Citrus Bowl Preview

Time: 1:00
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Weather: 70/Sunny
TV:  ABC
Stream: ESPN App
Line: Michigan +7

This isn't going to be a long preview as college football has been changing over the last decade.  Paying players has become more of a battle cry then an NCAA violation and just like PED's in many sports, fans are just sick and tired of the discussion.   Some universities have decided to become football player factories rather then academic institutions.  At OSU you didn't even need to go to class any longer and can just take OSU's version of Phoenix University.   That will never be the case in Ann Arbor and you have seen the results.   If your an 18 year old 5 star and the pitch is, come to our football factory, you will have $40K in your bank account, a new car, and play for National Championships.   That is hard to sell against.

Tale of the Tape

Alabama everything vs. Michigan everything = Alabama

Bama is better then Michigan at pretty much every position and like in the OSU game it will show brightly in two areas: the offensive line and defensive line.   Bama's NFL offensive line will get to play against Carlo Kemp, a true freshman, Hutchinson, and Paye.   Alabama is going to run, run, and run some more on Michigan's defense.

The Michigan offensive line is a better match-up but still favors the talented Crimson Tide.  If Michigan is going to make this game competitive at all, this position group has to have a great day.

Say, well I wasn't expecting that if...……….

• Michigan's offense can score points on Bama
• The offense plays very clean - no dropped passes or turnovers 
• Michigan's defense can get some stops
• Bama clearly doesn't want to be there 
• Alabama's best players are dressed but don't play 

Say, yep saw this coming if ...…………..

• Michigan's defensive line is getting run over 
• Michigan is turning the ball over on offense or special teams 
• The talent gap is wide and clear as the grand canyon
• Harris runs over the Wolverines like he never had a dorm room waiting for him in Ann Arbor 

I don't think Alabama wants to be in this game.  I'm a bit surprised that so many of their top talent is actually playing.   There seems to be a ton of risk for very little reward for playing in this game if your a 1st round draft pick.   The issue is, if Bama is sleep walking through this game, their talent and running game might be enough to beat the Wolverines.  

Ok, Bob we get it, Alabama is better.  Is there anyway Michigan can win?

There is always a chance and the reason they play the games.  Here are a few ways Michigan could sneak out a win:

• Gattis knows Bama well and could find a few weak spots 
• Offense plays fast and clean 
• Don Brown is going to have to protect his limited defensive line, while not letting the talented Bama WR's get separation.   Does he have some type of blitz with a zone in secondary?  How is he going to stop the run?
• Bama's players play like Florida did in the Citrus Bowl a few years ago.   
• Michigan does play well in this stadium and has a few upsets against better teams.  

Since Sabin has gotten to Alabama, I rarely have seen his teams sleep walk through 4 quarters.   Michigan will need to keep the score manageable and try to sneak out a win late in the game.   Things will have to go very right for the Wolverines as the talent gap is significant.   The weather will be nice and Michigan likes playing in the afternoon.   I'm not expecting a great outcome, I just want a competitive game. 

Alabama 42 Michigan 17

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/citrus-bowl-preview.html

Michigan Monday: Game Week News and Notes

As everyone knows, Michigan gets Alabama on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando.  We had some news over the weekend on who and who won't be playing in the game.  

• Michael Dwumfour is out after a medical procedure earlier in the month.  Michigan's lack of depth on the DL takes another hit.   He is still in Ann Arbor and was even at the Lions game on Sunday.  Mike was injured pretty much all year and hopefully this procedure can get him back to 100%.  Mike is expected to come back for a 5th year.  
• Carlo Kemp and Brad Hawkins are both practicing and expected to play.  Brad missed the last two games of the season and Carlo played but nowhere near a 100%. 
• Christian Turner isn't with the team in Orlando but is expected to fly down, but will be held out with an injury as well.  

I will give you a little peak at my preview post for tomorrow.   Alabama has a huge advantage on both lines and will hit the Wolverines with a strong pass rush and running game.  

More news from the weekend:

• I hate to make the comparison but the difference between LSU and Oklahoma looked like a Michigan - OSU game.  

• OSU finally matched up against a team with equal talent and lost a close one.  Ohio State wins easily if they scored TD's instead of field goals early in the game when they were dominating.   After the game, I had one thought watching Urban Meyer in his catchers position watching the last few moments.  If Ryan Day took an NFL job, Urban would slide right back into that job.  

• Michigan Basketball ate another cupcake on Sunday but now the real schedule begins as they re-open the Big Ten season with a trip to East Lansing.

• Nick Eubanks has decided to come back for another year.  I think he is nowhere near his ceiling as a college TE. 

• Former Michigan Special Teams coach John Baxter was fired from USC staff. 

