Michigan Friday: Big House Briefs

• Thanks to reader Richard:   Mike Barwis has opened a new training facality in Michigan.  Here is a link to his new blog.

• Gus Johnson seems to be leaving CBS and maybe headed to Fox/Big Ten Network.  That would be a huge win for the Big Ten.  Gus has made it known he is a Michigan fan and I would love to hear him do some Michigan Football games.

• TomVH reports that Michigan has offered 2012 Illinois DT Jaleel Johnson.

• Michigan's incoming freshman Trey Burke went from the future point guard to potenital starting point guard and he hasn't even tried on his Michigan jersey yet.   

• Mallet's dad said that Lloyd Carr told Ryan and family to look at other options once RR got the job at Michigan.  I find that hard to believe.   

• Threet is still suffering from his concussions he suffered last year.  He is helping the team as a student assistant for ASU. 

• 5 star RB and soft verbal to OSU Bri'onte Dunn is expected to be in Ann Arbor today for a vist. 

Michigan Monday: Wrong Answer - Right Answer

I will try to clear up some misconceptions that are floating around regarding people and programs related to the Wolverines:

Should MSU be upset that Darius Morris made a layup to go up by 7 points with 4 seconds left in the game?

Wrong A: Yes, MSU had given up and there was no reason for Michigan to make that layup.

Right A: Izzo and Crew don't go Sparty Football on us now.  You have the better Basketball Program and yes you have been dominating Michigan for years.  Don't whine when you get beat or smack talk before the game that you will take care of business in Ann Arbor and cry that the players were smack talking back after you lose.   Last 2 points, I didn't know being up by 5 points was a safe lead?  Didn't MSU beat Michigan by 50 a few years ago? Walk off the floor keep your head up and try to win the Big Ten tournament: what's good for the goose....................


Is Ryan Mallett more like Ryan Leaf or Ben Roethlisberger? 

Wrong A:  Ryan was a great college QB at Michigan and Arkansas and should be drafted in the top 10 of the NFL draft, he will be Big Ben on the field with no off the field issues. 


Right A: I think you can make a case for both players.  I think Ryan Mallett has a lot of talent and if he gets his head on straight he could be Big Ben on the field,  if he doesn't he could be Big Ben off of it as well.   I have heard a lot of rumors about Mallett that could be right or wrong and it seems the NFL has heard the same.  Ryan has the arm and the talent, I don't think he is in great shape and I would worry about him off the field.  If I was an NFL GM I would also be concerned about his decision process and throwing picks late to lose games.  His last throw in college was a pick by Ohio State to lose the Sugar Bowl.   If he drops out of the first round, I would take him in a minute, if I had a top 10 pick, I would take a pass.  Something else to consider:  Does Cam Newton = Akili Smith?

With 100+ offers on the street and no 2012 commitments concern you?

Wrong A: It's still early and Michigan has plenty of time to fill up the class.  Nothing to worry about at all.

Right A: I am slightly concerned that the 2012 class doesn't have anyone jumping at a Michigan offer yet.  I hope the start of spring practice this month will allow recruits to attend practice and the spring game and jump on board.   Ohio State already has 5 verbals for 2012.   It will take some time with new coaches and staff to build relationships but I would feel better if we had a couple of guys locked up. 

Will Denard be effective in Al Borges Offense?

Wrong A: No, he is a runner not a passer.  Expect a step back.

Right A:  I don't expect Denard to rush out to the Heisman lead next year but I do expect that he will be more of a complete QB.  Denard is working hard in the off season taking snaps under center and working on his throws.   Having a guy that can throw accurately and can run like the wind will be very difficult to game plan for.   I think Denard will do just fine. 

Did you hear that Desmond say before the Gator Bowl that Denard should be moved to WR?

Wrong A:  Yes, that is his more natural position which will be better for him at the next level. 

Right A:  No, someone this talented needs to touch the ball as much as possible.  Denard wants to be a QB and he should be until he heads to the NFL. 

How is Brady Hoke doing so far?

Wrong A:  Great, he is a perfect fit for Michigan and the Wolverines are back!

Right A:  Coach Hoke has done well since getting the job.  Keeping Denard and hiring Greg Mattison was two huge wins.  But the real results will come September - January.  So yes, so far so good but let's judge him on how the Wolverines play on the field.

Any concerns with Tate in South Beach?

Wrong A: No, he has moxy and will sit out a year get his grades in order and play well for two more years.

