Michigan Gator Bowl Recap: Leaves More Questions Then Answers

So Michigan and Rich Rodriguez had a bad day on Saturday.  I happened to be at the game and didn't have a very good day either.  I got a call before the game that my sump pump and back up pump had both failed and that my basement was full of water.   Yes, it's a finished basement.  Then Michigan goes out and gets embarrassed by an average or below average SEC team.   I drove back all night and now back home.   Fun Times.

Not much to recap in that beat down on Saturday.  Michigan started fast on offense in the first quarter and then didn't score again.  Michigan got a punt blocked and RR tried a field goal for some reason.   The defense couldn't have stopped MSU if they played with 12 players all day.   It was a complete disaster, in every aspect of the game.  Hey, at least Devin didn't blow his medical redshirt!!  

Denard and RR both spoke after the game.  Denard is a humble young man that was clearly upset on how he and his team played in his home state.   Rich looked like a dead man walking.  The press who usually doesn't hold back in press conferences, had a hard time even asking him questions.  He looked like a defeated man with out answers. 

So now what?  I have been a long time supporter of Rich on this blog.  My takes have been that he is a good coach who has had some bad luck and 2 poor hiring decisions at defensive coordinator.   I still think he is a good coach but now I'm resigned to the fact that he is not going to be successful at Michigan.   This week I got to spend some time with parents of the kids on the team and most talk very highly of the Michigan coaching staff.  That they truly are a family and that Rich and staff are the perfect mix of knowing when to break a kid down and then build him back up.   I think Rich could be very successful at Pitt , Clemson or Maryland or some other place that doesn't have the expectations that Michigan does.

The reason, I have left the RR Express is due to a couple of things.  #1 This team is not getting better, they are getting worse as time goes by.  Michigan had 6 weeks to prepare for a 1 dimensional offense and couldn't stop the run when everyone knew they were going to run.   #2 The offensive game plan was terrible and this high flying offense didn't execute outside the 1st quarter.  Every team that plays Denard is going to stop the run, if you can't have an effective passing game to counter that, you are not going to score too many points.  There is no excuse for the state of Michigan's special teams, none. 

Yesterday was a complete embarrassment for the entire University and I think most of us are tired of being embarrassed.  It started with App. State and continues with 0-3 records to MSU and OSU and now the Gator Bowl.

I still think RR is has a great offensive mind but his downfall at Michigan will be his decisions at defensive coordinator.  He has always looked for a defensive "head coach" so he could focus on developing his young offensive players.  He is 0-2 in that strategy and I believe it will now cost him his job.  

If RR is out, who is in?  That is the big question.  It's either Jim or RR stays another year with a complete overall of the defensive coaching staff.  I would buy an RR and say a Marvin Lewis or Randy Shannon at DC.  Both of those guys would come with a decent pay check but I think we are that point if we don't land Harbaugh.   Illinois had some success doing a 100% overall of their assistant coaching staff this year.   

The rumor mill is that everybody and their brother are interested in Harbaugh.  Denver Broncos, 49'ers, Carolina, and Michigan.  He is the clearly the #1 candidate out there and some NFL teams are going to throw big dollars at him.  It will be interesting to see how David Brandon plays this one out.  I'm willing to bet a $1 he won't fire RR without having Jimmy locked up.   The press box at the Gator Bowl was full of rumors that Maryland might be interested in RR and now maybe even Pitt.  Could a former WVU player and head coach be the head coach at Pitt?  Would that be like Harbaugh coaching at Ohio State?


Is Brady Hoke an option?  I think he might be more of an option then at this time on Friday.  I still think Brady is a bit of a stretch for this job.  I know Bo was from Miami of Ohio and Miami of Florida just hired a guy from Temple, but does a couple good seasons at Ball State and San Diego State make you ready for the Michigan job?  I'm leaning towards, probably not.


What about Denard?  During the press conference Denard gave the "no comment" to whether he would stay at Michigan if Rich was no longer the coach.  That isn't a ringing endorsement for a new coach.  If I'm Harbaugh and I come to Michigan, I run an offense that caters to Denard's skill set. 

My biggest concern at Michigan right now are the kids on the team and this recruiting class.  RR will be fine with a $2.5M check and probably a new job within a week.  Denard is a special young man that has time to sign every autograph and takes blame for every loss.  He is a hard worker and kid you want representing Michigan.   I worry about him and others like him on the team. 

I'm less concerned about former backup QB's who think they are the big man on campus and don't even need to show up for class.   I don't have anything official but I'm expecting that he has flunked out of Michigan by not going to class.

The man with the plan and the answers seems to be David Brandon.  I'm guessing he won't be going on any sailboat trips this week. 

