Citrus Bowl Preview

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

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

Tale of the Tape

Alabama everything vs. Michigan everything = Alabama

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

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

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

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

Say, yep saw this coming if ...…………..

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alabama 42 Michigan 17

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

Michigan Monday: Game Week News and Notes

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

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

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

More news from the weekend:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michigan Thursday: The Defensive Line Problem

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

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

So now what?

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

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

-Chris Hinton - True Sophomore

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

-Mazi Smith - Redshirt Freshman 

-David Ojabo - Redshirt Freshman - DE 

-Julius Welschof - Redshirt Junior 

-Donovan Jeter - Senior 

-Phil Paea - Senior 

-Mike Morris- Redshirt Freshman 

-Taylor Upshaw-Senior

-Gabe Newburg - Redshirt Freshman 

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

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

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

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

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

Long Shots:

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas!!!

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

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

Michigan Monday: Hunter In and a Win!

umhoops.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neighborhood BusinessWorks program supports businesses throughout Maryland

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

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

Michigan Friday: Big Day For Michigan Basketball?

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

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

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

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

• Enjoy Bowl Season as games start this afternoon. 

• Michigan Basketball Saturday Noon on BTN 

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