Michigan Thursday: Your In but Suspended

Raise your hand if your tired of Pryor news.  It has been non-stop for 4 years and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. 

Today comes the news he is in the NFL Supplemental Draft now re-scheduled for Monday.   The only catch is that Pryor will be suspended for the first 5 games of the season, which should only effect Pryor's bank account because he surly wouldn't be playing QB for any team that picks him in the first 5 weeks.   Heck, he maybe even more attractive to teams now they get a discount.   This is sort of like the NFL Draft meets TJ Maxx. 

Some have wondered if this the first step in the NFL working with the NCAA on rule breakers.  The answer is no, this is the NFL's way to try to persuade any other "Pryor's" from trying to work the system by not declaring for the NFL Draft and trying to land a better spot in the Supplemental. 

For the Pryor "shocker" of the day his "mentor" Ted Sarniak gave him and his mother money while he was at OSU.   Really?  I guess nobody thought that was important when everyone had to recruit Pryor through Ted.  Pryor's entire time at OSU should be stricken from the record.

• If you want to hear me preview the Michigan Offense please tune into the Michigan Man Podcast.  Part 1 is up and Part 2 is coming.   (I'm a little long winded)  Mike does a great job, so please check it out on a regular baiss or download it on your Ipod phone pad, etc. 

• If you haven't heard Mike Hart is done with the NFL and is a quality control assistant at Eastern Michigan for Ron English.  I expect Mike to be Michigan's RB coach as soon as Fred Jackson retires or moves to another offensive coaching position at Michigan.  On a side note, I like what Ron is doing for former Wolverines.  He also helped Tyrone Wheatley get his coaching career going, he is now with Syracuse.   Here is Mike talking about camp:  "I love it, and I have a lot more fun coaching in camp than playing in camp," Hart said, laughing. "Camp is camp. It's a grind for the coaches, it's a grind on the players, but my body isn't taking a beating. I just love working with young men and having an impact on them. I'm definitely having a lot of fun." Having Mike in and around Ann Arbor is a great thing!  It will be very strange for him to be on the other side of the field on 9/17.

Michigan Tuesday: Thinks There is a 30 - 30 Documentary at WVU

So how is that West Virgina Football Program doing these days?  The Bill Stewart hire after RR left for Michigan has to be considered  a very poor decision after he blew out Oklahoma with RR's players in the Fiesta Bowl.  I remember a prominent booster said something to the effect, "they just hired the JV coach" when Bill took over the program.

Back in December, I predicted the 1 year coach in waiting would not work.  In fact, it was the most bizarre college coaching situation I have ever seen.  The first day of business school they tell you partnerships don't work.  This one didn't even last 6 months before Bill tried to go project "National Enquirer" on Dana Holgorsen.

Well done Bill!  Your first head coaching job you got fired for a racially-insensitive comment.  You get fired from your second head coaching job because you tried to air your coach-in-waiting dirty laundry in the media. 

I see now why the WVU fans were so upset when RR left.   It set the the program back years.    He is available for hire if the Mountaineers current coach goes on another casino bender.

Think about all the drama this program has had the past 3 years. 

• A healthy QB thump (or finger I don't remember) away from the NC game
• RR takes the Michigan Job
• The RR shredding documents thing
• WVU blowing out Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl
• Bill Stewart gets the head coaching job
• RR fights the buy out
• Michigan pays most of the buy out
• NCAA investigates RR practice schedule at Michigan and WVU
• RR fails at Michigan
• Dana Holgorsen is hired to replace Bill Stewart in 2012 and will be coach-in-waiting in 2011
• Bill Stewart releases "dirt" on Holgorsen to the media
• Bill Stewart gets fired  resigns

This has to be a 30/30.

• Pryor signs with Drew Rosenhaus.  Shocker, I guess Rob Pelinka wasn't available?

• Kyle Dodson a 4 Star Offensive Line prospect spurns the Buckeyes and committed to Wisconsin last night.  Michigan was also recruiting Kyle.  Many had thought he was a Columbus lock.

• Love this quote from new Wolverine Erik Magnuson on taking other visits:  “I’m not sure. I will definitely be going to Michigan for an official visit, and if coach is ok with me taking an official visit to place where I have friends at, then I might do that, but if not then it’s not a big deal to me. I’m going to Michigan. I don’t care about any other school.”

Wolverine Wednesday: The Evil Buckeye Empire is Crumbling

(sorry about yesterday's post, that real life stuff gets in the way sometimes)

When Michigan was going through its stretching and non-coaches coaching issues, I made a statement that if the media and NCAA come snooping around your campus they are going to find something wrong in your program.  A real life example is when your about to sell your home, the prospective buyer hires a Home Inspector for $400 to find things wrong with your house.  For $400 he will find something wrong with your home, no matter how big or small.

