Michigan Monday: Not A Game Week

The Breaking News this morning is that famous Georgetown Basketball coach John Thompson has passed away.  That news comes on top of loses this weekend of NBA's former forward Cliff Robinson who had some nice battles with the Pistons and the talented actor Chadwick Boseman.    I feel for all the families mourning these loses.  

I'm sure the United States has had worse years during the World Wars but 2020 is the worst year in my lifetime.  

• Hard to believe this was supposed to be game week with a trip out to Washington.   

• There continues to be rumors about a possible Thanksgiving start or an early January start with the PAC 12 that would end up with a Rose Bowl between the Big Ten and PAC 12 Champ sometime this Spring.  Either one, but lets get the plan in the place.  

• Its starting: Arizona LB Colin Schooler transfers to Texas Tech as grad transfer and will play right away.

• The Dallas Mavs run has ended due to Kawhi Leonard. Trey Burke had a breakout bubble and I hope this earns him a long term contact. He is exactly what you need in a 6th man guard.

• Many Michigan and EMU athletes had a peaceful march in downtown Ann Arbor on Saturday to support Black Lives Matter.

• Could be the reason that Tyrone Wheatley is no longer a coach in the NFL: The Jags have released RB Leonard Fournette.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-monday-not-game-week.html

Michigan Friday: Does a Lazy News and Notes

• Former Iowa and Arizona coach Lute Olson passed yesterday, RIP. 

• 8 Nebraska players sue the Big Ten, good luck with that one. 

• David DeJulius gets a waver to play right away at Cincinnati.   Good luck to him.   

• The longer the Drew Kendall's recruitment goes on without a Michigan commit, the worse it is for the good guys.  

• Daymon David is a 3 star safety from Maryland whose top two schools were Michigan and BC.  Then Oregon offered recently and now the Ducks are in the mix as well. 

• East Carolina - Marshall on 9/12 has been cancelled due to COVID. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-friday-does-lazy-news-and-notes.html

Support local Black-owned businesses this month

While we highlight Black-owned businesses during National Black Business Month, it is important to support Black and minority owned businesses all year long as key parts of Maryland’s economy. 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/support-local-black-owned-businesses-month/

Michigan Thursday: To Play or Not To Play

I think we all want Michigan Football this fall but I also don't want to put 100+ healthy young man in harms way to play a sport.   The Big Ten parents sent an open letter to the Big Ten Commissioner, those are the same parents that would sue the ass of the Big Ten if their child got COVID and had future complications.  There really isn't a correct answer. 

Do the other leagues have it right?  They don't know.............

• NC State has already had to reschedule its first game due to an outbreak in the Athletics Department
• Oklahoma had and entire position group (  player with a negative test) get infected, with 17 total positive tests on Monday. 
• 21 players tested positive at Texas Tech on Tuesday
• University of Alabama has 566 positive tests on campus since opening its doors last week 
• USC had to pause Football and Water Polo workouts after 8 positive test (USC is not playing football this fall).

It's hard to know if these programs are the exception or the rule.  Either way, it doesn't seem to be going well in the places are trying to play this Fall.  

• Michigan had been out of this recruitment for awhile but 4 star TE Thomas Fidone committed to Nebraska.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-thursday-to-play-or-not-to-play.html

Nearly 40 Maryland companies work to combat COVID-19

Governor Larry Hogan has commended our local life sciences companies that are working on developing and manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics, improving diagnostic tests, and providing clinical research and technological support to ensure safe and effective health care delivery.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/nearly-40-maryland-companies-work-combat-covid-19/

Wolverine Wednesday: Xavier Makes a Huge Jump In The Rankings

I think many Wolverines fans would agree that one of the most exciting commits in the 2021 class is California WR Xavier Worthy.   He has elite speed, great hands, and could be a very exciting college football player.   His team is not playing this fall and he has opted out of the high school spring season.    Hopefully, he can enroll in A2 in January.  

The recruiting services have been a little late to the party on Xavier has his ranking wasn't matching his potential.   They have finally caught up:

24/7: He jumped a 100 spots and now the #74th player in the country and 11th WR

Rivals: Was a low 3 star, now in the top 100 as the #57th player in the country and a 4 star, also the 11th WR in the country.  

