Michigan Thursday: Michigan News and More Tressel Thoughts

Let's Catch Up on Some Michigan News:

• The Michigan coaches had lunch with the media yesterday and there were a lot of topics discussed.  A2.com and Mgoblog has extensive coverage.  The top things, I got out of those articles: Big Will should be Big and will play on the Defensive Line next year (I sure hope RR and Staff didn't screw him out of two good years),  That they really won't know what they have until they start spring practice, Mattison won't watch tape from last year - he wants to see what they have during practice, they will watch a lot of Ravens film, they want to stop the run first, Denard is interested in running less and throwing more and being a more complete QB.   More on the links.............

• Michigan has sold all the Suites and Luxury seating for the 2011 season at the Big House.

• The Michigan Basketball Team has an important game on Friday at 2:30.  If they beat Illinois, I think they are in for sure.  If they don't, they might be back on the bubble.   Go Blue!

Tressel is taking it hard in the media.  Writing the books on leadership and how to live your life isn't exactly helping him today.   In the past, his sweater vests seemed to be made of Teflon he didn't take heat for the mess at Youngstown State or the Clarett business.   I'm not sure if he is going to be able to escape this one with just a two game suspension and $250K.  The one thing the NCAA hates is when people lie to them, the NCAA could point back to Youngstown State and him hiding information.    

So know what?  The NCAA is investigating and I expect they won't accept Ohio State's penalty.   If I had to guess what the NCAA would consider a proper penalty:

• OSU knowingly played with 5 players that were ineligible last year.  I expect those victories might be vacated.

• I also wouldn't be surprised if Jim's suspension is increased.  I wouldn't expect (but they could) the NCAA to go "Dez Bryant" on him and suspend him for an entire season but I could see 6 or 7 games.

• The one thing that the NCAA is now focusing on is the person/coach.  If they find a history of Tressel lying or going against the NCAA rules he could be looking at a major penalty.   

I know Ohio State wants to keep Jim in place and just take a penalty and move on.  If this gets ugly and the program is hit with serious penalties and Jim is found guilty of covering up at ton of booster activity, he won't survive.  No coach ever does.    It makes you wonder about all the top recruiting classes that OSU pulls in every year. Are guys promised special benefits?  Is OSU the USC of the Midwest?