Michigan Monday: Smiles Like Denard

Nothing better then a Monday coming off a win over a rival at their home stadium.  I don't want to jump to any conclusions after two weeks because we all have two points of reference in our memory.  First one goes back a number of years to Pat White and West Virgina.  If you remember, when Pat went down WVU went down.  (BTW: Pat got cut by the Dolphins and has signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals to play baseball, Pat was drafted 3 times in the MLB draft.  Good luck to him on his new baseball career) Which is why everyone is so worried about Denard getting nearly 30 touches a game.  Your backup is either a true freshman or a true sophomore that has been in the dog house for about a month.

Second is Michigan's 2009 start.   Michigan went 4-0 last year was ranked and was heading to bowl game.  The bottom dropped out and their only other win the rest of year was against Delaware State.   So be excited about the direction Michigan seems to be heading but be careful not to but the cart before the horse and let the media and other folks talk about Heisman's and BCS Games.  Don't forget this was RR's second road win as a Wolverine, which was a big hurdle to get over.   I have confidence in Greg Robinson getting the Michigan defense to play better then last year but I still would like to see him get some more pressure on the opposing QB.

With that said, it still feels great to be 2-0 and having the week 1 and 2 college football poster boy on the team.  Also don't forget this was only Michigan's 5th win at South Bend in past 33 years.  Let's take care of business the next two weeks and start the Big Ten season with some big momentum.  So when someone comes up and says, "How about those Wolverines?" just smile like Denard and say "so far, so good" and give a quick wink (like you know something he doesn't, because you do!).

• Hello Top 25!  Michigan is ranked #20 in the AP and #22 in the Coaches Poll.

• TomVH from Mgoblog has a post on 2011 and 2012 recruits noticing Michigan's and Denard's fast start.

• No line for the Michigan - UMass game this weekend so far.  ND is a 3 pt dog at MSU. 

• Denard wins back to back Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week award.

• RR will have his regular 11:00 Press Conference today, so I hope to update you on any news on injuries or things like who might kick field goals this week.

• Michigan Football legend Ron Kramer passed  away on Saturday at the age of 75.   Ron played for those historic Green Bay Packers teams and even played a few years for the Detroit Lions.  Ron continued to be around the Michigan program and would bring fresh apples to athletic department staff and players every Friday before a home game.  A story I heard on the radio this morning, was that Ron was bring in apples one day and a kid on the team asked another player, "Who's that?" the other player answered "the apple guy".  Ron turned to him and said "apple guy? why don't you go ask (equipment manager) Jon Falk if you can wear #87!".   Ron's 87 is one of only 5 numbers retired by the Wolverines.   (11 Wistert brothers Francis, Albert, and Alvin,  47 Bennie Oosterbaan ,48 Gerald Ford, 87 Ron Kramer, and 98 Tom Harmon).  Rest in Peace Michigan Man, Rest in Peace!

Love this photo of Ron!

Last thought to ponder today:  Did Michigan fans lose a legend on Saturday but gain a new one?