Funding available for 501(c)(6) nonprofits in Maryland

Beginning August 17, a new round of emergency relief funding will be available to assist local 501(c)(6) nonprofit associations that have been negatively impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/funding-available-501c6-nonprofits-maryland/

Michigan Friday: The Big Ten Season is Fluid

You measure a leader by the decisions he or she makes during difficult times.   We are 100% in uncharted waters and the Big Ten doesn't know what to do.    The decision to play or not, practice or not, and the Big Ten's response, maybe?

The Big Ten sent a note to schools today that they will decide in the next 5 days, if the season is going to happen and if teams should start camp.    This is a difficult decision but it seems the SEC and ACC are moving forward with a season.   

In a very limited sample size we have seen the NBA bubble be successful so far,  MLB struggling, and the NFL is moving forward with a season.    Michigan Football can keep their players in a relative bubble until the students come back to Ann Arbor.   When students are back, parties will happen, and players will get the virus.   There is little to no doubt that will happen.  

As we wait for the Big Ten schedule, the Big Ten office also wanted to make it clear that even if a schedule is released, that doesn't guarantee a season will occur. The Big Ten is considering playing divisional games first and then cross divisional games later in the season.   We will take any Michigan Football we can get this season, even if that means playing OSU in September or October.   I don't understand what is going to happen in the next 5 days that would sway the decision on playing one way or another.  

If the Big Ten season is fluid, take Bruce Lee's advice and "be like water". 

I have stayed away from the Dr. Robert Anderson subject on this blog for a few reasons.   Its a horrific topic and the perpetrator is gone.     Reports are now coming out that Bo knew and so did former AD Don Canham.   I'm not a lawyer or know how liable Michigan is after all these years, but things need to happen and happen quickly on figuring this terrible situation out.   I spoke about leadership in difficult times, this is another example and finding a way to compensate the victims and doing the right thing.   I grew up in Ann Arbor and his name sounds familiar but he was not our family doctor.  

• There are 8 former Wolverines in the NBA Bubble.  That is a pretty impressive stat and a sign where the basketball program has come.  

• 3 star East Lansing WR Andrel Anthony announces tonight and now has 100%  CB predictions to Michigan.  Tuesday he had 100% to MSU.  

• SEC is also moving to a conference only schedule and will start in late September.   Which sounds like Rod Stewart song.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-friday-big-ten-season-is-fluid.html

Michigan Thursday: Trending Blue Now

Lansing State Journal 

Since its been a bit of a slow news week, we have been tracking the recruitment of 3 star WR Andrel Anthony out of East Lansing.  To recap:

• Anthony has been a target for Michigan for some time.  
• Michigan lands 3 higher rated WR's and starts to move on from Anthony (
• Anthony trends hard to MSU and has 100% CB predictions
• Anthony announces he will commit on 7/31 
• Plans a surprise non-official visit to Ann Arbor on
• As of Tuesday, the recruiting insiders were
• Now things have changed..............

Those same insiders now have switched their predictions and have AA heading to Ann Abor.  The predictions were 100% on MSU on Tuesday, now its 84.2% Michigan and 15.8 MSU.   The new Michigan predictions have a very high probably ranking as well. 

So the recruiting insiders are now feeling this was a legitimate trip on Sunday and he really wants to play in Ann Arbor.  Not just some fake drama to make his commitment more viable to a larger audience and a perceived win over the Wolverines.   

Lets take a look at A2!

Andrel Anthony is a 6'2, 175 pound 2021 3 star WR out of East Lansing.   He is ranked the 85th WR on the 24/7 composite and the 529th player in the country.   His offer list reads like a 4 star with offers from the likes of ND, PSU, UK, Iowa State, Maryland, Ole Miss, Northwestern, Nebraska, Oregon State, Wisconsin and more.   AA had 54 catches, 954 yards, and 9 TD's last season.   If A2 does end up picking MSU, he will be the Spartans highest rated recruit in the 2021 class. 

He makes his decision tomorrow and will end all this back and forth.   IF AA commits to Michigan this will close out WR recruiting for 2021, with the focus on TE, CB, and DT.  

