A Mental Block

David Guralnick, DET News 

Football coaches do a great job at teaching kids how to run block, block down field, pass protect, and cut block, but can they address a mental block?  My guess is no, Jimmy is known to solve all the world's problems with a NJ Strip and a glass of milk.

This team/program has a mental block when they play on the road and maybe even when they play at night.   Michigan is clearly uncomfortable in any situation that is not a noon kick at the Big House.  I would say, it must have something to do with Harbaugh, but this issue was here well before he even got to Ann Arbor.

Even Joel Klatt from Fox said, Michigan didn't even warm up well and wasn't sharp.   Usually this is an offensive problem but for Michigan it effects both sides of the ball.  The defense tonight gave up 17 points in the first half and 21 at ND.    In the second half of both of games, 3 total points.

Jimmy and staff is going to have to change up some things, maybe even bring someone in to exercise the road and night demons.

Cheers:

• 2nd half defense
• Paye and Winovich 
• Shea scrambling for first downs 
• Higdon for +100 yards 
• Fighting back for a win after being down 17
• Michigan fans in attendance - Truuuuuuu
• I thought the offensive line played really well 
• Uche sack to seal the game
• Will Hart's Punting! 

Jeers:

• Big Ten officials
• The holding call from Mars! 
• Gary has a shoulder injury
• Sleep walking in the first half 
• Can't stop the quick slant pass 
• Too many penalties 11
• McKeon dropped pass 

Playing on the road is never easy, but Michigan seems to make even more difficult.   Michigan will not beat MSU or OSU on the road playing like they did today.   This staff has to figure this out if they are going to reach their goals of a Big Ten Championship.  

A win is a win and Michigan got one today, no matter how it looked.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/a-mental-block.html

Northwestern Preview

Time: 4:30 EST
Location: Ryan Field
Weather: 58, rain later
TV: Fox
Line: Michigan -14

Normally, bye weeks are time to heal and work on areas of weakness on your team.  Northwestern is coming off a bye but suffered a significant loss when their top offensive player Jeremy Larkin had to retire due to a spine condition.   Michigan off course, is hitting the road for the second time after 3 straight wins at home.

Tale of the Tape:
Mich WR's vs. NW DB's = Michigan
NW Offense vs. Mich D = Michigan
Mich OLine vs. NW DLine = Push
Intangibles = Northwestern
Talent = Michigan

If you look at this game on paper, its a miss-match.   Northwestern has struggled with injuries since their win on the road at Purdue, their tackles have been banged up and they just surprisingly lost their top weapon on offense.  That doesn't look good when you are facing a top defensive line and a Don Brown defense.

The flip side is Northwestern does have a veteran QB in Clayton Thorson and coming off a bye week where they were able to prepare for Michigan for two weeks.  They're also in need of a big win and one over the Wolverines would fit the bill.

Think, can I catch a Cubs game while I'm here if...…………

• Michigan's Oline plays like they did last week
• Higdon goes off again 
• Shea and the WR's are taking advantage of NW's DB's
• Michigan plays well on the road 
• Gary and Winovich continue to pressure Thorson non-stop
• The Missile is shutting down the running game

Yell, why are these damn games so close if...………….

• Michigan continues to struggle on the road 
• Northwestern is pulling out trick plays 
• Michigan thinks the 4:30 start is actually a night game 
• Northwestern is able to gain yards in the run game 

We know that Pat Fitzgerald is a good coach and will have his team ready.  Before their two game losing streak, Northwestern had the top win streak in the country, after finishing with 8 straight wins last year.   The Wildcats are known for starting slow and finishing fast.    

Michigan has a clear advantage on both sides of the ball.  Losing Larkin is a huge deal as their backups haven't seen a ton of snaps this year.   The best news for Northwestern would be if their two offensive tackles are healthy after the bye week.   If they are still injured, Winovich and Gary will have a field day at Ryan Field.  

Northwestern is not terrible on defense as the offense gave up 3 TD's in the loss to Akron.  They will do what every defense does against Michigan, stack the box to stop the run and let Shea Patterson and the Michigan WR's beat them.   The goal for Northwestern is to keep the game close, the goal for Michigan is to end the game early. 

Michigan 31 Northwestern 10

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/northwestern-preview.html

Big Ten Week 5 Preview

Its a no brainer which is the best Big Ten game this week.  Ohio State travels to Happy Valley a place where they have been snake bitten before.   This is the big night game and probably the best game in the Big Ten until Michigan meets Wisconsin in Week 7.

Ohio State @ PSU (-3.5):  OSU is a road favorite which is very interesting.  Many are not buying PSU and feel James Franklin is an over rated coach.   Urban Meyer is back in charge after serving a suspension for enabling Zach Smith.   Ohio State will miss the assembly line of Bosa's they always seem to have.   OSU has played on the road and beat TCU in Jerry World, who then the next week got embarrassed by Texas and are probably closer to average then good.   After nearly getting upset by App. State, PSU has cruised through its schedule.   OSU is the better team:  OSU 31 PSU 21


Indiana @ Rutgers (IU-16.5):   Rutgers is not good again and probably shouldn't even be in the Big Ten.  IU is a team on the rise and will win easy.  IU 42 Rutgers 14

CMU @ MSU (MSU -28.5)  CMU lost to Kansas at home this season, that is what you need to know about the Chips.   MSU easy.   MSU 38 CMU 13

Purdue @ Nebraska (Pur -3.5):  This is the most disappointing team bowl.  Both were winless last weekend and Purdue beat a decent BC team and Nebraska got rolled by the Wolverines.   Purdue is the better team.  Purdue 21 Nebraska 20


That's it folks!  Very few games this weekend.  

Jordan is releasing another Michigan shoe this weekend:  It's the Grind 2 at $115.


















































































































































































































































































































































from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/big-ten-week-5-preview.html

VC funding is on a roll in Maryland

Summer 2018 may have brought more rain than sun, but when it comes to funding at Maryland startups, things have been hot, hot, hot. With top-notch research institutions, an unparalleled technical workforce, and a network of accelerators, Maryland is a hotbed for innovation, so it's no wonder venture capitalists want Maryland startups in their portfolio. Here’s a snapshot of companies that have recently received VC investments. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/vc-funding-is-on-a-roll-in-maryland/

Wolverine Wednesday: Gets an Instate Linebacker

We heard a 2020 commit was coming and it dropped yesterday afternoon when instate West Bloomfield LB Cornell Wheeler committed to the Wolverines.

Cornell is 6'1 and 220 pounds and is a bit under rated with offers from the likes of IU, Minn, ISU, Kentucky, Syracuse, Missouri, and some MAC Schools.  His is ranked as a 3 star to 24/7 composite.

