Preview: Wisconsin

Time: 7:30

Location: Big House

TV: ABC

Weather: 42 degrees

Line: Wisky -4.5

Not sure how this game is being played.  Wisconsin had 30 staff and players test positive less then 2 weeks ago and the Big Ten has a 21 day policy.  Does that mean none of that personnel is available? Nobody can seem to answer that question or wants to.  

Wisconsin played 1 game before its outbreak and Michigan won 1 game before its losing outbreak.   It has not been a good 2 weeks for either team.  So of course ABC runs to make this the primetime game.  

Why Wisconsin?

They looked pretty darn good against Illinois before quarantine.   Wisconsin looked like Wisconsin with a new highly rated QB prospect, Graham Mertz, son of Fred and Ethel Mertz (I'm betting like 5 people get that joke). 

Wisconsin does what they do, they want to run the ball right at you and see if you can stop it.  They will also mix in a few passes to the TE.  They are in the easy side of the Big Ten and have lived off this strategy for many years.  

If Wisconsin is 100% healthy I think they roll over the wounded Wolverines.   The issue is, nobody knows anything and the Wisconsin doctors could be the MVP of this game.  They could also easily shut it down.  

Why not Michigan?

Michigan hasn't started 1-3 in 53 years.   Hoke or RR didn't even fall that low.   I honestly think Harbaugh has no clue what Michigan fans are saying about him.  He might read a newspaper once a week and turns on his computer to send a tweet every 6 months or so.  

Done Brown is a disaster and his defense is now getting shredded by every OC that sees it.  The key is to get the ball out fast, throw slants and screens.  The LB's won't be in position and you can easily get yards.   Bonus this year, Michigan's CB are awful and you can extend drives by throwing it out of bounds and getting a PI call.   Stay away from Dax Hill and your fine.  

I don't hate Michigan's offense and wish the Wolverines didn't have so many injuries on the offensive line.   If Michigan can't run the ball they can't win.  This is not a good football team right now. 

Do I have to predict something?  

Two teams that have had a disastrous two weeks after looking great week 1.  This being 2020 who the hell knows what is going to happen in this game.  Wisconsin seems to be the better team but they also might be throwing a ton of walk-on's and 4th team players in starting roles.  

Michigan's defense can't get off the field and Michigan's offense is still drinking Similac.  Done Brown should be preparing BC's defense against ND, not Michigan's against The Cheesecake Factory.  At least Michigan's special teams are better, way to go Nordin and whoever is punting this week.   Here is a friendly reminder how F'ed up this year is:  Cincinnati is ranked #7, BYU #8, IU #10, Coastal Carolina #15, Marshall 16.   Remember nobody loses eligibility this year, its like it never happened.  When does that spring Big Ten season start?

Wisconsin 28 Michigan 13

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/preview-wisconsin.html

Michigan Thursday: 2021 Basketball Class

 Remember when Juwan Howard was hired, one question mark was, could he recruit?  I think that was answered this week as Michigan is cementing the #1 class in the nation with the following recruits:

#8 Nationally Caleb Houstan PF 6'8 205, 5 Star 

#20 Mousa Diabate PF 6'10, 215, 5 Star 

#59 Frankie Collins PG 6'1, 180, 4 Star 

#63 Kobe Bufkin SG 6'4 175, 4 star 

#114 Isaiah Barnes SF 6'6 180, 4 star 

#155 Will Tschetter PF 6'8 224, 3 Star 

Ranking are per 24/7 and highlighted players are expected to have signed.   

Barnes is expected to sign on Friday and no word on Frankie.

Does signing mean the 5 stars can't go to the G-League?  No, it doesn't but both are expected to end up in Ann Arbor.  

It would be great if Michigan can close out this class in the early signing period and start working on 2021.  It would be also great for Michigan and the Big Ten to announce a schedule.  

For those golf fans out there, enjoy the Fall Masters that starts today!  

• Maryland - OSU cancelled due to COVID.   With the SEC losing 3 games this weekend, things seem to be trending in the wrong way.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/michigan-thursday-2021-basketball-class.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Is There A Replacement? and Basketball Breaking News!!!

Happy Veterans Day!  To all the great Americans that have served this country including my father and late grandfather!!

My lifelong friend Augusta J and I had a text chat back and forth on who should replace Jimmy.  Yes, he lives in Augusta and has been to many Masters. 

If Michigan continues to embarrass itself on the football field this season, Jimmy will most likely step down or be asked to.   Which leaves the question, who's next?  I will list a few candidates and why I would love or hate the hire.  

Matt Campbell:  I know Matt's name comes up a lot but I have a ton of concerns leaving Iowa State for Michigan.  We have seen 2 coaches from WVU and San Diego State flame out when the Michigan lights got too bright. 

Brent Venables: Clemson DC has turned down a bunch of head coaching offers.  Michigan might be too good of an opportunity to pass this time.  I would support this hire but he would need Gattis to stay or another top flight OC with him.   Always a risk to hire a guy that hasn't been a HC.  We know he can run a defense and recruit.  

PJ Fleck: Is a bit too weird for Ann Arbor, he hasn't won in Minnesota yet.  Last year was a good season, but he just lost to Michigan.   I don't see this as a possibility at all. 

Luke Fickell: Hates Michigan, even though Michigan could triple his salary.  Not happening, nor should it.  

Josh McDaniels: Is the candidate I like the most.  He was a head coach (failed) in the NFL, would have Brady's support, and brother is currently on the staff.   The NFL playoffs won't be an issue this year and he should be able to step right in.   He would need a strong DC and guys around him that could recruit.  

There aren't any Michigan Men candidates in the coaching ranks, so that won't be an option this time.   Unless you hire someone with out any coaching experience like Charles Woodson.   Ty Wheatley is struggling in his role as a HC.  Nobody currently on Bowling Green's staff would be under consideration. 

Josh Gattis could be a candidate and should get an interview.   If Jimmy continues to get embarrassed and steps away I wouldn't mind him finishing off the regular season.   Would need a very strong DC. 

I want to state this for the record, I have ZERO confidence that Warde can hire this position.   I know he has done well in Basketball and Hockey, but there were 2 clear candidates for those roles.   He almost screwed up the basketball hire with his buddy from George Mason or George Washington or wherever he was from.   I 'm sure he has another friend at Delaware or something.  

Bottom line:  There isn't a clear next candidate and I'm a firm believer you don't get rid of you current head coach without a clear direction forward.  Not to mention the athletics department can't afford two head coaches salaries next year with the huge losses in revenue they're taking this year.  

• Breaking News:  Today is the start of the early signing period for Basketball:  Michigan's two 5 star recruits Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabate have both signed their LOI's and sent them to Michigan.   Tschetter is also in and Barnes is expected to do his on Friday.   All players are expected to sign and send in their LOI's today, no official announcement is expected until all players have signed.  

• The SEC had to cancel 3 games this weekend, I still don't know how the math works for Wisconsin to be able to play this weekend.   Yes, I do! the dollars on a primetime game.   People love to watch Michigan crash and even more when Harbaugh is crashing with them.   Even the Big Ten offices seem to enjoy it. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/wolverine-wednesday-is-there.html

Michigan Tuesday: Basketball School

The number 1 thing you will find on social media about Michigan right now is that U of M is now a basketball school.   Michigan has a former Fab 5 player leading it as its coach, which came out of one of the best run organizations in sports.   This staff is also recruiting its ass off!  Not to mention one of the best college basketball coach in the history of the program is now a professor in Ann Arbor.  

The latest example is 5 star Power Forward Moussa Diabate committed to Michigan in somewhat of a surprise commitment.  “It's not that he picked Michigan that's the huge surprise,” Eric Bossi, 247Sports national basketball director, said Monday. “It's just that it happened a lot faster than anyone expected it would.” Diabate plays at IMG and is from France originally.   He is also a teammate of Jett Howard.  

Brian Snow from 24/7: “He can play all over the court,” Snow said. “You would hope he's got the ability to guard maybe a wing in a switch situation then a power forward and even a center given how big he is. I think that's where a lot of people look and are very excited about what he can do because he's got so much ability on that end of the floor.”

This is Michigan's 2nd 5 star commitment to the 2021 class in less then 2 weeks.  Michigan now has the #1 recruiting class in the nation.   Since that is such a shocking statement, I will repeat it:  Michigan has the #1 Recruiting Class in the Nation.  