Either way, it has given us some good content this week.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-thursday-trending-blue-now.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Not a Great Sign

Michigan is shutting down workouts for 4 sports due to COVID: field hockey, volleyball, swimming & diving, and ice hockey.  This is not a great sign, but football is not on the list and will continue to crawl towards some type of opening game.   We just don't know against who or where yet.  

I'm hearing that the Big Ten is expected to announce the new schedule this week maybe as early as tomorrow.   Will it even matter? NCAA President, Mark Emmert is very concerned about Fall Sports and thinks starting later might make sense.   Problem is, like everything with this damn virus, nobody knows anything.  

• Devin Funchess has opted out of the NFL Season.

• Recruiting insiders are saying they are a bit skeptical of Andrel Anthony's visit to Ann Arbor last weekend.  Could be a play for more drama for his announcement and the perception of a win over the Wolverines on the recruiting trail.  Michigan has 3 higher ranked WR's already in the class. 

• Joey Bosa signed a huge $135M contract with the Chargers yesterday.  This gives me another opportunity to remind you that Brady Hoke turned down Joey who was a 5 star at the time because Michigan had enough defensive lineman in that class.   Michigan has had painful loses on the recruiting trail, but this has to be one of the dumbest mistakes in recent memory.  

• 2 Illinois football players have opted out of the Big Ten season.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/wolverine-wednesday-not-great-sign.html

Michigan Tuesday: Big Benny Crystal Balls Coming In

24/7 predictions are called Crystal Balls and Michigan got two new ones yesterday for Rayshaun Benny the Oak Park OT/DT that Michigan needs dearly.   As we mentioned yesterday, Michigan is in his Top 8 and trending the right way.   All signs point to Rayshaun playing DT in Ann Arbor as its a huge area of need for the Wolverines. 

• Speaking of Crystal Balls, there wasn't any change in Andrel Anthony's status after his visit to Ann Arbor this weekend.  Still 100% to MSU as he is approaching his announcement on Friday.  Does Michigan have room at WR?  Does Anthony want to attend Michigan?  Does he prefer to be the highest ranked WR in Sparty's class (529 national and 85th WR)?   Those are the questions that have to be answered.   Right now it seems he is green.  

• Rocco still is a coin flip between ND and Michigan.  Let's hope Michigan can keep him instate.  He is set to announce on 8/8.

• Caesar Ruiz signed his Rookie contract with the Saints yesterday.  Congrats! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-tuesday-big-benny-crystal.html

Maryland launches "Innovation Uncovered" program

Maryland is all-in on supporting our entrepreneurs, and we're searching for best startup stories from every region in the state to identify and recognize those who are taking Maryland’s innovation ecosystem into the future. 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-launches-innovation-uncovered-program/

Michigan Monday: Some In-State Recruiting Bullet Points

• Belleville, MI DT Damon Payne picked Alabama over many other schools including MSU and OSU.  As you know, Michigan stopped recruiting that school months ago due to the head coach and Jimmy not seeing eye to eye.   Too bad because DT is clearly a position of need but you can't blame a kid for picking a winner. 

• 3 star 2021 East Lansing WR Andrel Anthony is planning on announcing on Friday.   WOTS is that Andrel recently contacted the Michigan coaches to see if there was still interest in recruiting him after Michigan landed some big fish in the WR pond lately.   So much so that A2 was visiting A2 on Sunday for an unofficial.   All signs point to him becoming State's highest ranked commit on Friday, but maybe Anthony is having second thoughts?  

• Instate Oak Park DT/OT Rayshaun Benny named Michigan to his top 8 schools.   This is a must win for the Wolverines and many believe that Michigan is leading in this recruitment over the likes of LSU, Tennessee, ASU, MSU, PSU, Arkansas, and UK.  

• The KC Chiefs continue to cut former Michigan and MSU players.  The latest is former MSU WR Cody White.  Shea Patterson was cut a couple weeks ago. 

• MLB opened its season this weekend, is now highly in doubt as the Miami Marlins are having a huge COVID outbreak. 