Side Note:  Herbie if you have a "scoop" on Michigan's next head coach.  Please keep it to yourself or give it to Joe Schad

*** Dee Hart has de-committed from Michigan again and has committed to Alabama.  Too bad he was at Alabama's practice all week which is a violation and could make him ineligible to play for the Crimson Tide.  The hits just keep coming!

Below looks like a goodbye hug between Barwis and Lewan.

RR's Gator Bowl Press Conference Notes

News from RR's press conference this morning:

- Devin Gardner is the #2 QB for the Gator Bowl

- Tate is back in Ann Arbor and his status as a U of M student is unclear. 

Gator Bowl Preview

Location: EverBank Field Jacksonville FL
Time: New Year’s Day 1:30 EST
TV: ESPN 2
Line: Mississippi State -4.5
Weather: Sunny 75 with a few clouds


Michigan is back in a bowl game after a two year hiatus under Rich Rodriguez rebuilding of Michigan's Football program. The last time Michigan played in Florida was under similar circumstances when Michigan was an underdog against an SEC opponnet the Florida Gators lead by Tim Tebow, the Wolverines stepped up and sent Coach Carr out a winner in his last game.

Michigan will meet a ranked Mississippi State team tomorrow in the Gator Bowl. Both teams run the spread offenses and prefer the ground game over the pass any day. The Bulldogs have had a positive season under coach Dan Mullin who was rumored to be the leading candidate for the Florida job but didn’t even seem to get a sniff from the Florida AD. The Bulldogs are led by their dynamic spread QB Chris Relf who has been rumored to be more of a runner than a passer but in his last game against Mississippi he threw for 288 yards in a 31-23 win in the Egg Bowl.

During the year MSU won the games they should of and lost the games where they were out matched. With maybe one of their best performances coming in a 17-14 loss to Cam Newton and Auburn. MSU beat Memphis, Georgia, Alcorn State, Houston, Florida, UAB, Kentucky, and Mississippi. Loses were to Auburn, LSU, Alabama and Arkansas. The Florida win was a 10-7 score in the Swamp.

Gator Bowl Tale of the Tape:

Michigan Offense vs. MSU D= Advantage Michigan

Michigan D vs. MSU Offense = Advantage MSU

Special Teams = MSU and it isn’t close. They have a good kicker name Derek DePasquale who basically beat UAB with his leg and 4 field goals.

Intangibles = Michigan

MSU has a highly rated defense and has faced some good opponents this year like Auburn’s Cam Newton. They won’t back down to the “Denard factor” and it’s defense will plan to be fast and get an number of defenders to the ball. Though in week 2 when Auburn played MSU Cam Newton was trying to be Denard Robinson. Whoever runs the spread best will win this game. Michigan has a balanced attack between running and passing and an effective Denard throwing the ball will be key factor in the Wolverines success. MSU will keep a number of guys in the box and see if Denard can beat them with his arm. Denard’s accuracy and the ability for Michigan’s wide receivers to CATCH THE BALL will be important to keep drives alive.

Michigan will have the same strategy in trying to stop MSU’s offense. Michigan’s defense main problem this year has been stopping the run when they know the other team is going to run. I expect the defense has worked for two weeks on tackling and staying in their gaps. Will the senior linebackers Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mouton have their best games of their careers? They will need to for a Michigan win. I expect these two seniors will play early and often.


Sing Hail to the Victors if…………..

• Denard goes off for 250 in the air and 150 on the ground

• The Michigan defense is improved with two weeks of practice

• Rich Rod runs a more complicated spread

• Michigan never lines up for a field goal

• A Michigan RB goes for over a 100 yards

• The Michigan secondary fills holes in the running game and covers WR deep in the pass game.


Say I need a lot less F’ing Cow Bell if…………………….


• If MSU figures a way to stop Denard

• The Michigan defense can’t stop the run and gives up a number of big plays

• Michigan continues to turn the ball over and not get TO’s on defense

• MSU has an effective passing game

• Michigan is trying to kick field goals

I have a theory that Michigan plays well when they have more than two weeks to prepare for an opponent. Michigan under RR has played well in all 3 season openers with blow out wins over UConn and Western Michigan and a two point loss to a Utah team then went undefeated that year. Many experts expected UConn and Western to give Michigan problems and they didn’t. Michigan is 23-5-1 over the SEC and 7-3 in bowl games. Michigan also plays well when their coach is on the line. I expect the Wolverines to play inspired on both sides of the ball in support of Rich Rodriguez. I hope and expect them to come out prepared like they were for the UConn game and not dazed and confused like they were for the Penn State game.

I also believe this offense plays better in warm weather then they do in cold weather. The temperature at game time will be in the 70’s and the Florida boys will be excited to play in their home state in front of their friends and family. Vegas have the Bulldogs as a 4.5 favorite. I disagree. Michigan 42 Mississippi State 28

(I wrote this before the Foricer news broke, so if Denard goes down reverse the score and all bets are off)


Go Blue!

