San Diego State Post Game

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

I didn't expect this game to be boring.  I thought it would be a back and forth battle between two high powered offenses.   It turned out one offense was high powered in the first half and the other struggled the entire game.  The Michigan defense played well, maybe their best game since the opening win against UConn a year ago. 

Their counterpart on offense was a bit confusing all day.  Just like everyone wanted, the Michigan offense started fast and scored a quick 14 points in the 1st quarter and added one more touchdown in the second.  A 21-0 halftime lead seemed comfortable to the fans and maybe even comfortable to the players as the Wolverines slept through most of the third quarter.  They lost that quarter to SDSU and didn't put the game away until they won the 4th quarter 7-0. 

So Michigan started fast and started to fade late but found enough to win the game comfortably.  I'm not sure I understand the game plan on Offense.  I agree that it would be nice if Denard doesn't carry the ball 21 times a game and that Michigan gets some yards out of the RB position.  But where the hell is the short passing game?   Where are the screens?  Where are short routes?   I understand Denard is struggling throwing the ball but Michigan can't just rely on him running the ball and beating teams.  A good defense will take Denard away and what does that leave us?  Right now not much. 

Maybe Big Al isn't showing us everything? Maybe he is keeping things tight for Big Ten play.  Either way it looked like Michigan ran the same 3 plays most of the second half.  Those plays should be called Denard Go, because this offense is him and not much else.  Michigan had a total of 413 yards on offense and Denard had 293 of them.

On the other side of the ball, I thought the Michigan defense played one of their best games in recent memory.  They continued to stop Lindley (253 yards) and Hillman (109 yards on 21 carries) when Michigan would turn the ball over and give the Aztecs great field position.   This type of effort will go a long way in winning conference games, which start next week with the Little Brown Jug game.

Cheers and Jeers

Cheers:

• Holding SDSU to 7 points after losing the turnover margin 3 to 2.
• Craig Roh and Mike Martin putting pressure on Lindley all day.
• Welcome Blake "The Count" Countess! He had a very nice game for a true freshman.

• Denard and his running ability
• I thought the entire DL played well

Jeers:

• One dimensional/person on offense
• Troy Woolfolk and his ankle, hand, and other injuries.
• The 3rd quarter
• Turnovers
• Missed field goal
• The Passing Game
• 2nd half play calling on offense

If you had told me, Michigan would lose the turnover battle against SDSU I might have thought we had lost the game.  Instead, Michigan gave up just 7 points and 376 net yards.   Which is a testament to either a SDSU offense that had an off day or an improved Michigan defense.   I think the answer is somewhere in the middle between the two.   

Michigan's turnovers were not pretty, I feel bad for Stephen Hopkins because his last two carries have been fumbles and I expect his new role will include being a blocking FB for the rest of the year.  Denard also made some poor decisions on his two interceptions and missed some wide open guys. 

So Michigan is sitting here at 4-0 with still lots of work to be done.  The key is to get better each week and I clearly see improvement from the defense, now can the offense make the leap to be more balanced?  The schedule will only will get tougher as Big 10 play starts next week and the Wolverines will eventually have to go on the road at some point.

Michigan Thursday: Thinks Kyle Turley has a Big Mouth

Everyone pretty much supported Brady Hoke's decision to take the Michigan job.  Why not, he went from making $700K a year to $2M and Michigan was clearly his dream job.    Win - win, right?

Ex-NFL player Kyle Turley doesn't think so, he has been very critical of Brady leaving his San Diego State program for Ann Arbor.  Of course, he continues to have that stance and opened his mouth again this week:

“I don’t care if it’s your dream job,” said Turley, who played in the NFL from 1998 to 2007. “If you’re worth your salt as a head coach, eventually you’ll get that same job. You don’t have to screw people over to get it.”

Turley said he thinks Hoke’s departure from SDSU was like a parent “running out on the family” or an “ex-wife” who one day leaves the house and doesn’t say why “until you hear from her lawyer the next day.”

So I guess Kyle would have stayed with an NFL team that was paying him a low salary instead of another team that would have paid him double that amount.  When that other team was the team he grew up cheering for.  I wouldn't recommend any of us make any business investments with Kyle in the near future.  

Here is Brady response (freep link):

“He’s a really good guy, he’s really passionate about San Diego State, and I had reached out to him early when I had taken the job there because I loved the way he played football,” Hoke said. “When you look at him as an offensive lineman, how he would finish and all those things. Kyle is passionate about his alma mater, which he should be. That doesn’t bother me one bit. He was passionate about the Aztecs when we were, and he’s still passionate. That doesn’t bother me.”It’s simply part of the excitement of college football.

“That’s a guy who’s passionate about his school,” Hoke said. “Everyone’s got an opinion, and he’s allowed to have his.”

Kyle of course hopes Brady eats crow this weekend as SDSU beats the Wolverines.  Kyle, be happy you have Steve Fisher and support your team in a positive way.  Stay Classy Big Guy!

• Happy Birthday Denard!

• Danny O'Brien is planning on announcing his college of choice on 10/6.  The rumor mill is saying Michigan or Tennessee.  I think he is Blue (close to home, been at Michigan more then any program, Michigan coaches are all about the Dline, best friend Matt Godin already heading to A2)

• Braxton Miller will start for Ohio this weekend against Colorado.

• Minnesota game is a noon kick on BTN (3 weeks in a row on BTN has to be a record for the Wolverines)

Eastern Michigan Post Game

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

What did we learn?

There are a couple of reasons why you play an EMU early in the season.  Its good to get another check in the win column but you also hope to learn more about your team and your players.  So the question remains did we learn anything on Saturday about the 2011 Wolverines?

