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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rich Rod's Monday Press Conference Notes

Hope to have Mike Martin in practice today.  He was limited last week in practice and that is why they held him out in the game after hurting his other ankle.

Denard is sore but should practice today.  Fell on his hip on the sideline, his knee bruise and his shoulder has been bothering him the past couple of weeks.

Will be sending in the personal penalty on the kick off to the Big Ten office this week.

Will try to help scheme with the defense this week.  Trying to simplify the defense so they can play faster.

On offense they can add a new play a week, can't do that on defense. 

Need faster and more athletic guys on defense.

Illinois is one of the most athletic teams in the Big Ten.  They are playing their best football right now.

No changes on the defensive staff.  Just met with the defensive staff for 3 hours.  Heard about the rumor, which was un-true.

It's not the scheme on defense it's the execution. 

Need to try to get Craig Roh more involved.

Greg Banks:

• Spirit still seems to be high
• Need to have upperclassmen step up
• Defense needs to make plays and play together as a unit
• Haven't looked at Illinois much yet.  Will look at film today
• Need to improve tackling and 3rd down stops. 
• Going to hit practice hard this week

Kovacs

• Trying to improve this week
• Hadn't heard about the Robinson rumor
• Thought Ray Vinopal was a little wide eyed but had a good week in practice last week
• Has moved past the Penn State game, now focusing on Illinois
• Tries to avoid ESPN, SI and the Blogs.  (what?)
• This group fights and hungry
• Practicing agaist Denard will help preparing for a similar offense in Illinois
• Playing a lot of freshman, which are improving daily and will continue to get better

David Molk

• Attitude adjustment can't be half assed
• Losing isn't good and looks bad.  We have worked to hard and come to far.
• I am going to do everything I can do (to show leadership)
• We have the ability, effort is no problem, it's the mental aspect. 
• The mental part can come in days or weeks.  It's an acquired talent
• We are moving toward the place we want to be, were just not there yet.
• We are a team and we won't point fingers
• Practices are intense
• He doesn't pay any attention to the Coach Rod Hot seat talk.  Doesn't read or watch the media and will do anything for this team.  "This is my team!".

On a side note:  David Molk is a man who is clearly frustrated and pissed off.  Michigan needs a 100 more David Molks. 
 

This Defense is a Nightmare

I'm at a loss for words when it comes to this defense.  I didn't think this defense could get any worse after the bye week, but it has.  Mike Martin is clearly the only player on Michigan's defense and when he is out, so are the Wolverines. 

I am done with excuses and whatever we have been saying that gives us reasons for hope for this defense.  It's terrible and yes this is a replay of 2009.  Michigan might have one more win on the schedule and that's Purdue, but guess what?  Purdue has a decent defensive line.  Illinois is a well balanced team and will do the exact same thing to Michigan that MSU, Iowa, and now Penn State has done.

Penn State's offense is not good, they are one dimensional with a walk-on first time starter picking them apart.  The Michigan defense was not prepared to stop the run or the short passing game.   Can someone please explain to me how Michigan could not pressure this kid at all?  What kind of strategy is that?  I've been willing to give Greg Robinson the benefit of the doubt when it comes to this defense.  I no longer feel that way and believe he should be fired and maybe fired this week.  

The Michigan defense could not stop this weak offense and Rich Rodriguez is 4-16 in the Big Ten since he has gotten to Ann Arbor.  This game was an embarrassment to the Michigan Program.  Penn State is a terrible offensive team and they beat Michigan by running basic running plays and screens.  If the Michigan defense can't stop that they can't stop any offense.  

I know the call for a late hit on the kickoff was a bad call but that is not the reason Michigan lost.  The reason Michigan lost is because they have one of the worst defenses in D1.  One of the worst defenses in Michigan history.  I don't want to hear about youth anymore, Michigan should be able to put 11 true freshman on the field and play better then this unit.  Enough F'ing excuses! 

RR now has to get a huge upset to keep his job IMO.  That means a win over Wisconsin or Ohio State.   I also believe that Illinois looks like a loss right now and Purdue should be a win, but at this point, who the hell knows. 