Right A:  Yes.  He didn't want to go to class in winter in Ann Arbor, how is that going to work at Miami?

I'm still concerned about Michigan's Defense, Can you take me off the ledge?

Wrong A: Your right, Michigan maybe improved but still pretty poor.  These guys are not going to get good over night 

Right A:  Let's not forget that Michigan lost it's second best player on Defense before the season started.  Having Troy Woolfolk a 5th year senior at CB or at Safety will have a positive effect.  Kenny Demens playing full time at LB, getting Big Will to clog up the middle of the defense line, moving JT Floyd to safety, a year experience with the freshman CB's and improved position coaching will make Michigan an average defense.    I expect them to be ranked in the middle of pack in Big 10 defenses. 

Take out your crystal ball and tell me two players that didn't play last year that will make a difference on defense?

Wrong A:  There isn't one

Right A: Richard Ash and Josh Furman

Wolverine Wednesday: Hosts a Mid-Week 2012 Visitor and Other Michigan News

Matt Godin is an instate DT/DE prospect for 2012.  He was being recruited by RR and Staff and had made it to Ann Arbor for a couple of games in 2010.  He was clearly excitied about playing for his home town team and wanted a scholarship offer.  Well, when the new staff took over at Michiga offers starting flying out of Schembechler Hall to other prospects but not Matt.  He clearly got frustrated as MSU had offered and coaches like Chip Kelly were calling him.  

Matt finally got his offer last weekend and it didn't take long for Matt to take his un-offical visit to his dream school yesterday.  TomVH from Mgoblog has an interview with him up.    I absolutely loved it, a lot of it was more of what the coaches were saying and how they want to bring Michigan back. Also, at some schools you don't really see the players that much, but I walked in there and all the players were in the locker room joking around. It was a good experience, especially for my dad to be there. He's a season ticket holder for 30 years, and for him to see his son get a scholarship from the University he loves is great.

Let's hope we have some good news out of the Godin camp real soon.  Michigan is still looking for it's first verbal commit for the 2012 class.   Written offers can't go out to 2012 prospects until August. 

• Looks like a couple of teams might find themselves in hot water with the NCAA:  Tennessee is expected to release the NCAA's finding on a number of their athletic programs today (including baseketball and football) and Oklahoma seems to have reported some violations that are similar in nature to Michigan's with making off season workouts mandatory instead of voluntary.  Oklahoma self correction is to take a week off from conditioning.   Also Alabama, has been a hot topic in the media lately.  First a crazy fan kills Auburn's 100+ year old tree and then calls a radio station and brags about it, Nick Saban continues to be the example of what's wrong in college recruiting by over signing players, then Nick is shown on the big screen at an Alabama basketball game with Barry Sanders and his son who Nick is recruiting.  Alabama said they didn't commit a violation and it was just an honest mistake.  That mistake must be similar to the one Dee Hart kept making when he forgot that book in his locker at his high school over winter break and just happened to wathc Alabama's bowl practices a number of times.  

• Former Wolverine QB Ryan Mallett has been dropping down draft boards lately and it seems it could have to do with lack of leadership skills and rumored drug use.  I have to admit I heard similar rumors at Michigan, again they were just rumors.   Let's hope they aren't true and Ryan answers the right questions and passes the right tests.  As your remember, Mario Manningham admitted to doing a little "pot" before the NFL Draft as well.

• The Michigan Basketball Team plays Wisconsin tonight at Crisler Arena.  As you know, Michigan is still not considered a "bubble" team but could change that with the next 3 games which include; Wisky tonight, Minnesota this weekend, and then MSU at home.  Michigan needs a signature win and Wisconsin could fit the bill if the Wolverines were able to get a win tonight.  Michigan needs a .500 record in the Big Ten and one win in the Big Ten tournament to make it's case for the Big Dance.  Let's hope the Wolverines can get a win tonight and at least one more over MSU and/or Minnesota.

• Michigan QB Recruit Zeke Pike now is up over 40 offers.

• New Jersey DB Yuri Wright (6'2", 180 lbs) has been offered by Michigan and Coach Mallory has been in discussions with NY DB Wayne Morgan (5'11", 180 lbs) and an offer soon may follow.

