Michigan Post Game: Wolverines Played UNLV Today

It's 2:30 EST and I have had enough.  The Indiana - Purdue match up is more interesting to me then watching Michael Jordan playing one on one with a 12 year old. 

First off: OSU those jerseys were terrible and should have stayed in the locker room.  The reds don't even match.  You look more like UNLV then you do Ohio State.  Lucky for you, it was your only mistake of the day.  Don't let Nike force you to do anything. 

• Its a complete embarrassment that Michigan doesn't have a kicker or punter on the trip.  Hagerup what ever you did, you cost your team at least 14 points in the first half. 
• Roy Roundtree, your 5 drops cost your team a closer game in the first half. Congratulations.
• Turnovers are what they are, game killers.
• Isn't it nice for Tate Forcier to remind us what 2009 felt like in the first series of the second half 
• The defense did all they could in the first half and the offense just shot itself in the foot every time.
• Michigan could have had the lead in the first half just by catching the ball, not fumbling, and being able to punt.  Was that too much to ask?  I guess it was.
• I was proud of the Michigan Defense in the first half but the game sort of had the feeling of the Lions- Patriots game on Thanksgiving.
• I thought the game was poorly officiated.

At the end of the day this game didn't matter to the 2010 Wolverines, 7-5 or 8-4 =  bowl game which was the goal for these young Wolverines.  It was clear Michigan had zero chance to win this game with the youth, injuries, and overall skill level it currently has.  It was the only game this year that I felt Michigan really didn't have a chance to win. 

Now the Wolverines can heal, recruit, and use the 2 weeks of bowl practice to get better.  I don't expect RR will be fired but he could.  RR you better find away to play some defense and beat the Buckeyes or your stay in Ann Arbor won't be too much longer. 

On a side note: When RR was at WVU it always seemed to me that his teams lost the big games,  I could be wrong but that was my impression.

One more game before the 2011 Dee and Denard show begins.

Michigan - Ohio State Preview

Time: 12:00 EST
Location: The Shoe
TV: ABC
Line: -16.5 OSU
Weather:  Partly Cloudy 40/25

Today is Black Friday and tomorrow Michigan and Ohio State renew their yearly rivalry, which for the last 6 years has been one sided in favor of the Buckeyes.    These long win streaks for each side are not good for the rivalry in my opinion, I much prefer when both teams are evenly matched.   This match up used to be called: "The Game", which it really hasn't been since 2006.

This year Ohio State is ranked #8 in the country and over a 2 touchdown favorite over the 4 loss Wolverines.  So the big question is; does Michigan have a chance to win in this mis-match on paper?

Let's take a look at what Michigan will have to do if they want to stay in this game:

• Cam Gordon will have "spy" Pryor and play the game of his life.   After watching Wisconsin run all over the Wolverines last week.  Tressel will run, run, run, and then throw the deep ball.   Cam needs to be able to stop OSU's running backs and when Pryor keeps the ball on scrambles or designed runs.
• Michigan can't turn the ball over at all.  
• Michigan can't come out Flat again.   This has been a troubling trend in games against; MSU, Penn State, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
• The game needs to be a "shoot out".  OSU will score and score often on Michigan's defense and Michigan will need to match them on offense.  
• A "few" breaks for the Maize and Blue.  A blocked kick, a pick 6, or a key fumble recovery.  Michigan has to have a big break to be in this game late while they try to pull the upset. 
• Play 60 minutes.  Penn State came in to the Shoe and was winning at half time to only get blown out in the second half.   
• Denard needs to be great and healthy for the entire game.

So there you have it.  Those are my "keys" to a Wolverine upset.   I expect the "The Vest" to play this one close to the Vest and run the ball as much as he can.  Ohio State will try to power the young Wolverines off the ball and don't want to risk throwing the ball even against the Michigan freshman defensive backfield.

Tressel will take his shots deep and try to get a lead early, so he can run out the clock in the cold weather in Columbus.  Michigan on the other had will try to do anything they can to keep Ohio State out of the end zone on defense and will try to score quickly on offense with lots of Denard.

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

• If Denard goes for 300 in the air and 200 on the ground
• No turnovers
• Michigan can hold OSU to field goals instead of touchdowns
• Ohio State has "overlooked' the Wolverines on their way to a BCS game
• This game is still in doubt in the 4th quarter

Is it really 7 in a row if.....................

