147 replies to this topic

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

Starting off the new year with a bit of expected, but still welcome news:

http://www.annarbor....ootball-season/

Denard Robinson will not throw his future away leave Michigan a year early to enter the NFL draft.

Here's the 2012 Schedule, and the 2011 ranking for each team, according to the Massey comparison, which averages more than 100 systems:

September 1, vs. Alabama (2) (Arlington, TX)
September 8, Air Force (71)
September 15, Massachusetts (46, FCS)
September 22, at Notre Dame (28)
October 6, at Purdue (66)
October 13, Illinois (59)
October 20, Michigan State (15)
October 27, at Nebraska (24)
November 3, at Minnesota (88)
November 10, Northwestern (67)
November 17, Iowa (45)
November 24, at Ohio State (51)

[WayBackVazquez]

Just got the season ticket holder email about tickets for the Alabama game.

Since seating is limited and price levels will sell out, individuals are encouraged to purchase tickets early in their eligibility period to ensure the best seating based on their priority level.

Ticket Prices: Michigan's allotment of nearly 25,000 tickets includes three price levels that will be available while quantities last: $285, $175 and $125.

Same drill as Bowl tickets. Gouge your most loyal fans and prey on their fears that they may be left out of a historic event. Anybody who pays $285 for a ticket to this game has way too much money than he knows what to do with and/or needs to have his head examined. I'll buy those same tickets for $50 on StubHub.

[Soxfan in Fla]

Starting off the new year with a bit of expected, but still welcome news:

http://www.annarbor....ootball-season/

Denard Robinson will not throw his future away leave Michigan a year early to enter the NFL draft.

Here's the 2012 Schedule, and the 2011 ranking for each team, according to the Massey comparison, which averages more than 100 systems:

September 1, vs. Alabama (2) (Arlington, TX)
September 8, Air Force (71)
September 15, Massachusetts (46, FCS)
September 22, at Notre Dame (28)
October 6, at Purdue (66)
October 13, Illinois (59)
October 20, Michigan State (15)
October 27, at Nebraska (24)
November 3, at Minnesota (88)
November 10, Northwestern (67)
November 17, Iowa (45)
November 24, at Ohio State (51)

Good. I will enjoy MSU's defense destroying that overrated twirp yet again.

[bowiac]

Same drill as Bowl tickets. Gouge your most loyal fans and prey on their fears that they may be left out of a historic event. Anybody who pays $285 for a ticket to this game has way too much money than he knows what to do with and/or needs to have his head examined. I'll buy those same tickets for $50 on StubHub.

You really think these tickets won't sell out? Why would Jerry Jones pay so much for the game if he didn't expect a sellout?

[WayBackVazquez]

You really think these tickets won't sell out? Why would Jerry Jones pay so much for the game if he didn't expect a sellout?

Do I really think Michigan will not sell its allotment of 25,000 tickets to a Labor Day nonconference game 1200 miles away? At those prices? No, I really don't. Is it possible we'll give away 15,000 of them to donors, the conference, and whomever else, sell the remainder and declare we've sold our allotment? Yes. At the Sugar Bowl, I paid about 1/3 of face for club seats between the 30s, and by the middle of the first quarter my whole row had moved down to the first couple of rows in our (Michigan) section which was well over half empty.

I won't be surprised if Bama sells its allotment, but it's only 600 miles away. In any event, the secondary market will be flooded with the other 35,000 tickets, most of which are much better seats. I would bet a substantial amount of money that in the day or two before kickoff, those $285 tickets will be available for under $150, with many going for significantly less than that.

As to why Jerry Jones would pay Michigan $4.7 million, you'd have to ask him. I suspect that he believes the revenue incoming from ESPN, sponsorship, concessions, parking, and merchandise will be enough to generate a profit. But it's not as though Jerry has never made a bad business decision.

Edited by WayBackVazquez, 23 January 2012 - 01:44 PM.

[Zososoxfan]

Former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady didn't play his best game, but his defense rose to the occasion and the New England Patriots used some good fortune to beat Baltimore, 23-20, in the AFC Championship Game. They'll face former Wolverines David Baas and Mario Manningham and the New York Giants in the Feb. 5 Super Bowl after the Giants knocked off former U-M lineman Jonathan Goodwin and the San Francisco 49ers, 20-17 in overtime of the NFC title game.
...

