Michigan Monday: Loves in Game Adjustments

The one thing that really bothered me about the Carr Era was we never seemed to make any meaningful adjustments when something wasn't working.  When it seemed USC had our play book, nothing.   It drove me crazy and probably you as well.

I wondered what was the reason for that?  Did they try to make changes and it didn't work?  Was it Lloyd not letting his coordinators change the game plan?  What was it?  (Side note on the RR years, I think they tried to make some defense adjustments from time to time, they just didn't work)

I don't have the answer to the above questions but I do know when I see a good game plan working effectively and when I don't.  Both Greg Mattision and Al Borges has impressed me regarding the in game adjustments and changes.  Al is coaching like a 17 year old with the keys to a brand new Lamborghini.  He knows how to drive but has never had a car this fast.

Greg on the other hand is trying to find the right personnel in game time situations.   Both have made very good in game changes and the reason the Wolverines today are 3-0 and ranked 21/22 in the polls.  I continue to be impressed on how Coach Hoke is letting them both do what they do best. 

Let's compare those strategies to our Rival to the north.  I was excited to see the match up this weekend between ND and MSU.  Sparty has owned ND over the past 10 years but was running into a difficult situation with a quality team that now found themselves 0-2.   MSU was ranked #15 in the polls and was a road dog to an 0-2 team.  

What happened was a terrible game plan by Mark Dantonio and staff.  It was like they didn't review any tape on ND the past two weeks.  ND continued to turn the ball over and MSU couldn't capitalize.  They even continued to call gimmick and trick plays.  A fake field goal from the goal line?  (side note; does anyone think ND practiced fake field goals a little bit extra this week? - just stupid).  MSU's game plan wasn't working and they just kept it and got blown out.  No adjustments = big loss. They weren't out manned on Saturday they got out coached.   If I was a MSU fan, I would be very upset at Dantonio playing Tressel Ball all day.

•  Michigan has taken a 2012 walk-on commitment from Fenton punter Kenny Allen.  Kenny had 1 scholarship offer from Oregon State and decided to stay close to home and punt for Michigan.  Kicking guy Chris Sailer had this to say about Kenny:   Kenny is a very talented young punter. He has the size and athleticism to dominate in this area. Can hit a huge ball. Also a great kicker. A top combo prospect in the Class of 2012. Will be a scholarship pick!  Kenny is averaging 43 yards per punt this year and is also a place kicker.   This is a good pickup for the Wolverines.  Anytime you can pick up a guy with scholarship offers to D1 schools as walk on, is a huge bonus.   If I was a fly on the wall, I'm guessing the Wolverines are concerned about their scholarship punter Will Hagerup who has been suspended 4 out of the last 5 games and still has one more game to sit out.

• Michigan is 21 in the Coaches and 22 in the AP.

• Michigan is an early 9 point favorite over San Diego State.

• 2013 State of Michigan offensive line recruit Steve Elmer surprisingly committed to ND over the weekend while he was on a visit.   Steve and Shane Morris are the top two prospects in Michigan for the 2013 class.  Michigan was recruiting Steve and had been on campus a number of times.

• Jordan Diamond took a visit to Illinois this weekend.  Has Michigan cooled on Jordan or has Jordan cooled on the Wolverines?

• RB Greg Garmon has Michigan in his top 4.   A month ago I thought there was no way Michigan was taking a RB in the 2012 class.  I now think Michigan has a fighters chance at landing Greg or Bri'onte Dunn. 

Michigan Friday: Talking Heads

Brady Hoke spoke yesterday and people took notes. It was pretty much of what we expected, no news on Stonum and Kellen Jones is not enrolled. He expects everyone to be in shape and ready to compete at the start of practice on 8/8. He is all about Michigan and showing some swagger. Maybe Brady should be the next Old Spice Guy. Look at Me, Look at my Defense, now back at Me.

• Danny O'Brien had a online chat on Rivals last night and will announce his top 6 schools on Friday. He pretty much said he liked all the schools he is considering (Alabama, Tenn, Michigan, Florida, Iowa, MSU, Ark and others) and will visit them all and make a decision during the season or after. He did say he would like to play college ball with his best friend Matt Godin.
  
• Aaron Burbridge committed to MSU yesterday. He was planning to be at the BBQ at the Big House on Sunday so the timing was unexpected the result wasn't. Good luck to him in East Lansing.  

• Allen Trieu of Scouts tweeted that Ondre Pipkins might commit somewhere sooner rather the later "if he feels it". He is visiting Ann Arbor this weekend. Let's hope he feels it!

• Former Michigan QB commit Shavodrick Beaver is leaving Tulsa for Midwestern State University.  He was planning to be an academic redshirt this year for Tulsa.   Out of the 4 QB's that verballed to Michigan in that class it seems the last one was the best.  If you wondering who was the last one was, see the below video.

