Wolverine Wednesday: Ambry Out, Nico Next

 Ambry Thomas confirmed to the Wolverine Wire he will not return to the team and is committed to training for the NFL Draft.  I don't argue with his decision as we are talking about millions of dollars.  The issue is that his last two games/tape was against OSU and Alabama which was terrible for Michigan's secondary.   I thought he had plenty of upside to play another college season but he may have gotten in too deep with a agent and the money he was given.  

Nico hasn't filed for reinstatement which means he is also gone and we are just waiting for his decision.  Reports are that he has signed with an agent. 

• Duncan Robinson is on SVP's podcast, Finals start tonight. 

• COVID has hit the NFL regular season and the Tennessee Titans

• Shea Patterson is now working out for the Texans.  Maybe to play safety?

• Patrick Mahomes recently got engaged.  If he takes the 3 month salary baseline for the purchase of his fiancée's ring (with his new contract) that ring would be worth $11M.  Has anyone had a better 2020 then Patrick?

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/wolverine-wednesday-ambry-out-nico-next.html

Maryland works to attract data centers with new incentive

As part of a new economic development incentive, data centers that locate or expand in Maryland and create new, full-time jobs can receive an exemption from the state sales and use tax for up to 20 years. 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-works-attract-data-centers-new-incentive/

Michigan Tuesday: Big Mike and Eddie Is Doing What?

PFF graded out Big Mike Onwenu as the top Guard in the NFL on Sunday.  That is a pretty high honor for a guy in his first NFL start.   Coach Warriner is clearly a great coach and should get a raise.  Clarkston, Michigan 4 star offensives lineman should take notice of what Big Mike did on Sunday and re-think their decisions.   

• Former Wolverine WR Eddie McDoom is back in the transfer portal after opting out of the season for South Florida.  

• Its reported on twitter that Mayfield was the only Wolverine asking for reinstatement.  Meaning Nico and Ambry are off to the NFL.  

• Free Wolverine Devotee! 

• Michigan is #21 in the Coaches and #23 in the AP. The loss of Nico and Ambry have to be affecting Michigan's Pre-Season fall in the rankings as they haven't lost a game all year.  

• I look forward to an all Michigan KC Chiefs defensive line that includes: Frank Clark, Taco, and Mike Danna. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-tuesday-big-mike-and-eddie-is.html

Hunt Valley business pivots from photography products to face shields during COVID-19

After being in business for 16 years, one of the last things Nations Photo Lab expected was to convert its photo facilities into full-time PPE manufacturing shops. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Maryland, that’s exactly what this Baltimore County business did.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/hunt-valley-business-pivots-photography-products-face-shields-during-covid-19/

Michigan Monday: Jalen Cleared and D Rob Heats Up

The Good News is Jalen Mayfield has been cleared and will suit up for the Wolverines offensive line in  3 weeks in Minnesota.  Ambry and Nico, what up?

The next piece of good news is Duncan Robinson is starting for the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.  Let that sentence float over you for a minute.  Duncan didn't really start much at Michigan and he is now a starter in the NBA Finals against LeBron.  Duncan has taken an opportunity with the Heat, become even a better shooter, and is now starting in the NBA Finals (have I mentioned that?).

I'm very proud of Duncan, all the hard work and taking advantage of this opportunity.   I love the stories about Iguodala thinking he was a ball boy, Coach Spoelstra making him run for not shooting in practice, and the ESPN broadcast crew making fun of his points in the paint.    There is a story floating around twitter today about Duncan reaching out to the Ringer about a career in Sports Journalism after his senior year.  He expected his basketball career was ending.  

Did you notice how pure his shot was last night?  He knew those 3's were going in.   Glad this bubble is at Disney because his story is becoming a Disney Movie.   

• Ruiz is now starting for the Saints
• Big Mike also started for the Patriots yesterday
• Winovich is on a path to become an All Pro DE

Love all the success these guys are having in the Pro's!!  Go Blue!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-monday-jalen-cleared-and-d-rob.html

Michigan Friday: PAC 12 is Back, MAC Next?

The PAC 12 is going to come back in November and the Mountain West is coming back in October, which only leaves the MAC as a the only D1 conference sitting out.   The PAC 12 is going to play a 7 game season.  The MAC is expected to make a decision this weekend on whether they will play this season.  They lose money on football, so they might decide to sit this one out. 