I think we did, here are my observations:

• Have you heard the saying, that you have to run to set up the pass?  Michigan needs to run the Spread to set up the Pro Style offense.  Al Borges seems to have one game plan in mind and then throws that out the window after two drives. 
• Hawthorne has locked down one of starting LB roles.  He has a nose for the ball and is pretty quick.
• Michigan still needs Cam Gordon to get better soon. Jake Ryan did some good things but I think that's Cam job when healthy.
• Raymon Taylor was the first freshman DB off the bench.  Which was a surprise.
• Michigan is feeling good about landing a RB in the 2012 class, why? Thomas Rawls got a few meaningless snaps.  Which would wipe out his redshirt unless he gets a mysterious back injury. 
• Both lines have improved but still have a long way to go.
• Al needs to give Denard some easy throws to start the game, he is so hyped up he is trying to throw the ball through a brick wall.
• Vincent Smith needs more touches at RB.

How is this team different then last year?  I'm not sure we are ready to answer that yet.  They seem fundamentally better on defense but still have a ways to go.  The slow starts concern me on both sides of the ball.  Defense I can understand but it seems Al Borges is trying to fit something into the offense that just isn't there.  I really need to see Michigan's WR's integrated better and some more creative running plays.  Sure you don't want to show a ton against The Eagles but I would like to see some more consistency out of the offensive unit.   Where is Roy Roundtree?  Not enough stuff to the TE's?  It seems to me, Denard is missing the open guy.

I have the same feeling I did last year.  It's good to be 3-0 but with too many question marks.  Look for Michigan to break the top 25 this week with a good SDSU team coming to town next week.   On Saturday we might have learned more about Michigan's rivals and the rest of the Big Ten, then we did about our own Wolverines.

EMU Preview

Time: 12:00
Location: Big House
TV: BTN
Weather: Partly Cloudy high of 66 degrees (is it Fall already?)
Line: Michigan -30


So Michigan's 2011 season has consisted of a weather shorten game and a big comeback against a rival.  So what will week 3 have in store for us?  Hopefully a lot less drama and many more offensive plays. 

Clearly, this is a miss match on paper and talent as EMU comes down Stadium Blvd to get a pay day.  The battle of Washtenaw County helps EMU fund it's athletic department and a chance for former Wolverines to start or continue their coaching careers.

With that said, the Wolverines have struggled in the past with EMU and played some too close for comfort games.   Will there be a let down this weekend?  I doubt it, even though Michigan is 2-0 there still remains a ton of questions that Brady and Staff hopes to start answering on Saturday.   For example:

• Can Michigan find a starting RB?
• Will Justice Hayes or Thomas Rawls get any snaps?
• How will the musical chairs at LB turn out?
• Can Michigan's offensive line dominate like expected?
• Can the Michigan offense be effective with Denard under center?
• Will Devin Gardner get some snaps?
• Can the defensive line get a pass rush with 4 guys?
• Is Blake Countess or Greg Brown ready for regular action?
• Can Michigan make a field goal?

That's a lot of questions to be answered in week 3 with a solid SDSU team coming in next week and the Big Ten season two weeks away. 

The Michigan players should take this game seriously because their playing time in future games may depend on it.   I just hope we can start to identify the clear starters at each position with a couple good options for back up (while not burning any redshirts).

I also wouldn't mind if Craig Roh mixed in a tackle or two.  I'm just hoping he is just not himself from the illness he had late in the summer.

This is not a big recruiting game, so there probably won't be a ton of top rated 2012 guys on campus.  Michigan needs to focus on the game, stay healthy and put this one away early so the back ups can get some time.   Troy Woolfolk please sit this one out.

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

• Denard is sharp in the passing game and is healthy on the bench in the 3rd qtr.
• Big Will starts to cement his position in the starting lineup
• The offensive line gives some huge holes for the Michigan running backs
• 2 running backs have over 100 yards and neither are named Denard.
• The Michigan defense holds EMU to under 14 points
• No injuries
• Mike Hart runs to the Michigan sideline as EMU takes the field

Say Darn those former Michigan coaches and players if..............

• The game is uncomfortably close
• Michigan can't stop the run on defense
• Mike Hart suits up for the Eagles
• If Michigan has let down after the big win last weekend

Look for EMU to try to run the ball a lot and take some shots down field if the Michigan safeties are out of position or giving big cushions.  Michigan will work on the basics like running the ball and trying to improve Denards's accuracy with some short throws.  Michigan will take plenty of shots deep but they really want to get some yards out of the RB position and not put Denard in harms way.   Let's hope Big Blue jumps out to a big lead and the defensive holds tight. 

Michigan 41 EMU 13


GO BLUE

Wolverine Wednesday: The Last 3 Plays

As you know, I have fun making fun of coach speak.  Press conferences are basically a waste of time for reporters to ask silly questions that we all know the answer to. 

Before the season:  How is Denard doing under center?  Big Al:  He is really making strides and a good athlete and QB.  He still has some learning to do but we will be ready for Western Michigan.

This week:  Do you think you have figured out the best way to use Denard?  "I think we know how to use him. We said we wanted him to carry the ball 15, 16, 17 times, but no promises. There may be games he carries it more, maybe less. But in terms of how we’re using him, I don’t have any reservations about that. That’s our issue now. We’ve only run like 80, 90 plays in two games. Our tailbacks would be getting more carries if we were getting more turns."