OSU now has every major media outlet in their backyard along with the NCAA and their foundation has cracked and water in the basement is starting to get pretty deep. 

The "shell game" that was Tressel reputation continues to unravel.  The Columbus Dispatch reported yesterday that The Vest communicated often with Pryors non-family members:  After Tressel received an April 2, 2010, email from a former player warning him of potential NCAA violations, the coach exchanged 77 calls and text messages with and spent a total of 4 1/2 hours talking on the phone with Ted Sarniak, the hometown mentor of quarterback Terrelle Pryor in Jeannette, Pa.



Their longest phone conversation - 18 minutes - happened on Dec. 21, two days before OSU announced Pryor and five others would be suspended for part of the 2011 season for violations.


The two also spoke for three minutes immediately after the Dec. 23 news conference benching Pryor, Daniel Herron, DeVier Posey, Solomon Thomas and Mike Adams for five games and Jordan Whiting for one game.


Tressel and Sarniak exchanged text messages on March 8, the day OSU announced that Tressel had known about the violations for months.

Tressel also sent 91 text messages to Roy Hall, the current Jeannette football coach and another of Pryor's mentors. Hall previously told The Dispatch that he was not aware of the investigation and had not talked with Tressel about it.
 
Again the man with the clean reputation was anything but.  His cover up for Tattoo-gate went far and wide, which leads me to wonder how many other times did he have similar type of events and covered those up  (successfully) as well.
 
Pryor 
 
Raise your hand if you first thought was "Doom" when Pryor went to Ohio State?  That decision alone basically cost Michigan fans one season with combo QB play of Nick Sheridan and Steven Threet.  
 
Now 3 years later, Michigan has Denard Robinson one of the best kids in College Football and Terrelle Pryor is considering the CFL.   Wow, things sure have changed in 3 short years.  
 
Funny as it may seem Pryor not picking Michigan might have been the turning point for Michigan to retain it's roots and get back to playing Michigan Football.   I will admit, I was not a big fan of the way the Michigan Program was heading in Carr's last year.  He had a talented football team that came out of the tunnel on opening day not ready to play and got beat by App. State.   Lloyd had stayed too long and his program showed it.  
 
RR came in as the new hot shot coach ready to change the world.  His teams didn't play any defense and finally the Michigan faithful had enough.  If Pryor was here would he had got into the same type of trouble?
Who knows and who cares?  We might of had a few more wins and RR still might have a job.  But sitting here on 6/8 I am pretty happy with the direction of the program lead by Coach Hoke, Coach Mattison and on the field by Mr. Robinson.    Thank you Mr. Pryor!
 
The news of Pryor leaving was not really news, the Buckeye Blogs had it a couple of weeks ago.  He just made it official yesterday.   The news from ESPN that he made $20K to $40K in autographs is a new one.
 
So while USC loses it's National Championship and Tennessee's AD quits you start to wonder about Ohio State's NC and Auburn's as well.   Not a great time for College Football as a whole, let's hope Michigan is on steady ground and ready to move in the right direction.

Wolverine Wednesday: Kids Don't Go to Ohio State to Study Public Relations

They clearly don't understand PR in Columbus.  They have made one mistake after another trying to manage tattoo-gate. 

Let's take a look at how poorly OSU has handled their Public Relations in this matter:

12/23/2010: AD Gene Smith:  “There are no other NCAA violations around this case,” Smith declared. “We’re very fortunate we do not have a systemic problem in our program. This is isolated to these young men, isolated to this particular incident. There are no other violations that exist.”

Really?  Why would you say "we do not have a systemic problem in our program" if you don't?  He knew they had one. 

3/8/2011: Tressel Press Conference after Yahoo report that he knew the players sold their gear.

• Jim never apologizes and just says he made a minor mistake not letting OSU know about the email.
• The school suspends Tressel two games against two weak MAC teams
• President Gordon Gee drops this line (regarding JT's job status) “No, are you kidding me? I’m just hopeful that the coach doesn’t dismiss me”

3/18/2011: Tressel extends his suspension from 2 games to 5 games under media pressure on 2 games being a joke

4/20/2011: AD Gene Smith calls the Tressel situation a nightmare in a interview


5/18/2011: During the Big Ten Spring Meetings:  AD Gene Smith gives his support to his head coach Jim Tressel

5/30/2011: OSU decided to fire ask Tressel to resign.  On Memorial Day when there was little to no sports activity.  No NBA finals or even the Indy 500.  A day with only a few baseball games.  

The reason for the timing was not for the respect for the Military or anything else you have read or heard.  It was because the SI article was due out the next day and OSU wanted to get in front of the article.  OSU was alerted about the article and potential violations on Friday.  Jim was on vacation and returned on Saturday.  Sunday they discussed the situation and Monday they made it public. 

5/31/2001: NCAA and OSU are investigating Pryor and his 8 cars in 3 years. 