With the SEC starting to play this weekend, we might start seeing real college football.   What I've seen so far, isn't great.  With that said, it seems COVID 19 continues to be undefeated:

• ND has over 10 players test positive and their game this weekend has been re-scheduled 
• Houston has had 5 games scheduled - all cancelled 
• FAU has had two games cancel in a row, the latest is USF who played ND last weekend.  (anyone in South Bend regret playing an out of conference game?)
• Colorado has to shut down practice for 2 weeks for a local ordinance. 
• State of Wisconsin is under a State of Emergency for an up tick in cases from college campuses.  
• ESPN is showing UAB vs. South Alabama on a Thursday night

I'm excited for Michigan Football but I don't think we will know if games are on, until both teams take the field.  

• Purdue's Rondale Moore is back 

• Looks like the win requirement for Bowl Games is going to be removed this year  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-friday-pac-12-is-back-mac-next.html

Michigan Thursday: Who Moved My Cheese.....Man?

As Michigan fans are waiting on the decisions and final verdicts if Nico and Ambry can/want to play, Michigan loses another player at a position that is pretty important but rarely gets any fanfare, long snapper.  Cameron Cheeseman has decided to opt out of Michigan's Big Ten season and train for the next level.   He is a 5th year senior but this decision is a bit surprising, as long snappers usually don't leave with eligibility left.  Good luck Cheeseman and I hope the Raiders pick you up, because Gruden would have a field day with your last name.  

• I'm guessing we will see more prospects waiting until January to sign this year as the dead period is extended to January.  So that means no official visits, if you want to visit a school you have to on your own dime.   Coaches can't visit you either.  

• That should be good news for local talents like Edwards and Benny but the longer those recruitments go the worse it is for Michigan.  See the Drew Kendall example as the proof point, he hasn't announced yet but all indications are that he is heading to BC.   There was a time he was a lock to the Wolverines. 

• Coach Gattis is supporting Nico's decision either way and we will hear soon from Nico.

• It also sounds like Gattis is a big supporter of Joe Milton:  “Joe’s really, really – if you said who’s one of the most improved players on the team, obviously I would like to throw Joe in that mix,” Gattis said. “I don’t just say that from a physical standpoint, when we’re talking about improvement, improvement comes in a number of different ways. Leadership, physically and then obviously being able to learn the offense. Joe’s been exceptional.”

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-thursday-who-moved-my-cheeseman.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Catches A Big Fish

Michigan landed a 3 star TE from GA in Marlin Klein which seems like a great name for a deep sea boat.   Marlin has only been in the States for about a year and already has scored offers from FSU, GA, Purdue, MSU and others.  

"I made the call to Michigan on my birthday, last Thursday (September 18)," said Klein. "I called coach Moore to give him the news first, then I called the boss, coach Jim Harbaugh and talked to him about my commitment. I think they were a little surprised, but they knew I liked Michigan a lot.

"I had been thinking about committing since I visited Ann Arbor a couple of weeks ago. As soon as I stepped on campus, it felt like home, and that is when I started thinking about committing.

"I did not go up there thinking about doing this, but I know that I found my place. When I was up at Michigan, I felt like I was at home in Germany. The weather reminded me of home, and it just felt right. The campus was great, the people are nice, and Michigan is the whole package.

"Michigan was always high on my list, but I really had Purdue up there too. That visit changed things for me. I never thought about committing this early, but it just felt right, so I had no reason to wait.

"This commitment means a lot to me. I am from Germany, and now I get to go play football at Michigan, so this is like a dream coming true for me. I have been playing football for four years now and I know I have found my spot. I have the opportunity to play for a big and powerful program, so it feels great."

"I feel it is the right time to commit because my feelings about Michigan are so strong. I am the type of guy that does not plan to change my mind when I commit to something. That is how strong I feel about Michigan."

Marlin is 6'6 and a thin 215 pounds.  He will continue to develop his skills over the next two seasons before making it up to Ann Arbor.   Welcome Marlin!

