Michigan Monday: Doesn't Feel Like a Rivalry Week

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

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

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

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

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


Quick Recruiting Updates:

• Update: Sammy Watkins has committed to Clemson. 

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

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

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

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

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

Game Day Video: Michigan vs Michigan State 2004

If you have time today with the late afternoon kickoff, enjoy this "classic" Michigan comeback when the Wolverines go "Braylon" on the Spartans in 2004.  Watch Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Braylon Edwards in this great great comeback victory.  This has to be the closest thing the Big House has seen to a night game. 

What a memory and a perfect video to get you ready!  Enjoy.

Go Blue! 

Tate Forcier: What to Expect Next Season: Threet 08 or Henne 04?

The summer of 2009 seems very similar to the summer of 2008 for Michigan fans. Michigan will start over at quarterback just like they did in the 2008 season. Sure, somethings are different: the offensive line has more experience in the spread and so does the back up quarterback, Nick Sheridan. But don't be fooled by coach speak (RR says the QB position is still up for grabs), this is Tate Forcier's team in 2009.

As Michigan fans, what should we expect out of Tate Forcier next year? Sitting in June of last year, the Michigan faithful had high hopes for a redshirt Freshman that came to Michigan as a 4 star QB via Georgia Tech, Stephen Threet.

As we all know now, Stephen didn't tear up the Big Ten and didn't even get the start against Utah (Michigan's opening game 2008). He looked decent at times (the Wisconsin comeback) and terrible others (the 100 yard Toledo pick 6). That is pretty much the definition of a freshman QB. Threet's numbers in 2008: 51% completion rate, threw for 1105 yards with 9 touchdowns and 7 pics.

So why will Tate be different? Actually, we don't know he will.

Let's compare Tate to another Freshman starter that had a pretty good first year under center; Chad Henne. Chad came to Michigan has one of the top rated QB recruits in the nation, he enrolled in the summer and was the surprise starter opening day after a shoulder injury to expected starter Matt Gutierrez. Chad had a very nice 2004, throwing for 2743 yards with a 60 percent completed percentage. He threw for 25 touchdowns and 12 picks while leading the Wolverines to the Rose Bowl that year. Chad was named All-American Freshman Team QB in 2004.

I would call those numbers the possible upside for Tate. So what's the difference between Chad and Tate that make this upside possible?

1. Tate enrolled in January. Chad in the summer. Tate got spring ball and a ton of experience being around the coaches for 6 months.
2. Tate's QB coach. Tate regularly worked with a QB coach in high school and is probably one of the most prepared QB's in recent memory to start as a Freshman.
3. Tate is very accurate. Thanks to his high school training and QB coach (and we saw some proof in the Spring Game) Tate hopefully can match Chad's 60% completion rate in 2009.
4. Tate's mobile. Chad and Threet weren't. They were strictly drop back passers. Tate hopefully will be able to avoid the rush and get some first downs with his feet. Many analysts say your QB needs to get at least one first down with his legs a game. Michigan fans are hoping more for 4-5 from Tate.
5. Tate doesn't need to win games, just not lose them. You will hear that quote for any Freshman QB so it would apply to Chad and Threet as well. With Tate's mobility hopefully Michigan will be able to have some longer drives and give the defense a break
6. Tate has the skill set to run the spread. Threet didn't.

So there you have it Wolverines Fans. There is plenty to be optimistic about in 2009, but we will need to remember that: Tate will make Freshman mistakes, still has a thin high school senior like frame, and defenses will do their best to confuse the young man.

So the upside for Tate is: Chad 2004 the downside is Threet 2008. Good luck Tate, the Wolverine faithful is counting on you.

Pat White Going in Round 2 Helps Michigan QB Recruiting

One of the knocks on Rich Rod's spread offense is, "it doesn't make NFL Quarterbacks" like Lloyd Carr's pro style offense did. Michigan has a long list of QB's that have competed for spots on NFL rosters. Rich Rodriguez really has had only one NFL QB you can really point to, Shaun King who was under RR's tutelage when he was the offensive coordinator at Tulane under Tommy Bowden.

