Michigan Friday: For Whom The Bellomy Tolls

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

Other News:

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

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

HT: Mgoblog

Michigan Friday: Hopes They Look Better at Night

Michigan has some "Night" News

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

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

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

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

Big Ten Preview Week #3

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

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

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

Best Big Ten Match up:

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

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

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

The rest of the games............ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Wolverine Wednesday: Big Dog III is a Wolverine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rich Rodriguez Monday Press Conference

Notes from today's presser:

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

David Molk

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

James Rodgers

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

JT Floyd

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

Greg Banks

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

Denard Robinson (smiled the entire time)

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

Michigan Post Game: ND

Photo courtesy of Daniel Mears / The Detroit News

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

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

Cheers:

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

Jeers:

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

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

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

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

Go Blue!

Michigan vs Notre Dame Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Here is what scares me being a Michigan fan. 

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

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

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

#4 Michigan has one road win under RR.

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

Sing Hail to the Victors if:

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

Worry if:

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

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


Go Blue!

Michigan's Mash Report: ND Game

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


DOUBTFUL (25% PLAY)
Hemingway, Junior   Hamstring


PROBABLE (75% PLAY)
Roundtree, Roy

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

Michigan Thursday: Starts to Prep For ND

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

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

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

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

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

Charles Woodson gets a two year extension.

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

Big House Thursday: Volunteers to Forfeit a game

Question: How would the Michigan football team help North Carolina A&T get a win next season?

Answer: No this is not a trick question and the answers aren't: 1) By playing them or 2) having something to do with Lary Raper.

The real answer is: Delaware State can't agree with North Carolina A&T on a reschedule date for October 17th when Delaware State plays Michigan in Ann Arbor. So basically, Delaware State is taking the money for hopefully two loses (for those keeping score at home - One to Michigan and one to NC A&T).

• Charlie Weis Tweets about preparing for Michigan: "Today is Day 3 of Michigan week. While the assistant coaches cover the nation recruiting, I’m now on our second opponent...This preparation is different than preparation for Nevada for two reasons. Offensively, Michigan is in year two of a new system. ... Defensively, a new defensive coordinator causes you to study Michigan’s personnel from last year, but Syracuse’s scheme ...This is far less predictable. One big difference between Nevada & Michigan is that Michigan will have played 1 game prior to ours.

• Greg Paulus picks Syracuse - and no it wasn't over Michigan. That possibility died a month ago. His two final choices were Nebraska or Syracuse.

• Brian Griese is expected to be cut by Tampa Bay this week. I'm sure the 34 year old Griese will find another back up job with another NFL team.

• Tennessee Transfer to play at Grand Valley State University: Darris Sawtelle a 6"6, 320 lbs. Offensive Tackle has left the Volunteers and will head back to Michigan to play at GVSU. Darris was a top 15 recruit in the state of Michigan two years ago. Darris recalls his conversation with Lane Kiffin: "He pretty much told me I didn't fit into the offense," Sawtelle said. Sawtelle, a Birmingham Brother Rice graduate, is the second high-profile transfer since last football season to choose Grand Valley. James Stallons, a quarterback from Macomb, left Wisconsin and will join the Lakers in the fall.

College Coaching Carousel Continues

That Big wheel keeps on turning, winning coaches keep on earning.

Well, another final week of the season has come and gone and we have filled two jobs with many more opening up. Let's take a look at the jobs I predicted would get filled first.

Tennessee picked Lane Kiffin which we predicted last week. Lane is a good young coach that could be a Volunteer for the next 20 years. There are two surprises out of that hiring, the first one I will save for later in this the post the second one is that Lane will be bringing his father in to coach the defensive. As many of you know, Monte Kiffin is the current Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator and the designer of the defense that won the Bucs the Super Bowl. Monte is a young 68 years old.

Clemson took the interim tag off Dabo Swinney on Sunday and will announce him as the head coach on Monday or Tuesday. Dabo was clearly the players choice as they won their last 3 games and was carried off the field by his players this past Saturday after beating South Carolina and "the old ball coach".

Wyoming made a solid choice in picking Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen this weekend as well. Dave was also rumored to be a canidate for the Washington job.

The new jobs to come open this weekend include:

• MAC Teams: Miami of Ohio (The Cradle of Coaches) and Bowling Green. Toledo still remains open.


• Sylvester Croom resigned from Mississippi State this weekend after becoming the first African American to be a head coach in the SEC 5 years ago.