5 Stars Caleb Houstan and Moussa will join 4 star guards Frankie Collins and Kobe Bufkin, 4 star wing Isaiah Barnes and 3 star forward Will Tschetter in this complete 2021 class.  

That is great Bob, still a long time until signing day! 

Early signing period starts tomorrow.  It will be interesting to see how many guys sign on the dotted line! Lets hope all of them!

Michigan has yet to release a 2020/21 schedule but the future looks very bright!! 

• Great news keeps rolling in for the football team.  Hutchinson has broken his ankle which will need surgery and looks to be gone for the season.   Can't lose one of your best players on defense and hope to get that unit back on track.  

• Oak Park's Rayshaun Benny DT picked MSU over Michigan as expected on Monday.  He was a lock to Michigan before the Wolverines lost to the Spartans two weeks ago. 

• Michigan at Rutgers is a night game as well.  

 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/michigan-tuesday-basketball-school.html

Michigan Monday: Time For Tom To Call His Brother Joe

I liked Lloyd Carr but thought the game had passed him by.  I was excited for Rich Rod until we found out he was an emotional rollercoaster and couldn't recruit.   I wasn't a fan of the Brady Hoke hire because I thought he wasn't ready for this job and he wasn't.   I was all in on the Harbaugh hire and have supported him, until now.  

Jim, Don, and Josh had this team from August to the End of October.  Practicing 20 hours a week, when there were no games insight.   They knew the talent this team had or didn't have.   We also have to be fair, its hard to compete in the Big Ten with the players you have, its near impossible to compete when your fighting injuries, COVID, and your best players opting out of the season.   With that said, the state of Michigan Football is unacceptable and changes need to be made.   

In golf, they used to call this time of year the "silly season".   Players wouldn't practice that much and show up to events to have fun with their friends and try to win a few dollars.   This is what this Big Ten season is feeling like for Michigan.   

I try not to believe that people are dumb or just don't understand things.   The money U of M has invested in salary for Jim Harbaugh, Josh Gattis, and Done Brown is just ridiculous, its hard for me to believe their trained eyes don't see what we see. 

So we have to start making some assumptions:

• Done Brown thought he could turn a bunch of slow CB's into fast ones.   
• Done Brown is so against running a zone, he didn't prepare to run one in the off season
• Done Brown is so set it his ways, its almost comical how easy it is to prepare to play against his defense. 
• Jim is so focused on the offense, he can't see how Done Brown is failing this program. 

I'm actually going to give Coach Gattis a pass here.  I think Joe Milton has a ton of potential and he just has a ton of youth everywhere on offense.  I don't like how he wastes 1st and 2nd down with running plays, but I think the future could be very bright with Michigan's offense.   I think the TE's need to learn how to catch and his offense line play better.   

So now what?

1. Michigan has to extend or fire Harbaugh.   He can't be a lame duck head coach with a year left on his contract.  
   • Who would you get to replace him?  Joe Brady is 31 and will continue to be a red hot candidate in the NFL and in College.  I don't see a ton of other options here. 
2. Michigan's defense coaching staff is a mess.   
   • Done Brown has to go - Been a disaster. 
   • Bob Shoop is not with the program and doing something from home
   • Shaun Nua has been a disappointment in development and recruiting 
   • Mike Zordich has been with Jimmy since he got to Michigan, time to move on
   • Brian Jean-Mary has shown to be a great recruiter, keep and promote him.  
3. I have zero faith in Warde hiring a great head coach.  

 

Jimmy thinks they are close. 

My question is, close to what?

• the edge of the cliff 
• touching fireworks that haven't gone off 
• chumming for sharks with your arm in the ocean 
• the opening of an airplane in flight with a defective parachute 
• the Titanic in icy waters 
• driving an Indy race car blind folded

Tom Brady might want to wait a couple days after that beating he took last night.  I'm sure a call to Joe on Wednesday or Thursday is fine.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/michigan-monday-time-for-tom-to-call.html

Insanity Vacation

I thought Michigan over looked MSU last week.  I was wrong, Michigan is just a bad football team.   If they hadn't rolled the Golden Gophers I would crown them with the 2020 Rutgers award. 

This team doesn't deserve your attention, time, or Saturday commitment.  We all have better things to do.  The best thing that can happen is the COVID ravaged Badgers pull the plug on next Saturday's contest and Michigan spends the next two weeks hitting the reset button on this program.

Here is where you start:

-Get Paye, Mayfield, and Hutch out of there, Opt out right away 

-Don Brown is over his skies at Michigan.  He just is.  I know he tried to run a zone today but its just too late for him at Michigan.  Get rid of him now.  

-Harbaugh should consider resigning at the end of the year.  

-This is a free year of eligibility, play all the freshman and sophomores.  Tank for the 1st pick in next years high school draft. 

-Recruit or promote some TE's that can actually catch a football 

-There really isn't a need to try to win another football game this season.   Play the underclassman and get them needed experience.  Try out a new corner or two.  

-----

Cheers:

• Punting game is back! 
• Basketball season starts soon! 

I was happier when there wasn't a season.   

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/insanity-vacation.html

Preview: Indiana

Time: 12:00 EST 

Location: Memorial Stadium 

Weather: Hot! 70 - No Rain

TV: FS1 

Line: Mich -3.5

This year is just a head scratcher.  BYU and Cincinnati are both in the top 10, Indiana is #13, and a few states in our country have forgotten how to count.  "I was told there would be no math?"

Michigan was coming off a nice road win against a ranked Golden Gophers team and then laid down to  the instate "Bad News Bears" from East Lansing.  IU had one of its best wins in their history when they beat Penn State week 1 in overtime on a questionable call and then went on the road and beat the upstart Rutgers Scarlet Knights.   To top all of this off, Michigan hasn't lost to IU in 24 years and has 39 wins out of the last 40 games played.   Not to mention that IU's RB coach is Mike Hart and OC is Nick Sheridan.  This game is feeling like a nightmare episode of the Simpsons.  

In regular 2020 news, the PAC 12 is kicking off a game at 9:00 AM Pacific and Fox's Saturday morning football pre-game show (which is awful btw) is all out with COVID quarantine.  I expect their ratings will go up.  

IU

Indiana has two wins but have been struggling on offense.  They put up 211 of total offense against Penn State and rushed for 109 yards against Rutgers.   IU does have an electric duo of QB Michael Penix and RB Stevie Scott in the backfield.  Penix hasn't been running much this year, but I expect he will need to in this game and we will see him put up a ton of yards against Done Brown's man to man defense with their back to the QB. 

Michigan is also banged up at LB and Viper, this will open a ton of holes in the running game for Scott.  Penix has to be loving the tape of the MSU game against Michigan's slow CB's and will take a ton of shots down field if he has the time.  Philyor and Fryfogle are IU's best WR's and one will be covered by Dax the other will have 200 yards in receiving.  

Key Match Up:  Done Brown vs. Insanity 

Michigan 

I don't trust Done Brown to do anything right now.   I don't trust his in game instincts, scheme, player substitutions, adjustments, or his recruiting.   The talent he has had at Michigan on the defensive side of the ball, makes me want to throw up in wasted loses/seasons.   I expect nothing from this unit on Saturday.  Nick Sheridan in his office all week must of been smiling while crying.  

Michigan's offense is closer to the basement then the roof, right now.   I really like the upside for Joe Milton and his rocket arm.   I like he has the ability to pick up first downs with his feet and he has yet to (do something I won't mention due to a jinx).  Coach Gattis has to figure a way to get the ball down field as Michigan will have to out sore IU to win this game.  I hope there are more then 5 plays available which they ran against the Bad News Bears last Saturday.  

Key Match Up:  Michigan's Running Game vs. a Taco Bell Double Stacked Box 

Enough non-sense, will you predict something?

How do you predict momentum?  IU is 2-0 and Michigan just came of a crushing loss.  IU has beaten Michigan once in the last 40 years.  Both teams have looked pretty good and pretty bad in this 2020 COVID season.  Both teams also lost a regular day of practice this week on Election Day.    

Michigan's defense has a ton of issues and no answers.   A good defensive zone is not walking through that door.   Done Brown will be Done Brown and blitz the LB right into a draw or screen for a huge IU gain or TD.  Did you notice, the play Michigan lost the game on?  A Ross blitz where Sparty ran a screen, right at him.   