• Pryor is mistake free
• OSU finds big holes in the Michigan D in the running game
• As soon as Michigan sits on the run, OSU goes deep
• OSU gets up 2+ scores on Michigan in the first half

This game worries me that it could be ugly early.   Michigan needs to play a flawless game on offense to stay close and even that might not be enough.   Michigan hasn't really played on complete game on both sides of the ball since UConn whose skill set is probably equal to OSU's second or third team.   I believe Greg Robinson is coaching for his job and even though some have reported Rich might be as well, I don't believe he will be fired even if Michigan goes down by 40.  My hope is Michigan does not come out flat and plays hard for 60 minutes and has a chance to win in the 4th.  My heart doesn't match my head.  Michigan 14 OSU 42

Go Blue!

Michigan Mash Report: Ohio State Game

OUT (0% PLAY)

Ferrara, John  Knee
Floyd, JT  Ankle
Jones, Mike  Leg
Jones, Teric  Knee
Odoms, Martavious  Foot
Van Slyke, Jared  Clavicle
Williams, Mike  Head
Woolfolk, Troy  Ankle

QUESTIONABLE (50% PLAY)
Hemingway, Junior  Head


PROBABLE (75% PLAY)
Gallon, Jeremy  Shoulder
Martin, Mike  Ankle
Roh, Craig  Head
Smith, Vince  Head
Stonum, Darryl  Ankle

The probable list looks better then I thought.  I thought Stonum and Gallon were more towards questionable to out.  So that is a good sign.  Hemingway would be a loss since he is the kind of guy that could have a huge game against Ohio State and be a deep threat.   I would expect to see all the probables except Gallon. 

Wolverine Wednesday: Recruiting Army/UA All Americans

Since this is Ohio State week everyone and their brother are "chiming in" about everything Michigan and wants wrong with the program.   Let me dispel one thing here quickly.  The offense is not the problem.  Yes, they have struggled at times but in a year or two these guys could be un-stoppable.  The 2010 Wolverines with a defense = 2010 Auburn Tigers (without the $$ controversy). End of story next topic.

Recruiting is another topic.  Yes, it could have been better on defense and mostly with some big guys on the defensive line.  With that said, Michigan has had a top 10 class every year RR has been here. 

Defense is the big issue and everyone knows it.  So how is Michigan going to be better?   Well, first off Michigan has played a lot of young players this year and they will only improve with their experience.  Michigan will also get back 5th year CB/Safety Troy Woolfolk next year, Junior CB JT Floyd and Michigan is developing some "Beef" on the defensive line with 320 pound Richard Ash, 315 pound Quinton Washington, and "putting on weight" Terry Talbott.  

That is the short term fix, long term you improve your team through recruiting and Michigan is in on a number of defensive All Americans that are still left on the board.

Army All Americans

#1: Kris Frost- would like a chance to play WR but Michigan needs him at LB.  Kris seems to have Michigan and Auburn as his leader.  I think Michigan has a great shot at this young man and they need him.

#2: Avery Walls, CB/Safety - who has been to Ann Arbor a couple of times.  Avery seemed to be a very strong Michigan lean until he visited Oregon which "started to make him think" about his options.  He hasn't been involved in recruiting the last few weeks due to some family issues, but I continue to expect the Wolverines to recruit him hard to Ann Arbor. 

#3: Blake Countness, CB - is fairly new on the Michigan radar but the Wolverines have already made a big splash.   Blake hasn't been to A2 yet but he has the Wolverines near the top of his list with Georgia Tech.  Blake grew up a Michigan fan so getting him on campus soon will be key in getting Blake in the 2011 class.

#4: Tim Jernigan, DT - Is a big time DT prospect out of Florida.  Tim continues to keep Michigan in his top 5 when many experts don't expect him to leave Florida or the South.   Tim would be a huge catch for the Wolverines but it seems un-likely.

#5 Ray Drew, DT:  Similar to Tim above, Ray has interest in the Wolverines mostly because of his friend Avery Walls.  Ray hasn't been to Ann Arbor and if he doesn't visit, there isn't much of a chance him becoming a Wolverine.