Stay tuned I'm sure it will get worse.

Michigan Monday: Tressel is Done

Like I suggested months ago, Jim Tressel has decided to resign from Ohio State.   Many of you know the story and the crime, but do you?

Pultizer Prize winning SI writer George Dohrmann is about to release a story that is supposed to bring new allegations to light on the OSU program.   The story is expected to be released today/tonight.  The story was originally going to be released on Tuesday at 12:00.

So this firing/resignation was a clear attempt to get in front of that story. It seemed OSU was pretty intent on riding forward on the Tattoo-gate allegations with Tressel.

Is this a good day for Michigan?  I don't know.  It's clear our biggest rival hasn't been playing by the same rules.

Is Tressel's era at OSU a total fraud?  I think there can be a clear case for that.  His YSU allegations were known when OSU hired him.  OSU knew what they were getting when they hired him.  They danced with the devil and now they are in hell.

OSU has been owning the Wolverines for years and most years had the better team.  Now there will be an asterisk on all those games.  OSU and Tressel cheated and has been cheating for many years.  This isn't an isolated incident this has been going on for a number of years.

What is next for Tressel?  He is done in college football for a number of years.  He will get a "show" penalty from the NCAA and won't be able to coach in college until his NCAA suspension (TBD) is up.

Who is the next coach?  Luke Fickell will coach next year and then anything can happen after that.  A number of people are predicting Urban Meyer.   If I'm Urban why would I want to leave Florida for a school that is under a huge NCAA cloud?  I wouldn't count him out but I would be surprised if he took that job.   He has a new job at ESPN and will only work a couple of days a week.  He can work on his health and spend more time with his family with his current gig.  He turned down ND for Florida, I expect him to stay at ESPN for at least a couple of years.

I'm willing to bet Les Miles is trying to figure out at way to turn this situation into a raise or contract extension.  :)

How will this effect recruiting for the Wolverines in Ohio?  It won't hurt!  Expect the Wolverines to continue to do well in Ohio this year. 

Did he get fired or resign? Did Gary Moeller resign?  Clearly both were fired.  If Tressel was paid a "package" he was fired.  If OSU doesn't own him a dime he resigned.  OSU clearly wouldn't have to pay a severance package since Jim lied to the NCAA.

What makes me the most sick is Tressel came off as this high integrity, clean cut coach, who always did the right thing and clearly that was as far from the truth as possible.   

I will repeat my earlier statement:  OSU danced with the devil to beat Michigan and now they find themselves in HELL.

Last point to ponder:  Did Terrelle Pryor get two coaches fired?  Thank you for picking OSU TP, Thank you!

Is Jim Tressel Dirty?

(I know every Michigan blog in the world is on this topic today, so I thought I would chime in as well)

Does the Vest need a good dry cleaning? 

Believe me, I get it. Yes, this is a Michigan blog and yes, I don’t wear Buckeye Red colored glasses but there is a lot of evidence that Jimmy has been dancing around this issues for a number of years. (I also know Michigan is under probation for a stretching violation and having non-coaches coach, we are doing our time and that head coach is on a fishing boat somewhere in Florida)


It even goes back to his time at YSU. Jim Tressel while coaching at Youngstown State was close to a booster named Michael "Mickey" Monus who at the time was the CEO of Phar-Mor, Inc. and the head of the board of trustees. Jim had a star QB at YSU named Ray Isaac who was a local kid that decided to stay home and play at YSU. Jim introduced Mickey to Ray and you pretty much can guess the rest of the story, can’t you? Mickey gave Ray thousands of dollars and used cars provided by Monus.

A few years later, Mickey gets brought up on Federal Fraud charges for embezzling $10M from Phar-Mor and the entire relationship between Mickey and Ray comes to light. Of course, Jim denies ever knowing anything about it. Mickey went to the “other Big House” and the NCAA took away a few scholarships and sited YSU with a “lack of institutional control” and Jim skated to Columbus as he just landed the Ohio State job.

Since that time there have been consistent similar events happening within Jim’s program. Brian at Mgoblog lists them here:

2003:

• Clarett’s expensive “dealership” car was robbed of over $10K of stuff.

• Clarett also claims his grades were fake, got free rent, and people would hand him money all the time.

2004:

• OSU Booster gives Troy Smith $500 for a fake job, Chris Gamble also was employed by the same booster.

2005:

• Nick Mangold and AJ Hawk have their apartment robbed of $3000 in cash, 2 Xbox’s, Play Station, $500 Watch, and a bunch of movies.

• Former Agent Josh Luchs said he paid Santonio Holmes during this period.

2010:

• Pryor is pulled over 3 times in cars registered to Auto Direct a local dealership.

• Pryor and others are suspended 5 games for selling their Ohio State gear for free “Ink”.

2011:

• Oops!  Was this was important? I just thought it was an Easter message.