Your moment of Zen with Denard and that Million Dollar Smile....................

Michigan Thursday: Today is a Godin Day (Repost)

Repost Due to problems with hosting site

Lifelong Michigan fan Matt Godin today made his commitment public to the Wolverines' 2012 recruiting class. He had been a silent commit since the Michigan spring game.


Matt is a 6'5", 253-pound defensive line player, and the position he will play at U of M is still a bit of a mystery. He could play DE or DT. My vote would be for DT, but I will entrust Greg Mattison with that important decision.

Matt plays for Michigan HS football power Detroit Catholic Central out of Novi and happens to be close friends with Flint's 2012 defensive lineman Danny O'Brien. Matt is rated a 3-star prospect by Scouts and 4-star by 24/7 and had offers from Wisconsin, BC, MSU, Cincy, Duke, Vandy, Missouri and others.

Why he chose Michigan: "Because they are in my blood. I used to cry over games and I'm never going to get a better opportunity to come in early and contribute."

Love it!

I would expect Matt to redshirt year one while he works on his strength and technique. The recruiting sites that have seen him play think he is very athletic for a big man and has a great frame.

I really like this pickup for a number of reasons, including that he is an in-state kid, he loves Michigan and he plays a position of need for the Wolverines.

The wish list for the rest of class includes a couple of offensive linemen, a QB (less of a need with one in 2013), a highly rated RB, one WR, a couple DTs, one DE (named Chris Wormley) and some guys to play in the defensive backfield (CB and safety).

Michigan Monday: Wonders What's On Tap for Recruiting This Week

Michigan is on fire right now the recruiting trail.  I wonder how Sparty is feeling at this point?  Michigan has beat them every time this year in a head to head battle for recruits.  Michigan currently has 10 verbals and each recruit is either from Ohio or the Great Lakes State.   This is where Sparty makes hay and right now they are hay-less.   The Spartans have 4 verbals for the 2012 class and none of them had Michigan offers.  7 out of 10 Michigan commits had MSU offers.


So what could be next for the Wolverines?

• Instate DT/DE Matt Godin announces on Thursday.   Many expect him to be Blue. 

• 4 Star CB Terry Richardson  (who is friends with Ross and RJS) has been making noise about making a decision this week or next.   He was in Ann Arbor for a visit this weekend. 

• Instate 4 Star WR Aaron Burbridge (who is teammates with Ojemudia and Funchess) was in Ann Arbor this weekend as well for a visit.  Does he want to join this teammates at Michigan?

• TE Ron Thompson is now getting recruited by a number of other big time schools and may continue to wait.  If I were Ron and Michigan still wants me, I wouldn't wait too long with how fast this class is filling up.

• 5 Star OSU verbal running back Bri'onte Dunn enjoyed his visit to Ann Arbor this weekend.  He is playing it pretty close to the vest right now (no pun intended) as OSU's troubles seem to continue to grow.

• Anthony Standifer is a new name for us here at BHB.  He is a  6'1", 178 lbs CB from Crete, Illinois.  He just got offered and is very excited about it:  I have very very strong interest in Michigan. Me and my mom and dad are going to sit down and figure everything out, but I'll be visiting on Thursday [May 12th]. I was just excited and at a loss for words when they offered. I feel very thankful and appreciative for the offer. Michigan is at the top of my list.  Anthony has mostly MAC offers and from lower tier Big Ten and Big East teams.  I'm betting Michigan likes his size at CB.  I would consider him on commitment watch on Thursday during his visit to Ann Arbor.

Michigan Tuesday: Old Faces New Places

We all knew that Kaleb Ringer is releated to former MSU star Javon Ringer.  Here is what Javon had to say about Kaleb committing to the Wolverines:  I tried (to get him to MSU). I definitely wanted him to do what was best for Kaleb. I wanted to make sure that he took all his visits and went to all the different schools so he could find the best fit for him and to go to a place that he could get some playing time right away.


I do not like that it is Michigan and I don’t have a problem saying that. I’m not a big fan of Michigan with me going to Michigan State. I have a lot of respect for Michigan. No matter how much you dislike them, they’re a great team.


I still know some of the players who played there. I will support my nephew. I hope that he does great. I pray that I left a good enough legacy at Michigan State and I’m pretty sure that Kaleb will do that same thing at Michigan.


Whatever happened to Michigan's Walk-on QB from Pioneer Nader Furrha?  Well, he didn't last long at Michigan.  He was a back up at Riverside City College last year and now has accepted a scholarship offer to play at Morgan State next season. “I thought I was going to get more opportunity (at Michigan), it didn’t work out so I moved on,” Furrha said. “It was hard leaving, but it was a move I had to make for myself.”

UMass rode the wave of their good performance at the Big House to a invitation to the MAC Conference.   The official announcement is expected tomorrow at 5:00.