"My goal since I was young was always to play in the NFL, that's a dream of mine," Worthy told 247Sports West Coast analyst Greg Biggins. "The quicker I can get to college and start making plays, the sooner I can make that happen. Hopefully I can still play in the All-American Bowl if that's still going on, that would be great as well. Right now, my main focus is getting to Michigan and making an impact as soon as I can."

This change makes X the 3rd rated recruit in this class behind JJ and Gio on 24/7.

With Michigan's 2020 class, I feel like the change is happening and that change is SPEED.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/wolverine-wednesday-xavier-makes-huge.html

Lidl grocer to add 400 new jobs across Maryland

By the end of 2021, Lidl US plans to have 10 new stores open across Maryland, more than doubling its footprint in the state. The expansion will bring 400 new jobs to Maryland..

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/lidl-grocer-add-400-new-jobs-across-maryland/

Michigan Tuesday: Wojo Tweets Causes A Stir

When Wojo tweets big NBA news, its known as a WOJO bomb.  His tweet yesterday wasn't shocking but it did hit close to home.  

ESPN Sources: A possible NBA coaching candidate whose name is gaining traction within front offices: Michigan coach Juwan Howard. Howard has an obviously strong resume as a player and later an assistant under Erik Spoelstra. He interviewed for Lakers, Cavs before taking UM job.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 24, 2020

Coach was quick to tweet out he was staying at U of M and had work to do, which is good but leads to what we see every year with Coach Harbaugh and has quickly happened to Coach Howard.   Good college coaches are always going to be wanted by professional leagues.   Funny that Urban Meyer's name is rarely seriously mentioned with an NFL opening.  Funny side note, if Juwan did jump to the league, does that mean Coach B would come back in some sort of trade? :)

If you have watched any of the NBA Bubble you have seen a very good team in the Miami Heat that has one superstar, really good shooting, and a strong defense.   Coach Spoelstra is a very good coach and Juwan has learned from him and Pat Riley.    He has great mentors and the NBA will come knocking again.  

CWeb even mentioned a conversation on TNT he had with Juwan a couple days ago about LeBron last night as the Lakers were running the Blazers off the floor.  

• Michigan comes in at #16 in the first AP Poll.  OSU #2 and PSU #7.  I have a feeling all 3 teams will go undefeated this fall.  

• Remember Myles Rowser a 4 star safety in the 2022 class that committed early and de-committed early?  He moved high schools from Belleville to IMG.  He is now heading back to Belleville.   Myles is also the brother of current true freshman Andre Seldon.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-tuesday-wojo-tweets-causes-stir.html

Michigan Monday: Enjoys The Mavs

I'm not a huge fan of the NBA but I will watch the playoffs and like to follow former Wolverines.  I've also have been watching the NBA Bubble, because its sports!   What I've enjoyed watching the Bubble is the former Wolverines balling out.  

Caris LeVert is basically the only Brooklyn Net that headed down to Orlando and he has not only continued to make a name for himself, he has gotten the respect of his peers.   He played well prior to the playoff and played great during them.   Yes, they got swept by the NBA Champions Toronto Raptors but he has played great.  He scored 35 points last night in his final game of the season.  If there is a Kawhi Leonard type superstar, where you let your game speak for itself, Caris would be in that type of group.   This team could be scary with KD and Kyrie healthy next year.  

Trey Burke has straight out made money in the Bubble.  He went from out of a job during the COVID Pandemic to starting last night for the Mavs.  That game was incredible and Trey went for 25 yesterday afternoon in a OT win over the Clippers.   He for sure is going to get an contract out of this bubble performance.   

Tim Hardaway is also with Trey on the Mavs.  He has already gotten paid and is shooting pretty well in the bubble.  With a young superstar and 2 former Wolverines, the Mavs are fun to watch right now.  They are 2-2 against one of the best teams in the NBA.  