These games have never been about defense, but who can out score who.   Michigan will have to have a strong running game to win, as they don't have enough plays for Joe to throw it 40 times.  IU knows this, as does everyone in America that watches college football.    IU is going to run Penix and throw bombs against Michigan's CB's.   Done and Done.   It's 2020.

IU 46 Michigan 31

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/preview-indiana.html

Michigan Thursday: Getting Late Early

That is how I feel about this Big 10 season, Michigan Football, Jim Harbaugh, and Don Brown.   The fans, the coaches, and Big 10 parents pushed Big 10 football back on the field.   What did we get for all of that?

• Wisconsin cancelling 2 games and maybe a 3rd on the way?  How do you prepare for Michigan with nearly 30 players and staff not being able to practice or even in a limited manner?

• Purdue maybe moon walking into the Big Ten Championship to face Ohio State who continues to be an NFL expansion team. 

• Both Penn State and Michigan reeling with loses and best players opting out.  You can add Minnesota to that list if you like.  

• Nebraska getting shut down on playing an FCS school 

• Big Ten put OSU on the easiest road to the CFP's I've ever seen. 

Now to Michigan: 

• Definition of Insanity = Don Brown's Defense 
• I've always been a strong supporter of Harbaugh, that support took a major blow last weekend
• I've never seen a program do less with more then the Michigan Football program in the last 6+ years
• What the hell is going on with Bob Shoop and his zone defense?  I know we don't have any details, but damn this couldn't have happened at a worse time.  
• Who should be fired for the CB recruiting?  Someone should 
• There have been whispers that Jimmy's is not a guy that gets his players going with a pre-game speech.   Neither was John Beilein, find an assistant or a player do it.  Michigan was clearly not "up" for the MSU game last weekend and the no fans in the Big House almost was a disadvantage for the Wolverines. 
• How about that for another 2020 thing:  The Big Ten road teams have the advantage in an empty stadium this season.  Out of 6 Big Ten games last weekend, 5 road teams won.  

• Shea Patterson and De'veon Smith was on FS1 last night in the Spring League. 

• Ryan Glasgow got signed to the Patriots practice squad

• The MAC was back last night 

• How is Michigan -3.5 Saturday?  I know IU hasn't won in 32 years, but hell they should be favored.  Wait, I forgot for a second that Big Ten road teams have the advantage! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/michigan-thursday-getting-late-early.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Wisconsin Woes

The Big Ten nightmare continues as Wisconsin continues to cancel games with the Michigan game in 9 days remains highly in doubt.   The Big Ten did this to themselves with the 21 day rule and late start with zero flexibility for rescheduling.   Since the outbreak in the Badgers program is approaching 30 positives (players and staff), I don't know how anyone that tested positive will be available in the primetime game in Ann Arbor.   Wisconsin will do everything they can do to play, as losing 3 games to no contest is not something they want on their record as they are trying to make the Big Ten Championship game.  Wisconsin is not scheduled to play OSU during the regular season.  

Look out for Purdue in the Big Ten Championship game, they have already won games against Iowa and Illinois and could be playing the West Championship game next week against Northwestern.  After that the Boilermakers have @ Minnesota, Rutgers & Nebraska at home, and IU on the road.   Purdue was 4-8 last season.   It's 2020!

What do we know about IU?

• Ranked #13 at 2-0 with wins over PSU and Rutgers 
• Michael Penix is now the QB with Ramsey off to Northwestern, he has thrown 4 TD's with 1 pick
• He hasn't run much only 10 attempts for 2 yards 
• Offense scores 36 points per game 
• Defense gives up 28  
• Offense passes for 200 yards per and rushes for 75 

Michigan didn't practice yesterday due to the new rule about having a day off on election day.   So there isn't much new news out of the program.  The Basketball Team is also practicing without a schedule for this season, which is weird and so 2020.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/wolverine-wednesday-wisconsin-woes.html

Michigan Tuesday: DONe BROWN

Do you ever go to Target for a few things but you know your forgetting something you need.  Like toothpaste, razors, body wash, I think you get the theme.   For some reason, I feel there is an important thing I need to do today that people have been reminding me about for 6 months.   I hope I remember.  

I love that there is a new rule about no practice today so college football players can go out and vote.   With that said, It couldn't come at a worse time for Michigan.  

Brian at Mgoblog points out the next huge reason Michigan should be running a zone defense:

Here are the recruiting profiles of Michigan's CB's:

• VINCENT GRAY: "Gray's ability to run is in some question. Upward mobility in the rankings was all but impossible after a 4.76 40 at an Opening regional last April."
• JALEN PERRY: "UGA wouldn't let Perry enroll early and wanted him to play safety … Lacks top-end speed and agility to be a cover CB at the next level." (There were a couple of more positive takes from earlier in his recruitment cycle; the overall picture was not "unquestioned burner.")
• SAMMY FAUSTIN: "… doesn’t have great makeup speed. He doesn’t seem to be a difference-maker from an athletic perspective at the next level … He is not the most explosive kid and can work on his flexibility"
• DJ TURNER: "ESPN's listed combine numbers for him are solidly in the "meh" department, with a 4.63 40 and several other numbers that were middling for cornerbacks .. Even [his] top 20 SPARQ at the Opening didn't see Turner get out of the 4.6s in his 40."

Just so I understand this....................

• Michigan lost their best CB's to the NFL and Draft Prep 
• Michigan wanted a CB to retire due to injuries, who transfers in the league and ends up being a very good CB. 
• Michigan's secondary continually gets gashed by high powered offenses like Alabama and Ohio State
• The playbook on how to beat a Don Brown defense is very well known by Michigan opponents 
• Michigan hasn't recruited the CB position well at all
• The current roster is full of back-ups that have to play
• The current roster of CB's lack speed 
• Michigan's best CB keeps getting burned by no name MSU WR's and got pulled 
• Michigan hires a former DC as safety coach that is known for running a zone and is now working from home for some reason. 
• Michigan has 3 months of practice, most of them non-padded to prefect a zone coverage to make up for areas of concern.  

Don Brown takes all this information and more (as I assume he watches these guys in practice everyday) and still doesn't run a zone.   

What's the plan Don?  To run these 4.7 guys out against 4.3 guys and hope they can cover them?

Is this a old dog, new tricks thing?  If that is the case, then we need to move the old dog out.   

Michael Zordich is also to blame here, as I assume CB recruiting has to be a huge part of his role.   He is the only coach that started with Jimmy at Michigan and still is on staff.  I guess that is a sign that no other schools have come for him with a bigger offer and a new role.   After this short season, he should also be looking for a new role.  

Right now, the only defensive coach I would keep is Brian Jean-Mary as he has clearly separated himself as a good recruiter.  Shaun Nua has not been a strong recruiter and seems to lack the coaching experience for the role.  I like his youth but if he can't coach or recruit he needs to go back to a PAC 12 school.   His latest failure is going to be Rayshaun Benny who is now a strong lean to East Lansing.  

Jimmy says they will adjust.  Outside of hiring Gattis, I have seen very little adjustment since he has gotten to Ann Arbor.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/michigan-tuesday-done-brown.html

MM Part 2: More Shoop Different Day

Michigan's secret about Bob Shoop leaked out and they had to release a statement prior to Jimmy's press conference.  The gist of it is, Bob is coaching from home and the rest is confidential.  He is working through Zoom.  

So this could mean a few things: 1 - he is not allowed in Schembechler Hall for some dust up with a coach or something?  2- He has COVID, 3- another health issue with him or his family.   2 or 3 seems more likely for a sport that is all about contact and I can't see some fight would keep a coach home unless is was very egregious.  Michigan clearly needs to pay him and he seems to want to get paid ($450K) with a virtual effort.  A virtual effort is pretty much what we saw last weekend.  

Secondary, Jimmy said in his pressor that Vincent Gray is their best corner and he will bounce back.   That Don Brown's defense can adjust and they are looking forward not back. 

What this means:

• Vincent Gray played like Vincent Price on Halloween.  
• Don Brown has never adjusted and never will.
• Michigan has failed to recruit fast CB's and our best one opted out for the NFL after getting torched by Bama and OSU.  
• They are screwed going on the road against another ranked team 

Wisconsin Kickoff 7:30 ABC 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/mm-part-2-more-shoop-different-day.html

Michigan Monday: Just Doesn't Understand

A reader on Mgoblog asked, why hasn't it worked with Harbaugh at Michigan?  That is a fair and unfair question.  One it hasn't brought Championships, but it's much better then what Hoke left him.  Two, its not over yet, but its clearly not working either. 