Another fact that OSU fans will consider “more icing then cake” is the 375 secondary NCAA violations between January 2000 and May 2009. This happens to be more secondary violations than any other division 1 school.

So I will go back to my original question: Is Tressel dirty? I will even add one more question; OSU had to of known of the YSU investigation when they hired Jim. Did they know about it and overlook it or did OSU hire a guy they knew could bend the rules to get an advantage and were OK with it?

I can tell you that there really aren’t too many secrets in college football. Everybody and their brother knew about USC and the Reggie Bush stuff is probably just a little bit of what went on there. If there was a situation at YSU, I guarantee Ohio State knew the details and whether Jim was involved or not.

So what do you think? I think there is enough here for a full NCAA black coat investigation in to the Ohio State Football Program that spends more on football than any other school in the country at a tune of $31.7 Million last year.

There is too much smoke here not to be some fire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michigan Friday: More Hardware for Denard

Last year, Brandon Graham won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award which is basically known as the Big Ten's MVP award.  This year Denard Robinson has won the award barley edging out Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor.  Congratulations Denard!

Speaking of Pryor and if you watched the College Football Awards show last night, Cam Newton might be on your mind as well.  Aren't you glad Denard is at Michigan?  I'm sure am.  We all know about Cam and his potential problems but Pryor seems to seriously need a PR class or 2.  There was his comments a couple years ago about Mike Vick, his recent attack on former Buckeye QB Kirk Herbstreit, and now this:

"I'll put it like this: You put me in any of their offenses — any of them — and I'd dominate," Pryor said, when asked about the attention afforded the likes of Newton, Robinson and Persa. "I'd dominate the nation. What those guys do, that's what they're supposed to do in their offense."

Really?  I guess he forgot that he had an opportunity to be in any of those offenses and decided that "the Vest" gave him the best chance to be an NFL QB.  TP has been successful at Ohio State and has lost 4 games in 3 years.   So you have been successful but if your passing doesn't approve next year, you might be a WR/TE at the next level.

I know that TP picking OSU might have put Michigan's program back at least a year, but I would rather have Denard right now.

--Should the Gator Bowl be re-named the "Lame Duck" Coaches Bowl:  Both Rich Rodriguez and Dan Mullen were in Jacksonville yesterday to do the Gator Bowl Press Conference.  All the media wanted to know was if Dan was going to Florida and if Rich was still going to be in Ann Arbor in January.   RR even used humor to lighten up the situation: 

Rodriguez laughed heartily when apparently asked about his interest in the Florida job.
"There may be some people who want me to be interested," Rodriguez said, laughing.

"I'd personally like to thank Dan, my good friend, for taking all the heat on speculation off of me, putting it squarely on his shoulders," Rodriguez said. "That's good."

Rodriguez also joked when asked about Mullen moving on to another job.


"How dare you put me on that spot," Rodriguez said. "I think Dan ought to leave tomorrow. Somewhere.

• Former Michigan kicker Brandon Kornblue who now trains high school kickers is having his annual kicking competition on 12/18 in Florida.  Last year, more than 30 kickers and punters went on to sign with NCAA Divison I schools after attending a Kornblue event. More than 50 of the country’s top-rated kickers fro Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia and Florida are scheduled to attend.  Any chance a Michigan coach or two might be on hand for this event?  They better be. 

• One visitor I missed for this weekend is SMU commit and CB James Richardson. 

Michigan - Ohio State Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go Blue!

Big Ten Week 6 Pick and Previews

There is clearly one big time game this weekend in the Big Ten.  That game will get reviewed by me tomorrow in my regular Michigan game preview. 

Here are the rest of the games:

Indiana at Ohio State:  Indiana's offense looked un-stoppable at times against Michigan's defense last week.  Terrelle Pryor banged up his leg in an un-inspiring win over Ron Zook at Illinois last Saturday.  At first glance, I think IU's Pistol offense could give the Buckeyes some trouble but then I think about the 2009 season when IU and Michigan played a similar game and then IU won only one Big Ten game the rest of the year.  If IU doesn't turn the ball over, I think this becomes another shoot out but I honestly think Ohio State's defense will slow or stop IU's attack a number of times.  Which is all they need since, IU's defense is pretty poor.  Ohio State is favored by 3 touchdowns or -21.5.    OSU 42 IU 24

Minnesota at Wisconsin:  Both teams are coming off big losses.  The Golden Gophers had a chance  to turn around their season with a home win against NW last week and lost by 1 point.  If this trend keeps up I don't think Tim Brewester is going to make it to Halloween and most definitely not past Thanksgiving.  Wisconsin on the other hand went from Big Ten Champ contender to after thought after their loss at East Lansing.  I think Wisky will start slow in this one, thinking about Sparty but will pick it up in the second half.  We have another big line with Wisconsin favored by 22.5 points.    Wisconsin 28 Minnesota 14