Breaking News: Tate Forcier Ruled Ineligible for Gator Bowl

If your a Michigan fan, I wouldn't suggest going to Vegas with Rich Rodriguez any time soon.  He is really un-lucky when it comes to this team and program.  Michigan got dealt another blow this evening as Tate Forcier has been ruled ineligible to participate in the Gator Bowl and most suspect its due to academics. 

Tate has had an interesting year; seeing Denard take over his limelight as he has struggled on and off the field with issues during summer work outs and threatening to transfer after the UConn game.  He has also seen the highs of leading Michigan in an overtime win that qualified the Wolverines for this very bowl game. 

What now is the question for the team and player?

For team, what happens if Denard goes down? Like he has in pretty much every game this year.  Do you burn Devin's possible medical redshirt to save the game and maybe his job?  Or do you play 4th string QB Jack Kennedy?  Or maybe it's Jeremy Gallon who has been running the scout team these past two weeks so the Wolverines could prepare for MSU's offense?  All of those plans stink.

For the player, have we seen Tate in a Michigan uniform for the last time?  Is this the last straw and Tate is heading to D1A school like Montana or maybe another D1 school because he still has his redshirt available?  Does his academic issues make it more difficult for him to transfer?  I guess that has been the problem with Tate this year, there have been more questions then answers. 

I really thought Tate would be important in the Gator Bowl because I expect MSU to focus on stopping Denard running the ball and would be wide open to a passing attack.  I guess all that rides on Denard now and his ability to play the full game.  

Michigan Thursday: Denard Supports Coach Rod

Before the David Brandon "quiet period" took effect for the future status of Michigan's head coach he said that more then win and losses would go into his assessment of current head man Rich Rodriguez.  Things like grades, player feedback, and recruiting would also be decision fators. 

Recruiting has been pretty good the last month and now the Wolverines star QB chimes in with his support:  "If it was up to me, I'd tell them he has to come back," Robinson said. "We had a pretty good season, and our future's really bright. We've got a young team and we're just starting to jell now.


"I see us in the future winning a national championship or moving in the top 10."

• The Big Ten has started an impressive 2-0 in Bowl Games so far.  Let's hope that streak continues, mostly at 1:30 on Saturday.  I know the Big Ten is happy with it's new bowl selections, but I'm wondering how effective it is to split the Big Ten viewing audience 3 ways on Saturday at 1:00.  They used to start the Outback Bowl at 11:00 EST to try to balance that a bit.  This year the Big Ten has 2 games kicking off at 1:00 and another at 1:30.  

• Desmond Green, a 6'4 225 pound 3 star DE from PA is down to 4 schools and will visit them all.  Those schools are  Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State and Texas Tech.

• Sam Webb takes a look at next weeks Under Armour All American Game.  If Michigan fans picked one All Star game to watch they should tune into the Army All American game with a number of Michigan recruits playing.

Wolverine Wednesday: Zettel's Decision leaves The Michigan Nation Unsettled

By now you know instate OL/DE 4 star prospect Anthony Zettel picked Penn State last night over long time favorite Michigan.   Michigan had been Anthony's leader since his recruiting process started and AZ had been to just about every Michigan home game this year and a number of other events like the Big Chill and Barbecue at the Big House.

So what happened?  How did he pick Penn State over Michigan during the quiet period when he had publicly stated his announcement was coming in January just days ago?

This is what AZ had to say about Michigan after his last visit earlier this month:  "I felt really good with the players and really enjoyed all the people," Zettel said. "They gave me insight on all of it and I asked every question I could about the school, whether it was a good fit for them, what they like about the school and what they don't like."

As you know, I like to do a Tale of the Tape when it comes to previewing a Michigan opponent.  Let's use that same format to weigh some the "recruiting factors" into Anthony decision between the 2 schools. 

Zettel's Tale of the Tape:  Michigan vs Penn State:

Head Coaching Stability:  Push.  One program is run by an 84 year old figure head that was rumored to be in the hospital all week.  The other program has a coach the needs AD David Brandon to "Lift him up or out" after the Gator Bowl.

State of the Program:  Push.  Yes, Penn State handled Michigan in Happy Valley this year but both finished 7-5.  Depending on what happens with the Bowl Games, I expect them both to be improved next year.

Location:  Advantage Michigan.  U of M is hours from home and of course in Ann Arbor, ranked one of the best places to live in the US routinely.  Penn State is in a Valley of happiness that got nearly 2 feet of snow this week or to quote the widely known wordsmith Terrelle Pryor, "The middle of nowhere".

Academics: Both are good schools but the advantage has to go to Michigan if that was an important factor to Anthony.  Some recruits talk about academics being a key factor but truly it isn't that important.