Now, in somewhat of an ironic twist Michigan's last pro style QB will compete for a job against Rich Rod's top QB prospect of all time Pat White. I give Chad Henne the edge since he has been in the Dolphins system for a year, but look for Pat to get about 5-10 snaps a game this Fall.

With Pat White going in the second round, now Rich Rod and staff can use that on the recruiting trail and tell prospective Wolverine QB that his system can produce NFL QB's and someday maybe even a first round pick!

• Speaking of former Michigan Pro Style QB's: Stephen Threet transfers to Arizona State. "I like the pro style offense and the coaching staff at Arizona State," Threet said on Monday. "My career has been filled with ups and downs and coaching changes aren't easy. I was at Georgia Tech for two weeks when they changed coaches. Michigan had the same coaches for like 30 years and then they change. "When Coach [Lloyd] Carr retired I wanted to transfer," Threet said. "But I took Coach [Rich] Rodriguez at his word about the offense. I tried to stick it out. I tried to help Michigan win. But in the end the offense didn't fit me. They have a run first offense at every position. What they want is Pat White and that's not me." For the record, Dennis Erickson hasn't had too many head coaching jobs, so nothing to worry about at ASU Steve!

• 7 Wolverines Sign as NFL Free Agents: Carson Butler with Green Bay, Doug Dutch with the Washington Redskins, Sean Griffin with the Seattle Seahawks, Brandon Harrison with the Indianapolis Colts, Will Johnson with the Baltimore Ravens, Tim Jameson with the Houston Texans, and Mike Massey with the Cleveland Browns. I have to say the Doug Dutch and Mike Massey signings are somewhat surprising. I know Mike is from Cleveland so that is good news for him. I wish all the free agent Wolverines well and enjoy that NFL pay check while it lasts.

• In sad news, the Cincinnati Bengals released Chris Perry. Chris was injured most of his NFL career with the Bengals and when he got the starting job last year had a big fumbling problem. Chris is a good 3rd down back that can catch the ball and get you a first down and hopefully another NFL team will pick him up. I don't believe Chris will ever be an every down back in the NFL.

• ESPN is reporting that former Miami quarterback Robert Marve has completed the rounds and narrowed his transfer choices to Purdue, Arizona State, South Florida and Nebraska, with Purdue in the lead for his services. One quick side note. I'm wondering who Dennis Erickson wanted more, Stephen Threet or Robert Marve? I'm guessing ASU is now off the board for Robert.

• Michigan State did a surprising thing yesterday and scheduled games with West Virgina and Alabama. The school has signed contracts for a home-and-home series with West Virginia in 2014 and 2015, and a home-and-home series with Alabama in 2016 and 2017. Good for MSU, I love that Nick Sabin will be back in East Lansing.
  

Welcome to Spring Practice Boys!

Gentlemen, The 2008 season is over. It's 2009 and time for a fresh new start. Preparation for 7+ wins starts today!


Welcome Son. No Pressure. Do you know who Chad Henne is? He took the Wolverines to the Rose Bowl his freshmen year. We expect Rose Bowl every year here in Ann Arbor.

Hey Big Will, let's see that 5 star talent young man!

Coach them up Greg! This isn't Syracuse, NY. Don't let John Beilein's success fool you. This is a Football School!

Life on the Bubble = Michigan Basketball, Life in a Bubble = Ryan Mallett

I didn't see one play of yesterday's Michigan - Wisconsin game, but all that's important right now is the final score of Michigan 55 Wisconsin 60. Let's be honest with ourselves, we really didn't expect the young Wolverines to come out of Madison with a victory. Michigan couldn't beat Wisconsin at Crisler how are they going to beat them on the road? So that leaves one more game in the regular season, a trip to Minnesota next weekend and yes, it's a must win for the NCAA tournament.