• Former 5 minute Michigan coach Dan Enos was fired as Miami's OC.  

• 2020 OL Micah Mazzccua still plans on signing with Michigan in February. 

• Jimmy and 2 other coaches are expected to visit Stanford's DL transfers right after the dead period. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-monday-game-week-news-and-notes.html

Michigan Thursday: The Defensive Line Problem

Michigan's major flaw this year was on the defensive line and the 3 games they lost, that was very evident.   We will also see the difference between Bama's OL and Michigan's DL on Wednesday.  Michigan has had trouble recruiting DT and lost two very talented DE's to the NFL a year ago.  

The lack of depth at that position had the Wolverines trying their fullback at DT, which failed.  

So now what?

Michigan got some good news last night as Kwity Paye elected to come back for his senior season.  Paye is a good pass rusher that could become great with another year.  Coming back to Ann Arbor was a good decision for him and the 2020 Wolverines.  Carlo Kemp is also expected back for his 5th year.  Carlo is a good player but not a nose, I would like to see the Wolverines move him around more next year.  Mike Dwumfour is also expected back for a 5th year but always seems to be injuired and Adrian Hutchinson will also be a Junior DE starter.  

Here are other options for 2020 on the roster (Michigan lists DT/DE as DL):

-Chris Hinton - True Sophomore

-Luiji Vilain - Junior with a few injury redshirts - clearly a DE 

-Mazi Smith - Redshirt Freshman 

-David Ojabo - Redshirt Freshman - DE 

-Julius Welschof - Redshirt Junior 

-Donovan Jeter - Senior 

-Phil Paea - Senior 

-Mike Morris- Redshirt Freshman 

-Taylor Upshaw-Senior

-Gabe Newburg - Redshirt Freshman 

The rest are either Walk-on's or True Freshman.  (Michigan currently has 0 traditional DT's in the 2020 class) 

Chris Hinton got some snaps this year and I know the coaches are excited about Mazi Smith.  Still this doesn't seem like a big up grade from where we are at right now?

Jimmy and Don Brown both know that, so off to the transfer portal we go:

Michigan is reportedly looking at two guys from Stanford: Jovan Swan and Michael Williams both are currently redshirt Seniors.  Williams is more of NT vs. Swan a DE.  Williams has also confirmed he spoke with the Wolverine coaches.  Swan is 6'2 270 has lots of playing experience and had 8.5 sacks in two years.  Williams is 6'2 290 and had 64 tackles the last 2 years with 2 sacks.  

Next is Michael Thompson from Oklahoma - He hasn't played yet due to an ACL but is a huge human being at 6'5 336 pounds from the 2018 class.  He could be a DT or OG and you never know with an injury.   He might need to sit a year via the transfer rules, but could have a number of years in Ann Arbor.  He was an Army All American in the 2018 class.

Long Shots:

Ike Walker from UCF - hasn't played and is currently a RS Freshman at 6'4 350.  

Almosse Titi from Iowa Western CC and is 6'3 310 pounds from France.  We know the issues with getting into Michigan from a junior college and Titi probably hasn't played that much football.  

We know the Stanford kids can get passed the Michigan admission transfer issues, but are they an upgrade on what we have today?  Swan is from Indiana and could give a nice pass rush if he wants to play inside.   I do like the idea of a big body at NT and Williams and/or Thompson could fill that role.  Thompson seems to be a bit risky but with a higher upside.  

• UW's Jacob Eason is heading to the NFL and won't get to open next year's season against Don Brown's defense.  
• MSU plays today in warm New York City

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-thursday-defensive-line-problem.html

Merry Christmas!!!

I wish all the Big House Blog and Michigan Faithful a very Merry Christmas!!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/merry-christmas.html

Michigan Monday: Hunter In and a Win!

umhoops.com

Michigan Basketball got their big man they were looking for when 7 footer Hunter Dickinson committed to the Wolverines on Friday.   He is a consensus 4 star and ranked pretty much in the mid 30's by every service.

Hunter is a back-to-the-basket prospect that hasn't been in Ann Arbor for many years.  He also has a very nice mid range jump shot.   I love these type of players because they cause a ton of problem on defense and a perfect compliant to any 3 point shooting team.   For those that don't remember, Juwan Howard had an automatic low post game when the Fab 5 needed a bucket.   My hope is Hunter that is guy for future Wolverine teams.

Michigan also got an easy win over Presbyterian on Saturday.  The news of note was Livers got hurt early in game on strange dunk attempt.  The injury seems to be in the groin area.   Hopefully, he can rest up over the holidays and it won't be an issue for Big Ten play.   Michigan does host UMass Lowell on the 29th.  