We knew Michigan's Basketball's 2011/2012 incoming recruiting class is strong but is it really this good?  MaxPreps did their top 100 and look how Michigan did:  #62 Carlton Brundidge - PG,   #82 Trey Burke - PG, and #100 Max Bielfeldt, PF/C.  Carlton and Trey are not big surprises but Max wasn't even rated by Rivals or Scouts - zero stars and he is a top 100 player on MaxPreps!  Sounds good to me! 

Michigan Tuesday: Welcomes MSU to the Reality of Roses

If you live in Ohio, you hate the State of Michigan even if your not a sports fan.   That's just the culture in the Buckeye State.  Some people won't even do business in Michigan because it's Michigan.   Which is a pretty narrow view of reality, mostly when it potentially could be costing you and your family a better living. 

Michigan State's Program is just the opposite.  The best analogy I give for the Spartans is a golfing one.  I am sure many of you have heard the term "sandbagger".  If you haven't, in golf it means a player that "inflates" his scores so his handicap is higher then it should be.  So for example, a 15 handicap might really be a 7 handicap golfer.  Meaning he gets 8 shots in a match that he shouldn't.

If you play golf, there are also guys who are just the opposite.  Guys, who are really 15 but cut a few shots off each round and end up being a 7 just so they can brag they have a single digit handicap, even though they lose every time they play another good player.  They just blame it on playing bad, the weather, or whatever excuse they can come up with.   This guy is the Michigan State Football Program. 

Michigan State opened up their Spring Practice yesterday and Mark Dantonio did his regular "Spring" press conference.  "Now we begin to prepare for the Rose Bowl," Dantonio said Monday. "That's where we're at. I think the foundation has been laid. We've had enough success to go into every game thinking we're going to win, or at least these are the things we have to do to be able to win."


(from the Detroit News - Is it me or did Dantonio give his press conference from a TV tray?)  

Really?  Didn't MSU (similar to Michigan as well) get embarrassed by an SEC opponent earlier this year?  Wasn't the score 49-7?  I think setting goals is good and the Rose Bowl goal is probably where the bar should be set for the Spartans every spring but going Rex Ryan in March is going a bit too far.

Mostly when MSU has had a number of off field issues effecting the program including:

• Potential violations and suspension of an MSU Booster Club.
• The reinstatement of Dion Sims who pleaded guilty in September to receiving and concealing stolen property.
• The February arrests of TE Brian Linthicum and linebacker Max Bullough, who both will miss the first two days of spring practice.  Yes, two days.

This is why I love Michigan State.  Like Mike Hart coined years ago, they are the "little brother" that loves to talk and sometimes put together a couple of wins on the golf course, basketball game in front of the house, or even 3 instate wins in a row.  The problem is they just can't get out of their way when it comes to getting in trouble and talking smack after Alabama used them as their scout team.   Yes, MSU you had an 11 win season (didn't play OSU) and played decent football at times, but go take care of your business off the field and fix the problems on before you start talking about Roses of any color.

Wolverine Wednesday: Hoke and Staff Focus on the Great Lakes State

One of the reasons the Michigan faithful is excited about Brady Hoke is because he gets "it".    Some might wonder what "it" means.  Here are two examples:

State of Michigan Recruiting

RR: Yes, it's important but we recruit nationally and Florida is a big focus.

Hoke:  The State of Michigan is the #1 priority. 


Ohio State Game

RR:  Michigan is unique because it's has 3 rivals; ND, MSU and Ohio State.   None more important then the other.

Hoke:  Won't even use the word Ohio State.

During the RR media hate-fest, there was a number of articles written that Michigan State had taken over instate recruiting with two 5 stars guys signing with the Spartans the last two years. 

It's clear that Hoke and staff are focusing on instate recruiting and will do everything it takes to recruit the State of Michigan hard.  One recent example was a coaching clinic in the City of Detroit on Monday.  The University of Michigan coaches spoke to coaches from all levels (High School, JR High, Peewee and coaches from outside of Detroit as well).

Accounts were that Coach Hoke gave a wonderful talk and there were a number of break out sessions where coaches could ask questions and get more details per position.   Brady met pretty much every coach in the room and invited them to attend any U of M practice that they would like to take in.

They also invited former Michigan players to the event to talk what it means to be a "Michigan Man".
These are the type of events that will make a difference in years to come.   Just another example of Coach Hoke understanding what it takes to win at Michigan.

• Another Loss at DB:  A rumor that I didn't put on the blog ends up being true.  Ray Vinopal, who played as a Freshman at safety last year has left the Michigan program.  There are some family issues back in Youngstown and Ray needs to go home.  This kid played with a ton of heart and just another loss in the defensive backfield for the Wolverines.   Good luck Ray, you will be missed.  I hope your family issues get worked out and maybe you can make it back to A2 in a year or so. 

