SB Nation - Sam McGuffie

Notre Dame at Michigan: The Preview

CW — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:46 -0000

My first visit to Notre Dame was as a senior in high school in March of 2004. Due to the generosity of the great Mr. Pete Shoop, my dad and I got front row seats to watch the Fighting Irish hockey team take out the favored Michigan Wolverines in the JACC. That September was my first Notre Dame football game, where the Fighting Irish football team took out the favored (and Rose Bowl-bound) Michigan Wolverines. In September of 2005, in Charlie Weis' second game as Irish head coach, Notre Dame went into the Big House and defeated the favored Michigan Wolverines.

This was a trend I would have been happy to see continue, but sadly, 2006 happened. Then 2007, and a pair of Yakety Sax montages later, the Michigan football program had asserted its dominance over the Irish in rather dramatic, quarterback-destroying fashion. The 2008 game in South Bend was some salve on the wound (a 21-0 lead ten minutes into the game tends to help mend broken hearts to some degree), but it wasn't quite enough. For the sake of exorcising the slapstick montage-worthy demons of '06 and '07, Notre Dame needs another win at Ann Arbor.

This request seemed considerably easier to fill with the turmoil surrounding the program after a 3-9 season, but the over-practicing allegations served as a circle-the-wagons/cry-at-a-press-conference opportunity for the maize and blue, and they handled Western Michigan with ease in their opener. The Forcier/Robinson combination at quarterback appears to be leaps and bounds better than everything trotted out under center last year, and things seem to be heading towards the usual Rich Rodriguez second year bounce.

There are a number of barriers between Notre Dame and a winning streak against Michigan, first and foremost being this game is being played on the road. On one hand, I'm not particularly worried about the crowd, but this Irish team was dreadful away from the friendly confines last year. This may have conveniently coincided with playing some of their tougher opponents (Southern Cal, Boston College, Michigan State) outside of South Bend, but still, the 2-4 record isn't great. What's even worse is the amazing -17 turnover differential, versus +12 at home (amazingly, Notre Dame didn't turn the ball over once in the losses to Syracuse and Pitt). You'd like to think that a junior quarterback bookended by two senior tackles would equal safety and security, but I can't shake the images of 2007 from my mind, and until Clausen and company prove they can move the ball down the field without firing a round or two into their feet, I'll just continue being nervous, thanks.

The biggest problem for the Irish is going to be in the trenches. To keep the offense moving, they'll need to contain the speed, size and talent of the Wolverine front. Brandon Graham is likely a future first round pick, and he's joined by freshmen Mike Martin (red shirt) and Craig Roh (true). There's some beef up there with a history of terrorizing Notre Dame quarterbacks, and this will be one of the tougher tests for the Irish offensive line after doing a very capable job in dealing with Nevada's pass rush. I don't think it's a stretch to say the caliber of athlete on Michigan might be slightly more polished than those hailing from the great city of Reno. We will address this later, but unless the Michigan secondary has gotten considerably better, I'm comfortable with the passing attack being able to pick them apart if there's time for Clausen to make any sort of read. If the line starts breaking down and chaos reigns, cover your eyes, as it's going to be a long, drunk afternoon for the Irish faithful.

Concern for the Irish on the other side of the ball stems from the Michigan offense, which is not dissimilar to Nevada's. Last year the Wolverines moved the ball well despite an early deficit, and considering the yards-per-carry achieved by the Wolf Pack, this should be a continued concern for Tenuta's defense. Not only was last year not a ringing success for the Irish defense (although Corwin Brown was more involved at that point), Pat White and Owen Schmitt ran wild down in the Gator Bowl in 2007, another instance of Rodriguez's offense besting Tentua's defense. At this point, Michigan fans can only dream of having a backfield combination that potent, but they certainly laid the hammer down on a Yellow Jacket defense that had been awfully stingy up until that point.

In the game last September, the Wolverines outgained the Irish by well over a hundred yards, and while the yards per rush wasn't overly intimidating (3.8), it was the penalties (7 for 79) and turnovers (6) that doomed the visitors. If you were to allow that the Forcier/Robinson combination is an improvement over Sheridan/Threet - and I think most UM fans are nodding their head in emphatic support of this concept now - then it doesn't seem like a leap to assume that the Wolverine offense will be even more potent this time around. When you factor in the bounce that comes in the second year of the RichRod system, the Irish defense could have its hands full. If the Irish don't tackle or take poor angles, there will be many chances for Michigan running backs to replicate Sam McGuffie's offensive outbursts last year.

