Michigan Monday: Michigan Beats The Ash Out of Rutgers

Chris Ash tried to win at Rutgers, it just didn't happen.   He tried to create a rivalry with Michigan by fencing in the State of New Jersey, but Peppers and Gary still landed in Ann Arbor.    On Sunday, the Rutgers administration had enough, wrote Chris a $8.5M check and asked him to take his Offensive Coordinator with him.

Of course there seems to be more to this story.  Enter former coach Greg Schiano.   Greg has a long strange history with Michigan.  Turn your memory book back to 2007.  Greg has turned Rutgers around and they are a regular in the top 25.  He is rumored to be Penn State's choice to replace JoPa when he retires and is considered a top coach in the country.   "Sailboat" Bill Martin, Michigan's AD is looking for a new football coach as Lloyd Carr has called it a career and speaks to Greg at the national coaches conference.   "Sailboat" Bill is so impressed by Greg, he offers him the Michigan job.   Schiano is a little torn between taking a huge job or staying with his kids at Rutgers.  He declines the Michigan job (reportedly changes his mind and tries to get the Michigan job back a day later, but this time Sailboat Bill declines) to continue coaching at Rutgers.   Looking back, that was one of the dumbest decisions ever.

Greg goes on to fail with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and ends up on Urban's staff as the DC at Ohio State.   Greg then gets the Tennessee head coaching job, until the entire UT student body starts to  riot over a guy that they believe protected Jerry Sandusky's criminal activity at Penn State.

With Ryan Day now at OSU after Urban retires, he asks Greg to leave the Buckeyes and hires Michigan's DL coach and former DC Greg Mattison.  Many Michigan fans feels betrayed by Greg wanting to coordinate a defense for its top rival.   Schiano's unique connection to Michigan continues.
Greg quickly jumps to another high profile job, this time with the Super Bowl Champions.   As its current DC is now the head coach of the Detroit Lions.   Within a few weeks, Greg resigns from his new gig with the Patriots for untold reasons.   What the hell is going on with this guy?  It's probably good for us that Schiano stays away from the greatest NFL QB ever.

This weekend, Michigan beats Rutgers 52-0, and Chris Ash is out of job.   What's interesting is Brett McMurphy, reports that the Rutgers Board of Regents had voted to fire Chris Ash two weeks prior.  Meaning the Rutgers AD had the ability to fire Chris anytime he wanted.    He wanted to on Sunday.

Football Scoop also reported the reason Greg Schiano left the Patriots so abruptly was that Rutgers had reached out to him this summer about the "plan" to get rid of Chris Ash and Greg becoming the next head coach.   Greg then speaks to Belichick about the "plan" and they both decide it would be too disruptive during the season and he should just resign now.   Greg feels that going back to Rutgers wouldn't have the same "Sandusky reaction" that other schools might.   It was really his only way back to being a head coach.

Time to see if the plan comes full circle.

• Michigan opens as a 5.5 point favorite over Iowa on Saturday

• Michigan now #19 in the AP 

• Peppers had a pick 6 off of OSU's Haskins yesterday 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-monday-michigan-beats-ash-out.html

Rutgers Post Game: A Band-Aid

David Guralnick, Detroit News

Merriam Webster calls band-aides: an offering, making use of, or serving as a temporary or expedient remedy or solution.

That is exactly what Rutgers provided the Wolverines on Saturday afternoon, a band-aide from the wound they received in Wisconsin the week before.  The Michigan offense didn't fumble during its first series and scored on a nice route and run by Nico.  The defense shut out the helpless Scarlett Knights and the only Michigan turnover was an underthrown 50/50 ball where Shea lost the 50.  

This is what we expected a month ago when Michigan played MTSU.  By the way, Middle Tennessee is not as good as we thought, they have won one game and just got boat raced by Iowa who travels to the Big House next week.   So the Wolverines are a month behind schedule and years behind the Alabama, Ohio State's, and Clemson's of the world.  

Still Michigan won a football game 52-0 which was nice to spend a game where it didn't feel like Mike Tyson is using your stomach as a speed bag.   As we go to the Cheers and Jeers...…………..

Cheers:

• 1 TO by the offense 
• Defensive shut-out 
• Speed in Space working 
•  9 players ran for 141 yards 
•  5 rushing TD's 
• Shea passed for 276 yards and 1 TD
• Joe passed for 59 and 1 TD 
• Having DT's on the field 
• Paye was unblock-able and had 3.5 TFL's
• Dax with some good hits and extended play with the 1's
• Joe Milton has a cannon 
• Giles Jackson got his first of many TD's

Jeers:

• Run blocking wasn't great 
• Glasgow struggled in space a couple times 
• Did you watch OSU?
• Northwestern's performance in Madison was embarrassing to Michigan's effort and lack of preparation the prior week. 

Having Gattis on the sideline doesn't make him a better play caller, it makes him a better coach.  To be able to get in guys faces and show a little energy from an offensive leader is important.  Jimmy publically continues to be robo coach.    I have been railing on Coach Brown all week and he did show 2 DT's most of the game and even played a zone a number of times.   If you want to look ahead, Michigan doesn't have a good defensive scheme to stop Fields and the OSU offense right now.   Love seeing Dax Hill and Cam McGrone getting snaps with the 1's as the future is crazy bright for those two. 

Next week against Iowa will show if this week was a Rutgers band-aid or real improvement has been made.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/rutgers-post-game-band-aid.html

Rutgers Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
Weather: 72 - 20% rain
TV: BTN
Stream: Fox Sports.com
Line: Michigan -27.5

I wanted to start this post with an example of a team with the highest potential but was showing terrible results.  One example that popped into mind was when the Pistons beat the Lakes in the 2004  NBA Finals.  It was Kobe and Shaq vs. Billups and Rasheed Wallace.   Not to mention the Lakers also had Hall of Famers Gary Peyton and The Mailman Karl Malone.  It was a mismatch on paper but the Pistons won 4-1.  Then I thought not a great example as that was the NBA Finals.   Maybe the Cleveland Browns this year so far is a better example, best WR's in the league, a QB and OL that is under preforming and turning the ball over.   Either way this is a depressing way to start to the post.

Tale of the Tape

Total Offense:  Push
Michigan 116
Rutgers 120
Passing Offense: Push
Michigan 97
Rutgers 101
Rushing Offense: Push
Michigan 116
Rutgers 122
Total Defense: Michigan
Michigan 26
Rutgers 46
Passing Defense: Michigan
Michigan 5
Rutgers 12
Rushing Defense: Push
Michigan 89
Rutgers 92

Yes, I stole these facts from Wednesdays post because both programs are preforming the same this year.   The Vegas line is just based on past performances and who they think is better.

Rutgers is 1-2 beating UMass and lost to Iowa and BC by giving up 30 points to each team.   If you size up both teams off the bus this is a miss match, if you've watched both teams this year,  both programs have a lot of work to do.

Shrug at least we didn't lose to Rutgers if...……….

• The offense can hold on to the damn ball 
• Shea finds the buck naked open WR's
• Michigan can score 30+ points 
• Don Brown puts in some new formations
• The defense doesn't give up 30+

Think is this enough for Don Brown to get a one way ticket to Maine? if...…….