Former U-M punter Zoltan Mesko kicked twice, averaging 48.5 yards per punt (36.5 net) in the win.

...

In San Francisco, former Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh's 49ers were stung by Manningham's 17-yard, fourth quarter touchdown that put the Giants up 17-14, and then again by an overtime field goal following a fumbled San Francisco punt. Manningham's touchdown was his only catch of the day, while Baas started at center and missed only a handful of plays due to injury.

...

Two other former Wolverines will have a chance at a Super Bowl ring when the game is played Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. Former U-M defensive lineman and defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann is the Giants' linebackers coach, while former Michigan running back Jerald Ingram coaches the team's running backs.

http://michigan.riva...asp?CID=1322171 - pay site.

I'd love to know how this compares to the other big programs. After a quick look at rosters, it looks like Ohio, Florida, USC, The U, Oklahoma, and Cal may be able to match or have more players, but I'm too lazy to do the legwork myself.

[bowiac]

Michigan ranks 12th in current NFL players. You can see that here, just sort by Active. Sadly I expect them to slip further down the list in coming years.

[Zososoxfan]

Michigan ranks 12th in current NFL players. You can see that here, just sort by Active. Sadly I expect them to slip further down the list in coming years.

FWIW, USC, Ohio, and and The U all had legitimate booster scandals in the last decade and I'd bet that Georgia and LSU had some "help" too, they just aren't as egregious or are better at hiding it. Regardless, being in the top 10 of active NFLers is a great thing and I think it gets the point across to recruits that UM is an NFL feeder. Whether your #1 at a given time doesn't really matter (UT's program is at a relative low point right now). In other words, once a school has established itself in the top 10 for NFLers, other factors (e.g. geography, coaches, etc.) separate relative recruiting pitches.

I'm not so sure I agree with your belief that UM wont get some NFLers in the next few years. Martin, Molk, and maybe Hemmingway, RVB, Stonum, and Koger get drafted or make a practice squad this year. Next year, Floyd, Denard, Demens, Omameh, and Roh all have a good shot and there's a few other guys that have an outside chance (BWC, Barnum, Rountree, and a couple others). After that it gets too hard to project IMHO, but at the very least there's some serious talent in Lewan, Fitz, and Countess (and hopefully Gardner and another lineman or 2).

It wont be as good as the "golden years" years from 04-06 (Henne, Hart, Long, Breaston, Avant, Branch, Braylon, Mario, Arrington, Breaston, Graham, Woodley, Baas, Burgess, Crable, Hall, Harris, Marlin Jackson, *Mundy, Trent, Woods) which is just absurd (seriously, DAYUM) and probably accounts for over half of UM's active NFLers (~15/26), but it should keep the pipeline flowing until Hoke gets his jumbo (read: prototypical NFL) recruits going.

[bowiac]

I'm a bit less sanguine on the NFL prospects of the current crop. I've seen 4th, 5th and 5th round grades on Martin, Molk and Koger respectively, with none of the rest expected to get drafted. I think Hemingway might catch on somewhere, but he might be too injury prone to play special teams, which would help his chances significantly. I'd be very surprised to see Omameh, Roh or Floyd drafted either. Denard might get drafted, but the Pat White experience in Miami could scare guys off.

I dunno- I'm not a scout, but I'd be surprised to see more than a couple guys stick on an NFL roster for more than a couple years from the current upperclassmen.

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

Highlights of signing day: a massive infusion of quality on the offensive and defensive line, plus some very promising linebacking recruits.

The only disappointment was losing a top cornerback to Urban Meyer at Ohio State. Meyer made a huge and immediate difference at that school to the south, much like Hoke did here a year ago.

It looks like most services will rank Michigan's class in the top five. There's also one more excellent offensive line prospect who might be leaning toward signing here. He will decide on Friday.

[mgoblue2]

Word is Kozan may flip too.

[Dick Pole Upside]

They still have a shot at Jordan Diamond as well.

