Michigan Monday: Helps Kelly With Anger Management

David Guralnick/The Detroit News

Kelly Anger Management

10 turnovers in 2 games is enough for any head coach to lose his mind on the sideline.  Brian Kelly has spent a lot of last week explaining his behavior on the sideline of the South Florida game. 

He had a couple of flare ups during the Michigan game but nothing major and do you want to know why?

He had a Grad assistant or team manager tap him on the back or shoulder when he started to lose his cool. If you re-watch the game, check it out.  It is pretty clear on TV a couple of times.  Many times, Kelly turns his back to the TV cameras when talking to players on Saturday Night.

I heard a Kelly interview about a month ago on ESPN radio, he said the #1 key to a successful season was success early.  They are now 0-2 with MSU paying a visit to South Bend this weekend.  Call in the tapper!

BTW: How did ND's last two trips to the State of Michigan turn out?  80 yards in 28 seconds for a loss at the Big House and the fake OT field goal in East Lansing.   Not a very good home coming for the former GVSU and CMU coach. 

2013 in the house!

The excitement of the entire day has moved at least one kid to verbal to Michigan.  The first player to drop a commitment for Michigan is Ohio athlete Dymonte Thomas.  Dymonte plays running back and safety in high school but probably projects to safety at the next level.   Mgoblog did a great write up of  Dymonte, so I won't re-create but he is a nice addition to 5 star QB Shane Morris in the 2013 class.    DT had offers from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Pitt, Tennessee, UCLA, and West Virginia, he also had interest from Ohio State, Alabama, Florida, Cincinnati, and Northwestern.  He is expected to be a 4 star recruit when the rest of the 2013 rankings come out.

The wild card here is that Dymonte is cousins with 2012 RB Brionte Dunn.   This can only work in Michigan's favor of persuading Brionte to Ann Arbor next Fall. 

2012 Recruiting Updates

• The uncommitted 3:  Banner, Payton and O'Brien all had incredible things to say about the ND experience.  There was even a rumor that Danny O had committed on Saturday.  That turned out not to be true and his tentative announcement date is 10/7. Keep an eye on Payton for commitment watch this week. 

• Yuri Wright is planning to visit A2 for the SDSU or Minnesota games.

• The rumor mill is also saying that Michigan just needs to get Amara Darboh's guardians on campus in Ann Arbor for the Iowa WR to commit to the Wolverines.

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!

Notre Dame Preview

Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Big House at Night
Weather: High of 73 with isolated thunderstorms
TV: ESPN
Line: Michigan +3

This is one of my favorite games of the year.  It rates right up there in my mind with Ohio State.  ND has come to the Big House in past years and hit Michigan with a rocket and Michigan counter punched with Desmond's TD catch.   Both memorable games for different reasons.    I even remember a night game at ND where a Michigan WR took a pass that looked like it had been broken up but ended up on a teammates shoulder and took it for a touchdown.  Michigan lost a close game.   Another year Lou Holtz played for a tie and the memorable games go on and on in your mind, including Denard's dominance last year. 

My job this year is to try give you a prediction on how this game is going to turn out late night on Saturday.  I usually like to take a snap shot of how they played the week before and try to make the decision on who is playing better.   Both teams had long rain delays and one team played through them and lost the other called it a day a won.   Michigan just wet our appetite on offense as two defensive touchdowns and the weather limited Denard's touches against Western Michigan.  ND fumbled and threw away their game as they pretty much doubled up the yards against South Florida last weekend.  (Does that game sound familiar?  It seems very similar to RR's first game in South Bend).

Vegas isn't buying the turnover fest from last weekend from the Fighting Irish and have them as a 3 point favorite which seems strange coming off a loss and having to travel to Ann Arbor. 

So how am I going to predict this game?

Both teams have:

• Guys that can dominate the game on offense - Denard and Floyd
• Two outstanding players on shaky defenses - Mike Martin and Manti Te’O
• Both schools have new coaches and trying to run new schemes (ND has a 1 year advantage)
• Michigan started 2010 strong and ND finished the year strong
• Both are Adidas schools and will be wearing throw back jerseys

• Neither team is ranked but ND was ranked #16 last week
• ESPN Game Day is in the house and it's the prime time game of the week.

Sounds pretty even doesn't it?  Michigan and the Wolverine Fans will be hyped up for the first night at the Big House.  There will be fly overs, hype videos, new jerseys, fireworks and I'm sure other surprises.  Which should get the crowd ready to explode when the Wolverines hit the banner. That "juice" should carry the Wolverines for the 1st quarter or so. 

Ok, Bob enough hype!  What is going to happen in the game?

I expect ND to have a similar game plan as Western did on Saturday.  They will spread out the Wolverines and try to move the ball down the field through the air.  I would make sure Floyd is closely covered because he is clearly the best player on offense.   ND then will try to hit big plays through mixing in the run, catching the Michigan defense off guard.   I personally don't care who the ND QB is since they both can play.   The ND WR's are fast and if they cut out the mistakes they had last week they will be difficult for the Wolverines DB's to cover.  Michigan needs a 100% healthy Troy Woolfolk and it would help if the new Detroit Lion Donovan Warren could dress on Saturday night as well.

Greg Mattison has a tough job this week trying to figure out how to cover Floyd with more then one player, covering the other talented receivers while trying to stop the run.  That is a big task for the Michigan defense that is prone to giving up lots of yards and points to good any offenses.   It's clear Vegas hasn't forgot the Gator Bowl either.