“I felt like it was home,” he said. “I like the coaching staff, even the education, I liked it. The facilities were nice and the coaches and people around there make you feel home.”

Cornell Wheeler is the 5th commit to the 2020 class that has over 14 months until signing day.

• Jimmy also dropped more news on injuries on Tuesday: It seems defensive end Luiji Vilain had surgery this week and will miss the entire season.  He missed all of last year due to a knee injury and reports are that this injury is the other knee.   LV took a redshirt year last season and now will have to take a medical redshirt.   CB Benjamin St-Juste who played last year hasn't yet dressed for the Wolverines and is also out for the year.   BSJ will take a red shirt year.    Ironically, both players are from Canada and were expected to contribute this year.   

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/wolverine-wednesday-gets-instate.html

Michigan Tuesday: Injury Updates For Northwestern Game

Northwestern:

Jeremy Larkin Northwestern's top offensive player retired on Monday effective immediately after doctors diagnosed him with cervical stenosis.  Larkin the Wildcats starting RB had 346 yards and 5 TD's through the first 3 games.   I feel sorry for Jeremy but happy his condition is not life threating and that he can live a normal life outside of football.

• Rashawn Slater OL Lower Body injury - Questionable for Saturday
• Cameron Green SuperBack Knee injury - Questionable for Saturday 
• Blake Hance OL Foot injury - Questionable for Saturday
• Khalid Jones LB - Missed last 3 games 
• Jalen Brown WR - Missed last 3 games 

Northwestern is coming off a bye week, so many of the above injures may have healed if they are not too serious. 

Michigan 

We know Michigan doesn't like to discuss injuries, so we have to go to insiders for updates:

Paye and Filiaga are both ok and expected to play on Saturday. 

There was some mystery around Rashan Gary.  Some noticed he came out with a shoulder injury and yesterday he said, that the trainers were just adjusting his shoulder pads.  Either way, he didn't come back in.  Jimmy said, they were just holding him out as the game was out of hand.   Reports are that he is fine and will play on Saturday.  

Evans continues to work out his issues and will be questionable until game time. 

Solomon is expected back in October and Black in November.  

No timeline on St. Juste and he might be headed for a red shirt.  

• DPJ was named co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. 

• Maryland Game is a noon kick off on ABC for homecoming 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/michigan-tuesday-injury-updates-for.html

Michigan Monday: An Early Look At Northwestern

Michigan looked like a mid-tier Big Ten team after the ND game and a Big Ten power after the Nebraska game.   Which is it?  Probably somewhere in the middle, with the hopes it's closer to power then mid-tier.  If the "light" has gone on for the offensive line, this could be a very dangerous team in the Big Ten.

The Wolverines have another challenge this week as they travel to Chicago to play Northwestern.  We know this team has struggled on the road and its a bit of strange kick off time at 4:30 EST.  Another Fox game, which has shown all of Michigan's games this year outside of the ND game.

Let's take a quick look at what Northwestern has done this season.

Northwestern is 1-0 in the Big Ten with a win over Purdue Week 1.   The problem is,  it's been all down hill since then.  The Wildcats took back to back loses to a good Duke team in the SAT Bowl and then took a surprising loss to the Akron Zips.

Northwestern is coming off a bye week and will host the Wolverines this weekend, then travel to East Lansing next.   Northwestern likes to throw the ball and ranks #20 in the country with 307 yards per game, they rank 114th in running with an average of 117 yards per game.   They score 24 points a game which ranks them 104th and gives up 29 which is 87th in the country.  For those keeping score at home, scoring 24 points and giving up 29 is not good!

Michigan for example keeps opponents to 14 points per game.

Michigan is -13 in the game.

• 4 Star Safety Lewis Cline couldn't get to Ann Arbor this weekend because his father couldn't find an affordable flight.  So Lewis ended up at the Texas game.   Sounds like he is iffy to re-schedule and the commitment of Dax Hill might have something to do with that. 

• There is also some buzz that Michigan might have gotten another 2020 commit, which if true, should be announced soon.  Sam Webb put in Crystal Balls for Instate WR Ian Stewart and Instate LB Cornell Wheeler this weekend. 

• There was also some buzz this weekend that OSU might make Ryan Day the "coach in waiting".  Then OSU AD Gene Smith said, that Urban Meyer will be their head coach for quite some time.  Not sure its going to be your decision big man.   In fact, if OSU were to make some changes in the off season, I would expect Gene Smith would also be on a train to somewhere else. 

• Michigan up to #14 in the AP.  I don't care about the coaches poll as they don't watch other games. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/michigan-monday-early-look-at.html

Nebraska Post Game

David Guralnick, Det News

TKO is really the best way to describe that game.  I completely over estimated Nebraska and the heath of their QB.   I thought the style of the football they play was going to give Michigan's defense trouble all day.  It did give Michigan trouble for about two minutes, until Lawrence Marshall tipped a pass and then it was all down hill for the Cornhuskers in the Big House.

Michigan played very well on both sides of the ball.  The offense line had its best showing, since maybe the Citrus Bowl against Florida.   The play calling was on point and Michigan's defense looked like they knew what Nebraska's play call was before they ran it.

It was an almost perfect game but of course there were a few low lights and the reason we go to the cheers and jeers.

Cheers

• A+ to Michigan's staff for getting the team prepared and a great game plan 
• Marshall changed the game with that tip 
• Defense played fast and hit hard all day 
• Running game was incredible, Higdon could of had 200 yards in the first half 
• Future stars include: McCaffrey, Turner, Hutchinson, and Bell
• Tru Wilson continues to impress 
• Devin "the missile" Bush 
• Ben "the brick" Mason
• The offensive line for the best performance of the year
• Glasgow had his best came of his career 

Jeers

• Hudson gets another 2nd half targeting.  You're to valuable to this team.
• Nordin looks like he is using his wrong foot on extra points 
• Seems Evans injury is more then a cramp 

I had just thought to myself when I saw Hudson playing in the second half that maybe they should take him out, I was more worried about injury then another targeting call.   No reason for that hit.  

I also think Michigan should think about another kicker for extra points, its almost to close for Nordin.  

All and all this was a great performance by Michigan and what we expected on both sides of the ball all year.  The trip to Northwestern won't be easy and Michigan continues to need to prove they can play away from the Big House.   I loved the first half stats, Michigan 305 total yards, Nebraska 17.  

Jimmy's best answer of the year so far:

What went into the decision to give Ben Mason a greater share of the carries today and how do you feel about his impact?