• Lou Williams got an excused absence from the NBA Bubble for a funeral and was photographed at a strip club.  Lou said he was picking up Chicken Wings, sound like a breast man to me.  😊

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-monday-some-in-state.html

Consulting program provides support for businesses looking toward global expansion

The Maryland Global Export Consulting Program is once again returning to help businesses expand towards and reach international markets through global consulting assistance. 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/consulting-program-provides-support-businesses-looking-toward-global-expansion/

Michigan Friday: Michigan's COVID Test Results

Sorry all, I don't have a ton of content today. So I will share an image of Michigan's COVID testing results. 

Have a good weekend!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-friday-michigans-covid-test.html

Michigan Thursday: News and Notes

• MSU has shut down workouts due to a staffer testing positive for COVID.  Teams are just about to start the 20 hours a week practice.  

• Ann Arbor Public Schools are going 100% virtual to start the school year.   

• Duncan Robinson had 18 points in the first Summer Camp scrimmage for the Heat in the Orlando Bubble. 

• St. Louis 2022 DB Isaac Thompson has Michigan in his final Top 10.  Thompson plays CB in HS but Michigan is recruiting him as a Safety.   Bob Shoop is leading his recruitment from a Michigan standpoint. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-thursday-news-and-notes.html

Wolverine Wednesday: When Will We Know The Big 10 Schedule?

We know the AD's and head coaches are working on a fall football schedule.   What we don't know, is what they are thinking. 

When will they start the season?

Will they schedule games every week or every other?

Will they play the divisional games earlier?

How are they going to handle the extra bi-divisional game that has to be played for each team?

Will teams spend the night prior to the game?

Fan or no fans?  Then how many?

There is a ton of logistics to be worked out and we are hearing the AD's and coaches are meeting every Thursday to work out the details.   There is a strong possibility of playing the divisional games first, which would mean a Michigan - OSU game that is not in late November.    To get Michigan Football this fall, I'm sure the traditionalists will give everyone a pass on this strange year.

Texas feels like they could have 50% capacity.   I don't see that many being an option.   Maybe 20K per game in the Big House. 

I know full team workouts are expected to start soon as they are giving each team a couple of weeks prior to training camp due to the loss of Spring Ball.  I don't want to jinx anything but Michigan seems relatively healthy regarding the virus, if the numbers released are accurate. 

• Aaron Lewis has transferred to Rutgers.   Which seems to be a common landing spot for former Wolverines.   

• David Ojabo is no longer stuck in Scotland and back in the US. 

• California has moved HS Football to the Spring, which could mean Michigan's California commits could be done with high school football. 

• Kitty Paye gets the #1 ranking on Bruce Feldman's 2020 Freak List.   That is one of those things that is actually an honor but doesn't sound like one.  

• If things do go bad and the Big Ten moved football to the Spring.  Would a 2021 commit that enrolls in January be eligible to play right away?  JJ to Flash for a TD! 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/wolverine-wednesday-when-will-we-know.html

Michigan Tuesday: The Tipping Point at Iowa Football

We all know what a tipping point is, for the New England Patriots it happened when Drew Bledsoe got injured in 2001.  For Michigan Football, it could have been two tipping points.   The App State debacle or the hiring of Rich Rod, both were equally devastating and put the program back for years.

It's happening now for Iowa Football and the latest report of racial biases and inequalities in the football program.   Iowa's Diversity Task Force released a report in 2019 to coach Ferentz outlining the following for African American players:

• "Expected to conform to White culture"
• "Subjected to verbal harassment"
• "Targeted for extra drug testing"
• "Misled about resources available to them during the recruiting process"
• "Subjected to inequitable discipline policies and double standards"
• "Misunderstood by both coaches and White player"
• "Unsupported in their academic pursuits"

Iowa removed their S&C guy but this type of racism comes from the top of the organization.  The NCAA is ready to punish organizations for giving kids money to come to their school but are they gong to let this slide?   I understand Kirk has been at Iowa for many years and has a solid win-loss record, but how is he still leading this program?

As we know from every lopsided OSU - Michigan game that recruiting is the life blood of any college football program.  How in the world is Iowa going to be able to recruit any players to Iowa City?