In my opinion, Michigan now needs that road win against Minnesota and two wins in the Big Ten Tournament in Indy to get a bid to the "Big Dance". Let's hope John Beilein can work in a couple new plays and motivate the kids with a week off between games.

and now for the rest of the story, (a small little tribute to Paul Harvey who passed away this weekend):

Ryan Mallett is a talented young man and he knows it. He was the second ranked QB out of high school, a 5 star prospect with a rocket arm and a big 6"7 frame. During his freshman year at Michigan he ended up getting more playing time then expected due to a shoulder injury to senior QB Chad Henne. He played well at times in wins over Notre Dame and lousy other times like in a loss to Wisconsin. He was talented but cocky on the field and in football that's usually a good thing (most of the time).

Well, it seems Ryan didn't leave the cockiness on the field and carried it where ever he went. There were countless rumors of him parting while in Ann Arbor and not taking football as seriously as he should. But let's face it, we all did that in college, but none of use were rated one of the best players in the country coming out of high school.

After Lloyd Carr, decided to hang it up, Ryan saw that likes of Strength and Conditioning coach Mike Barwis and saw Rich Rod's spread offense and figured he needed a new place to play. So he jumped ship and docked at Arkansas the new home of Bobby Petrino who had just left his NFL job during the season to coach Razorbacks. Many saw this a dream come true, a 5 star QB going home to an offensive genius for a coach. In fact, Arkansas was so happy with the new combo, they tried to petition the NCAA to see if they could get Ryan eligible right away. Of course they were denied. The case never had a chance.

Fast forward to March 1st, Ryan is being interviewed by the Sporting News, evidently his scout team practices were "legendary" last year, Spring Ball is right around the corner, and the long wait for Ryan to lead the Razorbacks is coming to an end.

But wait! Something happened on the way to the Heisman and the three National Championships. Ryan was being Ryan this past weekend and got into a little bit of trouble:

Fayetteville police arrested Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett on a public intoxication charge early Sunday outside of a nightspot near campus.


The 20-year-old Mallett was booked into the Washington County Jail at 3:47 a.m. after Fayetteville police arrested him on Dickson Street. Mallett was released on bond about an hour later.

“I am very disappointed that Ryan Mallett put himself in a situation that doesn’t reflect positively on him or on our program,” Petrino said. “All members of the Razorback football team have a responsibility to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner on and off the field. While the legal process has not yet taken its course in this matter, Ryan will face internal team disciplinary action for not representing the Razorbacks in a way that is required of our student-athletes.”

You can either be in two camps in this situation. 1) No big deal, it's just a kid being a kid. 2) It is a big deal, he is 20 years old and shouldn't be drinking or at the very least making a scene outside a night club, so that you get arrested.

Here is my take, Ryan needs to be knocked down a few notches. (even his mug shot looks cocky) Yes, he is talented and has a high ceiling but so did another famous Ryan, Ryan Leaf. I hope he learns from this experience and stays low for awhile. Right now Ryan is more hype then results. There will be plenty of pressure on him when the season starts and if he doesn't check himself now the future might be more like Ryan Leaf then Matt Ryan.

Let's hope Mallett picks the right Ryan to mirror his career after.

Update with more details:

According to the report, Shepard noticed that Mallett could not stand up straight, had blood-shot and watery eyes and a heavy odor of intoxicants on his breath. Shepard also detected the faint odor of burnt marijuana coming from Mallett's person. Shepard stated in the report that Mallett's voice was extremely slurred and at times his speech was incoherent.
When asked by Shepard if he had been smoking marijuana, Mallett said that he had not, according to the report. When asked if he had been around those smoking marijuana, Mallett said he had, according to the report.

Shepard stated in the report that Mallett lost his balance and had to step back to regain his composure several times during their conversation. During a field sobriety test in which the officer asked Mallett to follow his moving finger with his eyes, Mallett lost his balance and nearly fell backwards, according to the report.

Shepard said in the report that he told Mallett to call for a ride home. Mallett made several calls but was unable to make contact with anyone. Shepard noticed that Mallett appeared to lose focus during his attempts to make the calls and that he began to stare off into the distance before again attempting to make a call.