Duncan Robinson has a similar story to Trey Burke but just the opposite.   Trey was drafted high and Duncan wasn't drafted at all and struggled to find a job.   Now this quote:

"When I first got to Miami, I thought he was a ball boy or some shit.  I was like 'Yo this kid is shooting better than the players on the squad' Then I saw him take off his warm ups and drain six 3's in a game.  He's easily the best shooter I've ever play with".   - Andre Iguodala 

Yes, Andre is coming off his time with the Warriors where he played with Curry and KD.  I'm shocked a division 3 kid could make an NBA team and now he is getting compared with the NBA's best shooters.   Huge hat tip to Duncan and Pat Riley for taking a chance and seeing talent.  Opportunity in professional sports is so important, a ton of people have talent.  I'm willing to bet Brady would agree with that statement as well.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-monday-enjoys-mavs.html

Hub Labels pushes through pandemic, promotes workplace safety

With approximately 90 employees in Hagerstown, Hub Labels is a name you may not have heard of, but one whose products you’ve more than likely held in your hand.

The pressure sensitive label manufacturer is a leader in the industry, producing custom labels for food and produce, beverages, bath and beauty products, direct mailers, and more. And even with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these presses haven’t slowed down. In fact, Hub Labels has continued operating throughout 2020 and even teamed up with the Maryland Department of Commerce to begin producing “Proud to be Safely Open” window clings for businesses throughout the state.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/hub-labels-pushes-through-pandemic-promotes-workplace-safety/

Michigan Friday: Ambry Thomas Heading To NFL

I would love to be a fly on the wall for conversations with kids that are deciding to go pro or stay in school.  This year of course its much different, if Michigan had a fall schedule Mayfield and Thomas would be suiting up and playing.   No season, no NFL ready prospects.  

Thomas is a very good prospect and has had to fight his health to get on the field.   Last season it was mono, now it's a COVID pandemic.   I wouldn't even be mad at him, if he elected not to play even if there was a fall season.   Reports have been that he hasn't been with the team since practice started, meaning he was probably leaning towards not playing either way.  

The issue I have is that last two games Thomas played where not highlights for Michigan's secondary.   Ohio State got almost anything they wanted and Bama's great WR's had huge numbers in the Citrus Bowl.   NFL scouts are not dumb and will look at how he played against NFL quality WR's, the tape of those 2 games will be played a ton. 

Good luck to Ambry and I hope he is a Day 1 or 2 Draft prospect!  

Who's next?  Kwity Paye for sure.   Many are also predicting we will hear from Nico soon.   Nico has been confirmed to be practicing with the team.   So who knows. 

• When Michigan was bringing in one of its best WR class ever with Nico, Black, and DPJ.  I also really wanted Oliver Martin to join the class.   I had high hopes that he would be the 4th piece in an explosive WR group.   Well, he did commit but the explosiveness never happen and Oliver had a hard time deciding if he was going to stay or transfer.   He then decides to transfer back home to Iowa.  He got immediate eligibility and then caught 5 balls for 28 yards and 1 TD.   Then decides he wants to transfer again.  He is now walking on at Nebraska.   That WR class?  DPJ was drafted in the 6th round by the Browns, Black is with Texas, Nico is on the team that just had its season cancelled, and Martin is a walk-on at Nebraska.   That is F'ing depressing. 

• ND and Vandy are having to cancel some football practices due to positive tests.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-friday-ambry-thomas-heading-to.html

Michigan Thursday: Hello Frankie!

Yes, the Big Ten did what we all expected them to do.   The decision on fall sports is final, no matter how many OSU moms complain.   I think its funny that the Mom's are planning a protest at the Big Ten Office, which is empty due to COVID.  

Let's stop talking about fall and find a solution for a winter season.  

Juwan Howard landed another guard, this time its 4 star 2021 PG Frankie Collins.  This is a good pick-up for the Wolverines and gives the team a playmaker that can  also get shots for himself.   He is a 4 star to all services and is a top 12 or below PG in the Country and #78 or below overall player in the nation.   

Frankie joins Kobe Bufkin, Isaiah Barnes and Will Tschetter in what looks like a Top 10 2021 class.  Juwan continues to be a top notch recruiter, who is still chasing a few 5 stars still in the 2021 class. 