• Michigan plays like the 3 games prior 
• Don Brown shows up for the game and calls his predictable defense
• Michigan turns the ball over like its a hot pocket fresh from the microwave
• Harbaugh's face and demeaner continues to look like a guy that has wrinkles in his khakis  

Michigan needs to put up a basketball score on Rutgers this weekend but I don't think they will.  I have no inside information on this, but I wouldn't be surprised if Joe Milton started.  Shea left the field early in Wisconsin with what seemed to be a shoulder injury and we know he is not healthy after his first snap/fumble of the season.   I would love to see Joe but I doubt he is ready to lead this team to 60+ points in offense.  

Hoping to see a few former Wolverines playing for Rutgers?  Ron Johnson transferred to Rutgers but didn't graduate in time and now is at Towson, Ahmir Mitchell played one game for Rutgers and then was dismissed, LB Drew Singleton is expected to play at his former home stadium. 

I'm worried this game will be too close for comfort and Michigan will continue to have more questions then answers after the game.  A couple quick programming notes, The Dish has dropped FS1 and BTN, if you have that system look for an alternative way to watch the game.  Also there is a sneaky good game on tonight between PSU and Maryland on FS1.

Michigan 30 Rutgers 19

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/rutgers-preview.html

Michigan Thursday: Where are Michigan's DT's?

Michigan under Greg Mattison always seemed to have great defensive tackles and defensive ends.    We all know who the star DE's were, but how about the tackles?  Guys like Willie Henry, Chris Wormley, Mo Hurst, or Bryan Mone (who made the Seahawks as a non-drafted free agent).

Carlo Kemp who came to Michigan as a LB/DE has played a lot this year and showed flashes, still seems to be out of position.  Dwumfour and Jeter have both been hurt and limited or not played at all (Dwumfour has had one snap all season).

These are the other DT's on the roster:

• Chris Hinton, Freshman 
• Ben Mason, Junior Former FB
• Carl Myers, Senior Walk-on
• Joey George, Sophomore Walk-on
• Mazi Smith, Freshman 
• Jess Speight, Junior Walk-on
• Phil Paea, Junior 
• Julius Welschof, Sophomore

I'm on record very loudly that I hate the defense Don Brown has been playing.  For some reason he wants to play a 3 man defensive line against Army and Wisconsin who do nothing but run the ball.  The reason is, he wants Glasgow on the field even when the opponent is in short yardage.    

I'm a huge fan of Ben Mason, but how the hell did he move over from FB and start beating out the other players on the list?  Phil Paea has been playing on the OL but he is 300 pounds and I would much rather have him in there then a OT pushing the 226 pound Glasgow around in short yardage.   What about the talented freshman, Hinton and Smith? I know Welschof came to A2 very raw but he can't get a few snaps?

I'm concerned about the offense with the turnovers, miss reads, and OL play but I'm more concerned about Don Brown and this defense which is clearly declining.   The injuries to Dwumfour and Jeter could be the most costly on the team.   I think Don Brown is killing this team in his defensive schemes and poor preparation.  

Don's style is to play man to man coverage and blitz the LB's against he pass.   The issue is Michigan isn't stopping the run and when the DB's are in man they have their back to the QB, which means he can get yards anytime he wants by scrambling.  The predicable blitz is also costing Michigan's defense as its very easy to throw a screen or a QB draw when you know the blitz is coming.   How you game plan to do that against the best RB in the nation, blows my mind. 

It's also fair to say that the middle of the defensive line played decent against Wisconsin and Taylor broke contain and made all his yards outside.   Which means the DE's, DB's, and LB's where out of position.   When Kemp would beat a block they were running away from him. 

• The Urban Meyer to Michigan rumor is the dumbest thing I've ever heard.  

• Gattis did say that ZC has been limited and missed a day of practice last week and that DPJ didn't practice last week but felt good enough to play on Saturday.   

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-thursday-where-are-michigans.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Is Michigan Better Than Rutgers?

If your like me, every Michigan fan has two sides of their brain.  One side, thinks the only way for the Wolverines to get back in favor this weekend is to put up 100 on Rutgers.   The other side, says could Michigan lose this game?  Maybe there is a third side that says, when does basketball start?

That is the world we live in right now.   Michigan's best player and current MVP through 3 games is its punter.   Not good folks, lets look at some numbers:

Total Offense:  
Michigan 116
Rutgers 120

Passing Offense:
Michigan 97
Rutgers 101

Rushing Offense:
Michigan 116
Rutgers 122

Total Defense:
Michigan 26
Rutgers 46

Passing Defense:
Michigan 5
Rutgers 12

Rushing Defense:
Michigan 89
Rutgers 92

So what do you think?  Do you see a huge disparity between those numbers?  I sure don't.  Michigan's passing defense is so good because they have played 2 teams that have barley attempted a pass.   If your the 89th rushing defense, you might see a few runs against you.  

Michigan is so bad in every category this reminds me of the Hoke/RR years where they could barely do anything right.  Don Brown better be sleeping at his office with his 89th ranked rushing defense.   What the hell is that?

This is also a nightmare start for Gattis and the Wolverines offense.  116th offense with an experienced offensive line, NFL WR's, and a 5 star 5th year senior QB.   Gattis could have taken a vacation during Fall Camp and this team would be better offensively.

To answer the question in the title, Michigan is Rutgers right now.   Vegas has Michigan -27.5 right now, taking the points seems like a strong position with the above stats.



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/wolverine-wednesday-is-michigan-better.html

Maryland-based Matrax forms partnership with Australian stadiums

ANZ Stadium, which hosted a portion of the 2000 Summer Olympics, and Bankwest Stadium have both partnered with Maryland-based Matrax to use its 4x4 panel flooring during entertainment events.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-based-matrax-forms-partnership-australian-stadiums/

Michigan Tuesday: Jimmy Takes The Bullets

Jimmy took the stage for his regular Monday noon time slot.  He took the blame for the Wolverines performance:

“Watching the film, I think, it was pretty obvious to everyone watching in the entire football world, really A to Z, it wasn’t good,” Harbaugh said. “Wasn’t good, wasn’t good enough. Not acceptable. It starts, really, it with it’s not acceptable for me. So you start self-critical and determined to get it fixed. That speaks for me and everybody on our team — players and coaches.

“That was not a day we’re proud of.”

How do your fix it?

“Starts with — really we didn’t play physical enough,” Harbaugh said. “We were out-hustled. I put that, I take responsibility for that. In any ways that we were out-schemed, also take responsibility for that. That’s my job to make sure we’re completely sound in all offenses, defenses, everything that we’re running.

“How I manage the team, to get them to play hard, play tough. As I said, A to Z, you can point to, it wasn’t good enough. We all take responsibility for that, we’ve all got our fingerprints on it. Determined to get it fixed is where we’re at right now.

“I could go into all the details, but really gonna — that’s every single detail. The same for our team. We’ll talk about it. Already have as a coaching staff, what our plans are and ways we’re determined to make it — to see the improvement. Confident that we’ll rally and get that done.”

Rutgers is coming to town this week and how will Michigan rebound?

“Maybe learned it here playing or reinforced it along the way, but the only way I know is to go back to work and dedicate yourself to improvement and fixing,” Harbaugh said. “That was a bad day, it was not a banner day for Michigan. You don’t want that to turn into two losses — don’t want one loss to turn into two.

