a short and sweet session with the media today and updated us on the status of a couple players. 

Look like Shaw and Toussaint are doubtful to play on Saturday. 

Carvin Johnson and Marvin Robinson injuries are getting better and should play this weekend.  Brandon Herron is also healing at might make it back as well.

Denard Robinson is practicing and will be ready to play at IU.  "He's fine. He did the entire practice yesterday," said Rodriguez. "Everything is good to go. There will be no restrictions whatsoever."

Taylor Lewan will also make his second start and first Big Ten start. 

Michigan - BGSU Post Game

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

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

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

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

Let's quickly get to the Cheers and Jeers:

Cheers:

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

Jeers:

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

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

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

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

Go Blue!

Enjoy some photos from the game:

Barwis and Big Will

 Mike Martin

 Denard after the game

The last drive of the game

Michigan Tuesday: Dee Hart Update and More

Dee Hart has been in the news lately, mostly freaking out Michigan fans after his trip to Auburn this weekend.  I have two updates from recruiting insiders: Sam Webb from WTKA/GBW and TomVH from Mgoblog. 

Here is Tom's: 

• Talked to Dee's mom
• Uncle went on the trip and his uncle rated it 7 out 10
• Dee is still planning on taking two more visits this month Alabama and Arkansas
• Not really interested in Arkansas but supporting his teammates on the trip
• Needs to make a decision soon and the process is starting to wear on Dee

Sam:

• Talked to Dee
• Believes that Michigan still leads
• Maybe a decision soon but probably going to take a couple more visits
• Sam's opinion is that Auburn's is aggressively recruiting many of Dee's teammates, which could have an affect on his recruitment. 
• Dee still may come back for the MSU or the Iowa game as an unofficial visit (took his official for UConn)

So let's all take a deep breath on Dee for now and hope that he makes a decision for Michigan.  The longer this plays out the more time others schools can state their case. 

• Craig Roh:  It won't be tough to get up for BGSU. "From our performance this Saturday, this team is definitely going to get up for this game."  Craig doesn't listen to music before games to get pumped up - reads a bit of the Bible.

• The Michigan at IU game will be on ESPNU at 3:30 EST.

• Anthony LaLota "hints" the skem change at Michigan is the reason he left:  Rutgers "plays a different scheme, more of a traditional 4-3. I think it's a great style, very aggressive. I can come off the edge a little bit. I think it suits me well.''  I'm guessing not being on the 3 deep or not making the trip to ND had anything to do with him leaving.

• U of M Flint's first football game draws 400 people. 

• UMass moves up 5 spots to #11 in the FCS poll after losing to Michigan.  (no comment needed here)

• Timmy Jernigan one of the top DT in the country is going to hold off a decision until after the season so he can take some visits.  One of those visits  should be to Ann Arbor.

A thought for the day:  With Michigan in such bad shape from a kicking stand point, why didn't they give Bryan Wright a 5th year?  He is now kicking for Bowling Green and will kick in the Big House again this Saturday.   He transfered to BGSU under that rule getting a 5th year if you graduate and the new school offers a program your old school did not.