Playing Time:  Advantage Michigan:  Michigan is losing seniors on the defensive line (rumored to be where he wants to play) and would probably looking at a redshirt if he picked the offensive line.  I'm not familiar with PSU's depth chart but from a quick count of their roster they have 14 DE's or DT's that are currently Juniors or below.  There are also 2 other DE's in the 2011 class.

2011 Recruiting:  Advantage Michigan.  Penn State got off to a very slow start but has benefited from a coaching change at Pitt.  It should be a close race to signing day.   Tim at Mgoblog ranks the Big Ten recruiting classes and currently has Michigan at #4 and Penn State at #12 (he includes ND in the rankings due to ND fishing for the same pond as many Big Ten schools).

So to net it out, Anthony picked Penn State over a place that is closer to home so his family could attend every home game, has a quicker path to playing time, been a lifelong fan of, and currently has a better 2011 recruiting class.  Makes sense to me, does it to you? 

I'm guessing the status of Rich Rod and staff played a big role in his decision, that couldn't have waited 7 more days.   Which is too bad.  Maybe after the coaching situation clears up the Wolverines can take another run at the young man.  Penn State we are now even for Michael Shaw. 

Another alarming trend is that 4 top instate prospects (Thomas, Arnett, Zettel, and Showers) all have either gone out of state or Thomas to the Spartans.  Michigan has 5 instate kids in it's 2011 recruiting class including Rivals #84 player in Justice Hayes and 4 star prospect Brennen Beyer.

Michigan Tuesday: Still Chilly at the Gator Bowl and the Big Ten Kicks Off Today

The Wolverines are used to the cold but not in Florida.  The guys (and the rest of us in Florida) was hoping for lots of warm weather.  We got the sun but Midwest type of weather with morning temperatures in the 30's and afternoon temperatures in the 50's. At least there isn't any snow and the sun is out.  So we have that going for us, which is nice.  The good news is warmer temperatures are on the way and the game time temps should be around 72 degrees.

The only thing news worthy coming out of practice (besides the cold) is that Tay Odoms might be ready to play on Saturday after breaking his foot in the Michigan State game. 

"It felt good to run around and I feel like I can play when the game comes," Odoms said. "I cut but I don't cut as hard. It's a mind thing. I think I can't do it, but I probably can. I'm not trying to push it. That's the hardest part — trusting it and cutting on it like how I used to cut."

Breaking News: 4 star instate recruit Anthony Zettel is planning to announce his commitment tonight at 7:30.  Anthony is a DE or OL prospect from West Branch, Michigan and has been a life long Michigan fan.  He originally was planning on announcing in January so I'm not sure what changed.  I expect this is good news for the Wolverines and RR.  If he doesn't pick Michigan this would be a huge loss for the Wolverines. 

Anthony was invited to play in the Army All American game but declined due to the rule you can't play any other high school sports if you accept the invitation.  I believe it's due to the AAA organization playing for the travel and expenses to the game.

If AZ goes blue tonight, the Michigan coaches will have had a really good month in recruiting in getting commitments from an instate LB, a highly rated place kicker and basically two 4 star Army All Americans in Zettel and Countess.

Michigan Basketball News:

Today kicks off the Big Season for John Beilein's club.  So far the young Wolverines have over achieved with a 10-2 record with the 2 loses coming in back to back games in Atlantic City.   Michigan plays a ranked Purdue team at 2:00 at Crisler Arena.   Today's game will be a good test to see where the Wolverines really are and if they will be able to compete in the highly competitive Big Ten this year.  If Michigan wants to get to the post season they will need to protect their home floor in the Big Ten.  Kansas also makes a trip to Crisler in a couple of weeks. 

Michigan will have one extra body available in today's game with Jordan Dumars, son of Detroit Pistons President and former shooting guard Joe Dumars becoming eligible to play for the Wolverines.  Don't expect Jordan to crash into the line-up quickly as he needs to get into game shape. 

Michigan Monday: He Said, Harbaugh Didn't

It's officially bowl game week in chilly Florida for the first time in two years and nobody really notices.  The talk of the town and the sporting world is who is the better NFL MVP candidate: Tom Brady or Mike Vick.  I think you know which candidate this blog supports!  Whoops, sorry I meant whether or not Jim Harbaugh will be Michigan's next head coach or not.

Jim himself has basically only said that he hasn't talked with Stanford's AD about a contract extension yet.  Which is rumored to be $3M a year.

"I haven't even discussed it," Harbaugh told the San Jose Mercury News in a story published Friday.   Speaking about the AD and the extension:  "Maybe he misspoke," Harbaugh said.

Those comments are the closest thing Jim has said regarding the Michigan job or any other job outside of his current one.  Both NFL insiders Adam Schefter from ESPN and CBS Charlie Casserly both reported yesterday that sources are linking Jim to Michigan.   I happen to believe Adam because he is a Michigan Alum and won't spread a rumor just to spread it.  I would expect that his sources have to be pretty solid to run with a story about his favorite college football program. 