“Everything we’re gonna be, this is this game. This is the most important game. This week, the most important week. Win the next game. You come back to work and make darn sure it doesn’t happen again.”

He of course said everything we expected him to say.  The proof will be in the product the Wolverines put on the field.   The only way to start climbing that Wisconsin performance back is putting a basketball score on the Knights.  

Injuries:

• McCaffrey is doubtful but getting better.  Which means "out" in Jimmy speak. 
• TE Sean McKeon is also doubtful
• Dwumfour is practicing and should be ready to play.   His loss is sorely missed at this point. 
• Tru Wilson could be back and Zach only missed one practice last week and will be ready to play. 
• Milton will be the #2 QB and Shea #1 (I don't believe Shea is healthy either, he took a ton of shots against Wisconsin). 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-tuesday-jimmy-takes-bullets.html

Michigan Monday: Why?

I started my post game article with a picture of Captain Obvious.  The reason I did that is because everyone can see the issues Michigan has.  Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst was rumored to have said, "this is the worst defensive line you will see all year".   Wisconsin just got done running up the score on USF and CMU.  

The media also took the bait and decided to write a ton of articles on what is wrong with the Wolverines.  Many of these folks are fine journalists, but that isn't the story, the story is why?

Harbaugh coached with energy and passion at Stanford, 49'ers, and the first couple years at Michigan.  Then something happened and he became a robot coach.   Is he like that in staff meetings?Is he like that at practice? Because he sure is a Robo Coach on the sidelines. 

Why?

If your ill a good doctor doesn't just treat your symptoms, he or she treats the person and what is causing the symptoms.   As Michigan fans, everyone and their brother can see the symptoms very clearly, what we don't know is what is causing them.  

This is why Jimmy makes the big bucks, everything starts and stops at his desk.   Has he lost this team?   The buzz coming out of the 49'ers locker room is that they were done with Jimmy's antics and had tuned him out.  That organization couldn't divorce themselves from Jimmy fast enough.  Is there something going on at home?  I don't know.  

I do know Don Brown is not helping.

Michigan under Jimmy has always had a good to great defense.  Tape is out how to beat Don's defense and everyone has it.  I like Don and he would be great to have a beer with, but he is an old dog without any new tricks.   I don't know who the hell should run the defense the rest of the year, but it shouldn't be him.   I'm guessing this is why he has had so many jobs.  Damn it Temple, Don could be your head coach right now. 

This isn't a surprise

It's been coming for nearly a year.  Michigan hasn't played well on the road in 10 years and its been nearly a year since they put "good play on tape".   The Peach scrimmage was foreshadowing for this years team, which spent the entire off season and fall camp not getting better.   

Can Michigan get better?

Sure they can and they can take Penn State a few years back as an example. Penn State got "boat raced" in Ann Arbor and ended up winning the Big Ten.  Michigan is a long ways from that but they do have the talent to get better with some better coaching and schemes.   Time to George Costanza Schembechler Hall.  With QB injuries we could see Joe Milton start on Saturday anyways. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-monday-why.html

Maryland restaurants show off international flavors

Looking to experience the flavors of the world without the expense and jetlag of traveling? There are a number of authentic ethnic restaurants throughout Maryland that provide an international experience for a fraction of the cost of an overseas trip. From Western Europe to East Asia to the Caribbean, explore new cultures through these internationally-infused eateries. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-restaurants-show-off-international-flavors/

Time For Jimmy To Resign

This Michigan Football team hasn't been prepared to play football the last two games.  Michigan had two weeks to prepare for Wisconsin and they looked like the Dolphins playing the Patriots on a Thursday night.

I never thought I would say this about a Jim Harbaugh team but the players are not prepared to play and everything about this team is very predictable.   We will get to the offense in a minute but the defense is just awful.   Don Brown's defense schemes and positioning make zero sense, Glasgow is in a DT's position on the goal line.   Hudson regularly lines up outside of where the play is being run.   The defensive line and LB's are so programed to rush the passer they run themselves out of plays  It happens every damn play.  Don Brown is washed up and needs to go or at least give up a ton of responsibility.   Hill was so out of position on the run plays, Taylor got cramps by running into open space.

Michigan's offense is just a joke of turnovers, terrible line play, no blitz pick up, and injuries.   Michigan QB's are just getting run over on every play.   I have no idea what the hell they were doing with Charbonnet?  I guess the rumors of him being hurt during the bye week, where accurate.

I'm now officially asking Harbaugh and Brown for their resignation.   Brown needs to be stripped of his duties on Monday and Harbaugh should finish the season and step down.    I don't know what the hell is going on with Gattis but this reminds me of the last time Michigan hired an OC from Alabama.
Michigan put on a Rich Rod performance today, where the only bright spot was Michigan's punter Will Hart.  When a team gets worse coming off a bye week, something is wrong with the program.


Is there something wrong with Jimmy?  I don't know if its something at home or in Schembechler Hall but Harbaugh is not the coach he was early in his Michigan tenure.   He is robo coach and his team is playing like it.  No heart, no fun, no energy, and no execution.

I expected Michigan was going to lose this game, as I mentioned they haven't played well in nearly a year.  I just didn't expect them to roll over and hide in the first quarter.   If I have to dig for any bright spots, they didn't quit at half.

• This Big Ten crew was awful and should be demoted.   That Ronnie Bell catch was 100% a catch and changed the momentum in the game.  

•  I really enjoyed having Ben Mason in there again, but why the hell are you giving him the ball on the 7 yard line?  He is a fucking DT now and your giving him the ball early in the game when Michigan needs an important TD?  That is a horrific decision.  I know Turner can't pick up a blitz to save his life, but he sure as hell can run the ball.  

• What the hell is wrong with Michigan's offensive line?  They can't pick up a stunt?  This was an awful performance by Warinner's group. 

Right now Michigan's Football Team is the Purdue Boilermakers and heading in the wrong direction.



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/time-for-jimmy-to-resign.html

Wisconsin Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Camp Randall
Weather: 72 - 80% rain
TV: Fox
Line: Wisc -3.5

In my heart, I believe Michigan is the better team.  The Wolverines beat Wisconsin at home 38-13 last October.  In my head, I wonder 2 things:  First, when was the last time Michigan played a good football game?    Secondly,  when has Michigan last played well on the road?

Michigan beat #14 ranked Penn State in the Big House on November 3, 2018 42-7.  For the road win, it was probably the MSU win the week before the Penn State game.   Michigan hasn't played a good football game in 11 months.   That is a bit scary.

Tale of the Tape

RB = Wisconsin
O Line = Push
Ball Security = Wisconsin
Defense = Michigan
Skill Positions = Michigan
Intangibles = Wisconsin
Coaching = Push

It's clear why Jimmy and Paul Chryst are good friends.   Both coaches would love to run the ball on 1st and 2nd downs and pass on 3rd.   Win a bunch of 17-7 games with a great running game and a stout defense.  Jimmy even hired the former Wisconsin S&C Coach to make his team stronger and faster.  So both coaches feel good about their game plans as it's like preparing to play themselves.