Continuing the good basketball vibes, 4 star forward Terrance Williams who just de-committed from Georgetown is planning on visiting for the UMass game.  Williams and Dickinson played on the same AAU team and are friends.    There is also a twitter rumor about a potential transfer that could be joining Juwan Howard's squad as well.

• FAU is a Harbaugh coaching tree farm!  Willie Taggart is the new head coach and he just hired Jim Leavitt as his DC this weekend.  FAU also won it's bowl game over the weekend.   

• PFF ranked all 80 college bowl QB's by pro potential :  Shea came in at #23.   Above him was Eastern Michigan's QB Mike Glass at #21. 

• TE Nick Eubanks is undecided if he will return to the team next season or try the NFL. 

• Bryan Mone got promoted up from the practice squad and played in yesterday Seahawks game.  He had one tackle and one personal foul for a late hit on the QB. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-monday-hunter-in-and-win.html

Neighborhood BusinessWorks program supports businesses throughout Maryland

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has launched a new promotional video series highlighting projects supported by the Neighborhood BusinessWorks program.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/neighborhood-businessworks-program-supports-businesses-throughout-maryland/

Michigan Friday: Big Day For Michigan Basketball?

Michigan Basketball plays lowly Presbyterian who is 2-9 on Saturday at noon.  The Wolverines should cruise to an easy win.   One interesting side note is, this is Franz Wagner's first cupcake game of the year and maybe can find his groove and confidence.  He of course is coming off a 21 point effort against the Ducks last weekend.

That isn't the good news I'm hoping for today.  4 star center Hunter Dickenson out of Maryland is announcing today.  Hunter is the 34th ranked prospect in the 2020 class and the 6th center to 24/7.   His offer list includes Duke, FSU, ND, Oregon, UNC, and Louisville.   Michigan holds the crystal balls lead at 92%.

This could be the second high profile recruit to commit to Juwan Howard's Wolverines joining 5 star wing Isaiah Todd in the 2020 class.   Hunter is also friends with 4 star forward Terrance Williams who recently de-committed from Georgetown who is planning on taking an official to Ann Arbor.   

• Want to know something weird?  A few players that are enrolling early and signed their LOI's on Wednesday can practice a few days with the team during bowl prep.  They of course are not eligible to play in the game but can practice for a few days.  The 6 players who are expected to take advantage of this early practice time include: Blake Corum, Nikhai Hill-Green, Zak Zinter, Makari Paige, Andre Seldon, and Braiden McGregor who will be in town to rehab. 

• Enjoy Bowl Season as games start this afternoon. 

• Michigan Basketball Saturday Noon on BTN 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-friday-big-day-for-michigan.html

Secretary Kelly Schulz: Reflecting on 2019

With the holiday season in full swing and the year coming to an end, we’re looking back on 2019 and reflecting on what we’ve learned and what we’ve accomplished with the help of our amazing partners.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/secretary-kelly-schulz-reflecting-2019/

Michigan Thursday: NSD A Day In Review

Lets get to the latest news first.  When JD announced he needed to retire from football, Michigan's 2020 recruiting class took a major hit.   You have to spend probably a year recruiting a top tier QB, so when you have a couple months your in trouble.   Michigan made a run at 4 star CJ Stroud but he was tagged for OSU early and signed with the Buckeyes yesterday.

The backup plan is now a 3 star QB out of NY who was unranked just a week ago, Dan Villari.   Dan is a 6'4 and 215 pounds and is a dual threat QB.  He had offers from the likes of Fordham, UMass, Buffalo, and Kent State.  Wisconsin and Rutgers were sniffing around during the past week but hadn't offered yet.    Michigan offered in the afternoon and Dan committed last night.

Dan is a good athlete and not everyone gets the exposure of the recruiting services.   With that said, he is clearly a plan B guy and might be headed to a Zach Gentry type of position change.   Many banged on Jimmy for moving Zach to TE, but he started for the Steelers on Monday night.   It's important Michigan takes at least 1 QB every class.  They have completed that task.

Let's look at the rankings as they stand today:

24/7: 12
Rivals: 11
ESPN:  9

We also forget this class isn't over.  This is the early signing period and Michigan still has a chance to add to this class.   4 star CB DG-W will announce at an all star game and sign in February.  3 star OT from Virginia James Pogorelc will also sign in February but seems to be leaning to Stanford. 

Neither Nick Patterson or Micah Mazzccua seem to be part of this class moving forward.  

Thoughts on the class:

This is a good class but its missing something.   A 5 star headliner,  no Dax, Jabrill, or Rashan.   Michigan got some talented players and if they are going to take the next step, they will have to develop these guys into superstars.   It's possible and can be done, but you don't look at this class and think Michigan is now going to compete with OSU, Clemson, or LSU anytime soon.  