Under Armour All Americans:

#1 Hasean Clinton-Dix, S: Is probably the best safety prospect in the country and is already committed to Alabama.  He has been to Ann Arbor once and is planning another visit.  Michigan's wild card in this situation is Dee Hart which is his best friend.  If the Michigan coaching staff could bring in another Dr. Phillips player, they might be able to sell Hasean on signing with the Wolverines and keeping the best players from his high school team together.

#2: Karlos Williams, S: Like Hasean above Karlos is a 5 star safety and is committed to another school - Florida State.   Karlos is still planning a Ann Arbor visit in January and when you get a prospect on campus you have a fighting chance.   One thing to think about:  If he wasn't seriously considering Michigan, why would he visit in January when it's cold?  Maybe he hasn't seen snow before. 


4 Star Guys Just Outside of those All Star Games:

Anthony Zettel, OL/DE - Is an instate guys that had always considered Michigan his top school.  He is currently doing some other visits to Penn State and just got back from Iowa.  

Deion Barnes, DE - Has Michigan in his top 5. 

Darin Cooper, DT- Has Michigan in his top group.  Planning a visit this winter.

Mikey Johnson, DT- Has Michigan in his top group, doesn't have a visit planned yet.

Wayne Lyons, S - Michigan will get one of his official visits next weekend 12/3.


My Take: I think the above list is pretty impressive but I would like to see Michigan in better position with the defensive tackles in this group.   I also think Michigan needs to land at least 2 of the DB's on the above list. 

Current Defensive Commits Include:

• Brennen Beyer a 4 star DE 
• Greg Brown, a 3 star DB (potential early enrollee)
• Delonte Hollowell a 3/4 star DB
• Chris Rock a 3 star DE
• Kellen Jones a 4 star ILB
• Dallas Crawford a 3 star CB from Florida

Michigan has the opportunity to have a huge year in defensive recruiting if they can land a handful of the players on the above All American list (and the 4 star guys outside that list).  I expect Michigan to have 9-10 spots left in this class.  All of them will be on defense unless a Sammy Watkins type changes his mind.

RR Press Conference - OSU Week

Injuries:  RR is optimistic that Mike Martin should be able to return while Jeremy Gallon (shoulder) and Darryl Stonum (ankle) might play.   More tests will be conducted today. 

Ohio State is a loud venue but it's their good players that will be the biggest challenge

Dane Sanzenbacher is one of the best WR's in the country
Best pair of the corners in the Big Ten
We are not practicing this week to just show up on Saturday, If we can execute offensively and get some stops defensively, along with some breaks, we could get the win.

Practice will be a little earlier this week due to no school on Thursday and Friday.  We will have a team meal on Thursday.

The history and intensity of this rivalry makes this the best rivalry in sports.

The program has come a long way offensively (since last year against OSU) defense hasn't made the strides they had hoped.  The attitude and growth of younger players have all been positive. 

Jordan Kovacs has been the most consistent player on defense.

We have recruited on both sides of the ball, younger players are playing due to injuries on defense.  Most of these freshman would have been red shirted.   Find another D1 program that is playing 5-6 true freshman.

Michigan playing dirty? That is funny. 

Martin when is healthy is our most dominate defensive player we have.   We are a different team when he is healthy.


Steve Schilling:

• A win would mean a lot to this team and the other classes that haven't beat Ohio State.
• Doesn't feel like he is playing for his head coaches job.
• Played good football at times and need to put a complete game together.
• Different intensity this week, everyone beat up but want to leave it out there on Saturday.
• Heywood has the entire package and will be an NFL prospect
• It's still a big rivalry
• Deanrd is a guy that is always happy and a positive attitude.  Has fun playing football. 

