Alabama 34, Clemson 10
From start to finish, Alabama punched Clemson in the mouth, a result of far greater desire, intensity and determination. The Tide executed better, hit harder, fought longer, and ran better. Clemson lived down to its reputation during the Tommy Bowden era.
Alabama defense holds C.J. Spiller and James Davis to 20 rushing yards on 13 attempts.
Story @ foxsports.com
That Baby Ugly - But it's still a Baby
While in the Big house today, I was reminded by an event that happened in a Detroit hospital about 7-8 years ago. There was a baby mix-up and when the mom of one of the children was told that the baby she had taken home was not her baby and this was her baby, she replied. "That ain't my baby, that baby ugly!"
I watched allot of ugly today, the offense had 4 yards rushing in the first half and if it wasn't for penalties and turnovers would have been shutout. The Michigan defense considered a first half stop a field goal and Michigan quickly found itself down 15 points in the 4th quarter.
But something funny happened on the way to this blow out, the Baby showed some heart and some fire. They blocked a punt and scored two quick touchdowns and was a high tipped pass away from tieing this game up. Did Michigan deserve to win this game? Nope. Could have Michigan won this game and even won by 10 points or so? Yes, easily.
Two key plays in the game were when Nick Sheridan missed a wide open Brandon Minor right down the middle of the field for a sure fire touchdown. Then Sheridan floated a ridiculous pass up that was picked which gave Utah a very short field and a quick touchdown before the half. That was a 14 point swing and the difference in the game.
The Michigan defense showed it's true colors in the second half by slowing the powerful Utah offense to just a 53 yard field goal. Michigan in the 4th quarter showed grit and didn't give up when this game could of easily been a blow out.
When it was all said and done , we have to remember that this baby was ugly today, but it's still a baby and will grow with every game and every week of practice.
Cheers:
I watched allot of ugly today, the offense had 4 yards rushing in the first half and if it wasn't for penalties and turnovers would have been shutout. The Michigan defense considered a first half stop a field goal and Michigan quickly found itself down 15 points in the 4th quarter.
But something funny happened on the way to this blow out, the Baby showed some heart and some fire. They blocked a punt and scored two quick touchdowns and was a high tipped pass away from tieing this game up. Did Michigan deserve to win this game? Nope. Could have Michigan won this game and even won by 10 points or so? Yes, easily.
Two key plays in the game were when Nick Sheridan missed a wide open Brandon Minor right down the middle of the field for a sure fire touchdown. Then Sheridan floated a ridiculous pass up that was picked which gave Utah a very short field and a quick touchdown before the half. That was a 14 point swing and the difference in the game.
The Michigan defense showed it's true colors in the second half by slowing the powerful Utah offense to just a 53 yard field goal. Michigan in the 4th quarter showed grit and didn't give up when this game could of easily been a blow out.
When it was all said and done , we have to remember that this baby was ugly today, but it's still a baby and will grow with every game and every week of practice.
Cheers:
- Touchdowns by Shaw and McGuffie
- A great touchdown catch by #21 Jr. Hemingway
- The Michigan Defense in the second half
- A 50 yard field goal
- The kick off return game
Jeers:
- First down production was pitiful and continued to put Michigan in 2nd and a big hole.
- Zero long offensive drives
- The Defense was on the field all game
- The Freshman made Freshman mistakes
- Sheridan after a somewhat promising first qtr. made a number of poor reads and showed a weak arm
- Zero running game:34 yards (200 total yards)
- The Defense gave up an average of 7.5 yards per play in the first half
- Neither QB separated himself from the other. I believe Threet will start next Saturday.
- The Schedule. If there was ever a year to open with a cupcake this was the year.
The Wolverines have a lot to work on this week and they have a MAC team coming in next week before they hit the road to South Bend and the start of the Big Ten season.
Stunner pick of the Week!! Alabama!
The run combo of Clemson you would think it was over before it started, but their defense has not been its best. Alabama has a great defense with McClain in the middle linebacker spot.
The offense has improved since last year and they have a freshman receiver that was the No. 1 receiver coming out of high chool, Jones. Behind third year starter John Parker Wilson and the running game of the tide as well as the defense and special teams, it will be a team win over the Tigers.
Full Story @bleacherreport.com
The offense has improved since last year and they have a freshman receiver that was the No. 1 receiver coming out of high chool, Jones. Behind third year starter John Parker Wilson and the running game of the tide as well as the defense and special teams, it will be a team win over the Tigers.
Full Story @bleacherreport.com
Game Day: Utah in the Big House
When history looks back at August 30, 2008, it won't document RR's messy separation from WVU, it won't document "sailboat's" Bill misadventures of a coaching search that ended much better then it started, it also won't document the disaster from a year ago.
Today is a New Day! 40 years of Bo and Lloyd (The Moeller years included) are now gone and there's a new man with a new system running The Wolverines. Today marks one of the biggest days in Wolverine History and Michigan isn't playing Ohio State, Michigan State or even Notre Dame.
What's ironic about today's game is there are two things that are "under construction" Michigan Stadium and The Michigan Wolverines. How have the Wolverines grasped the new system? Who will be the QB? Will the new Freshman make a big impression? Will the Defense dominate? All those questions start to get answered today when the Utes enter the Big House!
In what this blog as tabbed the "New Uniform Bowl" as both programs will be showing off their new uniforms for the first time today (Under Armour - Utah and Adidas at Michigan). The Utes are coming off a 9-4 season and ranked around 25 in most polls. Many sportswriters around the nation have Utah "being the BCS buster" this year and making a run at one of the BCS Bowls.
The strength of the Utah team is the offense lead by senior QB Brian Johnson who the last time was 100% healthy (in 2005) piled up 3,370 yards. The Ute's will also try to pound the ball behind an experienced Offensive Line.
The Ute's like to score points but they also like to give up points. The Ute's defensive is not that strong and had a tendency to give up a lot of points last year. It will be interesting to see if the young Wolverines can get some open field and score a lot of points.
The key to this game is Strength vs Strength: Utah's Offense vs Michigan Defense. The team that wins this battle will Win this game.
Tale of the Tape:
QB: Utah
Offense: Utah
Defense: Michigan
Special Teams: Push (both teams have good kickers)
Experience in the spread: Utah
Intangibles: Michigan
So how do you predict a game with so much mystery? I mean even the jersey's will be different. You look at things like Mike Barwis, that the Wolverine Fans will be a little louder and little more fired up today, that Utah is in the Big House, you look at team that got beat by a D1a team opening last year, you look at a team that everyone thinks is going to maybe play .500 ball this season.
The team with everything to prove is Michigan, the team that wants to make a statement is Michigan. It's a Brand New Day!
Go Blue!!!!
Today is a New Day! 40 years of Bo and Lloyd (The Moeller years included) are now gone and there's a new man with a new system running The Wolverines. Today marks one of the biggest days in Wolverine History and Michigan isn't playing Ohio State, Michigan State or even Notre Dame.
What's ironic about today's game is there are two things that are "under construction" Michigan Stadium and The Michigan Wolverines. How have the Wolverines grasped the new system? Who will be the QB? Will the new Freshman make a big impression? Will the Defense dominate? All those questions start to get answered today when the Utes enter the Big House!
In what this blog as tabbed the "New Uniform Bowl" as both programs will be showing off their new uniforms for the first time today (Under Armour - Utah and Adidas at Michigan). The Utes are coming off a 9-4 season and ranked around 25 in most polls. Many sportswriters around the nation have Utah "being the BCS buster" this year and making a run at one of the BCS Bowls.
The strength of the Utah team is the offense lead by senior QB Brian Johnson who the last time was 100% healthy (in 2005) piled up 3,370 yards. The Ute's will also try to pound the ball behind an experienced Offensive Line.
The Ute's like to score points but they also like to give up points. The Ute's defensive is not that strong and had a tendency to give up a lot of points last year. It will be interesting to see if the young Wolverines can get some open field and score a lot of points.
The key to this game is Strength vs Strength: Utah's Offense vs Michigan Defense. The team that wins this battle will Win this game.
Tale of the Tape:
QB: Utah
Offense: Utah
Defense: Michigan
Special Teams: Push (both teams have good kickers)
Experience in the spread: Utah
Intangibles: Michigan
So how do you predict a game with so much mystery? I mean even the jersey's will be different. You look at things like Mike Barwis, that the Wolverine Fans will be a little louder and little more fired up today, that Utah is in the Big House, you look at team that got beat by a D1a team opening last year, you look at a team that everyone thinks is going to maybe play .500 ball this season.
The team with everything to prove is Michigan, the team that wants to make a statement is Michigan. It's a Brand New Day!
- Look for Shaw and McGuffie to pile up the yards
- Look for Michigan's defense to be very strong against Utah's offense
- Total points will be lower then people expect
- Watch for something "special" out of Special Teams
Go Blue!!!!
Pahokee Florida Teammates go Michigan
*Programing note: Check back on Saturday morning for the Utah Preview. It's the most wonderful time of the year!
So it seems Panhokee Florida has a straight line to Ann Arbor. Odoms who will be featured tomorrow (yes, I said it Tomorrow!!!) as Michigan's starting slot receiver came from the same school last year.
Vincent Smith and Brandin Hawthorne both announced their intention to play for the Maize and Blue for the class of 2009. (If there is any DE's from Arizona or QB's from California that would like to do the same this weekend, please don't hesitate and go ahead and commit!)
As always here is the recruiting info from VB:
Smith is a 5-9, 170-lb running back and Hawthorne is a 6-0, 185-lb linebacker who boasts a 4.7 40-yard dash.
Recruiting Notes: Michigan fans first became aware of Pahokee High School when slot receiver Martavious Odoms joined the class of 2008 in February. They quickly learned of Odoms's younger teammates, including WR Nu'Keese Richardson (Florida commit) and Smith and Hawthorne. Smith was the first of the two added to the board, when he reported in March that he was about to receive a Michigan offer. That offer became public in June, and Hawthorne was added to the recruiting board shortly thereafter, when he placed Michigan in his top two, despite not reporting an offer. In early July, Brandin stated that he wouldn't make a school decision until after he had taken his official visits. However, in the middle of July, both he and Smith stated that they would announce their college decisions on August 30th at their game against Olive Branch. At the end of July, the duo started dropping none-too-subtle hints that Michigan would be the choice for both Blue Devils. Towards the end of August, both Hawthorne and Smith announced that they had set up 5 official visits, though they still planned to announce on August 30th (an announcement that they subsequently moved forward by one day). With the final choice of Michigan, it is unlikely that they will have spots reserved for them in the class if they still intend to take officials to schools other than Michigan. The runners-up for Smith were Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Tennessee. finishing in second for Hawthorne was Louisville.
Player Notes: Both players may be considered slightly undersized for their positions, though Rich Rodriguez has focused on adding speed to the team first, and will likely worry about size and speed in future classes. Smith projects as yet another RB/Slot combo, with his diminutive stature and decent quickness. Hawthorne is probably going to end up as a weakside linebacker unless he has a pretty significant growth spurt. He will have to add a ton of mass to play linebacker, and hopefully he won't lose too much speed doing so in Mike Barwis's program.
So it seems Panhokee Florida has a straight line to Ann Arbor. Odoms who will be featured tomorrow (yes, I said it Tomorrow!!!) as Michigan's starting slot receiver came from the same school last year.
Vincent Smith and Brandin Hawthorne both announced their intention to play for the Maize and Blue for the class of 2009. (If there is any DE's from Arizona or QB's from California that would like to do the same this weekend, please don't hesitate and go ahead and commit!)
As always here is the recruiting info from VB:
Smith is a 5-9, 170-lb running back and Hawthorne is a 6-0, 185-lb linebacker who boasts a 4.7 40-yard dash.
Recruiting Notes: Michigan fans first became aware of Pahokee High School when slot receiver Martavious Odoms joined the class of 2008 in February. They quickly learned of Odoms's younger teammates, including WR Nu'Keese Richardson (Florida commit) and Smith and Hawthorne. Smith was the first of the two added to the board, when he reported in March that he was about to receive a Michigan offer. That offer became public in June, and Hawthorne was added to the recruiting board shortly thereafter, when he placed Michigan in his top two, despite not reporting an offer. In early July, Brandin stated that he wouldn't make a school decision until after he had taken his official visits. However, in the middle of July, both he and Smith stated that they would announce their college decisions on August 30th at their game against Olive Branch. At the end of July, the duo started dropping none-too-subtle hints that Michigan would be the choice for both Blue Devils. Towards the end of August, both Hawthorne and Smith announced that they had set up 5 official visits, though they still planned to announce on August 30th (an announcement that they subsequently moved forward by one day). With the final choice of Michigan, it is unlikely that they will have spots reserved for them in the class if they still intend to take officials to schools other than Michigan. The runners-up for Smith were Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Tennessee. finishing in second for Hawthorne was Louisville.