Basic stuff right?  What intrigues me, is the behind the curtain stuff, the information we don't get from practice.   One of those things came from Al's press conference yesterday regarding the last 3 plays:

Are last three plays the same three plays every game? “No, that changes every week, and it depends on how they defend you late in the game. That’s part of our film study is to see what kind of defense they have.”

So tie that into what Denard said after the game on ESPN; something to the effect that they had been working on the last 3 plays all summer.   Part of Big Al's offense game plan seems to be to script the final 3 plays each week and the 1st team offense practices those 3 plays over and over.  I found that interesting.

Other news was that Big Will and Hawthorne will get more playing time.  Hawthorne had a great Spring and Fall camps but turned his ankle before the Western game.  Greg Mattison said, Troy's ankle is fine (I don't believe it!).

In other Mash related news:  Fitz, Cam Gordon, Herron and Odoms all participated in practice on Tuesday.  None of the guys above played in the ND game and Gordon and Odoms haven't played yet this year.

Stonum who is red shirting this year has been running as the scout team WR. 

• David Brandon is letting the players keep the throw back jerseys they wore during the game.  He checked with compliance and got the OK.  Memo to Wolverines players, lets keep those off of eBay and Pawn Stars.

• It seems Michigan has added Akron to it's 2013 schedule.  Exciting stuff!

• Every time I write this recruit's name it makes me hungry:  Taco Charlton a 2013 DE recruit from Ohio got a Michigan offer last night.

• The Michigan line is -30 right now on Saturday.

Notre Dame Post Game: Minute to Win It

David Guralnick/The Detroit News

I'm not sure I have the proper words to explain what happened last night.   I thought the final score would be about right, I just didn't expect Michigan to score all of it's points in the 4th quarter.  

The Tale of Two Halves

I thought Big Al called a terrible first half.  Not even trying to run the ball with the running backs and not doing anything to fool the ND defense with some creative run calls or screens.   The ND defense said to Denard and company "beat us through the air" and Michigan replied, "sorry we can't."

The loss of Troy Woolfolk was huge.  Side note:  Can we get a mobile bubble unit for this kid?  A padded bubble?  Since it seems Brady Hoke went to the Lloyd Carr school of misleading injury information, It looks to me that Troy had a sprained ankle, broken hand or fingers and now a cut or broken nose.  The Michigan coaches need to figure out how to keep him healthy because he maybe  is the most important guy on defense.

What was the deal with man coverage on Michael Floyd?  To go back to my earlier question; It was like the Michigan defense asked ND to beat them with Michael Floyd and Brian Kelly responded, sure!  No offense to JT Floyd or Courtney Avery but they can't cover Michael Floyd 1 on 1 under any circumstances.   The only person that had an outside chance would have been a healthy TWolf and he clearly wasn't. 

The first half of the game went to Notre Dame and without some big changes on both sides of the ball, it looked like it could be a blowout at half time. 

Watch Me Do Me

Nobody is going to confuse Denard's passing game with Andrew Luck's but after hating the play calls in the first half it seemed Al, thought to himself; "we need this kid to make plays even if ND won't let us."   In the 3rd quarter, Denard started to get "creative" and it helped with field position but it really wasn't giving Michigan any points.    The game was clearly on his shoulders to win or lose.   He fought hard but still wasn't sharp throwing the ball and wasn't getting any help from his wide receivers either.

On the other side of the ball, I kept wondering, "how the hell are we still in this game?".  It felt like Michigan was down 41-7 when it really was only 24-7.  The Michigan defense played well in spurts and the ND turnovers were the only reason, Michigan had a shot at the end of the game.   It seemed every time, Michigan blitzed ND had the answer with a short pass right at the guy that was blitzing.  Even when Mike Martin dropped into coverage (really?) they ran up the middle.  That formation on the last drive where it looked like Michigan was bringing everyone, which was a clear attempt to fool Tommy Rees failed and should have been the difference in the game.   When Michigan shows a blitz from Kovacs or a linebacker too early, they sometimes have to check back out of it.   Rees ate them up every time. 

In the 4th quarter the football gods were shinning on the Wolverines for keeping this game close.  The jump balls mostly went Michigan's way and even fumbles were bouncing to Denard for touchdowns.   The bottom line is, if ND CB's played the ball in the air better or didn't blow a coverage on Gallon on the last drive, the end result would have been different.  But who cares, I will take this exciting victory!

Denard played like he could through the air and on the ground.  He won the game for Michigan and the defense did enough to keep the Wolverines in shouting distance.

Cheers and Jeers

Cheers:

• The Big House at Night a Michigan's fan delight
• 2nd half Denard
• Big Will showing some emotion and actually getting some meaningful snaps
• Jake Ryan and Brandin Hawthorne had some nice plays
• The 9-11 tribute
• ESPN for starting the game on ESPN news due to the other game running long
• The Michigan offensive line that keeps having good games
• JR Hemingway's effort that kept Michigan close in the first half and most of the second.
• 4th quarter execution on both sides of the ball

Jeers:

• Al Borges play calls and Denard's execution in the first half
• Michigan's D showing the blitz packages way too early
• Single coverage on Floyd
• Use of the running backs - (Hopkins carrying the ball scares me.  Give him some confidence carries against EMU not ND!)
• Dropping Mike Martin into coverage, let him do what he does!
• Paging Craig Roh
• Some WR drops

Today feels very similar to where we were last year.  2-0 with another last second win against ND.  Denard is all over the media and Michigan is headed for another good start.  It's the good middle and finish we are looking for as well.  I will take any win against a rival on national TV with a last second touchdown but let's not fool ourselves that this team could even play with the Wisconsin's of the world right now.