It wasn't about everyone pulling in the same direction

I have now heard and read a couple of interviews by Rich Rodriguez since he was fired at Michigan.  He pretty much has repeated the same themes in both interviews.  Including an interview from today's ESPN Radio's show The Herd:

#1: He was disappointed that he didn't have more time
#2: The worst was past us and nothing but up side from here
#3: Everyone wasn't pulling in the same direction.

These are exactly why he didn't work out at Michigan.  He didn't get it and I pretty much agree with his 3 points.  Let me first break down why his 3 points are only sort of right:

#1 More Time:  Ok, 3 years might not have been enough but it's what he did in those 3 years.   Year 1 was a complete throw away now looking back.  If you remember, Michigan had a good defense that year and an offense that was lead by two QB's who were off the team the next year.   A complete waste of a year.  His "all in approach" on the recruitment of Pryor was a huge mistake.  His only back up plan was a Slot WR who preferred selling drugs then playing QB.  You can't tell me there wasn't another QB that year that RR and staff could have found in the 6 weeks they had.  Hoke and Company found one in two weeks.

Year 2 should have been Year 1 and son on.  That wasted year hurt his chances in David Brandon's office in early January.

#2 The Worst Was Behind Us?  I get his point.  21 starters coming back.  Guys back from injury on defense and the MVP of the league in his 3rd year.  This was his only real point in trying to save his job.  Having a Heisman Trophy candidate in Denard and those guys back from injury could equal a good 2011 campaign.   The problem I have with this statement is two things.  Defensive Coordinators and The Gator Bowl.   RR if retained would of had his 3rd DC in 4 years.   His clear lack of attention and bad DC hires killed any chance RR had at saving his job.  Defense is important and his bad hires, killed any chances of him saving his job. 

The second part is the Gator Bowl.  Michigan last year got worse as the year went on, not better.  In fact, you could probably make that case for all the Michigan teams under RR.  Having a month to prepare to work on defense fundamentals and everything else and then to get blown out by a fairly one dimensional mid tier SEC schools is un-acceptable.   To quote a reporter who I was sitting next to in the press box.  "all this game did, was make David's Brandon's decision and easy one".   I agreed with him and David's decision now.

#3: Everyone pulling in the same direction:  Sure RR had people against him from the beginning.  I never understood what the Freep had against him but his ride to the Michigan job was messy and full of accidents at every turn.   These events are off the top of my head, I'm sure there are plenty of others that I left out:

• WVU fans up in arms after he left for the Michigan job
• Allegations of shredding documents and lost player records
• The loss of QB Ryan Mallett
• Contesting his buyout from WVU
• Losing Pryor to Ohio State
• 3-9 Year 1
• Freep Allegations
• NCAA Investigation and Penalty
• Getting sued for a bad condo deal
• 5-7 Year 2
• 7-6 Year 3
• Josh Groban Fan Club Meeting
• Blow Out loss in the Bowl Game
• 0-3 vs. OSU and MSU
• Getting sued on the purchase of his home in West Virgina the day he was fired from Michigan.

If just one of the things happened under his watch, it wouldn't of been a big deal.  All of them together is a big deal.   I'm not sure the stance that everyone was not pulling in the same direction with all the history makes a lot of sense.  If RR was 10-2 and beating Michigan rivals he would still be the coach.  He didn't and he isn't.   Bottom line.

So RR take a gig at ESPN or CBS College Sports and save us the Michigan talk.  It's been a month, we have moved on and so should you.   Good luck at your next stop.

Michigan Monday: Former Wolverine QB's Have a Tough Weekend

After watching Denard Robinson run the Rich Rod offense many of us Michigan fans can't blame Ryan Mallett and Steven Threet for transferring to other schools.  Both transfers have seemed to work out for the young men.  Ryan has become one of the more explosive QB's in the SEC and Steven Threet is well under way for making his imprint on Arizona State. 

Last Saturday both players had a chance to give their teams big wins over highly ranked opponents and for Mallett a chance to grab the lead in the Heisman race.  Both players threw for over 300 yards but both had poor decisions that cost their team wins.   Ryan had 3 interceptions against #1 Alabama and threw two in  the fourth quarter when Arkansas had the lead.   Steven through 4 interceptions on the day against #4 Oregon with 3 of those picks coming in the 4th quarter.  His first interception was returned for a pick 6. 

Those decisions obviously either cost their teams the game or a chance at a comeback.  So we wish these gentlemen luck and hope for better days in the PAC 10 and the SEC.