Is it a done deal?  Maybe or maybe not.  An NFL job just opened up in his backyard last night with the the 49'ers.  Would Jim be more interested in that job?  Who knows but it would seem like he might.   Not too many college coaches have been successful in transiting to the NFL.  The last one most can remember is Jimmy Johnson.  With that said, Jim was a in the NFL for many years and I think his brother could give him some pretty good advice.   So Jim isn't exactly high risk (compared to other college coaches) when it comes to an NFL job. 

I guess we will have to see how this one plays out next week. 

Funny Story:  We drove down to Florida last night and staying in Orlando for a couple of days before heading to the Gator Bowl.  We pulled up to the hotel in Orlando today to find the Spartans are staying here.  They are running all types of plays in the ballrooms due to the cold weather.   I'm getting a few strange looks in my Michigan gear.

Speaking of cold weather and getting to Florida:

Michigan Thursday: Recuriting and The Wolverines Holiday Plans

There is a Jack Tabb recruiting update from Sam Webb at the Detroit News.  Rich Rod just did an in home with Jack last week:  "It was definitely good to have him here," Tabb said regarding the Wolverines' head man. "He stayed for a good long time. He talked again about how they need me and how they'd use me in their offense."  Jake and his mom visited Ann Arbor in November and really enjoyed their experience.   Jack was thinking about making a decision this week but is going to hold off until after the holidays.  If I had to guess it is because he wants to see what happens with RR job situation.

It's interesting to see RR and staff recruit TE's in this class.  When RR came to Michigan he really didn't use Tight Ends but with the talent Michigan had at that position he has found a nice place for them in his offense.  Let's hope Jack makes a decision to Go Blue in the new year.

• Breaking News: Is that Antonio Kinard a 2010 LB recruit who went to prep schools to get his grades up and a qualifying test score has qualified.   There is some question whether the Michigan coaches would give him 1 of the 7 remaining spots in the 2011 class but he is an athletic 6'4 210 pounds LB and Michigan sure does need those.  I expect Antonio is trying to contact the Michigan coaches right now to give them the good news.  If Michigan sures everything up with Antonio he plans to enroll at Michigan in a couple of weeks.  This is good news!

• Michigan Players are probably heading home for Christmas and will jump on the charter flight on the 26th to head down to Jacksonville.  Some of players will meet the Wolverines in Florida.  The Wolverines will be practicing at Jacksonville University during the week. 

• Alabama says there is nothing to see here - regarding the story about them putting thousands of dollars into Dr. Phillips field and locker room.    Ok, I get that but I'm pretty sure Ha'sean Clinton-Dix was quoted as saying he was going to take in an Alabama practice while they are at his school, which would be a recruiting violation.   So I guess the "gray area" is what happens if Ha'sean and Dee stop by and watch but weren't invited or they don't speak to anyone. 

• 2012 CB from Washington DC, Kenny Crawley has a Michigan offer.

• Jim's brother John (head coach of the Baltimore Ravens), thinks Jimmy is focused on the Orange Bowl, having a baby and wants to stay at Stanford. 

• Is Michigan's next coach on TV tonight?  I highly doubt it.  But Brady Hoke and his San Diego State squad takes the field/pool against Navy tonight.  The reason I say "pool" is because due to high rains in San Diego the field and parking lot are flooded.  They expect the game to go ahead as planned tonight.  

• This site thinks Tony Gibson is over paid at $231,000 a year since he coaches the special teams and the Michigan secondary.  Both units are ranked very low nationally.  I tell you one thing, the guy can recruit!

• Darian Cooper, DT will wait to see what happens before he seriously considers Michigan or dropping them from his list.

• Michigan Basketball plays Bryant tonight on the BTN at 6:00.  This win will increase the Wolverines record to 10-2 with it's only two loses coming in a bad weekend in New Jersey.   This will be the last game before the Wolverines start their Big Ten season.  When the holidays are behind us, please go to the games and support this young exciting team.

I really don't want to touch the Ohio State Tattoo thing.  It seems Kansas State basketball was caught with something similar.  These things happen at all big time programs.  It really does.  So take it for what it's worth.  On a side note, stretching and having QC staffers coach is a worth 3 years of probation.  As they say on ESPN's NFL Countdown:  Come On, Man!

I also don't want to touch the Rex Ryan feet thing but there aren't any truth to the reports/rumors that he is interested in signing former Michigan linebacker Larry Foote.

Wolverine Wednesday: Answers your Burning Questions about Michigan Football

Q:  Many Michigan fans are concerned about Alabama practicing for the Citrus Bowl at Dr. Phillips High School which also happens to be Dee Hart's school.  What kind of contact can Saban and Alabama have with Dee during the quiet period? 