ND has the same problem with trying to stop Denard.  Here is a quote from their DC:
"Unfortunately it just is what it is," defensive coordinator Bob Diaco said. "We need to be perfect, because any little crease and it's over, he's gone. It's not like, somebody hits a crease and he rattles for eight, 10 yards and you get him on the ground. This guy hits the crease and he can punch a hole in the top of the defense like that." …

"It's just a monumental task defending a runner at quarterback in particular, that it almost gives you the feeling like they're playing with 12," Diaco said. "It's a problem." 

I expect to see the ball in Denard's hands more then last week.  The ND defense will all go to Denard on the threat of a run and should leave Michigan TE's and WR's wide open.  Look for big days from Koger, JR and Roundtree.   I don't expect big days for the Michigan running backs unless Al Borges can just flat out fool the defense.   Speaking of fooling the D, I expect a trick play from the Wolverines on Saturday night.  Could it be a pass to Denard?   I also expect to see Hopkins in the I formation as a FB that could get a few carries.  The Michigan offense didn't show much last week and us fans hope there is a lot more to come. 

I hate to say who wins the turn over battle will win the game because that is usually the case in any football game.  The talent is pretty even and I would say the biggest gap is between ND's offense and Michigan's defense.  Most believe that ND won't have the turnovers they did last weekend but I will tell you this, after watching the Wolverines the last few years, turnovers are contagious and sometimes they just don't totally go away from game to game. 

Sing Hail to the Victors Late Night if:

• Denard stays healthy and can dominate
• The Michigan WR's and TE's have big nights
• The Michigan Defense can take one thing away from the ND offense (Floyd or the running game)
• Michigan wins the turnover battle

You feel like Bo when he said, "To Hell with Notre Dame"

• If we have flash backs to when Boubacar tried to cover the ND WR's
• Brian Kelly isn't angry at all
• The Michigan defensive line doesn't get any pass rush at all
• Michigan's offense struggles and can't keep pace on the score board. 

Michigan needs to limit the big plays on Saturday night and I feel the key unit will the Michigan defense.  Both teams will score points and who gets the most stops will win the game.  I have a feeling we are going to see a ton of points and a close game.   Watch the TE's on both sides, they could be a huge difference in the game.  ND is used to playing night games so the first Big House night game shouldn't play too much of a factor for them.   One play or turnover will change this game and tip it for the other team.

Michigan 34 Notre Dame 31

GO BLUE

Michigan Thursday: Recruiting Updates

Big Weekend for the Big House, lights, camera's and football for the first time.

Here is some notes from the recruiting world:

• With TRich not taking visits and sticking with Michigan, the thought was that maybe Michigan was going to back off Yuri Wright.  Nope, they still want him in this class for sure.

• Danny O'Brien's recruitment continues to look positive for Michigan.  I think he still wants to take visits but the "pull" of the Big House at night might convince him to be a Wolverine.  He will be in Ann Arbor on Saturday night.

• Jordan Payton the former USC commit will be in Ann Arbor for his official this weekend.  He is down to Michigan and CAL.   The word on the street is Michigan should have WR commit in the next week or so. 

• Not coming this weekend is WR Powe and OL Garnett.  Both want to reschedule and it seems Garnett is going to take visits after the season.  Both are on the West Coast and hard to travel across country with a game on Friday.

• There continues to be rumors that Bri'onte Dunn's verbal to Ohio is a "soft one".  He is 50/50 that he will be in A2 on Saturday night.

• Amara Darboh's legal guardian wasn't real excited about Brian Kelly's rage last weekend: “I know how emotional it gets out there,” [Dan Schafer, the guardian] said. “I understand that’s part of the game. I really do. But it did shock me. You hold Notre Dame up a little higher than that. It made me wonder how I would feel if Amara was treated like that on national TV.”

• Wow it continues to look good for a match between 5 star center Mitch McGary and Michigan Basketball.  I still don't want to think about it, because the awesomeness of M2 coming to A2 would be mind blowing.

• Current verbal Eric Magnuson will be in town on Saturday.

• There should be plenty of 2013 guys and current instate commits under the lights as well.

Big House Blog Quick Hitters

• Brady Hoke said that Cam Gordon is questionable for Saturday.  His back must still be bothering him.
• TWolf is doing more then expected this week and will be ready to go on Saturday.
• Hopkins will see some time at tailback and fullback.
• The Lions signed Donovan Warren to it's practice squad. 
• Je'Ron Stokes transferred to Bowling Green to play with his brother who is a freshman QB.

Wolverine Wednesday: Likes the Art

Some of you might have heard about the new ESPN Ann Arbor web site that was taking some of the best Michigan beat writers and recruiting guys.  TomVH one of the best connected recruiting guys left Mgoblog for ESPN and has already started.   The site isn't called ESPN Ann Arbor it's called WolverineNation.  There is some good video's up already with Tom interviewing Danny O and Shane Morris showing off his arm (btw the kid can throw!).   Most of the stuff will be behind the pay wall but if you subscribe to ESPN the Magazine you can get access for free.  BTW, there are deals out there on the magazine for like $4 a year for a full subscription.

The Art, The Art, The Art has done some great PC wall papers in past years.  The one for the Big House under the lights is pretty good.    If you want to download this free wall paper hit the above link and enjoy this imagine on your PC or Ipad.