Iowa is never ranked as one of the top recruiting classes in the country and does a pretty good job of developing 3 star players.  But is even that level of recruiting going to slip?   How many African American parents are going to be sending their kids to Iowa to play for a racist coaching staff?  Yes, they have removed one coach but if your read Social Media, many former players feel there are more coaches on staff and one that is even related to the head coach.  

These leadership changes are tough, but I don't see any successful path forward for Iowa Football without a new coaching staff.   I expect there will be a Mark Dantonio type of retirement in the next 12 months. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-tuesday-tipping-point-at-iowa.html

Additional COVID-19 loans now available for Maryland small businesses

Beginning July 20, a new low-interest loan program is available to small businesses throughout Maryland that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/additional-covid-19-loans-now-available-maryland-small-businesses/

Michigan Monday: Some Weekend News and Notes

• 2021 RB recruit Prophet Brown picked USC.  He had Michigan in his final group.   USC recruiting is starting to turn around.  

• OSU flipped Clemson commit in CB Jordan Hancock.  They still have the #1 class in the nation. 

• Former Michigan recruit and Nebraska WR, JD Spielman is transferring to TCU and is expected to get a waiver to play right away.   JD is the son of the Vikings GM and nephew to famous Detroit Lions LB Chris.  

• Michigan Basketball recruit 5 star SG Matthew Cleveland is expected to announce his decision on Tuesday.  Many expect a FSU decision here. 

• Michigan has had 4 people test positive for COVID

• Trevor Lawrence got engaged on Friday

• Central Michigan tight end Tony Poljan is transferring to Virginia

• Alabama was supposed to open their season against USC in Dallas.   BYU was supposed open against Utah.   Now Alabama may open against BYU.   The Cougars have lost 5 total games due to the Big 10 and PAC 12 conference only decisions including games against MSU and Minnesota.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-monday-some-weekend-news-and.html

Michigan Friday: Welcomes Back Livers

Fox

Isaiah Livers has decided to take his name out of the NBA draft and return for his senior year!!

“What a crazy couple of months. However, I have learned a great deal from this process, and I’m extremely excited to return to Ann Arbor,” Livers said in a statement provided by Michigan.

"My family and I are so appreciative of Coach Howard and all the staff for letting us really explore my dream of playing in the NBA. While it was a limited process due to COVID-19, I want to thank all the NBA teams who took the time to talk to me. The information I gathered is going to be invaluable moving forward. But now, we have unfinished business in Ann Arbor. I cannot wait to do everything I can and help lead this team to great things.”

This is a good move for Livers as he wasn't ranked in the drafted-able range and would have needed a strong combine and team workouts to get drafted.   Since those opportunities are going to be limited due to the virus, this is the smart decision and one that was expected.

Welcome back!

• 4 Star Belleville LB Jamari Buddin has committed to Penn State.  Michigan has been frozen out of that school due to a stupid feud between Jimmy and their head coach.   

• Michigan could lose close to $100M if football is cancelled.  Fun times!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-friday-welcomes-back-livers.html

Michigan Thursday: An Empty Big House

There are very few options for football this fall.  It will either be played or it won't.  If it is played there might be limited fans or none at all.  Michigan notified the world yesterday that there won't be season tickets this year.   Which means there might be a limited number of tickets available and/or just student tickets.  

I can't imagine the secondary market if they open single game tickets to the general public. I feel bad for those folks that haven't missed a home game since 1965.  Their streak most likely is going to come to an end.   Hopefully the AD's office is aware of those folks and give them an option to continue to be in the Big House if they want to risk it.  

• True Freshman in the 2020 class Aaron Lewis a 3 star DE from NJ has to leave Ann Arbor due to a family health issue.  He is now in the transfer portal and had enrolled at Michigan in January.   I wonder in this time if there would be an option for him to go home, take virtual classes and redshirt for a year.   I assume that option was discussed.  

• Does this move sound fishy to anyone else?  Central Michigan University athletic director Michael Alford is leaving the Chippewas to become the CEO of Seminole Boosters.

• Speaking of misleading information:  University of St. Thomas is moving from Division 3 to Division 1.   To me The University of St. Thomas sounds like a school on the beach in the Bahamas.  It's actually in Minnesota.  Buzz kill. 