• RIP Gale Sayers

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/wolverine-wednesday-catches-big-fish.html

Connect with global delegations at the Bio Innovation Conference

Looking for a chance to discuss and learn about Maryland’s licensing opportunities, federal labs, international partnerships, and more? This year, the Maryland Bio Innovation Conference is going global and virtual.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/connect-global-delegations-bio-innovation-conference/

Michigan Tuesday: Not A Great Week For The McCaffrey's

The McCaffrey's have it pretty good.  Dad Ed is a former NFL WR and the head coach at Northern Colorado, Christian is All Pro RB for Carolina Panthers, Dylan is the expected starter at QB for Michigan, and Luke is a QB at Nebraska.   Another brother Max played football for Duke. 

Then the seasons for Northern Colorado, Michigan, and Nebraska got cancelled in August.  That was just the start of the bad news.  

• The day the Big Ten reinstates football last week, Dylan is beaten out as Q1 and might have fallen all the way to QB3.  Opts out of the season and enters the transfer portal.  
• Sunday, Christian sufferers a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after leading the NFL in touchdowns through 2 weeks. 
• Nebraska is thrown under the bus by the BIG10 and starts the season against OSU, Wisconsin, and Penn State in the first month.

Been a tough few months for all of us, including the McCaffrey's.  

• Michigan is expected to get a 2022 TE commitment this morning from 3 star Marlin Klein.  He is 6'6 215 pounds from Georgia.  Committed!

• Josh Metellus gets drafted by the Vikings, got cut, got re-signed to the Vikings practice squad, and now last weekend was promoted to the regular roster.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-tuesday-not-great-week-for.html

How Maryland businesses can navigate COVID-19

For nearly 75 years, the certified public accounting firm Ellin & Tucker has provided strategic advice for some of Baltimore’s most respected private businesses, nonprofits, independent schools, and more. Located in the heart of the Baltimore City, the company has made a name for itself with its consistent reliability and dedication to customer success and longevity.

We sat down with Ellin & Tucker director Bryan Porter, CPA, MS to discuss the current status of today’s market during the COVID-19 pandemic and tips for businesses trying to work through current challenges while preparing for the future.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/how-maryland-businesses-can-navigate-covid-19/

Michigan Monday: The Big Ten's Lack Of Transparency

How many times on this blog did I say, please don't send Michigan on the road to start the season against a difficult opponent?  Michigan has had 3 schedules this year, 1st one was on the road against Washington, 2nd one was home against Purdue, and now Michigan opens against the ranked (in the pre-season) Minnesota Gophers on the road to start the season.  A trophy game to kickoff the season?  

A Mgoblog poster put it perfectly.   The Big Ten is all about money, put Michigan in difficult games because the Wolverines always pull a huge TV number (Even MSU/OSU fans love to watch Michigan lose and tune in) and give OSU an easy path to the Playoffs.  Both situation, drives millions of dollars to all the Big Ten institutions. 

For example:  Michigan's cross over games are against Minnesota and Wisconsin, both teams were ranked in the pre-season.  OSU cross overs are against Nebraska and Illinois.   

If you wondering if this is all Bull Sh*T:  Nebraska sues the Big Ten and starts the season in Columbus,  hosts Wisconsin, travels to Northwestern, and then hosts Penn State in the first month of the season.   I heard the Big Ten tried to schedule a Nebraska vs. KC Chiefs game but they were booked.  

The Big Ten office does what the Big Ten office wants.  You don't see the SEC, ACC, or Big 12 treat their brand names schools like this.   It's 100% BS! 

Now to be fair,  to the money hungry Big Ten Offices:  Michigan was always scheduled to play Minnesota on the road and Wisconsin at home.   They also did fix the MSU game having the Spartans play Michigan at home for 2 years in a row, fixing the Brandon F-Up.   Michigan's Big Ten schedule was always going to be difficult, it would have been great to open against MSU or Maryland at home to start the season.

Talk about no day offs:

October 24th: @ Minnesota
October 31st: Michigan State
November 7th: @ Indiana
November 14th: Wisconsin
November 21st: @ Rutgers
November 28th: Penn State
December 5th: Maryland
December 12th: @ Ohio State

• Great news that Jalen Mayfield has elected to opt back in!  Today is the last day for add/drop classes so it will be interesting to see if Nico and/or Ambry do the same.   Nico might have been enrolled in classes but I'm pretty sure Ambry was not.  

• Casey Phinney de-committed and committed to BC over the weekend.  Michigan recruited Casey because they wanted his best friend 4 star OG Drew Kendall.  Drew hasn't announced yet but is also going to BC, so it didn't make sense for Michigan to take the 3 star LB.  Good Luck to him as BC is a much better fit.   Rocco's long decision seems to have cost Michigan 3 recruits: Rocco, Drew, and Casey.   