But what about advantages for the Irish? Considering the talented speed that resides at the top of the defensive depth chart, I think this year's team is considerably more suited to deal with Rodriguez's spread and shred than last year's. Considering they used three wide receivers the majority of the time in the opener, Notre Dame has the ability to go nickel or dime and counter with Teo, Filer, Fleming, Brown and/or Walls, cutting off running lanes and chasing down quarterbacks when they escape the pocket. Nevada proved you could have success rushing at the interior of the Irish defensive line from the spread, but that should give Ethan Johnson, Ian Williams and the rest of a line a lot of lessons of what is coming at them. Simply put, I'm extremely comfortable if Notre Dame has to go nickel or dime, and would even prefer that versus the base 4-3.

Despite his great play in the opener, this is really Forcier's first start against a real defense (only limited disrespect to Western Michigan intended here, but they were returning 3 starters from a rather mediocre unit last year). Even though he'll be at home, Tate (or Denard Robinson, and hopefully Nick Sheridan) is going to have to deal with Tenuta blitzes nearly every play, which is something I don't think he saw in high school or in the spring scrimmage. While an experienced quarterback like White (only a sophomore at the time, but with almost a season and a half in the system under his belt) was able to take advantage of Georgia Tech, I would be surprised if Forcier was able to find running lanes, locate his hot routes and audible at the line with the same effectiveness. I could very well be wrong, but in the match-up of a freshman quarterback versus Jon Tenuta's defense, I'll take Tenuta until the freshmen prove otherwise. Colin Kaepernick - a very, very good dual-threat QB - looked completely out of sorts Saturday, and some of that has to be chalked up to the gentlemen in blue sprinting at him every play. The Irish needed some luck to get the shutout, but they still did a solid job containing one of the more potent offenses in the country.

For the Notre Dame offense, it really just comes down to providing protection for Clausen, as I don't see a way the Michigan secondary can contain the combination of Tate, Floyd, Rudolph and whoever ends up in the slot. From MGo a bit earlier in the week:

What happens when Notre Dame goes to three-wide?

Nothing. Michigan spent the entire day its base set and has no corner depth. They do have guys on the edge who can cover Robby "That's Racist" Parris or whoever; it's not like Notre Dame's backup WRs are speed demons.

Despite the fact I have no idea who would end up in the slot in that situation (a healthy Kamara could bump Tate there, Parris, Evans), I love the idea of Michigan just staying in their base defense. When Notre Dame had success against the Wolverines on offense in the Quinn/Weis years, it came almost exclusively from spreading the defense out and taking whatever was there (the opening drive in the 2005 game, the last drive of the first half in the 2006 game). If Michigan's defensive plan revolves around Stevie Brown trying to check Shaq Evans or Robbie Parris for four quarters, the Irish should score points in droves, unless....

Yes, of course, none of that matters unless the Irish can keep Graham and his friends from mauling Jimmy all day. Last year the line was successful in keeping Jimmy intact, but the early deficit and wet conditions in the second half meant that there wasn't a lot of drop-back passing late. Football almost always comes down to line play, and this game will be no different. It becomes even more important because Michigan's secondary doesn't have the depth or size to deal with the Irish skill positions (Rudolph has at least six inches on any safety he might encounter downfield), so again, please block those large gentlemen up front and let the cards fall where they may.

Considering how Notre Dame vs. Michigan was relegated to a dark match the last few years, it's nice to see it back at the top of the card after the two non-embarrassing opening weekend performances. This game is always big to both programs, but when you consider the light schedule tomorrow, a lot of people will be taking a lengthy look at both teams. It would be nice if the Irish could silence a few more critics, but just like everything else this season, they're going to have to earn it.

We knew we'd learn a lot about this year's team after the opening trio of games, but I feel like this trip to Ann Arbor looms particularly large. A win? It would give both Weis and Clausen a winning record against Michigan, and let the Irish program take another step in the correct direction, all while causing a great deal of pain for one of the Irish's most hated rivals. A loss? One more year of ridicule, sadness and a bunch of questions going into Michigan State. Personally, I'd prefer the former, and I'm not sure my heart could take the latter.

2009 Michigan Football Season Preview, Part II: The Running Backs

Maize n Brew Dave — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:30:48 -0000

Part I: The Offensive Line, can be found here.

Three days till the 2009 Michigan Football season kicks off. If you're not bursting from the seams with excitement you should probably see a doctor. Or a mortician. It's almost kickoff time, baby. We'll get to the Western Michigan preview in good time. But for right now, we need to figure out what we've got on our side of the football. Now if you can't wait until the season starts to know how it's going to turn out, we got you covered there as well. Here are Beauford's, MnB Dave's, and SCM's 2009 Michigan Football season predictions. There's your quick fix if you need a baseline.

But this is the time of year when we break it all down. Position by position. So we're splitting things up in to a couple of separate posts to give you all the information you can handle on what to expect out of Michigan this season. The Depth Chart is out, so we'll break it down. Since we know what to expect out of the Offensive Line, lets move on to a position overflowing with talent, depth and expectations, but short on results last year.