• Michigan and MSU coaches have jointly done a Michigan PSA on Wearing a Mask.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-thursday-empty-big-house.html

Wolverine Wednesday: #Free David Ojabo

Evening Express 

If your golfer with deep pockets, being stuck in Scotland for a few month is not a bad thing (as long as the golf courses are open!).   That is not the case for Michigan redshirt freshman DE David Ojabo, who left the US when COVID hit to be with his family in Scotland for a few weeks.  Those few weeks have turned into 3+ months.

“As soon as we got signs the whole world was going to shut down, I was like, ‘Nah, I can’t be stuck in America, I need to be with my family,’” said Ojabo, who turned 20 on May 17, the first time in four years he was able to celebrate with family. “I only get to go home once a year. Last year I didn’t go home at all. I was away from home a year. So I was like, ‘Nah, there’s no way I’m going to be stuck (in the U.S.) My whole family is going to be there without me, not knowing when I’ll be back, not knowing if there’s even going to be a season.’”

David is working out daily and even playing soccer with friends.  He is also getting some great food with mom's home cooking.    Shaun Nua is in constant contact with David and keeping him updated and supporting him just like he was in Ann Arbor, even though David misses his teammates and working out with Coach Herb.  

The road to get back to Ann Arbor is a bumpy one.  He thought maybe he could get back through Canada but that was shot down.   There is also a crazy option of flying to Australia,  being in quarantine for two weeks and then flying to the US.  

Good Luck to David and hopefully there will be a season and an opportunity for him to come home to Ann Arbor soon.  



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/wolverine-wednesday-free-david-ojabo.html

Michigan Tuesday: Nico to #1?

U of M Athletics

Social Media is buzzing that Michigan's #1 wide receiver is going to wear #1 next season (if we have a season).  Nico Collins is clearly Michigan's best WR and highest rated Wolverine for next years NFL Draft.   A ton will fall on the new Michigan QB but Nico is primed to have a very good season.   

I personally feel the #1 jersey on offense needs to be earned, not given.   The legacy of that number includes greats like "AC" Anthony Carter, Braylon Edwards, and David Terrell.    Nico very much deserves the number and it should be his, if he wants it.  The last WR to wear #1 was Crawford in 2017 before transferring out of the program.   As a reminder, Giles Jackson also switched numbers from #15 to Agent 0.



from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-tuesday-nico-to-1.html

Michigan Monday: Doubles It Up on Friday

To steal a SportsCenter line, "Bartender make it a double!"   Friday afternoon Michigan landed two big time recruits in basketball and football.   

Jim Harbaugh and Josh Gattis, landed one of the top rising recruits in the nation when 4 star CA WR Xavier "Flash" Worthy picked Michigan over Oregon.  His other offers included Alabama, LSU. Georgia, PSU, USC, Washington, and many more.   

Worthy maybe one of the fastest players to ever put on the Maize and Blue as his 22.05-200m time earlier this year was the 4th fastest in the country.  Michigan is finally putting on the field elite speed and playmakers which clearly as been a priority for Josh Gattis who did it at Penn State and at Alabama.   Let's hope one of Michigan's top 2 QB's can throw the deep ball as Michigan is really starting to build something at WR.  

Welcome "Flash" and sign that paper in early December!! 

If there was a concern if Juwan could recruit or not, I think those fears have completely subsided as Michigan Basketball continues it's streak on the recruiting trail by landing Grand Rapids 4 star guard Kobe Bufkin on Friday.   Kobe is 6'5 and around 170 pounds and a bit of a hybrid that could play the 1-3 positions and perfect in today's position-less basketball. 

Kobe's offer list was a bit unique due to the virus and a ton less live recruiting events and AAU games.  His offers included MSU, DePaul, LSU, OSU, Northwestern, and others.  

Welcome Kobe and maybe the Jordan Brand will allow you some flexibility to wear a pair of shoes from the late great Kobe Bryant in Crisler. 

• Shea Patterson didn't even make it to camp and was cut by the Chiefs.   CFL or Baseball maybe?