"Inertia was the main factor in the decision"

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/nebraska-post-game.html

Nebraska Preview

Det News

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
Weather: 60 and no rain
TV: FS1
Line: Michigan -17.5

Nebraska has gotten off to a strange start to the Scott Frost Era.  They have had one game rained out and lost two.  One of those loses was to a former rival in Colorado and another one to Troy last weekend.  

Michigan is more then a two touchdown favorite against a winless team, which means an easy victory, right?  Think again.

Tale of the Tape:

Neb D Line vs. Mich O Line = Nebraska
Michigan WRs vs. Neb DBs = Michigan
Michigan D Line vs. Neb O Line = Michigan
Nebraska QB Running vs. Michigan D = Nebraska
Nebraska QB Throwing vs. Michigan D = Michigan
Special Teams = Michigan
Coaching = Push

Nebraska's true freshman QB Adrian Martinez is a game time decision after hurting his knee late in the Colorado game.  He is the only scholarship QB on the roster and his back-up Andrew Bunch played last week in the loss to Troy.   Unless Martinez is hurt worse then we think, I expect him to play in this game.   If that happens, he is going to give the Wolverine defense a ton of problems.

He is a true freshman but looked pretty explosive against Colorado.  He was running and throwing a ton and really moving the ball downfield.   They run an RPO/Option type of offense with Martinez.  If Scott Frost knows one thing, its how to design an offense around the guys he has.    The down side to how they use Martinez is that he gets hit a ton and almost on every down.   I don't know how he is going to make it through any season with so many hits.

Yell, this is for 1997 if...…………………

• Don Brown figures out how to stop a running QB 
• Michigan is hitting Martinez hard and often
• Michigan's O Line plays well 
• Shea throws for 250+ yards 
• Michigan runs for 200 with a healthy Higdon & Evans
• Michigan takes advantage of a young team on the road for the 1st time 

Wonder if UCF did out hit Michigan a few years ago? if...

• Martinez is gaining first downs and scoring a lot of points 
• Nebraska is not turning over the ball 
• Nebraska is running all over the defense and then hitting deep balls in the passing game
• Scott Frost is the kryptonite to Don Brown's Superman 
• Nebraska D Line is shutting down the running game and hitting Shea 

I don't like this game at all.   Nebraska is mad and hasn't gotten a win yet.   It's not because they don't have good players.   They have a talented freshman QB and good WR's in Stanley Morgan and JD Spielman.  They run tempo which will keep the Michigan defense from subbing.  Even though they lost the game they outgained Colorado 565 to 395. 

Guess what Nebraska is going to do on defense?  Just like everyone that plays the Wolverines.  They will put guys in the box to stop the run and blitz Michigan's Oline in pass protect.    If Michigan's can't move the ball through the air, this is going to be a long day for the Wolverines.  

Michigan has to get Nebraska off the field with quick 3 and outs, which will wear down Nebraska's defense.  Running tempo isn't great, when you go 3 and out in one minute of football time.    Don Brown also can't be blitzing Martinez so much and must leave a guy to spy on him.   That means waiting at the LOS and then stopping him after a couple yard gain.  (too many times the spy does a late blitz up the middle and gets caught up in the wash and the QB runs for 20 yards)  Not having Hudson here for the first half is a killer.  

Michigan has to win this game by playing great defense, not making mistakes, and taking advantage of Nebraska's turnovers.   It would be nice if Don Brown can show he can stop a running QB and designs a defense that confuses the young QB.  The offense needs to pass to run and expect a lot of short routes.  Michigan has a significant advantage in their WR's vs. Nebraska's DB's.  The passing game will be open and Shea could have a big day if the line can protect him and Jimmy turns the damn page in the play book.   Keep a RB or TE in as an extra blocker.

This game might be an ugly one and the Wolverines could look really bad at times.   Michigan is at home and clearly the better team.     

Michigan 27 Nebraska 17  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/nebraska-preview.html

Strouse opens new Westminster manufacturing facility

Strouse, a Carroll County manufacturer that serves the military, medical, and automotive industries, officially opened its new facility in Westminster this month. Located in the Westminster Technology Park, the new facility will help streamline manufacturing processes and provide additional room for the company to grow in future yers. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/strouse-opens-new-westminster-manufacturing-facility/

Maryland heads to Africa Aerospace & Defense 2018

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-heads-africa-aerospace-defense-2018/

Big Ten Week 4 Preview

Penn State plays Illinois on Friday night at 9:00 which is weird.   With the non-conference season mostly over, it will be nice to get back to conference play.   

Big Ten Game of The Week:

Wisconsin @ Iowa (Wisc -3):  Wisconsin is coming off a crushing loss to BYU at home and Iowa is quietly 3-0.  I'm sure Wisconsin is the better team, but we know its so hard to win at Iowa with their pink locker rooms, kids hospital wave, and playing at night.   Iowa 24 Wisconsin 21

Sneaky Big Ten Game of The Week:

MSU @ IU (MSU -5):  Please see what I wrote above and use it for this game.  MSU will struggle on the road again.   MSU 28 IU 27

Penn State @ Illinois (PSU -28) I think Illinois will cover but this won't be much of a game if you want to stay up to watch a Big Ten game at 9PM.   PSU 30 Illinois 17

Buffalo @ Rutgers (Buff -5.5):  Not a great game and one the Big Ten is probably going to take a loss.  Buffalo 31 Rutgers 14

Minnesota @ Maryland (MD -1):  I don't know about either team.  Minnesota has played well at home and Maryland looked good until last week.   Maryland 17 Minnesota 14

Tulane @ OSU (-37):  Please, OSU 58 Tulane 6

Boston College @ Purdue (BC -6.5) Yikes Purdue, many thought they would be a surprise team this season.  Saturday afternoon the Boilermakers will be 0-4, Surprise!  If you want to see the ex-Michigan LB recruit as one of the top RB's in the country, tape this game and take a look.   BC 30 Purdue 20

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/big-ten-week-4-preview.html

3 reasons why cybersecurity talent is better here

Ask tech CEOs what’s the most critical component to the success of their business, and you’ll hear words like “talent” and “workforce” over and over again. With cyber attacks becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated, the cybersecurity industry is always looking for the top professionals to ensure their company is at the top of its game--from providing clients with top-rate cybersecurity services or looking for the next big breakthrough in cyber protection. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/3-reasons-why-cybersecurity-talent-is-better-here/

Wolverine Wednesday Extra Post: Injury Updates and Rocky IV

There is plenty of injuries that could affect the outcome of the Michigan - Nebraska game.

Higdon and Evans have been practicing this week and both are expected to play on Saturday, per Jay Harbaugh this morning.

