Michigan Friday: Thinks Out Loud

From time to time, I like to post some of my random thoughts on things related to Michigan football.  I usually don't have answers to these thoughts or questions, I just like to share them with the BHB cell mates. 

• Hoke really can recruit.  He has done a tremendous job in two weeks.  I wonder what he will do when he has years to build relationships with these kids.  I wonder what this class would look like if he was hired on 1/2 or even in December. 

• So Michigan got 3 years NCAA probation for not tracking stretching properly before practice and Iowa can send 12 kids to the hospital for overworking their players in off season work outs?  So RR gets thrown under the bus for maybe putting kids in danger (and it was proved he wasn't) and Coach Ferentz gets a free pass?  It seems Kirk Ferentz program really is putting kids in danger and he doesn't even come back from a recruiting trip.  Coach Ferentz has had all types of off season problems almost every year.  He continues to have a good reputation and is one of the highest paid coaches in the country.   Does this make sense to anyone? 

• Why can't Michigan recruit defensive tackles?  They have needed DT's for the past 3 years.

• Yes, $3M does come with access.  No you should haven't a say in which coach is hired, but you probably want to take his email or phone call about the head coach.   If I invest $3M in a pubic company, I get vote not the final say.   Al Glick gave Michigan millions for the new field house and he was watching tape with RR during the week.  I'm betting Nike founder Phil Knight has something to say about Oregon's coaches.  In fact, I know he does.  Millions = Access

• Tate Forcier did not transfer from Michigan - he was thrown out of the program.  Big difference.

• Was RR the last big name NCAA football coach to change jobs in college?  It seems everyone goes away from the big names these days. 

• I know hindsight is 20/20 but as we sit today, I am so much happier with the hire of Hoke over Miles. 

• What is the deal with West Virgina coaches that come to Michigan and do well against non-conference opponents but stink up the Big Ten season?  Edit: So the win over MSU last night helped this a little bit.  A little bit.

• How awkward is it going to be when SDSU plays at the Big House next season?  What if WVU was on the schedule to play Michigan the year after RR was hired?

• I sure hope some of the DB's in the 2011 class turn into a safeties and not linebackers.  That was a disturbing trend under RR.

• Two guys I expect to see more playing time from next year are Big Will Campbell and RB Mike Cox.  

Michigan Monday: Things I learned on Saturday

When I sat down on my couch on Saturday, I had Christmas like thoughts running through my head.  The weather was warm and it felt like a great day for upsets.  I turned on the Illinois - Michigan State game on the BTN and this thought danced through my head:  Could Michigan State, Iowa, and Ohio State all get upset today?

Well, we know only Ohio State went down in a football game that I hope all the Wolverines watched.   Why you ask?  Not because both teams remain on Michigan's schedule (that is a good enough reason to watch) but Wisconsin gave us all a text book example on how to upset a highly ranked team at home.   The young Wolverines need to take that class and read that book a couple of times.

Back to my list of things I learned on Saturday that was strangely educational:

• For the young Wolverines, the more things change the more they stay the same.
• Illinois is an improving team and out played Michigan State for close to 3 quarters but couldn't score touchdowns.
• Michigan State seems to be a team dedicated to not beating themselves.  They just wait for the other team to make a mistake and then win the game. 
• The Minnesota Golden Gophers Athletic Department has a crystal ball.  They started writing a press release firing Tim Brewster on Friday if he lost on Saturday.  They did and he got fired.
• Michigan for the second straight year made Indiana look much better then they really are. 
• Purdue always seems to play better after their first string QB goes out with an injury.
• Kenny Demens is the answer at middle linebacker for Michigan.
• Watching Michigan play this year is not good for my blood pressure
• The Michigan coaches need to spend more time at practice - the soccer team's practice.
• I'm still really upset about Devin not redshirting
• Michigan needs both Denard and Tate this year  
• David Molk might be just as important to the Michigan offense as Denard is
• This ABC/ESPN mirror thing is strange.  I had the Michigan game on both ABC and ESPN channels.  I can't get Texas and Nebraska?
• Speaking of Nebraska, I was real worried about them joining the Big Ten last week, now I feel better.
• I would like to see a replay of the Auburn - Arkansas game. 
• The Big Ten champ this year might have 1 or 2 losses.
• My lucky shirt from week 1-5 isn't lucky anymore.
• Those new Tech Fit jersey's didn't look any different
• Michigan's defense can make an average offense look good.
• Greg Robinson might not be the answer at DC.  Even I knew the draw was coming on 3rd -16 and the whole Ezeh - Demens thing is mystifying. 
• Michigan should put their starting offense line in for field goals.  Big Will blocking?  I know he was an offensive lineman in high school but come on.  Iowa had their first team defense line in.