• RIP to The Palace 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-monday-doubles-it-up-on-friday.html

Norway’s AquaCon invests in Eastern Shore aquaculture project

AquaCon, a Norway-based aquaculture firm, is partnering with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology as part of a new international aquaculture project. This global partnership will funnel up to a $1 billion investment into Maryland's Eastern Shore and local aquaculture industry. 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/norways-aquacon-invests-eastern-shore-aquaculture-project/

Michigan Friday: Decision Day and Conference Games Only

The biggest news hit last night, which wasn't shocking if your a regular reader of BHB.  The Big Ten decided on playing only conference games next season.   The details are yet to be worked out but many high profile non-conference games have been dropped off the schedule including Michigan @ Washington. 

So now what?  The Big Ten must figure out the schedule in and out of the Big Ten divisions and how to add another game.  Also how many fans if any will be allowed in the stadium?  So more to come but I give a hat tip to the Big Ten for being a leader instead of a follower during this Pandemic.  

2 Big Michigan Prospects are announcing today! (1 in basketball and 1 in football) 

-Instate GR 4 star guard Kobe Bufkin has been trending towards the good guys.   

-California 4 star WR Xavier Worthy who has explosive speed is also expected to pick Michigan today.   Xavier was very close to picking Oregon a couple of weeks ago before Michigan turned up the heat on the speedster.  

• 1 of 2 top Instate targets Rocco Spindler is announcing in a month on 8/8.   Seems to be a Michigan - ND battle.  

• 3 star TX RB Tavierre Dunlap has Michigan in his top 8.

• NFL scouts seem to love Nico and I hope we get one more season with this freak talent.  I expect him to a 1st rounder next NFL Draft.  

• The 40 year old Jamal Crawford who had a cup of coffee at Michigan got signed for the bubble by the Nets.  Crawford and LeVert are going to get a few buckets in Orlando.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-friday-decision-day-and.html

Michigan Thursday: Not A Good Day For Football In The Fall

As Big Ten officials meet to try to figure out a way to have some type of adjusted season, other factors around College Football are trending the wrong way: 

• The Ivy League cancelled all fall sports 
• OSU had to shut down workouts due to COVID spread
• North Carolina had to do the same 
• Stanford shutdown 11 sports (not football) 

This news caused me to think a couple thoughts:  How are rich kids going to get into Stanford now that their parents can't bribe the rowing coach?  The Ivy League is really not risking anything by shutting down those sports, as their sports programs lose money.   On the other hand, I don't think we can ignore some of the highest academic institutions and feeling its not safe.   Personally, I think we should listen to the smartest people in the US, not the most powerful or political.  

Now to a bit of good news:  Tom Deinhart from Rivals is reporting that the Big Ten is considering a 10 game season probably played over 13-14 weeks.

This makes sense to me but I would at least like one non-conference MAC game for the first game of the season, so Michigan can iron out any mistakes before opening the Big Ten season.   With that said, "beggars can't be choosers" when it comes to football this fall. 

Some folks talk about a spring football season.   I don't know if this is viable or not, as NFL ready kids are not going to want to risk injury so close to the NFL draft.   Another issue is do they play in the Spring and then in the Fall in 2021?  That is a lot of football in one calendar year.  

I think the Big Ten will try to do football in the fall because financially its so important to many programs but it seems a bit like a Hail Mary at this point.   Can you imagine trying to keep COVID away from 100 college kids in a contact sport?  I hope I'm wrong and the virus starts trending the other way.  

• Jimmy had a zoom presser yesterday and social media blew up for a minute on statement that was taken out of context on football and COVID.   The real news was that Jimmy was in contract extension talks prior to COVID and those talks are on hold until all the issues are cleared up.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-thursday-not-good-day-for.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Mid-Week News and Notes

• Rumor mill is spinning that The Big 10 Athletics Directors and Presidents are meeting and planning on how to handle football in the Fall.   The best bet is some type of limited regional schedule.   We will see how it plays out.   One idea is to play, every other week to protect against positive tests.  This would be interesting as long at they tier the games, so we have Big Ten Football every Saturday.  Side note, please don't have Warde negotiate any of the games or terms.  