Illinois at Penn State:  Another game with both parties coming off losses.  Penn State lost at a good Iowa team and Illinois lost to a good Ohio State game.  Both of these teams are struggling and Penn State is just a better team on defense.   This will be a game that only PSU fans will like. JoPa is favored by 7.5 points.   Penn State 20 Illinois 10 

Purdue at Northwestern:  I'm not sure Purdue has enough healthy players to fill out the travel team.   Northwestern on the other hand is quietly un-defeated with wins over teams like Rice, Minnesota, Vandy, and Central Michigan.  Danny Hope's mustache gives his team a slight edge but that can't beat a balanced Northwestern team by itself.   NW is rated #23 in passing yards nationally and #29 in the nation in points against at only 18 points a game.   The line has NW - 9.5.  Northwestern 28 Purdue 7


Iowa is off.


A thought for the day:  After last weeks game, many Big Ten fans are feeling that Indiana might be a decent team this year (at least on the offense side of the ball).   Bowl bound right?  Well, after this weeks game in Columbus they host Arkansas State at home.  Then they only have 2 more home games in the Big Ten.  How does that happen you ask?  IU sold one of their home games to FedEX Field against Penn State.  Which might have back fired.  PSU is not as good as they have been the past couple of years (which means PSU fans might not pay top dollar to watch them play Indiana) and IU would have a great chance to beat them if they left the home game alone.  Oops.


Like mentioned above:  I will preview the Michigan - Michigan State game on Friday.

Big Ten Preview Week #5: Big Ten Play Begins

In golf, they call the pre-season the "silly season" because the guys really don't practice they just go to a couple of tournaments play ok and cash a few checks.   For some college football teams, they just finished the silly season.  For others, Big Ten play is their only hope of having a successful year.   This week starts the second or real season for Big Ten schools.  I also like it because I don't have to preview 11 different games.  So it works out for all of us!

Big Ten Game of the Week:

Wisconsin at Michigan State:  When the season began, I would have bet a $1 that the Penn State at Iowa game would be this week's BTGOTW (big ten game of the week) but with Dantonio's mild heart attack (is any heart attack mild?) but returning to coaching in the press box and both teams undefeated, this is clearly the better game.  Both are power teams that like to run the ball.   Both have good running backs and good non-conference wins (ND and ASU).    I think this will be a very close game and believe it or not MSU is a home dog getting 2 points. I usually side with a home team is a close game, but I have a strange feeling that Wisconsin is the better team.  Wisconsin 24 MSU 21


More Big Ten Play:

Northwestern at Minnesota:  The Golden Gophers really need a win and Northwestern is quietly un-defeated this year.   Could Tim Brewster be gone before the end of October?  He could, if the Golden Gophers don't start playing better football.   This is another home dog scenario where Northwestern is giving 5.5 points.   It won't be that close.   Northwestern  28  Minn 14

Ohio State at Illinois:  Illinois has given Ohio State fits in the past but this team lead by Ron Zook doesn't really have much to offer to stop Mr. Pryor and company.   Ohio State always has a Big Ten sleeper game on the road (last year it was Purdue) but not in this game.  Guess what another home dog game:  OSU is favored by 17 points.   Seems about right.  OSU 31 Illinois 10

Penn State at Iowa:  Both team has high hopes for a Big Ten Championship.   Iowa's schedule set up nicely for them being able to host PSU, MSU, and OSU during Big Ten play.  Both teams have already lost a game on the road in 2010.  Penn State got man handled by #1 Alabama and Iowa got down quickly to Arizona and wasn't able to recover.   Penn State's offense will struggle against Iowa's defense.  I see this game as a defensive battle with not a lot of points scored.  Iowa is favored by 7 points.   Iowa 17 Penn State 7

Purdue has a bye.

I will preview the Michigan - IU game on Friday.

A thought to ponder on a Thursday afternoon:  How big would next weeks Michigan - MSU game be if both teams were undefeated?  Story lines:  Dantonio's heart condition, RR trying to beat his instate rival for the first time, two really good running teams,  MSU's first time in the new Big House, and I'm sure there will be a little brother reference or two.  (note: MSU does not play OSU this year)

Michigan Off to a Quick Start with 15 Commitments for 2010

Whether you think Rich Rodriguez is a master recruiter and can see things other coaches can't (Pat White) or a Snake Oil Salesman (blast from former Purdue headman Joe Tiller after Roy Roundtree selected Michigan instead of Purdue on signing day) you have to applaud the way he and his staff has recruited since he has gotten to Michigan. I'm not sure how they find time to even coach the team.

Michigan has received 15 verbal commitments to the 2010 class and have roughly 10 more spots to fill with somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 offers still on the street.