High Profile Jobs that could still come open:

• Auburn: After a 36-0 loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl and a 5-7 season record, many have wondered how long Tommy Tuberville will be at Auburn. "I've got a contract here. I'm working," Tuberville said. "There's no doubt that we can get this thing turned back around. I didn't turn into a bad coach overnight. I know this program better than anybody. "I know what it takes. I know the type of people that you can get to come in. I know our strengths and weaknesses. And I'm fully committed to doing it. I'm going out and selling that." Tommy has a contract through 2013 that pays him $3.3m a year, a buyout would cost Auburn about $6 million.


• Notre Dame: After a 38-3 loss to USC this weekend, Charlie Weis status as head coach remains "shaky" after the Golden Domers finished their season 6-6. Some close to Weis family have speculated that Charlie will be heading home to the East Coast next week and that the ND gig is a lost clause. With that said, Charlie currently remains employed by ND and even stayed on the West Coast to do a little recruiting after the USC game. Coach Weis and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick have a meeting set up for December 8th. Now for the 1st surprise I mentioned earlier. Some have speculated that Brian Kelly from The Big East Champions Cincinnati Bearcats turned down the Tennessee job because he wants to wait and see what happens at Notre Dame. When asked today on the Jim Rome show about it, Brian Kelly politely wouldn't answer the question. If I had to speculate, here is what has happened. Tennessee was very interested in Brian Kelly and wanted to make an offer, someone from ND reached out to Brian's agent/lawyer and said that they want Brian as the next Notre Dame coach but it would make a few days/weeks. Brian then turned down Tennessee and they went off and hired Lane Kiffin. Of course this is pure speculation by yours truly, but it makes sense, mostly after ND lost out to Florida in the Urban Meyer sweepstakes in 2005.

University of Washington and Mississippi State you are now on the clock!

U of W Update: UW interviewed Fresno State headman Pat Hill this weekend and sources close to the program have said they hope to interview Brian Kelly and Texas Tech's Mike Leach. Utah's Kyle Wittingham remains high on the list.

College Coaches: Hired to be Fired with a Golden Parachute

Is Phillip waving goodbye or waving down a group of bankers for his buyout? His wife might need a bigger purse to carry it.

So you want to be a head coach at a major University? Not at bad gig if you can get, it's also not a bad gig when you get fired.

They say head football coaches in college or in the NFL are "hired to be fired". There was never more of a true statement. These poor guys spend hundred of hours a week breaking down film, dealing with student athletes, recruiting, and keeping the high profile alumni happy. They don't get to spend time with family, friends, or even get a chance to play a round of golf.

So why would you want one of these high profile coaching gigs? Because someday you will be fired!

Dude, I was with you until you made being fired a good thing.

In a time where the automotive industry is bankrupt, the financial industry is almost gone, retail is way down, and many Americans have lost their jobs or will be losing their jobs with zero severance pay, being a head football coach who has just been fired from a top university is a pretty good deal.

Take a look at these numbers: Tommy Bowden is due $3.5M from Clemson and he reportedly resigned (do you get a package when you quit? mmm maybe he didn't quit?), Bill Callahan got $3.1M from Nebraska last year, and Phil Fulmer gets $6 million to ease his pain of no longer being the head man at Tennessee. Even San Diego State spent $1.2 million to buy out Chuck Long who went 9-27 as head coach. Are you kidding me? $1.2 large at San Diego State?

So now we come to Notre Dame who signed "Good time" Charlie Weis to a 10 year contract after they were afraid the NFL would come calling for the one time "mail reading" football genius. Reports out of Chicago, ESPN, and everywhere now says that Charlie's buyout as one prominent alumni put it as "pocket change" (I'm pretty sure Bill Gates went to Harvard and not Notre Dame, either way those are some big pockets!) is reportedly between $4 -$5 million.

Wow? How many of us would take that kind of firing? That doesn't even include their 401K! No more long days, you can get introduced to your family again, gone are the crazy recruiting trips to find the next super star, and no more "everyone and their brother" over looking your every move. Seems pretty good to get fired from one of these high profile gigs these days. I wonder how much a History teacher gets if they have to be let go?

Hired to be Fired. College Football is becoming the NFL without the convenient playoff system of course.

_____________________

Update on the Tennessee Coaching Search: Many outlets are reporting that Tennessee and Lane Kiffin are in negotiations for Lane to become the next head football coach. Of course, Tennessee is saying they haven't hired or offered the job to anyone and the search continues. In my opinion, they are just stalling so that Phil Fulmer can coach his last game at Tennessee on Saturday against Kentucky which they have coined "Fulmer appreciation day". Look for the rumors about Lane to become official on Sunday.

They don't want to lose any recruits during this coaching change.