• Xavier Worthy, 4 star California WR is expected to announce his decision on Friday.  His nickname is flash and his speed has been described as "explosive".   Seems to be down to a Wolverine or Ducks decision.   Insiders believe he has already silently committed to one of those schools.  😀

• Grand Rapids 4 star guard Kobe Bufkin is announcing his decision on Friday.  Looks good for the good guys! 

• MSU Basketball got a commitment from 5 star guard Max Christie yesterday.  Big pick-up for the Spartans. 

• Pioneer HS 3 star WR Ali Fisher has committed to Buffalo.  Congrats! 

• 2022 Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick pro-style quarterback Kaden Cobb is expected to talk today to Michigan QB coach Ben McDaniels. 

• DeWitt HS will open their football season against Traverse City Central at Michigan Stadium, it seems there will be a number of opening day HS games at the Big House.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/wolverine-wednesday-mid-week-news-and.html

Federal funds will help community development around Maryland military bases

A newly awarded federal grant will help support community development around military installations throughout the state.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/federal-funds-will-help-community-development-around-maryland-military-bases/

Michigan Tuesday: Basketball Recruiting Heating Up

Forbes

Michigan Basketball needs a boat load of players in the 2021 class.  The class size could be 6-7 players which is huge number in basketball recruiting. 

Michigan recently landed 4 star Isaiah Barnes from Chicago and yesterday at 6:00 AM they landed 3 star Will Tschetter from Minnesota.   Will is ranked #149 player in the country by 24/7 and Phil Martelli led his recruitment to Michigan. 

Will is a 6'8 225 pound forward and has nice range, he shot 45% from 3 last season.   His offer list included the likes of Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Cincy, and Arkansas and more.   Will is much closer to his floor then ceiling and is expected to be a multi-year player in Ann Arbor. 

Welcome big man! 

Michigan is also trending for Grand Rapids guard Kobe Bufkin.   Kobe is rated as a 4 star player and the 78 player and the 15th shooting guard in the nation by 24/7.   Kobe's offer list includes the likes of MSU, DePaul, Northwestern, Mizzu, and TCU.    Kobe's measurables are 6'4 and 175 pounds.   His name checks out!

Positive news is expected later this week. 

• Ivy League is expected to announce moving football to the Spring. 

• Charles Matthews finished his Michigan degree as he rehabbed from his ACL injury.   I still wonder if there is some type of insurance settlement after he inquired himself during an NBA Draft workout.  

• Andre Rison says an assistant coach hit him while he was at MSU.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-tuesday-basketball-recruiting.html

Maryland breweries continue to take flight in 2019

Craft brewing has taken flight across the nation, and with more and more breweries popping up across the U.S., it’s undeniable the business of brewing will only keep growing. Maryland is no stranger to this...

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-breweries-continue-take-flight-2019/

Michigan Monday: Finally Some Schedule Rumors

We are now in early July and team practices will be starting soon.   Michigan still has a trip to Washington on the schedule for September 5th.  What the hell is going on? 

How is that game and others not being rescheduled?   Finally we are hearing rumors that Michigan and other Big Ten teams could be making some schedule changes very soon.   Michael Spath from SI finally published an article with what he is hearing about the schedule. 

I won't ruin the article if you want to read it but he did have a few shocking things in there.  He does expect Michigan to play football this season if at all possible.  Here are some of his other expectations:

• Some Big Ten Schools won't play football at all 
• Washington and Arkansas State games will be cancelled
• Those games will be replaced by regional MAC schools 
• ND could be a fill in game (due to driving distance)
• Michigan could play a home and home (yes, multiple games against the same team in the same season) against teams like IU, MSU, and OSU 

It seems the Big Ten or NCAA doesn't want to take a leadership role in this and be the first to announce changes, so schools are scrambling.   For example,  Western Michigan just replaced their opening weekend game from Colgate to Stony Brook.  Why wouldn't they travel an hour to the Big House?  Maybe that still can happen?

The States of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana seem to be in the drivers seat for this type of arrangement.  There are so many college programs in these states/region.  Just in state, U of M could play Central, Western, and Eastern.  Not to mention all the schools in Ohio that are very close like Toledo, Akron, and Bowling Green. 