Here's a nice write-up from the Detroit News of some potential early impact players from this year's class:

http://www.detroitne...ey=mod|mostview

[sachmoney]

Kozan is still on his vizion quest, but yesterday Michigan picked up three top offensive linemen for the 2013 class. When I say top, I mean two of them are in the Top 100 on Rivals and the other guy is ranked #199. Oh, and they also picked up three other commits, which includes a corner back, a running back, and a defensive end, who are also in the top 200 on Rivals. We now have eight players in the Rivals Top 200, 9 total. We leapt from somewhere around #13 to #3 (Florida and A&M picked up a few commits yesterday as well) on 247 (the only ones with team rankings at the moment). Nobody has as many four stars prospects committed as us right now.

To further illustrate Hoke's awesome recruiting, look at the offer sheets of the players he's getting. Chris Fox was said to be a two horse race between Colorado and Michigan, but had an offer from Ohio State (might have been Urban's offer everyone with a Michigan offer strategy). Kyle Bosch had offers from a lot of top programs including Alabama and Notre Dame. David Dawson, who was the lowest ranked of the offensive linemen, might have had the most impressive offer sheet with offers from Alabama, Arkansas, and A&M (I'll give A&M more credit now that they're in the SEC, or at least to annoy Texas fans). Wyatt Shallman had an offer from Ohio State. Taco Charlton (NOTY candidate?) had offers from Notre Dame and Nebraska. Jourdan Lewis is probably the only exception in this, but that's mostly because he goes to a pipeline school (Cass Tech) with high interest in Michigan from the get-go.

I think it's clear that Brady Hoke is going to be a game competitor for Urban Meyer in the recruiting game. It's looking like it's going to be a two horse race in the Big Ten again with Michigan and Ohio State dominating the recruiting trails. The staff has done an incredible job already as we're probably close to having filled half our recruiting class. The depth of talent in Michigan is weaker this year and Hoke is doing a tremendous job of targeting players to bring in, especially with the state of Ohio still invigorated by Urban Meyer. He's still finding players in Ohio. It's just going to be more competitive there in years past. He's working players early and getting in with them so that they have good early impressions of Michigan.

This year, Illinois has a lot of this top end talent. It should be interesting to see how Hoke does there. Besides Bosch, both Logan Tulley-Tilman and LaQuon Treadwell (teammates of 2012 former commit, Anthony Standifer) have said Michigan are their favorites. Ethan Pocic was one of the quiet visitors this weekend, but I could see Michigan being one of his finalists. He goes to Molk's schools and I believe Molk's success at Michigan could be enticing. Ty Isaac has held Michigan in high regard as well. That's the state where I see Hoke doing the most damage this year.

[Zososoxfan]

I think it's clear that Brady Hoke is going to be a game competitor for Urban Meyer in the recruiting game. It's looking like it's going to be a two horse race in the Big Ten again with Michigan and Ohio State dominating the recruiting trails. The staff has done an incredible job already as we're probably close to having filled half our recruiting class. The depth of talent in Michigan is weaker this year and Hoke is doing a tremendous job of targeting players to bring in, especially with the state of Ohio still invigorated by Urban Meyer. He's still finding players in Ohio. It's just going to be more competitive there in years past. He's working players early and getting in with them so that they have good early impressions of Michigan.

This year, Illinois has a lot of this top end talent. It should be interesting to see how Hoke does there. Besides Bosch, both Logan Tulley-Tilman and LaQuon Treadwell (teammates of 2012 former commit, Anthony Standifer) have said Michigan are their favorites. Ethan Pocic was one of the quiet visitors this weekend, but I could see Michigan being one of his finalists. He goes to Molk's schools and I believe Molk's success at Michigan could be enticing. Ty Isaac has held Michigan in high regard as well. That's the state where I see Hoke doing the most damage this year.

While I'm just as excited as you over yesterday's news (read: priapism), it's important to remember that this is the class of '13 and these are all verbals and not LOIs.

I also don't think that the B1G will be a 2-horse race anytime soon. As much as I effin hate Bielma, he has the Wisco program in great shape. Also, until Hoke starts beasting MSU on the field, in state recruiting will not return to previous big-bro-lil-bro levels. Throw in consistently occasionally (an oxymoron for sure, but one that makes sense) good programs in Iowa and Nebraska, and I'd say in a given year you will always have 4 competitive teams (say 8-4 or better) in the conference.

[WayBackVazquez]

Did anyone here go to the Spring Game? Love to hear a report.