Per reports, Nebraska true freshman QB Adrian Martinez has been practicing this week but is still questionable to play and probably will be a game day decision.   I expect he will play as he gives Nebraska the best chance to win in on Saturday.

Also, I couldn't let this go:  Nebraska is treating this game like "Rocky IV," running backs coach Ryan Held said.  

"Nobody thinks we can win this game," Held said. "National people don't think we can win this game. We have to be able to rally, come together as a group, go on the road, get on that airplane like Rocky Balboa did and frickin' beat Ivan Drago."

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/wolverine-wednesday-extra-post-injury.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Hill Street Maize and Blues

twitter

I have seen many 5 star recruits come to Ann Arbor but I have never seen A2 name a street and an auditorium after one!  :)

I wrote last week that Michigan's biggest win this past weekend wouldn't be a W over SMU,  it would be to get 5 Star and #1 Safety in the nation Dax Hill to commit to the Wolverines.   Michigan got that win last night at 8:00 when Dax Hill decided to pull the trigger on commitment to the Wolverines. 

“After this weekend he said it was a no-brainer,” Hill’s father Derrick told The Michigan Insider moments ago. “He told me last night (about the plan to commit). (Daxton) had bonded well with the coaches, and he also had some good bonding relationships with some of the players that are either committing or have committed so far in this class. He seemed to connect well with them.”

Mom and I had a good feeling about our visit… all aspects of it,” he continued. “It felt right. Being able to talk to parents away from coaches (and) away from hosts (was a positive). They had a parent tailgate, so you got to hear up close and personally about the richness of the school. (You heard about) if you took the football element out of the equation, what does the university have to offer? Not only for four years, but a forty-year look.  I think all of those factors played into (the commitment).”

Daxton Hill is the #8 player in the country (#12 composite) and #1 Safety to 24/7.  He is from Tulsa, OK and is just over 6'0 and 185 pounds.  His offer list included everyone but Dax was down to Alabama and Michigan and clearly made the right decision after the official visit this weekend.  I'm sure he also saw a huge need for a skilled Safety in Don Brown's defense. The biggest losers in this process has to be Oklahoma and OK State, not keeping this talent instate.  Many believe behind Rashan Gary, this is Harbaugh's most important recruit to Michigan. 

Dax is known for his speed and runs a 4.3 which is Denard like.   Many believe he will be the starting Safety as early as next season as his talent will get him on the field right away Michigan now has the #7 class in the country to 24/7 and still has eyes on a outside WR and at least one tackle prospect.   Michigan is also still on list for 5 stars Zach Harrison, Quavaris Crouch, Kyle Ford, and George Karlaftis.    When a 5 star commits, other 5 stars take notice. 

Michigan's top tackle prospects are IL Trevor Keegan and MN Bryce Benhart.  We also know that George Karlaftis is committed to home town Purdue who is 0-3 in the early season, which I'm sure doesn't help his recruitment. Michigan now has 2 - Five Stars players in this class with  Hill and Hinton.   They also have a fighting chance with the 5 mentioned above.   I also wouldn't be surprised if Michigan commit and CA RB Zach Carbonnett ended up as a 5 star as he is running through opponents during his senior year. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/wolverine-wednesday-hill-street-maize.html

Michigan Tuesday: Things We Know & Things We Don't

Things we know:

• Michigan's offense line continues to struggle and each opponent Michigan has left on the schedule will blitz and try to shut down the run.   Michigan has to keep a TE or RB in every time to provide extra protection. 

• Urban Meyer lied and continues to lie:  he lied at Big Ten Media days, he lied about knowing about Zach Smith's domestic abuse issues, he lied about deleting text messages, and now he is lying during all his 1000 apologies.  OSU will sell their soul for wins on the football field and now they have exactly done that.   If you watch the ESPN interview, when they pan out you can see Urban rubbing his hands and playing with some bracelet on his wrist.   In poker, they call that a tell. 

• The Northwestern game will be a 4:30 kickoff on FS1.   So Michigan has been on NBC and Fox channels all year long.  No ESPN yet, which seems sort of strange.   (BTN is co-owned with Fox).

• Jimmy will describe all  (except season ending) injuries as "working through something".   

• Walk-on WR Jacob West tore his ACL during a kick off on Saturday.

• The targeting penalty is too severe.  Throw the kid out for that game, having that penalty effect the next game is wrong. 

• Michigan is now -18 on Saturday. 

Things we don't:

• How much of the offense have we seen?  Who knows?  Big Mike Onwenu said yesterday, Michigan hasn't shown half of its offense yet.   I hope he is right, but I don't understand how much more they can run without better protection from the O-Line.  Lets stop running that RB dive that is called 10 times a game on 1st down. 

• What is Michigan going to do at RB?  If Higdon and Evans are out this week, Jimmy said, Tru Wilson will play, Christian Turner, and then Hassan Haskins.  No mention of Kurt Taylor or Berkley Edwards. 

• Why isn't Michigan offensive line better?  These are highly rated recruits.  Is it coaching?  Grey Frey's offensive line at FSU has been terrible so far this year. 

• Does Michigan have a safety problem?  It seems that position was getting picked on by SMU.  How about we put another CB out there when a slot guy is killing the defense?  Where is Utah transfer Casey Hughes? He was a little banged up after camp.   How about Woods?  He played last season.  

• Who is going to play QB for Nebraska this week?  

• Which teams are good in the Big 10?

• Reports are positive after the Dak Hill visit.  That he could be down to Michigan and Alabama.  Tough to call at this point. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/michigan-tuesday-things-we-know-things.html

Support available for small businesses providing paid sick leave

Small businesses in Maryland that provide paid sick and safe leave to their employees will soon be able to apply for a refundable tax credit administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce. The Small Business Relief Tax Credit offers businesses that meet certain criteria a state income tax credit of up to $500 per employee and $7,000 per small business for every year in which they qualify.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/support-available-businesses-providing-paid-sick-leave/

Michigan Monday: Nebraska Early Look

Some talking heads thought the Big Ten was going to be the best conference in the country this year.  They saw, OSU, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan, and MSU leading that charge.   Everyone now but OSU and PSU (they had a huge scare week 1 with App. State)  have taken an early season loss and that talk has evaporated.  

Nebraska was also considered another program on the rise with Scott Frost coming home and turning his program into a national power again.  Nobody thought he would do it year 1 but everyone excepted improvements from last year.   Nebraska games so far have included: a cancellation and two loses to Colorado and Troy.   Scott is not happy at the effort and neither are Nebraska's faithful.