Friday News and Notes

• More Walk On News: This from BHB reader Biggame7: Johnny Childers has accepted a preferred walk on invite to join Michigan's 2009 recruiting class. Johnny is 6"1 233 and played LB and FB in high school for Muskegon Mona Shores. Here is Johnny's ESPN write up: Childers is a tough, thickly-built, blue-collar fullback prospect who also is an effective inside run plugger when employed at linebacker. Looks a bit like a throwback player and his game lacks a lot of finesse. He has good height and a compact, well-built frame that could bulk up to the 240-pound range while retaining his adequate straight-line speed. More of a battering ram of runner who is effective on quick North-South hitters up the middle. Good initial quicks through the hole for his size and will surprise you now and then with his agility as a runner. Tends to run high though and flashes difficulty sliding through the small creases. YAC is inconsistent. Won't be much more than a short-yardage fullback at the next level but has soft hands out of the backfield and shows the physical tools needed to develop into an effective blocker. Can stalemate defenders but will need to work on leverage and controlling/finishing blocks at the point of attack. Not as powerful or superior at the high school level as you would think as a blocker. Defensively, he is a bit stiff, range is limited to between the tackles but he can blow up the Iso and is difficult to turn at the point of attack. Overall Childers looks good on the hoof and has the physical tools for a mid-major program to mold as a situational fullback
  
  
  
  
  

• Central Michigan is now joining the Adidas family. Central is leaving behind "New Balance" and joining The University of Michigan in the Adidas family. This will be the first time Central has had an apparel and athletic shoe contract. Central's athletic department is struggling so this new contract should off set some costs for the Chips. Terms of the deal were not released.

• Athlon Ranking: Defensive Tackles: Remember earlier this week when Athlon ranked all the DE's in the 2009 recruiting class. Well, it's the DT's turn and "Big Will" Campbell ranked #4 nationally.

• The Miami Dolphins hints it would have started Chad Henne, if Chad Pennington wasn't released by the Jets: Coach Sparano, "Henne ran our football team pretty well in [the] preseason. That was a good problem to have." "Knowing Chad [Henne], if he was in the [starter] situation I would have been comfortable with him there. Look at the two young quarterbacks that had to play this year. They did a nice job," Sparano said.

• Update on the young man with the unfortunate last name, Larry Raper. Larry was thought to be "possibly" getting a Michigan offer this week. Larry was a Clemson 2009 commit before the coaching change, when he de-committed. Then it's believed Larry didn't have a qualifying test score that kept this 3 star speedster off many of the top programs recruiting boards close to signing day. It is believed that Larry has qualified and Michigan still has a couple of scholarships available and are looking at this 5"10 165 lbs. with 4.4 speed in the 40, athlete to play cornerback. Larry was mainly a running back and WR in high school. Michigan has asked Larry to visit Ann Arbor before they offer and his visit is expected to happen in the next few weeks. If Larry impresses the coaches, I would expect him to get offered. Michigan needs depth at CB and having a guy with 4.4 speed doesn't hurt.

• Check out his break away speed below!! The kid can catch the ball as well. After watching this video, I think Michigan should offer (if he can qualify acdemically of course).

There is never a Chad issue in Florida!

How does Brett Favre effect the future of a former Michigan QB?

No, there isn't any Michigan QB's on the Packers or the Jets but there is one on the Miami Dolphins and when Brett signed with the Jets, the Jets gave Chad Pennington his walking papers who a couple days later signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Not good news for our Chad (Henne) right? (Also Bill Parcells, doesn't exactly have a great track record of managing former "strong armed" Michigan QB's either - Drew Henson is off getting married and had no comment). Well, that was my first take. But after hearing how Chad Henne played on Saturday, some people might be changing their minds.

On Saturday Night against Tampa Chad was 5-10 for 67. Those numbers don't stick out as a great night but he got rave reviews from some Miami Newspapers:

South Florida Sun-Sentinel, comparing Chad Pennington to Henne: "The Chad to watch wasn't the veteran on the sidelines, learning and tutoring. It was the impressive rookie on the field. It was Chad Henne, the second-rounder from Michigan who played the second and third quarters, and showed arm strength, poise and moxie."

Miami Herald: "A young quarterback who looks like he could be something special someday. Maybe even soon. I don't care what Chad Henne's passing numbers were. (They were 5 of 10 for 67 yards.) What mattered more was the poise this rookie exhibited in his NFL debut, such as on a 21-yard strike on third-and-18. And the arm strength evident on a couple of deep-out routes, some good decisions he made and the fact both of Miami's scoring drives in Saturday's 17-6 loss to Tampa Bay were with Henne in the huddle."