[Dick Pole Upside]

I didn't go, but it was broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

Denard played one series... Gardner and Russell Bellomy got the lion's share of work at QB. Of the two, Bellomy played better. Gardner struggled to complete a pass, but had a few productive scrambles. Very few downfield passes... mostly short stuff in the flats and crossing patterns. Not much of a showcase for the QBs.

Fitz and T. Rawls were the primary ball carriers. I thought both looked good. Rawls was much improved in comparison to the very limited numbers of carries we saw last Fall. Tough runner, hard to bring down. We'll be in good shape here along with V. Smith.

WRs did almost nothing. Gallon and Roundtree were okay, but Dileo, J. Robinson, and Jeremy Jackson were invisible except for a few dropped passes.

Hoke was disappointed afterwards with the tackling and interior DL play. BWC and J. Black weren't very productive inside, and Roh was just okay, IMO. I know this is an area of concern for the fall, so they've got some work to do over the summer.

A number of LBs got some work. Demens didn't play, and D. Morgan got dinged up on the second play (I think). Cam Gordon re-emerged and played pretty well, though over-pursuit was a bit of an issue. Mike Jones, Antonio Poole, Bolden, Ringer all saw action that I remember. Brandin Hawthorne made a handful of "Wow!" plays, but Hoke was irritated with him afterwards for also being out of position a bunch as well. Edge rushers Beyer, Ryan, and F. Clark showed up and got their work in.

OL was up and down. Lewan was a beast. C is another position of concern, as there were 3 mishandled exchanges. Miller and Barnum saw action there, I think.

Defensive backfield was "quiet"... As I mentioned, there was little to no downfield throwing, so short range coverage and run support were the primary tasks. Floyd, Countess, Avery were noticeably good, IMO. Kovacs played a little, but I don't remember a lot of the safety play. I don't think M. Robinson played, Furman is suspended... Wilson was out there, and had a tough time tackling. Rawls trucked him, if I recall correctly, so Wilson will need to get stronger and put on the Big Boy pants if he wants to play.

I have to say, all in all it was kinda "blah". Defense did better than the offense, though Hoke was disappointed in the tackling and interior run defense. Offense was not very dynamic (probably by design). Rawls was probably the guy who elevated his profile the most.

Oh... And Wile hit a FG from 45 that would have been good from 60. A bomb.

That's about all I recall... I'm sure I missed a few good plays here and there as I was doing chores at the time... Hopefully someone can add more. Sorry for the ramble.

[LogansDad]

For some reason, this story made me happy.

http://espn.go.com/c...e-buckeyes-mail

[WayBackVazquez]

Michigan currently ranked #1 for 2013 recruiting by both Scout and Rivals. Obviously I don't expect us to be there when it's said and done, as we have more early commits than most schools, but it's hard not to be pleased by 14 4-star commits locked up already.

[WayBackVazquez]

Michigan and Notre Dame taking a 2-year break beginning in 2018. Utah, Colorado, and Oregon State have also been announced as future opponents.

[Dan Murfman]

Just curious but as a UConn season ticketholder will I be seeing Michigan next year or will they buyout the game?

[WayBackVazquez]

I'll be surprised if the game is played on campus at UConn. Brandon will keep trying to get the game moved to an NFL stadium, and if UConn keeps playing hardball, he'll try to find an FBS team that can fill in at the Big House on short notice. We'd probably have to overpay though.

[sachmoney]

[WayBackVazquez]

Fitz Toussaint arrested for DUI.

Ugh.

[sachmoney]

Potential starting WDE Frank Clark arrested for second degree home invasion. He's accused of stealing a laptop.

Banner fucking day for Michigan. Yeah, it's not as bad as what happened to Penn State today, but we're supposed to be competing for a Big Ten Championship. These two are important players who may have jeopardized our chances with their actions. I'm just really disappointed (by the situation, not in the kids) more than anything. People make mistakes. Hoke has suspended both players indefinitely, which is absolutely the right call until they get their legal situations sorted out. But man...

EDIT: Just found out we're wearing stupid alternate jerseys for the Cowboy Classic vs Bama:

It's been a shitty day.

Edited by sachmoney, 23 July 2012 - 06:27 PM.

[Dick Pole Upside]

I like the shirts.