A few things have popped up to me this year that seem out of the norm from past recruiting years. For example:

• Kids are making decisions much earlier. It seems like yesterday that Terrelle Pryor waited a month after signing day to make his decision.
• There seems to be a lot of quality football players that are not rated by the either Scout or Rivals yet.
• Coaches could seem to care less about star ranking and more about a fit for their program.
• Some schools have a ton of commitments (Texas 19) and some only a few (Michigan State 4).
• How hard does it have to be to rate the effectiveness of a player on just their junior year? It's almost like their Senior year isn't that important.
• There really needs to be an early signing period in football.

If your interested, Rivals has done a chart on top programs and the number of commitments vs star ranking. Looking at the chart, you can see that there are still a ton of 5 star players out there that haven't made a decision yet but there are a ton of 3 stars and many not rated players already committed.

To me this is a reflection on the recruiting services and getting caught with the classes coming together. It has to be hard for them in February/March when it's getting close to signing day for 2009 and there are already 2010 commitments flooding in. I'm sure glad, I'm not the guy having to review all those tapes of the thousands of players looking to get ranked.

Either way, RR and Staff have been on planes, trains, and automobiles looking for the best talent to fit their system. Let's hope all this hard work pays off with some "crystal" hardware in a year or two!

Michigan's Next Star QB: Does well at Detroit Camp

As we all know, Devin Gardner is Michigan's top recruit at the quarterback position for 2010. He is a perfect fit for Rich Rod's offense and has comparable size and stats to another former "high profile" QB that decided to go to Ohio State a couple of years ago.

Devin stands at 6"4 and just under 200 pounds. As a high school junior he ran for 1,400 yards with 22 touchdowns and threw for 1,886 yards with 26 touchdowns. If your keeping score at home Devin accounted for 48 touchdowns as a junior, which is pretty amazing.

So what's not to like about this 4 star QB? Some recruiting services (similar to Terrelle Pryor's high school analysis) has questioned Gardner's throwing motion and accuracy. It seems Devin has taken that to heart and has attend just about every major football camp so far this Spring and Summer.

The latest was the Sound Mind/Sound Body Football Academy in Detroit. This camp is a showcase for the athletes in the Detroit area. Devin put on a show and the recruiting analysts took note:

The event was dotted with standout moments by numerous players, but none was more consistently dominant than Inkster's Gardner. He has staked his claim as the state's top player with outright dominance in camps and combines throughout the spring and summer. His Sound Mind/Sound Body performance was more of the same.

"We all know he's a great athlete and he showed that by doing very well at receiver in addition to quarterback," said Scout.com Midwest analyst Allen Trieu. "What has impressed me the most recently, though, is how much he has improved as a passer. His mechanics are like night and day from this time last year and his passes have much more zip. The work he has put in as a passer has paid off."

All that time spent honing his passing skills makes what he was able to do as a wideout all the more impressive. After each throw, Gardner stepped into the receiving line so he could take on the best defensive backs. One by one he called them out -- most notably Detroit Cass Tech's Dior Mathis and Detroit Renaissance's Hicks. By day's end, Gardner was viewed by most as both the top quarterback and top receiver in attendance.

It seems Gardner likes to play a little WR but it's nice to see him putting in a ton of hard work on the QB position this summer. In my opinion, I think it's important in RR's offense that the opposing defense respect the passing ability of the QB, so it can open up running lanes for big gains by the QB or the other running backs.

Most people anticipated that Gardner would redshirt his first year at Michigan but if he continues making strides like he has done this summer (and depending what Tate and Denard do this year) he might have a shot at some playing time in the Fall of 2010. Also look for Devin to pick up a 5th star on both Rivals and Scout this Fall.

I Challenge You to a QB Duaaal...........

Even Dora the Explorer would have been proud of the Fiesta last night. An embattled Big Ten Team against the shinny new and explosive Texas Longhorns. It was was scheduled to be a blow out but came out as a last second thriller. Both teams held slim leads in the second half, before Texas's Junior QB threw a touchdown pass with 16 seconds left in the game.

What was the difference? "Running QB's make first downs, throwing QB's throw touchdowns".

First off, let me say that Terrelle Pryor is a "Freak". Being 6"6 and having speed like that is just crazy good. We also have to remember he is a freshmen and most freshmen don't start their college careers with the throwing accuracy and knowledge of Joe Montana. We all remember Colt's first game against OSU. It wasn't pretty either.

The difference is being able to make the throws that you need out of a QB. TP will get there, but he isn't there yet. We sometimes get blinded by "unbelievable" talents like Pryor, who is an amazing athlete but right now is more running back then quarterback. Why is it that some guys come out of high school a more polished passer then others? Are they so good at running the ball, they don't need to pass in High School? If that is true, those coaches are doing a dis-service to the Kevin Newsome's and Russell Shepard's of the world.