2009 Michigan Football Season Preview: The Running Backs

In a dismal year, the running game was the only bright spot for the Wolverines in 2008. And by bright spot I mean it wasn't so time and space warpingly bad that some light actually managed to escape its grasp of its implosion, unlike the passing game. Sarcasm aside, the ground was the only place Michigan was able to do anything offensively. In conference the team average 3.9 yards a carry and actually outgained Michigan State and Minnesota (two bowl teams) on the ground. Eees goot, yes?

Mostly. to be perfectly honest the run game, like most of the offense stunk, prior to the Penn State game. But if the loss at Happy Valley had a silver lining it was that the offense finally started to click on the ground. The oft concussed Sam McGuffie was no longer in a starting role and the oft one-handed Brandon Minor was toting the mail. During the Northwestern game, Carlos Brown took over and went for over a 100. Against Minnesota and Purdue, the running game clicked, accounting for most of the offense. There were break away runs. There were cut backs. There was excitement.

This year the position is absolutely stacked with power and speed. But the big question is can anyone stay healthy? Everyone who suited up as a tailback last year suffered some kind of injury that really should've knowcked them out for the year. Carlos Brown missed half the season. Brandon Minor probably should've missed most of it. McGuffie? He doesn't remember. Mike Shaw moved so fast his muscles protested by giving him a hernia. Kevin Grady, injuries and the dog house.

If the unit can stay healthy this is hands down the deepest, most talented stable of backs in the Big Ten. If they can't, Michigan's going to have a lot of problems.

The Starters

In the one back set, Brandon Minor appears to be the unquestioned starter. When a preview includes the caveat of "appears to be" you have right to be worried. Minor was held out or in the green light-contact jersey for a good portion of fall camp with various dings, bruises and pulls. Compound that with recovering from a right wrist injury last season that only allowed him to carry the ball in his left arm, and any time the injury bug rears its ugly head with Minor, you're right to be a little concerned.

But when he's healthy...

More of the preview after the jump....

Minor's one of the those unique running backs that has the perfect combination of size and speed that makes him a threat to run your ass over or sprint right by you. In a lot of ways he reminds me Tyrone Wheatly. A big, upright runner with good change of direction skills. As with all backs it took him a little while to start learning the scheme and spot the proper holes to dart through, but toward the end of last year his running took a giant step forward. On top of that Minor's become an outstanding out-of-the backfield pass catcher. You don't have to look any further than his twisting "that ball is nowhere close to me, but I'm catching it anyway" pseudo touchdown catch against MSU to see how well he's developed in that area.

Last season Minor's stats looked like this:

Year	Carries	Yards	YPC	Long	TD	Rec	Yards	YPC	Long	TD	Fmb	Lost
2008	103	533	5.2	45	9	5	59	11.8	27	2	0	0

Not bad for a guy that had 13 carries in the first 6 games, and missed another game with injury. Realistically, Minor put up these numbers in five games. Five. Are you kidding me? Extrapolating that out, if he runs at his average in all 12 games with we're looking at close to 1,500 yards this season out of Minor and close to 20 touchdowns on the ground.

But life doesn't work that way. Knowing Minor, it's impossible to say he'll stay healthy the entire season. So counting on him missed roughly three to four games this year to injuries of playing time limiting injuries, a 1,000 yard season is not an unreasonable expectation. As for touchdowns, probably somewhere in the 13-15 range is another good target as Michigan primary back. If Minor can stay healthy he's one of the elite backs in the Big Ten and could give Evan Royster a run for his money. Especially when you consider Michigan's returning offensive line. But given his track record, that'd be one hell of a jump. Minor should have an excellent season, barring injury. He's going to be a great leader and a great runner for us this season, but I can't jump on the Doak Walker band wagon.

via 1.bp.blogspot.com

After Minor is Maize n Brew favorite, Carlos Brown. Brown's long been kind of a tragic hero around these parts. An explosive, game changing speed back who just can't stay healthy. But when he is, he's a 100 yard plus a game back. It's really just not fair. Brown came in a top 100 recruit at tailback. He's been shuffled to cornerback and back. He's thought about transferring. He's been a practice and spring game all star, but almost never an in-game, when it really matters game changer. Except once. And man was that special.

Over the last four years we been tantalizingly close to seeing what Carlos Brown can really do. Every spring there is a "Good-Holy-Lord!" dash to the endzone from Brown that has everyone shaking their head and saying, "If he can stay healthy...." before they trail off. Just like Minor, if Brown can stay healthy, he's a game changer.