Pretty Boy Al Borges and Greg Mattison did their regular coach speak yesterday, below are the highlights:

• Woolfolk is healthy and will play on Saturday.  He will also stay on special teams.
• They will cover Floyd with more then one CB.  The thought was that Woolfolk might shadow Floyd the entire game.  I vote for covering Floyd with TWolf and Marvin Robinson.
• Al Borges plans to use less shotgun.  (don't believe him)
• Barnum will start and play on Saturday.
• Hopkins (now off suspension) will get time at RB against ND.  Maybe some two back stuff with him a FB? 
• There was pretty much agreement from all coaches that the D-line did not play well against WMU. 

Check out the new seats (updated link, not sure how a mgoblue link could link to SMU Tennis)  in Crisler Arena.  Is that really Crisler?  Looks good.

It seems the visitors list this weekend is very fluid.  The latest is that WR Powe will not make it in this weekend due to his late game on Friday night in California.   Jordan Payton is still planning on coming in.  The rumor mill is saying that Michigan should have a new WR commit in the 2012 class in the next week or so.  I'm betting on Darboh or Payton.   There is also some positive buzz around Danny O, who might be on commitment watch on Saturday.  Danny and Yuri Wright seem to be the last two defensive players left on Michigan's 2012 board.

• Braylon's latest mistake cost him a $50K NFL Fine. 

Michigan Tuesday: Confidence = Good Defense

You can point to many successes in life in whether you are confident or not.  Think about some job interviews you have had.  The ones you were confident in you probably got an offer, the jobs you weren't quite sure about, you probably didn't do as well.   I have coached Little League Baseball for a number of years. The kids that go into the batters box knowing they are going to get a hit, usually do.   The ones that don't - don't.  A player in a slump just doesn't forget how to field or hit, the only thing they have lost is confidence.   The Michigan defense hasn't had confidence for the past 3 years.

That lack of confidence was evident during the first 3 drives of the ball game.  It was the same old story for the Michigan defense until Jake Ryan hit the Western QB and Brandon Herron took it to the house for a touchdown.  After that pick the game changed.

Sure some things changed like scheme and defensive personnel.  Greg Mattison also realized that Western wasn't going to even try to run the ball and started blitzing from all over the field.    Those things helped Michigan on Saturday but the big difference was confidence.   You could see it in effort and how the team started to stop Western on a regular basis.  Western came into the Big House having confidence they could move the ball on the Wolverines and it happened.   Michigan's Defense didn't have any confidence they could stop any offense and they didn't.   Then the game changed and so did the confidence on both sides.

Related to this topic is Brady Hoke and some of the chatter that he wasn't wearing a head set full time on the sideline.  Good leaders are confident leaders.  They also understand their own strengths and weaknesses. Brady is a defensive guy and respects Al Borgus decision making and lets him do his job.  Brady also has one of the best defensive minds in Greg Mattison and is confident he will make the right calls.   You can draw similar examples from the business world.  Bill Gates knew he was a technology guy not a company leader or a PR guy that would need to meet with the media and Wall Street.  Early on he hired Steve Ballmer to do that stuff while he focused on building products and future technology trends and vision.  That strategy helped Microsoft become one of the most successful companies in US history. 

Having the coordinators do their job is somewhat of a foreign concept to Michigan Football.  Go back to the Carr years, when Lloyd clearly had his hands on the conservative play calls on both sides of the ball.  Same with RR, he hired two defensive coordinators and didn't let either run the defense they knew best.  (we know Bo was very hands on every part of the program, but football was a different game back then)  I think a case could be made for the last 10 years or so that what Michigan Football really needed was a head man that just let his staff do what they do best.  I guess we will see what happens from here on out.    

Michigan Updates

• Woolfolk and Cam Gordon are expected to play against ND on Saturday.
• Special Teams is going to be a focus this week.
• Michigan won't change preparation for ND on their QB situation. 
• Fitz will continue to be the starting RB
• Focus on tighter coverage in zone and will have to do better in man coverage against the Floyd's of the world this week.
• Vegas has ND is favored by 3.5 points on Saturday right now

Recruiting Updates

• Terry Richardson was at the game on Saturday and has decided not to take anymore visits and will stick and stay with Michigan.
• This weekend will be one of the biggest recruiting weekends of the year for the 2012 and 2013 class.
• Does Michigan really have a legit shot at landing 5 star Center Mitch McGary?  He had a great visit to Michigan and the answer is YES!.  Michigan will have to fight it out with college basketball elite (Kentucky, Duke, NC, Florida and others) but Michigan has a very good chance to land this young man.    I think this would be Michigan's highest ranked recruit since Tractor Traylor.

Western Michigan Re-Cap

Rainy Day Saturdays always get me down.  I wasn't at the Big House on Saturday and I was sort of glad I wasn't.  What a mess.   My feed on TV was on ESPN2 and they did a terrible job keeping up to date on the delay and when the game would be on.  I switched to ABC to watch Minnesota vs USC and they said they were going back to the Michigan game at 53 minutes after the hour.  I turned back to ESPN 2 at that time and I had missed about a minute of game time.   After the second delay, ESPN 2 went to Nascar and we had no idea if the rest of the game would have been shown or if it was which channel.   I wasn't expecting that they were going to cancel the rest of the game.

(Photo from Detnews)

Now on to the game.  How did that first WMU drive taste to you?  It felt very familiar and very disturbing to me.  I am a big fan of Carvin Johnson and even got to meet him quickly at the Gator Bowl last year, he is a nice young man.  Unfortunately,  he was confused and out of position that entire drive.   I also don't understand why you cover the Slot WR 15 yards off the line of scrimmage with no LB help.   At least move up and look like you are covering someone. 