What a terrible game which out shadowed a wonderful performance by Denard.  The offense is doing their job and the defense clearly isn't.   BTW: The call on the first drive to go under center in the I for the 3rd and 1 was a terrible call.  All that does is bring more defenders into the box.  I thought RR clearly understood they can't give away possessions and I thought he did exactly that to start the game. 

The Michigan offense didn't turn the ball over and the defense got what 2 stops all night?  That makes me sick!
 
Want to know the difference between Michigan and Auburn or Oregon?  Some Defensive Stops!  Neither one of those teams has a strong defense but they get some stops.

I'm tired and that's enough ranting for tonight. 

Game Day Video: Michigan at Penn State 1997

1997 a Special Year and a special game at Penn State.  Got to love Keith Jackson, what a great intro. 

You know the story and the ending............................

Michigan - Penn State Preview

Date: Halloween Eve
Location: Happy Valley
Time: 8:00 EST
TV:  ESPN
Weather:  High 54, Low 37 Partly Cloudy
Line: Michigan -3

Michigan is coming off a bye week after 2 losses in a row.  Penn State got a win over the coach less Minnesota Golden Gophers last week where they gave up 433 total yards. So what do you make of that?  I think neither team is where they want to be and that is competing for a Big Ten Championship.   Both have two losses in the Big Ten and holding on for a Bowl game. 

There are other similarities between the two:

• They both have a first year starting QB's. 
• Both are injured (it seems Robert Bolden will be out, while Denard will play)
• Both defenses have struggled
• Both teams have lost to Iowa
• PSU is 4-3
• Michigan is 5-2
• There are questions if both coaches will be there next year.
• Michigan has Michael Shaw that de-committed from Penn State to go to Michigan.   Penn State has Anthony Fera and Kevin Newsome who de-committed from Michigan.

Who wants it more?  That is the most important question on Saturday.  Both teams have the opportunity for their seasons to go bad in a hurry.   Michigan is sitting at 5-2 with 3 winnable games in a row in the Big Ten before Wisconsin and Ohio State.   Penn State is barley over .500 and needs wins to get to a bowl game. 

The reason Michigan is favored in this game is due to their top five offense against Penn State's banged up defense.   Michigan is expected to run the ball effectively with Denard and their host of running backs.  Michigan can also stretch the field with their wide receivers if JoPa over commits to the run.

Penn State on the other hand is really banged up at QB where the true freshman starter Robert Bolden is most likely out with a concussion he suffered against Minnesota.  Which leaves Matt McGloin a walk-on sophomore.  When Michigan's defense has played well this year it has been against teams with young/in-experienced quarterbacks.  It's the upperclassmen that have picked the Wolverines apart.   With that said, Penn State does have a talent running back in Evan Royster.  I expect Evan to get a lot of carries this week against Michigan's defense that has given up some big plays in the running game. 

Tale of the Tape

Michigan Offense vs PSU D =  Go Blue

Penn State Offense vs Michigan's D = A real ugly push

Special Teams = Penn State (better place kicking, punting is a push, return game who knows?)

Intangibles = Push (both need a win, night game at home favors PSU but talent favors Mich)


I think the Michigan faithful is much more confident in this game then they were at the beginning of the year.  With that said, this is not an easy win for the Wolverines, no matter who is playing QB for JoPa.  Michigan will have to stop the run and make that young QB beat them with his arm.  The Michigan CB's will have to show improvements over the past two games in letting WR's run free.

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

• Denard is week 1-5 Denard
• Michigan doesn't turnover the ball
• The young PSU QB looks young and confused
• Denard has 150 on the ground and so does two Michigan RB's
• The Michigan D gets stops against the young PSU offense

Shout I hate saying Go Blue when Penn State is wearing blue jersey's if..........

• Evan Royster is finding huge holes in the Michigan D
• Matt McGloin is the next Troy Aikman
• Michigan is sloppy and confused after the bye week
• Michigan's LB's keep losing contain
• Michigan beats themselves

I expect the Wolverines to have renewed focus and rest after the bye week and play a very good game.   I hope Michigan fixed things on defense and worked in a few new looks on offense.  A win = Bowl Game which they haven't had in two years.  With the game on prime time national TV they should be ready to play.  

If Michigan doesn't make the same mistakes they made against MSU and Iowa they should win the game even if the defense shows up for only part of the time.  With that said, I expect Michigan's D to get a lot of stops against young Penn State's offense. (examples UConn and ND first half)   If Michigan can pressure the young QB and not let Royster beat them, they should be in good shape.    Michigan 38 Penn State 24


GO BLUE!