But the two backs couldn't be more different. Brown is a low to the ground speed demon. He's not a run-your-ass-over kind of player. Instead, he hits the seam and is gone. With an explosive first step into the gap, he gets up to speed in milliseconds, and is best (oddly) running between the tackles and guards so that he doesn't have to make sharp cuts. Unlike Minor, Brown has never displayed much "escapability." He's a straight ahead runner who can make a cut or two but is never going to juke a guy out of his jock. That's just not who he is. He's lightning to Minor's Thunder. He's speed in a helmet. And if we try to make him something he is not, we're going to be disappointed.

Brown's number over the last three years are really irrelevant. The kid's played sparingly due to any number of dings he's suffered at Michigan, so projecting numbers for his is really like pulling numbers out of thin air. But isn't that what all preseason predictions do anyway? Best case scenario, Brown joins Minor as a 1,000 yard plus back, and chips in 7-9 touchdowns. Carlos hasn't played enough for me to judge his pass catching ability, but you can rest assured that if he's healthy enough to play, they'll try to get him the ball in space from time to time and see if he can turn the jets on. Realistically, again given the injury bug, I'd project Carlos at Minor's numbers last year. Realisticall about 500 yards and 5 TDs, maybe a receiving TD as well.

Combined, Minor and Brown should have a prolific season for the Wolverines. So many things are in their favor. The Line. A QB who won't spike himself. Good receivers to take the pressure off. Experience. In the two back set, combined with Forcier or Robinson, Minor and Brown should be deadly. Between them, there are three options capable of running for a touchdown at any moment. I think that balance, combined with experience and knowledge of the system will end up with one of Michigan's highest running out-puts in two decades. If the stars align, the tandem could reach 2,500 yards and close to 25 TDs. If the sky falls, injuries, etc... 1,300 yards between them and 14 TDs. My prediction is, caveated with "they could get injured at any moment," is Minor and Brown, best case, combine for close to 2,100 yards and 22TDs on the ground. You can't tell me you wouldn't take that.

The Backups

After Minor and Brown, the depth chart lists Michael Shaw, Vincent Smith, and Michael Cox. All three are talented backs. All three are very, very different. Of the group, I've got a soft spot for Mike Shaw is is likely going to be the first guy off the bench into the game. Shaw is fast. There's no other way to describe him. He's got good hands as a receiver so he's just as effective running between the tackles or flaring out for a pass. Shaw only managed to get in a handful of carries last season as a true freshman and in the process managed to rip up his groin to the point he required off season surgery. But when he was on the field, he was pretty good. Shaw piled up 215 yards on 42 carries last season, including a pair of dazzling 30 and 48 yards runs. While Shaw didn't find the endzone last year, it's fair to say a gimpy private area probably had something to do with that. This year, Rodriguez told me at BTMD that Shaw has his explosion back and that he's running as well as he ever has in a winged helmet. So keep your fingers crossed.

Smith via mlive.com

Next up is true freshman Vincent Smith. Generously listed a 5'8" Smith doesn't look anywhere near his posted height. But that really doesn't matter. The kid's a hell of a football player. He got a glimpse of it in spring practice when he dodged half the defense in the "M" Drill. But the thing that impressed me the most is that he absolutely trucked Michael Williams in one-on-one tackling drills. Knocked his damn lid right off. Then he bounced up like a superball. Smith has an escapability and elasticity that none of the other backs really seem to have right now. Sure, he's got to get in a game to show it, but his practice reports really make you excited. Like Shaw, I think you'll see quite a bit from the freshman this year.

Then, we get to Mike Cox. Despite his humorous name, Cox has yet to see game action. Most of that was due to recovery from high school injuries, so it's hard to judge. However, with the advent of practice video on Mgoblue.com, I was able to see a little bit of Cox on the practice field and I came away impressed. Cox is a big, big dude. He hits the hole very hard and has good pad level on his runs. Not having seen him run in space, I can't attest to his speed, but there was something there that I can't put my finger on. He just looks like a Michigan running back. MGoBlog reported hearing some nice things out of practice on the kid, so take it all for what it's worth. We could see plenty of him if Minor goes down.

Fullbacks

The Fullback seems to be the forgotten part of Michigan's running game after years and years of the Carr style pounder coming out of his stance and shuffling toward the left or right tackle, tipping Michigan's hand every time it ran right or left. The hold over from that regime is Mark Moundros, a junior who currently sits atop the depth chart at his position. Moundros' production will be limited, but should aide Michigan's young quarterbacks as a safety valve and blocker. As an added bonus, he's got decent hands and concentrates more on protecting the football than trying to make people miss when it's in his hands. He's a fullback, so you're not looking at a lot of speed. But you're going to get a consistent effort and results out of Moundros. So what's not to love.