It's clear, Michigan has work to do on both sides of ball.  Being more consistent on offense because everyone is going to try to take away Denard's run game and finding the right defensive personnel.  I think this defense could be average but we need to find the right guys.   I didn't see much of Brandon Herron in the game and saw Jared Van Slyke a number of times.  The Michigan defense line needs to find a way to get pressure on the QB without blitzing on every down.

The Michigan coaches have plenty to work on and hopefully Eastern will give them a chance to work on few things next week.   Either way, I will take another great win over ND and it sure was fun watching the 4th quarter.   I think Hoke said, games like this is where legends are born.  On Saturday night the Legend of Denard Robinson wasn't born it just continued to grow. 

I'm betting many Michigan fans around the globe didn't get much sleep last night!   Go Blue!

Game 1 Preview: Western Michigan

Time: 3:30 EST
Location: Ann Arbor, Big House
TV: ABC/ESPN 2
Weather:  High of 89 scattered thunderstorms
Line: Michigan -13.5

It's hard to believe that we are a day away from starting the Hoke era.  Is it me or does it seem like RR left about 2 years ago and not just 8 months?  Michigan kicks off the 2011 campaign in front of 110,000 strong at the Big House at 3:30 on Saturday (this really should be noon kickoff).  Saturday will be special for Hoke and his entire staff as well as the freshman who will be running on the field for the first time and of course the seniors who know it's now or never. 

Western Michigan finished 6-6 last year and finished with a 5-3 MAC record.  They are a perfect opening day opponent for the Wolverines, who hopefully will be rolling out an improved defense and a new pro style offense.   Western will remember Denard Robinson very clearly because Denard took his first college football snap for a touchdown against the Broncos just two short years ago.  

What to watch from WMU:

• Strong QB play - Alex Carder threw for 33 touchdowns and over 3,300 yards last year.


• A good WR unit with Ansel Ponder and Robert Arnheim.  The most dangerous is Jordon White who lead the team in catches and yards in 2010.


• A poor running game - Western only averaged 4.0 yards per carry last year. 


• A defense with 8 returning starters, which includes the entire D-line.


• There is not a lot of experience in the defensive backfield or at the linebacker.

We know the Wolverines well, so how does WMU strength match up against the Wolverines?

Let's go to the tale of the tape:

Denard vs Westerns D = Shoelace
WMU Passing Game vs Michigan's DB = Western
Mike Martin vs WMU O Line = MM
Michigan's O line vs Westerns D Line = Pancakes from Village Kitchen
Special Teams = Push
Intangibles = Big House and Hoke's first game

There really isn't a ton of mystery in this game.   Western will try to throw the ball and exploit the Michigan secondary and then mix in a few runs hoping to hit some big plays.  The Michigan defense will try to disrupt that strategy by pressuring the passer with a lot of pressure from the D-Line.  I expect to see lots of blitzes from the Michigan linebackers and lots of cornerbacks in the game since I expect Western to spread the field as much as possible.  Western averaged 30 points a game last year and I am sure they have watched a ton of tape on how the Michigan defense couldn't stop anybody.  Michigan hopes the likes of Woolfolk and Floyd back from injury will help the DB's cover the talented Western wide receivers.

Michigan will try to run the ball and mix in a short passing game.   They want to move the ball on the ground and score lots of points with out showing too much for ND.  The flavor of the day will be vanilla unless the Michigan defense struggles and Michigan needs to open it up a bit.   If the Wolverines can move the ball with Shaw and Toussaint I expect we won't see Denard running too much.   I believe the game plan for Denard is to beat the D with the treat of running but hitting the Michigan WR's on short routes that will set up the long ball. 

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

• Shaw and Toussaint both have over 100 yards


• The Michigan pass rush is effective against the Western's O line


• The Michigan defense is much improved and gets a ton of stops


• The Michigan Oline dominates and keeps Denard clean in the passing game

Say, I wish Western would get back on their horse and head back to K-Zoo.......................

• If the Western pass game is effective against Michigan's D


• If WMU scores touchdowns instead of field goals


• It becomes a shoot out

Former Wolverine and 4 star recruit Dan O'Neill transferred after he thought he didn't fit into RR's spread offense and wanted more of a pro set.  He headed to Western where his brother played.   (Which is ironic because I expect Western to throw the ball in a number of spread sets and Michigan now is the one that wants to run the ball in more pro sets).  Dan will get to meet a lot of his former teammates during the game as I expect Mattison to do all kid of things to get pressure on Western's QB to protect his linebackers and defensive backs.   The key for the Michigan D is not to give up any big plays and let Denard and the Michigan offense do their thing. 

The last few years the Michigan D plays their best game of the year in the first game of the year, so I expect something similar on Saturday.  With some better coaching and solid D Line and Woolfolk locking down one WR, I expect the Defense to over whelm Western.  The Michigan offense will be Pro Sets and have Denard in the shotgun a lot.   The goal is to get Denard out of the game early in the 4th quarter and healthy for ND next week.   The Wolverines want to over power the Broncos and not show too much for ND to key on. 

Michigan 31 Western 13

Go Blue

PS:  I will have my game thoughts up on Sunday.

Michigan Tuesday: Game Week Thoughts and Some Recruiting Notes

There was a good discussion going on in yesterday's comments field regarding this Michigan team, which I agree with. 

So I wanted to share these thoughts with the larger audience.  

How will this team be different then last year?