• Michigan - MSU Game will be 3:30 kickoff on ABC/ESPN.  This will be a lock on ABC if both teams win next weekend.  MSU hosts Wisconsin.

• For those that are worried that Fitz Tousaint got caught from behind on his first carry as a Wolverine that went for 60 yards but was caught at the 3 yard line.  He is still nursing a knee injury and had a knee brace on.  I'm sure he doesn't get caught if he is healthy.   He scored on the next play.

• Michigan is ranked #20 in the AP and #19 in the Coaches Poll.

• TomVH from Mgoblog reports that 2012 instate DT Danny O'Brien got a Michigan offer on Saturday.

• Lloyd Carr wants some type of playoffs in college football.

 

• Tim Brewster, Minnesota's head coach is on "unemployment watch" after the Golden Gophers lost to Northern Illinois last weekend.   This week would be a good time for a fresh start with the Big Ten season starting. Maybe they should call Glen Mason again. 

• ESPN's Big Ten Blog is ranking Michigan #4 in the Big Ten Power Rankings behind OSU, Iowa, and Wisconsin.  Which is about right.

• There is a rumor floating around right now that Dee Hart will visit Alabama this weekend and then make his official decision known. 

We know that Denard it talented but this run in the first quarter was ridiculous.  BTW:  He had 189 yards of offense in less then a quarter. 

Michigan Thursday: CC with RR

As we know, Colin Cowherd was in A2 yesterday to do his radio show and his ESPN TV show.  He had a good interview with Rich Rod that can be found here.  

• Dee Hart is visiting Arkansas this weekend.  Per his mom, he is supporting his teammates and not really interested in The Hogs.  Of course, if Ryan Mallett beats the #1 team in the nation this week, that could have a big effect on changing his mind. 

•  David Molk is the only Michigan guy right now on Mel Kipers 2011 Draft Board.

• Brian Griese will be calling the Michigan game this weekend for ESPN 2.

• In a Michigan fan's strange game of the week: West Virgina visiting LSU.  I wonder if Bill Martin will tune in or maybe he is on his sailboat.

 

• Former Michigan WR Ron Bellamy is now the head coach of West Bloomfield High.

• Good article from A2.com on Darryl Stonum's good game and his grandmother in the stands last week:

At age 87, Nettie Stonum boarded an airplane for the first time in her life last week for a flight from Houston to Detroit. That experience was nothing compared to watching her grandson play for the Michigan football team in Michigan Stadium.

“A lot of the people in the stands were trying to calm her down, because they didn’t know if she was going to have a heart attack or what,” said junior wide receiver Darryl Stonum.


“From what I heard, she was screaming and jumping out of her wheelchair in the stands, and just having a good time.”

Michigan Tuesday: Updates on Former Wolverines

Sometimes you might be sitting in the Big House and think to yourself, "Whatever happen to the small RB from Texas?  What was his name? McDuffie or something?".  Actually it's Sam McGuffie at he is now at Rice.   So this year, I will track some former Wolverines or former recruits we thought were going to be Wolverines at their new school to see how they are doing.  Sure these guys are no longer "Michigan Men" but many of us still hope they succeed in college, football, and life. 

Steven Threet, Starter QB Arizona State:  Had a good first game at his third school.  Was 14-21 for 239 yards in the air, with 2 touchdowns and 1 pick.

Russel Sheppard, LSU:  Russell was the #1 dual threat QB in the country in the 2009 and was interested in the Wolverines before he quickly committed to LSU early in his recruitment.  Sheppard is now at WR for LSU and had 2 catches for 12 yards.  He also had 5 rushes for 68 yards.

Sam McGuffie, RB Rice:  Sam and his teammates got to open at Texas and Sam had 14 carries for 47 yards.   He had 1 catch for 7 yards.

Kevin Newsome, QB Penn State:  Kevin was once a verbal commitment to Michigan and then changed his mind.  Kevin is a sophomore QB and lost his job to Michigan true freshman QB Robert Bolden.  Kevin did play in Penn State's blow out win and had 3 rushes for 21 yards and one touchdown.

Shavodrick Beaver, QB Tulsa:  Same situation as Kevin above.  DNP in Tulsa's lost to East Carolina on Sunday.

Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas:  A serious Hesiman candidate this year.  Threw for 301 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 44-3 win over Tennessee Tech. 


Something to ponder:  If Michigan has Newsome and Beaver on it's roster right now, they don't have Forcier and Robinson.