I'm also concerned with the lack of DT's in this class.  Yes, Michigan will develop some DE's into DT's but I don't really see the big man run stopper in the middle.  I wasn't a big fan of Brady Hoke but he was in a similar position and called Ted Ginn, SR. and Ted sent him Willie Henry who became an NFL player.  

Michigan needs that type of player in this class. I don't know if there are any Willie Henry's out there but Michigan better look soon.  Michigan also has 0 recruits from Ohio, the Wolverines recruit nationally like they should but they should also be getting a couple guys from Ohio each year.   This is something Jimmy and staff need to figure out.  We just saw a kid from a nowhere Ohio win the Heisman.  

I do like that Michigan is recruiting speed at WR, Roman and AJ can fly!  Michigan also probably has the best Safety class in the country with RJ, Jordan, and Makari.   The offensive line recruits look solid, but I think they still could use another OT.   There is talent and speed at LB and CB could be solid if DG-W signs.  

Here are other 24/7 school rankings:

OSU 3 
ND 10
PSU 13
Nebraska 20
Wisconsin 26
Purdue 30
Iowa  31 
Minn 32
NW 37 
MSU 42
Rutgers 67
USC 78

MSU and USC decided to keep their coaches and things don't seem to be going well at either school.  When Rutgers is out recruiting you with out a head coach, that's an issue.  



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-thursday-nsd-day-in-review.html

Welcome to NSD 2020!

Good Morning Michigan Faithful!   No news yet on LOI's but I will start you out with a couple of news and notes:

• Longtime Iowa head coach Hayden Fry passed away last night.  He was 90.  RIP 
• Former Michigan RB Kurt Taylor will be running at Tennessee Tech next season. 

LOI's in:

-Eamonn Dennis -Athlete

-Blake Corum - RB 

-RJ Moten - Safety 

-Zak Zinter -OL

-Osman Savage - LB 

-Matt Hibner - TE 

-Braiden McGregor - DE 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/welcome-to-nsd-2020.html

Michigan Tuesday: Early Signing Period Eve

Michigan got a future commit on Monday when DT Alex VanSumeren the younger brother of sophomore running back Ben VanSumeren committed to Michigan in the 2022 class.    So Michigan will have to wait for this talented instate player.  

Alex plays all over the field in high school but is expected to be a DT at the next level.   He is already 6'3 and 270+ pounds.   Welcome Alex and see you in a few years! 

Yes folks the early signing period starts tomorrow and lasts for 3 days.  I usually suggest you take a day off of work and constantly hit refresh on the Bighouseblog so that you can keep up-to-date on which commits have officially signed, surprises, and ones that are waiting for February.   I don't expect too many surprises or drama tomorrow.   So I suggest going to work and hitting refresh all day on your phone.   I will post all the commits as they officially become Wolverines.   Its traditionally the highest traffic day here all year. 

• 4 star and Elite 11 QB CJ Stroud will make his announcement on ESPN tomorrow.  He visited Ann Arbor two weeks ago and OSU last weekend.   All crystal balls point to OSU at this point, but the Buckeyes do already have a 4 star QB in the class.   If Michigan has a shot here it will be to convince CJ that he would be the Wolverines only QB in 2020.   Most expect a Buckeyes decision but this could be solid W for the Wolverines if they can change his mind today.  

• If you want to be confused tomorrow here is a good possibility.  Michigan has two 4 star safety commits from NJ.  One is named RJ Moten and the other is Jordan Morant.  Jordan had actually been taking some official visits including one to USC in November.   Both are expected to sign tomorrow with the Wolverines, unless new Rutgers coach Greg Schiano pulls a rabbit out of his hat.  

• Speaking of Rutgers head coaches, Chris Ash who got fired during the season is going to Texas to be their new DC.  Chris was the DC at OSU with Tom Hermann. 

• A coach that had plenty of offers, USC OC Graham Harrell has signed a new contract with USC.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-tuesday-early-signing-period.html

5 ways to focus on workforce development in 2020

Do you have your 2020 business goals set? Whether you want to attract better talent or improve workplace safety, here are five ways to tap into Maryland programs to help your business thrive in the new year and beyond. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/5-ways-focus-workforce-development-2020/

Michigan Monday: Awards and OT Loses

Michigan Basketball dropped its first home loss under Juwan Howard on Saturday.  The Wolverines got off to another cold start and worked its way back to force OT only to lose on a Simpson sky hook layup that bounced off the rim.

Zavier Simpson has had a bit of an unusual year so far.  He is turning the ball over more frequency and was getting beat regularly to the rim by the Ducks point guard in the 2nd half.   He did make a great play on the final play of regulation to force OT.  