Player Notes: Both players may be considered slightly undersized for their positions, though Rich Rodriguez has focused on adding speed to the team first, and will likely worry about size and speed in future classes. Smith projects as yet another RB/Slot combo, with his diminutive stature and decent quickness. Hawthorne is probably going to end up as a weakside linebacker unless he has a pretty significant growth spurt. He will have to add a ton of mass to play linebacker, and hopefully he won't lose too much speed doing so in Mike Barwis's program.
You have to hate Losing more then you love Winning
That line is something the Wolverines lost sight of under Lloyd Carr. He learned from Bo and knew at the end of the day everything was going to be all right. Bo's Michigan was about overpowering the other team. You never had to out think them. Who cares if the entire world knew Mike Hart was going to run left, let them try to stop it!
Well over the past few years, teams were stopping it and stopping it regularly. Our play calling became weak and our ability to not "lose" games was gone. Case in point: The disaster last year: the team was not ready to play before the ball was even snapped. I pointed that out as they ran from the tunnel. The team had taken on the personality of it's coach, clam, relaxed, cool, and prepared like they have the past 40 years.
Well guess what? Things have changed. Lloyd Carr is and always will be a class act, he did things the right way, he recruited well, made kids go to class, and tried to keep them out of trouble. He gave us the magical year of 1997 and left on a high note as Michigan beat the highly favored Gators in a New Years Day Bowl.
We appreciate and Thank You Lloyd, but Today is a New Day and this team has something to prove to everyone. Nobody expects anything from this team. Sports Illustrated doesn't even think Michigan will have a winning record and lose it's Bowl streak. Even this blog thinks a successful season is 4 loses. When was the last time you thought 4 losses was a good year?
You have to hate lose more then you love to win.
That is the key, I hope the Wolverines learned that a year ago this weekend. That is what I believe, RR and staff bring to this team. It's a new approach on offense and defense but it's more then that. It's a belief no matter how good you think you are you have to work your ass off to be better and to win football games. No hanging around and smoking pot or taking practice off to farm with Dad. It's about two things: Class time and Football time. It's about putting time: in the gym, on the track, in the film room, in the weight room and on the practice field.
It's about being hungry, it's about team work, it's that you haven't earned anything yet, it's about hating to lose more then you love to win.
I love the sign: Those that stay will be champions. But today's sign should read, those that work hard will be champions. Championships are no longer a right of passage for the Michigan Wolverines, they need to earn them.
Earn something on Saturday.
Well over the past few years, teams were stopping it and stopping it regularly. Our play calling became weak and our ability to not "lose" games was gone. Case in point: The disaster last year: the team was not ready to play before the ball was even snapped. I pointed that out as they ran from the tunnel. The team had taken on the personality of it's coach, clam, relaxed, cool, and prepared like they have the past 40 years.
Well guess what? Things have changed. Lloyd Carr is and always will be a class act, he did things the right way, he recruited well, made kids go to class, and tried to keep them out of trouble. He gave us the magical year of 1997 and left on a high note as Michigan beat the highly favored Gators in a New Years Day Bowl.
We appreciate and Thank You Lloyd, but Today is a New Day and this team has something to prove to everyone. Nobody expects anything from this team. Sports Illustrated doesn't even think Michigan will have a winning record and lose it's Bowl streak. Even this blog thinks a successful season is 4 loses. When was the last time you thought 4 losses was a good year?
You have to hate lose more then you love to win.
That is the key, I hope the Wolverines learned that a year ago this weekend. That is what I believe, RR and staff bring to this team. It's a new approach on offense and defense but it's more then that. It's a belief no matter how good you think you are you have to work your ass off to be better and to win football games. No hanging around and smoking pot or taking practice off to farm with Dad. It's about two things: Class time and Football time. It's about putting time: in the gym, on the track, in the film room, in the weight room and on the practice field.
It's about being hungry, it's about team work, it's that you haven't earned anything yet, it's about hating to lose more then you love to win.
I love the sign: Those that stay will be champions. But today's sign should read, those that work hard will be champions. Championships are no longer a right of passage for the Michigan Wolverines, they need to earn them.
Earn something on Saturday.
Big Ten Week One Predictions
Syracuse at Northwestern: Wow, what an exciting game if this was 1990. Syracuse has really fallen on hard times and Northwestern frankly is Northwestern. I would normally say this game is all the Big Orange, but I have hunch that the Wildcats are better then most people think this year. Wildcats 20 Orange 10 (The Cuse is getting 11.5 points in this game which has to be some type of record for Northwestern being a double digit favorite)
YSU vs OSU #2: next question please. If Tressel wants to invest in his former school he should write them a check and schedule Cincinnati.
Akron vs Wisconsin #12: Wisconsin is known to struggle in it's first game of the year, but The Zips won't have enough power to stop the Wisconsin running game. Wisc: 30 Akron 14
Michigan State at CAL: Every State fan is pumped for this year. They are going to beat Michigan, make a New Year's Day Bowl, and finish #2 in the Big Ten. Not so fast my friends, the games haven't even started. MSU is getting 4.5 points in this game and they will need all of them. CAL wins this game. Sorry Sparty: CAL 28 MSU 8
Western KY vs Indiana: What a great basketball match up, two tournament teams ready to battle. What? This is a football game? Sorry, I lost my head there for a minute. I know nothing about Western KY but they are a 20 point dog so I doubt they are any good. IU wins big. IU 30 WKU 14
Coastal Carolina vs Penn State #22: I know JoPa is over 80 now, but he shouldn't be booking a vacation when his team is ready to start the season. What the Bahamas wasn't available? The powerhouse team from Bermuda was already playing Navy? What is going on here? JoPa's Remote 42 The Beaches of CC: 3
Maine vs Iowa: Not much to say about this game except this is another "investment' game as Kirk Ferentz once coached at Maine. As far as a place to go on Summer Vacation, Maine wins. If it's a football game Iowa wins easy. Iowa 28 The Maine Bears 6
Northern Illinois vs Minnesota: NI is getting 8.5 points in this match up. I am not sold on Minnesota at all, even more now with their star QB recruit from last year is off the team for Clearing House issues. If I was a betting man, I would take NI and the points even though The Gophers might win this game at home. Minn: 10 NI 9
The Best Big Ten Game of the Week:
Illinois #20 at Missouri #6: The "Fighting Zooks" hit the road to challenge Chase Daniels and the boys. This is by far the best Big Ten game of the day and should be entertaining. I was surprised to see that The Juice gang is getting all most 10 points as a 9 point dog. I think Missouri will be tough to beat at home. The Juice will get loose but it won't be enough. Mizzu: 27 Zook: 21 (second straight loss for Illinois to a top 10 team)
Clemson vs. Alabama (+5)
We are hearing the talk again. 'This is Clemson's year'. The Tiger's have a ton of offensive talent at the specialty postions. But......their offensive line has just a few questions since they are starting 5 underclassmen, and 3 new starters. On defense, Clemson should have one of the better stop units in the country. WIth that said, it is games like this that Clemson has the tendency to lose. And lose late.
Alabama is still in a bit of rebuilding mode in Saban's 2nd year, but they aren't dearth of talent. John Parker Wilson is entering his 3rd year as the starting QB, and we should see some vast improvement in his Senior year. They should also have a pretty good defense on their side of the ball. I really only see two likely outcomes. Either Clemson is ready to put a hurt on Alabama and beat them by 2 TD's or more, or it remains close throughout and Alabama pulls off the upset. I'll side with history and take the Tide in a low scoring see-saw battle........Alabama 23 Clemson 20.
Full Story @ community.foxsports.com
Alabama is still in a bit of rebuilding mode in Saban's 2nd year, but they aren't dearth of talent. John Parker Wilson is entering his 3rd year as the starting QB, and we should see some vast improvement in his Senior year. They should also have a pretty good defense on their side of the ball. I really only see two likely outcomes. Either Clemson is ready to put a hurt on Alabama and beat them by 2 TD's or more, or it remains close throughout and Alabama pulls off the upset. I'll side with history and take the Tide in a low scoring see-saw battle........Alabama 23 Clemson 20.
Full Story @ community.foxsports.com
2008 Season Michigan Preview: Game by Game Predictions
8/30: Utah - at the Big House: Tabbed the new uniform bowl by this blog as both Universities will be debuting their non-Nike Jerseys (Utah-Under Armour, Michigan-Adidas). This is no opening cupcake game for either team. Utah is rated higher in most polls then Michigan but come in as a 3 point dog. The Utes are an experienced team coming off a 9-4 record last year. Their two best players are their QB and Kicker. Yes, their kicker Louie Sakoda is one of the best in the nation. Not real good for the Wolverines if this is a close game down to the wire. Utah also is known as fast starters in 2007: First Qtr scoring Utah 68 - opponents 19.
Prediction: Michigan 30 - Utah 21
9/6: Miami (OH) - at the Big House: As we know Michigan shouldn't over look anyone, mostly with a young team. Miami is no MAC push over but Michigan has a way to beating every MAC team they have ever played. This game will be close for a quarter or so before Michigan finds it's footing. Prediction: Michigan 28 - Miami (OH) 10
9/13: ND - at ND: This game is a toss up for me. I really need to see both teams play before I predict this one. My first reaction is to pick ND because whichever Michigan QB is playing well at this point won't understand the pressure of being the starting QB for Michigan in South Bend.
ND was terrible last year and everyone expects them to be much improved and might even be favored at home against the young Wolverines. (I reserve the right to change this pick) ND: 21 Michigan: 17
9/27: Wisconsin - at the Big House: The schedule doesn't get any easier when the #13th ranked Badgers come to Ann Arbor. Wisconsin hasn't usually done very well in trips to Ann Arbor and are playing the old style Big Ten football. This style match-up favors Michigan and I expect them to win this game and upset Wisconsin at home. Michigan 24 Wisconsin 7
10/04: Illinois at the Big House: Illinois last year was "way" over rated but did have a huge win in Columbus then got embarrassed by USC in the Rose Bowl. The Fighting "Zookie's" have a mobile QB and been running the spread for a few years now. Michigan always struggles against a QB that can run and throw. I expect this game to be close, but I have a bad feeling the "Juice will get loose" in Ann Arbor: Illinois: 17 Michigan 10
10/11: Toledo at the Big House: Michigan playing in it's 6th game with only one on the road, helps heals some wounds against another MAC team. Can't overlook them, but Michigan doesn't' lose to MAC teams: Michigan 40 Toledo 17
10/18 PSU at Happy Valley: Michigan finally hits the road again for this sort of Prime Time game (4:30 start). PSU has lost an un-believable 10 games in a row to Michigan, which must really make JoPa think as he enjoys the "early bird" special at his local dinner. The PSU fans will want blood in this game as the Wolverines come to town. Here is another "hostile" environment that many of the young Wolverines won't have faced before. I have a feeling the Wolverines feel pretty confident in Happy Valley but PSU is like 20 months pregnant. PSU 21 Michigan 20
10/25: MSU at the Big House: Tabbed the Big Brother Game: MSU is feeling pretty good about their chances in this game, right now in August. The thing is MSU is thinking they are better then they really are and will have losses at CAL and maybe even to the athletic Florida Atlantic. Michigan will be ready for MSU this year and the Defense will stop them all day. Michigan 30 - MSU 3
11/1: at Purdue: This is Joe Tillers final Michigan game and he has the Wolverines at home. The problem is Purdue isn't much better then they were last year and will play well against poor competition to fail when they play the big boys in the conference. Michigan 27 Purdue 17
11/08: At Minnesota: Michigan never plays well in the Metro Dome. Never. I'm not sure why either. Maybe it's the weird Friday games or playing in a dome, the Wolverines always have to find a way to win "the little Brown Jug" when they travel North. This year is no exception to that rule, but as always Michigan's talent will rise to the top and the Gophers will retreat into their gopher hole. Michigan 31 Minnesota 24
11/15: Northwestern will be much improved this year and will surprise a few teams. They won't surprise Michigan at home before the Wolverines travel to Columbus to meet the 10-1 Buckeyes. Michigan 28 Northwestern 21
11/22 at OSU: I would love to break out the history books on you and talk about 1969 when a new coach from Miami of Ohio took over the Wolverines and played the top ranked Buckeyes in the nation's #1 rivalry. Does this sound familiar? From Bo's Wikipedia: In 1969, the Buckeyes came into the game as defending national champions and 17-point favorites with the top ranking in the country and a 22-game winning streak. Hayes' 1969 squad included five first-team all-Americans. But Schembechler's 7-2 Wolverines dominated a team Hayes later considered his best, beating Ohio State 24-12. In a single afternoon, Schembechler and his charges resurrected Michigan's grand but moribund football tradition and returned the program among college football's elite, a perch it has maintained ever since.