To add salt to the wound, Nebraska had two QB's competing for the starter role prior to the season.  True freshman Adrian Martinez won the job and back-up QB Tristan Gebbia transferred to Oregon State. 

I watched the Nebraska - Colorado game and is was a pretty interesting game.  Colorado got to an early lead and then Adrian Martinez brought Nebraska back through his runs and timely throws.   Colorado played like they were trying to lose the game by continuing to run into the Nebraska line when the short passing game was killing the Huskers defense.    Colorado pulled out a late one and Martinez went out with a leg/knee injury.   

Nebraska with Martinez in runs this RPO - option offense that absolutely gets their QB hit on pretty much every play.   When heathy, Martinez is dangerous and is the type of QB that gives Michigan's defense a ton of trouble.  He went through warm-ups but didn't patriciate against Troy.   My guess is Nebraska thought they could get by Troy and have Martinez for the trip to Ann Arbor.   That worked until they found themselves down 17-0 at the half.   

If you look at this game on paper it should be a Michigan blow out win.  When you actually watch both teams, you know if Martinez is healthy this could be a close game.   He still is a true freshman and this will be his first road start, so there is plenty for Michigan to capitalize on.   With that said, Vegas is even confused and has yet to put a line on the game.

• BYU upset over Wisconsin was surprising but as Michigan fans know they will play you tough and it seems Wisconsin wasn't ready and took the loss at home. 
• Purdue is 0-3.
• OSU looked pretty good but was gifted 3 TD's by TCU.   Urban is back now. 
• Speaking of Urban, he did an interview with ESPN and part 1 aired on Sunday.  His people needs to tell him to stop doing interviews, he still doesn't get it and looks completely lost on what the true issue is.    Though, with his team probably the second best in the country, many will continue to take a blind eye to his lack of leadership and compassion. 
• What the hell happened to Northwestern?  Duke has a solid team but losing to Akron is very surprising. 
• Maryland was the surprise of the conference prior to Saturday and then they lose to an 0-2 Temple team at home.  

-Quick surprising stat of the day:  Which Michigan unit is the highest ranked in the country?  This one is a bit of shocker coming into the season.  Punting right now is ranked #3 with over a 50 yard average.  

-No word yet on the injuries of Higdon and Evans.   We should hear more today during Jimmy's press conference.  Evans looked like a cramp. 

-No feedback on Dax Hill's visit.  If he watched the game from a Safeties perspective, I hope he saw immediate playing time.

-Sonny Dykes said that #10 might be the best LB he has ever seen. 



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/michigan-monday-nebraska-early-look.html

SMU Post Game

David Gerilick, Det News

Michigan won by 25 points but I thought it was a sloppy, poorly coached game for the Wolverines.
The offensive line was the same and the defense continues to struggle against mobile QB's for some reason.  There is another talented freshman QB (if healthy) headed to Ann Arbor next week to start the Big Ten season.

There were some bright spots and many negatives, which is why we do cheers and jeers:

Cheers

• DPJ with 3 TD's! 
• Other then the early pick, Shea Patterson played well 
• Tru Wilson runs with heart! 
• Winovich had a nice game 
• Metellus with the pick 6 to walk off the first half 
• Gentry played well 

Jeers

• Hydration - I'm for it! 
• Higdon being out with an injury is not good 
• Don Brown blitzes too often which opens big plays for the offense
• Play calling looked like it was straight out of 1965
• Michigan was down to it's 3rd and 4th RB's 
• The targeting call on Hudson is going to be costly next week 
• The officials were terrible 
• Game took forever with time outs, reviews, and injury time outs 
• Way too many penalties and pass inference calls 
• I would give the defense a B- on the day 
• The second half gave Nebraska tape on how to play Michigan 
• I have seen Brad Hawkins get beat enough already this season

The most important thing is that Michigan won the game but I didn't see the improvement I was hoping for.   The Michigan offensive line can't pick up a blitz to save their lives and the RB's are whiffing on the blitz.   Tru Wilson actually did a pretty good job a couple of times.  

I was very disappointed in the defense, I thought they didn't cover well and didn't get much pressure with their front 4.  

Nebraska lost and is 0-2 but the Wolverines will have to play much better going into the Big Ten season, mostly against athletic/running QB's.

Michigan ran for 197 (nobody over 100)
Gentry had 95 yards and DPJ had 90 through the air
13 penalties for 137 yards
Michigan defense gave up 319 total yards 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/smu-post-game.html

SMU Preview

Time: 3:30
Location: Big House
Weather: 81 & 30% rain
TV: BTN
Line: Michigan -36

It's hard to write a preview for a game with -36 line.  In fact, the biggest win Michigan could get this weekend could be the commitment of 5 Star visitor Dax Hill who is one of the top players
(safety) in the country.

Tale of the Tape:

SMU vs. Michigan = Michigan Everything

I watched a little bit of SMU vs. TCU last weekend.  SMU jumped to an early lead and even blocked a punt.  It seems TCU was sleep walking through the first quarter and it took them getting hit in the face before they woke up.

SMU runs the air raid offense under Sonny Dykes, with an experienced QB in Ben Hicks who threw for 33 TD's last year.   SMU has a lot of slot WR's that are good athletes and could break a long run or two if your not careful.

The offense is a bit- dink and dunk and long sideline throws to try to steal a quick TD.   Will the offense line be able to block the best D-Line they will see all year?  I doubt it.


Keep saying Sonny Dykes, in different voices for 3.5 hours if...………….

• Gary and Winovich combine for 4 sacks
• Michigan's offensive line doesn't give up a sack
• Shea throws for 250 yards with 3 TD's
• Michigan has 300 yards on the ground again
• Michigan's defense gets close to another shutout
• No missed field goals

Wonder if Michigan is looking ahead to Nebraska if...……………

• Michigan looks bad on offense 
• Michigan's defense gives up some "splash" plays
• It rains 
• Michigan is sloppy in special teams

While I was watching the SMU/TCU game, I spent a good amount of time walking around the house  saying "Sonny Dykes" in a number of different voices out loud.  It drove my family crazy, as they thought I was crazy.   I just like saying Sonny Dykes over and over for some reason.  

Michigan is going to win this game unless they completely don't believe they have to show up to win.  My guess is they still have a lot to prove after that ND performance on both sides of the ball.   They also have to be better with the Big 10 season starting next week.  

I would love to see more Jalen Mayfield and James Hudson at the tackle positions in real game time.  I would also like to see a few more passes downfield as Michigan will not be able to run over every opponent in the Big Ten.  Keeping Shea clean, would be a great goal for Saturday.  