Brady Hoke has a philosophy that if you play great during practice on Wednesday you will play great during the game on Saturday.  Camp has been physical and I expect practice to continue to be physical during the year.  The only way you prepare for a team like Nebraska is practice physical during the week.  From his PC yesterday:   I'm a big believer in that when you prepare and when you practice, you're going to play that way. So if we've got great intensity getting to the football (with the) eleven guys defensively, (or if) our wide receivers are sustaining blocks and harassing corners, we expect that to be done during practice. That's a demand that we have because I believe you have to play like you practice."

Expect to see a lot of players rotating on defense.  I expect to see 8 players rotate on the DL for example (Martin, Campbell, Roh, Black, Van Bergen, Washington, Brink and  Heininger).

Same with LB and Safety.   The two players I am looking forward to seeing is Marvin Robinson and hopefully Josh Furman. 

I have a feeling about Jake Ryan being a very good player.  I remember a few years ago in the Spring Game when it was clear Tate and Roundtree had something special and then we didn't see Roundtree until mid season.  I think Jake Ryan is one of those kids with great instincts for the ball.

Power Run Game?

I don't think we are going to see a ton of that this year.  I think we will see Denard under center and in the shot gut a lot.  Michigan just doesn't have the personnel to run a ton of power run plays. 

Can Denard be effective in this offense?

Yes and he can even be more effective.  The reason is last year he had running plays and passing plays.  He threw the ball during passing plays and ran during running plays.  This year he will mix scrambling during passing plays which will freeze the linebacker and open running lanes.  Also look for a ton of RB's and TE's running wide open.  Because if your a LB, who are you going to be watching the RB out the backfield or Denard?

The kicking game scares me does it scare you?
Yes it does.  The place kicking and punting scares me.  I hope they preform well against Western because we will need good performances out of both positions for ND.


Recruiting News:

• The common thought on the two players from Cincinnati Taft WR Stanford and DE Washington that the Michigan ship had sailed.   There was even a strong rumor that Washington had verballed to OSU last week, which turned out to be false.   Then comes this newspaper report that both have scheduled an official visit to Ann Arbor.   OSU is not on the list but it's only two hours away from them, so they can visit anytime. 

• Jordan Diamond's teammate committed to Arkansas yesterday.  There were reports that Jordan and his mom loved their visit, so this could be a team to watch.  I keep hearing whispers that the Michigan coaches might be cooling on Jordan.  So we will see what happens here.

• I know Darboh cancelled his visit for this weekends game but I suspect he shouldn't wait too long to visit or verbal with the likes of Powe and Payton coming in for the ND game.  There is very strong interest in 5 star WR Stefon Diggs in Michigan.  He has some academic issues he needs to clear up but if he does, Michigan would recruit him very hard.  Diggs is a former teammate of Blake Countess.

Weekend Wolverine: What Happened to the Class of 2009 Quarterbacks?

Jump into the time machine with me for a minute. I know it's not a great time so we won't stay there too long.  

Michigan was coming off the disaster that was the 2008 season where we had two quarterbacks that didn't fit RR's offense and it looked like it. Watching Threet trying to run the spread option was tough to watch, so was watching Sheridan trying to hit open receivers.

Michigan could offer the top rated QB's in the country (2009 class) immediate playing time. Which was a strong selling point for them to come to Ann Arbor. 5 star Kevin Newsome attended the Michigan Spring Game at Saline High School and decided he wanted to be a Wolverine. Shortly after that Shavodrick Beaver a 4 star QB said he was coming to Ann Arbor as well.

Both held true to their commitment for a few months and then both jumped to other schools. Newsome picked Penn State and Beaver Tulsa. Which sent the Michigan coaches scrambling to fill the QB void now in the class. Tate Forcier who was very high on the Wolverines jumped on board, which still left one open spot as signing day approached.

Michigan did get a QB commitment on signing day that year and it happened to be Denard Robinson.

Now jump back out of the time machine to current time:

•  Tate Focier was thrown out of school at Michigan due to academics after a long search has settled at San Jose State in the WAC.

• Shavodrick Beaver just left Tulsa for Midwestern State due to academics and playing time.

• Kevin Newsome just announced he is planning to transfer from Penn State after trying to do so after last season.

• Denard Robinson is going into his Junior year after playing two years for the Wolverines (1 as a starter). He was briefly a Heisman Trophy candidate last year and won the Big Ten MVP award in 2010. He also set the 1 year NCAA record for rushing yardage from a QB.

The last guy Michigan picked up that year turns out to be the best all around kid. The guy that most schools wanted to play CB instead of QB. Well Done Denard!

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 Friday: Desmond Picks the Wrong Example

I have a ton of respect for Desmond Howard.  He has been successful on the field and off of it.  He has a Heisman Trophy and a Superbowl MVP in his trophy case.   He is a smart man and one I would hope young Wolverines would inspire to be like.  

On Thursday, Desmond (IMO) made a mistake on the example he used in proving his point.  He was speaking at the Black Coaches and Administrators Convention and said this: 

"I was told by a giant, Bo Schembechler, that no one man is bigger than the program. Not even (Schembechler). He was larger than life. For me to sit there and this guy tells me nobody's bigger than Michigan, that's all he had to say."



Howard said the prominent coverage of recruiting has young players in the spotlight before they've accomplished anything significant in college. He said if Bobby Bowden can be forced out as coach at Florida State, why should any player feel irreplaceable?