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-monday-big-tens-lack-of.html

Inc. 5000 names Maryland's fastest growing companies in 2020

A total of 149 Maryland businesses have been named to the latest Inc. 5000 rankings, the highest recorded amount for the state in nearly a decade.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/inc-5000-names-marylands-fastest-growing-companies-2020/

Michigan Friday: Opt Back in or Stay Out, That Is the Question

OSU players have been flocking back in as they don't want to miss out at a run for a National Championship.  Michigan's NFL players are considering coming back, at least some are.  

Kwity Paye is expected back and has been practicing with the team.  He never made an announcement and seems he wanted to keep the door open.  Thank you Big Man!

Jalen Mayfield seems to be leaning out.  Insiders close to the situation believe Jalen wants to play but his dad is 100% about staying out.  Sam Webb says there is a chance so maybe 80% out 20% back in.  

Ambry Thomas who opted out what seems years ago (just months) is reportedly also considering the option to jump back in.  He is very important to Michigan's defense as his back ups are just different colors (Gray and Green) with little playing experience.  

Nico hasn't said, $h*t about anything yet.  Not signing with an agent, leaving, or staying.  Man, I really wanted to see him play in year 2 of Gattis's offense with Joe as QB1.

• Maybe the Big Ten is crazy like a fox.  With the October start date they can watch the other leagues try to figure this damn virus out.   Coach O said that most of his team had it and North Carolina just lost its game this weekend due to breakout at Charlotte.   The more we think its safe to play, is it really?

• Duncan Robinson had 18 last night in another Heat victory!  Loving his success.

• I learned yesterday that the Big Ten Championship week cross over games was Jimmy's idea.  If its successful lets hope the Big Ten keeps it. 
  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-friday-opt-back-in-or-stay-out.html

Michigan Thursday: Big Ten Back - Nico and Dylan Not

 I have no idea why this happens, its almost like people in the media are just waiting to pail on after Michigan gets good news, it has to be follow up with bad news.  

On Thursday, we get the great news that Big Ten football is back and will start up in October.   Within that same hour it was announced we hear that Nico Collins is opting out and signing with an agent and Dylan McCaffrey is transferring.  

I can't blame either players decision but it makes me sad on day that should have been a 100% celebration.  As Ohio State players opt back in and consider opting back in, Michigan loses its top offensive weapon.   I had hoped Nico would stay for his final season and increase his draft status, now it seems the risk doesn't meet the reward.  

Dylan on the other hand makes 100% sense as the rumors are swirling that he has fallen to #3 on the depth chart behind clear QB1 Joe Milton and also surprisingly behind Cade McNamara.  A strong depth chart at QB has now become a little questionable with the only QB behind Cade is the flyer they took last year after Michigan's recruited QB had to retire due to medical reasons.    I like Dylan and had hoped he would stay and compete, but that is not the norm any longer.   Maybe he will transfer and play for his dad who is recently a new college head coach in Colorado.  

If your keeping score at home, the players that have opted out include Nico, Ambry, Dylan, Jalen, and maybe Kwity.   I don't have to tell you this, but Michigan is not going to beat OSU with its NFL caliber players not participating.  

So now we wait for the schedule and hope its a favorable one for the Wolverines.  

• OSU's top OL Wyatt Davis is trying to opt back in for the season. 

• Fans are not expected at Big Ten games and it will be interesting to see if they leverage any of the NFL domes for later in the season games. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-thursday-big-ten-back-nico-and.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Well.... We're Waiting Big Ten

If you're too young to know who Judge Smails is, find a copy of Caddy Shack on the Internet and watch it.  

Reports seem to be trending positive that the Big Ten is coming back and announcement can come at any moment.   Nebraska's President even thought it would be Tuesday night, while having a private conversation on a hot mike.  

ESPN thinks the decision will be announced today.   I just hope Michigan doesn't start with some crazy difficult game, like a trip to Wisconsin or something.  Did I just jinx this?

• Seems from all reports that Joe Milton is QB1.  

• I wonder what will happen with the guys that have opted out for the season if Michigan starts playing in a month?   My guess is they are gone and there really isn't a path back.  