A: None.  If any Alabama players or coaches have contact with Dee or Ha'sean Clinton-Dix during this time, those players will be ineligible at Alabama.  If they go to a Bowl Game (Gator or Capital One) they will have to buy a ticket and can't be hosted by any University.  The NCAA Bylaw is 13.02.4.3  .  The news about Alabama upgrading Dr. Phillips football fields, locker rooms, etc are pretty bush league in my opinion.  Saban and Alabama seem to play by their own rules;  if its finding unique ways to pay a high school or signing a class of 30 kids each year and taking scholarships away from other kids on the team.

Q: What does your gut say about Rich Rod and his future at Michigan?

A: All insider information says that coaches are looking for new jobs and that RR and staff are most likely out.  I don't feel that way.  If David Brandon has a deal in place with Jim Harbaugh it is the most "inside" job ever.  Things like new jobs, contracts at a big time programs are never kept quiet, someone always leaks something.  RR and staff are recruiting hard and telling kids that they expect to be back.  Michigan just landed a Army All American DB and there seems to be more commits coming in early January.   I right now expect Rich Rod and staff to be back.   The upside on offense next year is huge and Michigan just needs to get the defense up to say "average".  

Q: Speaking of recruiting how do you think this class will end up?

A: I will assume 2 things.  #1 RR stays as head coach and #2 Michigan doesn't lose any commits from the current verbals  (It's pretty well known that if RR is gone, so is Dee Hart).  Michigan has 13 verbals right now:  3 DE's, 2 OL's, 1 RB. 1 Slot WR, 2 LB's, 4 DB's.   That should leave 7 spots open in this class.  Michigan needs 1 QB, 1 TE, 1 Safety, 1 WR, 2 DT's, 1 RB, and 1 Kicker. (yes, I realize that is 8 spots of need)  I think the biggest question marks in this class are at QB, DT and Kicker.   I think Michigan looks good for Anthony Zettel, Kris Frost, Thomas Rawls, Raymon Taylor, and Chris Bryant.  I think Michigan has a good shot at landing one TE and a high profile DB like Wayne Lyons.   I don't think Michigan has big enough pool of recruits right now at defensive tackle, kicker, or QB.  It is really going to be difficult to find a QB that wants to sit behind redshirt freshman Devin Gardner and two high profile Juniors.  Michigan of course would also take a WR like Devin Lucien and one TE between Jack Tabb and Frank Clark.

Q: Don't give me your highly anticipated Gator Bowl preview yet but give us a couple of nuggets to consider as we set up toys and put together bikes?

A: Here is something I have been thinking about.  RR and staff seem to do well when they have more then a couple of weeks to prepare for a game.  Michigan's most complete game of the year was their 1st game of the year against UConn.  They only gave up 10 points on defense.  In RR's first year, Michigan played a pretty sloppy game but only lost to Utah (who ended up going un-defeated that year) by 2 points. 

Did you realize this is RR's 4th trip to the Gator Bowl as a head coach? He is actually only 1-3 in Gator Bowl games.  The good news is RR has won his last 3 bowl games (if you include the Fiesta Bowl when he left for Michigan). His teams bowl record is 3-3 (which includes the Fiesta Bowl).   Let's hope his winning bowl streak continues. 

Q: Can the Defense improve since the Ohio State game?

A: Yes, it can and I expect to see improvements in WR coverage by the young DB's and overall tackling.  The way bowl practice is set up: you get 15 practices and basically you work on fundamentals while in Ann Arbor and then work on game plan for Mississippi State while in Jacksonville.   These two weeks really help the young kids and look for the real benefits to show up next year with guys like Jake Ryan, Richard Ash and Josh Furman.

Q: Ok, do you expect the defense will be better next year and why?

A:  Yes, I do expect big improvements in the defense next year. The freshman DB's that played this year will have a full year of experience.  Mike Martin will be a pre-season All American candidate.  Michigan will get back a 5th year senior DB Troy Woolfolk to stabilize that area.

I'm also hoping for big improvements from young players on the defensive line like Richard Ash (who is over 300 lbs.) and Q Washington (who is now officially a defensive tackle).   The linebacker play should be better with an experienced Kenny Demens.

Q:  I assume your in some type of Bowl Picking Pool.  How do you have the Big Ten doing?

A: Yes, I am.  Just for fun of course.  Never for money.  Winning I have: Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio State.  Losing I have: Northwestern, Penn State, and Michigan State.  (You will have to wait for the Gator Bowl Preview on my Michigan pick! :)

Michigan Tuesday: It's the Recruiting Quiet Period

Today marks the recruiting "quiet period" for football recruits.  This period allows coaches and recruits to take a break from the recruiting trail and enjoy the holidays or focus 100% on bowl preparation.  The quiet period runs from 12/21 - 1/3 and coaches are not able to contact kids pro-actively.  Kids can contact coaches on their own, but that is the only contact that is allowed. 