"I'll give you a perfect example: Michigan fires coach Rich Rodriguez," said Howard, who starred at Michigan from 1989-91. "All the noise in Ann Arbor is, 'Is Denard Robinson going to stay or leave?' I'm like, 'Hey, if the kid wants to go, don't let the door hit you on the way out. You looked fantastic for five games against nobody. That's what you did.' I'm not going to deny his talents, but, 'You ain't won nothing in Ann Arbor, son! Not so much we need to worry about if you're going to be here next year or not.' "

The premise of Desmond's remarks are valid.  There shouldn't be any entitlement to playing at Michigan or any other program.  The mistake he made was using Denard as a possible example.  Denard is one of the finest student athletes at Michigan or any program nationally.   He works hard everyday and has zero sense of entitlement.   If he left Ann Arbor, it would have been for a better fit for his skills.  Just as if Desmond left ESPN for CBS or Fox.   Use Justin Boren or Tate Foricer as an example, not Denard.

I am disappointed in the example Desmond used and my hope he apologizes to Denard, because Denard deserves it.

 

• Wayne Morgan has moved his announcement out a day and now will announce on June 2nd.

• TomVH catches up with Offensive line prospect Joshua Garnett from the State of Washington.

• I'm now officially worried about Tate and his mental state.  He was seen hanging out a window in Grand Rapids at an apartment building where his girl friend lives.  Again, many more questions then answers regarding Tate.

• RJS has been added to the Army All American Game Roster.

Denard Being Denard

Memo to other football programs:
Keep your 5 star QB's and high maintenance Pryor types.  The guy below is my QB and the definition of what a Michigan Man is.  

More players should be like Denard. 


From Mgoblog:
Brian -- my friend works for a Charter school in NYC. the students were all assigned to write to someone they consider a leader. not all of the leaders responded to the kids, but #16 did.

check out the attached: a nice break from our passing game concerns ... and also, at long last, a story about Leaders that doesn't involve Legends

Go Blue,
Matt


(Name removed),

Thank you for your letter and for asking me about how to be a leader. First of all, you need to believe in yourself and never just follow people. Always do what you think is right no matter what anyone else does or thinks.


Don’t forget to ask people for help and thank those who help you. Don’t be afraid to work hard, follow directions, and follow your dreams!


Good Luck and Go Blue!
Denard

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BHB: If your son or daughter doesn't have a #16 jersey.  Make sure they get one.

Michigan's Spring Game Deep Thoughts

photo by John T. Greilick / The Detroit News

The format of the scrimmage was pretty much what I expected. The coverage and technical problems by the Big Ten Network was far worse then I expected.


The wind was whipping with the cold weather made the play pretty sloppy at times. Neither QB did very well and completions seemed to be far and few in between. The only bad snap was when the center didn't get the ball back on the right count.  I didn't see any injuries which is really good news and Michigan picked up a huge instate commitment from Royce Jenkins-Stone, so Saturday was a successful day.

 

The Michigan defense I thought played well. They gave up a couple of big plays but pretty much played tough most of the game. I enjoyed watching Big Will with the first team and causing problems for the offensive line.

 

Denard started the game with a big run but seemed to struggle after. Devin showed flashes but was pretty inconsistent as well.  Thier play might concern some fans but  I could care less about how they played.  These guys have all summer to work with the WR's on timing and of course Michigan didn't want to show any future opponents anything. I thought Devin's best throw was the touchdown to Stokes.  (loved the way Stokes seemed to pick the ball out of the air)

 

All the running backs played well. Mike Cox found the end zone on a long run (we saw that way too often from the Michigan D last year), Fitz Toussaint ran hard, Smith had a nice run on a short pass and Mike Shaw did well with one hand. I hope one or two of them will really stand out next Fall.

 

I really enjoyed watching the improvements on defense. I thought the D-line held it's own and the Michigan DB's seemed to play pretty well. I think Courtney Avery is going to be a player. I liked the blitz packages and the pressure the Michigan D was putting on both Devin and Denard. I hope they can continue that type of pressure when the season starts.  Michigan didn't have 4 starters on defense available with JT Floyd, Kenny Demens, RVB, and Woolfolk all out with injuries. 

 

Michigan's only hope in field goal kicking is incoming freshman Matt Wile. It seems the two current kickers on the roster are not any better and went 0-2 on Saturday.

 

So we learned a little but not too much.  I saw promise from our defense which seems to be the work of Greg Mattison.  Greg could be the most important hire of Brady Hoke's entire head coaching career.  I also liked how Coach Hoke gathered the entire team at the end and said a few words.   Is it me or does it feel like Brady and staff have been in charge at Michigan for a couple of years?  He just seems like a natural fit for the job. 

 

Now to the news you have been waiting for, who are my MVP's of the game:

 

Offense: Where was #21 or #12? They had a pretty quiet day. The offense had a couple good plays but the drives as a whole mostly fizzled out. So my MVP goes to a guy who has been waiting for his chance to play and busted a 60 yard+ run for a touchdown early in the scrimmage. Congratulations Mike Cox, I hope you can work some similar magic during the year.

 

Defense: I thought there were a number of players I could have picked. The defense seemed to be flying around the field and always near the ball. Carvin Johnson had two interceptions (one was called back) and Big Will was stuffing up the middle. Did anyone happen to see Big Will and Mike Martin drop in coverage a couple of times? Good stuff! My defensive MVP is very clear cut winner in Jake Ryan at LB. He had 1 1/2 sacks a couple QB pressures and a pick 6. It was a no brainer and maybe RR did find a diamond in the rough with Jake. I hope that was just a sneak peak of whats to come.

 

I would like to thank everyone for entering, we had hundreds of entries and I loved reading your kind words and picks. Some picks included Zack Novak and Ray Vinopal. Those made me laugh!

 

Many of you seem very high on Cam Gordon and Big Will. They will be an important part of the defense next year. A couple of you picked Carvin Johnson and he was a very good choice as well. Lots of Fitz, Hopkins and Cox.