• Coach Warinner Tweeted out that Vastardis and Hayes have been working with the 1st team offensive line. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/wolverine-wednesday-well-were-waiting.html

Maryland receives additional CARES Act funding for small businesses

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/maryland-receives-additional-cares-act-funding-small-businesses/

Michigan Tuesday: Please Stop Dan

Dan Patrick for some reason has become the voice of Big Ten's return.  He seems to have a mystery source that is feeding inside information.  The issues is, outside the original report in August that the Big Ten was shutting down, he hasn't been accurate at all.  

His latest report from yesterday, is that Michigan, MSU, and Maryland wouldn't play even if the rest of the Big Ten does.   I understand Mark Schlissel's background and the reasons he didn't support sports playing but if the rest of the Big Ten is playing, Michigan is playing.   There isn't one person with enough power and influence to do that, even Michigan's President.   I don't think Michigan's Governor could even do this without Lansing burning down.  

Reports to the opposite of Dan Patrick's report are available from Wisconsin's AD and NCAA reporter Brett McMurphy.   So let's hope Dan got some bad information.    We are still waiting for a vote and a plan to re-start football if the vote is passed.  

• It was great to see Jake Butt on a football field last night.  Hat tip to the Bronco's for keeping him on the roster.  3 ACL's is just crazy. 

• Seems Big Mike Onwenu played 22 snaps for the Patriots on Sunday.   They might like Mike at Tackle instead of Guard.  

• The Dolphins cut Jake Rudock off the Practice Squad.  Thanks Josh Rosen!

• The Ravens are working out Shea Patterson for a possible practice squad spot/emergency QB situation.   Harbaugh effect in play. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-tuesday-please-stop-dan.html

Michigan Monday: 2 Commits and Progress Towards Football

That was an interesting weekend for college and NFL football.  The games are weird, the best way for me to explain the NFL yesterday was, it looked like NFL players playing in front of an XFL crowd.    Just weird. 

Michigan had a very good weekend on the recruiting trail:

2022 - MA 4 Star LB Tyler Martin - is a 6'3 230'ish LB that Michigan has been recruiting since he was 15.   Even though he was a known player, he separated his shoulder last year and his offer list took a hit, which includes the likes of  Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, BC, UVA, Syracuse, Vandy, and Dartmouth.  Lots of other Big Ten schools are recruiting Tyler and wanted him to visit after COVID.   Tyler is the classic MA Don Brown recruit and we welcome him to Ann Arbor in a couple of years. 

2021 - TX 3/4 star RB Tavierre Dunlap committed to Michigan.  TD is 6'0 and 200 pounds who rushed for 2790 yards and 36 TD's over the last 2 seasons.  This commitment was expected just not last weekend.  Dunlap will hopefully fill one of the RB spots next to Edwards in this class.   24/7 has Dunlap as a 4 star but the composite is a 3 star rank.   Dunlap's offer list is very strong and includes the likes of ND, USC, OK State, Nebraska, MSU, ASU, UW, UCLA, Utah, Va Tech and many more.   Michigan didn't offer until May but it seems Jay Harbaugh did a strong job here and pulled a Texas RB out of Big 12 country.  Welcome!

Big Ten Football news is stuff you probably know.   The committee in charge of understanding medical information, new testing protocols, and safety measures to return to football/Big Ten sports had a successful meeting with the Big Ten Presidents on Sunday.   A vote to return to football did not happen and is expected this week.  Best case scenario is a return to play sometime in October.   This feels like real progress and we will see if the Big Ten leaders change their minds.  Brett McMurphy reported on Sunday that if Big Ten Football comes back, all teams will be playing.   There was some thinking a few programs may opt out of the season if it started back up. 

• With Big Ten Football closer to playing, OSU's CB Shaun Wade has opted out of the season, so he can train for the NFL Draft.   
• Tom Brady didn't get a win in his first game as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. 
• DPJ and Uche were both inactive on Sunday
• Tarik Black had a TD catch on Saturday for Texas in a boat race win

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-monday-2-commits-and-progress.html

Dutch business Audittrail continues partnership with UMBC

As part of Maryland’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign companies to invest and expand business within the state, the Maryland Department of Commerce has engaged 650 international companies through maintaining networks locally and abroad. This includes Audittrail, a Dutch company that came to Maryland through a partnership program with bwtech@UMBC. 

