Michigan Monday: More Changes Needed

After a Michigan loss, its basically throwing my entire weekend out the window.    If you include a loss to OSU, its like throwing 4-5 days out the window.   My stomach hurts and my attitude goes from "fun Bob" to "pissed off Bob".

Saturday didn't even give me an hour of football depression.   I wasn't joyful, but the outcome is what I expected.  The score was a bit one-sided, but it was a movie I had seen before.    You know what I found funny?   Having a Harbaugh team get blown out is media gold and with ESPN's two playoff games, they barley mentioned the Peach Bowl.  Which was a bit refreshing.

What now?

When Jimmy was hired, we hoped he brought in toughness, defense, and a NFL offensive scheme.   He did just that and it isn't good enough.   The problem is Jimmy is playing chess and everyone else is playing checkers.  I believe for Jimmy's system to work, he needs NFL quality offensive lineman and a very smart QB.  He hasn't had that at Michigan.  Yes, Michigan has a better QB but I don't believe 4-5 NFL lineman are walking through Schembechler Hall right now.   Even the god of college football, Nick Saban realized he needed to make some changes on offense and he is getting the best of the best in recruiting every year.

Yes, you need to be able to run the football, but you have to have a dynamic passing game that leads that running game.   This isn't the NFL and by the way, the NFL is trending more towards the dynamic passing game then the power run game.  The only team that is doing and power run game in the NFL, is Jimmy's brother, which is a different problem.

Jimmy needs to hire an OC that doesn't agree with his offensive system.  Pep is rumored to be out the door and was strangely on the Detroit Lions sideline for Sunday's game at Green Bay.    If Jimmy, does have an opening he better be creative with that hire.

Don Brown's problems are just the opposite.  

Don runs a very college oriented defense.   He plays man to man and pressures the QB.   If you have talented players, that will win you a lot of football games.  The issue is, if the other team has time or a talented OC, they can scheme an NFL type of approach to beat you.

For example, OSU beat Michigan with a quick hit NFL type passing game.   Which is very hard to cover in a man to man defense.  They worked on that offense all year and had it perfected by the time Michigan came to town.  That scheme alone is going to get Haskins drafted high in the first round.   (BTW, OSU showed this offense all year and for Don not to have defense prepared for it, is terrible work)

The other issue is, if Michigan is in Man to Man, the DB's have their back turned to the QB, which gives the QB chances to gain chunk running yards.    Don't get me started on the Dline not saying in their rush lanes and going wide and giving the QB huge holes to run through.

Michigan needs a defense to be just as good in zone as they are in Man to Man.    Its not even a question, its a mandatory situation and it been that way for at least two seasons.  If Don, can't teach a zone, then he needs to hire a new assistant that can teach it or he needs to look for other work.

The Temple job all of a sudden is open again and who knows if Don would be a candidate again.   Please don't get this wrong, I don't want Don to leave, but Michigan needs a more flexible defense.

This isn't rocket science

Florida's offense is not complex and it looked like Don was coaching against Sean McVay.  Everyone knew QB draw was coming and Michigan still left the middle of the field wide open.

It's also obvious when this team throws in the towel.   After the pick early in the second half, I knew this game was done for Michigan.  Outside a blocked punt safety, Michigan didn't do anything worth while the rest of the game.

After one of Florida's TD's the TV flashed to Don's face.  He wasn't surprised, he wasn't mad, he also expected the outcome.

It's not fair to the seniors 

Chase Winovich decided to play through pain and basically one handed.  He needs surgery and instead of going under the knife, he dressed and played one more game.   The way the season ended isn't fair to him or others players that played hard.    It's not fair and a bit dangerous to have a game where everyone is not bought in.   This photo by David Turnley shows the emotion of a final game loss as a senior in a private moment.

• Michigan got some good news when Hill and Metellus decided yesterday to come back to Michigan for their senior year.  Now its up to David Long to make a decision.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/12/michigan-monday-more-changes-needed.html

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike

Ring in New Year’s Day with an outdoor excursion with help from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. On January 1, more than 35 hikes will be held throughout the state as part of First Day Hike.

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/kick-new-year-first-day-hike/

I Don't Care

You shouldn't either.

This wasn't Michigan, this was Michigan's 3rd and 4th team players on defense.   At one point, I wondered if Michigan was going to have enough guys on defense to finish the game.

After Michigan left 10 points off the board on the first half and the pick in the end zone to start the second half, it was over and everyone knew it.  

Bowl games aren't about the better team, its which team wants to be there.   Michigan lost this game before they even left Ann Arbor.   Florida wanted to play and Michigan didn't.   It was just the opposite in the Citrus Bowl a few years ago.