I don't like the shenanigans from Mssrs. Toussaint and Clark. Never the right time or place for this kind of stuff. I don't think Hoke will let either situation become a distraction. Both young men will have to sit in their dirty diapers for a while.

Time for Rawls and Beyer to step up.

[twibnotes]

I like the shirts.

I don't like the shenanigans from Mssrs. Toussaint and Clark. Never the right time or place for this kind of stuff. I don't think Hoke will let either situation become a distraction. Both young men will have to sit in their dirty diapers for a while.

Time for Rawls and Beyer to step up.

Losing Fitz is a huge blow. Beating Bama was a long shot to begin with

[bowiac]

I don't mind them wearing goofy jerseys for freakshow games like vs. Alabama anyways. I do wish they'd tone it down for Big Ten season though.

[Dick Pole Upside]

I opined in the Penn State thread that Meyer would vulture some of the PSU recruits.

Well... whaddya know... Hoke nabs a three-star CB (Ross Douglas). Just de-committed from PSU and committed to UM.

I don't know how I feel about it.

Get Treadwell and lock up the '13's...

[bowiac]

Yeah, I feel a little dirty about this I've gotta say. FWIW though, he's a four star on three of the four sites.

[mgoblue2]

I don't mind them wearing goofy jerseys for freakshow games like vs. Alabama anyways. I do wish they'd tone it down for Big Ten season though.

I forget where on mgoblog, but they won't be doing anything crazy the rest of the regular season (read: something crazy to celebrate a bowl).

[WayBackVazquez]

Among the news from media day was Hoke confirming that Gardner will play WR this year.

[Dick Pole Upside]

Wow... And I forgot Roundtree got the 21. The article is correct... Bellomy looked better in the Spring game.

[twibnotes]

I forget where on mgoblog, but they won't be doing anything crazy the rest of the regular season (read: something crazy to celebrate a bowl).

I read they are getting rid of the helmet numbers...back to the basic UM unis we know and love

Edited by twibnotes, 04 August 2012 - 07:06 AM.

[sachmoney]

Via Sam Webb, Chris Wormley has torn his ACL. He was one of the freshmen that was most likely to contribute this season. Unfortunate blow for him and the team.

[sachmoney]

Updates going into Alabama, RS Freshman Chris Bryant is out with a broken tibia. I'm not sure if he was in the two deep yet, but this injury probably hurts his ability to play long-term, when you consider the lost practice time and the increased competition on the line considering the influx of talent from the last class and the upcoming class. Kaleb Ringer is also out for the season with a torn ACL. He will redshirt.

Injury Summary:
Antonio Poole - torn pectoral muscle - working his way back
Chris Wormley - torn ACL - redshirt
Chris Bryant - broken tibia - out for the season
Kaleb Ringer - torn ACL - redshirt
Ondre Pipkins - neck stinger - back in practice
Roy Roundtree - knee scope - back in practice [or close to it]

MGoBlue will have Hoke's press conference at 12:30. I don't know if we'll find out about Fitz Toussaint's availability for the Bama game. I'm sure that he'll get that question though.

[Dick Pole Upside]

Toussaint listed as #1 on depth chart that came out on mlive.com today, though no comment (yet) on his availability this weekend.

On OL, Kalis, Magnuson, and Braden listed on the three-deep.

On defense, Bolden and Ross listed on the two-deep. Ross had a good reputation coming into camp, but seemed a little light. Hopped over Hawthorne (obviously still suffering from The Stupids) on the depth chart.

[Zososoxfan]

I've kept calm until now, but I'm jumpy all of a sudden. Working with an artist in the studio all day Saturday, session's gonna end at 7:30pm SHARP, though.

[WayBackVazquez]

Don't know how credible this reporter or his source are, but the source claims that much of the team was high during the loss to App. State in '07.

[tims4wins]

So what do folks expect on Saturday? I think it will be a low-scoring, relatively close game that Alabama ends up winning by a couple scores... call it 21-10 or so.

Edit: just came across a Grantland interview of Hoke

http://www.grantland...oach-brady-hoke

Edited by tims4wins, 29 August 2012 - 09:00 AM.

[sachmoney]

Don't know how credible this reporter or his source are, but the source claims that much of the team was high during the loss to App. State in '07.