Wisconsin is not going to fool anyone, they are going to run with the best RB in the country Jonathan Taylor and if you stop him, they will attempt a pass.   Their defense has yet to give up a point but their opponents have been poor and the reason I give Don Brown a bit of an edge here.

Sing "This is how we do it".....if...………….

• Michigan's offense is really speed in space 
• Michigan's offense has zero turnovers
• Shea wakes up and plays a good game  
• The defense can keep Taylor under 100 yards
• Michigan gets some healthy players back 
• The road woes don't continue 

Yell, Damn this could be a long f'ing season if:

• Michigan's offense continues to be a negative 
• Wisconsin is + in turnovers 
• Taylor is finding gaps and gaining yards
• Don Brown has his yearly "head scratching" game 
• Wisconsin is as strong as the first two weeks looked 

Michigan has 2 keys to win.   1 - Shea Patterson has to have a great game, protect the ball, and hit open WR's quickly.    2- Defense has to stop Taylor and make Wisconsin pass.   

Both teams will try to stop the run and will have a good shot to do it.   Which means it comes down to Shea Patterson vs. Jack Coan which sounds like the Match Play Championship at your Country Club.  Shea has played in big games and should have the advantage even though Jack is playing his home course.   We will see.  

Michigan is a mystery, they are talented, have good coaching but have barley gotten passing grades through 2 games.  Wisconsin has run over two cupcakes through 2 weeks.   Both teams are coming off a bye week.   I still believe Michigan is the better team but having to research the last time they played well is very depressing.  Wisconsin is at home and should be favored, they should be used to the 11:00 AM local kick. 

Wisconsin 20 Michigan 14   

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/wisconsin-preview.html

Michigan Thursday: Must Wins and Injury Rumors

If you watch sports channels like ESPN you have probably heard 100 times this week that "this is a must win for Jim Harbaugh".  They are not wrong, every game is a must win in college football.  The Army game was a must win, Rutgers is a must win, everyone they play is a must win.

Sure Wisconsin is ranked in the top 15 and yes, they are a Big Ten opponent, so it does mean more.  I just don't understand the sensationalism from the media on this game.   This is a must win for Wisconsin as well, but here is how football works:  there will be a winner and there will be a loser, that we know for certain.   Also a loss to a ranked opponent shouldn't hurt Michigan's Big Ten Title chances if they take care of business the rest of the year.

Now to the injury rumors..

• There continues to be rumors that Zach Charbonnet was either injured in the Army game or during the bye week.  If this is accurate, then Michigan would probably be looking to Christian Turner and Hassan Haskins to carry the load.   Tru Wilson I believe is still out with an injury.   The issue is not with either guys running, its with their pass protection.   Jon Jansen believes ZC will play against Wisconsin and that he didn't get his knee scoped.   I guess we will find out on Saturday. 

• Poor Taco Charlton got released by the Dallas Cowboys yesterday.  Taco had a nice pre-season but was the odd man out on the Dallas defensive line.   Dallas looked for a trade partner but couldn't find one.   Expect Taco to sign soon, I know the Giants need pass rush.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-thursday-must-wins-and-injury.html

Wolverine Wednesday: The OL is Back!

Michigan's offensive line is now expected to have back its full starting lineup.  It been reported by Nick Baumgardner from ESPN that Ed Warinner told him the line will be at full strength at Wisconsin with the return of Jon Runyan.

That means the expected OL is expected to look like:  Mayfield at RT, Onwenu at RG, Ruiz at C, Bredeson at LG, and Runyan at LT.  Ryan Hayes would be the first backup and maybe an option at RT if Mayfield has trouble.

• Shea said the team wants to make a statement at Wisconsin, love the mindset, don't love that he shared that with the media.  Let your play do the talking at this point.   He also joked he has been sleeping with a football. 

• Mike Leach is a national treasure and Washington State is the perfect place for him.  If you haven't seen the video on who would win a PAC 12 Mascot battle, hit the link. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/wolverine-wednesday-ol-is-back.html

Michigan Tuesday: Nooners

Jimmy has said in the past, that his football sensibilities are that football should be played in the afternoon and specifically at noon.  Bo felt the same way, he was quoted as saying, we are playing football at 1:00, if you want to bring your cameras down to film it, you can.

The power in scheduling the kickoff time of college football games have shifted from the AD and head coach to the networks.  BTN, ABC, Fox, and ESPN put millions of dollars in the pockets of Big Ten teams and now control kickoff times.  Hell, David Brandon even said recently that ESPN paid for the permanent lights at the Big House.  I don't trust anything that David Brandon has to say.

I think a majority of the Michigan fan base would agree with Bo and Jimmy that noon, then 3:30 are the best time slots.  In fact, the Wisconsin game this weekend will actually start at 11:00AM locally.  Fox has actually helped this effort by highlighting noon games to kick off your Saturday.

Rutgers is now a noon game, Maryland, and Iowa are also scheduled for 12:00 kick offs.  Ohio State will of course be at noon and MSU will for sure be targeted at noon or 3:30 depending on the network.   That leaves the ND game and I'm willing to bet that turns into a primetime game.  If your interested in doing a little scouting and hopefully be in a good mood after the Wisconsin game, ND plays at Georgia this weekend on CBS 8:00.  Illinois and Penn State game kickoffs are still TBD and you might expect Penn State could be a night game as well.

• Quinton Johnson had a tweet about coming back, which assumes he maybe injured. 

• Speaking of injuries Jimmy didn't really speak to who and who isn't playing in his regular brief press conference.  I'm hearing DPJ is still questionable and Jon Runyan is expected to play.  Dwumfour is probably out but will try to play. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-tuesday-nooners.html

Where to Find Wet Labs in Maryland - 7 Options

With federal agencies like the FDA and NIH right here in Maryland, the state has been rising as a biohealth hub for years. Companies are not only well supported by the federal government, they are surrounded by 2,700 life science firms... so companies moving to or expanding in Maryland can be confident they’re in the right spot. But when biohealth companies have specific needs, like labs or specialized equipment, finding the right space can be challenging no matter where you are. To help, we’ve compiled a list of six places with available wet labs in Maryland.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/where-find-wet-labs-maryland-7-options/

Michigan Monday: A Bad Weekend for The Big Ten

Ohio State looked good and many Big Ten teams looked bad.  There were upsets and close games as the conference lost some ranked teams.   Lets take a look at a few teams that had some trouble.

MSU:  Sparty again showed a lack of offense in a close lose to Herm Edwards.   Then they missed a field goal to tie the game after the field goal make the play prior was called for having12 guys on the field.  The PAC 12 did acknowledge the referee team did miss a "jumping" call on ASU on the field goal miss, which should of have resulted in a first down for MSU..

PSU: Penn State struggled against Pitt at home and probably should have lost.   Pat Narduzzi decided to kick a field goal in the 4th quarter from 1 yard line with 5:00 minutes left in the game and down 7.  The kicker missed the kick.  I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the coaching tree.

Maryland:  Was a college football darling the first two weeks scoring a lot of points and beating Syracuse.   They got beat by Temple on the road and couldn't score TD's from the goal line.

Purdue lost to TCU at home which isn't a huge surprise.

Illinois and the fighting Brandon Peters lost to Washtenaw County Eastern Michigan.

Iowa got past Iowa State by 1 after a 3 hour weather delay.