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/dutch-business-audittrail-continues-partnership-umbc/

Michigan Friday: Recruiting Roller Coaster

We haven't done a recruiting summary in awhile, so I thought I would summarize what Michigan is chasing in the 2021 class.   Yes, I know commits are dropping (should be one today in MA 4 star LB Tyler Martin) for Michigan in the 2022 class but it still seems too early to start looking at that class.   

Running Backs

Michigan wants 2 in this class which includes the #1 player on the board in Donovan Edwards.  As I think you know, I don't love this recruitment and think Donovan is looking for reasons not to play in Ann Arbor vs. really wanting to.   The current predictions are in favor of Michigan but think he could go anywhere at this point.  

The second RB is more a realistic option is TX 3 star Tavierre Dunlap is a heavy favorite to pick Michigan soon.   His commitment will have zero effect on the Edwards recruitment.   

What the Hell BC?

Michigan and Don Brown have been living off the top recruits out East.  That seems to be stopping as BC is coming on strong as a new competitor for these talented recruits.   Drew Kendall went from a strong Michigan lean to having Michigan out of running caught me and others by surprise.   How does that happen?  I think its the depth chart with the NCAA granting another season for those teams not playing this season.  BC and Stanford have a shorter path to the field.  

A similar story for Maryland Safety Daymon David who was leaning hard to Michigan or BC, when Oregon offered and he started to consider playing out west.    This one seems to be a coin flip now.   

WR?

I'm in the camp that Michigan is full at the WR position and soft pedaled Allen to de-commit.   Yes, they're still talking to Jayden Thomas and ND commit Lorenzo Styles but I think those are a bit of long shots or whip cream on top of the sundae.  

Focus Dude

Michigan needs to lock up a couple of DT's and Rayshaun Benny and George Rooks seem to be the two.   That is great but lock them up!  

I would like more options at RB and feel like we have too many eggs in the Edwards basket.  Get Dunlap in the class and start finding a Higdon type late addition.  

Michigan needs another safety and CB in the class.  If the man with 2 fist names doesn't work out, they need a back-up plan.  

If all these guys (with the new NCAA rule) are freshman next season, Raheem Anderson, Greg Crippen, Giovanni El-Hadi, Tristan Bounds, Zach Carpenter, Reece Atteberry, Karsen Barnhart, Nolan Rumler, Jack Stewart, Zak Zinter, Trente Jones, Trevor Keegan, and Jeffrey Persi, Does Michigan need another offensive lineman in this class? The answer is NO!

I'm not comfortable with RB, CB and DT recruiting right now.  Michigan has strong leans at DT but they are not committed and it seems to me RB and CB could go south very quickly.   CB/S seems the most urgent with not a ton of prospects.  

• Ryan Day hints at a possible Big Ten October start, which I thought had been dismissed by everyone else.  

• College football for real kicks off this weekend and I think we will really start missing Michigan Football when we see other teams playing.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-friday-recruiting-roller.html

Michigan Thursday: Too Many WR's In The Room

WR's are all about social distancing, they want to beat the DB off the line and catch long TD passes.  They also want fewer playmakers on the roster, so they can get on the field quicker and get more passes when they do.   With Josh Gattis now running the offense, he is looking and recruiting play makers with Xavier Worthy and Christian Dixon being the headliners in this class.   

That is why I thought it was a bit strange that Michigan stole the commitment from MSU for instate WR Andrel Anthony.   Michigan already had Ohio's Markus Allen committed, did they really need a 4th WR in this class?

The answer is no, they don't and Markus Allen de-committed yesterday for "not feeling the love" from Michigan.   Recruiting is a strange business, where loyalty is encouraged but flexible on both sides.  When your a program and take an early commit you still try to add the higher ranked players on the board.  When you get the higher ranked guys, you have two choices: slow play the lower ranked player or just flat out process him and tell him there isn't a scholarship available now. 

Seems Michigan went with the slow play route here and Markus Allen pulled the rip cord on his commitment.   Markus has played well so far this season with nearly 200 yards and 4 touchdowns.   He is also playing with a torn labrum.  Could surgery on his injury been a sticking point for the Wolverines?  Hard to know, but it seems the boat has sailed with this talented WR.   His other options include, UC, UK, Georgia Tech, MSU, and Iowa State.  Good luck! 