• Trey Burke continues to play well in bubble.  How he doesn't have a longer term NBA contract baffles me.   Love that him and Tim Hardaway are playing so well for the Mavs.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-thursday-hello-frankie.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Jalen Mayfield Heads To The NFL

Raise your hand if you knew (until recently) that Jalen Mayfield was even eligible for the NFL Draft?  I have my hand raised, which makes it very hard to type.  Jalen was expected to come into the year as an NFL prospect but with the season cancelled or re-scheduled this seems like a good decision.   A winter/spring season will not be at all interesting to NFL grade prospects.  Nick Saban yesterday, called it a JV season.  

When you lose your best offensive lineman, that is not a positive thing, but there is a positive spin on this announcement.   Mayfield has only been in the program for a few years as he would have been a red-shirt sophomore this season.  Coach Warriner has already turned him into an NFL prospect.   That alone is going to be very good for recruiting as it usually takes along time to develop NFL grade offensive lineman. 

Expect more announcements soon.  Kwity Paye and Ambry Thomas seem to be locks and I heard that Nico is practicing so maybe not him?

If there is any Big Ten season, the young guys are going to get a huge opportunity.  

• NCAA’s Football Oversight Committee sent a proposal for a 12-hour weeks for programs not playing this fall.   This is expected to be approved this week.  

• App. State suspends football practice after students are on campus one day.  

• MSU has gone to 100% online instruction this fall

Nike's latest Michigan Fall shoe release is happening on Friday, 10:00 AM at MDen: Air Zoom Pegasus 37

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/wolverine-wednesday-jalen-mayfield.html

Michigan Tuesday: Look At All These Rumors

There are a ton of rumors that the Big Ten is considering reversing their "cancel the fall season" decision.   As the SEC, ACC, Big 12, seem to be full steam ahead for a season.   I don't believe those rumors, yes it would seem like the wrong choice to cancel if the other Big 5 leagues move forward with little to no incidents.   With that said, UNC just sent students home after a week on campus due to too many new cases.   Oklahoma Football had 9 players comeback positive after a break.  The heart condition concern also isn't any different then it was a week ago.  

As I have stated a 100 times, I think having football is going to fall apart when students get back on campus.   With that said, it seems to make sense to keep students home, do 100% online, keep athletes on campus in a large bubble, and give it a go.  Yes, there is risk when a 100 people from another school has a football game against your 100 people, but it would seem less of a risk with the above idea.   What the hell do I know?  Nothing. 

• This is old news, but in today's age its quite remarkable to keep a transfer quiet.  But that is actually what happened when graduate transfer Elijah Pierre moved from Brown to Ann Arbor.   Elijah is a 6'1 300 pound DT and fills a back-up position of need if the Wolverines ever see the field.   He had 13 tackles, 4.5 TFL's, and 3 sacks last season.  Welcome Big Man! 

• Michigan has been getting a ton of CB predictions for 2021 PG from NV Frankie Collins.  He is rated at as a 4 star and #57th player in the country to the composite.   Might be on commit watch. 

• Juwan's son Jace will wear his number 25 at Michigan

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-tuesday-look-at-all-these.html

Michigan Monday: Who Is Going To Be Gone?

 As much as we all want Big Ten Football to happen this fall, it's not going to happen.   Justin Fields should spend his time training for the NFL Draft as his petition is admirable but the Big Ten has a history of not "hearing" anything that is a differing opinion then their own.   

Which means Michigan will lost a number of high profile guys that will never see the field in a Spring Season if that ever happens.  

• Kwity Paye - 100% gone and rumored to be already gone.   He will sign with an agent. 
• Nico Collins - I think would love to play again in the Maize and Blue but that decision makes no sense in the spring for a potential first rounder next year.  
• Ambry Thomas - needs some better tape but OSU and Alabama will be the last two games for him.   Rumors are he is not working out with the team.   Probably gone. 
• Carlo Kemp is a 5th year and unless the NFL says more tape, he is probably done as well. 
• Nick Eubanks is also a 5th year but needs touches, I think he would stay and play. 

What about the high profile juniors?

• Jalen Mayfield is clearly a very good prospects and will have a decision to make.  
• Same for Aidan Hutchinson,  being a legacy player and dad as a Doctor, I think he might stay.  

Do you ever look at the Michigan roster and wonder if something is correct?  I just did that when they listed Dylan McCaffrey as a senior.   He might win the unluckiest QB in Michigan history, between injuries, recruits, transfers, and now a Pandemic.  Second place is that guy that got injured the week of the first game and true freshman Chad Henne came in and started for 4 years. 