The other Michigan QB in the game for Tampa Bay, Brian Griese went 10-14 for 59 yards and a TD.

Mike Hart Update: Mike continues to impress as a member of the Colts. On Saturday against Carolina, he had two carries for 20 yards and caught two passes for 21 yards.

Adrian Arrington is hurt. He came away from this past Thursday game with a turf toe (Sprained toe ligaments). Sean Peyton the Saints head coach called it, "pretty serious." This injury does not help the 7th round draft pick (who should be in Ann Arbor playing his senior year) make the team as a Special Teams player.

Did the older Forcier make a mistake in transferring to Stanford?

We all know that his little brother Tate is considering attending Michigan next fall. We also know that Tate's older brother Jason was on the Wolverines roster two years ago before he decided to transfer to Stanford. Jason saw Chad Henne and Ryan Mallett taking up all his playing time, so he left town.

Well, things have changed in Ann Arbor and both Chad and Ryan are gone and Jason is in Palo Alto. What could have been right? Seems even Jason thinks about that:

"A lot of my friends and old teammates tell me I should not have transferred," Forcier said. "That's in the past now. At Stanford you get the best of both worlds. You can play at a high level Division I school and get an Ivy League education. The bottom line is I'm getting better every day."

With that said, Foricer is trying to earn the starting spot for former Wolverines QB Jim Harbaugh's team.

"We all want to win," Forcier said. "This is something I've looked for ward to for three years. It's the first time I feel like I'm competing for something. I've grown up being the guy and I want to be the guy. If I win this job I know I earned it because I'm competed against the best."

Cell Block News and Notes: Henne Struggles and Recruiting Updates

• Chad Henne struggled in day 4 of The Dolphins mini camp (after 3 good days) mostly due to mental overload trying to learn a brand new 150 page play book in 4 days. At times he was over throwing his WR's and forgetting the snap count. "It's tough as a quarterback; you have to know what everybody is doing, know your checks, where your progressions are, your footwork," Henne said. "Once I get back here again I'll feel more comfortable and do better." "We threw a lot at [Henne]," coach Tony Sparano said. "We wanted to see exactly how much sticks. He might've struggled just a little bit, but I thought he threw the ball pretty well at times."


• Recruiting Update: Michigan last week offered ATH Davis Sims (6-0, 208) and WR Alshon Jeffrey (6-3, 217) of Calhoun County. Both also have offers from USC, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee and N.C. State. Sims' other offers are Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and Colorado. The other offers for Jeffrey are Kentucky, Southern Cal, Florida and Florida State. Coaches from USC, Florida State, North Carolina, Michigan and Virginia visited last week.


• Varsity Blue: Ranks the Big Ten Recruiting for the Class of 2009: 1) OSU with 13 commits (many 4 & 5 stars) 2) Michigan with 7 commits (two 5* and three 4*) 3) MSU with 6 commits (three 4*) 4) Illinois 2 commits both 4* 5) Minnesota 4 commits and one 4* 6) PSU three commits- no 4* 7) Wisconsin 3 Commits (one 4*) 8) Northwestern - 2 commits (No 4*) 9) Iowa - 1 commit (No 4*) 10) and 11) Purdue and IU - 0 commits.

Breaking News: Jake Long goes #1 in the Draft

Jake Long and the Miami Dolphins have agreed to a contract and will announce his signing today at 3:00 press conference. The Rams are now on the clock.

Jake is the first Wolverine to go #1 in the NFL draft since Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon in 1941. Congratulations to a guy who stayed in school and that commitment paid off. Jake you have done the Wolverines proud!

• Peter King thinks that Chad Henne could be the first QB taken.

The hot name as we enter the final five pre draft days? Michigan quarterback Chad Henne. Two scouts I trust told me over the weekend they like him better than they like Ryan. There's a team somewhere between 8 and 17 -- and I can't figure out which one -- interested in trading down a few slots and drafting Henne with a first-round pick.