This paragraph will have Buckeye's up at night for the next three months thinking about that very real piece of history. Can it happen again? Will it happen again? It could. It's scary how things are very similar to that 1969 situation. OSU will be favored and should win this game (no points prediction at this time).
Best Case for the Wolverines: 10-2
Worst Case: 6-6
Big House Blog Prediction: 8-4
Saban Wants to Bottle Up the Running Game to Frustrate the Tigers
'I think the first thing that's import is when they've struggled to run the ball and make big plays, that's when they've had the least amount of success offensively,' Saban said. 'Even though they are a very balanced offensive team and they have a tremendous ability to make big plays throwing the football, the whole synergy of their team seems to center around those guys making great plays.
'I think it's pretty easy to show the defensive players that if we stop the run in this game, this is going to give us the best chance to be successful on defense.'
Part of that game plan is executing the basics.
'No doubt they've got good running backs,' defensive end Bobby Greenwood said. 'I've said before we've got to make sure we finish our tackles. Missed tackles are a big key in any game. Most of their offensive line is big guys, so we've got to come off the ball and explode from the start.
'They're just quick. They shoot straight upfield. Everybody has got to be in their gaps. One guy messes up, it could be a touchdown.'
Alabama faced an exceptional running back tandem last season in Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. McFadden, a first-round NFL draft pick last April, gained 195 yards and Jones added 96 in a 41-38 Tide victory.
'We have to compete against a couple of great backs again,' Arenas said. 'We have that experience, so it makes us that much ready and that much better to stop these guys.'
Full Story @ tuscaloosanews.com
'I think it's pretty easy to show the defensive players that if we stop the run in this game, this is going to give us the best chance to be successful on defense.'
Part of that game plan is executing the basics.
'No doubt they've got good running backs,' defensive end Bobby Greenwood said. 'I've said before we've got to make sure we finish our tackles. Missed tackles are a big key in any game. Most of their offensive line is big guys, so we've got to come off the ball and explode from the start.
'They're just quick. They shoot straight upfield. Everybody has got to be in their gaps. One guy messes up, it could be a touchdown.'
Alabama faced an exceptional running back tandem last season in Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. McFadden, a first-round NFL draft pick last April, gained 195 yards and Jones added 96 in a 41-38 Tide victory.
'We have to compete against a couple of great backs again,' Arenas said. 'We have that experience, so it makes us that much ready and that much better to stop these guys.'
Full Story @ tuscaloosanews.com
Key to the Clemson Game? Third-Down Conversions
In an Alabama-Clemson game that features playmakers on both sides of the ball, the outcome may hinge on the third-down conversion.
Keeping Clemson’s defense on the field, pounding away with a veteran offensive line and resting a thin defense are priorities for the Crimson Tide.
“That’s a big down this year for us,” left guard Mike Johnson said. “It’s time to go. It’s been criticized in the past and I understand that.
But we’re kind of putting that on our own shoulders this year.”
Full Story @ www.oanow.com
Keeping Clemson’s defense on the field, pounding away with a veteran offensive line and resting a thin defense are priorities for the Crimson Tide.
“That’s a big down this year for us,” left guard Mike Johnson said. “It’s time to go. It’s been criticized in the past and I understand that.
But we’re kind of putting that on our own shoulders this year.”
Full Story @ www.oanow.com
So, it begins.
Year four of The Penn State Football Podcast begins with a preview of the upcoming 2008 season. Hosts Tony Pittman and Phil Collins review this year's off-the-field issues and preview the upcoming matchups.
Stupid 2008 Football Predictions
Every year at this time, I sit down and think about what is going to happen in the up coming football year. I think back to the good old days of Woodson, Howard, Henson, and John Cooper and say to myself "I knew those guys were going to be great".
So here are my 2008 predictions and my opportunity to "look like the smartest guy on the Internet or the Dumbest"
So here are my 2008 predictions and my opportunity to "look like the smartest guy on the Internet or the Dumbest"
- Michigan's Freshman of the year: Michael Shaw
- Michigan Defense will rank in the top 10 all year
- Michigan will win 8 games this year
- Michigan State will lose to CAL and Florida Atlantic before the Big Ten begins (they will beat ND)
- ND will be 6-6
- OSU will lose to USC and it won't be close (Big Ten teams don't travel well to the West Coast with a week to prepare)
- The SEC Champ will have at least 2 losses in conference
- OSU will go 11-1 and won't make it to the BCS Championship game because of the last two years performance
- Ryan Mallett will fumble snaps on the sideline at Arkansas
- Surprise Team of the Year is North Carolina
- Coach of the Year is Butch Davis
- West Virgina will battle Cincinnati for the Big East Title
- This will be Kirk Ferentz last year at Iowa
- App State will hang with LSU for a half and then the Dream Part 2 ends (sequels are never as good)
- Scoring will reach an all time high this year as the Spread has taken over college football
- JoPa will retire after this year due to pressure from alumni and fans after another average year
- We won't understand Lou Holtz at all on College Gameday, but he will predict ND to win 11-12 games and go to a BCS Bowl
- Herbie's hair on Gameday will be perfect
- Brian Kelly will be the "hot candidate" for any opening next year
- The Big Ten Network will cover the games but not as professionally as ABC/ESPN
- Beno Cook will predict that Ron Powlus will win the Heisman this year
- All the Florida teams will improve and be ready to dominate again in 2009
- Someone on Iowa will get arrested
- Central Michigan will upset a BCS school
- Brian Billick will be a head coach of a BCS school next year
- Norm Chow will do wonders at UCLA
- Joe Tiller will throw Michigan "under the bus" during his farewell speech
Boy I miss College Football. Almost 24 hours before kickoff on Thursday!
Big Sports is Big Money - Alabama's Football Program Grosses $54 million a Year
Alabama's football program grosses $54 million a year. Estimated profits from that are $32 million. That money does more than help the football and other athletic programs -- millions also go to academic programs at the University of Alabama.
The Sept. 1 issue of Forbes Magazine's cover story is about Nick Saban, who became the football coach at the University of Alabama in 2007. Forbes billed him as "the most powerful coach in sports." The story is by Monte Burke.
Saban, with his agent, James E. Sexton II, negotiated an eight-year, $32 million contract, at the time, the highest salary ever paid to a college coach. It remains among the highest and is bigger than all but a handful of NFL coaching salaries. His deal includes, among other perks, 25 hours of private use of a university airplane, two cars, and a country club membership, extras that make his annual compensation closer to $5 million a year..." the article in Forbes said.
Full Story @ cantondailyledger.com
The Sept. 1 issue of Forbes Magazine's cover story is about Nick Saban, who became the football coach at the University of Alabama in 2007. Forbes billed him as "the most powerful coach in sports." The story is by Monte Burke.
Saban, with his agent, James E. Sexton II, negotiated an eight-year, $32 million contract, at the time, the highest salary ever paid to a college coach. It remains among the highest and is bigger than all but a handful of NFL coaching salaries. His deal includes, among other perks, 25 hours of private use of a university airplane, two cars, and a country club membership, extras that make his annual compensation closer to $5 million a year..." the article in Forbes said.
Full Story @ cantondailyledger.com
OSU vs YSU Game Preview
Ohio State – Youngstown St. Game Preview
The 2008 season starts with several entertaining games on Thursday and Friday of this week. Most notably Georgia Tech, under new coach Paul Johnson, will unveil their “triple option” attack against Jacksonville State on Thursday night. Go Jackets!!!! However entertaining this game (and others) may be, everyone knows the season really starts on Saturday and one of the first games to kick-off will be Ohio State vs. Youngstown State from the “Shoe”. . Last year’s game ended 38-6 in favor of the Buckeyes. I don’t think it will be that close this year. With the negotiations between Time Warner and the Big Ten network finally producing results, I’ll be able to watch the game in the comfort of my home instead of at a bar. That is a pleasant surprise.
What to look for on Saturday:
· Like I said in my preview of the upcoming year, Ohio State’s season hinges on several key factors…all of which will be on display this Saturday. The running game will be a constant all year. I’m excited to see what a healthy Beanie Wells will do. The short and intermediate passing game should also be able to consistently deliver positive yards.
There are only two questions most Buckeye fans have about the offense. #1 Will Todd Boekman be a better decision maker this year? #2 How soon/often will Terrelle Pryor see playing time? I want to see Boekman stay patient in the pocket, going through his reads and finding the open receiver. I do not want to see him with happy feet, forcing the ball into double coverage. While it won’t make a difference in the outcome of this game, solid play by Boekman this week and next would make me feel much better about the USC game in week three. I’m going against conventional wisdom and stating that while we will see Pryor for several series on Saturday (I’m guessing the 3rd or 4th series plus several others), anyone thinking the Coach Tressel is going to dust off the “Stanley Jackson – Joe Germaine Revolving QB Attack” is going to be disappointed. The depth chart at Bucknuts.com still reads Boekman – Bauserman – Pryor. I’m comfortable with that progression.
· I also mentioned the need for improved play on the defensive line as well as a more physical presence by the cornerbacks and safeties. Creating a few more turnovers should be a key by- product of those two things. I don’t expect YSU to be able to mount any serious challenges on the ground or through the air. The second and third teams should see extensive time in the second half.
How it will go:
· Beanie will go for 135 yards on 20 carries. He’ll score two touchdowns, one on a run of 30+ yards.
· Boekman will throw the ball all over the field (in a controlled manner) to six different receivers. He’ll throw 2 touchdowns, one on a long pass to Robiskie. I’m saying he will avoid throwing any interceptions.
· The defense will pitch the first of several shutouts this year.
· The bad taste left in our mouths after the BCS title game will be replaced with the sweet taste of victory.
I have it 45 – 0.
Go Bucks!!!!!!
-Buckeye John
The 2008 season starts with several entertaining games on Thursday and Friday of this week. Most notably Georgia Tech, under new coach Paul Johnson, will unveil their “triple option” attack against Jacksonville State on Thursday night. Go Jackets!!!! However entertaining this game (and others) may be, everyone knows the season really starts on Saturday and one of the first games to kick-off will be Ohio State vs. Youngstown State from the “Shoe”. . Last year’s game ended 38-6 in favor of the Buckeyes. I don’t think it will be that close this year. With the negotiations between Time Warner and the Big Ten network finally producing results, I’ll be able to watch the game in the comfort of my home instead of at a bar. That is a pleasant surprise.
What to look for on Saturday:
· Like I said in my preview of the upcoming year, Ohio State’s season hinges on several key factors…all of which will be on display this Saturday. The running game will be a constant all year. I’m excited to see what a healthy Beanie Wells will do. The short and intermediate passing game should also be able to consistently deliver positive yards.
There are only two questions most Buckeye fans have about the offense. #1 Will Todd Boekman be a better decision maker this year? #2 How soon/often will Terrelle Pryor see playing time? I want to see Boekman stay patient in the pocket, going through his reads and finding the open receiver. I do not want to see him with happy feet, forcing the ball into double coverage. While it won’t make a difference in the outcome of this game, solid play by Boekman this week and next would make me feel much better about the USC game in week three. I’m going against conventional wisdom and stating that while we will see Pryor for several series on Saturday (I’m guessing the 3rd or 4th series plus several others), anyone thinking the Coach Tressel is going to dust off the “Stanley Jackson – Joe Germaine Revolving QB Attack” is going to be disappointed. The depth chart at Bucknuts.com still reads Boekman – Bauserman – Pryor. I’m comfortable with that progression.
· I also mentioned the need for improved play on the defensive line as well as a more physical presence by the cornerbacks and safeties. Creating a few more turnovers should be a key by- product of those two things. I don’t expect YSU to be able to mount any serious challenges on the ground or through the air. The second and third teams should see extensive time in the second half.
How it will go:
· Beanie will go for 135 yards on 20 carries. He’ll score two touchdowns, one on a run of 30+ yards.
· Boekman will throw the ball all over the field (in a controlled manner) to six different receivers. He’ll throw 2 touchdowns, one on a long pass to Robiskie. I’m saying he will avoid throwing any interceptions.
· The defense will pitch the first of several shutouts this year.
· The bad taste left in our mouths after the BCS title game will be replaced with the sweet taste of victory.
I have it 45 – 0.
Go Bucks!!!!!!
-Buckeye John
Get your FRESH man We got FRESH man here!