The loss on Saturday was maybe one of the worst in Harbaugh's time in Ann Arbor.   MSU's bus from East Lansing was literally dragging a dumpster on fire as it pulled into the Big House.   How did the Wolverines welcome the Spartans squad full of 2 stars and transfers?  By not showing up, not playing zone, not pressuring the QB, and completely laying down for their instate rival they completely overlooked.  Why else do you have a RB trying to throw a pass?

Here are the lists of things I just don't understand:

• Why Michigan's best CB and DT are playing for other Big Ten teams? St.Juste would be Michigan's top CB and Dwumfour is killing it with Rutgers.  
• Don Brown has known for months that Michigan's CB are a problem and didn't do shit about it.   Where is the fucking zone Don?  
• We are now starting to hear a rumor about Bob Shoop former DC who runs a strong zone and was hired as Safety coach might not have been with the team for a month after some type of disagreement with another coach.  
• The Big Ten killed two of their top 3 brands with this late season as Penn State and Michigan are reeling due to poor play and their top players opting out.   OSU didn't lose anyone as they will cake walk to the playoffs. BTW:  That team needs a salary cap.  
• Why is there a walk-on playing LB?
• What happened to the punting game?  All we have seen are shanks and a block. 
• Michigan PI penalties were the difference in the game.  Those kept so many MSU drives going and were not called on MSU defenders.  
• Throw the ball downfield!!  Try to win the fucking game.  

I am done with Don Brown, his stats and pressure doesn't match on the field success.   I believe the loss on Saturday should cost someone their job.  I think it should be Don Brown, his defense was horrible all day and just let a below average QB pick them apart. 

Let's go back to the first question about Harbaugh.  Has the college game passed him bye?  It was a different game when he was at Stanford.  Same can be said of Don Brown.  His top defenses hasn't ever won shit. Yes, I know he is a grandfather figure and a nice guy, but he has had some unbelievable talent that he hasn't done anything with.    

I'm not forgetting the offense on Saturday, but I'm not putting this on a kid who made his second start.  The offense line took a huge step back and the WR's where dropping balls all over the field.   The RB's where not great either.  

I don't understand how any of this happens, I also don't know anyone that can fix it.   But I sure as hell would start with a new DC that can run a zone. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/11/michigan-monday-just-doesnt-understand.html

Fools Maize

I started to think that last weekend's win wasn't so good after Minnesota lost to Maryland on Friday night.   That theory was cemented with a horrific performance against an MSU team that played perfect this afternoon.

Michigan got beat in every aspect of the game and didn't do anything well.  

Cheers:

• Michigan didn't turn the ball over 
• Made a field goal 
• Defense did an OK job against the run 

Jeers:

• Michigan's CB's are way worse then we thought.   If Michigan can't prefect a zone this team isn't going to stop anyone in the passing game. 
• No pressure all day,  MSU's QB had all day and picked apart the Wolverines secondary 
• The Michigan coaches got out coached all over the field 
• Michigan didn't throw the ball down field , it was all dink and dunks 
• No running game 
• I wanted to jump through the TV screen when Haskins threw that pass.  Those 4 points where the difference in the game.  First of all, if you run that, you run it on 2nd down, everyone knows he is going to throw on 3rd down.   You also don't run that when your down on the scoreboard, you run that when your up.  I can't tell you how much I hated that call.   
• The Big Ten officials are just terrible man,  no video review on catches and ticky tack PI calls.  For awhile it looked like they were never going to call a penalty against MSU. 
• The Michigan WR's and TE's struggled catching the ball all day 
• The offensive line didn't protect in the passing game or open holes in the running game 
• What the hell is with Michigan's punting?  That was a huge difference in field position
• I'm struggling to understand Michigan's LB situation, I thought there was a ton of depth.  
• If you watch enough film on Don Brown's defense you know how to beat the blitzing LB each time. 
• It looked like Michigan ran the same 5 plays on offense all day 
• Penalties were keeping MSU offense on the field
• Too many negative plays on offense, each one was drive killers 

Where do I start with this melt down?  This team was not prepared to play today and looked like the team that faced App. State.   Michigan should win this game even if Sparty played prefect, which for the most part they did.   I was stunned Michigan could not get to Lombardi, he had everything he wanted when he wanted.   BTW:  I'm not sure Ronnie Bell caught that pass on the goal line, but Michigan speed up and ran a play.  

This Michigan team is not good, Minnesota is awful, and the Wolverines lost to bad team that played well.   This is so 2020 where Nico and Ambry are preparing the draft.  

What a disaster and a complete 180 from last weekend.   Enjoy Halloween and OSU running over Penn State tonight.    

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/fools-maize.html

Michigan Friday: Breaking News: Michigan Basketball Lands a 5 Star Caleb Houstan!!

 Michigan just landed a 5 star in basketball! Per ESPN:

"Michigan really showed that they wanted me and that I was going to be a key part of their program," Houstan said. "They were invested in me as a player and really took the time to get to know my game. They run a system that I know I can do well in. I also developed great relationships with their coaching staff. Coach Howard led my recruitment and was involved throughout the entire process; Coach [Saddi] Washington as well and Coach [Phil] Martelli were all great too."

Houstan is the No. 10-ranked player in the 2021 high school class, making him the highest-ranked Michigan recruit since at least 2007, the first year of the ESPN recruiting database.

At 6-foot-8, Houstan has excellent size for a small forward with a versatile offensive skill set and is considered one of the best perimeter shooters in the high school game. He was the second-leading scorer at the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, averaging 23 points in 29 minutes per game and ranking among the top players at the event in both made 3-pointers and free throw attempts. Canada went 5-1, losing in the championship game to the United States.

• Desmond Howard has tested positive 

• Trevor Lawrence has tested positive and won't play this weekend. ND is next weekend.   

• There are rumors that Illinois is having an outbreak, which continues the Big Ten's nightmare if accurate.  

• Michigan Basketball with play NC State in this season Big Ten-ACC Match-up.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-friday-breaking-news-michigan.html

Preview: Michigan State

Time: Noon

Location: Big House 

TV: Fox 

Weather: Sunny 40 

Line: MSU +24.5

It's not rare to play to play this game in late October but it is rare to play Sparty in the 2nd game of the year.   MSU will make its second trip in a row to Ann Arbor (to make up for the bankrupt former Toys "r" us CEO mistake) but the first new for MSU's new head coach Mel Tucker who was hired late in the cycle when Mark Dantonio left the Houston Rockets as his small ball strategy clearly was clearly not working in the playoffs.  

Mark hated Michigan and had a nice run over the Wolverines as Michigan's best football program was trying to find its way after Lloyd Carr retired.   MSU is in a similar situation with a new coach, little to no roster, COVID, and issues all over campus.  It will take Mel years to rebuild as they try to band-aide through transfers.  The first look was not a good one as they gave up 7 turnovers in a loss to lowly Rutgers last weekend at home.  When Mel feels sad about his team, he looks at his bank statement and smiles.  

Why MSU?

Well, it is Halloween and Sparty has pulled out a few tricks and treats in the Big House in the past.  They were not ready to play last weekend and looked like Big Ten's worst team.   They did show flashes as Rocky Lombardi (who has a famous football name) threw for over 300 yards and they have a speedster in Reed who is a transfer from Western Michigan at WR.  

This is Sparty's Super Bowl/Bowl Game and there is always improvement between week 1 and week 2.   I don't expect Michigan to over look its instate rival but the Wolverines have been known to play down to lower competition.   

Key Match-Up:  MSU's O-Line stopping Don Brown's pressure cooker.  

Michigan   

The Wolverines looked like a different team on offense last Saturday night and Joe Milton made every Michigan fan forget about the McCaffrey's.   It was a great mix of Speed in Space and Jimmy's hard nose power football.   They used full backs, tight ends, and ran between the tackles.    They also hit fast guys on the outside and ran Joe for first downs and touchdowns.   It's what we had hoped to see for a couple of years.   The Gophers defense looked like they were confused all night.   

Ohio State hasn't been stopped on 3rd down and 4 for 10 years as their athletic QB could always pick up a 1st down running the ball if nobody is open.   Michigan finally figured that out and recruited a guy that can do the same.  