Higdon and Evans get a 100 yards each and Oliver Martin (now #80) gets his first receiving TD. 

Michigan 51 SMU 6 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/smu-preview.html

NSA and UMBC: Partners for 20 plus years

NSA is celebrating its partnerships with a new Featured School Series campaign that will highlight schools that help develop the talent and tools needed to meet national security challenges. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is the first to be featured and the installment highlights facts about NSA's partnership with UMBC - such as the 1,100 plus NSA employees with UMBC degrees. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/nsa-and-umbc-partners-20-plus-years/

Big Ten Preview Week 3

It looks like Hurricane Florence won't effect too many Big Ten games outside some rain in the area.  It's also clear which is the best Big Ten game this weekend:

OSU vs. TCU( OSU -13.5):  I hate neutral site game unless there is a reason for it (like moving your game due to a hurricane).   This should be a home game for TCU but its at AT&T Stadium where there will be plenty of OSU fans in attendance.   OSU really isn't on the road and is a two TD favorite.  Urban will enjoy another game from home as OSU will struggle early but win comfortably late:  OSU 31 TCU 20

Rutgers @ Kansas (KU-2): Kansas won in the state of Michigan last week and now hosts Rutgers?  Did Warde Manuel negotiate this contract for Rutgers?  Rutgers 17 Kansas 14

Ball State @ IU (IU -14.5):  Indiana beat an ACC team last week and Ball State lost to an ACC team last week.  IU was at home and Ball State was at ND.  I like IU in this one but Ball State can play.   IU 24 Ball State 14

Temple @ Maryland (MD -15.5):  Maryland has been playing sneaky good football this season in the memory of their teammate.   I like Maryland easy in this one.  Maryland 41 Temple 14

Troy @ Nebraska (NEB -11.5):  Scott Frost had 3 opening games to open the season before they go to Ann Arbor.  One got rained out, one is a loss to Colorado, and now Troy.   The story of this game is, will Nebraska put out their true freshman QB to get hit a 100 times by Troy before the trip next week?   Nebraska 28 Troy 10

Kent State @ Penn State (PSU-35 )  Penn State 51 KSU 10

USF @ Illinois (USF-10 )   South Florida is favored on the road.  They like to score a few points and have a ton of athletes.  We even saw Eddie McDoom in street clothes on the sideline last week.  USF 21 Illinois 20

Miami OH @ Minnesota (Minn 13-5)  Row your boat to a win.  Minnesota 32 Miami OH  14

BYU @ Wisconsin (Wis -21.5)  BYU has a 40 year old QB and Wisconsin has a QB that plays like a 40 year old college QB.  Doesn't matter because they want to run all over you.   Wisconsin 28 BYU 9

Missouri @ Purdue (MIZ -6) What happened to Purdue?  They took an L at home against EMU last weekend.  Missouri is going to roll them if they are struggling.  Mizzu 30 Purdue 10

Northern Iowa @ Iowa (NL) I thought Big Ten teams couldn't play these games any longer?  Iowa 40 Northern Iowa 6

Akron @ Northwestern (NW-21):  The Wildcats loss their win streak last week and nobody noticed.  They get back on track this week as Akron finally gets to play a Big Ten team this season.  NW 19 Akron 13

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/big-ten-preview-week-3.html

Wolverine Wednesday: TCU vs. SMU

When I saw TCU and SMU were playing on Friday night, I thought this might be an interesting match-up.   Michigan of course plays SMU this Saturday and TCU plays Ohio State.    The game started and SMU got off to a 9-0 start with a TD and Safety and the upset was on.   After that, TCU scored 42 points and SMU scored 3.   The upset was off and it set up the ABC Primetime game of the week with OSU vs. SMU.  If you didn't know, TCU is not hosting Ohio State at their stadium, it's at Jerry World/AT&T Stadium.    Clearly, Michigan should have played ND at Lucas Oil.

• SMU's QB Ben Hicks threw 38 times, completed 18 for 111 yards
• SMU rushed for 131 yards 

Not exactly an offensive explosion and Michigan's defense should be able to stop SMU's offense all day.  

I also don't expect Ohio State to struggle with TCU.  Its at a neutral site and I expect OSU will handle TCU's running spread.   Of course this early in the year, I'm betting Gary Patterson hasn't put too much of his offense on tape yet.  

• If you didn't notice, Carlo Kemp played DT during the WMU game as Solomon/Marshall was out with injuries.   I've been excited about Carlo since he signed and its great to see him getting more playing time.   Reviews of his play at DT seemed to be very strong.  Also I think Bryan Mone has been in the program for 10 years. 

• Michigan seems to be turning the tide with local 2020 5 star recruit OG Justin Rodgers.   Michigan needs all the offensive line help they can get and should be on any instate 5 star.

• Forbes has Michigan's Jordan deal as the #4 deal in College Sports.  The top 3 are UCLA, Louisville, and Texas.   If your wondering how UCLA and Louisville have the top 2, its because Under Armour and Adidas have to over pay for their contracts.   

• Isaiah Foskey, a 4 star TE from De La Salle in CA, noticed his friend Giles Jackson committed to Michigan and wondered on Twitter if he should join his brother in Ann Arbor.    His top schools are Michigan, ND, CAL, OSU, and Washington.  He better hurry if he does, Michigan needs OT and WR's to round off the class. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/wolverine-wednesday-tcu-vs-smu.html

Maryland Commerce accepting applications for cybersecurity investment incentive tax credit

The Maryland Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the Cybersecurity Investment Incentive Tax Credit, designed to attract investment in Maryland cybersecurity companies. The cybersecurity tax credit program, which originally provided a tax credit to companies receiving the investment, was revised through legislation and passed during the 2018 Maryland General Assembly session.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-commerce-accepting-applications-cybersecurity-investment-incentive-tax-credit/

Michigan Tuesday: Giles Jackson is Blue

Winner!

David Parnin was the winner of ESPN's Tom VanHaaren book with the closet to the score contest for the Western Michigan game.

Congratulations to David!

If you didn't win please pick up a copy.  It's $16 at Amazon right now!
------------------

I'm so glad that Michigan has landed 3 recruits this week.  There really isn't much to talk about with a blow out on Saturday and Michigan a 35 point favorite on this Saturday at 3:30.   It seems BTN was doing some load balancing and put a clear noon game at 3:30.

Michigan landed another slot WR and super ninja from California Giles Jackson on Monday afternoon.   Giles is 5'8 and 175 pounds and light up Nike's Opening to become a national recruit vs. a local one.  He ran a 4.43 and 3.85 in the shuttle to have the highest SPAQ score at the event.