When Coach Rodriguez took over the Wolverines in December, we knew the roster and personnel would be different for the Wolverines when they opened their 2008 campaign.
So in early 2008, Rich and his staff of coaches hit the recruiting trail and tried to land some of his prototypical weapons that he likes to use in his offense. One of those recruits is Martavious Odoms from Florida. Odom's whose nickname on the team is "Lil Wayne" lines up at 5"9 and 168 pounds. To small for Big Ten Football right? Not in this new world of Michigan football. Odoms has been impressive in Fall Camp and will take the field with the #1 Offense on Saturday.
"He's very fast and explosive and very elusive," junior wideout Greg Mathews said. "And he's so small. "I just love to look down there and see him in the slot, because I know I don't have to make a crushing block to get him open."
One of Lloyd Carr's recruits is Freshman and Internet video star - Sam "the crimedog" McGuffie who as of right now is listed as one of the starting running backs with fellow Freshman Mike Shaw and Letterman Minor and Brown. For some reason the "Crime Dog" nickname hasn't stuck and his fellow team mates have tabbed him "Vanilla Ice". Let's hope he doesn't have one great game, date Madonna and then be never heard from again.
One of Michigan roster strengths this year is at Tight End a position that really isn't used in RR's offense. But all good coaches put their best talent on the field and returning starters Carson Butler and Mike Massey (coming off an injury) will fill the role nicely. With that said, another Freshman Kevin Koger from Toledo has been turning heads in practice and will also see some playing time this fall. The team has given Kevin the nickname "Greg Odom".
Darryl Stonum is another Freshman from Texas and has been on campus almost as long as his new coaching staff and is listed as a co-starter with Greg Matthews and LaTerryal Savoy at WR.
Other Freshman that you will see on Saturday include:
- Boubacar Cissoko (plays behind Donovan Warren at CB)
- Mike Martin (plays behind Terrance Taylor at Defensive Tackle)
Hopefully these young guys will bring some SEC speed to the Big Ten and give us some mis-matches. It would be great to see these guy in the open field scoring touchdowns for the Maize and Blue.
What they don't bring is experience, so expect some Freshman mistakes but hopefully the good will out weigh the bad on Saturday's this fall.
Breaking News: Time Warner Cable and The Big Ten Network: Have a Deal
Late on Monday Night both Time Warner Cable and The Big Ten Network came to agreement on a deal in principal, ending over a year of negotations.
The details of the deal are yet to be released but it seems the major issues have been resolved.
The NFL Network had no comment on the deal.
The details of the deal are yet to be released but it seems the major issues have been resolved.
The NFL Network had no comment on the deal.
Jones to Start at WR
There are 70 total names on the offensive and defensive units. Twenty-seven of those names are freshmen — including starters Julio Jones at wide receiver and Don’ta Hightower at inside linebacker.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban said the depth chart includes a lot of “Ors.” For instance, freshmen Barrett Jones or Tyler Love are listed at left tackle behind Andre Smith.
Story @ www.oanow.com
Alabama head coach Nick Saban said the depth chart includes a lot of “Ors.” For instance, freshmen Barrett Jones or Tyler Love are listed at left tackle behind Andre Smith.
Story @ www.oanow.com
Backup QB Nick Fanuzzi Leaves 'Bama
Backup quarterback Nick Fanuzzi decided on Monday to leave the University of Alabama football program, the 14th Crimson Tide player to either leave the team or be dismissed from the squad since the start of the 2007 season.
Fanuzzi, a second-year player from San Antonio, Texas, had dropped on the depth chart behind true freshman Star Jackson and walk-on redshirt freshman Thomas Darrah, prompting a discussion with head coach Nick Saban.
"Nick Fanuzzi has been talking to us for several days and he has decided to transfer," Saban said. "Nick is a fine young man. He did an outstanding job here for us. We certainly hate to see him leave the program because every characteristic, every value that we try to instill in the program, he certainly represents.
Story @ www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
Fanuzzi, a second-year player from San Antonio, Texas, had dropped on the depth chart behind true freshman Star Jackson and walk-on redshirt freshman Thomas Darrah, prompting a discussion with head coach Nick Saban.
"Nick Fanuzzi has been talking to us for several days and he has decided to transfer," Saban said. "Nick is a fine young man. He did an outstanding job here for us. We certainly hate to see him leave the program because every characteristic, every value that we try to instill in the program, he certainly represents.
Story @ www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
Buckeye Season Preview
2008 Ohio State Football Preview:
Final preparations continue on practice fields and in film rooms across the country. Open positions are being fought for. Depth charts are taking shape. It’s a wonderful time to be a college football fan. More specifically, how cool is it to be an Ohio State fan these days? Consecutive losses in the BCS title game aside, few teams have as much to look forward to going into this year as the Buckeyes.
Here are five things that get me excited about the upcoming year.
#1 Welcome back seniors!!! - The unlikely return of several All-American caliber players is the biggest news (IMO) heading into the year. Losing the steady play of Vernon Gholston and Larry Grant on defense and leadership of Kirk Barton on offense was quickly mitigated by the unlikely return of James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Alex Boone and Marcus Freeman. Losing all of them to the NFL would have been tough to overcome. As it is, talented sophomore Bryant Browning will replace Barton at right tackle. Lawrence Wilson will return from a broken leg to reclaim his starting position on the d-line and Ross Homan will replace Grant at weak side linebacker. Additionally, last years’ revolving door at fullback will be replaced by…. well….this years’ revolving door at fullback (let’s call that a wash and move on). In all, nine (9) starters return on offense and nine (9) on defense. Throw in the return of both kicking specialists and we have 20 returning starters and experience and depth at most every position on the field.
I feel obliged to mention that Michigan fans had every reason to be excited about this same scenario last year. The return of Hart, Henne and Long seemed to set them up for a great year. A run at a National Championship was expected. Here’s hoping our seniors can avoid the nagging injuries and early losses that took the wind out of the UM sail last year.
#2 Hello Beanie!! - The more Chris Wells played last year, the better he got. 1600+ yards and 15 touchdowns as a first year starter are pretty special. The fact that he compiled those numbers with nagging injuries to his ankle and hand is pretty scary. He enters this year injury free and at or near the top of most POY lists. I fully expect him to exceed his numbers from last year and to contend for the Heisman. He will also take some of the heat of Boekman make all the plays. I’m sure that’s been one of the key ongoing messages that Todd has been hearing from the coaches throughout camp.
#3 California Dreaming - I’m totally pumped for the USC game on September 13th. I love the fact that the Buckeyes are once again playing in the most anticipated non-conference game of the year. Going into the Coliseum, at night, against the Trojans will provide the ultimate opportunity to prove our ability to all our doubters and haters out there. In many ways, the game sets up exactly the same as the 2006 game against Texas. I expect similar results in this game.
#4 Second team and freshmen – All Buckeye fans are excited about the addition of heralded Prep QB Terrelle Pryor. I’ve read nothing but good things about his attitude and involvement with the offense since arriving in Columbus. There has been lots of speculation about his role and the amount of playing time he will see this year. Conventional wisdom suggests using him in much the same way Florida used Tim Tebow several years ago and LSU used Ryan Perrilloux last year. They were the “running” quarterbacks playing opposite more “traditional” drop-back quarterbacks in Chris Leak and Matt Flynn. I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that we will see less of Terrelle this year than we are expecting. This will be a result of the conservative nature of Coach Tressel more so than Terrelle’s ability or game readiness. Another factor will be the effectiveness of Boekman. If Todd stays healthy and is making plays on a weekly basis there would be no reason to throw him in the mix too early. I think Terrelle will see time early in the season against YSU and OU but his playing time will diminish once conference play starts. Of course, I could be wrong on this and he could have a break out year. It will be fun to watch one way or the other.
In addition to Pryor I’m excited to see Rob Rose, Tyler Moeller and Thad Gibson wreak havoc on defense and DeVier Posey, Brandon Saine and Dane Sanzenbacher on offense. I would be remiss if I didn’t give props to the newest members of the offensive line as well. They call themselves the “Block O.” Michael Brewster, JB Shugarts and Mike Adams should all see playing time and give us a sneak peak at how they will play together for years to come.
#5 “First game at the “Shoe” - I have tickets to the Troy St. game in September. I’m going to take my two young sons to their first game in Columbus. Thinking about how much fun it was for me to see my first game gets me excited for them. Here’s hoping we can avoid a “down” week coming after a big win in California.
As with any list of “pros” there must also be a list of “cons”. Here are five (5) things I am worried about this year.
#1 “Bombs away Boekman” – I said it several times last year and am prepared to say it every week this year. “Todd Boekman needs to make better decisions.” He’ll have the luxury of being able to call Beanie’s number every other play but he cannot throw the ball downfield like he did last year. His poor decision making was pivotal in both losses last year and it will be more of the same this year if he doesn’t show improved decision making
#2 “Coaches on the hot seat” – I heard whispers about the coaching staff after the Florida debacle. How they made bad decisions, changed the game plan on the fly and were generally out coached. Given the final score, it was easy to forget all aspects of the game including those issues. However, going through a similar nightmare against LSU last year resurfaced much of the same debate. This year I’ll be curious to see if there are any new approaches or techniques in use (especially to combat the vaunted SEC type speed).
#3 Suspensions on defense – Losing Donald Washington and Jamario O’Neal for the first few games (to suspension) will probably not be that big of an issue. In fact, their absence will give Chimdi Chekwa and others much needed game experience. However, there will be lingering doubt as these experienced players return for the trip to LA. I’m also looking for the other members (Kurt Coleman, Jenkins, Anderson Russell and Aaron Grant) to be more physical against the opposition.
#4 Consistent play by the defensive line – One of the few areas of concern heading into the season will be the play of the defensive line. We return a lot of experience but this unit appeared vulnerable at the end of the season. I’m hoping of year or experience and time in the weight room and at the dinner table will be enough to make this unit better than last year. Cameron Heyword was a huge surprise as a freshman and will be better this year. As mentioned earlier, the return of Lawrence Wilson will help to offset the loss of Gholston. He may be more of a natural defensive end but he won’t have the pure strength and power that Vernon brought to the game. The mix of Nader Abdullah, Doug Worthington, Dexter Larimore and Todd Denlinger will compete for playing time on the interior of the line. Each of them should be better with a year of experience behind them. I’ve also read a great deal about Thad Gibson playing really well in camp. He came to Ohio State as a linebacker but has bulked up and will now provide a much needed presence as a speed rusher coming off the edge.
#5 BCS title game hangover(s) – Everyone has stayed pretty poised in light of the outcomes of the last two BCS title games. I’m hoping there isn’t any lingering doubt floating around in the minds of the players and coaches. I’m looking for the team to come out swinging in the first half of the season. If they seem to be playing flat or fail to overcome any early adversities it could make for a disappointing year.
So, how is the year going to unfold?
On Offense: With so much depth on this side of the ball it will be tough to get everyone multiple touches each game. You know Beanie is going to get the ball 20-25 times per game. The Buckeyes will use more formations and than at any other time during the Tressel era. 5-wide, Pony, Pistol, Pryor running the option, etc. You name it…..you’ll see it this year. I think the offense has enough playmakers to force opposing defenses play them straight up. That is to say that other teams will not be able to concentrate on stopping the running game at the expense of defending the pass. I don’t think the offense will put up huge numbers (especially early in the year against in-state opponents….Tressel doesn’t like to run up the score in those games) but I’m not worried about an inability to puts points on the board.
On Defense: Last year the defense ended the regular season as the number one scoring unit, third in rushing defense (83 yards per game) and the number one overall (233 yards per game) unit in the nation. That didn’t stop LSU from hanging 38 points of them but it’s nice to be associated with those types of rankings. With virtually everyone returning, bigger and with more experience, I expect another dominant year. We need to create more turnovers if we expect to content for the national title. If we can develop consistency on the defensive line and get physical play from the defensive backfield this unit could be one of the best ever.
Overall: I have us going 11-1 during the year. I believe we will return from LA with a huge win under our belts and primed to enter the conference schedule on a roll. I’m not prepared to say who we will lose to but things happen and the road games to Madison and Champaign scare me. I believe we will win the “outright” conference championship and if we get lucky, play for the BCS title again.
I’ll be writing Buckeye game previews and reviews each week for this blog. In the mean time, I look forward to another year of exciting Buckeye Football!!!!
-Buckeye John
Final preparations continue on practice fields and in film rooms across the country. Open positions are being fought for. Depth charts are taking shape. It’s a wonderful time to be a college football fan. More specifically, how cool is it to be an Ohio State fan these days? Consecutive losses in the BCS title game aside, few teams have as much to look forward to going into this year as the Buckeyes.