That means the recruiting news should be pretty light the rest of the year.  Michigan's next big official recruiting weekend will be January 7th.   Don't forget January 8th is the Army All American game and Michigan has a number of prospects in that game including: Dee Hart, Ha'sean Clinton-Dix, Wayne Lyons, Kris Frost, and Blake Countness.

It will be key to have RR status "cleared up" by 1/3 for Michigan to save players like Dallas Crawford and Dee Hart in this class.

• Past Michigan visitor 2011 WR Hakeem Flowers just visited Oregon and is also looking at MSU, NC State, UCLA, and GA Tech. 

• I know there has been alot of questions regarding a QB in class after Kevin Sousa changed his mind and elected to go to Wake Forrest which had a better path to playing time.  One of the QB targets is QB Tanner McEvoy from NJ who just visited South Carolina this past weekend and will visit Ann Arbor on January 7th as well.   Tanner won't list a leader until after all his visits are completed.   He is also visiting North Carolina and Rutgers.  Spurrier seems pretty high on this kid and has already done a in-home visit with him.

• Other visitors expected on 1/7 include: WR Devin Lucien, TE Frank Clark, DB Sheldon Royster, DB Dallas Crawford, and DE Deion Barnes.

 

• 2011 TE prospect Jack Tabb from NJ might announce his decision this week, as of right now I don't expect a Michigan decision. 

• Roderick Ryles, a 2011 safety and teammate of Dee Hart's at Dr. Phillips has been talking to the Michigan coaches and might make a visit to Ann Arbor in January.  A dream scenario for the Wolverines would be Hart, Clinton-Dix, and Ryles.  I know, I said it was a dream scenario! 

• Michigan 2011 Verbal RB Justice Hayes will be playing in the Offense - Defense Bowl in Myrtle Beach on 12/31. 

• Former Michigan LB Doug Mallory was named co-defensive coordinator for Indiana yesterday.

• It is clear the Michigan coaches want one TE in this class.  The latest guy to be offered is Dallas, TX TE Andrew Peterson who is rated a 2 star prospect from Rivals but has a nice offer list which includes: Tennessee, Utah, Texas AM, Nebraska, and Arkansas. 

Michigan Thursday: 1/8/2011 is a Make or Break Date for the Wolverines 2011 Recruiting Class

Why you ask?  Well, first of  I assume that the Michigan coaching situation will be decided by then.  Michigan plays in the Gator Bowl on New Years Day and Stanford plays in the Orange Bowl on 1/3. 

So what's so special about the 8th?  January 8th is the day of Army All American Game where top 2011 recruits like to pick a hat for their school of choice on National TV.   By this game, Michigan should know if RR will continue his head coaching duties or another head coach has been hired.  If RR is retained Michigan has a legitimate shot at these following Army All Americans:

• RB Dee Hart of course
• Safety Wayne Lyons
• WR/LB Kris Frost
• CB Blake Countess

Bowl Practice:  RR gave us an update on Bowl Practice and how it's progressing.  They have had 5 practices so far and basically working on fundamentals (freep): "You get the timing back, you get some of the conditioning back a little bit, you can see the first couple days we were a little bit rusty, especially throwing the football, but as we went along, we've been getting better,"

"I can see from all the guys their legs are fresh, and Denard is obviously the healthiest he's been since the season started," Rodriguez said. "He's running a little faster, which you'd expect."


Austin in Austin?  There are rumors that former Michigan assistant coach Teryl Austin will be Texas's new defensive coordinator.  I have also heard Randy Shannon former Miami head coach name as well.

Hands off the MAC!  In less then 2 weeks, three BCS programs have picked off coaches from the MAC.  First it was Jerry Kill going to Minnesota, then Al Golden at Miami and now it's another coach from Miami but this time it's Miami of Ohio.   Pitt has hired Mike Haywood who turned around the Miami program from a 1 year win season a year ago to MAC Champions this year.  Mike was a former assistant under Charlie Weis at ND.   In a related story the MAC is looking for some good young coaches. 

Does anyone else think that the situation at West Virgina next year is going to be awkward? Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen has been hired as WVU's OC and "coach in waiting" for current coach Bill Stewart for one year.  Bill is planing to resign or retire after the 2011 season.  Does this make any sense to anyone?  I'm guessing they had a small window to hire Dana or they were going to lose him to Pitt.  So they put this plan together so that Bill could coach the bowl game and step down after.  I don't see any upside for Bill Stewart to coach next year.  Pay him his salary and let him go find another job or head to Florida.  There are a couple of openings in the MAC. 

Max Issak a 6'3 240 DE from NJ and current Pitt commit is re-thinking his verbal and might be interested in re-considering Michigan.

Information about Miami's coaching search:  It seems they contacted Jim Harbaugh and he wasn't interested.