Giles is also good friends and 7 on 7 teammate with future Michigan QB Cade McNamara.  Who clearly did some recruiting on Michigan's behalf:  "Cade became a huge factor," said Jackson. "He'd been trying to sell me on Michigan the past two weeks. I was messing with him all weekend, and he didn't know I was going to Michigan with him yet."

Jackson's offer list included:  USC, Oregon, Oregon State, CAL, Florida, Colorado, Hawaii and more.  Giles said he isn't taking any more visits but he might want to take the Hawaii one for a long weekend.  :)

"The biggest reason I picked Michigan is because I feel like they offer everything I need to be successful in life," said Jackson. "Plus, they were the only school that had my major out of all the others and the coaching staff at Michigan is great."

Michigan is clearly looking to add speed to the program and Jackson offers that.  I expect he will be a slot WR and a guy they can use for returns.   Michigan's next important visit is this weekend with 5 star safety Dax Hill.  The Wolverines also need some tall outside WR's.

• The Penn State game will be a noon kick off and a Maize Out.  Many had predicted it to be a night game, which didn't happen.   FS1 will carry the broadcast. 

• Jimmy had his regular press conference on Monday and the only news  (which really wasn't news) was that there isn't a time table for Black's return and Solomon and Marshall are week to week. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/michigan-tuesday-giles-jackson-is-blue.html

Rosebud Perfume stays relevant by embracing their history

A moisturizing balm infused with seven essential oils and a 126-year proven track record of providing hydration to even the driest of lips sounds like something from a high-end Parisian boutique or the Queen’s personal makeup bag. But in fact, it’s a product born and raised right in Woodsboro, Maryland. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/rosebud-perfume-stays-relevant-embracing-their-history/

Michigan Monday: A 2 Commit Sunday

Sunday in college football is for rest and maybe some treatment from the game the day prior.   It's also a time where coaches can spend more time with recruits visiting for the weekend.  As you might imagine, spending a ton of time with recruits on game day could be difficult.

Michigan was lucky enough to land two recruits on Sunday.  A 2019 DE from Florida and a 2020 TE who is the brother of Michigan QB Shea Patterson.   Let's start with the 2019 recruit first.

Mike Morris is a 4 star 6'5 250 pound DE legacy FSU recruit where his father played on the offensive line in the 80's.  So it won't come as a surprise to learn he was a commit to the Seminoles for 2+ years.  FSU was a different program two years ago lead by Jimbo Fisher who is now at Texas A&M.  
Mike has been to the Ann Arbor 3 times now.   He fell in love with Ann Arbor and Coaches Don Brown and Greg Mattison and decided to flip his commitment.   "The past three times I've visited it has just been unreal," Morris told The Michigan Insider. "Just the love they showed me, this was just confirmation. Everything was confirmation. I've been doing a lot of praying about it lately... about what school I should go to. Every sign is pointing to Michigan. The first time I prayed about it, God got me to the right school. (Recently) I was going on my way to school and somebody had cut me off. I was about to have a little road rage, like, 'what are you doing?' Right on the back on that window they had a Michigan little sticker on the back. I was like, 'dang, that's crazy.' That's the first sign I ever got. That was really like, 'okay, I see where he's guiding me.' It's just been constant... constant Michigan stuff that's been putting in my face. That's why I'm choosing Michigan."

Mike had offers from FSU, Tennessee, Clemson, Florida, Miami, UCF, WVU, and others.  Many insiders expect him to grow into a DT like Chris Wormley.   Welcome Big Man!


Nick Patterson the brother of Shea was the second commit of the day.  Nick is a 6'3 215 pound TE and plays his HS football at San Antonio Christian.  Nick would attend Michigan football games with his brother growing up and just couldn't resist the feeling to commit to the Wolverines on Sunday.

"I've been to a lot of different places... a lot of different schools. Right when I walked through the door I felt like it was different," Patterson told The Michigan Insider. "It felt like home. It felt like family. I like how my brother has gotten better over the past few months there. I like my relationship with Jim Harbaugh and Coach Dudek. It just felt right. I just felt super comfortable. Way more comfortable than when I've talked to other coaches and been on other visits. It just felt like home."

Nick is rated as a 3 star right now (still early for 2020) and has offers from the likes of Dartmouth, FIU, Memphis, and Florida Atlantic.  

Send us all your Patterson's!  Welcome Nick!

That is a good Sunday.   Now we can switch our focus to SMU, right?

You know what that means!

• Giles Jackson a 4 star athlete out of CA is expected to announce his decision at 3:00 today.  Giles has offers from Michigan, USC, Florida, Oregon, CAL, Oregon State and others.  

• Michigan is a 35 point favorite on Saturday 

• ND on Saturday beat Ball State by one score 24-16.   Wimbush threw 3 picks.  

• Congrats to EMU who beat Purdue on Saturday.  The Eagles are 2-0!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/michigan-monday-2-commit-sunday.html

Second Game Improvement

Det News David Guralnick

Michigan didn't play a top 15 team on Saturday, they played a instate MAC team and were able to work out a few things.   I have been banging on this point for a week, but I see zero upside to playing a "big" game during the first week of the season.   Since your not able to play a pre-season game, you don't really know what you have until you play that first game.    We can talk about the difference in the offense, but the defense needed to get their sea legs as well and that showed on Saturday.

The first offensive series was another example.  Michigan looked like they were in South Bend, they get a first down on a pass to the sideline.  Get a quick 5 yard penalty and then run 3 bad plays and punt.  Western's first run play goes for 25 yards.  Then the defense stands up and Higdon breaks the game open with a long run.


Cheers

• The defense was almost perfect and the field goal came against the #2's.
• Shea Patterson can be a very accurate passer.  The throws to DPJ (in the back corner for a TD) and one to Oliver Martin were some of the best throws we have seen in the Big House in a very long time.   The deep ball to Nico was perfect as well. 
• Higdon and Evans looked like the RB's we expected 
• Blocked Punt
• Will Hart has been the surprise of the year and been booming punts!
• #43 Jake McCurry scored a TD! 
• Michigan rushed for 308 yards!

Jeers

• It's hard to point to a position group when a team runs for 300 yards, but I wasn't impressed by the offensive line again.   I thought they gave up way too many pass pressures and many runs were stopped at the line of scrimmage or for a loss.  
• Josh Meteelus is a talented guy and had 7 tackles on Saturday, but he got another personal foul penalty.  He seems to have a very short fuse. 
• DPJ didn't handle a bouncing punt well, put covered his fumble. 
• Missed field goal for Nordin 

I also really like the upside for McCaffrey as a back-up and future starter.  I like his decision making and seems to have ice in his veins.   Tru Wilson was another bright spot, I really liked how he played with the second team.   