Here are five things that get me excited about the upcoming year.
#1 Welcome back seniors!!! - The unlikely return of several All-American caliber players is the biggest news (IMO) heading into the year. Losing the steady play of Vernon Gholston and Larry Grant on defense and leadership of Kirk Barton on offense was quickly mitigated by the unlikely return of James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Alex Boone and Marcus Freeman. Losing all of them to the NFL would have been tough to overcome. As it is, talented sophomore Bryant Browning will replace Barton at right tackle. Lawrence Wilson will return from a broken leg to reclaim his starting position on the d-line and Ross Homan will replace Grant at weak side linebacker. Additionally, last years’ revolving door at fullback will be replaced by…. well….this years’ revolving door at fullback (let’s call that a wash and move on). In all, nine (9) starters return on offense and nine (9) on defense. Throw in the return of both kicking specialists and we have 20 returning starters and experience and depth at most every position on the field.
I feel obliged to mention that Michigan fans had every reason to be excited about this same scenario last year. The return of Hart, Henne and Long seemed to set them up for a great year. A run at a National Championship was expected. Here’s hoping our seniors can avoid the nagging injuries and early losses that took the wind out of the UM sail last year.
#2 Hello Beanie!! - The more Chris Wells played last year, the better he got. 1600+ yards and 15 touchdowns as a first year starter are pretty special. The fact that he compiled those numbers with nagging injuries to his ankle and hand is pretty scary. He enters this year injury free and at or near the top of most POY lists. I fully expect him to exceed his numbers from last year and to contend for the Heisman. He will also take some of the heat of Boekman make all the plays. I’m sure that’s been one of the key ongoing messages that Todd has been hearing from the coaches throughout camp.
#3 California Dreaming - I’m totally pumped for the USC game on September 13th. I love the fact that the Buckeyes are once again playing in the most anticipated non-conference game of the year. Going into the Coliseum, at night, against the Trojans will provide the ultimate opportunity to prove our ability to all our doubters and haters out there. In many ways, the game sets up exactly the same as the 2006 game against Texas. I expect similar results in this game.
#4 Second team and freshmen – All Buckeye fans are excited about the addition of heralded Prep QB Terrelle Pryor. I’ve read nothing but good things about his attitude and involvement with the offense since arriving in Columbus. There has been lots of speculation about his role and the amount of playing time he will see this year. Conventional wisdom suggests using him in much the same way Florida used Tim Tebow several years ago and LSU used Ryan Perrilloux last year. They were the “running” quarterbacks playing opposite more “traditional” drop-back quarterbacks in Chris Leak and Matt Flynn. I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that we will see less of Terrelle this year than we are expecting. This will be a result of the conservative nature of Coach Tressel more so than Terrelle’s ability or game readiness. Another factor will be the effectiveness of Boekman. If Todd stays healthy and is making plays on a weekly basis there would be no reason to throw him in the mix too early. I think Terrelle will see time early in the season against YSU and OU but his playing time will diminish once conference play starts. Of course, I could be wrong on this and he could have a break out year. It will be fun to watch one way or the other.
In addition to Pryor I’m excited to see Rob Rose, Tyler Moeller and Thad Gibson wreak havoc on defense and DeVier Posey, Brandon Saine and Dane Sanzenbacher on offense. I would be remiss if I didn’t give props to the newest members of the offensive line as well. They call themselves the “Block O.” Michael Brewster, JB Shugarts and Mike Adams should all see playing time and give us a sneak peak at how they will play together for years to come.
#5 “First game at the “Shoe” - I have tickets to the Troy St. game in September. I’m going to take my two young sons to their first game in Columbus. Thinking about how much fun it was for me to see my first game gets me excited for them. Here’s hoping we can avoid a “down” week coming after a big win in California.
As with any list of “pros” there must also be a list of “cons”. Here are five (5) things I am worried about this year.
#1 “Bombs away Boekman” – I said it several times last year and am prepared to say it every week this year. “Todd Boekman needs to make better decisions.” He’ll have the luxury of being able to call Beanie’s number every other play but he cannot throw the ball downfield like he did last year. His poor decision making was pivotal in both losses last year and it will be more of the same this year if he doesn’t show improved decision making
#2 “Coaches on the hot seat” – I heard whispers about the coaching staff after the Florida debacle. How they made bad decisions, changed the game plan on the fly and were generally out coached. Given the final score, it was easy to forget all aspects of the game including those issues. However, going through a similar nightmare against LSU last year resurfaced much of the same debate. This year I’ll be curious to see if there are any new approaches or techniques in use (especially to combat the vaunted SEC type speed).
#3 Suspensions on defense – Losing Donald Washington and Jamario O’Neal for the first few games (to suspension) will probably not be that big of an issue. In fact, their absence will give Chimdi Chekwa and others much needed game experience. However, there will be lingering doubt as these experienced players return for the trip to LA. I’m also looking for the other members (Kurt Coleman, Jenkins, Anderson Russell and Aaron Grant) to be more physical against the opposition.
#4 Consistent play by the defensive line – One of the few areas of concern heading into the season will be the play of the defensive line. We return a lot of experience but this unit appeared vulnerable at the end of the season. I’m hoping of year or experience and time in the weight room and at the dinner table will be enough to make this unit better than last year. Cameron Heyword was a huge surprise as a freshman and will be better this year. As mentioned earlier, the return of Lawrence Wilson will help to offset the loss of Gholston. He may be more of a natural defensive end but he won’t have the pure strength and power that Vernon brought to the game. The mix of Nader Abdullah, Doug Worthington, Dexter Larimore and Todd Denlinger will compete for playing time on the interior of the line. Each of them should be better with a year of experience behind them. I’ve also read a great deal about Thad Gibson playing really well in camp. He came to Ohio State as a linebacker but has bulked up and will now provide a much needed presence as a speed rusher coming off the edge.
#5 BCS title game hangover(s) – Everyone has stayed pretty poised in light of the outcomes of the last two BCS title games. I’m hoping there isn’t any lingering doubt floating around in the minds of the players and coaches. I’m looking for the team to come out swinging in the first half of the season. If they seem to be playing flat or fail to overcome any early adversities it could make for a disappointing year.
So, how is the year going to unfold?
On Offense: With so much depth on this side of the ball it will be tough to get everyone multiple touches each game. You know Beanie is going to get the ball 20-25 times per game. The Buckeyes will use more formations and than at any other time during the Tressel era. 5-wide, Pony, Pistol, Pryor running the option, etc. You name it…..you’ll see it this year. I think the offense has enough playmakers to force opposing defenses play them straight up. That is to say that other teams will not be able to concentrate on stopping the running game at the expense of defending the pass. I don’t think the offense will put up huge numbers (especially early in the year against in-state opponents….Tressel doesn’t like to run up the score in those games) but I’m not worried about an inability to puts points on the board.
On Defense: Last year the defense ended the regular season as the number one scoring unit, third in rushing defense (83 yards per game) and the number one overall (233 yards per game) unit in the nation. That didn’t stop LSU from hanging 38 points of them but it’s nice to be associated with those types of rankings. With virtually everyone returning, bigger and with more experience, I expect another dominant year. We need to create more turnovers if we expect to content for the national title. If we can develop consistency on the defensive line and get physical play from the defensive backfield this unit could be one of the best ever.
Overall: I have us going 11-1 during the year. I believe we will return from LA with a huge win under our belts and primed to enter the conference schedule on a roll. I’m not prepared to say who we will lose to but things happen and the road games to Madison and Champaign scare me. I believe we will win the “outright” conference championship and if we get lucky, play for the BCS title again.
I’ll be writing Buckeye game previews and reviews each week for this blog. In the mean time, I look forward to another year of exciting Buckeye Football!!!!
-Buckeye John
Big House Game Week News and Notes
- Contest: Pick this weeks Utah vs Michigan final score and win the New A&E's DVD on Bo Schembechler and a Adidas Big House Blog hat! (what a deal). Also pick Michigan's leading rusher as a tie breaker. Send me an email with the score and leading rusher to win at thebighouseblog@hotmail.com. See it here at Amazon.
- RR has a press conference in an hour. Who can it be now? Threet or Sheridan. Update 12:30: No news on the QB. Shaw and/or McGuffie are listed ahead of Brown and Minor at RB depth (no big deal all will play). Odoms has locked up one of the starting WR positions, both Massey and/or Butler at TE with Koger getting some snaps as well, At LB: Obi Ezeh is listed ahead of John Thompson at middle linebacker and will be flanked by Austin Panter and Marell Evans, safeties are Stevie Brown at free and Brandon Harrison at strong, Harrison and Morgan Trent are the primary kickoff returners and Donovan Warren will start off returning punts, but Odoms is in the mix at both spots.
- Another Joppru in the Big House?: Bennie, an All-American for the Wolverines in 2002 (setting a single-season school record for receptions by a tight end with 53) brother plays for the Utes. Chris Joppru (also a Tight End) has only played in two games for the Utes, but will see significant time this Saturday. Any other Michigaganders on the Utes Roster? Yes, Sophomore tight end Neli A'asa is from Big Rapids. I guess the State puts out a lot of Tight Ends!
- Utah has been watching Tapes of WVU and Stanford:
While suspecting Rodriguez may not be able to run an offense identical to the one he had installed at West Virginia, the Utes still are studying game film of the Mountaineers with the belief they'll see something similar to their own offense. Defensively, Utah has been studying tapes of Stanford, where coordinator Scott Shafer last coached. The Utes know Michigan's defense will be fast, but little else about it.
- Michigan offer D.J. Swearinger commits to Tennessee
GAME WEEK! - Time to Focus
This is it my friends, the Rich Rodriguez era officially starts next Saturday at 3:30. This isn't your father's Wolverines, this is a Brand New Day!
With that in mind, we will have a number of special features this week:
With that in mind, we will have a number of special features this week:
- Today: The Buckeye Season Preview, A Special Bo's DVD Contest, a regular post.
- Tuesday: OSU vs YSU Preview, regular Post.
- Wednesday: Michigan game by game prediction post
- Thursday: Big Ten Week One Predictions, Utah Game Preview
- Friday: The Utah "BigHouse Blog" Pre-Game Speech
There is a lot to chew on this week, so buckle up and join us for the ride!
The Beanie Bowl
With a new coaching staff comes some new traditions. The Beanie Bowl is one of those new traditions. The Beanie Bowl simulated a real game at Michigan stadium and all the particulars of preparing for next week.
This was the first time for most of the coaches and the freshman to get a chance to run down the tunnel, hit the banner, and play in the big house. One big difference, there wasn't 110,000 faithful waiting for them.
The below link from shows highlights from the game and interviews with RR and a couple of returning Letterman. The highlights show all three QB's completing passes and Nick Sheridan running for a touchdown on the option. Steve Threet looks like a polished passer but Nick showed some good arm strength and mobility.
There is even a screen to McGuffie and pick thrown by Feagin. RR spoke in the interview that some of the freshmen were nervous and made some freshmen mistakes. He also mentioned that the team is exactly where he thought they would be and would be ready in another full week of practice.
There is also a quick cameo from Mike Barwis.
See the video here: Beanie Bowl at the Big House!
This was the first time for most of the coaches and the freshman to get a chance to run down the tunnel, hit the banner, and play in the big house. One big difference, there wasn't 110,000 faithful waiting for them.
The below link from shows highlights from the game and interviews with RR and a couple of returning Letterman. The highlights show all three QB's completing passes and Nick Sheridan running for a touchdown on the option. Steve Threet looks like a polished passer but Nick showed some good arm strength and mobility.
There is even a screen to McGuffie and pick thrown by Feagin. RR spoke in the interview that some of the freshmen were nervous and made some freshmen mistakes. He also mentioned that the team is exactly where he thought they would be and would be ready in another full week of practice.
There is also a quick cameo from Mike Barwis.
See the video here: Beanie Bowl at the Big House!
OK, Buckeyes it's really time to call Direct TV
On a follow up from Friday's post on the negotiations between the Big Ten Network and Time Warner we learn what Time Warner had offered the Big Ten Network:
You have to be kidding me. Having these games pay-per-view when they should be free or like a $1 a month is crazy. The Big Ten Network agrees:
It has to be Time Warner Cable because the BTN is about to announce another agreement has been reached with Mediacom (for Iowa fans).
O'Connell (TWC VP) extended an offer that would show Ohio State football games carried on the Big Ten Network. As part of the deal, customers would be charged on a per-game basis, with all revenue from the games going to Ohio State.