Monday Recruiting

Marcus Witherspoon

• In somewhat of a surprise move: Marcus Witherspoon stays committed to the Wolverines. Marcus had taken some recent visits and was considering, BC, Rutgers, and Tenn.


• Chad Henne was named the North MVP at the Senior Bowl, he threw 2 touchdown passes


• Pryor hasn't scheduled anymore visits and still plans to announce on 2/6. On a side note he scored his 2,000th HS point in basketball over the weekend.


• Update on Jaron Brown. He is down to 3 schools after his visit this weekend. South Carolina, Clemson, and Michigan. "Right now, I have a slight lean toward USC,” Brown said before heading to Ann Arbor. But upon his return, Brown planned to break out his notebook, weigh the pros and cons, and make a choice. “I just want to sit around and pray about it,” he said.


• Nick Perry still lists MSU in his final 4. Nick visited Michigan this past weekend and will visit Miami next. He plans to announce on signing day (2/6).
• From ESPN's Wake Forest Recruiting Preview: However, it's undecided prospect Terrence Robinson (Klein, Texas/Oak) who possesses the dual-threat skills similar to Moore; the Texas native may be smaller but is just as quick and elusive. The problem is the once Demon Deacon lean is now being courted hard by Michigan. His final 3 seems to be BC, Wake, and Michigan.
• Onterio McCalebb, maybe coming to A2 next weekend. Here is what he had to say: He says he has around 17 total scholarship offers and is still considering visiting Michigan on Feb. 2. " While McCalebb hints that the Wolverines aren't completely out of the race, he also says that there's a "50/50 chance" he'll choose either Auburn or Rutgers. I guess that doesn't leave a strong percentage for the Wolverines! Maybe he isn't a math major?
  

Keep Checking back today. I will put up information as it flows in from this weekends visits.

Wednesday Recruiting

We are less then two weeks from signing day and not much new on the Recruiting front since yesterday. We seem to be (maybe) losing some verbals and not adding at the moment. To get to 25 players from where we stand today is going to be difficult.

Verbals on Shaky Ground:

• LB Marcus Witherspoon looking at other schools including Tenn. and Rutgers


• HB/LB Christian Wilson is looking for some love from RR. His mom (R Madia) visits a Michigan Blog chat room and maybe in Ann Arbor today.


• Mike Martin DT from Novi has been getting alot of attention from ND. Rivals still lists him a Solid Verbal to Michigan.

Top Recruits on Shaky Ground or Gone:

• WR DJ Woods picked the Bearcats because he thought he could play quicker


• Nick Perry DE from the state of Michigan enjoyed his USC trip this past weekend and now considers them his top choice. He will be in sunny Ann Arbor this weekend for his official visit.

New Recruits considering Michigan:

• Michael Shaw RB that has verbally committed to PSU


• Rhonene Sanderson OL from Tampa is taking a visit this weekend


• Charles Mitchell Safety for Mississippi is also interested in making a visit to Ann Arbor


• Justin Feagin, a dual threat QB out of Florida - Update: Planning a visit to A2 on 2/1


• Vaughn Carraway WR out of PA. Visited Pitt last weekend


• Terrence Robinson, a short WR (speedster) out of Texas


• TJ Lawerence, DB Florida - visiting A2 this weekend


• JT Floyd, DB South Carolina - verbal to Tenn. visited last weekend and enjoyed it.
• We all know about TP!
  

Other News and Notes:

• Chad is doing well at the Senior Bowl and his stock is rising.


• Mgoblog suggests that Ted Sarniak a local PA business man may have ties to the Buckeyes coaching staff. Could this be a similar situation to what is unfolding for Reggie Bush who is being accused of taking cash, cars, and a home for his parents while at USC. It's been said that Terrelle worked for Ted this summer and rolls in a Vette.
• Oregon has 3 QB's commits already? TP may visit this weekend: Harper became the third quarterback to commit to the class that will sign with Oregon on Feb. 6. Kelly Page of Mesquite, Texas, was the first, and Darron Thomas of Aldine (Texas) High School has already enrolled at Oregon for winter quarter.