Did the Big Ten/PAC 12 make the right decision?  Hard to know and we really won't know for sure until students get to campus which is happening this month.   ND is already a week in and many schools are having students move in this week.   I think the safest play is to cancel but Universities are a business bottom line and many need football revenue.  Case in point, many Universities are 80% or more online classes this fall but still having students move into dorms.  Why?  $$$$$

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-monday-who-is-going-to-be-gone.html

Global medical company with Baltimore County roots creates rapid COVID-19 test

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the largest global medical technology companies has launched a new rapid detection test with help from its research and development team right here in Maryland.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/global-medical-company-baltimore-county-roots-creates-rapid-covid-19-test/

Michigan Friday: A Day In Michigan

Ryan Day, who is clearly is a distant relative of Eddie Munster, this week scolded a reporter for using the word "Michigan" and not calling it "The School Up North".    This is not new for the Columbus Crew and I thought I would share a few more words that are included in OSU's special dictionary.  

If OSU has to play a MAC school from the State of Michigan: 

Central, Western, or Eastern The School Up North .   To bad Northern Michigan is a D2 school, because they would be playing Northern The School Up North.   MSU is of course The School Up North State.

What if someone from Columbus wants to travel to Chicago for shopping?

They go to The School Up North Ave

Enjoy a Race?

The School Up North International Speedway

Go Fishing?

Lake The School Up North 

Buy Tires?

The School Up North elin 

Have a nice light beer?

The School Up North elob Ultra 

Address the former First Lady or award winning actress: 

The School Up North elle Obama or Pfeiffer

Enjoy an old Bateman movie with actor

The School Up North ael Keaton 

The best basketball player of all time....

The School Up North ael Jordan 

Need a trainer?

Jillian The School Up North aels 

• Sam Webb put in a CB Prediction for Donovan Edwards to Michigan.  I'm still leery on this recruitment but this is a positive sign.   This is a must win for the Wolverines along with Kendall and Benny.  

• Former Wolverines Eddie McDoom and Devin Gill who transferred to South Florida have both decided to opt out of this season. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-friday-day-in-michigan.html

Michigan Thursday: Random Thoughts

We haven't taken a long dark journey into my head in awhile, so here we go.   Bring a flashlight as there is a lot of empty space in there and please keep 6 feet apart!  :-)

• As I have been watching the NBA Bubble, I had a question.   Who was Steve Fishers best NBA player?  Webber was a 5 time all star, Howard made 1 all star game & won 2 NBA Championships at the end of the bench for the Heat, Rose played 13 years in the league.   The answer is:  Kawhi Leonard who is a two time champion, defensive player of the year, Finals MVP,  and one of the best players currently in the NBA.  

• Funny fact, saw Duncan Robinson playing golf at Disney on Tuesday.  He passed us in a golf cart.   Also saw JR Smith.  (no bubble was broken) We played the Palms course.  

• I know it wasn't the most unique idea in the world but James Franklin totally stole my Big Ten 3 Dome idea in the Winter/Spring.

• Ryan Day wants the Big Ten to play in January so Justin Fields would stay.  It's ridiculous to even consider a top 10 NFL Draft prospect to even consider playing months before the draft.   I have zero expectations for Nico or Kwity to play in the Winter/Spring.   Also is it possible that OSU's QB pot of gold run out?  Wouldn't that be nice.  

• The Nebraska situation is funny to me.   They are like a bad employee that is threating to quit if they don't get a raise and your response is "good luck at your next job".    Funny we don't hear anything from Rutgers and Maryland.   OSU quickly backed off playing in the Fall.  

• Giannis got ejected and suspended for head butting Mo Wagner.  Love it! 

• It will be very interesting if the ACC, SEC, and Big 12 do football this fall.   The state of Texas is allowing 50% capacity for fans in the stadiums.   I'm a bit torn, I want football in the fall but is the risk worth the reward?

• Deion Sanders left the NFL Network for Barstool sports as he wouldn't take a pay cut.   His goal is to become a college head football coach. 