This game is what's great about college basketball.  Playing difficult games early, makes your team better later in the year.  Yes, you would like to win these games but even if you don't, you can count it up to experience and hopefully see the results later in the season and in the NCAA Tournament.

• Michigan Basketball is down to 14 in the AP 

Michigan also held its awards show last night and there were plenty of winners.   

• Shea Team MVP 
• Ronnie Bell, Top Skill Position Offense
• Ambry Top Skill Position Defense 
• Nico, Offensive Player of the Year
• Uche Defensive Player of the Year 
• Hudson Special Teams Player of the Year
• Rookie of the Year:  Charbonnet - offense, Dax - defense, Giles - ST 

The bigger news is that the players don't expect anyone to be sitting out the bowl game.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-monday-awards-and-ot-loses.html

Michigan Friday: What is Left For 2020? and Ed Gets a New Gig

Ed McCaffrey father of Michigan QB Dylan,  NFL Carolina Panthers RB Christian, and Nebraska QB Luke, has accepted the head coaching job at Northern Colorado.  Ed has been the head coach at powerhouse Valor Christian High School for the last two seasons.   

Ed is a three time Super Bowl champion and will be leading the UNC Bears who play in the Big Sky conference.  No word if Dylan is considering an "Aubrey Dawkins", but I doubt that will happen.
(side note: I saw Aubrey on an airplane this summer, it was the day he got cut by New Orleans)

With the Early Signing Period starting next Wednesday, which recruits are still left on the board?

Michigan has 23 recruits committed which means the rooms at the Inn are very close to capacity.   The Wolverines are still tracking 4 guys:  OT Andrew Gentry,  CA QB CJ Stroud, four-star CA CB Darion Green-Warren, and three-star VA OT James Pogorelc.  Gentry won't be on campus for a two years, and CJ seems to be a strong Ohio State lean at this point.  Nice momentum with DG-W but he won't announce until a January All Star game.  James is taking his official visit to Virginia this weekend.   So I wouldn't hold your breath for a new commitment posts between now and signing day, unless its a surprise one.  

• Remember Devery Hamilton?  He was a high 4 star OT in the 2016 class that was committed to Michigan, then flipped to Standford when his acceptance came in?  He is in the transfer portal.  Michigan is not expected to be a player for his services. 

• This is the time of year where many programs come after Chris Partridge.  So keep an eye on that.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-friday-what-is-left-for-2020.html

Michigan Thursday: Road Woes

Juwan Howard's club continues to struggle on the road as the #5 Wolverines dropped another road game to Illinois on Wednesday night.   The cold shooting on the road continued as the Wolverines went 3-18 from the 3 point line and lost the battle in the paint 44-26.   Those two data points are  pretty much all you need to know in a Wolverines loss.

Big Jon had 16 points and both Livers and Brooks had 12 points each.   Wagner continues to struggle and was 2-8 from the field with 4 total points.

Mark it up to experience and move on to Orgeon this weekend.

• There seems to be some positive movement towards Michigan for 4 star California CB Darion Green- Warren.  His offer list includes; USC, FSU, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Georgia, PSU and many others.   DGW said Michigan was right at the top of list, last week after his visit to Ann Arbor.  

• Colorado State hired Steve Addazio former BC Coach 

• FAU hired Willie Taggart former FSU and Oregon coach.  Willie is part of the Harbaugh coaching tree and was rumored to be a staff candidate if he didn't find a job. 

New Michigan Shoe Alert!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-thursday-road-woes.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Adds a Surprise DE

24/7

Michigan added a surprise 2020 4 star DE commit from Tampa in Jaylen Harrell this afternoon.  His crystal balls were 50% Florida and 50% FSU.  Reports are that Don Brown and Harbaugh were in home today with him and must of put on the hard sell.

Jaylen is 6'4 and 235 pounds and had offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Florida, FSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and many more.  Jaylen visited for the Ohio State game and must of liked what he saw from a DE playing time opportunity.

With signing day getting close, Michigan still would like to add a QB, CB, and maybe a DT depending on available scholarships left.   The QB market is very tight as most of the top talent has already committed.

It will be interesting to see how much of this class signs in December or waits for February.  Michigan currently has the 12th ranked class on 24/7.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/wolverine-wednesday-adds-surprise-de.html

Support local Maryland businesses this holiday season

Looking for last minute ideas for holiday gift giving? Here are a few ways to buy local products and support businesses and makers throughout Maryland.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/support-local-maryland-businesses-holiday-season/

Michigan Tuesday: #5 in The AP

Michigan Basketball slipped just one spot in the AP Poll after it's loss to #1 Louisville.   OSU is up to #3 and UNC dropped all the way to #17.   Michigan's Saturday opponent Oregon is ranked #10 and Gonzaga is #6.    MSU also fell to #16.