After that first drive my first thought was, we should have taken the ball after winning the coin flip.  I did like how the new offense moved the ball mixing the spread and pro sets.   The combo between Toussaint and Shaw look to be very good when the line gives them a couple of "motor home" holes to run through.  Denard looked pretty sharp throwing the ball most of the day.  It seemed like he wasn't on the field at all, with the two defensive touchdowns and two delays it seemed like Denard only had a couple of drives. 

The defense rebounded after the Ryan QB hit and the Herron pick 6.   Which was nice to see.  It was clear that Western wanted to throw on every down and spread the Michigan defense out.  That worked for the first couple of  drives, until Mattison figured out to blitz up the middle with Demens and off the edge with Kovacs. 

A win is a win but I wish Michigan had got more work in before ND next week. 

Now to the BHB famous Cheers and Jeers Section:

Cheers:

• Production out of the RB position


• Denard Robinson playing like Denard


• Defensive touchdowns from Brandon Herron


• Jordan Kovas, 2 sacks and breaking up passes


• Greg Mattison making adjustments and finding the right blitz package


• The Michigan offensive line

Jeers:

• Mother Nature


• EPSN/ABC lost the signal a number of times during the good weather


• To quote, Bruce Feldman from the network that still employes "Craig James"


• Kick off coverage


• Missed extra point


• Woolfolk's ankles (not expected to be serious and could have played if they needed him)


• Michigan DL, I didn't see the pressure I expected to see from the D-line.  Most of the pressure came from blitzers. 

I like the balance on offense and would have liked to have seen the wide receivers get into the action more.   I also understand why you have your best players on kick off coverage but Woolfolk is maybe the most important player on defense and doesn't need to risk injury being on special teams.

What to expect next week?  The Weather Channel Bowl

I thought South Florida would play ND tough in South Bend, which had longer delays then the Michigan game.  ND probably won't turn the ball over 5 times at the Big House and they will be very hungry not wanting to go 0-2.   The Fighting Irish will be very dangerous next weekend. (they have MSU at home the week after).  The good thing is Kelly didn't get a ton of tape of Michigan's offense from Saturday.

A win is a win but Michigan sill has plenty to work with two ND and SDS coming to Ann Arbor.

Side Notes:

• It had been rumored for weeks that Hopkins would be suspended for game 1.  He was.


• Ricky Barnum was reported suspended but it came out today it was an injury. 


• Cam Gordon didn't play due to a back injury that flared up before the game.


• Freshman Brendan Beyer played and I think Clark and Countess were on special teams.  Wile kicked off and punted. 


• Michigan only punted twice


• Evans who was transferred back to Michigan this year was also suspended for a team matter. 


• Brent Musburger must be color blind.  He wore his Easter suit on Saturday night.


• Les Miles really has a hard time finishing a thought during an interview.  It's almost painful to watch.


• College football place kicking is just terrible right now, across the board.


• 5 star basketball recruit Mitch McGary watched the game with friend Zack Novak and seemed to have a good time (reported by fans sitting near them).


• Danny O was also at the game.

Michigan Friday: For Whom The Bellomy Tolls

In early January, Michigan's depth at QB took a hit when Tate Forcier was asked to leave the program.   That left only 2 scholarship QB's on the roster, Denard and Devin. 

Fast forward to June and there has been a lot of excitement about the 2013 commitment of Michigan QB Shane Morris and the 2012 recruitments of Gunner Kiel and Zeke Pike (before he verballed to Auburn).   The forgotten man in all this QB hype is Michigan's one and only QB in the 2011 class, Russell Bellomy.

Russell is a 6'3 185 QB out of Texas that decided to make a late switch from the Boilermakers to the Wolverines before signing day.  Some have titled this move a "Roy Roundtree".

“I have no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision (in decommitting to Michigan), Bellomy told GoBlueWolverine. “It’s always hard doing that to people you’ve been committed to for almost half a year; but it’s a business and I have no regrets now. I’ll shake their hand on the field and hopefully they’ll shake mine back. I just feel 100% sure that I made the right decision and I cannot wait to take advantage of it. It seems to be working out pretty good for him Roundtree (laughing).”


Russell is a talented QB that could use a couple more pounds and some time in the weight room but did have a successful junior and senior year in high school.   During his junior season he threw for 1,546 yards, 13 TD's and 3 picks.  He also ran for 434 more yards and 6 more TD's.  He had a comparable senior year with 1,564 yards through the air, 804 on the ground and 24 total touchdowns (15 passing - 9 running).


Russell expects to compete for a spot behind Denard and Devin when camp opens.  “They told me I’m looking at competing for third string, and that might be a traveling redshirt job, and that it may turn into a regular third string job maybe get some playing time. I’m up for anything, nothing’s promised and I love to compete. If I get some playing time I’ll make the most of it, and if I don’t I’ll make the most of it when I do get some playing time.”

Looks like most of the 2011 class will be on campus in the next two weeks or so.  Russell will be rooming with fellow freshman Desmond Morgan. 

Other News:

• More Traffic Trouble For Darryl Stonum:  Darryl was sentenced this morning to two years probation, one year of a suspended jail term for his second DUI arrest.   Earlier this morning he was ticketed for driving with a suspended license.   Which might be the last straw in his Michigan Football career.   Since he is a senior let him get his degree and move on with his life.  

• Tonight Michigan's ND "throw back" Jerseys will be reveled.  If your not into surprises and want to wonder out loud: what is Adidas thinking? Look below. BTW:  I think those should be re-titled "Throw Aways".   I have seen a lot of photos from past Michigan teams, I don't recall ever seeing anything close to the pajamas below.   