"Time Warner Cable is committed to reaching a reasonable and fair deal," O'Connell wrote. "In addition, in the interest of all our customers, Buckeye fans and others alike, while we continue our negotiations, we are willing to offer the Ohio State football games carried on the Big Ten Network to our customers on a per-game basis, at a retail price set by you, with 100 percent of the revenue going to you. To ensure that our customers can see these games for the lowest possible price, we will not keep one penny of the revenue generated from the sale of these games."
You have to be kidding me. Having these games pay-per-view when they should be free or like a $1 a month is crazy. The Big Ten Network agrees:
I have zero confidence that a deal will be reached and it's time for Big Ten fans in TWC's cable territory to find a new TV programming provider.A few hours later, the Big Ten Network released a statement in which it called Time Warner's offer a "publicity stunt.""Time Warner is well aware that it cannot selectively choose to air a network's programming in lieu of full carriage," the statement read.
"What proposals have recently been exchanged, there is a wide gap between what Time Warner and its competitors would seem to agree is reasonable and fair," the statement read.
It has to be Time Warner Cable because the BTN is about to announce another agreement has been reached with Mediacom (for Iowa fans).
Programming Note
Check back on Monday for this year's installment of Buckeye John's: Ohio State Season Overview. BJ will delight readers with an in dept look at The Buckeyes' 2008 squad and their potential to go to another BCS Championship game.
Topics will include:
Topics will include:
- The Role of Terrelle Pryor
- Is there a QB controversy?
- The Defense
- Prediction on overall record
BJ will also have his game preview for Youngstown State on Tuesday.
His regular Buckeye game review will be every Monday during the season.
Keep your friends close, Buckeyes closer!
Also starting on Monday there will be a new and exciting contest to win a copy of A&E's new DVD on Bo Schembechler.
1, 2, 3, 4 Pressure! Talks continue between Time Warner and The Big Ten Network
So what happens when the AD of a powerful University tells it's season ticket holders and alumni to leave a cable service and choose another provider that carries the Big Ten Network?
Well, it causes press releases and even more pressure to get a deal done by both sides. As we all know, OSU's games against YSU, Troy, and most likely Minnesota will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
Yes, Gene Smith AD of OSU sent a letter to season ticket holders and alumni stating the following:
Time Warner of course had a quick reply:
Bottom Line: Both sides have a week to get this deal done or TWC is going to lose a ton of customers in Ohio. Both sides better get back to the table and come to an agreement fast.
On a side note: The NFL Network had no comment or station on Time Warner Cable.
Well, it causes press releases and even more pressure to get a deal done by both sides. As we all know, OSU's games against YSU, Troy, and most likely Minnesota will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
Yes, Gene Smith AD of OSU sent a letter to season ticket holders and alumni stating the following:
“Time Warner’s decision not to carry the network is a huge disappointment,” Smith said. That is especially the case, he said, because the network was able to strike a deal earlier this year with Comcast, the other big cable company serving the Big Ten region.Smith said seven in 10 homes in Big Ten states now have the network compared to four in 10 in Ohio.“It is a shame,” Smith said in the letter, “that nearly all Michigan fans have the network, but Buckeye fans do not.”
Time Warner of course had a quick reply:
In a statement, the company said it was disappointed that Ohio State “falsely” reported that Time Warner has made a decision not to carry the Big Ten Network.
“It appears the university is not being fully briefed on the status of the negotiations,” the statement said. “We’ve had positive discussions with Fox in recent days, including the active exchange of proposals. There is no stalemate or breakdown in discussions as Smith’s letter would have our customers believe.”
Bottom Line: Both sides have a week to get this deal done or TWC is going to lose a ton of customers in Ohio. Both sides better get back to the table and come to an agreement fast.
On a side note: The NFL Network had no comment or station on Time Warner Cable.
Put another "Spoon" on the Table: Marcus is back!
When it seems like Offensive Lineman and other players are dropping like flies due to injuries, etc. Michigan gets a boost from one of it's highly regarded Freshman recruits when Marcus Witherspoon reports to camp for the first time.
Marcus was rumored to have an NCAA Clearinghouse problem or was academically ineligible and lost for the entire year. Well, that doesn't seem to be the case and Marcus is heading to Ann Arbor today to start practice with his teammates:
Due to the missed time Marcus may end up redshirtting. BTW: He missed more then a week.
Marcus was rumored to have an NCAA Clearinghouse problem or was academically ineligible and lost for the entire year. Well, that doesn't seem to be the case and Marcus is heading to Ann Arbor today to start practice with his teammates:
"Something came up. The rumors you've heard are probably false, don't believe them," Witherspoon said. "There's nothing that would make me not go back to
Michigan."It was a personal matter, but all is good. There's nothing bad. It was just a lot of things and I don't really want to talk about it. I'm just keeping quiet."
"I missed a week of camp, so I don't know what they'll do until I get back," he added. "I missed some time. If it wasn't for this, I probably -- no, I'm quite confident -- I would have been playing. Whatever the coaches decide will be for the best."
Due to the missed time Marcus may end up redshirtting. BTW: He missed more then a week.
"There's no harm in redshirting," Witherspoon said. "It would just give me an extra year and I really don't mind."
Big Problems for the Big Guys
Michigan's Offense Line has already taken hits by the NFL's #1 draft pick and a by a guy that wanted to be a Buckeye. It didn't need this:
The position move comes on the heels of the realization guard Cory Zirbel likely will miss the season with a knee injury.
"It's pretty significant," Rodriguez said. "We're not even hopeful he'll be able to return this year."
The position switch RR speaks about is Defensive Lineman John Ferrara (sophomore) has moved to the Offensive Line for depth in an already short pool. Look for a number of Freshman to not redshirt and play this year. Hey, Rocko Khoury looks like your going to get some snaps. (btw: the Soprano's had nothing to do with Cory's injury - at least that's what Cory is saying :-))
The rest of the injury news is as follows:
- Mark Huyge has been out with a high ankle sprain and will be back this season, but Rodriguez said it is a week-by-week determination.
- Carlos "Santana" Brown (hip) but practiced
- Terrance Robinson (knee) will miss a few weeks
- Donovan Warren was held out of practice for "precautionary" reasons (don't really like the sounds of that either)
On a side note: The USC Trojans have jock itch............ (This has really been a long season if that is the best story the media can find at this point).
It sounds like it's time to play some football!
"Lights Out" for Deion Sanders at Michigan's Camp
Back in 1986, James "Lights Out" Toney was Huron High School's dual threat QB and DB, he could run and throw and was a one man show. Of course James was at a disadvantage playing against perennial power and highly ranked Pioneer High School in his own town of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
With the Purple Haze across town, James decided to focus on boxing and has had a very long career in the ring. Highlights have been a fights against Roy Jones, being the middleweight champion of the world, and even getting suspended twice for steroids. "Lights Out" is now 40 years old and is starting to look back at some moments in his life. One he says, was when he knocked out Deion "Neon" Sanders back at Michigan football camp in 1986.
"But it wasn't much of a scuffle," said Toney of the dispute with Sanders who would go on to play for five different NFL teams and four Major League Baseball teams.
"We was in football camp and the Michigan camps was one of he biggest camps in the world. We got in an argument over a bed, it wasn't much of an altercation," said Toney who shrugged off the dispute. "It was two hits -me hittin' him - and him hittin' the floor," he chuckled.
Recruiting News and Notes:
- Nyshier Oliver, is listing a Michigan offer after just de-committing from Tennessee. ND is also in the race for this 3 star athlete's service.
- What's the next steps in our QB recruiting to replace Newsome? Both Forcier and Smith are planning Michigan visits. Did I mention that Forcier is one of the most accurate passers in the entire country and ran for more yards then Newsome did?
- Todd Thomas, is a 6"3 Running Back/Linebacker is being recruited by Pitt, West Virginia, Penn State, Boston College and Michigan. He says he has somewhere between 25-30 offers.
When it rains it pours...............
I'm not a big fan of ripping 17 year old kids that want to think about their college choice even though it's disappointing. Boubacar did something similar last year when Carr retired, but then quickly re-committed to the Wolverines.
Will the same thing happen this time? It's a possibility but I doubt it. There has been a ton of pressure on Kevin to stay in state and play at Virgina Tech. Penn State has also been rumored to be recruiting Kevin hard. Either way, it's too bad and I think another reason why football needs an early signing period or some type of verbal commitment rule that doesn't start until the start of their Senior season.
Now what? Since Kevin committed early and now has de-committed early, Michigan has the chance to land a couple "available" high profile QB recruits: Tate Forcier and/or Eugene Smith. Both players are highly rated dual threat QB's and both are still seriously considering Michigan.
So here's the questions of the hour: Why did those two guys keep Michigan on their list after we got two verbals commitments? Why did we keep recruiting/offering these guys?
Maybe the worst kept secret was that Kevin was never a firm commit? I can't see why Michigan would have 4 offers out to Quarterbacks in a class where they most likely will take around 20 total players.
More bad news on another 5 star recruit Darius Wintson: (kevin was lowered to 4 stars at this years summer camps) :
What stands out about Ole Miss?
"I just love that whole coaching staff. I feel like they are going to turn it around at Ole Miss. I would love to be a part of that. I plan on taking an official visit to Ole Miss on Labor day weekend, when they play Memphis."
Anymore official visits on tap?
"That is it."
Should people read anything into that?
"I guess you could say that, yes sir (laugh)."
Will the same thing happen this time? It's a possibility but I doubt it. There has been a ton of pressure on Kevin to stay in state and play at Virgina Tech. Penn State has also been rumored to be recruiting Kevin hard. Either way, it's too bad and I think another reason why football needs an early signing period or some type of verbal commitment rule that doesn't start until the start of their Senior season.
Now what? Since Kevin committed early and now has de-committed early, Michigan has the chance to land a couple "available" high profile QB recruits: Tate Forcier and/or Eugene Smith. Both players are highly rated dual threat QB's and both are still seriously considering Michigan.
So here's the questions of the hour: Why did those two guys keep Michigan on their list after we got two verbals commitments? Why did we keep recruiting/offering these guys?
Maybe the worst kept secret was that Kevin was never a firm commit? I can't see why Michigan would have 4 offers out to Quarterbacks in a class where they most likely will take around 20 total players.
More bad news on another 5 star recruit Darius Wintson: (kevin was lowered to 4 stars at this years summer camps) :
What stands out about Ole Miss?
"I just love that whole coaching staff. I feel like they are going to turn it around at Ole Miss. I would love to be a part of that. I plan on taking an official visit to Ole Miss on Labor day weekend, when they play Memphis."
Anymore official visits on tap?
"That is it."
Should people read anything into that?
"I guess you could say that, yes sir (laugh)."
Gain a Kicker - Lose a QB
A day after Michigan received it's 15th commitment from a kicker, it lost one of their highest profile recruits Kevin Newsome. Kevin who verbally committed to Michigan after the Spring Game, has de-committed from Michigan (both Rival and Scouts) is reporting.
This does not come as a surprise and has been rumored for a number of months now. What is strange is the timing of this announcement after he transferred high schools and just recently had stated he was going to Michigan this fall.
This does not come as a surprise and has been rumored for a number of months now. What is strange is the timing of this announcement after he transferred high schools and just recently had stated he was going to Michigan this fall.
Kick It! A New Recruiting Update
Michigan received it's 15th commitment today from the second rated kicker in the country. Anthony Fera picked the Wolverines over Penn State. This is a good pick up for RR and staff for the 2009 class, we have over looked this position for too long and it's cost us games and points.
Here is the write up from VB:
Player Notes:Fera took a Michigan visit over the summer, though he missed Michigan's kicking camp, hosted by former UM kicker Brandon Kornblue. During his performance at the regular Michigan camp, however, Michigan fans were unnerved by reports that his leg was strong but not accurate. However, that is something that Michigan's coaches were not overly concerned about, or that their special teams coaches will have to concentrate on fixing. He is rated by Chris Sailer Kicking as the #2 overall kicker in the class of 2009, and the #1 kicker left uncommitted. He has a strong, (maybe) accurate leg, and could see time kicking or punting in the future.
Recruiting Notes: Though Fera was unable to attend Michigan's kicking camp, the individual focus on him may have paid off in the long run. While the rumored inaccuracies in his kicking likely delayed the tendering of a scholarship offer, they did not prevent him from receiving one. Ohio State and Penn State were the primary competition for Fera, though each was unwilling to offer him a scholarship for the class of 2009. Each was giving a greyshirt offer. However, once Penn State offered a full scholarship, Rich Rodriguez liked what he saw and made a full scholarship offer of his own to Fera, which he accepted almost immediately.