I think that it is perfectly reasonable that that team was doing something wrong in preparation for that game and season, but that "reporter" is not the least bit credible. Posting a link of one of his articles on mgoblog is banned for a reason.

So what do folks expect on Saturday? I think it will be a low-scoring, relatively close game that Alabama ends up winning by a couple scores... call it 21-10 or so.

Edit: just came across a Grantland interview of Hoke

http://www.grantland...oach-brady-hoke

I expect us to cover, and I too expect it to be low scoring. A lot of the national media has completely counted us out, but I think it will be a more interesting and close game than has been portrayed. Something about Brady Hoke always mollifies any worries I may have coming into a game. There's that reassuring confidence.

[sachmoney]

Toussaint and Clark are not playing against Alabama. No surprises here. Just official though.

[Dick Pole Upside]

Sam Webb had an interesting article in the Detroit News a couple days ago highlighting a few freshmen that could have an impact early.

Norfleet (KR), Ojemudia (more advanced and heavier since the Spring, slots as Clark's rush end replacement), Pipkins (listed as 3rd string NT but should see time in rotation), LB Ross (smarts, instincts, technique, a pleasant surprise), and the two tall TEs Funchess and Williams (one very athletic, the other a road grader) got write-ups.

Interestingly, the two guys with the most buzz in the Spring, OT Kyle Kalis and LB Joe Bolden, fell in the honorable mention category (along with the safety Jarrod Wilson). Even so, that's a lot of kids that should see action tonight and this season. Exciting.

Edited by Dick Pole Upside, 01 September 2012 - 06:47 PM.

[Dave Stapleton]

I know it was all emotion but Robinson could have just really hurt his team going forward with his attempted "tackle".

[Soxfan in Fla]

You are what we thought you were. Overrated. Nice to see Armpunt still can't aim a football.

[twibnotes]

Last year a lot of things fell the right way for the Wolverines. Last night was a reminder that it will still be a couple years before Hoke's (thus far stellar) recruiting classes give UM a legit passing attack (Shane Morris, come on down) and NFL talent on both sides of the ball, especially the lines.

Very discouraging game, but the big picture is still encouraging in Ann Arbor.

[mgoblue2]

That was such a long night last night. I'd like to forget most of it. Denard throw your passes lower argh.

[bowiac]

You are what we thought you were. Overrated. Nice to see Armpunt still can't aim a football.

I like how a guy gets labeled overrated on the basis of getting crushed by the best defense in the game.

Edited by bowiac, 02 September 2012 - 09:57 AM.

[Zososoxfan]

Yowzas, what a shitshow. But, as sad as this sounds, I still peg UM as one of the favorites for the Big 10 title. Bama is STACKED in terms of talent, coaching, and polish. There is such a low probability of this year's team beating this year's Bama team, and I'm ok with that. I'm glad that Hoke is back to recruiting NFL-sized players, because even if RR was given the support he should've had all along at UM, I don't think it would've made a difference against this Bama team. On the other hand, I feel like in 4 years, Hoke's UM will look like a completely different squad and will have a chance against anyone.

[Dick Pole Upside]

Hoke/Mattison rotated 10... 10(!) players on the DL last night. Roh, Black, Campbell, Washington, Ryan, Beyer, Ojemudia, Ash, Pipkins, and Brink. They ALL got absolutely destroyed by a very talented and well-coached Alabama OL. Incredibly impressive performance by the Crimson Tide.

Michigan's OL was equally inept against an Alabama front 7 that didn't even have its ears pinned back to rush Robinson. The game plan was to contain Robinson's running, and Rawls and the line were clearly not ready for the moment. Shoelace was predictably scatter-armed and reckless against an Alabama Defensive Backfield that is clearly the weak link.

Neither Michigan line played with any leverage... Thank goodness there is time to fix some of this. Let's hope Lewan isn't too injured. To borrow a phrase that makes most SoShers break out in hives, this is a bridge year to get some of the young'uns experience and to continue to prepare the offense for a more classically-skilled, traditional game-managing QB. I love Shoelace, but his throwing weakness hasn't gotten better at all. If anything, it makes Michigan even easier to game plan against if you have the right defenders.

[sachmoney]

Blake Countess is out for the season. Torn ACL.