Something else that was interesting on Saturday is when they brought in the second team offensive line:  LT was true freshman Jalen Mayfield, LG Filiaga, C Spanellis,, RG Honigford, and RT was James Hudson. Michigan needed this game for confidence and lets hope they can continue to build on this performance for SMU and into the difficult Big Ten schedule.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/second-game-improvement.html

Western Michigan Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
Weather: 69 10% of Rain
TV: FS1
Stream: Fox2Go
Line: -27.5

I have railed all week, that Western or Arkansas should have been the week 1 opponent in the Big House.   It's time for me to move on as my anger is not healthy for anyone around me.

I actually watched a lot of the Western - Syracuse game last week because it started at 6:00 on Friday and I was very thirsty for college football.

Tale of the Tape:

Michigan Defense vs. WMU Offense = Mich
Michigan Offense vs. WMU Defense = Mich
Potential for Hangover = Mich
Nothing to lose = WMU

Western Michigan takes the approach of a ton of smaller schools.  They look to out score you on offense and hope the defense can get a couple stops a game.   Western's offense struggled early in the game against Syracuse until they exploded for 28 points in the 3rd quarter.

They will try to spread Michigan's defense out and light up the scoreboard.   If they do this early,  it would be good for the Wolverines confidence.

If you see Warde at the Big House, make sure you thank him for being such a poor negotiator.  

Yell, Can we have week 1 back? if...…………………

• Michigan's offense looks better 
• Michigan has 150+ yards rushing 
• Michigan's offense line is able to block defensive ends
• Michigan's DB's are better 
• Michigan gets 4 sacks. 

Yell, this isn't going well if...…………………….

• Drake Harris looks like a 4 star WR that should be at Michigan 
• Western Michigan is able to move the ball through the air 
• Michigan has to punt 
• Michigan's defense continues to struggle 
• Michigan's offense doesn't put up 40+ points 

The best thing to move on from a tough loss is getting a win.   It will be interesting to see what type of team the Wolverines put on the field on Saturday afternoon.   Will there be a ND hangover or will Michigan show up and roll over a lesser opponent?  

There is plenty to fix from week 1 and I expect to see major improvements.  If we don't, that is a major problem.   Try some new guys at tackle and lets see what Shea can do through the air and Higdon/Evans on the ground.  The defense started to get their sea legs in the second half, but ND went ultra-conservative because they felt Michigan was over-matched by ND's defense. 

Michigan 42 WMU 10

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/western-michigan-preview.html

Michigan Thursday: Is Jimmy On The Hot Seat?

The answer is no.

Why?

University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel, during a Detroit Economic Club luncheon Wednesday in Detroit, was apparently asked about Harbaugh's status as head football coach. "I would confront the premise," Schlissel said. "He's not on the hot seat. He's under contract for four more years."

Second:  We know he is a good coach and just hasn't figured out how to turn this battleship.   He turned Stanford Football into a real program and took the 49'ers to the Super Bowl.   I'm not comparing Coach K with Jimmy (the point is it takes time), but Coach K won about 50% of his games for 5 years at Army before getting the Duke job.   It took him 3 years at Duke before becoming the best college basketball coach ever.

Dabo has been the head coach at Clemson since 2008.  He was on the hot seat every year.   Now he has one of the top programs in the country.

Each situation is different and if anyone as earned some rope it's Jimmy.   Has the results to date been disappointing?  Yes, they have.  Still it's not time to panic and I rather stay on this journey with Jimmy then start anew with someone else.

• My guess is they give Jon Runyan another shot on Saturday and if he continues to struggle, we will see another LT in there before the end of the game. 

• Michigan Basketball Season Tickets has the highest sales in 18 years. 

• Casey Hughes the Utah transfer is back practicing with the cornerbacks.  He has a wrist injury and currently wearing a soft cast.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/michigan-thursday-is-jimmy-on-hot-seat.html

Big Ten Week 2 Preview

There are a couple unique games in the Big Ten this weekend.  Another conference game, the SAT Bowl, You Play To Win The Game! and Scott Frost first game after his home debut was rained out.


Best BIG Game of the Week:

MSU at Arizona State (MSU -6):  This game is Herb Edwards second game since ASU took him out of moth balls and ESPN.   The game kicks off at 10:45 EST which will be a positive for MSU as the parties don't really start in East Lansing until 11:00 PM anyway.   Sparty struggled with Utah State last weekend and now has to travel West and play a game that will end Sunday morning.    MSU 17 ASU 14


Duke at Northwestern (NW -2.5): The SAT Bowl. Northwestern has won 9 games in a row.  Which is a better record then Alabama over the same time period.   If this game goes to OT, they should just play Jeopardy.   NW 28 Duke 21

Eastern Michigan at Purdue (PUR -17):  Purdue will get back to their winning ways against a Washtenaw County team.   Purdue 41 EMU 20

New Mexico at Wisconsin (Wisky -35):  Another difficult home game for the Badgers.  Wisky 42 New 17

Colorado at Nebraska (Neb -3.5): This could of easily been the game of the week.  Scott is lucky this game isn't on the road, because that is a tough trip with the elevation.   Nebraska still haven't played their first game yet, which is a huge benefit for the Buffs.   Colorado 21 Nebraska 20

Rutgers at OSU (OSU -35.5):  Another laugher and it couldn't matter less who the head coach is.   OSU 51 Rutgers 24

Iowa State at Iowa (Iowa -3.5):  ISU had the same issues Nebraska did last week and had their game cancelled.  Big Advantage for the Hawkeyes.  Iowa 28 ISU 14

Maryland at Bowling Green (MD -16):  So do you want to be crazy and see two Big Ten games in the same day?  Attend the Michigan - WMU game and then drive down past Toledo to Bowling Green to watch Maryland!  There is a small Starbucks right outside the stadium.   Maryland 31 BGSU 19

West Illinois at Illinois (no line):  I mean if Vegas doesn't know, how I'm I supposed to know?  Illinois 10 WIll 3

UVA at IU (IU -6):  This actually should be a pretty good game as both programs hope they are on the rise.  I like UVA's coach and will give them the edge.   UVA 17 IU 14

Fresno State at Minnesota (Minn -2):  California has better recruits then Minnesota. Fresno 31 Minn 28

Penn State at Pitt (PSU -8.5):  This is an old rivalry and Penn State showed they need some improvements from week 1 to week 2.  Pitt will give them a handful but PSU wins in the end.   PSU 24 Pitt 21




from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/09/big-ten-week-2-preview.html