Michigan plays at Illinois tomorrow at 9:00 on BTN.

• 4 Star QB CJ Stroud who visited last weekend is expected to visit Ohio State this weekend.  I don't think the Michigan coaches like their chances as they are brining in a 6'4 214 pound QB from NY named Dan Villari this weekend. Dan is currently not ranked and has a Buffalo offer and couple other offers like Albany.  I would normally say this is probably for a PWO role, but this is an official visit and it seems an offer might be likely to fill the QB hole in the class. 

• Speaking of swings a misses on the recruiting trail, Jimmy and Gattis were not able to lock down 4 star TE Theo Johnson from Windsor.  He is going to Penn State and the only way to rank that one up is as a big L.  

• 2020 4 star forward recruit Terrance Williams is expected to visit Ann Arbor.  He recently de-committed from Georgetown. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-tuesday-5-in-ap.html

Michigan Monday: Bump and Bama

Sorry all for the late post, thought I had posted this but it didn't happen.

Michigan Football lost one of its greatest players and coaches this weekend when Bump Elliott passed away.   He won a Big Ten MVP and back to back National Championships as a Michigan player.  He also won the 1965 Rose Bowl as the Wolverines head coach.

Bump also went on to be Iowa's AD after coaching at Michigan.

Bump will always be loved by the Michigan faithful and clearly a class act Michigan Man.  He will be missed. RIP Michigan Man.

Now on to the Bowl game news.  

I must of fell asleep for a year and Michigan is in the CFP  against Alabama in round 1?

Michigan will get to play Alabama on New Years Day but in the Citrus Bowl, not the CFP.   I actually don't mind this match-up.  Bama is hurting and so is the Wolverines.  Neither team reached expectations this year and both are probably a bit ticked off they are in Orlando for the holidays.

You will make your own judgements about this game, but I'm sort of interested in it.   Bama of course has better players at most, if not all the positions, but will they all play?  Harbaugh needs a signature win and beating Saban at any point in his career (outside of the MSU days) will help that cause.

Bama is favored by a TD and Don Brown will be confused trying to stop their talented WR's.  Either way its a glorified scrimmage and the winner or loser doesn't matter.  I'm just going to go to the game and see what happens.  Maybe 2016 will spin around again and Michigan will beat a ranked SEC team?

Fun fact: The two college coaches with national TV advertising deals go head to head in the Citrus Bowl

• 4 star TE Theo Johnson from Windsor picked Penn State over Michigan.  Couldn't keep a TE an hour away from his home going to Happy Valley.   Not good. 

• Want to know how college football is changing?  3 Transfer QB's and a DE are Heisman Finalists.  3 of the 4 are current or former Buckeyes.   As the last bullet suggests, recruiting matters.  The presumed Heisman Trophy winner couldn't get on the field in Columbus.   Do you think we have a recruiting problem against the team down south?

• Penn State's OC got a head coaching job, Clemson's OC got a head coaching job, Arkansas hired Georgia's offensive line coach, and Missouri hired App. State's head coach who had been there one year.   Why isn't anyone calling LSU's OC or Don Brown?

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-monday-bump-and-bama.html

Michigan Friday: Bowling and The Big Ten Season Starts

The Michigan Football team will understand who they will play on Sunday afternoon in a Bowl Game.   We have heard anything from the Holiday Bowl vs. PAC 12 team, Gator Bowl vs. SEC Team, or to the Citrus against Alabama or Auburn.   The latest buzz seems to be the Citrus who would love a Michigan - Alabama match-up, which packed Jerry's stadium a few years ago.

Juwan Howard's program gets no rest for the weary as they take the floor at home tonight against a good Iowa team.  Tip is an early one at 6:30 and will be on FS1.  Iowa is 6-2 with loses to DePaul and San Diego State, they do have recent wins over Texas Tech and Syracuse.   Let's hope the team can shake off the cold from Tuesday night.

• Jourdan Lewis had a nice pick in a Dallas loss last night. 

• Chase Winovich is honoring Larry Prout Jr. on this cleats this Sunday.   Well Done Chase! 

• Michigan Basketball has started a new series with UK, that will kick off next year with a game in London and finish with a home and home.  This should be great for recruiting.   Scheduling difficult games in basketball is a smart thing, the opposite is true in football.   Ohio State's non-conference in football this year was FAU, Cincinnati, and Miami of Ohio.