Minnesota beat Georgia Southern by a field goal.

Northwestern and Nebraska won comfortably and Michigan and Wisconsin were on byes.


Let's hope the Wolverines had a successful bye week, which would mean they 1) got better and 2) got healthy 3) didn't sustain any new injuries.

Jimmy should speak around noon on Wisconsin and the bye week.








from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-monday-bad-weekend-for-big-ten.html

St. Mary’s County working on new innovation district

A new innovation district is forming in Southern Maryland, with help from the university system, a regional airport, government officials, and several local businesses. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/st-marys-county-working-new-innovation-district/

Michigan Friday: Looking at The Big Ten Weekend

Since Michigan is on a boring bye week, I thought I would look at the this weekends interesting Big Ten Match-ups and there are a few.

Ohio State @ IU:  I don't think this is OSU@Purdue from last year but it will be interesting for about a quarter or two.  IU's QB Penix is questionable for the game and is a game time decision.  OSU -18

Pitt @ PSU:  Love this rivalry and it should be played every year like Iowa and Iowa State.   Penn State is a -17 though.

ASU @ MSU:  Don't press send!  author Herm Edwards will head to East Lansing.  The Sun Devils upset the Spartans last year, not this year as Sparty is a 2+ TD favorite.

Iowa @ Iowa State:  They play for some corn trophy and Game Day is there.  Love non-conference rivalry games that are played every year.  Iowa -2

TCU @ Purdue: Night game on BTN and there might be a few points scored.  Purdue -2.5

• Oklahoma State's #1 Booster T.Boone Pickens died at 91 yesterday.  You have to tip your hat to a guy named T. Boone that made billions of dollars and gave away a ton his favorite University. 

• ND hosts New Mexico this weekend, then travels to Georgia next weekend.  Bowling Green and Scot Loeffler get the Irish in a few weeks. 

Enjoy the weekend! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-friday-looking-at-big-ten.html

Michigan Thursday: Ryan Mallett Update

Ryan Mallett leaving Ann Arbor after Rich Rod was hired was an early indicator that RR's tenure was off to a bad start.   Ryan played a couple years at Arkansas and then was drafted by the Patriots in the 3rd round.   He spent 7 years in the NFL jumping around to a number of teams.  He is still is only 31 years old and there were some rumors he might end up in the XFL.  

Getting back to football took a hit on Tuesday after Ryan was arrested in Arkansas after a two car crash for DWI.

• The State of California allowing amateur athletes to be paid for their likeness is going to open up a big can of worms with the NCAA. 

• Does college football play on Thursday night anymore?  Looks like for two weeks in a row, no Thursday games. 

• Speaking of non-Saturday college football games.   North Carolina visits Wake Forrest on Friday night.  Both teams are in the ACC but this isn't an ACC conference game.   Which is strange and very ND like. Wake is favored by 3. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-thursday-ryan-mallett-update.html

Visit local Maryland farms this fall

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maryland agriculture has it all. With primetime apple picking season quickly approaching, this September and October are the perfect months to visit one of Maryland’s nearly 1,800 acres of apples throughout the state.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/visit-local-maryland-farms-fall/

Wolverine Wednesday: Moving On From Army

It's Wednesday and I have had enough of what the Wolverines did or didn't do last weekend.  As a famous former Ann Arbor resident said, "Turn the Page" and lets talk about some needed improvements need during the bye week.

Let's talk about DPJ and Jon Runyan.   I believe both have been sorely missed during the first two games.  Yes, Ryan Hayes has played well and so have other WR's.  The biggest need is at punt returner where its been a bit of a wild ride while DPJ is out.   It will be interesting what happens to Jalen Mayfield's spot when Jon comes back.  Does Ryan Hayes move over to Right Tackle?

This week and next, I'm sure they will be working on ball security and have Shea make quicker decision when passing.   MTSU QB's got the ball out quickly which gave Michigan's defense trouble at times.   The other thing Shea will have to improve at is getting the hot route identified during a blitz.  This is a big difference between college and NFL offenses.  In the NFL, if you continuedly blitz a top tier QB, they will pick you apart.  In college, the QB's are inexperienced and have a tendency to get rattled.  That is why Don Bown's defense works 80% of the time, but when you have time to prepare for it like OSU, Florida, MTSU you can game plan around it.  

Michigan now needs to do the same, the film is out that MTSU and Army have flustered Shea with the blitz.   That he is holding the ball too long, looking for the home run ball, and there is an opportunity to strip the ball.   The offense needs to get the ball out quick the next two weeks.  

The last thing Michigan needs is a power look.  When you hand off to a RB in the shotgun it automatically becomes a draw play.  So when Michigan has 3rd and two and wants to get it on the ground, they are running a draw play.   That play takes too long when everyone knows your running.  Now the defense has a chance to run blitz and you saw Michigan get blow up consistently on 3rd and 4th downs against Army.    Put Shea under center and how about putting Ben Mason in the backfield and run a little power.   We don't need to see this play on any other down then goal line, 3rd or 4th down and short.  Charbonnet of course can run it, but it seems Ben was very successful last season running that play and has been struggling at DT.   I'm not looking to kill Speed in Space, just adding a power look to it.

Don says, "Michigan can now get back to Michigan Defense" which I can understand as the first two weeks had strange offenses.   Michigan is going to face the best RB in the county in two Saturday's and will need a good game plan to stop him.   They did last year but have recently struggled against top RB's on the road (@PSU and Barkley).  I think the 3-3-5 is an over reaction to the OSU game, yes Michigan needs to be able to run it, but I still believe another DT is needed against running teams to jam up the middle and stop the running game.

The other reason Don is running the 3-3-5 is so he can get Uche and Glasgow on the field together.   Both players are hybrids and don't really have natural positions.   Uche is Michigan's best pass rusher and Glasgow might be the Wolverines smartest defensive player.   Those statements are 100% true but they also can be neutralized against a talented 300 pound offensive lineman.  Play Kemp and Jeter (or Dwumfour if healthy) together on 1st and 2nd down and put Wisconsin's offense is 3rd and long, then run the 3-3-5.

• Zach Charbonnet was named BIG 10 Freshman of the Week 

• Michigan's defense held Army's offense to its lowest yard total since 2015

• For some reason Nico Collins only had 3 targets against Army, which is way too low. 

• Bill Connelly is now at ESPN (from SB Nation) and beaks down college football like it should be.  His box scores are full of good content.  Michigan's offense success rate was Q1 = 47%, Q2 = 63%, Q3 = 40%, Q4 = 32%.   That 2nd half success rate is horrific.   He also removes stats in garbage time, last weeks game didn't have garbage time. :-(

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/wolverine-wednesday-moving-on-from-army.html

Michigan Tuesday: The Don and Josh Show

Sounds like a new show on Nickelodeon, as both Coordinators answered questions yesterday as Jimmy took the day off from the media during the bye week.

I watched both interviews and tried to gardener what they were saying even though everything was spun mostly positive.