Here is the write up from VB:
Player Notes:Fera took a Michigan visit over the summer, though he missed Michigan's kicking camp, hosted by former UM kicker Brandon Kornblue. During his performance at the regular Michigan camp, however, Michigan fans were unnerved by reports that his leg was strong but not accurate. However, that is something that Michigan's coaches were not overly concerned about, or that their special teams coaches will have to concentrate on fixing. He is rated by Chris Sailer Kicking as the #2 overall kicker in the class of 2009, and the #1 kicker left uncommitted. He has a strong, (maybe) accurate leg, and could see time kicking or punting in the future.
Recruiting Notes: Though Fera was unable to attend Michigan's kicking camp, the individual focus on him may have paid off in the long run. While the rumored inaccuracies in his kicking likely delayed the tendering of a scholarship offer, they did not prevent him from receiving one. Ohio State and Penn State were the primary competition for Fera, though each was unwilling to offer him a scholarship for the class of 2009. Each was giving a greyshirt offer. However, once Penn State offered a full scholarship, Rich Rodriguez liked what he saw and made a full scholarship offer of his own to Fera, which he accepted almost immediately.
- Clemson also is on the final five lists of WR Jheranie Boyd (6-2, 185) of Gastonia, N.C., and DB Darius Winston (6-0, 180) of West Helena, Ark. Boyd also has Florida, Auburn, North Carolina and N.C. State on his list. He has, in the past, cited Clemson and Florida as his top two. Winston, who has decided and plans to announce the first week of September, picked from Clemson, Arkansas, Tennessee, Michigan and Ole Miss. Of those five, Arkansas and Ole Miss are the only two he visited.
- Richland Northeast DE Chris Bonds (6-4, 283) attended Saturday's USC scrimmage with his mother, stepdad and stepbrother. He said he spoke with assistant coaches Brad Lawing and David Reaves and got a chance to see close friend Andrew Power and ex-teammates Mark Barnes and Rodney Paulk perform. Bonds has USC, Southern Cal and Alabama at the top of his list because he has visited those three, and he's waiting to see Michigan and Notre Dame this season on official visits. He also plans to visit Tennessee.
'Bama #24 in the Preseason AP Poll
SEC Ranked are:
#1 - Georgia
#5 - Florida
#7 - LSU
#10 - Auburn
#18 - Tennessee
#24 - Alabama
2008 NCAA Football Rankings - Preseason (Aug. 17)
#1 - Georgia
#5 - Florida
#7 - LSU
#10 - Auburn
#18 - Tennessee
#24 - Alabama
2008 NCAA Football Rankings - Preseason (Aug. 17)
Phelps meets Barwis
So what would have happened if both Barwis and Phelps ran into each other this summer in Ann Arbor?
Knock at Barwis office door
Barwis: Come in
Phelps: Hi Coach Barwis, I'm Michael Phel........
Barwis: McGuffie! Your finally here! You look taller in person.
Phelps: Coach, no I'm Michael Phel.......
Barwis: Don't pet the wolf
Phelps: Got it
Barwis: McGuffie we need to put a training schedule in place for you. Here at Michigan we train M -F, Saturday and Sunday. We take a break each day between 1:00 - 1:15 for chocolate milk.
Phelps: Coach I'm a swimmer!
Bariws: We will train in the pool McGuffie. I will make you run in the deep end. (He laughs) I might even put my wolf in there with you.
Phelps: Coach, I'm here to ask you if you will train me for London in 2012?
Barwis: McGuffie you will be graduated by then and you need to start training today! BTW McGuffie they call it football over there but it's really soccer. Are you thinking about the World League or something?
Phelps: Coach, your confused I'm Michael Phelps, I have more gold medals then West Virgina has trailers. I'm heading over to China in a couple of weeks to dominate swimming, but in 2012 I want to try gymnastics and that sweet beach volleyball.
Barwis: McGuffie, I did some research on you and know that you were a Gymnast at one point and that is where you got your sweet moves on the field. But here at Michigan will focus on football.
Phelps: Coach! I AM MICHAEL FREAKING PHELPS! and I TRAIN HARD ALREADY! (Mike removes his shirt) Take a look at this!
Barwis: First off I like your intensity, But we need to put some meat on your bones if your going to make it through a Big Ten Season.
Phelps: Coach, seriously do you ever pick up a newspaper or read the Internet? I'm actually getting more press then you.
Barwis: We don't have any of that new technology in the weight room. I just train, lift, and sleep in there. Son, let me tell you one thing: nobody gets more press then Mike Barwis!
Phelps: Forget it! I'm off to China anyways, I will call you when I get back. (Phelps leaves Barwis office)
Barwis: (leaning back in his chair thinking)........I had no idea we had scheduled China this year. Boy that Bill Martin really must have needed a 12th game.
Knock at Barwis office door
Barwis: Come in
Phelps: Hi Coach Barwis, I'm Michael Phel........
Barwis: McGuffie! Your finally here! You look taller in person.
Phelps: Coach, no I'm Michael Phel.......
Barwis: Don't pet the wolf
Phelps: Got it
Barwis: McGuffie we need to put a training schedule in place for you. Here at Michigan we train M -F, Saturday and Sunday. We take a break each day between 1:00 - 1:15 for chocolate milk.
Phelps: Coach I'm a swimmer!
Bariws: We will train in the pool McGuffie. I will make you run in the deep end. (He laughs) I might even put my wolf in there with you.
Phelps: Coach, I'm here to ask you if you will train me for London in 2012?
Barwis: McGuffie you will be graduated by then and you need to start training today! BTW McGuffie they call it football over there but it's really soccer. Are you thinking about the World League or something?
Phelps: Coach, your confused I'm Michael Phelps, I have more gold medals then West Virgina has trailers. I'm heading over to China in a couple of weeks to dominate swimming, but in 2012 I want to try gymnastics and that sweet beach volleyball.
Barwis: McGuffie, I did some research on you and know that you were a Gymnast at one point and that is where you got your sweet moves on the field. But here at Michigan will focus on football.
Phelps: Coach! I AM MICHAEL FREAKING PHELPS! and I TRAIN HARD ALREADY! (Mike removes his shirt) Take a look at this!
Barwis: First off I like your intensity, But we need to put some meat on your bones if your going to make it through a Big Ten Season.
Phelps: Coach, seriously do you ever pick up a newspaper or read the Internet? I'm actually getting more press then you.
Barwis: We don't have any of that new technology in the weight room. I just train, lift, and sleep in there. Son, let me tell you one thing: nobody gets more press then Mike Barwis!
Phelps: Forget it! I'm off to China anyways, I will call you when I get back. (Phelps leaves Barwis office)
Barwis: (leaning back in his chair thinking)........I had no idea we had scheduled China this year. Boy that Bill Martin really must have needed a 12th game.
Grady's night out details
I hope Kevin learned from this experience. Here are more details on his DUI arrest:
- Football standout Kevin Grady, was passed out behind the wheel with the car running and in drive. Grady was unconscious and his foot was on the brake. He was driving a Yukon.
- After several attempts, Mr. Grady woke up," Meany wrote in his report, which was requested by The Press and released Friday. "(Grady) stated that he was just trying to get home."
- Grady was unable to recite the alphabet, with Thompson quoting Grady as saying "O, R, S, J, L, P."
- Thompson said he asked for a number between 12 and 14, and Grady answered "15
- And when asked whether Mickey Mouse is a dog or a cat, he answered "dog."
- His blood-alcohol level of 0.281 -- more than three times Michigan's standard for drunken driving
- Grady to report for probation for 12 months -- which he also can do in Ann Arbor. He will have to pay for his own random drug and alcohol testing, will not be allowed in bars and taverns and will be fined $1,290 by Wyoming and $2,000 by the state for its Driver's Responsibility Fee.
- His license is suspended for a month starting today and then it will be restricted until Feb. 11.
Forbes Magazine to Feature Nick Saban
Books-A-Million, today announced that the Forbes magazine featuring Alabama head football coach Nick Saban is now available at all Books-A-Million locations.
The magazine features Coach Nick Saban on the cover as one of the most powerful coaches in sports. He will be the first college football coach to make the Forbes cover since the magazine was started in 1917. Due to increased media attention, Books-A-Million expects this issue to sell out today in some stores.
Story @ www.marketwatch.com
The magazine features Coach Nick Saban on the cover as one of the most powerful coaches in sports. He will be the first college football coach to make the Forbes cover since the magazine was started in 1917. Due to increased media attention, Books-A-Million expects this issue to sell out today in some stores.
Story @ www.marketwatch.com
The Most Powerful Coach in Sports
When you think about the most powerful coaches in sports, I think of a few names like Carroll, Holmgren, Belichick, or even a guy like Bill Cowher who could walk into any AD's or GM's office and get a job head coahing job.
So I was surprised to see that Forbes selected Nick "the quick" or "the savior" Saban, Alabama's head coach. Nick Saban, born in West Virgina (I guess where all great head coaches are born) coached for one year as the head coach of Toledo in 1990 then moved over to the defensive coordinator for the Browns under Belichick. In 1995, Saban left the Browns to become the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans and after 4 years of mediocre results (he was 9-2 in 1999 before he left) he packed his bags again, this time for SEC becoming the head coach for The LSU Tigers. Stating he wanted to recruit in a state where he was the #1 school.
Nick found success at LSU with the highlight being the National Championship in 2003 with SEC Championships in 2001 and of course in 2003. Well, all things come to an end when your a team under Nick and a year after winning the National Championship, Nick "the quick" moved to the NFL to coach the Dolphins.
Nick didn't find much success in the NFL going 9-7 in his first year (2005) and missing the playoffs, then in 2006 having his worst year as a head coach with a 6-10 record. Then Alabama called and we all know what happened; he was staying, then he was leaving, then he left. After two years as Head Coach of the Dolphins, Nick was back in college and cashing in on a 8 year contract for $32 million, making him the highest paid coach in college sports.
Nick finished 2007 at Alabama 7-6 with a win over Colorado in the Independence Bowl. There was also a pretty strong rumor that he was interested in the West Virgina job after RR left for Michigan. I guess we will never know if that was true or not.
So what exactly makes him the most powerful coach in sports? The one national championship or the two SEC Championship? Maybe it's having 5 high profile head coaching positions? Maybe it's his wallet? Either way, I don't agree with the choice. Saban can coach, but the most powerful? If you look back, his only real successful job was one at the one at LSU, MSU had mediocre results during his time there, The Dolphins job was a total disaster, and it's too early to tell at Bama.
Nick took it on the chin for his time with the Dolphins. When asked whether Saban was "a raging fraud", Hall of Fame coach Don Shula responded, "What other conclusion can you draw? The guy likes to hear himself talk and then doesn't follow up on what he says.
Not a good choice Forbes. Maybe Phil Jackson or Coach K but not Nick Saban.
Here's another two college coaching lists from Forbes:
Top Under Paid Coaches (or best values):
1) The Vest
2) Mike Riley, Oregon State
3) Jim Grobe, Wake Forest
4) Pete Carroll, USC
5) Frank Beamer, Virgina Tech
Worst College Football Coaches For The Buck:
1) Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
2) Greg Robinson, Syracuse
3) Charlie Weis, ND
4) Ralph Friedgen, Maryland
5) Al Groh, U of V
Saban has the Money and Complete Control & A Major Upset in the Making?
Athletic Director Mal Moore has given Saban the authority and free reign to do whatever he wishes with the program, and that's where he stands out among others.
I for one am happy that Saban is able to run his program, his way, without interference. I believe the price paid for his coaching abilities will bring more than an ample return to the university.
More news stirring in T-Town comes from ESPN's Pat Forde.
In a recent article penned by the popular college football columnist, he has predicted that Alabama will produce an upset this year in one of two games: the season opener or season finale.
If his predictions are correct, the Tigers of either Clemson or Auburn will fall victim to the Tide.
If it's the former, then the Tide will be off and running with high confidence.
If it's the latter, Alabama will end their dreaded losing streak against their cross-state rival.
Full Story @ bleacherreport.com
I for one am happy that Saban is able to run his program, his way, without interference. I believe the price paid for his coaching abilities will bring more than an ample return to the university.
More news stirring in T-Town comes from ESPN's Pat Forde.
In a recent article penned by the popular college football columnist, he has predicted that Alabama will produce an upset this year in one of two games: the season opener or season finale.
If his predictions are correct, the Tigers of either Clemson or Auburn will fall victim to the Tide.
If it's the former, then the Tide will be off and running with high confidence.
If it's the latter, Alabama will end their dreaded losing streak against their cross-state rival.
Full Story @ bleacherreport.com
Alabama vs Virginia Tech in 09?