Wolverine Wednesday: 10 Things I like to see from Michigan before I buy a condo at the Villages

#10: A Wall of Fame, A Circle of Honor something that honors the great former Michigan football players.  I agree that retiring numbers may not be the right thing to do but there are so many great former Wolverines and there should be some lasting memorial somewhere at the Big House.  Name it the Gerald R. Ford Memorial: Circle of Champions.

#9:  Tom Brady gets close to U of M.   When Tom is ready to hang up his cleats, I would like there to be some type of partnership between Tom and U of M.  Is it a Tom Brady Scholarship? Is he the associate AD?  I don't know but having Tom close to the program has to be a good thing. 

#8: The Michigan Baseball team gets more TV exposure.  I have always thought there would be a nice fan base for the Michigan Baseball team if they got some more exposure.

#7:  Mike Hart on the Michigan coaching staff.  He seems the perfect candidate when Fred Jackson retires. 

#6: The Michigan basketball team makes an un-expected run to the Final 4.

#5: The Fab 5 plays an exhibition game against the current Wolverines for charity.  Maybe to re-open the "new" Crisler Arena?

#4: Michigan Football Dominates Midwest Recruiting. I want Michigan to be able to recruit like Texas does. Bring in all the top players in from Michigan, Ohio and neighboring states. Give the kids offers right there and then and give them 48 hours to accept or decline them. Michigan would have 70% of it's class full in a couple of days.



#3: Keith Jackson to do one more Michigan - Ohio State game in the Big House.

#2: Michigan goes on a new winning streak against MSU and OSU.

#1: Big Shocker Here:  Michigan has an un-defeated National Championship season where they beat OSU twice and USC in the BCS National Championship Game in the Rose Bowl      


Honorable mentions:  A night game at the Big House (next year), A huge music festival at the Big House with all the top bands,  Michigan and Michigan State play one or two games at Ford Field to help the downtown economy,  Zack Novak's number retired, Michigan signs the #1 rated high school prospect in either football or basketball or both!, an August pre-season exhibition football game against an opponent not on the schedule (yes I know this is more of an NCAA rule/issue) and Michigan doesn't need to hire a new football coach for the next 15 years!

Michigan Friday: Show Me the Money and I will Show You a Defense

With Brady Hoke on board now many of us wondered who he would pick to turn around the Michigan defense.  Would he be fishing in the $250K pond for Greg Robinson types or would he be fishing in the $1M a year pond for Randy Shannon types.  Brady ended up getting Greg Mattison the DC for the Baltimore Ravens, so we all expected it was close to the Shannon pond.   We found out yesterday we were right. 

Most notable was defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's contract. He will be paid $750,000 annually with a chance for a bonus of up to $150,000 if the Wolverines win the Big Ten. Mattison, 61, who spent the last two seasons as defensive coordinator for the NFL's Ravens, is the Big Ten's highest-paid assistant.



"We're not messing around," Brandon told The News when asked about Mattison's contract. "I am sure he's the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the Big Ten, and I have to believe he is also one of the highest-paid in the country.

Mattison will net $900,000 if Michigan wins a Big Ten Championship.  That's pretty good money for the #2 guy and in my opinion worth every cent if he can turn the defense around.  On a side note, Mattison is now making more then Brady Hoke was making at San Diego State before his extension (Hoke made $675,000 in base pay last year).
 
The other assistants won't be staving either, Offensive coordinator Al Borges will make $350,000 a year, receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski will make $225,000 and the other assistants will make $200,000 apiece.   Calvin Magee was RR's highest paid assistant at $285K a year.  A thought to ponder:  Did RR keep all the salary for himself and was not able to get the top defensive staff that he needed?  Or is David Brandon breaking the bank on Hoke's staff because Michigan hasn't been competitive in the Big Ten for 3 years?
 
Speaking of Brady Hoke it seems it didn't take long for him to re-print the weight room walls with a quote from Mark Dantonio about beating Michigan every year.   Mark, I know you would never listen to a piece of advice from a know nothing blogger, but here it goes anyways: When you win, act like you have been there before.  Do it with some grace and don't poke the grizzly bear when it's sleeping.  Be happy what you got and be quiet about it.  Karma can be cruel the next time around.   Is it me or does Dantonio have a couple screws loose? You wouldn't see his mentor Jim Tressel act like this.  
 

• The Michigan coaches just offered Ohio OL Kyle Kalis (6'5", 300 lbs) who is already a OSU commit but Kyle's high school teammates: TE Sam Grant, DT Greg Kuhar, and OL Tyler Orlosky all have Michigan offers.  Could the Wolverines be looking to sign the entire St. Edwards team?

• Michigan's basketball season could hinge on how they play against Minnesota in the Barn on Saturday afternoon.  If the Wolverines let the "Harlem Globe Trotter Shot" beat them twice they are for sure heading for the NIT.  If they can pull a win out in the Barn and then a home win against MSU, they have a fighting chance entering the Big Ten Tournament to get to the big dance.