Finally, we get to Kevin Grady. A five star recruit turned hanging-on-by-the-skin-of-his-teeth back up player. Grady's tenure at Michigan hasn't been anything like he, or we, hoped. He hasn't shown the burst we saw in high school. He hasn't been able to hold onto the ball. He's been in trouble with his coaches and the law. I don't care. I really want him to succeed. Grady's been through a lot at Michigan. He's had a nasty culture shock in the transition and from learning to play within the team. But the kid's a senior now and I desperately want him to leave Michigan on a high note. Maybe I'm just being a sap, but there's something in those photos of him playing around with his brother from media day. a glint in his eyes that says he's finally at peace. Grady has always been an insanely talented athlete, but he's never been able to harness it all because of whatever mental demons that have consumed him over the last four years. But now he's got his brother there. He's going to leave Michigan with a degree. He's free and clear of the DWI nonsense from the spring. He got one last chance to leave on a good note. How can you not root for the kid? Realistically, I know Grady's not going to see a lot of early playing time. But I'm hoping, for at least one shining moment, he can deliver a glimpse of that talent and see the endzone one more time.

Overall and Projections for the Season

It's hard not to look at the talent, the speed, and the size of the Michigan tailbacks and not be excited about what they can accomplish this year. But I think the biggest difference you'll see this season will come from simply knowing and understanding the offense as a whole. The improvement on the offensive line is going to be a HUGE difference for the tailbacks, and would easily tack on an extra five hundred yards to a season for a stable of mediocre backs. But when you're talking about a group as fast and talented as Michigan's, you get all tingly.

Everything hinges on the players health this season. Minor's been battling headaches after a fall car accident. Brown is Brown, so you never know if some he's going to wake up each day with both his feet still attached to his body. Shaw had the hernia. Cox and Smith are exciting, but unknown. Grady is simply fighting for playing time. If the group stays mostly healthy, it's arguable that they could be the most productive tailbacks in the Big Ten and put Michigan in the top 25 in YPC and total yards. I'm not being optimistic on that assessment, I'm being reasonable. However, even if the injury bug does bite (and history says it will), this is still a vastly improved unit over last year that will benefit from some fresh faces and considerably more depth than it's had in years.

Personally, I'm expecting big things from Minor and Brown. I've got Minor cracking 1,500 yards and Brown coming up just shy of a 1,000 yard season. Shaw and Smith contribute consistently in and out of the backfield and Mike Cox concusses some poor safety during mop up time. And since the theme of all this is redemption and achievement, I'm hoping for a 300 yard 3 TD season from Kevin Grady. That would be the icing on the cake.

Go Blue.

When Did Linemen Turn Into Such Pansies and Other Thoughts on Wermers Departure From Michigan

Maize n Brew Dave — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:05:24 -0000

Scene: Departing Underachieving Lineman approached by reporter from Podunk newspaper

Que: Family values eroding meme

Sound: Sobbing

Lights: Spotlight the departing, disgruntled player as if he speaks for everyone on the team.

aaaaaaaaaaannd ACTION!

In the last two weeks Michigan has said goodbye to two sophomore linemen. Both linemen were buried on the depth chart and unlikely to see playing time before 2010. Both players were high-to-mid level recruits for offensive line. Both players didn't pan out. What's the difference between these departing players? One player left gracefully, quietly, with his mouth shut.

The other?

Yeah. Cue the "Days of our Lives" music.

"But it's not fair......"

Michigan is not unlike any other school. There are transfers. As it happens, quite a few this past year. But there are those who say the right things (Threet, Clemons, O'Neill, McGuffie) and those that don't (Wermers). When the first set of players departed, they stated the obvious, "I love the school. This is a business decision for me. I want a shot at the NFL. I'm not going to excel in this offense," or they said nothing at all. These players seemed to get "it."

"It" being that the last thing you say or do will be the thing you are remembered by. There is a great saying that I try to live by, "It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." I may not be as successful as I would like in following this, but it is a consideration before anything goes up on this site.

No matter what happened on the inside, to those external and internal, departing a program or job by taking pot shots leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouths. For the place you left, it makes them have to answer questions from people with no stake in the program. For you, it just makes you look bad. A whiner. A quitter. For the place you're going, it makes them wonder, "Is this kid going to put in the work or just try to skate by?" "Am I going to have to baby this kid?" Put bluntly, if you want a friendly, non-threatening group to hang out with, go to a church choir not a football team.

(The rant continues after the jump...)

Call me nuts, but football isn't a place where players shouldn't be coddled. It is an insanely violent sport where large men collide with one another at high velocity, and high intensity over and over again. And it's not just on Saturdays or Sundays. It's a full time job. To train your body to take that kind of physical punishment requires insane amounts of repetition, physical strength, desire, and pain tolerance. If you're going to put on a helmet, play at a BCS college level, get a free education, room and board, well, dammit, you'd better be up for that kind of a challenge.