Don Brown is full of personality, he is the guy you could have a beer with and think your best friends after two beers. Don's son called him and asked why they didn't play a 4 man front against Army?  Which is exactly what I would have asked.   Don thinks Glasgow is one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten, he also doesn't have a true position.   So Don preferred to keep Glasgow on the field to try to stop the option pitch play.   Ok, I can see that and Michigan seemed to do a decent job against the pitch.  The issue is Army was killing the Wolverines at 4 yards a pop with the FB dive.   Keep the beef in first and second down!   Don also continued to mention how difficult it is to prepare and play Army and is looking forward to getting back to playing Michigan defense against Wisconsin.  He said they had to prepare for the Run and Shoot week 1 and the triple option week 2.

Don also sent in the play where the FB started to crawl towards the line of scrimmage on the goal line.  When I saw that, I wondered how it was a legal play even if he re-set.

Josh was also very positive and talking about what went right against Army.  The issue with the offense is the drive killers which include 7 fumbles, 10 penalties, and 7 drops.    I would also include 1 missed field goal and 2 change of possession on 4th down.   Josh feels that is the #1 concern with the offense right now, protecting the ball.   Which I would agree with.

Both Jimmy and Josh said that Shea was healthy and had the ability to keep the ball on the option plays.  If I can read between the lines, it also seems both are not happy with the amount of time Shea is taking in the pocket to throw the ball.  Right now I see a senior QB that is lacking confidence and trying to "over think" the game.  I'm sure he is a bit banged up but has to play better if this team is going to compete in Madison and beyond.

I think Don Brown has too much power on the defensive side of the ball.  I don't believe his formations were sound against Army and there needs somebody checking his game plans and theories.   Turnovers are offensive killers and right now Shea seems to be the issue.   He needs to play better or he is going to end up like Quinn Nordin, who has clearly lost his confidence.  I'm guessing practice Shea is much different then game day Shea right now.




from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-tuesday-don-and-josh-show.html

Michigan Monday: Did The Defense Really Play Well?

I was a little surprised to hear Jimmy and others say that the defense played well on Saturday.   That was not my first thought after watching that game.   Yes, they had two game saving plays.  The pick by Hill and the Sack/Fumble by Paye but I thought Army got pretty much what they wanted most of the day.

With that initial thought of maybe I missed something, I painstakingly re-watched the game on Sunday morning.  I also looked at the box score to see if the stats showed the defense played well.  Lets talk about the box first and what stood out to me.

Army's offense is designed for 3-4 yards a play, first downs, long drives, and time of possession.

Army had the ball for 31:35 in time of possession
Army gained 200 yards on the ground
Army averaged 3.7 yards per play
Army had 15 first downs

Outside the first down number, I think those are winning stats for the Army's offense.

Now the re-watch.  Paye played much better then I first thought and Uche was pretty much everywhere.  I still don't understand why you don't have two DT's in against the Army offensive line?  As I expected, there was very few negative offensive plays for Army.   I also didn't realize that Ross was out with an injury.

So did the defense win the game for the Wolverines?  Yes.
Did the defense have a good game?   If I had to give them a grade it would be a B-.   I don't believe they were as prepared as advertised and that Don Brown's formations were questionable at best.   If Army doesn't try a pass play, they probably win the game.

We know the issues with the offense.  With that said, why do you run option plays when having the QB keep the ball is not an option?  Doesn't make a ton of sense.   If Shea was not able to throw or run, shouldn't Dylan be in there?

Monday's Hot Take:  Under Jimmy, Michigan has had a number of embarrassing losses.  Ohio State multiple times, the Penn State road game, and the loss to a pretty poor South Carolina team in the Outback are top of mind.   You can make the argument that OSU is better and had more talent, nobody was beating Penn State in that White Out night game, and bowl games are just scrimmages.

I believe Saturday's game was the worst coaching game in Harbaugh's history as Michigan head coach.  He coached like a fan in the stands, then the man being paid millions to win football games.

Why do I say that? you ask.

• Team was not properly prepared on either side of the ball.  
• If Shea is hurt or can't run the offense the way its designed, he shouldn't be playing. 
• Not kicking the field goal in the 4th quarter when the game is tied, is an awful decision for many reasons. 1) You know Michigan won't posses the ball much in the 4th  2) Michigan's offense is struggling  3) The play calls are just Charbonnet right and left  4) It gives your team the lead for the first time all day!
• The late 4th quarter 4th down stop was also questionable.  My feeling at the time was to go for it, but he really should have punted.   You can't give a team that gains yardage at 4 yards a clip a short field to win the game.  

Myself and the rest of the Michigan fan base has been nervous about the Army game since the Peach scrimmage ended.   We had reports that Don Brown has been preparing for them all winter and summer.   I don't remember who scheduled this game in the AD's office.   I'm pretty sure it was prior to Warde, either way it was a huge mistake.  Playing this game does nothing to help Michigan for the rest of the season and almost cost them $1.5M and a loss.  Everyone in Schembechler Hall is to blame for this one and Michigan won the game.   If Michigan beats Wisconsin, nobody will remember this game.  (right now that seems like a tall order)

• The game cost Michigan 3 spots in the AP Poll, they are now #10. 

• I didn't realize Wisconsin also has a bye next weekend. 

• Pep and the Giants Defense had a terrible first game against Dallas last night. 

• Devin Funchess broke his collarbone during his first game for the Colts. 

• The GOAT will now have AB to throw to.  The rich get richer. 

• Devin Bush looked good in his first game but the Steelers ran into the GOAT. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-monday-did-defense-really-play.html

Annapolis boat dealer makes a summer splash

Making a splash in America’s Sailing Capital is easy when you have an experienced team like Annapolis Yacht Sales (AYS).

For more than 65 years, AYS has sailed its way to success—the company has expanded to four locations throughout the Mid Atlantic and was named the top seller of pre-owned sailboats in Maryland this year. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/annapolis-boat-dealer-makes-summer-splash/

The Big Top House

Jimmy and staff should rent a huge carnival tent for the next two weeks and practice under it.  This team is a circus clown car mess right now in all stages.  Coaching is terrible, play calling is terrible, health of the players is bad, special teams isn't special,  and as the old saying goes: How do you feel about your teams execution?  I'm for it.

Army only lost this game on the scoreboard, they 100% played their game today and took it to the Wolverines for a full game and 2 OT's.   Michigan's hundreds of mistakes was only saved by Kwity Paye's strip sack and fumble recovery.   Speaking of that, where the hell is our defensive tackles?  Are they all hurt?  Michigan was throwing DE's at the Army OL all day which is huge reason the score was what it was.  Ben Mason is not ready to be a starter on the DL.

Let me get to the officiating for a second, they stole 7 points from the Wolverines and the lead.   It was a complete robbery.  How that is not reviewable is still foreign to me.

I have a host of other call outs in the Cheers and Jeers.

Cheers:

• Kwity Paye's last play 
• Michigan won 
• Charbonnet has locked up the starting RB position
• Hill's pick saved the game as well 
• Uche played very well all day 

Jeers:

• Not kicking the field goal in the 4th quarter to take the lead is a fire-able coaching offense.  Going for it, is 100% the wrong decision.   Also punt the ball on the last drive of the game in regulation from mid field and make Army go 80-90 yards.  The only way you lose is if Army has a short field and kicks a field goal.   Coaching was horrific at all levels today.  
• Hudson what are you doing on that off sides?  
• Shea has to be hurt as he is playing awful.  If he isn't hurt he needs to be replaced.   That was a John O'Korn performance out there today. 
• How was our WR's not getting separation?
• How is it Michigan can't pick up a blitz and there isn't an open hot route?
• Ronnie Bell scares the hell out of me on every punt 
• I saw Jeter in there for one play, Michigan really missed Jeter and Dwumfour today 
• Michigan has lost more fumbles through 2 games then they did all of last season 
• Michigan's offensive play calling seemed like they were trying to beat Army at their own game.  