• If your tuned into the NFL Network this weekend, Michigan has two players at the NFL Combine in Indy.  Steve Schilling and Jonas Mouton.  Good luck to you both!  

NSD: Frank Clark is Blue!

A question for you:  Does Michigan recruit Cleveland Glenville High School well?  I will also give you a hint that the head coach of that program is Ted Ginn, Sr.   What do you think?  The answer is no, Michigan doesn't.   Things might be changing and today Frank Clark a TE/LB from Glenville is a Michigan Wolverine and his LOI has been sent in.

Frank visited Ann Arbor a couple of weeks ago and was on RR's radar before he was fired.  Brady Hoke who actually has a good relationship with the coaches at Glenville from his time at Ball State and hosted Frank for the first recruiting weekend under Hoke era at Michigan. 

Frank is a 6'3 205 pounded TE/LB that is a three star prospect from both services with an impressive offer list including: MSU, Pitt, North Carolina, Minnesota and California.  It's still unclear if Frank will play TE or LB with the Wolverines next year.

Frank is a good pick up but probably the most exciting thing is the re-opening of the Glenville pipeline to Michigan.    It will be interesting to see where Frank plays and if other Glenville prospect consider and sign with the Wolverines.

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.

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?

Michigan Monday: Things I learned on Saturday

When I sat down on my couch on Saturday, I had Christmas like thoughts running through my head.  The weather was warm and it felt like a great day for upsets.  I turned on the Illinois - Michigan State game on the BTN and this thought danced through my head:  Could Michigan State, Iowa, and Ohio State all get upset today?

Well, we know only Ohio State went down in a football game that I hope all the Wolverines watched.   Why you ask?  Not because both teams remain on Michigan's schedule (that is a good enough reason to watch) but Wisconsin gave us all a text book example on how to upset a highly ranked team at home.   The young Wolverines need to take that class and read that book a couple of times.

Back to my list of things I learned on Saturday that was strangely educational:

• For the young Wolverines, the more things change the more they stay the same.
• Illinois is an improving team and out played Michigan State for close to 3 quarters but couldn't score touchdowns.
• Michigan State seems to be a team dedicated to not beating themselves.  They just wait for the other team to make a mistake and then win the game. 
• The Minnesota Golden Gophers Athletic Department has a crystal ball.  They started writing a press release firing Tim Brewster on Friday if he lost on Saturday.  They did and he got fired.
• Michigan for the second straight year made Indiana look much better then they really are. 
• Purdue always seems to play better after their first string QB goes out with an injury.
• Kenny Demens is the answer at middle linebacker for Michigan.
• Watching Michigan play this year is not good for my blood pressure
• The Michigan coaches need to spend more time at practice - the soccer team's practice.
• I'm still really upset about Devin not redshirting
• Michigan needs both Denard and Tate this year  
• David Molk might be just as important to the Michigan offense as Denard is
• This ABC/ESPN mirror thing is strange.  I had the Michigan game on both ABC and ESPN channels.  I can't get Texas and Nebraska?
• Speaking of Nebraska, I was real worried about them joining the Big Ten last week, now I feel better.
• I would like to see a replay of the Auburn - Arkansas game. 
• The Big Ten champ this year might have 1 or 2 losses.
• My lucky shirt from week 1-5 isn't lucky anymore.
• Those new Tech Fit jersey's didn't look any different
• Michigan's defense can make an average offense look good.
• Greg Robinson might not be the answer at DC.  Even I knew the draw was coming on 3rd -16 and the whole Ezeh - Demens thing is mystifying. 
• Michigan should put their starting offense line in for field goals.  Big Will blocking?  I know he was an offensive lineman in high school but come on.  Iowa had their first team defense line in.

Michigan - Michigan State Post Game

So what happened?

This was a strange game for Wolverines fans.  Clearly, one team played well and one team played poorly.  Sure, State has a better defense then Michigan but Michigan clearly beat themselves on Saturday with bad decisions and mistakes.  If Michigan is going to have one of the worst defenses in the country they can not waste offense possessions. 

One team had 3 turnovers, with two of them coming in the end zone and one team didn't turnover the ball at all.  That is pretty much all you need to know about the game.  Denard looked like a QB making his 6th start on Saturday and Cousins didn't.  Denard picks in the end zone were late, bad throws where he stared down his intended target.   If you show up to a shoot out and run out of bullets, you not going to do very well.  That was the story for the Wolverines on Saturday.

Instead of Cheers and Jeers today.  I am going to state my top concerns with the Wolverines through 6 games.

#5:  Michigan was not sharp at all on Saturday - Are the practices "too physical" during the week?  Wide receivers were dropping balls all over the place.   This team was either too tight on Saturday or just plain too tired.