Michigan's defense was dominate at times and head scratching all in the same game.   They struggled to stop the run and did a decent job in the secondary.  Dax didn't play in the 2nd half and the secondary took a step back.   Michigan's defense is all about pressure and if they can get it from 4 guys, it gives Michigan an extra person in coverage, if they send more guys, Michigan can get gashed if the QB gets it out fast.  

Key Match-Up:  Michigan fighting ghosts on Halloween 

Are you going to predict anything?

Michigan should find comfort in playing in the Big House and there is plenty of things to smooth over from last week.   Sparty on the other hand, won't turn over the ball 7 times this weekend and will try to take a huge jump in "playing football" from last week.  

My gut tells me this Michigan team loves playing football and will find anytime they take the field a blessing this season.   They won't over look Sparty and will probably be up for another trophy game in a rivalry situation.   I don't believe Sparty has the talent to be able to do advanced things that will confuse the Michigan coaches.  If Michigan plays clean and tightens up some of the loose areas from last week, this will be over at half.    If Michigan is getting kicks blocked and turning the ball over it will keep Sparty in the game.   For example, Rutgers turned the ball over 3 times themselves last week.  

I like that Dax and Nordin are expected back and that Michigan plays the way they did last Saturday night in the daylight.   Ghost only come out at night.  

Michigan 48 MSU 12 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/preview-michigan-state.html

Bonus Michigan Thursday Post: Is It Spring?

I know 2020 is a mess but I really thought that it was Fall heading into Winter.   Not for the TSL, which stands for The Spring League.   Which is a football development league for players that didn't make NFL rosters.    They are playing a Fall season in San Antonio right now.    

Famous former college players in the league include:  Shea Patterson, J.T. Barrett, Zach Mettenberger of LSU, and Alex Hornibrook from Wisconsin.  

So have they played any games?  Yes. 

Shea threw 3 TD's last week and beat JT Barrett's team 19-0.  Channing Stribling is also in the league and had a pick in a different game.

You can catch games on Fox Sports 1 on Wednesday's.   

I meant to include this in the regular Thursday post and forgot.   No word if a Spring League team can play Nebraska on Saturday.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/bonus-michigan-thursday-post-is-it.html

Michigan Thursday: This Is Weird

Wisconsin rolled over Illinois (who upset them last year) like they weren't even there on Friday night.  On Saturday, they get knocked out by an invisible virus.   Which has already cost them one game and another is probable as they will be shut down for 7 days.  

Talking heads on ESPN will talk about how "stupid" the Big Ten was in shutting down in August and now they don't have any runway to reschedule games for a College Football Playoff spot.  Let's be clear, the Big Ten is all in on OSU and they could care less who they play in a Big Ten Championship game.   If you replace Wisconsin with OSU in a COVID outbreak and then the Big Ten Brass as some problems.   The schedule the Big Ten gave OSU is criminal in so many ways, with this weekends game really their only difficult road match-up.   Even that worked into the Big Ten's favor when PSU got upset by IU last weekend.   After this weekend, look at this murders row of opponents:

home Rutgers 

@ Maryland 

home IU

@ Illinois 

@ MSU 

home Michigan 

The Buckeyes basically have a bye until they meet the Wolverines in mid-December.   It's also fair to say Michigan also has Rutgers, MSU, IU, and Maryland.  They just got the toughest West opponents possible. 

Is this rivalry week? Doesn't feel like it as its week 2 in late October in this COVID season and Sparty tried to set a new turnover record in their loss to Rutgers last weekend.  My biggest fear this weekend, is that Michigan has been known to play down to their opponent and this will be MSU's biggest game of the year.   

• I knew Nebraska would try to find an opponent this weekend, just didn't know if the Big Ten would let them.   Nebraska is trying to schedule Chattanooga for Saturday to replace the Wisconsin game. 

  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-thursday-this-is-weird.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Oh Wisconsin

The Big Ten's nightmare started today as Wisconsin has had an outbreak of 12 positives, which has led to the cancelation of their game against Nebraska on Saturday.   Wisconsin will be shut down for 7 days, which puts it's next game against Purdue in jeopardy as well.   Michigan of course will host Wisconsin in less then 3 weeks.  Even head coach Paul Chryst has tested positive.  

Now the concern goes to Illinois who played Wisconsin on Friday night.   Per Wisconsin the tests didn't start showing up positive until Saturday, which could mean they were exposed after the game.  Illinois hosts Purdue on Saturday, who expects to have their head coach back from quarantine.   I guess the 21 day rule is only for players and not coaches.  

Every Big Ten team should take this as a huge lesson that any championship team could be shot down very quickly with this virus.  Michigan Football players can't be too careful.  If one player goes to the wrong Halloween party, the season and entire team could go down.  Don't be that guy. 

• Former OSU QB Terrelle Pryor, received 90 days' probation in return for a guilty plea to a harassment charge in Allegheny County, PA Court on Tuesday.

• Former Michigan RB Kareem Walker is in the transfer portal again. His latest stop was at Mississippi State. 

• Congratulations to the LA Dodgers. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/wolverine-wednesday-oh-wisconsin.html

Michigan Tuesday: Dax is Expected Back

It's hard to know what is accurate or not when Jimmy discusses injuries.  He does expect Dax to be back at practice mid week.  That is good news and hopefully whatever kept him out of the 2nd half is a minor injury.   The rumor mill believes he was either poked in the eye or had his hand stepped on.   The Michigan secondary is much better with Dax in it.   True freshman Makari Paige struggled in coverage on Saturday. 

No word on why Eubanks didn't play on Saturday.  Nordin is also expected back on Saturday. 

• Word out of Wisconsin is that now #2 and #3 QB's have tested positive.   #1 had foot surgery earlier this month.   Wisconsin could be down to #4 QB.   If this happened at Michigan, this would be a major problem with McCaffrey opting out and transferring.    

• Hi Nico!  49 points scored.  Interested in a playbook?

• Tracking Tarik:  He had 1 catch this weekend against Baylor for 72 yards.   He has 8 total catches in 5 games for 188 yards and 1 TD.  5 catches came game 1 and 3 more over 4 games.  

• I didn't hear Ben St-Juste name mentioned during the broadcast.  Which is interesting, since he has a very interesting story line.   Seems Joe and Gattis stayed away from the talented CB.  He recorded 1 solo tackle during the game.  We sure could use him right now.  

• Michigan is a 25 point favorite on Saturday 

• IU game is a noon kick off in two weeks. 

• CA WR's Xavier Worthy and Christian Dixon are expected to take un-official this weekend.  Not sure if they are allowed to watch the game in the Big House or not and if the coaches and staff can interact with them.   This will be the first time both big time WR's commits have been to A2.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-tuesday-dax-is-expected-back.html

Michigan Monday: Waiting on Dax

The biggest mystery out of Saturday night is the status of Michigan's 5 star DB Daxton Hill.   He did a great job of locking down Rashod "Jason" Bateman in the first half but we didn't see him in the second.  No mention from the ABC crew after saying what a great job Dax had been doing on Bateman in the first half.  Jimmy said after the game he was being "evaluated". 

The rumor mill is saying that he could have gotten poked in the eye or had his hand stepped on making a tackle.  I don't expect any details from Jimmy's pressor but hopefully he will follow up with a, "we expect him to play on Saturday" comment.

State of the Big Ten After Week 1

OSU continues to be the leader in the clubhouse for the Championship and after going down 7-0 to Nebraska, never looked back and blew out the Cornhuskers.  

Penn State looked like they were playing a week 1 game against a unique team in IU on the road.  The Hoosiers finally pulled off a top 10 upset.   Again, PSU like Minnesota was over ranked on their results from last year.   Penn State's reward?  To host OSU next weekend.  

Michigan State looked like Rutgers and Rutgers looked like Iowa.   Rutgers won easy in a game that had 10 turnovers.  Rutgers is much better under Schiano and both teams are full of transfers from all over the place.  Michel Dwumfour played well even though he continues to try to stay healthy.  

Wisconsin was going to run away with the West before their starting QB who was expected to be the back-up tested positive this weekend.   If that test is confirmed, he is on the shelf for 3 weeks, which could put Wisconsin in a pretty large hole.   We will see as many of those instant test come back wrong.  

I didn't to watch as much of Purdue - Iowa as IU Penn State was such a crazy game.   I thought Purdue would win as Iowa still seems a little stung with all the racist acquisitions going on.  