I really don't know how these games are beneficial to anyone.   If you traveled to the game and spent thousands on travel costs and tickets, I feel for you.   Been there, done that.   Never again.

Cheers:

• Christian Turner looks legit 

Jeers:

• I'm sorry but Don Brown needs to go back to defense school.   If you have time to prepare for his defense you can pick it apart.   I know he was under manned today but his defense has given up 100 points the last two games.   That is not the #1 defense in the nation or even a good defense. 

• Michigan's offense is predictable and bad.  They give away one down to the defense every 4 downs.   Where are all these plays we have heard about?

• Shea won a lot of games for Michigan this year but he played poorly today.  

• Jimmy has to start believing in another offensive philosophy.   His way of doing things is outdated and I don't believe Michigan can be elite with it.  Michigan has the best set of WR's maybe ever and he isn't aggressive at all. 

Thank goodness we are a basketball school.  They play at noon on Sunday.  

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/12/i-dont-care.html

Peach Bowl Preview

Time: 12:00
Location: Mercedes Dealership, Atlanta
Weather: Indoors
TV: ESPN
Stream: ESPN APP
Line: Michigan -6.0

Vegas is the best in the business at predicting games and spreads.  I have no idea on how they pick spreads for these bowl games.   Players are sitting out and some teams (like Miami) rather be at home then playing in a football game.  Or you just put bad teams up against each other like TCU and CAL that end up with a 10-7 OT game with 9 picks.   This system is working perfectly!

The Florida Gators were a bit streaky this year under new head coach Dan Mullen.  They lost their second game of the year to UK, won 5 in a row, lost 2 in a row, and finished off the year by winning their last 3 games against the murders row of South Carolina, Idaho, and Florida State.

We know how Michigan's season ended and there is no reason to relive that sh*t.

Tale of the Tape
Shea vs. UF's Pass D = Push
Michigan OT's vs. UF's DE's = Florida
Michigan Running D vs. UF's Running O = Michigan
Michigan's Pass D vs. UF's Passing O = Michigan
Intangibles: Florida
Coaching: Michigan

A good friend of mine Augusta J wanted me to go to the game.  He said the Stadium was worth the trip alone.  But alas, I have also decided to skip this years bowl game and head to the Chick-fil-A for lunch instead.

If this game was in Week 3 or 4 of the season, I think Michigan wins by 14 points.  It isn't and this team that Michigan will put on the field will be missing its best player on defense Bush and it's most talented one in Gary.  The offense is missing its 1000 yard runner and its Right Tackle.    Somehow all those changes only moved the line about a half a point.

Michigan is also coming off a train wreck in CBus that will either motivate them or do just the opposite.   Its hard to know.   The videos of practice looks like a team that is focused and is ready to play, but we won't know anything until about 12:15 on Saturday afternoon.

The Michigan coaches also have something to prove.   Pep and Jimmy need to open up the offense and let Shea throw without Higdon in the lineup.  Florida's pass defense is for real and it will be time to see Black, DPJ, and Nico can get separation and win some 50/50 balls downfield.

Don Brown the king of defense, got sent to the Bud Light wine cellar after the disaster in Ohio.  OSU was very clear on how to beat his defense and it will be interesting to see if his unit can respond positively without two very good players and just two weeks to prepare.

Yell, See you next year if...…………..

• Michigan's passing offense opens up the running game 
• Michigan's defense isn't shell shocked
• Getting 11 wins is really important
• Chase has a big day and goes out a winner like he deserves
• Michigan can handle UF's athletes

Shake your head and wonder why you attend these games if....

• This Michigan team looks like the one that played in the Outback
• Jimmy and Pep are running Evans straight in UF's D line 
• Michigan's D is lost without Bush 
• The UF offense is scoring points 

Here is my concern, Michigan is known to struggle with very athletic teams or players.   Even in wins this year, they gave up big plays to elite athletes.   Florida is full of those and if Franks can throw and run for some first downs, the Wolverines will have some issues.  

Florida likes to run the ball, which should be a positive for the Wolverines.  Florida also has tape from the Ohio State game.  Franks isn't Haskins and Mullen isn't Meyer but I'm sure we will see some concepts that beat the Wolverines in Ohio.  

I think the bottom line is Florida's program is on the rise with Mullen and Michigan just took a TKO in their last fight.   The Florida Gators are excited about playing another game, the Wolverines interest is questionable.  Michigan is going to struggle with Florida's DE's and Shea will have little to no time to get the ball down field.    Will Michigan be able to run the ball with Evans, Wilson, and Turner?

Harbaugh needs this win and Florida wants it so they can continue the progress.  