#4:  Michigan 5 wins has come over poor teams.  UConn lost to a pretty bad Rutgers team on Friday, Indiana got their head handed to them in Columbus, and ND barley beat Pitt. 

#3:  Are there 3 more wins on the schedule?  Maybe.  As of right now, Illinois, Penn State, and Purdue look winnable.  But many Michigan fans are feeling a bit of Deja vu from the 2009 season.  Where Michigan was undefeated until they lost to MSU and didn't have a win over a D1 opponent the rest of the year.  Illinois and Purdue had surprising wins on Saturday.

#2:  The Defense is the worst in D1 against the pass.  Enough said.

#1:  This team is not getting better.  One of the things you look for in young teams is, are they getting better from week to week?   I don't see that in the Wolverines right now.  The senior linebackers are clearly not a strength on defense.  Obi ran right out of his gap on Baker's 61 yard TD to start the MSU scoring.  If he didn't move at the snap, Baker would have ran right into him.   I see Cam Gordon playing better then week one but I'm not sure you could say that about many more Wolverines.  Taylor Lewan has showed he is a  good player on the offensive line.

Sub topics under this heading of "not getting any better"

• I'm also not seeing creative play calling on offense.  Those option read runs on first down are killing me.  Those worked on the first drive but didn't work anytime after. 

• The "Denard Effect".  Denard has been an incredible player this year but we have to remember he made his 6th start on Saturday and is still a very young QB.  His 3 picks were all very poor decisions, that he should of thrown away or just ran with it.   In the post game press conference, he said, he "just got too excited".  With that said, when Michigan is down in by 3 scores in the second half, RR clearly had to throw and should of called on Tate to try to bring the team back.  With the all the press Denard has been getting, "how do you pull him?"  That is a coaches decision and one RR didn't make on Saturday. 

• Someone please tell me why Devin Gardner is not red shirting this year?  I would understand if Denard or Tate went down.  But at this point, a handful of plays and some time against BGSU seems like a wasted opportunity to get him another year of eligibility. 

So where do we go from here?

Michigan needs to protect against the implosion of 2009 by trying to stay focused.  They are one win away from being bowl eligible and now need a win again against a team they weren't expected to beat.  That opportunity is at the door with Iowa coming to the Big House next week.  As it sits right now, Michigan won't be favored to win against one of the best defenses in the country. 

Like I said before, there are some opportunities for wins on the schedule but there are also opportunities for a 2009 collapse.  The road they take will define this team in 2010.

Game Day Video: Michigan vs Michigan State 2004

If you have time today with the late afternoon kickoff, enjoy this "classic" Michigan comeback when the Wolverines go "Braylon" on the Spartans in 2004.  Watch Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Braylon Edwards in this great great comeback victory.  This has to be the closest thing the Big House has seen to a night game. 

What a memory and a perfect video to get you ready!  Enjoy.

Go Blue! 

When Sparty Does Dumb Things

I think it's really funny and actually pretty stupid when media or former players make comments that motivate the other team.  Ohio State and former Buckeyes were famous doing these things during Michigan's long win streak.  Tressel has put a stop to that activity, which is a good move if your a Buckeye fan.

The latest example of media stupidity is this following blog post from Jim Miller a former State QB who now works for the MSU Official Spartan Sports Network:

This Game is Already Over!

I state that because football has always been a game of force. Michigan is not a team of force at certain positions any more. Former coach Jerry Hanlon's statement is telling because he is acknowledging Michigan does not have the players to win the physical battles that they once dominated traditionally. Name me one Michigan defender who is dominant? Name me one offensive lineman? Name me a running back? Oh, my bad, that would be their quarterback Deanard Robinson!

Michigan expects a beat down and Michigan State is more than willing to give it! Michigan's defense has been a sieve for more than two years. UMass lit them up for 37 points! So what do you think State is going to do? If they counted triple doubles in football, this game would set the bar. MSU could potentially rush for 400 yards and throw for another 300. Controlling the clock is paramount for Michigan State along with not turning over the football, but this is as close to a practice as "routes on air", because Michigan's defense is nonexistent.

Defensively, everyone has been asking me how do you defend Denard Robinson? He is a tremendous player, but he is just one player to defend. I believe his Heisman hopes come to a crashing halt this weekend. You spy Denard with the best middle linebacker in the country, Greg Jones. You give him one job, which is to seek and destroy. If it is not Greg, it will be Eric Gordan, or safeties Trenton Robinson or Marcus Hyde. Somebody will always have Denard accounted for and they are all guys that can run. They outweigh Denard and all MSU defenders who have the opportunity, will be instructed to deliver punishment. Denard is frail at 180 lbs. You slow players like him down by physical abuse.