Championship game TV Schedule

8:00 Tonight PAC 12 Utah vs. Oregon - ABC 

Saturday

Noon:

Big 12 Baylor vs. Oklahoma -ABC 

Sun Belt Louisiana vs App State - ESPN

MAC Miami vs. CMU - ESPN 2

1:30: Conference USA UAB vs. FAU - CBSSN

3:30: American Cincinnati at Memphis - ABC

4:00: 

SEC Georgia vs. LSU - CBS

Mt West Hawaii and Boise State - ESPN

7:30: ACC Virginia vs. Clemson - ABC 

8:00: Big Ten OSU vs. Wisconsin - Fox 

Where the hell did the college football season go?

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-friday-bowling-and-big-ten.html

Michigan Thursday: Loses 2 LB's

Michigan on Wednesday lost two linebackers, one to the transfer portal and another one to the NFL.

Anthony Jordan a former 4 star LB prospect in the 2017 class from IMG in Florida has entered the transfer portal.   The rise of McGrone and Ross's unexpected redshirt injury year pushed the talented LB to look for playing time at another program.    Jordan played in 9 games this year and 7 games in the 2018 season.   He will have two years to play at his new program.  Jordan finished his Michigan career with 7 solo tackles, 7 assisted, 1 TFL, and 1 sack.

The next LB to move on is Josh Uche who will leave Michigan to head to the NFL Draft.  This wasn't a surprise since Josh accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl about a month ago.   Josh did have one year of eligibility left and will play in Michigan's bowl game.  He will need to improve his draft ranking at the senior bowl and NFL Combine as ESPN right now has him the 9th OLB in the draft.

The Jordan loss is hard to swallow over Uche who was always going to leave Michigan after this year.  Still Michigan is in great shape with McGrone and Ross coming back for another year.

• TE Sean McKeon has accepted an invite to play in the Senior Bowl.  He joins Metellus, Bredeson, and Uche. 

Here are your Wolverine All Big Ten Team Members:

(from Mgoblog user Wolverine Devotee)

First Team All-B1G
Ben Bredeson (OG)
Lavert Hill (CB)
Jon Runyan, Jr. (OT)

Second Team All-B1G
Will Hart (P)
Khaleke Hudson (LB)
Kwity Paye (DE)
Cesar Ruiz (C)
Josh Uche (LB)

Third Team All-B1G
Zach Charbonnet
Will Hart (P)
Aidan Hutchinson (DE)
Khaleke Hudson (LB)
Carlo Kemp (DT)
Josh Metellus (S)
Michael Onwenu (OG)
Shea Patterson (QB)
Kwity Paye (DE)
Donovan Peoples-Jones (PR)
Cesar Ruiz (C)
Ambry Thomas (CB)

All-B1G Honorable Mention
Ronnie Bell (WR)
Zach Charbonnet (RB)
Nico Collins (WR)
Nick Eubanks (TE)
Jordan Glasgow (LB)
Hassan Haskins (RB)
Brad Hawkins (S)
Aidan Hutchinson (DE)
Giles Jackson (KR)
Jalen Mayfield (OT)
Cam McGrone (LB)
Sean McKeon (TE)
Josh Metellus (S)
Michael Onwenu (OG)
Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR)
Donovan Peoples-Jones (PR)
Ambry Thomas (CB)

B1G Sportsmanship Award
Shea Patterson (QB)

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-thursday-loses-2-lbs.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Cold Night

It was going to happen at some point and it happened last night for Juwan Howard's team.  The ball just wasn't going in.  For a team that needs the 3 point shot the Wolverines struggled all night and only made 3.

Yes,  there was a lot of reasons why.   Louisville's defense and talent were big reasons, but so were the tired legs of the Wolverines.   The team looked like they have been playing a lot of basketball and taking a bunch of flights.

Teske did all he could with 18 points but was the only Wolverine in double figures.  The hot shooting Livers only scored 3 points and went 1-9 from the field.   Brooks wasn't much better and was 0-6 from the field only scoring 2 points from the line.

It happens and last night it happend to be against the #1 team in the nation in their own barn.  Mark it up to experience and move on.    The rest doesn't get any better as the Wolverines have a Big Ten game against Iowa on Friday at Crisler.   The week after they travel to Illinois and host Oregon.

After that the schedule lets up with Presbyterian and UMass Lowell to finish up the year.

#1 need for the team is to get Franz Wagner comfortable, he isn't part of this offense at all right now.  His defense and rebounding is improving game by game.

• With Alabama dropping out of the top 10, some now are prediciting a Michgian - Alabama match-up in the Citrus Bowl.   