Jordan Kovacs

• Been to a lot of Michigan - OSU games.  Blood always ran blue.
• Was in the stands when Michigan last beat the Buckeyes.
• Converted a couple of friends but he still does have some friends that are buckeye fans
• Become more comfortable with his role
• OSU offense is tough to stop with Pryor at QB
• Young guys have played well at times but look forward to their development
• Played against Dane in high school, makes big catches
• Have to play a flawless game on Saturday
• Go into every game confident

Craig Roh

• Trainers didn't clear Roh in the second half due to a head trauma, doesn't matter I will be playing on Saturday.
•  We are a developing defense and working hard to fix mistakes
• Goals are 6 3 and outs and 3 turnovers
• Will be exciting game
• Will be playing for each other - not for our head coaches job
• It would be a great win for Rich Rod and the team in general
• I love Rich Rod as a coach, always keeps a positive attitude

Ryan Van Bergen

• Charles Woodson with his rose in his mouth was the imagine that stuck in his head
• It would be important to end the streak, you never want seniors to leave the program with out beating Ohio State.
• When you come to Michigan, you will be look down on if you don't preform against Ohio State.
• Wish he could tell us, why they have started slow in big games. Need to motivate that guys to start playing on first series.
• If we can adjust the scheme, feels like we can compete on Saturday
• Feels like we are making big strides.  Feel good about being a contender next year. 

Mike Martin

• Spending a lot of time in the training room with his ankle
• The steak is tough, doing all we can to reverse it
• It's about us and playing for each other
• Does Michigan hate OSU?  It think they hate us and we hate them.  That is why each team plays so hard.
• It's tough playing through the ankle injury.  Just got to play through it.
• If you can't get motivated about this game, I don't know where your here
• We won't stand down. 
• They are going to play hard and there will be new plays. 
• There is a thing in the defense about a stuff animal.

Kevin Koger

• Doesn't remember 2003
• Felt right here over Ohio State in recruiting
• I could always do better, always room for improvement
• Need to protect the ball.  Can't afford the turnovers
• Execution and taking care of the ball
• Pay attention to detail
• When you grow up you want to play in this game
• Would like to be remembered to be stopping the streak
• This rivalry hasn't lost any luster
• OSU wanted him as a DE or TE
• Michigan was close to home and it just felt right

Denard spoke but I had to run to another meeting.............

Michigan Monday: Doesn't Feel Like a Rivalry Week

Do you remember the last time you were excited about the Michigan - Ohio State game?  I do, 2006*.   The day after Bo died.  Michigan was a personal foul penalty away from being in the National Championship game.   That was a very emotional week for many Michigan fans.    This week doesn't have the same feel and it shouldn't.  Michigan needs to be better to get this rivalry back on track, right now it's just a one sided football game.   Similar to what we watched last weekend.  (*Michigan had a chance in 2007 but Mike Hart and Chad Henne were both injured and Michigan lost 14-3 at home)

The early line has Ohio State favored by close to 3 touchdowns or 18 points.   Doesn't feel like Ohio State week does it?  I am sure Bo is pissed and Woody is smiling.  

Brett Bielema should be fined and suspended by the Big Ten:  After the game Saturday, Bielema said his offensive line -- which grinds opposing defenses into dust by pulling its guards and ramming them into linebackers downfield -- was prevented from pulling by Michigan. He used the word "tactics," which is coaching code for "holding," to describe what Michigan's defensive line was doing. "But we rectified the situation," Bielema said. When asked how, Bielema recalled a chop-block penalty that went against his team -- and took a touchdown off the scoreboard -- in the second quarter. Wisconsin lost seven points but delivered a message.

So Bielema ordered an illegal chop block on Mike Martin.  So let me understand this, your team is dominating Michigan in the first half and your about to score another touchdown and you order a chop block on Michigan's best defensive player? What a classless move. The Big Ten better come down hard on him, this type of activity doesn't have any place in college football.   I hope all the parents of Wisconsin 2011 recruits read that quote before they sign up to play for that head coach.  What an (insert your own expletive here). 

What the hell as happened to college football coaching profession?  This year alone we have seen a coach have his QB re-enter a game after a concussion, that same coach made a terrible decision later in the year to practice outside in un-safe conditions which caused a student to lose his life.  We have seen a coach let a player walk out of jail and on to the field and now we have had a coach order a potential career ending penalty in a game where they are blowing out their opponent.  This activity come after a year two coaches are fired for being too physical with a player and another coach locking a player in the closet.   None of it makes sense to me and these guys need to start to understand that they are here to teach and protect young men - not injury them. 


Quick Recruiting Updates:

• Update: Sammy Watkins has committed to Clemson. 

• Kris Frost seemed to enjoy his Michigan visit this weekend.  The Wolverines need him badly in this class and he should be Michigan's #1 priority.  They will need to beat out Auburn.