 

Nobody hit the daily double of Mike Cox and Jake Ryan. So I had to pick the first entries with Mike and the two guys that picked Jake.

 

Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed the contest.

 

*Winners of the Tressel T Shirts:

1. Evan B. (Cox & Avery)
2. Scott P (Cox & Big Will)
3. Cody D (Cox & Gordon)
4. Kai M (Cox & Black)
5. Drew Y (Fitz & Ryan)
6. J Wilson (Fitz & Ryan)

 

*If you are on this list email me your address and your shirt size again and I will send you the shirt. I will do my best on the sizes. I only have L-XXL (2 each).

Michigan Friday: Spring Game Wish List

I like the Michigan Spring Game, just because I really enjoy seeing the Maize and Blue on the field for another Saturday and know it's my last chance until September.   I don't really love it because it's a glorified practice which can give us some insight on who and where your favorite players might be next year. 

So if I was 6 years old and really wanted my wish list to come true on Saturday, here it is:

• No major injuries of any sort
• Denard looks comfortable under center
• Denard has some nice completions
• No fumbled snaps from anyone
• The recruits are impressed and want to commit on the spot
• The defense looks improved since the nightmare I had on 1/1/11
• A couple of running backs look like good options this fall
• Linebacker play is much improved with new players
• Another starting safety whose name doesn't rhyme with "throwbacks"
• WR's and TE's that catch the ball consistently (don't forget Michigan struggled with that last year)
• A couple made field goals
• A couple young DB's who show they can play
• A Big Day for Big Will!  I want a QB pressure and a ton of stops of RB's for no gain or -2 yards.
• Devin to play with confidence and throw the ball well
• A 3rd String QB to stand out - Mr. President?  The Pioneer kid? 
• #1 wish: That the right building blocks are in place to make this a championship team in the next couple of year.

Enjoy the game and I will do my MVP on Sunday Morning.   We just have 6 shirts so the first 6 with the right prediction will get them.   I have received hundreds of emails.

Don't forget, Michigan should get a 4 star LB recruit tonight at 6:00 PM!

Go Blue!

Michigan Friday: Don't Read Any Headlines Today

For all you April Fools Jokesters lets get all the FAKE headlines out of they way first:

• Tressel Resigns
• Tressel suspended for the year
• Denard breaks his ankle
• Zack Novak is entering the NBA Draft

Does that pretty much cover it?

On to more Michigan information:

• Brian Kelly confirms that Michigan will wear "throw back jerseys" for the first night game at the Big House:  But yeah, we're going to have throwback uniforms. As they will. I can tell you what theirs look like: They have a block 'M' on them, and a number, and a number on their helmet. How's that? The adidas people at Michigan are going to be (ticked) at me."

• A Mgoblog poster (and probably a HS coach) attended practice yesterday and has detailed write up here.   There is quite a lot of good information in there about Big Will and Q on the Dline, the secondary, and linebackers.

• Information on recent A2 visitor and Cleveland offensive lineman Kyle Dobson from the Plain Dealer:  During a recent unofficial visit to Michigan, Cleveland Heights coach Jeff Rotsky said Michigan coaches told him they wanted Dodson to be a cornerstone in what they hope will be a revived running game. Rotsky said Ohio State has offered a scholarship, pending Dodson clearing an academic hurdle. Dodson also has visited Alabama and Auburn and has summer trips planned to Penn State and Notre Dame. His other offers include Michigan State, Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Pittsburgh. Florida has expressed interest.

• TomVH catches up with two recent visitors: Jonah Pirsig and AJ Williams.

• Former Michigan visitor from Wisconsin LB Vince Biegel seems to be down to Wisconsin and BYU.  

First Day of Spring Practice

So the Hoke era begins, today was the first practice for the 2011 Wolverines.  I love seeing Denard get loose below.

Tomorrow Michigan takes on Duke for a ticket to the Sweet 16.  

Doesn't get too much better then this.  

Go Blue Beat the Blue Devils!

Michigan Thursday: Spring Practice Thoughts

Happy St. Patrick's Day and start of March Madness.  If your in the Midwest, the weather is warm the grass is starting to grow and there is spring in the air.   Spring Practice starts on Saturday and so will a new era in Michigan football.  There should be plenty of media at the event and maybe 15 or so 2012 recruits. 

I will share with you some of my random thoughts for Spring Practice:

• Mike Shaw will be limited with a broken hand.  I have/had high hopes from Mike but he keeps getting injured which will be difficult to make an impact with the new coaches.
• Mike Cox is rumored to be one of the best athletes on the team.  It's time to show that to the new coaches.  My hope is he will be a pleasant surprise.
• LB Marell Evans is back at Michigan after transferring to Hampton.  I wonder what the plan is for Evans?  Is he a candidate to start?  
• Still concerned about defensive injuries:  Demens will be limited due to a shoulder surgery, Woolfolk and Floyd will probably not participate.  We need all 3 in the fall but would have loved them to be ready to play this spring.
• Big Will Campbell is in the same boat as Mike Cox.  Time to get coached up and be a difference maker big fella!
• I'm not really too concerned about Denard and the new offense.  I think he will pick it up quickly and have a plenty of time this summer to develop his QB passing skills.
• Defense, Defense, Defense.  I wouldn't mind if Coach Mattison spent all spring on fundamentals.  
• I don't care about countdown clocks.  If your not hyped up and ready to play Michigan State and Ohio State then your in the wrong program.
• Kevin Koger could have a huge year next year in this offense, he needs to step up and be a difference this Spring.  Catch the ball and be a leader!
• I'm not a big fan of helmet stickers, I think it ruins the best helmet in college football.
• Find someone to kick field goals!  Anyone!