Northwestern has IU's QB and made quick work Maryland in a game I didn't even see one highlight from.  I guess Tua's brother started for Maryland but struggled.  

Michigan's job this week in practice is to make 100 fields goals, work on stopping the run, and not to over look Sparty on Halloween.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-monday-waiting-on-dax.html

Post Game : Minnesota

I slept very well, thank you.  That was an interesting game last night and I hope an example of good things to come.  There was a lot to love and some concerning areas as well, which brings us to the first CHEERS & JEERS of the 2020 Season! 

Cheers

• Gattis and Jimmy have been working hard.   I loved the offense and the possibilities.  
• Joe Milton played smart and didn't turn the ball over, when he runs its a problem.
• Kwity Paye had a quiet night, until he dominated 
• I thought Hutch played very well 
• Green #22 was a bright spot in the secondary but could of had 2 picks 
• Offensive line as expected, was very good 
• Haven't seen those types of holes and long runs since Denard 
• The RB's room might be the best in the country 
• Michigan didn't flinch on the road after a blocked punt and a quick TD 
• #23 Michael Barrett had a "F-Ing Game", he was everywhere and needed some oxygen.
• Very happy for Chris Evans scoring a TD, welcome home. 
• The DL seems to have better depth then I thought 
• Welschof jumped out to me as playing well 
• Carlos Kemp played well 
• Ross lead the team in tackles with 9 

Jeers

• 3 missed field goals is unacceptable.  Nordin made the trip but is hurt 
• Blocked Punt, is also unacceptable. 
• The defense looked dominating, then pretty bad at times.
• The run defenses needs some work 
• Michigan had two fumbles that they recovered without a turnover 
• Dax didn't play in the second half with an injury 
• Eubanks didn't play at all 
• Erik All dribbled an easy TD pass 
• Ben Mason killed the first drive with a dumb penalty 
• Secondary without Dax seems vulnerable
• Minnesota is not a very good team and shouldn't have been ranked 
• They were missing their entire offensive line and kickers 

This looked liked a different type of Michigan team to me.  Things started bad and Michigan couldn't have cared less.  They just kept dismantling the boat, board by board.  I didn't see the "Primetime - Road game" jitters and they just played their game on both sides of the ball.  They played confident, like I've only seen them play in the Big House.  Maybe it was playing in front of no fans or practicing for 3 months gets you prepared like no other season opener.  

Michigan looked like the better coached and talented team.  It also felt like they played the entire road roster, as a ton of guys that haven't played or true freshman got time and even started.   It was a good night and a great way to start the season.  On to MSU and the rest of the Big Ten.   On Saturday night the boat capsized and the Jug stayed home. 

Welcome back Michigan Football, we missed you.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/post-game-minnesota.html

Preview Minnesota

Time: 7:30 EST 

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Weather: Cold, 20 with light snow

TV: ABC

Line: Michigan -3

Can't believe we are close to watching Michigan Football again.  I didn't expect it to happen in 2020 after New Years Day.  There have been 3 Michigan schedules this season, the trip to Washington is only trumped by a trip to Twin Cities to start the season.   I can't stand opening day road games (I need a support group for this aliment) and the only way to make it worse is to have a primetime kickoff.   The Big Ten Bingo again gives OSU a cake wake at home and sends Michigan into the frozen tundra against a ranked Gophers team that was 11-2 last season.   Let me say that again, the Golden Gophers were 11-2 last year.  

Why Minnesota?

We really don't know shi*t about either team.  We know Minnesota was pretty good last year and beat Auburn in a Florida Bowl game.   We know the Gophers have an accurate QB in Tanner Morgan and an NFL WR in Rashod "Jason" Bateman, who opted back in after heading for the NFL when the season got cancelled.   The Gophers secondary is anchored by former Wolverine Ben St-Juste, who left Ann Arbor under strange circumstances and has been playing well for the Gophers.  

We know Minnesota lost a ton on defense and also could be suffering some COVID loses to the roster but at this point we don't know who and if they're starters or not.  Their giant offensive lineman (that Michigan recruited for a minute) Faalele is rumored to have opted out.   I'm guessing someone would have noticed if a 6'9 400 pound man was practicing.  

The Gophers want to run the ball but their best shot to beat the Wolverines is to light up the inexperienced secondary, as I'm sure Don Brown has a LB covering Bateman.    They will also have to take advantage of some Michigan offensive turnovers.   They probably lose a bit of the home field advantage in an empty stadium but it is still a night road game for the Wolverines.  

Key match-up: Bateman taking Don Brown to the Ozarks.  

Michigan 

Lets be real, we love the hype about the offense but I'm not buying it.   Michigan never looks good week one and even worse with a new QB.  Yes, I hope Joe has Brady's accuracy, Denard's speed, and Cam Newton's body/athleticism but we know he will be nervous and make mistakes when the game speeds up.   Speed in space isn't great in cold weather and Michigan will try to protect their young QB with a ton of quality RB's and a good Oline.   If Michigan can run the ball for first downs, they will let Joe throw a few deep balls.   Move the damn game to whatever is the Metro Dome now.  

This game will be ugly on both sides and Michigan has to win this game on defense.   Hutch and Paye needs to pressure Tan Morgan all night and hope he doesn't have time to find his WR's down field.  Stopping the run in the Big Ten is always an important strategy and really shouldn't even be mentioned.    I expect Dax to see a ton of Bateman, as Michigan CB's still are brand new to Big Ten football.  

Key match-up:  Michigan DE's not against Andre The Giant 

Well, we're waiting...............

Did I mention that I don't love opening the season on the road at night?  Michigan hasn't lost in Minnesota since 1977 and even Nick Sheridan (IU's OC) won a game there.   This is personal for PJ as he made a name for himself in Kalamazoo and would love to dust off the case for the Little Brown Jug.  I do like that Michigan has been practicing non-stop for 3 months and should be as ready as any Michigan team has been under Jimmy in 6 years opening day.   Michigan did play better in the second half against PSU on the road last season and maybe Jimmy figured something out.  I don't believe in moral victories, but Alabama seems to be wrecking teams this year and Michigan was ahead at the half in the Citrus.      

There is a lot of mystery around Minnesota and players not being available, so much that the Vegas line went from Michigan getting +2 to a -3 favorite.    Many people in the media think Minnesota is the 3rd best team in the Big Ten behind OSU and PSU.   I think the jury is still out on that and my biggest concern is the Wolverine secondary.  If Tan Man Morgan has time to pick apart Michigan's secondary, I won't have a good nights sleep.   I do think Michigan will have the talent advantage and both lines could dominate.  The Gophers might feel like Chris Evans has been killing them out of the backfield for like 10 years.  

Michigan 24 Minnesota 20

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/preview-minnesota.html

New COVID-19 relief package announced for Maryland businesses

Governor Larry Hogan has announced a new $250 million relief package to provide assistance to businesses throughout Maryland that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The ‘Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative,’ which will provide funding from the Rainy Day Fund, doubles the state’s total commitment to $500 million for emergency economic relief.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/new-covid-19-relief-package-announced-maryland-businesses/

Michigan - The Day Before The Day Before: What We Think We Know

The first game for both teams is always a crap shoot.  No matter how much practice and film watched we really don't know what Michigan or Minnesota has.  Before the traditional preview on Friday, we take a look at what we know and what we don't.

Michigan

Know:

• Deep and talented at RB
• Deep on the Offensive Line 
• Should have good LB play
• DL is decent but not deep 
• DE's Hutch and Paye are NFL Prospects 
• Dax is probably the best player on defense 

Don't

• Can Joe Milton live up to the hype?
• Brand new group of WR's 
• Are the CB's any good?

Minnesota

Know:

• Gophers QB Tanner Morgan and WR Rashod Bateman are really good 
• Even though the 2 above guys are dynamic, The Gophers prefer to run the ball
• Minnesota lost a number of guys off their defense from last year 

Don't:

• Minnesota has COVID and injury concerns, how many and who?
• Rumors are the offensive line has been hit 
• Everything else, it seems the defense could be a concern 

Like every 1st game of the season, more questions then answers.  Watching college football for 2 months, it will be an ugly football game on Saturday.  The winner will take home the Little Brown Jug, that we know for sure.  

• I think the ESPN's made up story about Harbaugh's contract is very funny and not at all accurate.  