• 2011 Michigan running back Justice Hayes has de-committed from ND and has re-opened his recruitment.  He lists Tennessee, ND, and Michigan as his top group.  We will see what happens here.

• 2011 Florida LB Ryan Petro 6'3", 205 lbs. also enjoyed his visit.  He is currently one of those late bloomers to the recruiting arena and doesn't have any offers yet but is getting interest from Michigan, Nebraska, and Pittsburgh.

• 2011 TE Jack Tabb also visited Ann Arbor and has Michigan near the top of his list.  He will make his decision is a month or so.    

Former Michigan great running back Rob Lytle died on Saturday at the age of 56 due to a heart attack.   RIP Michigan Man. RIP.

Michigan - Wisconsin Post Game: No Surprise

Well, I guess most of us expected that.  We thought Michigan might have a chance to pull an upset but it was clear after Michigan ran out of the tunnel that wasn't going to happen.  (I will address that in a minute)

If Michigan had a bad defense or even an average defense they would be in these games.  They have an awful defense that is lined with true freshman doing the best they can against a very well balanced offense, where the QB only missed a couple of throws all day.   Mix that accuracy in with a power running game and you have yourself a huge miss match. 

7-5 is Michigan's record this year heading into the Bowl Game.   You could see it in the eyes of RR after the game in his press conference that this year is really wearing on him.  A defense that has only stopped UConn and Purdue and a list of injuries that would make your head spin.   So you think the Wolverines are going to be able to be competitive in C-Bus next week with these potential players either out or coming back from injury:  Lewan, Roh, Stonum, Martin, Gallon, not to mention the guys that are already out for the year? 

We all sort of expected 7-5 at the beginning of the year and this team delivered just that.  7-5 = a Bowl Game, 8-4 = a Bowl Game, 9-3 = a Bowl Game.  So does it really matter?

Here are the things that concerned me watching the game at the Big House yesterday:

• RR continues to coach like he has a defense or kicking game.  Which really confuses me.  The play calling was way too predictable in the first half.  Wisconsin was putting a safety in the box and basically letting Michigan's talented WR's be down field in single coverage and Michigan continued to run the ball  or throw short slants with very little luck.   I mentioned this early in the year: THIS TEAM CAN'T WASTE OFFENSIVE POSSESSIONS AND THINK THEY WILL WIN THE GAME.   It's not possible.  Michigan can't come from behind because the defense can't stop anyone.   A field goal on 4th and 6?  Really?  I would rather have Denard running or throwing then kicking a field goal of any length.   3 doesn't help anyway because a Michigan defensive stop means the other team kicked a field goal.   If Michigan is going to win games, they are going to be shoot outs. 

• Coming out Flat:  This is a huge problem.  Ever since the Michigan State game, Michigan has come out flat in every big game.   I'm not sure if it's practice, pre-game speech, the night before, warm ups, youth, but this needs to change.   You can see it when they come out of the locker room that they are not ready to play.  Which in turn equals, drop balls, interceptions, fumbles, and 3 and outs on offense.   This is on RR and staff.  This team was ready to play coming out against UConn and ND but ever since then this has been a huge issue.  You can tell a lot about a team on how they run out of the tunnel.  

• Defense - I'm getting a little tired hearing about the youth on defense.  RR and Staff have been here 3 years now and they should have recruited many more defensive players if they saw this would be an issue two years ago.   I agree that Carr didn't recruit defense like he should have in his last few years, but depth issues on defense now are clearly on RR.   There should be a lot more sophomores or juniors playing and there just isn't.  This team couldn't tackle at all yesterday.  Does Greg Robinson make it to the Bowl Game?  I'm not sure he should. 

• Did Wisconsin beat Michigan once, twice or three times?  Wisconsin man handled the Wolverines physically.   Michigan can expect the same treatment next Saturday as well.   The Wolverines are injured physically and mentally and I think they will have a hard time finding the motivation to pull an upset next weekend.  These players haven't beat Ohio State and if they continue to come out of the locker room without any confidence, it will get real ugly early next weekend.   I'm betting the Vest is having a discussion right now with his assistants, "should we have Pryor throw the ball at all? I think we could put 42 on them without ever putting the ball in the air."   At this point, the Wolverines can look forward the 2 weeks of bowl practice, getting healthy and hopefully getting better.