• NFL kickoff tonight!  Yes, real football! 

• 4 star 2022 ILB Tyler Martin is on commit watch for tomorrow

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-thursday-too-many-wrs-in-room.html

Wolverine Wednesday: I'm Getting Tired Of Dan Patrick

I enjoyed Dan Patrick back during his Sports Center days but haven't really followed his radio career.  He was on NBC Sunday Night Football for a couple of years before an Ann Arbor resident took his job.   For some reason he is now the Big Ten rumor machine on the status of football.  This is his latest:

"They simply don't have enough teams to play. I was told The Michigan teams not going to play, Illinois teams Illinois/Northwestern not going to play, Maryland's not going to play and Rutgers probably won't play."

What the hell does that mean?  The Michigan teams are out?  U of M seems willing to take money from students on campus but they are not willing to play football in an environment that has had over 1000 negative tests?  I could see MSU not wanting to play, since they haven't had normalcy in that program for probably a year.  

In my opinion, the Big Ten should announce a mid-November start with the use the 3 indoor NFL stadiums in their footprint.   Students would be home or heading home and you can have games in a controlled environment in 3 different locations.   Or just say it isn't happening and shut everything down.  

Like the Drew Kendall recruitment, the longer this goes on, the worse it is for Big Ten Football.  BTW: Drew seems to be heading to BC now.   

• Mustapha Muhammad had multiple sexual misconduct allegations against him while he was at Michigan.   He is no longer with the team and didn't transfer to Houston and doesn't seem to be enrolled in CC either.   It's unknown if he was thrown off the team or transferred on his own. 

• Many teams are now going to keep COVID positive results private due to the competitive advantages for other teams. 

• Baylor - LA Tech and Temple - Navy have been rescheduled.   Until kickoff, I think every college football game could be cancelled. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/wolverine-wednesday-im-getting-tired-of.html

ClearMask works to remove communication barriers during COVID-19

In an effort to improve communication among children, hard-of-hearing, and Deaf individuals, ClearMask is working to provide accessibility to everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/clearmask-works-remove-communication-barriers-during-covid-19/

Michigan Tuesday: COVID Football

College Football started this weekend, sort of.   I know these were nothing games, but what I watched was horrific football.   There were 9 games this holiday weekend and here are a few scores:

Marshall 59 E Kentucky 0

Army 42 Mid Tennessee 0

Memphis 37 Arkansas State 24

BYU 55 Navy 3

There was only a few competitive games and even one coach got fired/resigned, Jay Hopson at Southern Miss who got upset on Thursday.   Jay was a former Michigan assistant under RR for 1 year. 

What a strange time. 

• Jimmy supported the parents protest outside the Big House on Saturday and said, they could be ready to play in 2 weeks.  

• News is starting to leak out that Joe Milton is the starter at QB.  That news will never be confirmed by Jimmy or anyone on staff. 

• Tarik Black was named a starter at Texas.  I hope his mind and body is right.  If it is, he could have a big year. 

• Duncan Robinson is getting his revenge for his poor performance against Villanova and Donte DiVincenzo in the NC, during this series with the Milwaukee. 

• JJ had a very good performance for his first game at IMG. 

• NFL News:  Jordan Glasgow made Indy and Sean McKeon makes the Cowboys as an UDFA.  With good news comes bad, the cuts included:  Darboh, Chesson, Higdon, and Mettelus.

• Michigan is trending for 2021 3/4 star Texas RB Tavierre Dunlap. 24/7 Composite has him as a 3 star, 24/7 ranks him as a 4 star.   The hope is Edwards and Dunlap are the 2 RB's in this class. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-tuesday-covid-football.html

Maryland's DefTech Center wins award

The state’s Defense Technology Commercialization (DefTech) Center has received the 2020 State & Local Economic Development Award by the Federal Lab Consortium. The recognition highlights the success that the technology transfer accelerator has had in its partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) and Harford County government.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/marylands-deftech-center-wins-award/

Michigan Thursday: John says "Free The Big Ten"

In the DC - Baltimore area there are really two powerful people, the guy in the White House and the Super Bowl head football coach.   We have had both chime in on the Big Ten not playing football in the last 24 hours.  First it was President Trump and now it's Jimmy's brother John:

“Free the Big Ten. Let’s go. Let’s go play some football. Let’s get Michigan and Ohio State and all those great teams playing some football out there. Michigan had zero positive tests in August, they’re doing a great job with protocols and those guys want to play.”