Maybe football's changed? Maybe I'm on the outside looking in on a culture I only know through the periphery. I played hockey. I've got a plate and five screws still in my ankle. I've had more concussions than I currently have toes. Ripped up shoulders, knees... hell, my other ankle is worse than the one with the plate in it. But I still play. That stuff comes with the territory when you're going full-out in pads and the guy without the puck wants it back. It's a contact sport. A tough sport. So are the coaches. They yell. They scream. They drop the f-bomb here and there when you're not busting your ass the way everyone else is. But they also know if you half-ass it in practice, you'll probably half-ass it in a game and get yourself or someone else hurt; or, you're gonna make the mistake that costs your team the game.

But these same things happen in football. Hell, they happen in any other kind physically demanding enterprise. My brother was in the Airborne and looks back at his basic training days as some of the best and worst times of his life. The worst was the lack of sleep, the exhausting physical requirements, the constant stream of abuse. The best was the shared experience with his classmates/teammates. Pushing one another to be better, faster, stronger. To be the best. And those guys were and are family to him.

This applies to football too. I've met Rodriguez. I've heard his cornball jokes. I've talked with him. He legitimately cares about his players. His team is a part of his family. Further, his current and former players continually repeat that this team is a family. Even recruits are saying that.

"I was with Vladimir (Emilien)," CB Recruit Tony Grimes told Sam Webb. "That's my boy. He told me one difference (at Michigan) is once you get there, you are not just a piece of meat, you are a part of the family. That's something I can believe because he didn't play none of his senior year after he tore his ACL, but they didn't just cut him off. They kept his offer and he committed there. "

Rodriguez is not some foul-mouthed robot who tries to squeeze blood out of turnip. He's actually a lot like, wait for it, Lloyd and Bo.

Yes. You read that right.

While their methods might differ, Carr was not the patron saint of codling we might like to think of him as. For that matter neither was Bo. Ask anyone who played for either man. Carr threw transfer papers at players and could scream and sneer with the best of them. Watch any tribute to Bo and marvel at their impressions of the old coach including, "If I ever recruit a player like you again, shoot me in the head." Yeah. That's a reassuring statement to a young player. Know who did that impression? Jamie Morris. Both Carr and Bo motivated or alienated players through different methods, but they were harsh on their kids too. They pushed them hard and without yield. They knew that if they didn't push them, someone else wearing an opposing jersey would. Rodriguez understands that. And just like Carr and Bo he pushes these kids in the way that will make them better players and people.

All these things drew the players closer together, made them a family. These shared experiences. Helping one another be the best. Raising their friends up, supporting them. The flip side is, you have to want to do it. In the Airborne you can't hack it, you get sent to the infantry. On a hockey team, you don't put in the time and effort, you get cut. On an NCAA football team, you end up at the bottom of the depth chart. It's not like you can fire a scholarship athlete. When was the last time a non-Clemson coach yanked a scholarship? It doesn't happen. So they do what they can to motivate you to be your best or you find the door on your own.

But, and this is critical, you can't play favorites with someone who doesn't want to be there. You can't come down soft on a guy who is dogging it and then come down hard on your running back, just the same way it doesn't work in the reverse. College players must be treated equally. Favoritism breeds discontent, derision, cliques. You can't have a team if people are treated differently. You can't be a family if people aren't committed to one another. And it's clear Wermers wasn't.

"They were bringing in a lot of different kids that were not my kind of crowd."

Kurt, that's life. You adapt or you move on. You chose the latter. And I hope you find what's best for you. But if you're going to make a decision to leave something, in the future, do it with grace or silence.

Silence would be best.

11 Things I Want To See In the Big 10 During 2009, Part 3

grahamfiller10 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:00:41 -0000

#4 - I want to watch a UM-OSU game where I reasonably believe that Michigan can win

In law, there are standards and tests that legislation or crimes are held up to determine their validity. The reasonable person standard, foreseeability of harm, etc. The above title is my standard for this years Rivalry showdown in Ann Arbor. I'm not asking for a victory or a close game. I just want to believe, for a brief second before kickoff, that Michigan can pull off an upset. Because that's what a rivalry game is about, right? "Throw out the records"..."Anything can happen"...etc...But I haven't truly believed that; even in 2006 when Michigan was undefeated and the apocalypseNOWundefeatedholyshit#1v2BO IS WATCHING FROM HEAVEN game was upon us...Michigan was injured and listless in '07 and in '08, yeah right.