There were a million issues today and Michigan did its best to beat itself against a solid football team.  I'm not in favor of a week 3 bye but Michigan needs it and has a long list of issues to try to correct.   Right now, Wisconsin is a much better team and Michigan has to get better these next two weeks for that game to even be competitive.  

The good news is Michigan is 2-0 and probably can't play much worse then they have.  

P.S:  STOP SCHEDULING ANY SERVICE ACADEMY - NEVER AGAIN! I'm getting very tired of the AD office hurting this team with its scheduling.   Playing this game does nothing for what Michigan is trying to do this year.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-big-top-house.html

Army Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
Weather: 70 No Rain
TV: Fox
Stream: Fox Sports Go
Line: Michigan -22

Army has been playing football since 1890 and even Saban was their head coach for one year.  The problem is, it was Lou Saban who is second cousins with the famous Alabama coach.  A familiar name, Bobby Ross was the head coach from 2004-2006.

Army runs the triple option which can give fits for teams only having a week to prepare.   So that is why Don Brown has been preparing all summer for this game.  As I have mentioned a 100 times already, I have 3 rules in scheduling.   1. Never start the season on the road or vs. a ranked opponent, 2. Never schedule App. State  3. Never schedule a service academy.   Michigan continues to break my rules and they shouldn't.   Michigan has had trouble with Air Force and if they want to donate some money to the academies they should choose that route.   Army will be cashing a $1.5M check on Saturday.  

Tale of the Tape:
Discipline: Army
Job after football: Army
Needing a Senators Endorsement: Army
Protecting America: Army
Offensive Execution: Army
Size: Michigan
Skill Position Talent: Michigan
Defense: Michigan
Passing attack: Michigan

No need to go to the tape, as this game won't be a mystery.  Army is going to run the triple option and Michigan's defense will try to stop it.   Army is under sized at every position but will execute the offense very well.  Michigan's defense will try to stop it and avoid making a huge game changing mistake.  Having both Jeter and Dwumfour back should be a big help.

On the other side of the ball, Michigan has a huge advantage at every position.  Army will sell out to try to stop the run, which should give Speed in Space a ton of space for the WR's.   If Shea is healthy and doesn't throw for 300 yards, there is an issue.   The only way Michigan's offense struggles is because they are not executing.  

Cheer I love Michigan and America if...………………….

• The offense scores every time they have the ball 
• Michigan's defense is prepared for the Triple Option
• Shea has 300 yards in the air 
• Zach "Sommelier" Charbonnet has over 100 yards 
• Michigan's defense holds Army under two TD's

Say I'm mad we lost but I still love America if...……………

• Army is running crazy on Don Brown's defense
• Army has 200+ yards on the ground 
• Michigan's offense is struggling to execute 
• Army continues to confuse the Wolverine players & coaches 
• Michigan's offense continues to turn over the ball
• you want to write an email to Michigan AD Warde Manuel on Bob's 3 rules of scheduling

I have to tell you, my love for Don Brown has been taking a hit lately.  He completely F'ed up the Ohio State game, had zero plan for the Peach Scrimmage, and had a poor initial game plan for MTSU (he did adjust).   This defense is not as good as last year and he has some issues on the defensive line (where a former FB started) and his formations being way too predictable.   If an old dog can't learn new tricks, this should be his last year in Ann Arbor.  

This week will be a big test, if he doesn't have his team prepared and Michigan takes a loss, he is going to be in a world of trouble.  I'm also concerned about injuries: how healthy is Jeter and Dwumfour? Runyan? Shea Patterson?  

I've used the word execution about 20 times in this post and I believe that is the most important word for this game.  Army isn't going to make a lot of mistakes and can Michigan stop them?  Can Michigan's offense also look a lot better then they did last week.  If we answer yes to both, then Michigan will win running away.  

Michigan 28 Army 16

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/army-preview.html

5 reasons to start your tech career here

If you’re a recent, or soon-to-be college graduate, you may be thinking about what type of company or organization you want to work for. You may be considering what type of work you want to do, and even where you want to live. And when you have a whole career ahead of you, where you lay down roots can make all of the difference. Here are five reasons why starting your tech career in Maryland makes sense. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/5-reasons-start-your-tech-career-here/

Phillips Foods expands manufacturing in Baltimore County

Phillips, the family-owned company known for its locally-famous Phillips Seafood Restaurants, is bringing food manufacturing back to Maryland for the first time in seven years.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/phillips-foods-expands-manufacturing-baltimore-county/

Michigan Thursday: Some Good Injury News

New DL coach Shaun Nua took to the mike yesterday and said that both Mike Dwumfour and Donovan Jeter are a go against Army this weekend.   That is great news as having strong defensive lineman is an important key to stopping the triple option.   I'm not sure how he graded out but I don't think Ben Mason had a very good game against MTSU.  I also expect we will start seeing freshman Mazi Smith and Chris Hinton more often.

No word on DPJ yet and I wouldn't be surprised if he sat another game with a bye coming up and Wisconsin on the road.

• Seems that Michigan Basketball trip to the Bahamas for a tournament in November is still on. 

• Two guys were arrested for flying a Drone over Michigan Stadium.  I wish we could hear what Bo thought of that.  

• Juwan Howard stet up shop in the Diag yesterday to hang out with the students and give-a-way free donuts.   A man of the people!

• Rashan Gary starts his professional career tonight in Chicago for the first NFL game of the year. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-thursday-some-good-injury-news.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Two QB Plays

One of the things that many Michigan fans can agree on from Saturday's game is that the two QB plays looked confusing, wasted a down, and was overall not effective.   I like many Michigan fans wouldn't mind never seeing that formation again.    Dylan McCaffrey is a talented runner at the QB position but is not really a threat as a WR.  Michigan ran it 4 times on Saturday and once they had to take a time out.  With Michigan's skill position talent, there has to be a better option.

Well, Dylan likes it and it doesn't seem to be going away.

  “I obviously like it, it gets me a chance to get on the field,” McCaffrey said. “I think it can be really effective at times. We’ll work on it – a lot of that is on me. I think it’s fun. It’s pretty versatile. I know other teams – it’s tough for people to defend, because they don’t know if it’s gonna be a double-pass. They don’t really know what’s coming.”

“We’ve been practicing that for a good while now,” McCaffrey said. “We have our own package for it, when two of us come in at the same time. Not really spring ball, but ever since summer it’s been in the works. At first I didn’t really know if it would actually happen, so I’m glad it did.”

“That was a lot of Coach Gattis’ idea,” McCaffrey said. “He had seen some of it in the past, and it had been effective for him. Figured we could try it here.”

So it doesn't seem to be going away but my vote is to shelf this idea and try to get a few more first downs and points.  If you want Dylan in the game, put him under center (or in the shotgun).