Wildcard Wednesday: Things I don't Understand in Sports

• Why doesn't Division 1 College Football have a playoff system? I don't want to hear the arguments about kids missing class, please! Other college sports travel more and miss much more class. D1A and D2 has playoffs, are those students academics worth less then a D1 athlete? Money - Come on, a D1 playoff system would generate more. The importance of the regular reason - How would that change? If you had an 8 team playoff system or even a +1, the regular season games are still very important. I do like the traditions of the bowl games, but there are ways to keep them involved. I think the only real losers would be the Motor City Bowl and Poulan Weed Eater Bowls if still around would become the equivalent of the NIT in Basketball. If you think about it, aren't they the NIT already?
• Al Davis? I'm know when you own the team, you can make any damn decision you want. But if this guy was my Grandfather, I wouldn't let him hold the TV remote! I saw on ESPN last night that he was taking away play calling from Greg Knapp, the team's offensive coordinator. Are you kidding me? I believe the only thing this guy has done right over the past 10 years was hire Jon Gruden. Then of course he traded him. I'm sorry, but the NFL or someone has to step in and relieve Al of his duties, he is making a mockery out of himself and his once proud franchise. What quality coach would want to coach the Raiders? I'm sure his head coaching wish list looks like this right now: #1 John Cooper, #2 Wayne Fontes, #3 Jerry Faust, #4 Greg Robinson current headman at Syracuse.
• Signing Day: Basketball vs Football: Did you know today is one of the official signing days for high school seniors to officially sign their letter of intent for the 2009 class in Basketball. Yes, today! Why is college football so behind college basketball? Most major college football programs have their 2009 class filled or close to full and have moved on to the 2010 class. There should be an early signing period for Football as well. This seems like a no brainier. Of course people will argue, what if kids change their minds, etc. Well don't sign early or make it easier for schools to let kids out without a penalty. Last point, with all these kids enrolling early, does it make sense that kids could enroll in college, start class in January and not have to sign their letter of intent until late February? It doesn't, change the rule and add an earlier date.
• Every play in college football is reviewed? Varsity Blue another fine Michigan blog, made this same point this week. It seems the guys in the booth only look at replays if: a catch is trapped, if a runners knee was down before the end zone, or did the ball come out on a possible fumble. I see at least two or three plays each game that should be reviewed but isn't. Michigan clearly recovered a fumble in the Minnesota game and it wasn't reviewed. Come on guys! Push the button and watch the game!
• Why do we care so much about Notre Dame? There was a constant stream on the ESPN ticker last night that Charlie Wies is going to take over play calling for his Offensive Coordinator who is at a funeral this week and will miss some practice time. Who Cares? How is this news? Information like this should be reserved for Notre Dame Blogs not a national news story on ESPN. Let's also be honest here for a second, the reason he is taking over play calling is because Boston College beat them 17-0. Not because his OC is attending a funeral.

"To Hell With Michigan"

Does it ever rain in Hell? Well it might in South Bend this Saturday.

The famous quote (above) was released to the world when an "ND honk" put his personal trip to the ND Spring Game on YouTube. I wonder if he will be asked back? Touching moment with the field security guard by the way. How could something so wonderful go so wrong? Whoever thought an ND fan with a video camera could ever turn out to be "bulletin board"material for the other team? How could something so wonderful go so wrong?

That question has to be on the mind of every ND fan, alumni, and video honk, these days. Maybe "good time Charlie" meant to say, "what the hell is going on around here?"

• They hired an offensive "genius" from the NFL to later find out that he had the other teams defensive sets the entire time


• The top recruit in the country comes to ND and pops off about winning 4 national championships and then ends up getting hit like Jerry Cooney in a heavy weight fight


• They had a losing record and one of worst offenses in D1a


• Haven't won a bowl game in ten years

Don't you just love NBC? No mater how bad they have been during this contract, they keep signing them up for big deals. Memo to ND and NB(D)C: End this contract! and get ND into a conference. I don't care if it's the Big Ten, Big East, or Big 12. Find a damn home or become one of the Military Academies.

With that off my chest, let's move to the game. I think NBC is calling it the Big Slide in South Bend.

Let's start this weeks preview with the Tale of the Tape:

• Michigan's Dline vs ND O Line: Advantage Mich


• Michigan's secondary vs ND WR's: Advantage Mich


• Michigan's LB's vs ND's TE and RB's: Advantage ND


• ND's QB vs Michigan D: Advantage Mich


• Michigan's OLine vs ND's DLine: Advantage ND


• Michigan's RB vs ND D: Advantage Michigan


• Michigan's QB vs ND D: Advantage ND


• Special Teams: Advantage Mich


• Intangibles: Push (Home for ND/Hell motivation for Mich)

I re-watched ND's game this week on one of the HD channels. They looked terrible until the 4th quarter. In the 4th they started hitting short 5-7 yard passes and then having their WR's go long. This gave "Jimmy" quick reads and then a shot deep later in the drive.