There continues to be rumors about October start and a Big Ten President's re-vote today.   I don't believe either.  I think the Big Ten is still researching options and the availability of rapid testing.   Once they have a plan, then they will take it to the Presidents to vote.  My best guess is that November would be the earliest and January the most likely.   I do think it makes sense to play games when students are not around and many Universities are sending kids home after Thanksgiving. 

For your college football viewing pleasure it starts back again tonight:

Central Arkansas vs. UAB 

S. Alabama vs. S. Miss

I thought we would at least get some better games this holiday weekend but sadly, no:

The highlighted teams playing on Saturday include: Marshall, Army, SMU, and Memphis.   With the primetime game of the weekend on Labor Day night:  BYU vs. Navy

At least its football.  

Side note: some Detroit News and Free Press articles are now behind the paywall.   I understand they are struggling, but paying for things that have been free for along time is not a good strategy.   I can't believe we have let the Airlines get away with that.   Luggage fees or paying for a regular seat drives me crazy!!

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-thursday-john-says-free-big-ten.html

Wolverine Wednesday: Why Doesn't The PAC 12 Get The Same Focus?

Hey, the PAC 12 also isn't playing football.  It seems to the media the Big 10 is the only conference that has shut down football.  Even the POTUS got involved yesterday, in a clear attempt to win some votes in the Big Ten swing states.  

Then Dan Patrick floats an October start date, which is just crazy and was quickly shot down.   Kevin Warren is taking a ton of heat for the Big 10 Presidents decision and clearly wanted to know from the POTUS if the rapid test results was going to be available to Big 10 and if yes, when?

So now what?  The Big Ten clearly needs a plan for Late Fall, Winter, or a Spring Season.  The issue is will the testing and protocols be ready?  With the teams practicing 20 hours per week, it seems the players will be, but the main concern for the BIG Presidents is safety.   

The joke yesterday was the POTUS said, we are on the 1 yard.  It's more 99 yards to go then 1st and goal.  

• Michigan's athletic department had to let go 21 people due to the projected $100 Million loss this year. 

• Only in 2020, ABC has hired Carole Baskin to be on "Dancing with the Stars"

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/wolverine-wednesday-why-doesnt-pac-12.html

Japan-based Nobelpharma selects Maryland for new location

Recognizing the benefits of proximity to leading U.S. researchers, regulators and advocacy groups, Nobelpharma America has chosen Montgomery County, Maryland as the location for its first overseas subsidiary of Nobelpharma Co. Ltd., a company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Nobelpharma’s company mission is to contribute to society by providing critical but neglected pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

from http://open.maryland.gov/blog/japan-based-nobelpharma-selects-maryland-new-location/

Michigan Tuesday: Big Ten Struggles to Keep the Momentum For A Season

College Football kicked off last weekend with an FCS match up that included a former 5 star RB from Ohio State Brian Snead that was kicked out of school for an alleged sexual assault and transferred to Iowa Western before getting to Austin Peay.    The first play of the game was a 75 yard TD run (not by Snead) and the strange 2020 season kicks off. 

I watched the game on and off but Brian at Mgoblog suspects that maybe COVID hit their Long Snapper Room, as none of them made the trip and the punt snaps were nowhere near accurate.    We are going to see a ton of examples like this all season.  TE's playing Tackle, LB's playing DE's, and Punters being played by guys on the soccer team.   Fun Times.  

• It seems the momentum the Big Ten got with a proposed Thanksgiving kickoff or even a winter season is starting to head the other way.  Some insiders are skeptical that neither option will pass the President's vote.   (those immediate COVID tests - would go a long way on getting one of the options at least considered) Which was 11-3 to cancel the fall season.  They also need to make a decision on college basketball soon.    Fun Times. 

• Michigan is very clear on the rest of the 2021 class 1) Donovan Edwards 2) Drew Kendall 3) Rayshaun Benny 4) George Rooks 5) a DB    - Yes, Please for those top 4 guys!  All 4 are needed.  

• Former Wolverine Jeremey Clark is working out for the Lions. 

• A recruitment to keep an eye on is 5 star CB Grosse Point Will Johnson in the 2022 class. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2020/09/michigan-tuesday-big-ten-struggles-to.html