Michigan Thursday: Could 2 De-commits have Saved Rich Rodriguez Job at Michigan?

For those of you that don't care for RR you have a laundry list of reasons why: 

• Weird new offense
• Really bad defense
• Not a Michigan Man
• Paying him too much money
• Stretching too long before practice which lead to NCAA Violations
• A bad record
• Recruiting kids that are borderline academically
• Piped in music at the Big House
• Transfers
• De-commitments

I'm sure you can list many more.  What's strange is maybe two QB de-commits could have saved his job.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?  The time is August 2008.  Michigan will be starting a season where a walk-on and a non-mobile red shirt freshman are Michigan's only options at QB.   Though help was on the way through recruiting for the 2009 class.  Michigan had two 4 star QB's verbally committed to that class:  Shavodrick Beaver a 6'3, 180 pound QB out of Wichita Falls, Texas and Kevin Newsome a 6'2 225 pound QB from Portsmouth, Virgina. 

Both of these guys had solved Michigan's future QB depth problems and now the Michigan coaching staff could focus on recruiting Offensive Line and Defense.  Well, that good feeling at QB didn't last long as Kevin decided to de-commit from Michigan on August 19th and Shavodrick did the same in December.  From a comfortable feeling to a really bad feeling. 

Michigan went 0-2 on their QB recruits for 2009 but help was on the way, Tate Forcier a long time Michigan fan gave his verbal during the season and things were back on track.    Michigan still had only one QB recruit until signing day when Denard Robinson signed up.   So you could say that Shavordrick and Kevin's decision to not join the Wolverines gave the opportunities for Tate and Denard to.

So that is one interesting point.  The other is what has happened to all four players since then. 

• Shavodrick Beaver is a back up at Tulsa and in two years has completed 5-9 passes for a total of 41 yards.
• Kevin Newsome is 3rd string at Penn State and 14-24 in two years for 144 yards.
• Tate was 165-281 for 2050 yards in 2009 and 30-39 for 349 yards in 2010
• Denard was 14-31 for 188 yards in 2009 and 97-143 for 1319 yards in 2010

Ironically, Michigan on Saturday could face (he is questionable due to a concussion) Robert Bolden a true freshman QB from the State of Michigan that picked Penn State after Devin Gardner verbally committed to the University of Michigan in the 2010 class.  My understanding is that Kevin Newsome is third string behind walk-on redshirt sophomore Matt McGloin.  Tulsa on the other hand plays Notre Dame this weekend and "The Beaver" might see a few snaps.

It was clear that RR and staff did a great job in recruiting both Tate and Denard.  Will that recruitment save his job?  I think the next 3 weeks will go a long way in answering that question.

Rich Rod's Press Conference Notes - Now with Denard Updates..........

Excited about the night game.  It's a fun experience at Happy Valley.

Big Will is working on the offensive line and Quinton Washington is now on the defensive lines, the moves are permanent yet. 

Fitz Toussaint should be ready to play this week, not sure if he will contribute or not.

Denard is the starter, Tate has played well but Denard will continue to play.  Not expecting to play both QB's.

Denard just needs to minimize the major mistakes.

Devin has a back issue and it might lead to a medical redshirt (really didn't answer the question).   He is learning the offense and picking up more each week.

Watching games on TV is not as good as watching the tape, you don't pick up enough of the play on TV.

Saw Auburn QB Cam Newton at Florida when Tebow was there, knew he was a special player then.

Mike Martin and David Molk did a little bit last week and should be ready to go this week.  Same with Shaw.

JoPa is a great coach with a great staff.

The Penn State fans will be jacked up and they have really good players that are ready to execute. 

Every game we play is critical.  Everyone puts a little more importance on a league game.

You can't press the issue and let the game come to you.  The times we have pressed the issue we have gotten in trouble.

Denard's shoulder needed some rest and he got that last weekend.


Craig Roh:

A week to heal is great looking forward to this weekend. 

He feels refresh.

They have been working on fundamentals the past week.

Just watched the Penn State game.

He gets more out of watching film but he can get stuff from watching the game on TV.