• There are no coincidences!  The day after WWF star James "Kamala -The Ugandan Giant" Harris dies,  Joe Biden announces his VP running mate as Kamala Harris.  RIP Big Man.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-thursday-random-thoughts.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Well That's Done

The Big Ten and PAC 12 pulled the plug yesterday and while the Big Ten was shutting it down, the Wolverines were practicing and plans to continue to do so for 20 hours a week through Fall Camp. 

I have more questions then answers, like how the hell is Spring Football going to work and if we have seen the last of guys like Kwity, Nico, and Ambry?  The NFL doesn't seem very flexible in moving the draft, so there is going to be little benefit from playing in the Spring if you're a high profile draft prospect.  

I also think the SEC, Big 12, and ACC are going to try to make a go of a Fall Season.   There has been a rumor floating around for many years that Nebraska has been looking a way out of the Big Ten as they have struggled for nearly 10 years.   The issue is the Big Ten pays them $50M a year from the Big Ten TV contract and they like money.   Nebraska might have found a natural breaking point as they want to play football in the Fall and the Big Ten commissioner has made it very clear, "not as a member of the Big Ten".    Is it possible that Rutgers and Maryland also want to play football in the Fall?

Bob, if you were going to do Spring Ball how would you do it?

I would start in the winter, the earlier the better, maybe the first weekend of February or even January.   Do a camp in December when kids aren't on campus anyway.   Use the inside stadiums in Detroit, Minnesota, and Indy for games.  Play 10 straight weeks and get the season in.  

Is there any upside to this cancelation?  

• Michigan will get more work in and be more prepared then they ever had for any season.  
• We have probably seen the last of Justin Fields! 
• Michigan will get more work for their new QB's 
• 2021 Early Enrollees will at least get 10 weeks of practice they wouldn't have.  Don't know if they will be eligible to play. 

This really sucks!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/wolverine-wednesday-well-thats-done.html

Michigan Tuesday: BIG Power Struggle

There has always been a question on "who's in charge" when it comes to Michigan's Football  or any major college football program.   The President has the responsibility for the entire University, the AD is the person that overseas all the sports programs, and the head coach is the highest paid employee and probably the highest paid person in the State Government. 

We saw an example of that yesterday, the news about the Big Ten Presidents shutting down football leaked out (or was leaked on purpose) and the Head Coaches felt much differently.   The Big Ten Big Three Head Coaches all had statements on why they should play.   Even high profile players and parents spoke out on wanting to play.   Scott Frost even spoke about playing a ton of non-conference games because the season is too important to University of Nebraska and the economy of Lincoln.  

So that leaves us here today.   Today the Big Ten Presidents are supposedly going to make the final decision on the season.   Who is going to win the power battle?  

• Normally Michigan fans don't get too excited about kicker/punter recruiting, but we might have to change that mind set as Tommy Doman just got the first ever 6 star punting rating from Chris Sailer Kicking.  

• 4 star MA OG Drew Kendall is expected to make a decision this month and its looking very positive for the Wolverines.  Drew was clearly waiting to see what Rocco did.  Let's hope Drew is Blue!!  Michigan got a new CB prediction on 24/7 with a high probability yesterday as well.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-tuesday-big-power-struggle.html

Michigan Monday: Big Ten is Expected To Cancel Season on Tuesday

On Friday, my post was titled Step 1, well Step 2 seems to have run into a brick wall.   Per Dan Patrick, the Big Ten and PAC 12 are expected to cancel Fall Sports on Tuesday.  That the Big Ten had a vote and it was 12-2 to cancel (Iowa and Nebraska were the 2 that voted to play). 

This was a day many of us thought would come but hope it wouldn't.   The big question remains, now what?

• Winter - Spring Season?  The Big Ten has 3 NFL indoor football stadiums in its footprint that I can think of Detroit, Indy, and Minnesota.   Would that be an option?  

• Have we seen the last of the likes of Kwity and Nico?

• How does scholarship eligibility work?

There is a million more logistical things on what's next, but this is just a sad day.   

We have to stop this damn virus and complete vaccine testing.  Do your part! 

Rocco as expected picked ND on Saturday.  He promised his late grandfather on his death bed that he would go to school in South Bend.  So what can you do?   