State needs to show up in the right frame of mind with a sense of purpose. That purpose, is to deliver a message to all one hundred thousand plus sitting in their plush new renovated stadium. You have to be a complete team to compete in the Big Ten! You have to be a tough team to compete in the Big Ten! You have to be a dominant team to win the Big Ten! Helpful reminders from "Big Brother" to Michigan about straying from their roots as a football program will be on display Saturday.

Jim, let me first correct your mistakes in your post:

• Denard is 193 pounds.
• Mike Martin on Michigan's defensive line is playing like an All American.
• I would like to introduce you to two Michigan offensive lineman:  David Molk is Michigan's center and playing at an All Big Ten pace.  There is a new comer to this game, a guy named Taylor Lewan who is a  6'8 300 pound redshirt freshman.  He wears Jake Long's former number.  Since you probably don't know who Jake Long is, he is basically Tony Mandrich without the "juice".

Now to the biggest mistake you made.  Why would you try to motive the Wolverines this weekend?  Michigan has plenty motivation to play hard but this will be all over Schembechler Hall today.  Jim you work for MSU and to say things like: but this is as close to a practice as "routes on air", because Michigan's defense is nonexistent, is just plain stupid.  Do you think an MSU coach would say this?  I don't.

I'm not going to write that Michigan has a strong defense but writing that the Spartans don't have to show up and can win the game, is crazy talk.  A classic mistake for a program that really knows what it takes to compete in the Big Ten.  Funny stuff!

Michigan - Michigan State Preview

Time: 3:30
Location: Big House
TV: ESPN/ABC
Line:  Michigan - 4.5
Weather:  75 and Sunny

This is the annual in-state battle with a number of story lines between two ranked un-defeated teams and clearly the best Big Ten game of the day.    Michigan State has a good defense and Michigan has a strong offense.   MSU gives up 18.6 points a game with ranks #36 in the nation while Michigan's offense ranks #9 in the country with a 41 point average per game.  Vice versa is where it gets a bit ugly:  Michigan's defense is ranked #72 in the country in "points against" while State's Offense ranks 24th in scoring 31 points per game. 

So who has the advantage?  Let's go to a more detailed Tale of the Tape:

Michigan Offensive Line vs MSU D Line = Michigan

Michigan Running Game vs MSU Defense = Michigan

Michigan Passing Game with Denard vs MSU DB's = Michigan

State's Running Game vs Michigan LB's = State

State's Passing Game vs Michigan's DB = State

Special Teams = State

Intangibles = Michigan (home and 2 loses in a row)


Michigan has the advantage on both lines.  MSU has had trouble getting any pass rush this year and has an inexperienced offensive line.  This is a game where the announcer will say for the past 100 years the team with the most yards on the ground has won the game.   Michigan State will try to run the ball about 70% of the time, they want to keep Michigan's explosive offense off the field with long drives.   When they do pass look for a lot of balls thrown to the running backs and tight ends.  There is going to be a lot of pressure on Michigan's linebacker unit and players like Thomas Gordon and Jordan Kovacs. 

Michigan on defense will need to stop the run and put as much pressure on Cousins as possible.  This is State's first road game of the year and The "New" Big House crowd will be loud and juiced up for the late afternoon start. 

Both teams beat ND and the MSU defense gave up 367 yards passing to to Dayne Crist but just 95 yards on the ground.   Michigan will try to be more balanced with a strong run game.  Wisconsin was able to run for 165 yards last week. 

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

• If Denard is effective through the Air and Ground
• Mike Shaw can break some nice runs and can compliment "Shoelace"
• The Michigan D slows MSU's running game
• We see some 4 man fronts on defense
• Michigan's senior LB's put this game on thier back and make a statement
• Cousins gets rattled and starts throwing it to the men in the Blue sweaters.

Burn all your green clothes if...................

• Michigan LB's look lost and out of place most of the game
• Greg Jones is stopping Denard
• MSU's talented WR's aren't in the same zip code as Michigan's DB's
• Michigan's doesn't have a pass rush and Cousins is picking apart the Michigan secondary

This is another game that everyone is saying "take the over".  It seems both offenses will score and score often.  MSU will try to wear down the Michigan D with long drives by pounding the ball and short passes.  Look for Michigan to bring creative ways to get pressure besides Mike Martin with the use of true freshman Jibreel Black out of Cincinnati at DE. 

Michigan has plenty to play for with an instate rival in town.  6 wins get them bowl eligible for the first time under RR, they have lost 2 years in a row to State, and this could be win #2 over the 3 rivals on Michigan's schedule this year.  I think Michigan will come out with guns a blazing and we will see some new things/plays we haven't seen yet this year.  If Michigan wins the turnover battle, I think they win with some cushion.  I expect to hear one of the loudest Big House's ever.  Don't sell MSU's first road game short, they might struggle early when they realize this isn't Ford Field.  This game has a bit of a UConn feel with many of the national media predicting a close Spartan win.  Michigan 38 MSU 28


GO BLUE!