If the weather is decent, I expect to see the same type of strategy on Saturday. Lot's of underneath stuff to test the Wolverine Linebackers. Michigan has a very good DLine and the last thing ND wants to see is "Jimmy" running for his life again. Linebacker play for Michigan will need to be outstanding in this game. The Michigan defense will be the best unit on the field, they will need to dominate and even score some points.

Michigan's Offense will need to do two things to be successful on Saturday. One - take advantage of opportunities your defense gives you and Two - don't turn the ball over. This will be a field position game with both offenses struggling. Punting and punting well, will be a good thing.

This is RR's first ND game so look for some new plays out of the offense. I expect to see a number of trick plays to fool the ND defense.

Here is what I predict:

• Bad weather and bad offenses will keep scoring down


• ND will "crowd the box" to stop the run and make Threet throw


• Look for a big day for Odoms on screens, slants, and reverses


• Michigan will throw the ball deep to use their speed against the slow ND DB's


• Michigan will show some pro sets to run the ball if the weather is terrible


• I expect at least 3 turnovers in the entire game


• KC will be very important kicking field goals


• Michigan will get a touchdown on special teams

(*side note: for those that have been following the lines, this has been a crazy one. For most of the summer, ND was giving Michigan more then a TD, then it moved to ND being favored for less then a field goal, as of right now it stands Michigan is favored by +2.0)

Bottom Line: The biggest difference in this game is that Michigan has played two games and ND has played one.

Michigan 13 ND 7

For those that are wondering: The only thing better then beating ND is beating OSU.

Go Blue!

What did ND get when they hired Charlie Weis?

The recent Michigan coaching search is still fresh in our minds. Talk about a roller-coaster; It was a Michigan Man, then it was at Rutgers Man, after that who was left? At the time it looked like maybe Kirk Ferentz (who is now on the hot seat) or even the Ball State Head Coach. Yikes! It seemed Sailboat Bill had little to no options when he pulled Rich "the Rabbit" Rodriguez out of his hat. Problem solved - all forgotten.

Ohio State had similar problems before they hired "the vest". Looking back, that was a pretty big risk giving the Ohio State head coaching job to the head coach of Youngstown State. It would have been similar to Michigan hiring the Grand Valley head coach. That risk paid off and Tressel has done quite well for himself.

One of the worst coaching searches in history had to be the Notre Dame search after George "the resume" O'Leary left the program. They interviewed and supposedly offered the job to everyone from Lombardi to Ditka. Many high profile coaches in college and pro turned down the job in South Bend. Even the Lions, Steve Mariucci turned it down. (Steve you want to re-think that now?). ND finally settled on the Offensive Genius of the New England Patriots, Charlie Weis. At the time, I thought it was a great hire. Charlie was a ND grad and was winning Super Bowl on what seemed like a yearly basis. Here was a guy that wanted the job and was one of the hottest coaching prospects in the NFL.

With what we know now, would you consider that a good hire? I think Charlie has proved he is a good recruiter, I also think Charlie can X and O against anyone. But that maybe it. We know now that the Patriots "were reading the other teams mail". Which meant, Charlie knew what was coming. It's pretty easy to ace the test when you know the questions.

Charlie is skilled at taking professional athletes and putting them in the proper position to make successful plays. This is the part that doesn't translate to college football. In college you have to be able to see that a running back is a step slow but would make a good Linebacker. You have to see that your speedy WR will never see the field and turn him into a cover corner. You also have to take the 3, 4, and 5 star recruits and teach them how to play/excel in their positions. Can Charlie do that?

I think this is one area Tressel does very well in. AJ Hawk was a 3 star linebacker from outside of Dayton that he turned into a top NFL first round draft pick.

We also know that RR over achieved with his recruiting classes at WVU. Does Charlie have that skill?

Here is what we know so far:

• 2007 Final Record 3-9
• Most Losses in Notre Dame History in a Season
• Longest Home Losing Streak (6)
• 2 of the Programs Top 10 Worst Losses (38-0 to Michigan and USC)
• Lost to Two Military Academy's in 1 season for first time since 1944
• Notre Dame has lost their last 9 Bowl Appearances
• Over their last 9 Bowl losses they have averaged a deficit of 17 points

You make the call if this was a good hire or not. Maybe it's too early to tell but I don't think the ND faithful is going to take too many more 3-9 seasons before they find a way to get out of that 10 year contract extension.

The new ND Athletic Director is a lawyer right? Well, that might come in handy.

ND fired George O'Leary for having "a creative resume". With what we know now about Charlie's success at New England, wouldn't you say he had a "creative resume" as well?