• Don't forget the Big Ten is kicking off on Friday Night.  Illinois @ Wisconsin (Lovie's biggest win at Illinois was the win over Wisconsin last year - The fighting Brandon Peters!)  The Badgers are favored by 19 points.  

• 2021 Instate DT Rayshaun Benny has delayed his announcement which was expected this weekend.   Not a good sign for the Wolverines. 

• Penn State Basketball Coach Pat Chambers has resigned after an internal investigation of new allegations of inappropriate conduct by the coach. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-day-before-day-before-what-we.html

New funding available for Maryland farming and seafood industries

Additional economic relief is now available for Maryland’s agricultural industries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/new-funding-available-maryland-farming-and-seafood-industries/

Maryland: The nexus of the fight against COVID-19

In the face of a global pandemic, the scientific community’s need to be nimble and responsive has never been more apparent. But the industry’s ability to pivot requires an ecosystem with all the elements for rapid innovation and collaboration. Maryland’s life sciences ecosystem, complete with esteemed academic institutions and federal laboratories, a density of biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies, and a healthy biomanufacturing sector, puts the state’s companies and universities in the nexus of the fight against COVID-19. 
 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-nexus-fight-against-covid-19/

Wolverine Wednesday: Nico Comes Clean on Why He Left

 Nico broke his silence on the Adam Schefter Podcast:

“Right now, (I’m) training, getting ready for the NFL combine down here in Pensacola, Florida at XOS. That’s what I’m doing right now,” Collins told Schefter.

“I came back for my senior season,” Collins said. “Everything was going smooth, just as planned, until this virus outbreak. The one thing that really impacted my decision was when we were supposed to play — our set date was Sept. 5 against Purdue — so during that camp process and they canceled the season. That was heartbreaking for me, because I wasn’t sure when the next time they would say — they was saying in the spring, Thanksgiving. There was too many unknown questions to answer. Nobody really had answers to it.

“I sat down with my family and I made a business decision, because I felt like I was in no man’s land for a minute. I came back to play my senior season and they canceled it. Maybe three weeks before we played Purdue Sept. 5 — it was supposed to be a home game. I had that marked on my calendar. Once they canceled that and they said they wasn’t sure when the next time we’d have a season — they was saying towards the spring, that was time — that’s training. That’s time when I would prepare for the draft, that’s around December, January, after the bowl game, and that was the set date they was saying — towards spring a little bit.

“I really just sat down with my family, I had a business decision. I really appreciate my family helping me out with that. That was one of the reasons — too many unknown questions to be had, nobody had an answer to it.”

“It really was (a hard decision),” Collins said. “And once I signed and got ready for the combine — and that’s when they came out with the statement to come back, to have a season at the end of October, we were gonna play Minnesota on the 24th. It was kinda just like, kinda late, eight-game — I just didn’t want to get injured, something bad happen. It just didn’t feel normal to me. I kinda just felt like everything is just forced almost, just pressured. I just made the right decision.

“It’s bittersweet, for sure. I want to be out there playing with my teammates and everything. But just had to make the right decision that’s best for me.”

Good Luck Nico, you will be missed every Saturday for the next 9 Saturday's.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/wolverine-wednesday-nico-comes-clean-on.html

Six higher eds receive state support for research and technology

More than $13.1 million in new research professorships have been endowed by the University of Maryland, Baltimore; the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Johns Hopkins University; the Maryland Institute College of Art; Goucher College; Hood College; and the Maryland Department of Commerce.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/six-higher-eds-receive-state-support-research-and-technology/

Michigan Tuesday: The Closer We Get The More Information We Get

The Big Ten has been on lockdown since early August with very little news about who is in and who is out.   That started to get a bit clearer on Monday as the Big Ten coaches talked to the media.   Here are a few nuggets:

• Jimmy said that Nico is not with the program and doesn't have a crystal ball if he is coming back or not.   He gone.  
• PJ said that a number of players will not be available on Saturday due to COVID.  He did not mention a total number of players out or if they are starters or walk-on kickers.  
• Purdue Head Coach Jeff Brohm is out for this weekend's game and his brother will call plays and play head coach.  
• PSU RB Journey "Born and Raised in South Detroit" Brown could miss the entire year with an injury.   (everyone know the band Journey right?)
• Michigan has 7 captains this year:  Kemp, Paye, Ross, Mason, Eubanks, Hutchinson, and Vastardis.
• Did you know that Nick Sheridan is the OC of Indiana?  I didn't. 
• MSU linebackers Luke Fulton and Charles Willekes have been suspended indefinitely

Another bit of news out of Schembechler Hall is that Redshirt Freshman LB Charles Thomas is in the transfer portal and no longer with the program.   He was clearly getting passed by the current LB's and Michigan has 4 talented LB's coming in the next recruiting class.   He saw the writing on the wall and jumped into the portal.   He was a 3 star LB out of IMG in the 2019 class.  Good Luck to him. 

• Get ready for terrible weather on Saturday Night in the Twin Cities.   Looks to be cold and maybe some snow. 

• Lewan and Bush have confirmed ACL injuries.   2020!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-tuesday-closer-we-get-more.html

Michigan Monday: A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action Please

I'm betting many of you that read this blog would agree with the title of this post.   We have been talking about Michigan Football for over 10 months without seeing them play on the field.   Even though Michigan competed with a very good Alabama team on January 1st, it seems like years since we have seen them take the field.   No Spring Practice, No Spring Game, and almost a 2 month delay in starting the season.   It is my pleasure to welcome you to......

GAME WEEK! 

Many of us thought we might not get here for another 12 months.   We are here and its now time to see what this team has.   Anything can happen between now and 7:30 on Saturday, so lets hope both teams continue to test negative and we have a ball game on Saturday night.  

• NFL Wolverines had a bad Sunday for injuries, as it is expected that both Devin Bush and Taylor Lewan have torn their ACL's.   I don't follow MSU social media but it seems Sparty is enjoying the injury to Devin Bush.   Stay Classy East Lansing. 

• There was a very large change in the Michigan - Minn betting line this weekend.   Michigan went from a underdog getting 2.5 to a favorite at 3.5.   Usually there are 2 reasons for a jump like that, news about one team or all the money was coming in on the Wolverines.

• I'm sure you didn't miss it but Michigan got its highest ranked defensive commitment on Friday when Branden Jennings committed.   Michigan has a very strong LB class and could use one more DB and 2 more DT's.   Michigan is also after another FSU commit in Duke Cooper who is a 4 star CB.

• Michigan has offered 2024 Brandon Davis-Swain who called U of M, Michigan University.  He has time to learn how it works.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-monday-little-less.html

Maryland manufacturers pivot, innovate, and collaborate on COVID-19

Like all businesses, Maryland manufacturers had to adjust in 2020 in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. From clothiers, to biohealth companies, and everything in between, Maryland manufacturers stepped up to the plate. October is National Manufacturing Month, and a time to say thank you and celebrate manufacturers across the state. Here are just a few manufacturers we’d like to shine a light on for their ingenuity in response to COVID-19.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-manufacturers-pivot-innovate-and-collaborate-covid-19/

Maryland and Quebec sign cooperative partnership

The Maryland Department of Commerce has joined the Government of Quebec to sign a cooperative agreement to foster economic development collaboration between the two regions.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-and-quebec-sign-cooperative-partnership/

Michigan Friday: Surprise - it's Big Willie Allen!

Normally, I don't wake up expecting Michigan to land a grad transfer OT from Louisiana Tech University.   Today, it not like any other and Michigan has picked up just that person. 

Michigan landed "Big" Willie Allen a former 4 star OT prospect that transferred from LSU to LA Tech.  Willie is 6'6 343 pounds and is considered an NFL prospect.   He had some COVID issues missed the first 2 games of the season and decided to transfer to a place that could help him get to the League.  

He will enroll in the Spring and be part of the 2021 class and eligible for 1 year.   So he won't be suiting up in a week and could be a great replacement for Mayfield after he turns pro after the season.  

Welcome Big Man! 

• The Good News continues?  Michigan is expected to land 2021 4 star #81 ranked player in the country Branden Jennings an ILB from Jacksonville today.  100% CB's to Michigan.  He is a UA All American and playing in that all star game. 

• Michigan is a road dog next weekend and getting +2.5 points against the Golden Gophers.  Thank you Big Ten for the road trip/night game.  