This is a big loss for the Wolverines as they are missing out on the top talent in the state. #2 Payne to Alabama, #3 Dellinger to LSU, and now #4 Spindler to ND.  Michigan is of course chasing Donovan Edwards the #1 player in the state to 24/7 composite.  

Not a good weekend my friends, not at all.     

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-monday-big-ten-is-expected-to.html

Celebrate National Black Business Month in Maryland

From fitness, to beauty products, food, accounting, and urban agriculture—we are highlighting Black-owned businesses in your community by offering a great opportunity to add these unique businesses into your regular rotation and of course, buy local! 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/celebrate-national-black-business-month-maryland/

Michigan Friday: Step 1 Starts Today

 Many of us have wondered if today was even possible, the start of Fall/Summer Camp for football that is.   Today is the day and the first step in testing Michigan's COVID protocols and how responsible 18-24 year-olds will be in staying away from other students.   Hopefully, camp shouldn't be a concern but when students get back on campus, who know what's going to happen.  

All Big Ten teams start practicing today and have less then a month to prepare for the start of the new Big Ten season.   All, minus Ohio State who Jimmy believes started on-field practice sometime last week.  OSU breaking or bending the rules is a shocker!  I'm sure it was an honest mistake, like the Big Ten commissioner telling Ohio State that they couldn't start practice until Friday and they heard "Ryan Day" and started sometime in July.   Seems legit to me.  

• Rocco announces on Saturday on CBS Sports Network around 6:00 and still seems like a coin flip with ND having the momentum for his commitment.  It's still ND 53% and Michigan 47% with the latest prediction for ND.   The ND insiders feel very confident about Rocco coming to South Bend.  After practice today, Coach Warinner should head straight to Clarkston.   If you want to see how this is trending, watch the CB predictions on 24/7 today and Saturday.   That should be a clear sign where he is going, if there isn't any movement, both coaching staffs will be nervous Saturday at dinner. Either way, after his announcement he should just "Forget about it!"

• Purdue Star Rondale Moore has opted out of the Big Ten season.  Justin Fields, do you see what is happening here?

• What happens if Rocco goes to ND?  Michigan has been a leader for sometime for MA OG Drew Kendall and some have suggested that he is waiting on Rocco's decision.  If Rocco goes to ND, Michigan chances to land the talented MA OG is much higher.   That sounds like a win/win if it happens.   Losing Rocco, would be a hit to Michigan's board, but there are still 2 more instate big fish with RB Donovan Edwards and DT Rayshaun Benny.  

• If you love tracking freshman numbers and weights hit this link!

• Michigan DE Kwity Paye is expected to stay and play this season.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-friday-step-1-starts-today.html

Michigan Thursday: MSU Bounce Back

When the Big Ten expanded their schedule a few years ago they had Michigan playing back to back years in East Lansing.  I was outraged at Warde for letting this happen and not at least playing the game at Ford Field.  Having to travel back to back years to your instate rival was quite a penalty.  

Well, the shoe is now on the other foot and MSU will be playing back to back games in Ann Arbor due to the new COVID 2020 schedule.   Welcome (tries to think of the new MSU's coach's name......opens google............) Mel Tucker!  

• ND is finally going to play a real ACC schedule and has Clemson at home.  They are going to play one non-conference game against Western Michigan.   No Navy this year. 

• Speaking of ND they got a strong CB prediction from Steve Wilfong this week for Rocco Spindler.   Others have not followed, so it still maybe a coin flip.  The ND predictions have a high probability ranking on them, so that isn't a great sign.   He announces on Saturday. 

• Warde supports the Michigan Players showing leadership and #bigtenunited

• Michigan practice starts tomorrow.  Nothing like having less then a month and no spring practice to prepare the team for the season.  That is 2020 for you. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-thursday-msu-bounce-back.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Michigan's New 2020 Season Schedule

9/5: Purdue 

9/12 @ Minnesota 

9/19 Penn State 

9/26 @ Rutgers 

10/3 MSU

10/10 Bye 

10/17 @IU    

10/24 @OSU

10/31 Wisconsin

11/7  Maryland 

11/21 @Northwestern 

There you have it.   The Ohio State game won't be the last game of the year and played in October.   Glad Michigan is starting at home but the @IU, @OSU, Wisconsin at home is going to be a tough stretch.  No Iowa or Nebraska which is nice but Wisconsin is expected to be the best team in that division.  OSU somehow misses out on Wisconsin and Minnesota.  