Michigan - Iowa Post Game

Sad Panda/Groundhog Day 2009.  We have seen this movie, it doesn't end well for the Wolverines. 

That's how I feel hours after this defeat.  No moral victories, we are not UMass.  Bottom line, Michigan can not win games turning the ball over, the defense can't hold anybody and can't afford extra possessions.  The Michigan defense can't get stops or turnovers to even out the mistakes.

I have a number of random thoughts that I need to get out:


The penalties are just ridiculous and un-disciplined football

I believe football games are won and loss on talent, coaching, and momentum.  Taylor Lewan is clearly a future star on this team but his 20 yards in penalties in the first half were drive killers that maybe game killers.

Did anyone notice as soon as Ezeh was put back into the game, Iowa started moving the ball on the ground?  I thought Kenny Demens played pretty well today.

I'm so tired about hearing this defense is too young, some of the upperclassman on defense are the worst players.

The 3-3-5 does not seem to be working at all.    If your facing Michigan and don't have a good RB, just move your second string cornerback or something and he can go for 200 yards and 3 TD's.

Don't fool yourself about the comeback.  This game was over when Vincent Smith put the ball on the ground in the 3rd quarter.   Michigan's offense can score but you lose too many opportunities when you turn the ball over.

Both Denard and Molk are out with injuries, not good.

This Iowa team was primed to be beat today and Michigan let them off the hook with turnovers and penalties. 

These are going to be two very long weeks for the Wolverines.  They better dig deep and see if they can get some wins before they face Wisconsin and Ohio State.  Greg Robinson needs to figure a way to get some stops and RR needs to find a way to hold on to the damn ball.

Game Day Video: Michigan vs Iowa 1994

How about some Todd Collins, Mercury Hayes, Amani Toomer, Wheatley, Timmy B. and some terrible Iowa uniforms?  How do you stop a backfield of Wheatly and Biakabutuka?

You can watch a time when we had really good linebackers.  Morrison was everywhere!

Michigan vs Iowa Preview

Date: October 16, 2010

Time: 3:30 EST

TV: ABC
Location: Big House
Line: Iowa -3
Weather: 64 and Sunny



Both Iowa and Michigan were off last weekend.  One team earned a Big Ten loss the other didn't.   This picture on Michigan's last drive pretty much sums up the Michigan State game for the Wolverines:

I hope the Wolverines have had a good week of practice and were able to fix some issues on defense.  The linebacker play has to improve and the defensive ends have to be better.  If you watched the West Virgina - South Florida game last night you saw the 3-3-5 defense be effective.  The key difference in my mind is that the front 3 have to be able to get pressure on the QB.  Michigan's front 3 (outside of Martin) are not playing well or getting pressure or hitting the running backs.

Iowa has had health issues with their running backs and will try to trick the Wolverines linebackers and young secondary with some play action fakes.   Iowa saw State run through some big holes and will try to run the ball but Ricky Stanzi will for sure try to attack the Michigan secondary.   Can Michigan get one of Ricky's famous pick 6's?  Let's hope so.  Maybe Donovan Warren can come back for a game.   Iowa is not as explosive as State in the running game but they do have 3 strong WR's.  

The only thing Michigan needed to fix on offense was some decision making.  MSU didn't do anything special on defense they just got the balls thrown to them.  Iowa on the other hand does have a "special" defense and has the #1 scoring defense in the country only giving up 10 points a game.   Michigan's high powered offense vs Iowa's defense.  Can Michigan's offensive line handle Adrian Clayborn and Iowa's defensive line?  Iowa is a better version of Michigan State on defense.

Tale of The Tape:

Michigan Offense vs Iowa's Defense =  Push

Iowa's Offense vs Michigan's Defense = Iowa

Special Teams = Push (both teams are pretty poor)

Intangibles = Push  (Iowa was off and Michigan at home)


It's homecoming for the Wolverines so expect that guy doing the locomotive Michigan cheer.   I think teams coming off a loss are pretty dangerous and sometimes a team coming off a bye can be rusty.  Since 2002 Big Ten teams are 17-32 coming off a bye week which is a .347 winning percentage.