#3 - I want the Big 10's best to continue thumbing the hit stick like a nervous gamer

Good god, 2008 was a fantastic year for Sportscenter-level smashing. Shonn Greene, crushing defenders all year, especially here at the 0:13 mark (listen to the lady say OMYGOD). Shonn Greene visiting lala land at the 2:20 mark. Sam McGuffie being told by Ohio State's kickoff team that, um yeahh, maybe you should probably not play in the Big 10 (2:22 mark). Terrelle Pryor and Chris Wells stiff arming the hell out of the entire Michigan State defense. Brian Hoyer leaving the same game due to fogginess from this hit at 5:05. Brian Hoyer getting face punched against Penn State.

Every time I turned around, someone was getting lit up. Who will be the killers this year?

See Part 1, Part 2....and the final installment coming next week...

Good Luck; God Speed

Beauford — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:54:26 -0000

Sam McGuffie is out. Likely destinations appear to be Big12 South related, with A&M leading the charge.

Good luck, kid.

Good luck.

Myths and Legends

Beauford — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:31:41 -0000

I wrote a text message to SCM after the miraculous (even more miraculous now, in hindsight) comeback against Wisconsin earlier this year. In it, I lied, saying that seeing this team celebrate on the walls of the Big House had made them mine. I was no longer cheering for laundry, but cheering for the young men wearing the laundry. Then they proceeded to lose the next billion games (it wasn't that many?) and I reverted back to being a fan grasping in the dark for something, anything, to hold onto. I think a lot of fans have felt that this season; a disconnect from the teams of the past; a searching of something that felt familiar.

Then, in the third quarter of a meaningless game played for a meaningless jug, it happened. A Minnesota defender, a full 3 seconds after the whistle blew and continued to blow, dove at Martevious Odom's knees in an attempt to recover a "fumble" that had, as stated before, been blown dead. I was livid. I jumped out of my chair, yelling something eloquent like "not fair!" It wasn't that I wanted the flag. Michigan didn't need the flag or the 15 yards. There was no tactical reason that I was upset; I was merely upset that a player on an opposing team had done something dirty, and one of my players could have been hurt.

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A filmmaker is a teller of stories. Sometimes, these stories are fictional and, when they are told really well, they make us learn something about reality. They don't have to be overblown and "artsy" to do so. "The Sandlot" continues to resonate with me, and I don't think that makes me a shallow person. It's simply that some people get messages out of stories that others will never ever get, or that the author never intended. That's the beauty of art, in all its forms. Once it is created, once it leaves the artist's mind and becomes a thing, it is up to us to experience on our own. The artist's original intent is lost as the grubbing masses of ordinary people interpret and misinterpret the creation.

And that's life.

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This weekend, Michigan plays Ohio State. They do so for the 105th time ever. The two teams, when met on the playing field, will add a chapter to the story of those clashes. This is not a fictional series, this is not a film. It's a story told over generations who each have their own myths and legends. John Boorman, notable director of Deliverance, has said that he would define myths as stories that have survived. The myth of Michigan vs. Ohio State has survived 10 decades, been told and retold millions of times, and has its own set of legends and heroes. It is a story, a myth, that continues to be told, with a new chapter being added each November on a frozen field that was once grass in Ann Arbor and Columbus.

There has been, and will continue to be speculation as to what this chapter contains, but the truth is that nobody knows what will happen because, you know, that's impossible. It is up to the authors of this chapter, the players and the coaches on the field to make up a piece of art and release it to the public knowing that what they did, the legends they've created, are no longer their own. Rather, they are a part of the larger story, the myth, of Michigan vs. Ohio State.

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This Saturday, a young man who was never designed to play quarterback at this level will line up behind an undersized center and, god willing, receive the ball in a timely fashion and do his best to ensure its safe delivery to the endzone.

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This Saturday, a large man who has an even larger smile will attempt to pick up Beanie Wells, thrust him into the air, and slam him to the turf. This will be attempted in the last game he ever plays under the winged helmet.

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This Saturday, a young man having doubts about this entire program will lace up his shoes, put on his helmet, and, if he plays, will undoubtedly play for a relative who was buried earlier this week, in Texas.

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This Saturday, a coach who has been beset on all sides by accusations of inadequacy from those wouldn't, couldn't possible know what it takes to be in his shoes will fight for a redemption that he knows isn't necessary.

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Barring an unforeseen injury, or a piece of breaking news, this is the last that you will hear from me until after the game tomorrow. What else is there to say? I have my team. I have my players. They are the ones I will take into battle; I will not want for more. These are the players who will write the next chapter of the myth that is Michigan vs. Ohio State. These are the players who will become the legends.

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There is no statistical breakdown that leads to a Wolverine win except for one: You are Ohio State, and We're going to beat your ass.

McGuffie Back in the Fold?