HT: Mgoblog

Michigan Friday: Hopes They Look Better at Night

Michigan has some "Night" News

Michigan will play Northwestern at 7:00 CDT on the BTN in October.  The game is at Northwestern.

The older news is that Michigan and ND will wear "throw backs" jerseys for the first night game at the Big House.  Per the Freep, here are possible mock ups. 

I'm not so sure about these.  Maybe they will look better on Roy Roundtree at night?  Right now, I think these shirts should be worn at night but as pajamas. :)

• David Molk is on the Rimington Award Watch List.
• RIP Tractor a story on how emotional his service was. 
• The Michigan Regents approve the schematic designs of the new Crisler Arena.  Check out the photos here, it looks really cool!
• Seems 2012 CB Armani Reeves has a top 2 of Michigan and Penn State.   

Big Ten Preview Week #3

The Big Ten had an up and down weekend in week 2.   Ohio State and Michigan had nice "national news" wins.  I was concerned about all the quality games at 3:30 last weekend and it turned out that only one was close (Michigan vs ND) and 7 Million viewers watched it.   The down part of the weekend was Minnesota's loss to FCS school South Dakota in Minneapolis. 

With Michigan now ranked in the top 25, the Big Ten has 5 teams in the polls with Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Penn State. 

Let's take a look at the weekend match ups.

Best Big Ten Match up:

Iowa at Arizona:  I did a previewed the Big Ten season on the Michigan Man podcast back in August and I picked Iowa to win the Big Ten Title this year.  Their only tough road game during the Big Ten schedule is a trip to the Big House or Denard's Den.  I did predict Iowa to have one non-conference loss and this is the game I picked.  Big Ten teams historically have not travelled well West anytime during the season.  Recent Michigan games in memory are losses to Washington, Oregon, and an Ohio State loss to USC.   This game is a late one which kick off at 10:00 EST time on Saturday night.    Vegas has this game pretty close with Iowa holding a 1.5 edge.  I think Iowa is the better team but I just don't trust the travel.  Arizona 21 Iowa 17

Arizona State at Wisconsin:  This game might be a close second for the best B10 match up.  This might be called the Steven Threet Bowl.  Steve hasn't beaten too many D1 schools as a QB at any of the 3 schools he has attended but Wisconsin happens to be one of them.  He lead a second half comeback in the Big House after being down 19-0 at half time during RR's first year in Ann Arbor.  Steve was terrible in Arizona State's Spring Game but has had a very nice first two games as the Sun Devils starter.  Wisconsin on the other hand has been under the radar in winning two games in un-spectacular fashion.   The Badgers are favored by two touchdowns which I think is a lot.   Wisky 28 ASU 21

Notre Dame at Michigan State:  You would think Brian Kelly had enough of his former home state last weekend when Denard Robinson ran all over the Golden Domers.  This week his team heads up to East Lansing to play a team ND has struggled against no matter where they play them.   Right now ND is 1-1 in the Big Ten and looking for a Rose Bowl birth (sorry I must have fast forwarded a couple of years).  Back to 2010:  Sparty has two wins against Western Michigan and Florida Atlantic both basically home games.   They host ND which gives them an edge but I don't think anyone was happy how Sparty played against FAU last weekend.   If Dayne Crist is healthy and the ND defense plays like they did last Saturday, I think ND wins this one.  Sparty is a 3.5 favorite.   ND 31 MSU 24

The rest of the games............ 

Ball State at Purdue:  The battle of Indiana.  Purdue lost their top WR last week for the year but they have enough to beat a Ball State team that was pretty good a couple of years ago.  Purdue is favored by 17.   Purdue 38 Ball State 10

Ohio at Ohio State:  The battle of Ohio.  Maybe not but after the Miami game, OSU deserved another MAC opponent.  Does OSU ever have to go on the road?  Pryor will have another big game.  The Vest better get a back up ready just in case TP goes down during the season.  OSU is favored by 30.5.   The Vest 42 Ohio 6

Northern Illinois at Illinois:  The battle of Illinois.  The Big Ten sure has done a wonderful job supporting the economy of Illinois this season.  I think every Illinois directional school has played a Big Ten team.  Zook got his first win of the season last weekend and should pick up #2 this weekend.  Zook and company are only favored by 7 so Vegas isn't sold yet.   Zook 24 NIU 13

Indiana at Western Kentucky:  A Tri-State Shoot Out.  IU took a bye in week 2 (seriously who takes a bye in week 2?).  Why is IU playing at Western Kentucky?  Lots of questions for Indiana only after one game.  I think they struggle on the road early but their offense over powers WKU.   Doesn't WKU have that big red mascot?  I like that guy.   IU is favored by 12.  IU 28 WKU 21

USC at Minnesota:  This is the lame duck coach bowl.  Ouch!  I'm guessing Lane might stay at USC for a few years but I'm guessing Pat Haden the new AD is not a fan.  USC has like 50 players under scholarship right now and Minnesota just came off a loss to South Dakota.  I don't have any confidence in Lane but I know his old man can coach.  This one might get ugly even though USC is playing with one bad behind their back.  USC is favored by 12.5.   I don't think this one will be that close.  USC 42  Minnesota 21

Northwestern at Rice:  Return of Sam McGuffie to Big Ten Bowl.  This is a tricky road game for Northwestern but I don't think Rice has that much of anything.  Even our boy Sam has struggled playing for the Owls this year.  Wildcats are favored by 6.5.  NW 24 Rice 14

Kent State at Penn State:  State vs State Rivalry?  I know I'm reaching.  Penn State had a cupcake for breakfast, a beat down for lunch, and another cupcake for dinner.   Bolden looks better when playing a MAC school vs the #1 team in the nation.  JoPa is favored by 3 touchdowns.   Makes sense: JoPa 21 Kent State 0


Week 3 Story Lines:  Will former Wolverines "haunt" their Big Ten opponents?  Will Tate Forcier play? Will Tim Brewster need a few brews after the game?  Will ND rebound against MSU (only Crist knows)?  Will that Red Guy play defense for WKU?  Will the Big Ten go 2-0 vs Arizona schools? 