• Michigan only dropped one spot in the CFP rankings to #14

• MSU also got beat by Duke last night in East Lansing

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/wolverine-wednesday-cold-night.html

Michigan Tuesday: A Historic Jump

Juwan Howard's program jumped from being unranked to #4 in Monday's AP Poll.  It's reward for such a huge jump is to play #1 ranked Louisville tonight on the road.  I haven't watched one Louisville game, so I can't tell you how they match-up but I did watch all 3 games Michigan played this weekend and will give you a few thoughts on this team.  

#1 - Need to stop turning over the ball.  Zavier continues to do his thing, but he has been turning the ball over  more this season.  If Michigan is going to continue to win games they have to protect the ball better.   

#2 - Keep Teske out of foul trouble - Jon is playing great low post defense and you can tell the big guys he has faced don't want to shoot in the low post.   His improvement year over year is quite incredible.  

#3 - Get Franz comfortable - He played a lot in the Bahamas but looked tentative and even nervous.   He needs some easy looks and maybe a dunk to get him going.  Poor guy started his college career  facing Iowa State and 3 top 10 teams.

Just like when Coach B was here, Michigan is really good when they are making 3's.   This year they do have Big Jon to knock down some easy low post shots when the offense gets a bit cold or stagnant.  I still would like one more bench player (other then DD) to step up.   My bet is Brandon Johns, want him to get a ton of boards and play some good defense.

Michigan is a 7 point dog tonight in what will be their first true road game of the season.  No matter what happens, we need to flush the OSU bull shit down the drain and focus on Juwan and his program.  To quote Scott Bell from Twitter, Trey Burke's block was clean,  Pitino's program wasn't.  

• With coaches being fired, recruits are de-committing and players are jumping into the transfer portal.   Any talented DT's with good grades out there?

• The latest Bowl predictions from Brett McMurphy and The Athletic is Michigan vs. Auburn in the Citrus Bowl.   That is not a good match-up for Michigan.  After Auburn's upset over Alabama, I thought they might find themselves in a New Years Day Bowl.  

• The Michigan football coaches are on the road and trying to secure its 2020 class as the early signing day is getting close 12/18. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-tuesday-historic-jump.html

Maryland-made custom vehicles help protect first responders

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-made-custom-vehicles-help-protect-first-responders/

Michigan Monday: Picking Up The Pieces

We have a new normal folks and that normal is Ohio State is better at football.  It's really not even a debate.   They have had coaching changes, NCAA probation, a sexual abuse scandal, and they just keep beating Michigan year after year.   Harbaugh was quoted as saying last summer, "It's hard to beat the cheaters".  Are they cheating? maybe.   But they are getting away with it and just have better players then the Wolverines.  

Bill Belichick the best football coach of my life, said to win you have to understand your teams weakness and attack the weakness of the other team.   Michigan didn't have the advantage at any position group on Saturday.  Yes, this Michigan team has enough talent to beat 90% of the teams out there, they just don't have enough talent to beat the very elite teams.     When elite teams don't make mistakes, your not going to win the game.

Michigan's weakness on the defensive line, showed brightly against the top 2 offensive lines they saw this season: OSU and Wisconsin.   Neither game was close and Michigan must do a better job at recruiting the DT position.  I'm not excited about Ryan Day owning Don Brown, but we could've had Belichick at DC and I don't think we win that game on Saturday when OSU plays clean.

I'm also concerned about some of the higher academic schools continuing to be competitive at the highest levels.  Teams like Michigan, ND, Stanford all struggled this year.    Those 3 schools combined for 13 losses this year.  To be fair, Stanford had 8 of those losses but this could be the beginning of a trend.   Is following the recruiting rules and high academics standards to high of hill to climb to be competitive at the highest levels?  This isn't Bo vs. Woody anymore when Michigan could have 110 players on scholarship.

I know some of you maybe thinking:  How can Auburn compete with Alabama?  They are closer in talent then Michigan is to Ohio State.  Plan and simple.  I don't believe for a second that Auburn has better coaches then Michigan does.

• EPSN predicts Michigan to the Holiday Bowl to play either USC or Washington.  CBS thinks Gator Bowl against Auburn.  

• Michigan Basketball will be ranked today when the new AP Top 25 comes out.   They also get to play probably the #1 team Louisville Cardinals tomorrow. 

• House cleaning has started at a number of programs:  Texas cleared out both of their coordinators, ASU fired its OC,WR, TE coaches and Northwestern fired its OC.   BC, Ole Miss, USF, and Missouri fired their head coach.  With the Ole Miss firing,  RR is out of a job again.  He was the OC this year. 

• There were reports that Clay Helton at USC was about to be fired, those reports came up false. 

• Rutgers put the coaching golf cart in reverse and came to terms with Greg Schiano. 

• Another thing you might be thinking?  Could Don Brown in a candidate for the head coaching job at BC?  Possbily.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/12/michigan-monday-picking-up-pieces.html