Iowa has lost a game when they traveled West to take on Arizona this year.  Iowa got behind quickly and fought their way back to only lose at the end.   Iowa gave up 34 in that game.  I thought Michigan played well at Iowa last year and all most won when Denard came in late and drove the team for a TD but then threw a pick on the last drive.

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

• Denard makes decisions like he did in the first 5 games
• There is a new starting middle linebacker
• Michigan can move the ball and score on Iowa
• Michigan doesn't play tight and really focused after the State loss
• Shaw is healthy and getting yards on the ground
• Michigan gets points out of special teams

Spit out your corn if..............

• The Michigan wide receivers still have the "dropsy"
• The Iowa defensive line looks like they could take the hand offs in the Michigan backfield
• The Michigan D continues their bend and break defense
• Michigan loses the turnover battle

I expect Iowa to shut down Michigan's running game as much as possible and Denard will have to beat them through the air.  The Michigan defense HAS to play better and get some turnovers against a QB that is prone to throw a few picks.  The key for Michigan on defense is to pressure Stanzi, if Michigan can get some sacks and some pressures which will force some mistakes and get some stops.

I am torn on this game.  Michigan plays well against Iowa but Iowa has a really good defense.  I think Michigan can get a few stops on defense but can they score on Iowa?  Denard went "Tebow" in the Wolverine locker room after the loss against State.  Will that have an effect on the Wolverines?  Michigan is a better team then they were last year when they met Iowa, I think Iowa was better last year. 

I didn't like anything I saw from the Wolverines last week, they played tight, they made mistakes on offense and gave up big plays on defense.  This game is a turning point for the Wolverines in 2010.  If they win they are back on Sportscenter,  if they lose they are trending towards the 2009 collapse.   I think one of the biggest questions on Saturday: will the Wolverines be hungry and really try to get bowl eligible? I don't like the match ups in this game and I hope I'm wrong.  Iowa 24 Michigan 14


Go Blue!

Michigan Injury Updates

Odoms will have surgery today or Thursday on his broken foot.  There is a slight chance he could make it back by the end of the year.

Mike Martin practiced on Tuesday and moved around well.  Should be ready to go on Saturday. (photo to the right showing that he has M close to his heart)

Fitz Toussaint is out for Iowa but should be back after the bye week. 

Mike Williams is still out with a concussion and continues to work with the doctors on whether he should continue playing football.  He has had multiple concussions. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Recruiting Blitz and Other News

Before we get to recruiting news, I have a couple sports related business topics for Wolverines and football fans. 

• More Jersey News:  Nike has bought the NFL contract away from Reebok/Adidas.  Which could mean layoffs in a plant in Indianapolis that produces replica jerseys for NFL teams and of course teams like the University of Michigan.  Maybe Adidas can open up the plant to Michigan fans so they can get a "special" jersey's when Michigan is in Indy next year for the Big Ten Championship game.

• If your interested and why wouldn't you be? :) I am again the guest on the Michigan Man Podcast this week, re-capping the MSU loss and previewing the Iowa game.  You can find the podcast here or download it on ITunes.  

• Fanvision: If you haven't heard, Fanvision is a new held device that you can watch the game, replays, or different camera angles from your seat at the game.  Michigan is the only NCAA team that has these devices available.  Over 12 NFL teams are piloting them this year.  The devices are from a company that Dolphins owner and Michigan grad Stephen Ross owns.   The cost is $200 for the device and $5 per game and this guy is a fan.   Part of their marketing plan was to send a bunch of these devices out for free to season ticket holders.  I wasn't one of the lucky ones.  Talking to some of the fans at the Big House, they like it for tailgating before, during, and after the games.

• Chris L. Rucker celebrated his team's win over the Wolverines on Saturday by going out getting drunk and then driving on Sunday morning.   He was of course arrested and will be suspended but the MSU coaches expect to have him back playing this year.  Chris was charged and is on probation for last years Dorm fight as well.  I guess this is strike 2 for Mr. Rucker.