Florida 21 Michigan 17

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/12/peach-bowl-preview.html

Local manufacturers partner with school system for career tour

Advanced manufacturers across Washington County recently led a day-long tour for the Washington County Public School System’s (WCPS) guidance counselors to show what daily operations look like and what companies need from the next generation of skilled laborers. 

from https://open.maryland.gov/blog/local-manufacturers-partner-school-system-career-tour/

Michigan Thursday: Down Another Starter For The Peach

As reported yesterday, JBB Michigan's senior starting RT did not make the trip to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl. Now your first reaction might be, "Is he really considered an NFL Draft prospect?" He could get drafted but if he did, he would be a Day 3 draft prospect. So why is he sitting?

Michigan's release said that JBB elected not to play but insiders are saying that he is still injured with a Turf Toe and wasn't ready to play in this game.   Jimmy has a rule: if your injured and not playing, you don't travel.    Not sure why the Michigan staff used that wording on his participation. 

If your wondering how to feel about this game, I would say that is a valid feeling.   Michigan will be fielding a team that is more like its future 2019 squad then its 2018 team.   I have always said, that every Big 5 program should have an opportunity for an August pre-season exhibition against a local school (to reduce travel costs).   This game is starting to feel a bit like that. 

Many Michigan fans are feeling the same way, at last report Michigan had only sold 60% of it's ticket allotment and right now tickets are going as low as $55.75 on Stubhub.   Tickets through Michigan's Athletic Department are at $160 per.   (Michigan has to purchase any un-sold tickets in their allotment of 13,000)

If your wondering, Florida expects all their draft eligible players to participate on Saturday.   This is also starting to feel a bit like the Citrus Bowl in Harbaugh's first year but in reverse.   New coach, rebound year, and a program on the rise.   Other teams stars more interested in the NFL Draft. 

Should be a fun game! 

• Hello Minnesota's run game!  They ran over Tech at Ford Field yesterday.  

• Hello interceptions!  A total of 9 in the CAL - TCU game. 

• Hello Lighting, never seen a bowl game cancelled before. 

• Zach Gentry was happy with the draft grade he got from the NFL, so he will make a decision after the Peach Bowl.   To be fair, Zach has had a nice year but struggled against OSU.  If he has a strong Peach, he might just jump to the NFL.   When are they going to run a trick play, where he throws the ball?

• Don Brown addressed the OSU game by basically saying they had a great year with one terrible week.  That he just needs to move on.  I know he isn't going to go into specifics with the media but I hope moving on includes teaching his unit how to play a zone coverage.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/12/michigan-thursday-down-another-starter_27.html

Michigan Thursday: Down Another Starter For The Peach

As reported yesterday, JBB Michigan's senior starting RT did not make the trip to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl. Now your first reaction might be, "Is he really considered an NFL Draft prospect?" He could get drafted but if he did, he would be a Day 3 draft prospect.    So why is he sitting?

Michigan's release said that JBB elected not to play but insiders are saying that he is still injured with a Turf Toe and wasn't ready to play in this game.   Jimmy has a rule: if your injured and not playing, you don't travel.    Not sure why the Michigan staff used that wording on his participation. 

If your wondering how to feel about this game, I would say that is a valid feeling.   Michigan will be fielding a team that is more like its future 2019 squad then its 2018 team.   I have always said, that every Big 5 program should have an opportunity for an August pre-season exhibition against a local school (to reduce travel costs).   This game is starting to feel a bit like that. 

Many Michigan fans are feeling the same way, at last report Michigan had only sold 60% of it's ticket allotment and right now tickets are going as low as $55.75 on Stubhub.   Tickets through Michigan's Athletic Department are at $160 per.   (Michigan has to purchase any un-sold tickets in their allotment of 13,000)

If your wondering, Florida expects all their draft eligible players to participate on Saturday.   This is also starting to feel a bit like the Citrus Bowl in Harbaugh's first year but in reverse.   New coach, rebound year, and a program on the rise.   Other teams stars more interested in the NFL Draft. 

Should be a fun game! 

• Hello Minnesota's run game!  They ran over Tech at Ford Field yesterday.  

• Hello interceptions!  A total of 9 in the CAL - TCU game. 

• Hello Lighting, never seen a bowl game cancelled before. 

• Zach Gentry was happy with the draft grade he got from the NFL, so he will make a decision after the Peach Bowl.   To be fair, Zach has had a nice year but struggled against OSU.  If he has a strong Peach, he might just jump to the NFL.   When are they going to run a trick play, where he throws the ball?

• Don Brown addressed the OSU game by basically saying they had a great year with one terrible week.  That he just needs to move on.  I know he isn't going to go into specifics with the media but I hope moving on includes teaching his unit how to play a zone coverage.

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/12/michigan-thursday-down-another-starter.html