• UConn Football has cancelled its season.  They are now a independent if you didn't know.   I believe the other sports are moving back to the Big East. 

• Penn State LB Micah Parson is expected to opt out of the above Big Ten season.   Parson might be the best player in the Big Ten.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/wolverine-wednesday-michigans-new-2020.html

Michigan Tuesday: Waiting For The Big Ten Schedule

As COVID races and shut downs Big Ten Football programs.  With Northwestern and Rutgers being the latest with outbreaks, there is also a very well written FaceBook post by the mother of a Indiana offensive lineman that has been hit very hard by COVID while training with his teammates.   We are waiting on Big Ten to announce the new schedule.  The rumor mill is saying we are going to hear something this morning.   I have also heard similar rumors for the past 3 weeks.  So who knows?

As far as Michigan recruiting goes, the next big fish will be announcing this Saturday in Rocco Spindler.  Rocco is rated a 4 star Guard and one of the highest recruited offensive lineman in this class.  He is down to Michigan and ND with 50/50 in predictions.   Rocco, Donovan Edwards, and Rashaun Benny are the three must wins for Michigan as they are positions of need and instate recruits.    Rocco is a coin flip, Edwards was trending away from Michigan but now in better shape, and most insiders feel Rashaun is a strong lean towards Ann Arbor.  

• The Rock and a group of investors buys the XFL for $15M.  Hopefully, they give the league a chance and willing to lose money for a few years.   Here are my recommendations for success: 1- try to get some deal with the NFL and NFLPA, 2- TV deals are very important, 3- play in professional soccer stadiums not NFL stadiums, 4-Pick football hungry locations like San Antonio, Orlando, Portland maybe?  5- don't overpay big name coaches and use the league to develop minority coaches and management.   If you can get the NFL more involved as a development league for players, coaches, and management you have a chance.  (even former players wanting to be broadcasters, Troy Aikman started calling games in the World League)

• One of the Big Ten's best players, Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman is opting out of the Big Ten season and will train for the NFL Draft. 

• I'm looking forward to the first golf major this weekend in the PGA Championship.  Love they are playing on a public course in San Fran. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-tuesday-waiting-for-big-ten.html

Join us with "Masks On Maryland"

"Masks On Maryland" is officially up-and-running and the Maryland Department of Commerce is encouraging participation from residents and visitors alike.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/join-us-masks-on-maryland/

Michigan Monday: AA to AA

Michigan State Football is having a hard time right now.   Their head coach gets pushed out very late in the process and the pool of candidates was very shallow.   They had to way over pay for a guy that turned them down already.   Then COVID happened and Spring Practice was cancelled.   

That is some serious bad things back to back to back.  When you have all that change, its very difficult to recruit anyone to come to your school.   MSU right now is listed to have the 64th recruiting class (24/7) in-between Miami of Ohio and Buffalo.   OSU has the #1 class and Michigan #8.

That makes the loss of wide receiver Andrel Anthony from East Lansing such a big one.   Andrel picked Michigan over MSU after Michigan has commits from 3 higher rated WR's already in the class.  If Andrel picks MSU he is the top recruit in the class and probably has a quicker path to the field.  

Not to mention a week ago today and 4 days prior to his commitment MSU had 100% of all the predictions on 24/7.

As I'm sure you know, Andrel Anthony picked the Wolverines on Friday evening and becomes the 4th WR in the 2021 class.   He is a 3 star WR to all the services and 6'2 and 175 pounds.   He is a taller WR, like the Wolverine offense likes.   AA made noise in the camp circuit last summer and gained a Michigan offer after the camp in Ann Arbor.   He is a raising star and a guy to keep an eye on this Fall, if there is a Michigan high school football season.  

Welcome to A2, A2! 

• With the PAC 12 players basically unionizing, this season continues to trend towards not playing.  

• MSU's Xavier Tillman is staying in the NBA Draft 

• RIP to Detroit radio legend Jamie Samuelsen who we lost way to early to Colon Cancer. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/08/michigan-monday-aa-to-aa.html