Michigan Mash Report: MSU Game

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

PROBABLE (75% PLAY)
Ferrara, John   Hand
Shaw, Mike   Knee

Pretty much what we expected.  Looks like Shaw will play on Saturday and it's too bad that Fitz continues to be banged up.  He is heading for the Junior Hemingway award this year.  Brandon Herron is not on the list and I expect him to play at linebacker.  He was probable last week but didn't play at IU.

Michigan Thursday: Says Don't Wait Until Next Week for Heart Surgery

This post is not attended any disrespect to Coach Dantonio, we wish him nothing but good health.  This actually refers to the story that Major Hester, a 69 year old  Detroit native and MSU fan who put off his heart surgery for a pace maker until next week so he could watch his Spartans play the Wolverines on Saturday. 

I am all for "clearing your calendar" to watch a big game but this is completely ridiculous.  Your heart procedure is much more important then a football game.  The worst part is, the procedure was scheduled for today.   Major, I wish you good luck regarding your decision and if I were one of your family members the next appointment I would set up for you is to get your head checked.

I'm guessing he thought there is a risk of dying with the surgery, I also guess he isn't considering that same risk for watching a close high scoring game. 

• RR expects RB Mike Shaw will play this weekend (we will know more tonight when the injury report is released)

• It seems Seth Broekhuizen would kick field goals if Michigan attempts one.  I prefer we don't punt and only use kickers for extra points and kickoffs.

• Michigan vs MSU is one hot ticket!  Some fans are paying $1,400 for a ticket.  Wow, that's not a good deal!

• For the life of me, I don't remember this guy transferring from Michigan after Lloyd retired.   But LB Cobrani Mixon is tearing it up at Kent State.  He is described as a Cobra-quick and blacksmith-strong, Mixon operates behind a defensive line that funnels ball carriers right to him. Mixon has a team-leading 39 tackles, including three for lost yardage and two sacks. Boy we could use a LB like that right now. 

• Here is an article on 2012 DB prospect from Ohio, Allen Gant.  Most Michigan fans will remeber that his dad Tony played at Michigan.  Allen has visited both Michigan and Ohio State but many "insiders" feel that Allen is a Buckeye lean. 

Monday's Press Conference Notes

Injury Updates:
Shaw is ready to go
Fitz Toussaint is day to day. 
Brandon Herron is ok
Greg Banks has a calf issue and needs rest.

Lots of coach talk early on.  Denard is good and they don't worry about scoring or comebacks late.

On the Taylor Lewan penalty:  "From what I see... his left foot got tangled up as he was stepping over a pile... I didn't see it on film, maybe they saw something I didn't see." The scrum afterward was no big deal, the officials broke it up.

Special Teams:

"We were close to it in the last game. We were gonna center the ball for a game-winning field goal." RR would rather score TDs, and fortunately the offense has been good at doing so. "There's gonna come a point in time where we've gotta make field goals" to win the game. They have guys who will be able to do it.

Hagerup has played a bit better. "He had a couple good punts, and he seemed composed, so hopefully the little nervousness is out of the way."

Stonum returns: "It's been a little bit frustrating." Haven't come close to breaking one. The blocking isn't quite there at times, but Darryl has the ability to do that. "Boy would it be a good time to do that."


"We have not had an opportunity to return a lot of punts."

Defense:
 
"I don't think you have to blitz all the time to have an aggressive mentality defensively." You get on your heels a bit when you've been giving up a lot of first downs. "We didn't make some key stops. Some of it was mental, and some of it was physical." The D is a little limited because they don't want to confuse younger guys.
 
"There's some moments on defense where we've gotten a little better, but there's also some things we've not gotten better yet, and it's going to take some time." In a tough situation with a lack of experienced depth. Need to force more 3-and-outs and turnovers.
 
Our defense was playing too much and our offense wasn't on the field at all." Doesn't alter the offensive approach, but wants the defense to play as fast as they can. "We've just got to try to play better, and get a few stops."
 
"Our numbers defensively were way down." That's trending toward the positive, but they need to help the young guys out with their schemes.
 
MSU -  here are the highlights:  It's a rivalry game, they are good, well coached, good QB, well balanced on offense and play good defense.  It will be a challenge.
 
Denard Q&A:
"I'm feeling good. Feeling alright. Just got done lifting." He felt pretty good yesterday after the Indiana game. Staying healthy - "I guess every Big Ten game's going to be a big game. I've been working out, I've gotten treatment, doing everything I can to take care of my body."
 

Doesn't get any bigger than M-MSU, it's going to be a hard-fought game. "They're a great team, they're a physical team, and they come to play. It's going to be a hard game." Everybody gets pumped up for this game, especially in-state guys.

He also gives props to his offense line, Roy Rountree and says Greg Jones on State is a pretty good linebacker.