Defense has been improving and it's slowly showing on the field.

Thought Quinton Washington should have been playing defense weeks ago.  Just has the right mentality for defense.

Mike Martin is an amazing athlete and can take on 3 blockers.

Loves night games.  You feed off the excitement from the crowd.

Team is looking forward and staying positive.


Vincent Smith 

Didn't watch any football on TV this week.

Trying to get his body right this week.

This bye week got us back on track.

Saw that Hopkins was special at the end of camp, a good down hill runner.

The team is hungry and been correcting mistakes the past week.

He likes being in space and doesn't mind playing wide receiver.

He is 100% healthy.

Denard Robinson

Feeling good and it feels great having a week off. 

Hung out, slept a lot during the week.

Treating the shoulder everyday last week

Team came together during the week and learned from the mistakes.

Didn't like sitting out practice.

Trainers kept him out of Iowa game, he couldn't go. 

Cam Newton played a great game.

More as a team this year.

The turnovers were preventable.

(about his speech to the team after the MSU game) He rather lead by actions then words but didn't want the season to go the way it did last year and felt he needed to say something.  Didn't want anyone to be down.

Big Will is going to be a good offensive guard.

You don't hear the fans when your on the field.  Just focused on the game.


Steve Schilling

Big Will is going to be a good offensive lineman when he figures out what he is doing.  He almost played D line like an offensive lineman. 

When Quinton hits someone it's going to hurt.  They always joked about the two changing positions.

Team is excited about the trip to Happy Valley. 

Recharged the batteries and watched some football last weekend. 

Jibreel Black will have a great career here.

Taylor gets amped up and Steve tries to calm him down a bit.

Only going to run through the tunnel 2 more times.  Looking forward to the last 5 games to end the season right.

Michigan Monday: Asks For Help From Dr. Fix it

The Michigan Wolverines had a much needed bye last weekend where the Wolverines had time to focus internally to fix a few things on both sides of the ball.

Michigan has 3 winnable games in a row and they need to win all 3 before they face Wisconsin and Ohio State back to back.  Don't get me wrong, those winnable games are also lose-able for these young Wolverines.  So this week was about getting re-focused and getting ready for the home stretch.   

When something in your house breaks, you can either fix it yourself or call a handyman aka Dr. Fix it.  Since I'm allergic to fixing things, I usually call a Mr. Fix it.  Since the young Wolverines need some work I called Dr. Fix it for some help.   Here is what he said:

Michigan Defense

• Protect the young secondary.  In the off week, I hope Michigan found away to protect the young CB's.  There are a few ways to do that including zone coverages and putting pressure on the QB.  Did Greg Robinson find something this week?  Let's hope so.   My vote would be to pressure the QB.

• Where is my Ball Hawk?  Every good defense has a ball hawk.  Michigan doesn't seem to have one.  Sure, you can make a case for Kovacs but Michigan really needs another.  There are rumors floating around that true freshman Vinopal might start at safety this week and Cam Gordon could move to the Carvin Johnson/Thomas Gordon hybrid role.  I don't know if that is the answer, but I'm willing to take that risk at this point. 

• Stop the Run!  Coming into the season, the Michigan defense was expected to be poor against the pass but decent against the run.  Well, they haven't been good at stopping either.  The way the running backs are getting through the defensive line and linebackers is much too easy.  I expect that Kenny Demens has replaced Obi Ezeh permanently at middle linebacker but having Cam Gordon closer to line of scrimmage could also be a positive in the run game.

• Get some turnovers!  Through the first 5 games, Michigan was getting fumbles and interceptions.  In their 2 losses Michigan was giving those things to their opponents and not getting any back.   Denard and Tate will throw some picks, the Michigan defense needs to create some of their own.

• Healing Powers:  Let's hope Mike Martin is 100% after the bye week. 

This is a key two weeks of practice for the defense.  They need time to work out the issues.  On a side note, Michigan really needs a 6th win so they can have the extra bowl game practices.  Having those two weeks are so important to a young team.   Let's hope Greg Robinson mixed up some "mad formulas" these past two weeks for the defense.

Offense:

• Protect the Ball!  Michigan is not good enough on defense to give their opponents extra possessions.  Picks and fumbles have to stop if Michigan is going to win ball games. 