• Bryan Mone was undrafted but was signed after the draft by the Seahawks.  It seems he has made the roster.  Which is great news.   There are two thoughts to this, he could be expendable when other players come off suspension or injury or he could have his spot cemented due to his low salary and strong play.  

• Fox is sending Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt to do the Michigan game. Gus is a Michigan fan and it would be nice for him to call a win.

• Pat Forde would like to see a Michigan - Alabama home and home.  Here is my vote, no thanks!

• Wilton's little brother Jess Speight who came to Michigan as offensive lineman walk-on is now a defensive lineman and earned himself a scholarship. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/wolverine-wednesday-two-qb-plays.html

September is International Underground Railroad Month

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has named September as International Underground Railroad Month, according to a recent release.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/september-international-underground-railroad-month/

Michigan Tuesday: Army Is Coming

I don't like when Michigan plays the service academies.   I'm sure Army gets a nice payment for traveling to the Big House, but I believe its a tough situation for the Wolverine players and coaches.   Army of course plays an offense that you don't see very often in the triple option.  They are also a well respected group of young men who are attending the academy to protect our great nation.  

As you might expect they run a lot.  Against Rice last weekend, they ran 56 times for 231 yards and threw 8 passes and completed 3 for 53 yards.  If you back it up a season, in 2018 they threw 98 times and completed 52 for 1041 yards vs. 824 runs for 4062 yards.   This team wants to make you look foolish on the ground.   In 2018, they were 11-2 and beat Houston in the Bowl game 70-14.

Don Brown will have his hands full this week but that is nothing new as he has faced the Black Knights many times.  This day as also been circled on the calendar for many months and the team should be prepared to stop that offense.   The issue for the Black Knights will be stopping Michigan's offense and talented WR's and RB's.  Michigan will have big advantage on the offensive line and at the skill positions.

Michigan is -23.5 in the game.

• Magnus at Touch the Banner does a nice job on tracking former Wolverines and how they are doing.  Few Highlights: Crawford had 2 TD's for Cal and Oliver Martin had 1 TD for Iowa. 

• Iowa OT Alaric Jackson from Detroit and should be a Wolverine as Drevno didn't send him a LOI on NSD (BTW Jackson is expected to be a high NFL Draft pick). He hurt himself this weekend and could be out 6 weeks which puts him in doubt against Michigan. 

• Congratulations to Alan a Big House Blog reader on this close score prediction and winning the new Braylon Edwards Book!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-tuesday-army-is-coming.html

Labor Day Michigan Monday: Jimmy Speaks

Jimmy just finished his press conference and there were a few interesting topics:

• Jimmy was very high on how Ryan Hayes played for Jon Runyan and was named the offensive player of the game.  He graded out well with fellow lineman Ben Bredeson and Cesar Ruiz. 
• That Jeter, Runyan and DPJ all 3 have a chance to play this week, he wasn't as optimistic on Dwumfour. 
• Thought Gattis called a good game
• That the RB's did a great job in protection and that Charbonnet had 9 pickups which is a huge number for a RB. 
• Both kickers are running dead even 
• Been preparing for Army for a long time 

One thing that I worry about is that Michigan opponents have plenty tape now on how to beat Don Brown's defense (OSU and Florida).  You could see it in MTSU's game plan.  When Don plays man to man coverage (which he always does) and blitzes a LB that leaves the middle of the field wide open.  If the rush doesn't get there, it leaves the Wolverines defense open for QB runs or the screen game.  Won't be an issue this week as Army might throw once a game but look for it in future weeks. 

In my mind, Don Brown has to show some adjustments and new looks. 

• Wile got cut by the Vikings on Sunday
• Higdon also got cut by the Texans on Saturday 
• Brandon Peters had a nice debut for Illinois.  Looks to be a good fit in Champlain. 
• Didn't see Aubrey Solomon in the game for Tennessee but they suffered a difficult loss. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/labor-day-michigan-monday-jimmy-speaks.html

MTSU Post Game: Not a Finished Product

Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

If Michigan Football is a house build, the foundation has been poured, drywall is up, and the roof is on but still needs a lot of work before its ready to show.   The upside is the neighborhood is great and we are expecting big things.  Michigan won the game 40-21 but it was clear this project is not ready for an Open House.

I thought Shea played pretty poorly for his first start in this new offense.   He fumbled the first play of the game after a long run,  held the ball too long which led to a number of sacks,  under threw Black on the wide open bomb, and had a number of issues with the snap/handoff.  He threw for 197 yards in the first half and finished with 203.  Not to mention Harbaugh said he had an injury issue at half-time which I believe to be a rib issue (which he grabbed at during the first half).

I also hated the two QB thing, what is the purpose of that?  I know McCaffrey is a good runner but he is not Denard or Cam Newton.   I hope they scrape that as it just led to confusion and bad plays.

The defense had a few question marks of their own giving up 300 yards of offense and 3 TD's.  Some which we will hit in the cheers and jeers.

There is still a lot to like here and teams have no bigger improvement  gains larger then from Week 1 to Week 2.

Cheers:

• Zach Charbonnet looks like a future superstar and got the start.   All the RB's played and blocked well.  This is a deep unit and many guys will play.  "The fine wine" finished with a team high 90 yards, with a team stat of 233 yards on the ground. 
• Loved to see Black back and catching everything near him.   He cramped up but prior had a very nice game with 80 yards, 1 TD on 5 targets. 
• CJ Johnson got in the 2nd half and was very impressive.  
• Vincent Gray made some nice plays in his first start and looks much more then a late recruiting throw in and is the clear reason Myles Sims transferred. 
• You could see the glimpses of the Speed in Space offense and its power.  
• Great to have Ambry Thomas back, he had a pick and a fumble recovery.   
• Ross showed his speed and coverage ability at LB
• Also great to see Mike Dana impacting the game at DE 

Jeers:

• Have to start with the injuries.  DPJ is in a walking boot, Dwumfour with a cast on his hand, Jon Runyon with a back issue, and Donovan Jeter didn't play at all.   Those are important players and we hope they are ready to play next week or at Wisconsin (after the bye).
• We hit Shea pretty hard above and hope his injury is minor. 
• The Michigan turnovers were not good and even fumbled a few times where they recovered.  
• The defense looked good at times but struggled with the running QB and the screen game for most of the game. 
• Michigan WR's dropped a few catchable balls 
• LaVert Hill dropped an easy pick 6 and muffed a punt
• The offense looked confusing at times and didn't move as fast as expected
• The defense continues to blitz and rush the passer which can lead to big plays in the screen and short passing game. 

You have to give the Middle Tennessee coaching staff a hat tip.  They were not afraid to come into the Big House and play with the #7 team in the nation.  Scott Shafer's defense blitzed Shea all day and Michigan had some unexpected troubles on both sides of the ball.   Including a 60 yard pass TD and run on the Wolverines #2 defense with a minute left on the clock.  

There is plenty to work on, which is good because Army struggled on Friday against a 2 win Rice team this weekend and then Michigan has a bye week before the Big Ten season starts.  We all know what it feels like to be a Tennessee Vols fan today, so lets be happy we don't have that punch in the gut feeling and hope the sloppy play gets better next weekend.  Hell, maybe it was the night game curse! :) 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/mtsu-post-game-not-finished-product.html