Now on to the Blitz:

-TomVH gives us an update on recruiting visitors expected to attend the Iowa game:  
2011


DT Timmy Jernigan - 6'2", 275 lbs, 4 Star, Lake City, Florida

TE Drew Owens - 6'5", 225 lbs, 3 Star, Charlotte, North Carolina

DB Dallas Crawford - 5'10", 185 lbs, 3 Star, Fort Myers, Florida

WR Sammy Watkins - 6'1", 180 lbs, 4 Star, Fort Myers, Florida

WR Hakeem Flowers - 6'2", 175 lbs, 3 Star, Greenville, South Carolina

WR Quinta Funderburk - 6'5", 204 lbs, 3 Star, Chesapeake, Virginia

2012

DE Chris Wormley - 6'4", 255 lbs, Toledo, Ohio

RB Will Mahone - 5'11", 205 lbs, Austintown, Ohio (He confirmed he will be there)

DB Luc Haupt - 6'0", 180 lbs, Austintown, Ohio

DB Chris Davis - 5'10", 183 lbs, Austintown, Ohio

QB Demitrious Davis - 5'10", 183 lbs, Austintown, Ohio

-Avery Walls, a CB that Michigan fans are high on for the 2011 class has recently been to Oregon and CAL and he now tells TomVH this: "I'm going to go to Michigan State, South Carolina, Virginia, and U Conn. Once all my visits are done then I'll decide from there. I don't have a leader right now, because I haven't seen all the schools yet. I'm still evaluating different things about each school."  That doesn't sound like the best news for Wolverine fans.

-Dee Hart talks more about Michigan with ESPN:  "The Michigan fans are such friendly people, they make you feel comfortable and calm," Hart added. "They want you to enjoy the Michigan experience and take it all in. And the coaches are the same way. They wanted us to be around the team and experience everything first hand."

On RR: "I liked Michigan either way and if he were to leave it wouldn't affect me because I think I can play in any offensive system," Hart said. "So it really wasn't my concern.

"That being said I wanted to make sure everything came together. He's winning ball games right now and the future looks good, so it's coming together."

On Denard: "First of all he's a great person; he's the leading candidate for the Heisman," Hart said. "And he can throw first, he's not limited to just running. They have to check the other guys, like Martavious Odoms and Vincent Smith. The offense tries to get everyone in space, and with him and me in the same backfield it's going to be very fast. Speed kills."

Being sold on the Wolverines: "I was always sold on Michigan because I love what they offer from an educational standpoint," Hart said. "My field of study is going to be business management and I have a great opportunity to see first-hand how everything functions in that program.

"Just getting a four-year degree from a school like Michigan is going to help me have success over a long-term period. Long after football is finished."


As you can tell, Iowa is going to be a big visit game for the Wolverines.  The next big game is clearly Wisconsin, which could include Dee Hart and many of his Dr. Phillips teammates, Kris Frost, and 5 star DB Karlos Williams (who could do an un-official and might do his official after the season).  Karlos is currently committed to Florida State.

Michigan Monday: Starts to Turn the Page

When you lose a football game (even when it's against a rival), you have to look at what went well, what went wrong, learn from it and move to the next game. 

Today, the Wolverines need to do that.  They need to heal, learn, practice, and prepare for Iowa.  It was about 50/50 on people who thought that Michigan would win last weekend.   Most people don't believe Michigan has a chance this weekend against Iowa.  Even Vegas says that Michigan will lose by just over a field goal.  Monday is the day to focus on whats next and whats next is Iowa on Saturday. 

Per Sam Webb on the radio this morning.  Denard addressed the team on Saturday after the game.  He stood up and took responsibility for the loss and told his teammates," it will never happen again, never."   If that report is accurate this young man is one special football player but it sounds like a even better person.

Turn the page Wolverines, focus on Iowa.   They have had two weeks to focus on you. 

• Here is Dee Hart's entertaining announcement video. 

• TomVH from Mgoblog gives us a quick update on weekend visitor, Devondrick Nealy.   Devondrick called the visit,  "Tremendous".  He didn't commit but is close.

• RR will have his regular scheduled Press Conference today.  What will be interesting is the status of Mike Martin's injury.   For Michigan fans if MM is out for Iowa, expect to see Big Will get some playing time.  He was in late during the MSU game after Mike went down.

More to come today after RR's meets the press..................