If these massive changes are going to happen, they will have to happen soon, as these schedules have been in place for many years.  If your going to re-engineer your entire schedule, you will need plenty of time to complete that!  

One a side note, no thanks to multiple games against OSU.   Unless its in some Big Ten playoff tournament thing.  Let's play Toledo instead of ND, I like ND living with the outcome of the last game for the next 10 years.   Cincinnati is also 3+ hours from the Big House as well.   Let's relight the Harbaugh - Fickell feud. 

If this regional model does happen, how does that effect a Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska who just top of mind might have a harder time scheduling schools in driving distance.  

• Michigan Basketball landed a commitment at 6:00 AM today from 3 star Will Tschetter who is listed at 6'8" and 225 pounds from Minnesota.   I will update this commitment on Tuesday, as I need the content topics!  :-)

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-monday-finally-some-schedule.html

Michigan Thursday: JJ is Elite

Michigan's 5 star 2021 QB JJ McCarthy participated in Trent Dilfer's Elite 11 competition this past week.  He was picked in the Top 11 (no order was given) after participating in 3 days worth of work outs.   This years ranking included junior highlight tapes and workout this past week.  Many that watched the workouts thought JJ did well and has a very live arm and could make all the throw.   The only issues mentioned was he is a bit thin right now and not really a threat as a runner.   SI had JJ ranked as high as #2 at the camp.

JJ is going to take a family vacation before heading to IMG for a semester.   He then will enroll at U of M in January. 

Kwity Paye gives us an update on the COVID processes the players are going through:

“When we first get into Schem, we have to go through the new inside of Schem,” Paye said. “Once we get there, we have to get our temperature checked and we have to fill out a survey every day to make sure we’re not experiencing any symptoms. Once we do that, we walk in, get our stuff from our lockers and go change. Once you do that, you can never come back from where you came, so you continue in a forward line. So once you get your stuff and change in the locker room, you can’t go back to the locker room – you can’t back through the front way. You have to go back through the locker room, enter onto the field and then you go train and stuff like that. Make sure you wash your hands before you touch any doors, before you touch any bottles, stuff like that.

“It’s good – our guys are doing a very great job of keeping us safe, making sure we’re wearing masks everywhere we go in the building. Just making sure we’re not spreading or contracting the virus in any way.”

“All of the strength coaches have to wear their masks,” Paye said. “If they want to come and spot us or anything, they have to put on an additional head gear equipment that prevents any germs, stuff like that. They have to put on extra layers to really, really prevent (transmission). If you break it down, chemicals, when you touch each other, it breaks down when we’re at rest or whatever. (We stay) six feet apart.”

• Michigan DE target Dallas Turner picked Alabama yesterday.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/michigan-thursday-jj-is-elite.html

Wolverine Wednesday: More Notes Then News

• JJ McCarthy is preforming well at the Elite 11 competition this week.   He is currently ranked #7 by 24/7 after Day 1, #9 after Day 2.   Seems the evaluators love his arm talent but is a bit thin and not a running threat. 

• I know Fred Wilpon is a Michigan man and made billions of dollars but his Bobby Bonilla deal where he wanted to save almost $6M to invest with Madoff has to be one of the worst contracts in all of sports.  If you don't know the story, the Mets didn't want to pay out Bobby's contract in 2000 (because they wanted to break the bank with Madoff ) so they signed a long term payout deal with Bobby and his agent with interest that started in 2011 and last 25 years.  Bobby is 57 and will be one of the highest paid players in this shorten season.  His take is 1.2M a year until 2035.  Today is Bobby Bonilla payout day and I'm sure he is smiling somewhere.  Even Charlie Weis thinks this is a good deal.    

• High School Football in the Spring is currently under consideration in Michigan. 

• How in the world is Michigan Football going to travel to Washington in 2 months?  When are we going to hear that game has been cancelled or re-scheduled?

• Former Michigan Football player Russ Furrha is opening a coffee shop across from the Big House and Pioneer.  Russ played for Rich Rod. 

• A man who threated Ohio State players and a shooting on campus during the Michigan-OSU in Columbus in 2018 is expected to plead guilty today.    

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/07/wolverine-wednesday-more-notes-then-news.html