I say if IU wins that game they should get to have the Red Guy as their mascot.  They can play every year for him.  It could be titled the Red Guy Return Rivalry. 

I will preview the Michigan vs Minuteman match up on Friday.

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Dog III is a Wolverine

The Michigan Basketball Team got another "son" of a former star with the verbal commitment of Glen Robinson III yesterday.   Glen will be a member of Michigan's 2012 class and is 6'6 wing player that expects to play the 2 or 3 position for John Beilein.  UMHoops has a nice write up on some evaluations, offers, and upside for the next Big Dog.

On a side note, this is Coach Beilein's 4th player with an NBA blood line:  Robinson will join, Dumars, Horford, and Hardaway on the Wolverines.  No word if Jordan or Bird have any son's still in high school.

• Quick trivia question:  Where do Michigan football players from the state of New York or New Jersey transfer to if it doesn't work out for them in Ann Arbor?  The answer is Rutgers.  That is where Anthony LaLota will be playing football in mid September next year. 

• Student Try Outs:  Michigan held a student try out earlier this week and 30 kids showed up: RR: “A couple really caught our attention,” he said. “They might have a spot on the team.”  There will be a 2 week trial period to see if these guys can make the team.  Let's hope there is a really good kicker in there. 

• 2011 CB prospect from Florida, Dallas Crawford has scheduled his official visit back to Ann Arbor for the Iowa game.  Dallas came up to Ann Arbor with his teammate and friend Sammy Watkins for the Spring Game.

• Dee Hart's teammate Hasean Clinton-Dix (#1 safety in the country) is starting to think about other options outside of Alabama.  He is starting to plan a trip to USC and might take another trip to Ann Arbor.  

• One of the "thoughts" on the recruiting trial this year is if Michigan starts posting some wins more highly rated players in the class of 2011 will show interest in Michigan.  I asked TomVH from Mgoblog on who he thought might change their minds if Michigan puts up 8 or 9 wins.  Tom comes through with his list.   

• The Michigan - ND Game was the largest NBC TV audience for an ND game since 2005. 7 Million views tuned  in for the game on Saturday.

• Staying with the TV theme, ESPN Picked up the Michigan - Bowling Green game.  The game will start at 12:00 an be on either ESPN or ESPN 2.  I'm sure Michigan fans with out the Big Ten Network are pretty happy with that news. 

Rich Rodriguez Monday Press Conference

Notes from today's presser:

• Likes to mix up the run and pass in his spread.
• There are good teams and good players in all divisions.  Players want to go where they can play.  FCS has good teams and good players.
• ND had a bear front which covers all the Michigan offensive lineman to stop the run game. 
• You learn a lot on the road.  Nobody was worried when ND hit a big play
• Regarding Denard touches:  we will do what it takes to win.  Denard can handle it.
• Hoping to get Junior back this week, don't know but it would help - he was having a great camp before he got hurt.
• Rankings don't mater now didn't mater two weeks ago when they were 80th or something. 
• Getting compliments are good and take them but they are like poison just don't drink them.  (or believe you are too good)
• Hot seat question: Same guy he was two weeks ago.  Same team. 
• Try to put kids in high pressure situations in camp so they are used to them in the game.  Denard has showed that the last two weeks.
• Cullen's penalty was a freshman mistake
• 3 interceptions from the defense was huge. 
• Expecting a big crowd from the student try out today.  Maybe another Kovacs.  There should be plenty of kickers.
• Place kicking is still open and not worried about Will's punting.

David Molk

• Denard is the best person to handle this fame, he can handle it and he doesn't like it.  Doesn't like interviews or the media.
• Running backs are preforming and will step up and be big.
• Rather not be ranked, doesn't like the attention.
• Being 20 gives them a bigger target - nothing they can't handle
• Team is more mature, knows the play book and defenses.
• Offensive line is doing well and can improve
• Snap the ball and hit people
• Got stronger as a group, when the offense started to stall or got behind

James Rodgers

• Need to stay humble and will prepare the same way this week
• Don't know much about UMass and will start to get the scouting report today
• Just go out and have fun, doesn't have anything to lose
• Prepared well for ND WR's and new their routes
• Watch as much film as you can
• Denard is a great kid, just a sophomore and leader.
• Help young players learn the system
• Secondary is young, just need to have fun and play.
• Needed to pick up his leadership after Troy went down.
• Cam is a hard worker and the biggest critic is himself and will watch film to get better
• Denard is a speedster

JT Floyd

• Denard competed every play
• Seen positive things with James Rogers.  Just needed experience
• Want to Win for Michigan - worked hard in summer.
• This is a step in the right direction - still lots of work to do.
• We accept each challenge each week.
• ND most exciting game he has ever been a part of
• Thought secondary did well, wish they could have a couple of big plays back by ND
• Getting his first pick was a weight of his shoulders.
• Secondary needs to prove themselves each week, group only has a few starts
• Mouton is a strong communicator and he enjoys playing with him