Either way, we all want a perfect QB. He has to have a strong arm, make great decisions, throws the ball accurately, and has the ability to make a first down with his feet when there is nobody open. I believe a QB has to be a better passer then runner. I know Pat White and Vince Young would disagree, but if your going to win consistently in today's football environment, your QB has to be a weapon with his arm first.

I think Colt McCoy is a very nice mix of both and you saw that on display in the 4th quarter. When TP gets older and wiser, he might be in the same position.

BTW: What took "the Vest" so long to use both QB's this year? I know it didn't always work well, but when it's third a long, Todd Boeckman gives the Buckeyes the best chance to throw for a first down.

As Michigan fans we are all holding our breath that Tate "the future" Forcier is just like McCoy.

When it Rains, It Pours: Threet and McGuffie Doubtful for Saturday

Nothing seems to be going right this year for the Wolverines.

• Whether it's during the game: Michigan's interception return for a touchdown to tie the game in the 4th quarter was ruled out of bounds at the 45, when the official "thought" #6 Donovan Warren stepped out of bounds. The replay clearly showed he did not.


• Whether it's a QB transferring: Ryan Mallet "thinking" he wouldn't fit into Rich Rodriguez system transferred in January to Arkansas. Filed in the irony department: Jason Forcier (who would have been great for RR's system) transferred to Stanford the year before because Ryan was coming aboard and clearly was going to get more snaps.
  
• Whether it comes to recruiting: Terrelle Pryor picks Ohio State over Michigan. Kevin Newsome,William Campbell, and Bryce McNeal all de-commit from the Wolverines. (Michigan has picked up two other high profile QB's in the 2009 class and "Big Will" is still rumored to have Michigan #1 on his list).


• Whether it comes to the weather: Michigan trying to put two wins in a row this past weekend were stopped by the Weather (temps in the 30's with rain and snow mix) and the Wildcats.
  

Now comes this report out of Rich Rodriguez news conference this morning:

• Threet is likely out against Ohio State due to a separated shoulder.


• McGuffie could miss the game due to a death in his family.


• RB Brandon Minor is expected to return.


• Nick Sheridan is likely to start.

These things happen to a 3-8 team that will soon be 3-9. The line for this game should end up around 27 points.

I think I solved one mystery from the good play in the Metro Dome: Nick Sheridan has "Dome" arm strength. He doesn't have November winter weather arm strength.

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:

• 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.

Two Sports Stars fail in the end and Michigan has two high profile examples

Everybody wants to be John Elway. A Major League Baseball prospect and the top college football player in the nation. He picked one sport and did pretty well for himself. Many high school athletes are two sports stars and most recent example is, Terrelle Pryor the top HS football recruit in the nation also happened to be a top 100 basketball recruit as well.


During the first days of Business schools they teach you that partnerships don't work. In the last days of senior high they should teach these High School dual sports stars that playing two sports in college doesn't work either. Terrelle, even though getting poor advice on where to attend school, seemed to have gotten good advice on this topic and announced this winter he would only be playing football for the Buckeyes.


As we look back at "high profile" two sports stars it's hard not to think about Drew Henson, Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, and even Rick Leach. Michigan as been home to two high profile QB's that tried their hand at Professional Baseball.


Drew pretty much broke our hearts as Wolverine fans. Sports Illustrated tabbed him the "Golden Boy" ten years ago. A can't miss prospect for both Baseball and Football. We all remember him backing up Brady and when he finally got his shot he got hurt and then came in (after sitting for 4 games) and beat Illinois on the road when it looked like the Wolverines were headed for a loss. He ends his career with a win against OSU in Columbus and an Orange Bowl victory before he jettisons off to the Yankees with one more year left in Ann Arbor. The story goes, on the way up to his announcement the brand new Houston Texan's call his cell phone and tell him not to play baseball full time that he would be their #1 pick in the draft that next year (and the #1 pick overall). Well, we all know too well he choose baseball and baseball found out he couldn't hit the curve ball. He played 8 games in the majors and got one hit. He hung up his baseball cleats and tried Football one more time but that didn't work out well either. He threw for one NFL touchdown with the Cowboys before getting released.



Rick Leach was basically Drew Henson before Drew Henson was born. Same sort of guy (and would have been perfect for RR's offense by the way). He broke Big Ten records for touchdowns (82) total offense (6460) and touchdown passes (48) but baseball was where his true calling was as a can't miss prospect. Well he did miss, he played 10 years in the league as basically a back up for the Tigers and Blue Jays, his career average was .268 and he hit a total of 18 home runs.



Those are Michigan's most famous examples of two sports stars flaming out. We all know about Deion trying to play baseball (even Jordan trying it) and how close Bo Jackson actually got to being great in two sports. If your a two sport star and a high school senior (Dion Sims is a good example this year, he is prospect for both Basketball as a 6"5 forward or football as a TE in the State of Michigan) and a top prospect in both sports, do yourself a favor and pick one sport and do your best to succeeded in it. Your never know what the professional ranks have in store for you.