Michigan Friday: More Hardware for Denard

Last year, Brandon Graham won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award which is basically known as the Big Ten's MVP award.  This year Denard Robinson has won the award barley edging out Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor.  Congratulations Denard!

Speaking of Pryor and if you watched the College Football Awards show last night, Cam Newton might be on your mind as well.  Aren't you glad Denard is at Michigan?  I'm sure am.  We all know about Cam and his potential problems but Pryor seems to seriously need a PR class or 2.  There was his comments a couple years ago about Mike Vick, his recent attack on former Buckeye QB Kirk Herbstreit, and now this:

"I'll put it like this: You put me in any of their offenses — any of them — and I'd dominate," Pryor said, when asked about the attention afforded the likes of Newton, Robinson and Persa. "I'd dominate the nation. What those guys do, that's what they're supposed to do in their offense."

Really?  I guess he forgot that he had an opportunity to be in any of those offenses and decided that "the Vest" gave him the best chance to be an NFL QB.  TP has been successful at Ohio State and has lost 4 games in 3 years.   So you have been successful but if your passing doesn't approve next year, you might be a WR/TE at the next level.

I know that TP picking OSU might have put Michigan's program back at least a year, but I would rather have Denard right now.

--Should the Gator Bowl be re-named the "Lame Duck" Coaches Bowl:  Both Rich Rodriguez and Dan Mullen were in Jacksonville yesterday to do the Gator Bowl Press Conference.  All the media wanted to know was if Dan was going to Florida and if Rich was still going to be in Ann Arbor in January.   RR even used humor to lighten up the situation: 

Rodriguez laughed heartily when apparently asked about his interest in the Florida job.
"There may be some people who want me to be interested," Rodriguez said, laughing.

"I'd personally like to thank Dan, my good friend, for taking all the heat on speculation off of me, putting it squarely on his shoulders," Rodriguez said. "That's good."

Rodriguez also joked when asked about Mullen moving on to another job.


"How dare you put me on that spot," Rodriguez said. "I think Dan ought to leave tomorrow. Somewhere.

• Former Michigan kicker Brandon Kornblue who now trains high school kickers is having his annual kicking competition on 12/18 in Florida.  Last year, more than 30 kickers and punters went on to sign with NCAA Divison I schools after attending a Kornblue event. More than 50 of the country’s top-rated kickers fro Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia and Florida are scheduled to attend.  Any chance a Michigan coach or two might be on hand for this event?  They better be. 

• One visitor I missed for this weekend is SMU commit and CB James Richardson. 

Wolverine Wednesday: More Recruiting News

The Prince of Ann Arbor?:  It sounds like 3 star Slot WR Prince Holloway has Michigan very high on his list: (freep link) Dallas is my cousin and for a month we planned on committing to Michigan,” Holloway said.


Crawford committed to U-M last month, but Holloway has not had the right opportunity to offer his pledge to the Wolverines. He has yet to visit the Ann Arbor campus, but has been given a preview by his cousin, who took two trips to the school in the last eight months. “He says it is very nice and he loves it up there,” Holloway said. “If he can love it up there, I know I can.”

Michigan recently took the surprise commitment of instate running back Justice Hayes, who many believe was offered as a slot WR.   Does Michigan have room for Prince at this point?  That is a valid question.  I wonder if the Prince can play corner. 

• Do you wonder if Quality Control staff coached players at Michigan before RR got there?  Dave Hutchinson was just hired as Glenville State's head coach.  He was the offensive quality control coach at Michigan under Lloyd Carr in 2007.   On the ironic side of this, RR was the Glenville State head man from 1990 to 1996.   The key words above are that Dave should not have been "coaching" in his QC role at Michigan.

• Desmond Howard and his million dollar smile went into the College Hall of Fame last night!  Congrats Des!

• Dave Molk is a finalist for the 2010 Rimington Trophy for the best center in the country.  It seems Dave will get a free trip Disney World this week to see if he is the winner.    

• It seems the Michigan players will receive a watch, Oakley sunglasses, a leather duffel bag, ring and commemorative football for participating in the Gator Bowl.  The players in the Citrus Bowl get a $420 shopping spree to Best Buy.  Players are allowed $500 in Bowl Gifts from the hosting Bowl.  

• 4 star instate CB/Athlete from Highland Park Raymon Taylor who verbally committed to Indiana is re-thinking his college choice after IU let go the gum throwing Bill Lynch.  He seems to be interested in the Wolverines, but currently doesn't have an offer.   Are the Wolverines interested in this 4 star athlete?  We should know soon. 

• Recruits do read blogs! 4 Star WR Devin Lucien was impressed by the feedback from the readers on Mgoblog on him considering Michigan. 

• Jack Tabb a TE that Michigan is recruiting visited North Carolina last weekend and had a "great time".  He is visiting Arkansas this weekend and has one more visit left.  Maybe to Rutgers or BC.