Michigan Thursday: Down Another Starter For The Peach

As reported yesterday, JBB Michigan's senior starting RT did not make the trip to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl. Now your first reaction might be, "Is he really considered an NFL Draft prospect?" He could get drafted but if he did, he would be a Day 3 draft prospect. So why is he sitting?

Michigan's release said that JBB elected not to play but insiders are saying that he is still injured with a Turf Toe and wasn't ready to play in this game.   Jimmy has a rule: if your injured and not playing, you don't travel.    Not sure why the Michigan staff used that wording on his participation. 

If your wondering how to feel about this game, I would say that is a valid feeling.   Michigan will be fielding a team that is more like its future 2019 squad then its 2018 team.   I have always said, that every Big 5 program should have an opportunity for an August pre-season exhibition against a local school (to reduce travel costs).   This game is starting to feel a bit like that. 

Many Michigan fans are feeling the same way, at last report Michigan had only sold 60% of it's ticket allotment and right now tickets are going as low as $55.75 on Stubhub.   Tickets through Michigan's Athletic Department are at $160 per.   (Michigan has to purchase any un-sold tickets in their allotment of 13,000)

If your wondering, Florida expects all their draft eligible players to participate on Saturday.   This is also starting to feel a bit like the Citrus Bowl in Harbaugh's first year but in reverse.   New coach, rebound year, and a program on the rise.   Other teams stars more interested in the NFL Draft. 

Should be a fun game! 

• Hello Minnesota's run game!  They ran over Tech at Ford Field yesterday.  

• Hello interceptions!  A total of 9 in the CAL - TCU game. 

• Hello Lighting, never seen a bowl game cancelled before. 

• Zach Gentry was happy with the draft grade he got from the NFL, so he will make a decision after the Peach Bowl.   To be fair, Zach has had a nice year but struggled against OSU.  If he has a strong Peach, he might just jump to the NFL.   When are they going to run a trick play, where he throws the ball?

• Don Brown addressed the OSU game by basically saying they had a great year with one terrible week.  That he just needs to move on.  I know he isn't going to go into specifics with the media but I hope moving on includes teaching his unit how to play a zone coverage.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/12/michigan-thursday-down-another-starter_27.html