Side Note: I did not take into account sports like track. Of course it's natural for football player to run track as well. Track (unless your world class) doesn't really have the professional opportunities as do Basketball, Football, or Baseball.

Second Side Note: You may not know that Frank Thomas played (Tight End as a Freshman and caught 3 passes for 45 yards) football with Bo Jackson at Auburn for a year before he decided to stick to Baseball. Good Move Frank!!

Should Terrelle Pryor Red Shirt at OSU?

Yes, media days have come and gone and we are still a week away from camp opening when we can officially start rumors about who is looking really good at WR or this guy got hurt and maybe out for the year.

With that said, us Bloggers of the world have to look for posts anywhere we can find them. Well, one of the stories coming out of Media day was that Ohio State is looking forward to seeing what Terrelle Pryor can do on the field. I will attempt (yes, a Michigan Blog) below to make my case why TP should sit back a learn this year, let's see if you agree.

Case for TP Red Shirting:

• He can quickly learn his school is actually the Ohio State University and not UOS.


• He can learn behind a two year starter who lead his team to the National Championship game and may end up in the Arena league next year. (Columbus even has a team!)
  
• He would have 4 years to match up against Michigan's 5 Star QB Kevin Newsome.


• He will be one year farther away from the below picture (TP, try putting just one sock in your pants - you don't need four or five pairs - also 2 guys shouldn't be that close to your junk). Dude, I know your a freshmen and all, but come on your the #1 recruit in the country! (same goes for you Keith Wells - pictured to the right)

Case for TP playing:

• Boeckman and Pryor could go Leak and Tebow. Pryor could learn that great jump pass.


• If TP is really that good, he will only be in Columbus for 3 years anyway.


• With Youngstown State, Ohio, Troy, Minnesota, and Northwestern on the schedule, TP could get allot of exposure on the Big Ten Network.


• If Boekman continues his throwing troubles from last year, TP may end up the starter by the USC game.
• Boekman was a gray shirt and look how things turned out for him! (shouldn't gray shirt be renamed Grey Vest at UOS?)
  

What does the Vest have to say about all of this: "We always say, regardless of the position or what year someone is, you get as your work deserves," he said. "If Terrelle deserves to rotate in at quarterback (he will). The only little difference is at quarterback, there's a rhythmic thing to work out."

With both cases made, I think TP should sit out this year. For one, it is really going to be hard to play football with shorts like that. Second, Boekman has had the off season to learn and has stated he is going to hand off the football to "Beanie" as much as possible.

Future OSU Recruits: Please be aware of the above photo. At Michigan all you have to fear is Mike Barwis.

Northwestern Spygate,TP Fall out, and Brewster's Son is Transferring

• The Freep has an article today about Northwestern stealing Michigan's signals in thier National Championship year of 1997. It was all foiled by some "smart thinking" football managers. On a side note, who hasn't been able to predict Michigan's offensive plays in the last 10 years?
• Here is a story about the fall out of the Terrelle Pryor saga this Spring: How two HS quarterbacks missed out on offers from Michigan and PSU because TP waited so long to make a decision. One decided to take an offer from William and Mary and the other decided to walk on at PSU.
• Shaw leaving Ohio on Monday to head for Ann Arbor for Summer drills.
• Tim Brewster's son is transferring from Minnesota. Not sure I have ever seen a head coaches son transfer schools like this. Sort of sad for all involved.
• OSU picks up 100th recruit this summer. Adam Bellamy verbally commits to "the vest".

Snake Oil Alert and Pryor doesn't RSVP

Recruiting News:

• Snake oil Alert: Arkansas cornerback Darius Winston withdrew his commitment to Arkansas on Friday and announced Michigan as his leader. Darius is 6-0, 175 lbs. and runs a 4.38 40. He verbally committed to the Razorbacks in February.
• Michigan is showing strong interest in Jayron Hosely a 5-10, 175-pound defensive back that runs a 4.49-second 40-yard dash. Jayron is from Palm Beach County in Florida.
• Louisiana LB/DE/TE/WR Barkevious Mingo has Michigan in his top 5 but his coach thinks he most likely will stay close to home so his parents can see him play: Coach Shows: “Yeah, it probably will be when all said and done. His family isn't rich, and it might be a real strain on them to be able to see him play in person along with him being able to come home to visit.”
• Nyshier Oliver NJ DB picks Tenn. over OSU and Michigan.

More News:

• Terrelle Pryor snubs the historic Big 33 game in PA. This game which has featured PA High School stars like Marino, Nammath, Kelly, Hostetler, Ditka, and many more (including Steve Breaston) didn't receive an accept or decline to the invitation they sent Mr. Pryor. Not real classy TP.
• Justin Hicks goes from the #1 spot in the US Open to an 80 on the second day. The good news is he made the cut and is in 61st place.