Cell Block News and Notes: Monday Edition

• OSU has it's own backup QB transfer: Robby Schoenhoft will transfer to Delaware. I think he likes the helmets! :-)


• Crable, Henne, and Adams are playing in the Senior Bowl


• There won't be any baby fat on the Wolverines next year. The new Strength and Conditioning coach does not mess around.


• Look for the official word on Mario Manningham going Pro today as Tuesday is the deadline. Let's hope Taylor stays at U of M.


• Coach is coming here? Coach Rod is visiting his new players at their houses/apartments off campus. Better clean up the chips and beer cans.

• Slaton off to the NFL. OSU Players there is still time left! The NFL is calling you!!!!

Hail to Lloyd!

I love it when I'm wrong, wrong about which Michigan team would show up on New Years Day. In a day of last times, Michigan showed that they were the team we were looking for all year. They showed up as a double digit dog against the 12th ranked Gators in a game nobody gave them a chance to win (even me).

The Wolverines played aggressive on both sides of the ball. The offense ran a "throwing" spread formation and the line protected Henne like Fort Knox. In turn Henne, ripped apart the Florida Defense like Japanese Chef with a Ginsu knife, throwing for a career high 373 yards. Even Coach Myer was surprised; “I am very disappointed in the pass coverage. We have to do a lot better and we have to get some things corrected. This was a defense last year that held Ohio State to 82 yards."

Adrian Arrington looked like a first round draft pick by catching everything thrown his way. Even an unbelievable catch for a 36 yard first down on Michigan's last touchdown drive with just over 4 minutes left. That catch by the way made ESPN's best play of the Capital One Bowl Week.

The Defense pressured Heisman Tim all day and gave up some long running plays, but in the end they stayed aggressive for their head coach and departing Defensive Coordinator Ron English.

See today was the last time for a lot of things including:

• Mike Hart's non-fumbling streak


• Michigan laying down for better coaches and better teams in bowl games


• Jake Long in a Michigan jersey


• Chad Henne in a Michigan Jersey


• Mike Hart in a Michigan Jersey


• Shawn Crable in a Michigan Jersey


• Lloyd Carr on the sideline leading the Maize and Blue.


• Michigan's bowl losing streak

In a year of up and downs, of retirements, coaching searches, sailboats, lost expectations, the Michigan Seniors, the Michigan Head Coach, and the departing Michigan Assistants all left as winners. Team you made your Alumi, Fans, and the Big Ten proud. Well Done! and Go Blue!

Cheers:

• The play calling on offense. Debord you have been thrown under the bus all year (as you should have been). You called a heck of game today.


• The Spirit - This team was ready to play and play hard for their retiring head coach.


• Chad Henne - played like robo quarterback. With a healthy shoulder he played his best game in a Michigan uniform. Congratulations on the game's MVP.


• The Michigan WR's- Both played a great game. Adrian and Mario, I know the NFL is calling but we would love to see you stay one more year.


• The Michigan Offensive Line - You protected Chad and gave him time to throw the ball.


• Michigan's speed was equal or better then Florida's.

Jeers:

• Mike's lost fumbles cost us 14 points and the difference between a close game and a blow out. Doesn't matter. A win is a win.


• The Defense did give up a ton of long runs.

In a day where Wisconsin lost to Tennessee, The Juice and Zook got embarrassed by USC, the Michigan Fan Base was able to smile and hold it's head high, as they won a game they were supposed to lose. New Years Day was a good day.

Capital One Bowl Preview

As a Michigan fan, I can' t remember caring less for a Michigan New Years Day Bowl game. There was always something speical about a New Years Day with a Michigan Bowl Game. Was it the anticipation of a Rose Bowl, or the overtime thriller against Alabama in the Sugar, or maybe the last time Drew Henson threw a TD pass to David Terrell in the Orange Bowl? There are some great games in there and many losses to USC. Tomorrow will be different though.