• Two headed QB?  Denard is the starter but is also a bit banged up.  I expect that Tate will see some more time in the second half of the season.  I'm not calling for QB controversy, I'm just saying if Denard struggles with his health, we will see more of Tate. 

• A Running Back needs to step up:  Michigan needs another threat on the ground outside of Denard.  I expect that Shaw is the guy but if he can't go due to injury, someone needs to step up and get some yards from that position.

• Penalties: Are killing drives and need to stop.  Play discipline football!

• Healing Powers: Let's hope Denard's shoulder is a 100% and that David Molk is ready to come back.   Those are probably the 2 most important guys on offense.  

The offense is still explosive but can't play from behind to be effective.  Michigan needs to take advantage of all the possibilities to score since the defense will be giving up a lot of points.  Protect the ball and do your thing and they will be fine.  

I can't tell you how important the next three weeks are for the the Michigan Program.  I hope the Michigan coaches were able to figure a few things out during the break.

More News and Notes:

• Karlos Williams the #7 ranked safety in the country who committed to Florida State has now become a "soft" commit and has USC and Michigan in his top 3. 

•  VA WR Quinta Funderburk who visited to Ann Arbor for the Iowa game has committed to Arkansas.

• RR will have his weekly press conference today at 12:15.  Look for questions on Big Will on offense? Ray Vinopal at safety?  Kenny Demens at LB?  Penn State's QB situation.  Denard's Shoulder.

What I learned this Weekend

I think we all know there is a curse on being the #1 team in the nation.  3 weeks in a row the #1 team in the nation goes down.  Besides that here is what I learned this weekend.

Put a Tent on that Team?  Can someone explain to me what is going on with Michigan State this year?  They are winning games on fake field goals in overtime, going down 17-0 and faking punts, juggling catches for touchdowns.   What's next?  Statue of Liberty? They are expected to be #5 in the BCS standings later today.  I don't know if they are BCS contenders (they did beat Wisconsin) or Barnum and Bailey.  If State beats Iowa next week it's all downhill  from there.

Les Miles Timex Award:  Goes to Iowa's Kirk Ferentz when he called his last timeout with 12 seconds left down by 3, in field goal range, after they had a first down.  The play was to spike the ball and try one shot to win the game in the end zone.  The next play the ball was completed in bounds and the game was over.

Iowa's D is a bit Over-rated:  After giving up 500+ yards to the Wolverines a week ago, Iowa struggled at stopping Wisconsin yesterday and gave up 347 total yards.

Wisconsin's Defensive Backs:  Are physical but not really fast.  When Michigan plays them they should focus on passing the ball and trying to beat those DB's deep.  Wisconsin's D is pretty good against the run.

Demar Dorsey Trivia Question:  What does Demar and UConn have in common?  Both teams he signed with this year have wins over UConn (Michigan and Louisville).

What's Michigan's best win this year? I'm not sure.  This weekend: ND got beat by Navy, UConn gets shut out by Syracuse, UMass loses 39-13 to New Hampshire, IU gets embarrassed by Illinois, Bowling Green lost 30-6 to Kent State.   Every team Michigan beat this year lost this weekend.  

Illinois is for real:  One thing I really hate is that we make IU look good every year and they they just implode.  Happen last year, happening again this year.   Illinois beat IU yesterday 43-13.   Michigan will have to play well to beat Illinois when they come to the Big House.  Looks like Zook has saved his job.


Purdue isn't:  If RR can't beat Purdue this year, he should resign.  Going 0-3 vs Purdue the last 3 years would be criminal in my book.  I know it's at Purdue this year but Michigan should and needs to win this game by a lot!


Who will Michigan see at QB for Penn State?  Michigan high school star Robert Bolden suffered a concussion (we believe) against Minnesota on Saturday.  His status for next week is still unclear.  Kevin Newsome a former Michigan verbal commitment is also on Penn State but maybe 3rd string at this point with
Matt McGloin coming in for the injured Bolden.

Oregon is good.  Real Good.  If they don't make the NC game I'm afraid what they would do to a Big Ten team in the Rose and yes, I understand Ohio State beat them in the Rose Bowl last year.    Honestly, does State really want to play Oregon in the Rose?  I'm guessing no.

Isn't it strange that both Iowa and Michigan have two losses?