Greg Banks

• Doesn't look at rankings
• Doesn't take any team lightly
• Need to earn every one's respect back
• 80th in the country motivates the team (to start the season)
• Had to flush that long pass and move to the next play
• Stay in the moment
• UConn and ND had good offensive lines
• ND is big every year
• Dline is getting better and finding an identity as a team
• Can't replace Brandon Graham, talks to him a lot.
• BG is a great friend and a lifetime friend.
• Always wants the line to get better

Denard Robinson (smiled the entire time)

• Heard from his family to keep going, this is the start not the end
• Mom raised me to be humble
• The prize is winning for Michigan
• A little sore but you have to get through it
• When he was recruited by other teams to play WR or defense.  Michigan was one of the only schools that gave him a chance to play QB.
• Looked up to Charles Woodson and some Florida guys like Peter Warrick
• Doesn't like to punt but here at Michigan the QB has to be able to punt
• RB's want to win so they aren't complaining about carries
• Shaw is a tough dude, real good guy, tells him to make the read and go
• Doesn't pay attention to Heisman talk, he doesn't have cable, doesn't get on the web. 
• Likes the comparison to Pat White, likes that Pat was a difference maker
• Classmates don't say too much
• Stronger and faster since he got to college, can read defenses better, run the ball better
• Michigan is one happy family.  Tate and Devin were happy after the game, we are all brothers.
• Lots of people doubted me last year.
• My whole family smiles
• Desmond and Denard call each other twins

Michigan Post Game: ND

Photo courtesy of Daniel Mears / The Detroit News

Rivalry games are were legends are born.  Last year we were a little pre-mature to give that label to Tate Forcier.  On Saturday, it's hard not start to put that label on Denard Robinson.  He put up an unbelievable performance against a Notre Dame defense that was playing pretty well all day.  His passes were sharp, and his running ability and speed is just unbelievable.  As I was watching the game, I kept thinking Florida wanted him as a cornerback and not a QB.  Thank you Urban Meyer, Thank you! 

What I was most impressed by Denard was his ability to protect the ball.  He did have one fumble that was recovered by Michigan but his decision making during the passing game was outstanding.  That pass to Roundtree on the final drive was perfect.   It's hard to believe that this was just his second game starting at QB.  502 yards is legendary.  Any win in South Bend is a good win.

Cheers:

• Denard Robinson of course.
• Michigan's offense line.
• Michigan's corners Floyd and Rogers didn't allow Michael Floyd to beat them.
• I thought Jonus Mouton played very physical all day.
• Roy Roundtree coming back from injury and having a good day.
• Brian Kelly's decision to go for a touchdown at the end of the half.  Those 3 points he took off the board were the difference in kicking a winning field goal on the last drive or losing the game.

Jeers:

• Penalties were drive killers all day.  I thought Cullen Christian's on the last drive was going to cost Michigan the game.  I think Michigan's puts up at least 14 more points without the penalties.
• Cam Gordon:  I have to cut the young man some slack since he is a redshirt freshman starting at a new position but you can't let those WR's/TE's behind you.  He is a big hitter but needs to wrap up on tackles.
• The final drive was ridiculous.  For ND to even have a shot at winning was poor defense. 
• I'm not sold on the 3-5-3 defense right now, mostly when it comes to pressuring the QB.  Michigan can't get pressure on any QB with just 3 guys rushing.  Michigan had 3 inexperienced QB's playing for ND and most of the time they had a ton of time to make decisions.  If Michigan puts more pressure on these guys they would have made more mistakes or taken a few sacks.  Keep the 3-5-3 but have a 4th defender rush the QB on passing downs.  Michigan has to protect it's young secondary with a pass rush.

BHB Prediction:  Was a Michigan win at 28-21 (final was 28-24) and be worried if Dayne Crist becomes Joe Montana.  He didn't but when he went out, Joe's son Nate Montana came in.  Weird. 

As we all know, this was a great win for the Wolverines and get them off to an 2-0 start for the second year in a row.  Michigan comes home for two games against UMass and Bowling Green.  In these games, I would like to see Devin (if he is not going to redshirt) and Tate get some snaps at QB.  Everybody and their brother are concerned what happens to Michigan if Denard goes down.  Those backups need some game experience this year and Denard needs a break from getting hit 28 or 29 times a game.

This was a good/great win but Michigan still has plenty of things to work on before Big Ten play.
Anyway you slice it Michigan is playing better football and Rich Rod's vision is starting to take shape in Ann Arbor. 

Go Blue!

Michigan vs Notre Dame Preview

*I want to pre-note this post with the truth that I am very torn between my head and heart on this game.  My head says one thing and my heart says another.  So I am going to write this and hope one is clear winner by the time I'm done.

Michigan at Notre Dame
Time: 3:30 EST
Location: South Bend
TV: NBC
Weather: 60% Rain and a high of 70 degrees
Line: ND-4

Remember when the Michigan - ND game was a defensive battle?  Where a winning score would be 14-10?  Not these days, last years 38-34 Michigan win was the highest scoring battle in the history of the series.   Most media members are expecting another shootout between these two historic college football programs.

Similar to last week, this is another match up between 3 former Big East head coaches with Kelly at UC, RR at WVU and Greg Robinson at Syracuse.  Both QB's on each side don't have a ton of playing experience: Denard Robinson got spot playing time last year and Dayne Crist is a junior but really made his debut last week as well.