This years Capital One/Citrus Bowl is the end of the Lloyd Carr era and the end of the Michigan run for Chad Henne, Jake Long, and Mike Hart. Lloyd wanted to retire after last years Rose Bowl but "Sailboat" Bill talked him out of it. Lloyd in turn mailed in this season from day one. This team of seniors leave with out a bowl win and with out a win against OSU. Not to say they didn't accomplish anything, this group of seniors never lost to the Spartans or Penn State. But the year that was so full of expectations, came crashing down as early at September 1st at 3:30.

Now Lloyd is out and everyone is excited about Rich Rodriguez and the excitement he will bring back to the Big House. I'm sorry to say even though it will be great to see #20 run one more time in the Maize and Blue and #7 throw a bomb to Mario, nobody caries about this game. It's an after thought for what is to come.

See Michigan should be playing Tennessee or Boston College. Either one of those teams would be a great match-up against the Wolverines. In the great "mail in" year, Michigan's good luck continued as they get the worst possible Bowl opponent possible, Florida. Heisman Tim will be running and throwing the ball around the yard. The stadium sold out in record time as the Florida Fans can't get enough of this Florida team and what is to come next year. Did I mention the game is in Orlando?

Michigan will be lucky to even stay in this game as memories of Oregon run through every Michigan's fan head. We will watch this game as tradition predicts but this year, we really don't care. We will root for Chad to throw bombs, Jake to Pancake, and Mike to run for a 100 yards as we wish them well in the NFL. But this New Years Day we won't care what happens on the score board, because like Florida we have bigger and better things to come.

The Rich Rodriguez Era begins at 4:15 on Tuesday.

Open the Bar and start drinking if:

• This game actually kicks off



• Heisman Tim runs for 150 and passes for 300 yards +



• The speed of Florida makes us look like Ohio State in the National Championship game last year



• The Michigan coaches are surprised Florida runs the spread offense



• Michigan can't move the ball and gets a ton of 3 and outs



• The score is embarrassing at half time

Sing Hail to the Victors:

• For Coach Carr, Mike Hart, Chad Henne, and Jake Long one more time



• If Mike Hart goes for 100+ yards and gains a few spots in the draft



• Chad's shoulder is healed and he has time to find A2 and Mario deep



• If we don't get embarrassed and keep the game within two touchdowns



• Because this is the last time we have to watch a team that is not prepared to play against a top opponent/coach in a Bowl game



• Because January 2nd is a new day and a fresh start
  
  

Florida 42 Michigan 21

Sunday's News and Notes

• Trainer hits nerve in Henee's shoulder before the Wisconsin game. Never thought a trainer would cost us the Rose Bowl. Kind of crazy.
• Michigan's Golden Boy makes history
• Rick Neuheisel gets the UCLA job. I always expected Rick to get back into College as a head coach but I didn't think it would be with such a high profile program. On one hand, I think this choice makes a lot of sense for UCLA. On the other, I think it's very risky and Rick won't get any second chances or the benefit of the doubt if anything goes wrong. The Ravens Offense hasn't exactly been setting the world on fire this year either. Maybe UCLA needed to take a risk with USC in town.

Merry Christmas!

Cartoon by Joel A Morgan.

• A busy week for Coach Rod
  
• Chad looking forward to his last game and a healthy shoulder
• Update on the Battle over the Big House
• Jimbo Fischer from FSU decides to stay at FSU and won't be the next West Virgina coach.

Merry Christmas!

Recruits Starting to Bail and H&H Injury Update

When you fire all but one person on the current staff you have to expect you will lose some recruits that are close with position coaches that were just let go. The highest profile recruit to pull his commitment is Boubacar Cissoko, a 4 Star CB from Detroit. This is a difficult loss for Michigan, since we all know CB has been a weakness for the Michigan defense. Boubacar is a very athletic cover corner, even though he is below 6 feet in size. He is now looking at Penn State. I expect Coach Rod and the new DC to take another run at him after the silent period is over.

Freep Reports:
HENNE, HART UPDATE: Quarterback Chad Henne said his shoulder was regaining the strength lost in the final month of the regular season, and a number of players said tailback Mike Hart was running well in practice in his continued recovery from a high ankle sprain. Both are expected to play against Florida.

Tressel and OSU self report NCAA infractions.

Bellotti to stay at Oregon