• I'm also getting concerned if we are slowly watching COVID take over football.   NFL Colts today reported multiple positives,  Florida has over 20 positives this week, Saban is trying to find a way to coach against Georgia after testing positive, Baylor is having a breakout, other games cancelled or postponed.   If/when this happens in the Big Ten,  the players that test positive is basically going to miss 3 games.   It its a team outbreak that is 3 games cancelled.   Fun Times!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-friday-surprise-its-big-willie.html

Michigan Thursday: Well, This Is Interesting

News on the recruiting trail has been a little light for awhile.   Then comes this:  #81 player in the nation in the 2021 class and former FSU commit, LB Brendan Jennings is committing on Friday.  His top schools he will be considering is Clemson, Miami, and Michigan.   Jennings is 6'3 225 and rated the 6th ILB in the country and clearly a 4 star recruit.  

His lead recruiters from Ann Arbor are Don Brown and Brian Jean-Mary.  The good news is that the 24/7 CB's are trending hard to the Wolverines.   If he does commit, he will join the likes of Jaydon Hood, Tyler McLaurin, and Junior Colston. (Yes, please)  Jennings in from Jacksonville and could be Michigan's next commit from Florida, where clearly Brian Jean-Mary is doing a great job.  

• Interesting how Saban and Alabama's AD have tested positive but we haven't heard any players being positive

• Florida - LSU has been re-scheduled 

• Atlanta Falcons have shut down their building today as well

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-thursday-well-this-is.html

Michigan Tuesday: I Hate When I'm Right

The Big Ten and the TV Networks did what they do and made the Michigan @ Minnesota a primetime game with a 7:30 kickoff on ABC.   To quote Michigan twitter super fan Scott Bell, "A road night game against a ranked opponent.  What could go wrong?"

I know some of you are thinking the following:

• Damn it, another year with a week 1 loss 
• If Michigan wants to regain their status in college football they are going to have to be comfortable playing at night on the road.  
• At least there won't be any fans, maybe that will help?
• Why does Michigan play so bad on the road at night?
• Its a trophy game, will the Wolverines have greater focus?
• The temperature is probably going to be in the 40's at kickoff. 

Those are just a few thoughts we all have on why the Wolverines are so bad on the road and at night.  Remember that horrific Iowa game a few years ago when Michigan was in the top 10?  Whatever the team does prior to night games on the road, they need to reverse is completely.   

• Seems the NCAA is going to adopt the Harbaugh transfer rule of 1 transfer without penalty.  Should be approved in January.   Love or hate Jimmy but he is doing things to better college football players. 

• Speaking of Jimmy, he said things on the radio:

-Sammy Faustin has moved from S to CB and competing for a starting job

-Dax maybe the best player on the team and seem will play S and Nickel 

-Dax and Brad Hawkins will be at Safety

“Dax may be our most talented player on the team, arguably,” Harbaugh said of the sophomore. “Very trusted. Good communicator in the backend. Really knows the safety position and also the nickel position — he’s really good playing both safety and covering in the nickel slot. Brad Hawkins, he’s playing his best football since he’s been around here.”

New Michigan coach with 3 first names (Brian Jean-Mary) was also on the radio and had this to say about Michael Barrett:

"Michael is a unique story. High school quarterback in one of the most storied areas in the country down there in Valdosta, Georgia. Everything with him defensively once he got here has been kind of new. Once you’ve been a high school quarterback, you’re the superstar, you’re probably not playing a lot of defense. He’s really taken to the challenge. He had a great mentor in Khaleke Hudson ahead of him. He’s probably the most experienced guy in the room, which obviously doesn’t say a lot for a guy who didn’t play a lot. But he’s been great. Started off a little slow, but the last two to three weeks, he’s probably been the best player we had whether it would be SAM or VIPER.

• Shea Patterson and JT Barrett will play in some weird Spring Football league in San Antonio.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-tuesday-i-hate-when-im-right.html

Michigan Monday: An NFL Example of Speed in Space

That was a hell of a Sunday for sports.  Congratulations to former Fab 5 bench guy Rob Pelinka, GM of the World Champions LA Lakers.   Also a huge hat tip to the Miami Heat and Duncan Robinson for a great bubble run.  

The game that intrigued me the most on Sunday was Vegas at KC.  Andy Reid has built the example speed in space offense and Vegas tried to copy that example.   Yes, KC has a freak under center but their WR's are asked to do 2 things, run fast and catch the ball.   They do that very well.   Vegas is trying to build the same thing with guys like Alabama's Henry Ruggs and that strategy got them a win over the Chiefs in Kansas City.  

This is what coach Gattis is trying to build in Ann Arbor with the WR's he is recruiting.  Gone are the DPJ's, Black's, and the Nico's of the world.   The WR room now looks like Jackson, Henning, Johnson, Wilson, and Sainristil.  Those were all highly recruited guys, but the point is these guys match what Coach wants to do.   Will one or a couple guys become stars?  Maybe, but the advantage is to have all these guys run routes that makes it difficult for any defense to lock them down.  

I thought the game yesterday was a good example of that.   Vegas was hitting the deep ball on KC which opened huge holes in the running game.  

• 4 star DT Rayshaun Benny tweeted out that he is announcing soon.  Between, Michigan, PSU, MSU, and UK.  Michigan needs Benny and is expected to be the leader in the club house.

• The ACC wanted ND so much that the Golden Domers will play their 4th home game in a row next weekend.   To be fair, they were supposed to travel to Wake before their COVID break out a couple weeks ago.  They also will play Clemson in South Bend.   The Big Ten loves Michigan so much they put them on the road in a trophy game week 1 and will host their instate rival week 2.  

• Tracking Tarik:  Texas lost a 4 OT game in the Red River Showdown and scored 45 points.  Black had 1 catch for 24 yards.  On the season, he has 7 catches for 116 total yards and 1 TD in 4 games, with 5 catches and TD coming week 1 against UTEP. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-monday-nfl-example-of-speed-in.html

Michigan Friday: 2 Weeks From Football

In a world, where the US President and Les Miles both have tested positive for COVID in the last week and a small group of people were targeting the Michigan Governor for kidnapping, the Wolverines take the field in just over two weeks.  That's right, Michigan is starting its season in late October for the Little Brown Jug.  Things are clearly the same and nothing out of the ordinary is happening.  

Things we don't know about the game in two weeks:

• Kickoff time 
• Will both teams stay positive and test negative 
• Nico?
• Weather - Snow?
• Joe Milton as the starting QB
• Michigan DB's outside of Dax
• Chris Evans rust?
• Will Michigan's road woes continue

I don't love how the Big Ten put the Wolverines on the road in week one and did it against a good Minnesota team.  Just like I had a sinking feeling about not starting the season in the Big House, I have a similar sinking feeling this will be a night game.   With 3 networks (ESPN, FOX, and BTN) needing a primetime game, there is no better team to put under the lights then the Wolverines.   Don't forget the Big Ten's strategy: put Michigan on TV against tough opponents for TV ratings and give OSU the easiest possible path to the playoffs.   That strategy is undefeated for Big Ten Millions. 

If Michigan moved to the Big 12, it think they could negotiate only home games and neutral locations.  👍😀

When I watched the Golden Gophers last season, I thought they were over rated.  PJ is building something in the Twin Cities that wasn't fully formed yet.   To remind you of their season:

Struggled but won the first 4 games against the likes of South Dakota State (28-21), Fresno State (38-35), Georgia Southern (35-32), and Purdue (38-31).  

Then went on a blow out streak for the next 4:  Illinois (40-17), Nebraska (34-7), Rutgers (42-7), Maryland (52-10)

The next 4 included huge wins and losses:  Penn State W (31-26), Iowa L (19-23), Northwestern W (38-22), Wisconsin L (17-38).

Post Season: Nice win over Auburn 31-24 in the Outback Bowl. 

The Gophers struggled early but found a way to win against lesser teams.  They won a big game a home against Penn State and like all Big Ten teams (outside the professional one in Columbus) struggle to win games late in the year on the road against good teams.  

We have no idea what either team will be in two weeks,  What I have seen watching college football for the last month is pretty poor execution.   I would hope that is not the case for the Wolverines as they have been practicing for almost 3 months.  

Every year its a mystery on what the Wolverines are going to be, their kryptonite has been away games and away night games.   Let's hope in this new world, that is different as well. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/10/michigan-friday-2-weeks-from-football.html