Alabama is nearing an agreement to play Virginia Tech in football in 2009 and open a second consecutive season in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.
"That is certainly now a possibility," Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said Thursday, "and hopefully we can get all the details of that worked out in the short future."
Full Story @ www.al.com/sports/mobileregister
"That is certainly now a possibility," Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said Thursday, "and hopefully we can get all the details of that worked out in the short future."
Full Story @ www.al.com/sports/mobileregister
Spartans running from the Police, Utah has some injuries, and a Walk On
When was the last time a walk on started at QB for Michigan? Well, it wasn't that long ago and he did pretty well. Brian Greise is his name and he has been an NFL QB for 10 years now. He also happened to win a National Championship his senior year.
Well another former son of a NFL player is trying to do the same thing. Nick Sheridan the odds on leader for the back up role is starting to turn heads at Michigan practice. Leaving Spring Ball and coming into Fall Practice most of us thought Steve Threet, the 4 star QB from Adrian would win the job. As Lee Corso likes to say, "not so fast my friend":
The reason we all thought Nick would be the back up was his inability to throw the ball, he is hands down the better athlete. So if Nick and Steve are even with throwing accuracy and arm strength, Nick will get the job because he can turn 3rd and 7 into a first down by using this feet. A much harder task for the bigger Threet.
Either way, I expect both to see time this year.
___________________
MSU Freshman are suppose to run at practice, not from the police off the field. 3 MSU players were arrested from running from the police.
__________________________
Utah is nursing some minor injuries before they make the trip to Ann Arbor in two weeks.
Take me out to the Big House: The Utes have finalized their travel plans to Michigan. They'll leave Friday morning, Aug. 29, and will likely have a closed walk-through at the stadium in Ann Arbor. Utah has sold all of its allotment of 3,500 tickets to the game.
Well another former son of a NFL player is trying to do the same thing. Nick Sheridan the odds on leader for the back up role is starting to turn heads at Michigan practice. Leaving Spring Ball and coming into Fall Practice most of us thought Steve Threet, the 4 star QB from Adrian would win the job. As Lee Corso likes to say, "not so fast my friend":
Nick Sheridan and Steven Threet have varying skills and, despite giving away a few inches, Sheridan has more than enough zip on his passes. Threet had a few struggling moments on Tuesday
The reason we all thought Nick would be the back up was his inability to throw the ball, he is hands down the better athlete. So if Nick and Steve are even with throwing accuracy and arm strength, Nick will get the job because he can turn 3rd and 7 into a first down by using this feet. A much harder task for the bigger Threet.
Either way, I expect both to see time this year.
___________________
MSU Freshman are suppose to run at practice, not from the police off the field. 3 MSU players were arrested from running from the police.
Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings said MSU police charged safety Charles Burrell, defensive end Cameron Jude and defensive back Mitchell White for failing to obey a police order to stop as they were walking near a campus building. The players ran instead.
__________________________
Utah is nursing some minor injuries before they make the trip to Ann Arbor in two weeks.
The most significant is an MCL strain suffered by senior defensive tackle Aaron Tonga, who could be out for a couple of weeks. Joe Dale (hip bruise), linebacker Stevenson Sylvester (knee tendinitis), wide receiver David Reed (tooth extraction) and running back Matt Asiata (ankle sprain). Others on the mend include include linebacker Mo Neal, center Tyler Williams and tight end Neli A'asa.
Take me out to the Big House: The Utes have finalized their travel plans to Michigan. They'll leave Friday morning, Aug. 29, and will likely have a closed walk-through at the stadium in Ann Arbor. Utah has sold all of its allotment of 3,500 tickets to the game.
Memo to Spartans: Focus on CAL
In yesterday's Big Ten ESPN Blog, the Spartans talk about the Michigan game being circled on the calendar. We also know about the count down clocks, Dantonio post game melt downs and Mike Hart height blasts.
Here are a few thoughts to think about until then:
All the time," linebacker Adam Decker said when asked how much the players discuss Michigan. "Coach Dantonio came in here and made that game a point of emphasis. As a player, that's great because I'm from the state of Michigan [Rochester Hills]. As a Michigan State player, you want to beat Michigan. It's emphasized every day.
"I do not want to go through my whole college career without beating my rival school," senior running back Javon Ringer said. "That would be embarrassing."
Sparty it's great that you are focusing on the game that will be played on 10/25 but you have 8 games to play before your trip to Ann Arbor. Some of those teams are named; CAL, Ohio State,(Florida Atlantic is no push over either - they won a bowl game last year) and Notre Dame. I know you have played ND as well as anyone over the last 10 years or so but CAL is an opening day road trip and we all know how teams from Michigan play in the state of California.
So yes Sparty, Michigan has a new coach and implementing a new offensive system and nobody is picking Michigan in the top 3 of the Big Ten but play your first 8 games before you start talking about the Michigan game. If your 8-0 you will have plenty time to talk the week of 10/20. The ESPN post even states the Spartan's aren't looking past CAL, but after hearing these quotes you make the call:
"It's imbedded in our minds and our memories," Wiley said. "We were close last year, been close in all of our encounters. We need to be on top this year. We have the people and we have the talent to do that."It's our top priority right now. We want that one, and we want it bad."
Here are a few thoughts to think about until then:
- Michigan leads all-time 67-28-5
- Michigan State has lost six straight in the series
- Michigan State is Michigan's 3rd football rival behind OSU and ND
'Bama vs Clemson Preview
Alabama at Clemson 8 PM Saturday, August 30th
- After a difficult first season with the Tide, Nick Saban gets thrown right into the fire with this game against the powerful Tigers in supposedly neutral Atlanta in what should be an interesting and raucous atmosphere. Alabama had an impressive influx of talent during recruiting this year but the senior class is less than impressive. The best part of the Crimson Tide offense should be the offensive line and left tackle Andre Smith should be a dominant blocker who opens holes the way Chris Samuels once did for Alabama. The offensive line will also have to give quarterback John Parker Wilson the time to find his new group of talented yet inexperienced receivers.
- Clemson hasn’t won the ACC title since 1991 but that could change this year because Tommy Bowden’s team is loaded with talent and ready to pounce. James Davis and C.J. Spiller will be able to run the ball all day and quarterback Cullen Harper has a slew of receivers to choose from. As good as the offense should be, the defense may be even better. Chris Chancellor and Michael Hamlin are two of the best defensive backs in the nation. A win here could allow the Tigers to bring an undefeated record into October.
Full Story @cfn.scout.com
- After a difficult first season with the Tide, Nick Saban gets thrown right into the fire with this game against the powerful Tigers in supposedly neutral Atlanta in what should be an interesting and raucous atmosphere. Alabama had an impressive influx of talent during recruiting this year but the senior class is less than impressive. The best part of the Crimson Tide offense should be the offensive line and left tackle Andre Smith should be a dominant blocker who opens holes the way Chris Samuels once did for Alabama. The offensive line will also have to give quarterback John Parker Wilson the time to find his new group of talented yet inexperienced receivers.
- Clemson hasn’t won the ACC title since 1991 but that could change this year because Tommy Bowden’s team is loaded with talent and ready to pounce. James Davis and C.J. Spiller will be able to run the ball all day and quarterback Cullen Harper has a slew of receivers to choose from. As good as the offense should be, the defense may be even better. Chris Chancellor and Michael Hamlin are two of the best defensive backs in the nation. A win here could allow the Tigers to bring an undefeated record into October.
Full Story @cfn.scout.com
Updates from Fall Practice
Look for a number of freshman to play this year. Who you ask?
Who else? cornerbacks Boubacar Cissoko and J.T. Floyd, safety Brandon Smith, defensive lineman Mike Martin, receiver Martavious Odoms, and possibly J.B. Fitzgerald at linebacker.
Tailback Sam McGuffie and receiver Michael Shaw are among the freshmen that Rodriguez said will play.
"(They) are two guys who will not be redshirted," Rodriguez said Tuesday. "The biggest (issue) as freshmen coming in is, can they mentally handle the schemes and the pace? Those two have shown they can so far. They've done enough to convince us they can contribute as freshmen, and I think as much mentally as physically. "They're both fast, explosive players that I think are good with the spread system, so we're excited about it.
Who else? cornerbacks Boubacar Cissoko and J.T. Floyd, safety Brandon Smith, defensive lineman Mike Martin, receiver Martavious Odoms, and possibly J.B. Fitzgerald at linebacker.
- Walk On QB Nick Sheridan got a scholarship last week
- Mark Moundros has a minor sprained ankle
- Guard Cory Zirbel is having knee trouble, out a week or so.
- WR Junior Hemingway is still nursing an ankle but practicing
2008 Heisman Winner Odds
Who do you think will win this year's Heisman? Carlos "Santana" Brown or maybe Sam "the Crime Dog" McGuffie?
betED.com just released it's top Heisman candidates for this year. No real surprises here but worth a look.
1) Tim "the toolman" Tebow: Could this dual threat QB go Archie Griffin and win this for the second time? He is the leader in the clubhouse. I wonder which team beat Tim and the Gators last?
2) Chase "Manhattan" Daniel, Missouri QB: I think there needs to be some type of "Barwis" test before you could win the Heisman, but if he is in shape and has a good year, he is as good a prospect for NYC as anyone.
2B) Chris "don't call me David - it's Beanie" Wells, Ohio State RB: Last seen in Ann Arbor running what seemed to be a marathon. OSU fans had hoped to see more Beanie in New Orleans.
3) Knowshon "I know how to gain yards" Moreno, Georgia RB: Had a good Freshman year but might finds himself in the dreaded "Sophomore Jinx". Either way, not sure the voters would go for a Super Soph for the second year in a row. I think the schedule will be too tough on Mr. Moreno in the SEC.
4) Matthew "JCPenney Suits" Stafford, Georgia QB: Not sure Matt is exciting enough to win the Heisman, maybe Tim can show him the sweet jump pass. Having two candidates on one team won't help either.
5) LeSean "the real" McCoy, Pittsburgh RB: This guy is fast and a I saw him rack up some yards in the Big East last year. But I don't think too many voters are going to be DVR'ing many PITT games this year.
6) Percy "need a GPS?" Harvin, Florida WR: This guy can plan out fly down the football field, but with "tool man" on the same team and with video highlights of Morgan Trent running him down in the Citrus, I think Percy is a long shot.
7) Graham "cracker" Harrell, Texas Tech QB: Who? Since he plays for Texas Tech he must be a QB that puts up some ridiculous numbers.
8) Pat " I wish I was in Ann Arbor" White, West Virginia QB: I think Pat has the best chance at winning and should be ranked right under Beanie. Pat will get the college superstar QB but won't play it in the NFL vote and has a great chance if WVU runs the table.
betED.com just released it's top Heisman candidates for this year. No real surprises here but worth a look.
1) Tim "the toolman" Tebow: Could this dual threat QB go Archie Griffin and win this for the second time? He is the leader in the clubhouse. I wonder which team beat Tim and the Gators last?
2) Chase "Manhattan" Daniel, Missouri QB: I think there needs to be some type of "Barwis" test before you could win the Heisman, but if he is in shape and has a good year, he is as good a prospect for NYC as anyone.
2B) Chris "don't call me David - it's Beanie" Wells, Ohio State RB: Last seen in Ann Arbor running what seemed to be a marathon. OSU fans had hoped to see more Beanie in New Orleans.
3) Knowshon "I know how to gain yards" Moreno, Georgia RB: Had a good Freshman year but might finds himself in the dreaded "Sophomore Jinx". Either way, not sure the voters would go for a Super Soph for the second year in a row. I think the schedule will be too tough on Mr. Moreno in the SEC.
4) Matthew "JCPenney Suits" Stafford, Georgia QB: Not sure Matt is exciting enough to win the Heisman, maybe Tim can show him the sweet jump pass. Having two candidates on one team won't help either.
5) LeSean "the real" McCoy, Pittsburgh RB: This guy is fast and a I saw him rack up some yards in the Big East last year. But I don't think too many voters are going to be DVR'ing many PITT games this year.
6) Percy "need a GPS?" Harvin, Florida WR: This guy can plan out fly down the football field, but with "tool man" on the same team and with video highlights of Morgan Trent running him down in the Citrus, I think Percy is a long shot.
7) Graham "cracker" Harrell, Texas Tech QB: Who? Since he plays for Texas Tech he must be a QB that puts up some ridiculous numbers.
8) Pat " I wish I was in Ann Arbor" White, West Virginia QB: I think Pat has the best chance at winning and should be ranked right under Beanie. Pat will get the college superstar QB but won't play it in the NFL vote and has a great chance if WVU runs the table.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)