My goals for Spring Practice:

1. Fix the defense as much as possible
2. Find a running back
3. Secure a starting DL rotation
4. Don't go crazy installing a new offense.   Install the new and keep some of the old.
5. Lots of snaps for Devin
6. Find a way for special teams to make a difference in the game
7. Make up for lost time in recruiting the 2012 class
8. Don't get hurt - no serious injuries.

Michigan Tuesday: Has Writer's Block

Not too much making news today, so I will just give you my random thoughts on a number of topics.  You better hide the young children when you start to walk around in my brain.

Tressel knew too much - (about the trading of OSU gear for Tattoo's like 8 months before it was reported)  Big headline which will have little impact.  Of course he knew early and of course it happens at a lot of schools.  The NCAA will slap someone in Columbus on their hand and everyone will move on.  Maybe the "Vest" might have to sit out a instate MAC game next year.   The thing to really consider is, when will OSU have done enough for the NCAA to come to Columbus with a fine tooth comb?  I would guess it's probably getting pretty close.  The one thing the NCAA doesn't like is being lied to.

You know what will push College Football to a Playoff System? The current Bowl System will. What? Might be your first reaction.  Brian at Mgoblog did a good piece today on how Universities are losing money on Bowl Games.   UConn lost $1.8M playing in the Fiesta Bowl last year and there is no way a MAC team makes any money attending any bowl.    The issues is the Bowl's are making teams buy a ton of seats and hotel rooms that go un-filled.  Which equals huge loses. 

Back to why this will equal a Playoff System.  Everyone who owns a calculator and has a business degree knows any and all networks would back up the Brinks Truck for a College Football Playoff System.  It could be bigger then the Basketball Tournament.  The only reason the Bowl System stays intact is due to the University Presidents liking that their 6-6 club gets to play one more game in El Paso every year.   If those Presidents now are starting to lose $2M per trip, how excited are they going to be to play in those games?  I'm guessing not too excited.  If their "league" has revenue sharing and the top teams can play in the playoffs, split the big payday and everyone will get their share.  Now the a 6-6 President has more money and can  hire Rich Rodriguez next year.   See how it works out for everyone?  I'm sure even Les Miles could work out a contract extension or pay raise under this system.

Big Ten Coach of the Year:  I don't have a problem with Purdue's  Matt Painter winning the award.  He was able to keep his talented team together and in the top 15 all year with the loss of Robbie Hummel on the first day of practice.    With that said, the best coaching job in the Big Ten and maybe in the nation was done by John Beilein.  If he gets this team in the tournament, somebody should recognize him for taking a team expected to finish 10th in the Big Ten to 4th  (in a talented Big 10) and to the Big Dance.

Crying after a loss:  I actually don't have a problem with it and I much rather players show emotion after a loss then joking around and talking about which clubs they are going to hit that night.  People show emotion in a number of ways (watch American Idol if you question that) and showing emotion after a tough loss makes me know that you care about the game and your teammates.    It sucks to lose and if you don't feel pain after a difficult loss in an important game then you don't love what your doing.

Some might say that (outside of Denard) that the 2010 Football Team could have taken the losses a bit more seriously.  I have a feeling that won't be an issue under Coach Hoke. 

Fab 5:  I hope the new documentary is done well.  I know they will have to mention Ed Martin but that time was special at Michigan and I hope they capture what the Fab 5 meant to college basketball and not about a guy running numbers and trying to get close to athletes by paying them money under the table. 

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

Michigan Tuesday: What is Denard's NFL Position?

Denard loves playing QB and came to Michigan because RR wanted/needed him to play QB.  I have to say, as a Michigan fan I love watching him play QB.  I'm actually more excited to see Denard in Al Borges offense then Rich Rods. Why you ask?

Because I felt Denard took too many hits on running plays during the year.  The Michigan offense needed him healthy and every time he ran, I held my breath that he may score or separate a shoulder.  If you put a more dynamic passing game with some planned runs, how to you defend Denard and the Michigan offense?  If it's 3rd and 7 and Denard drops back to pass and everyone is covered, he could bust a scramble for 15 yards.  The one thing Denard didn't do much of last year was scramble on passing downs.   If he adds that to his game, look out. 

Even with these skills added to his game, is he the next Andrew Luck?  Nope and ESPN's Todd McShay agrees:   “We have a long way to go, but my initial impression is he’s just a phenomenal athlete so you have to find a way to get him on the field as an athlete,” said Todd McShay, who’s director of college football scouting for ESPN Scouts Inc. "He’s not going to play quarterback in the NFL.


“There have been a lot better dual-threat quarterbacks (who have changed positions), Pat White for example. I’m not saying Pat White is a better athlete (than Robinson). But Pat White is a better passer, better quarterback. And (Pat White’s) playing baseball.”

You know what, I don't care.  I just want to spend the next two years watching this great athlete play at Michigan and if he gets to touch the ball every snap at QB, then that is where he should play.  This kid works everyday to be a better QB and is just a great kid.  A kid who stops to sign every autograph and every picture.  He is rock star with a third string special team player's attitude.

Denard Robinson is 100% what's right about Michigan Football and if he wants to kick field goals, I think Coach Hoke should let him.   I hope he stays healthy and leads Michigan to 1 or 2 Big Ten Championships and has a long career in the NFL.  I don't care if he plays WR, returns kicks, or plays cornerback in the NFL.  I just hope he has a long NFL career and makes the money he will deserve at the next level.    This is a special kid and we should be thankful everyday that he is a Wolverine.