So how do they match up?  Lets go to the tail of the tape:

Michigan Offense vs ND Defense = Michigan
Michigan has advantages at both running and passing the ball against the ND D.

ND Offense vs Michigan D = ND
Michigan Run D vs ND Running game is close to a push in my mind.  The big advantage comes with the ND Passing game vs Michigan secondary.

Special Teams = Push 
Neither one is especially strong.  Hopefully Darryl Stonum can repeat his strong kick off returns against ND like he did last year.

Intangibles = ND
Something strange always happens when Michigan visits ND.  Some examples: wind stops on and ND winning field goal, It rains so hard that Michigan fumbles a 100 times, Lou Holtz plays for a tie, a ball ends up a shoulder pad of a defender on a pass play, and so on. 


Here is what scares me being a Michigan fan. 

#1 Michael Floyd - Michigan could not stop him or Golden Tate last year at all.  (that was with Woolfolk, Boubacar and Warren)

#2 Denard's first road and rivalry game - That is a lot to handle for the guy making all the headlines this week.

#3 South Bend has been a house of horrors for Michigan.  There is a 10% chance of rain today in South Bend and Sunday there is a 0%.  Saturday 60%.

#4 Michigan has one road win under RR.

This game is another clear example of which team gets the most stops will win.  Pretty basic right?  I think Michigan will do a decent job against ND's run game.   My biggest concern is if Dayne can get the ball down field to the ND's WR's.  Michigan has to protect the ball and can't visit fumbleville like they did during their last visit.  Neither team can afford to give the other free points or short fields. 

Sing Hail to the Victors if:

• Michigan gets a lot of pressure on Crist.
• Michigan shows some new wrinkles in the passing game (like the deep ball).
• No turnovers.
• Someone can catch a punt.
• Greg Robinson's past success against ND can even out Michigan's bad luck in SB.  Remember his Syracuse teams weren't very good but were pretty successful in South Bend.

Worry if:

• Dayne turns into Joe Montana on Saturday
• ND runs the ball effectively with Armando Allen
• Brian Kelly has a solution to stop Denard's run game

Brian Kelly feels that Denard is just a running back playing QB.  Michigan fans disagree and hope he can showcase his passing skills against ND.  The run fake, then pass should be effective in moving the ball down field against the ND defense.  Picks and fumbles concern me in this game.  The game two years ago is still fresh in my mind and worries me even more if it rains again.  I sort of have a strange feeling we may see Tate for a few series, mostly if Michigan gets behind and has to pass.  There are many questions on both teams coming off week one wins.  I think RR knows what type of team he has, not sure Brian Kelly knows his fully yet.  I think this will be a close game and one mistake might be the difference.   I wouldn't want to prepare for Denard and that "running back comment" should be plenty of motivation for Saturday.  I'm going with Heart!   Michigan 28  ND 21


Go Blue!

Michigan's Mash Report: ND Game

OUT (0% PLAY)
Ferrara, John   Hand
Johnson, Carvin   Knee
Van Slyke, Jared   Clavicle
Toussaint, Fitzgerald   Knee
Woolfolk, Troy   Ankle


DOUBTFUL (25% PLAY)
Hemingway, Junior   Hamstring


PROBABLE (75% PLAY)
Roundtree, Roy

No real surprises.  I didn't know about John's hand but he probably wasn't going to play anyway.   Fitz and Junior seem to been injured pretty much their entire career at Michigan (and yes I realize it's only been a year for Fitz).  Having Roundtree on offense will help move the ball down field against ND if it becomes a shoot out which many experts are predicting.

Michigan Thursday: Starts to Prep For ND

I still think a "flag" should be thrown on NBC and ESPN/ABC for having 3 really good games on at 3:30 EST on Saturday.  That is terrible planning.  I know Nascar is very popular but put it on  ESPN2 and make the Ohio State - Miami game an 8:00 start.   It would be much easier if I just ran things. 

Today was a real bad day for former Michigan athletes.  Tom Brady got into a car accident this morning in Boston.  He wasn't injured.  Rumeal Robinson was convicted (freep link) in federal court today of borrowing more than $700,000 for a sham business deal and then spending the money on a condominium, expensive furniture and cars.  In a very low class move by Ann Arbor.com they publish the reason why Jamie Morris was let go from Michigan's athletic department.  (I won't link to it, since it should be a private matter between Jamie and the athletic department)

Recent transfer Vlad Emilien told Angelique today:  "I love coach Rod as a head coach and a person, too. I hope it goes well for him, and I hope we win on Saturday."  It's a strange week for the #5 on the team.  Tate was talking transfer after Saturday's game but didn't (#5 on offense), then Vlad ends up leaving mid week (#5 on defense).

Injury Update:  Fitz is getting better but still is out against ND on Saturday.  Roy Rountree is also feeling better but wouldn't know about his status for Saturday until he meets with the doctors today.  Carvin Johnson is out for sure. 

Lots of good football on tonight:  The kickoff of the NFL season with the Super Bowl Champs hosting Brett Farve and the Minnesota Vikings (NBC).  A big MAC battle between Central Michigan and Temple both expected to compete for their divisional championship (ESPN U).  Auburn vs Mississippi State (ESPN)

Charles Woodson gets a two year extension.

Antonio Kinard who signed with Michigan but headed to prep school to get his grades up.  Is ranked #34 by Rivals top 50 Prep School prospects for 2011.   We expect Antonio to join the Wolverines in January or next summer.