Beauford — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:22:00 -0000

Some news, updates, etc. on the PANIC OMG PANIC moment of the week, via Scout($) and ESPN:

Wide Receiver Zion Babb was kicked off the team for violating rules. This is not a transfer, it's a dismissal. I can't find the exact rules that were violated, but suffice to say he is no longer with the team.

Sam McGuffie is EXPECTED TO PLAY this Saturday against Ohio State after attending a funeral in Texas. I fully expect him to be staring ice-daggers from his helmet at anyone who so much as talks to him this weekend, friend or foe. Welcome back, Sam. We'd all love to get ice-daggered for the next 3 years if you don't mind.
Now go kick some Ohio State ass.

Steve Schilling, arguably the most talented and certainly most experienced offensive linemen has injured his knee and is questionable for Ohio State. More Arg.

Steven Threet is practicing, but in a backup roll to Nick Sheridan who continues to get the first team snaps. I also expect to see Feagin in an expanded roll because, really, what do we have to lose?

Finally, defensive tackle Jason Kates has left the team voluntarily after not playing much this year. With Mike Martin expirimenting with various levels of awesome this year as a true freshman, and with a whole slew of very talented DT's coming in next year's recruiting class, the transfer is probably not unexpected. I wish Kates the best as he continues to pursue life, wherever it takes him.

Also of note, Orson Swindle of EDSBS had a dream last night that Michigan beat Ohio State. Why is this of note? Because of this statement:

Remember, though: someone’s getting their head kicked in on Saturday. It’s probably [Michigan], but sometimes, people are wrong about those foot-to-head roles.

Keep. Hope. Alive.

Keep. Hope. Alive. Indeed.

McGuffie, Chambers to Transfer (maybe)

Beauford — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:17:32 -0000

via blog.mlive.com

You've undoubtedly heard that McGuffie and LB Artis Chambers have told coaches that they plan to transfer next year. While the first reaction is panic (go ahead, panic, it's fine) some mode of rationality must be maintained.

1) Mgoblog has been wrong. Brian was wrong when he posted that Cox was going to transfer. He was wrong when he said Ferentz had been dubbed "next." However, I will say this: despite being unofficial, Brian is aware and is very diligent about the fact that his site is important and does serve a purpose. He takes that as a responsibility to try to simply give you what he's heard. He's not in it to start rumors. If he says that, right now, McGuffie plans to transfer - then that part is at least right. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess.

2) piggy-backing onto the previous segment - nothing is official, nor is it likely to become official for a few weeks. These players will go home. They'll talk to their families, friends, and highschool coaches. They can still change their minds and decide to stay. Anthony Carter himself was set to transfer until Bo pulled him out of the airport and talked him off the cliff.

3) If McGuffie and Chambers indeed decide to transfer, wish them well, and move on. I've seen a ton of posts/comments about how McGuffie was too small anyways, and he wouldn't play hurt so he's a wimp, and that he shy's away from contact. Well we weren't saying that when he was wearing the winged helmet, so don't say it now. I understand it's a natural defense mechanism, but all it does is make you sound bitter and...well...kinda stupid.

4) Losing talented players hurts no matter where they are in a prospective depth chart. Saying "RB is at least a place we can afford to lose a guy" doesn't help matters. McGuffie, I still believe, is a talent that will serve this football team well headed into the fast undertaking that is "rebuilding." Losing him hurts - there is no other way to put it. Don't sugar coat this.

5) I honestly believe that if he chooses to stay, he will choose to be a part of something that is special. This team, this future team, will continue to be special with or without him. Remember that.

Injury Arrrrrgh

Beauford — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:23:50 -0000

Sheridan gets a bum rap, in my opinion. He's been asked, several times this season, to play a role that he was never meant to play: starting quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines. With all due respect to Nick Sheridan, who I am sure is an outstanding person, I was kinda hoping that he...um...wouldn't play this Saturday.

That is looking doubtful at the moment

Michigan quarterback Steven Threet is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game at No. 10 Ohio State because of a shoulder injury.

So...more Sheridan. Against the conference's 2nd best pass defense. In the 'Shoe. Yikes. The shoulder injury appears to be a slight seperation suffered against Northwestern, and Rodriguez went on to say that the next 48 hours will determine Threet's status. A ray of hope, maybe, but Threet's practiced all of about 3 times in the past 3 weeks. Brady himself would have trouble coping with that kind of layoff, especially coming into a game like this. At this point, I think if we're to ride anyone to victory, it's going to be on Sheridan making a legend out of himself.

Also from the aforementioned article, Sam McGuffie will most likely be inactive due to a death in the family:

Rodriguez is optimistic running back Brandon Minor will play against the Buckeyes (ABC, noon ET) after missing the Northwestern game with injuries to his ribs, shoulder and wrist. Freshman running back Sam McGuffiehad a death in his family and might miss Saturday's game.

Arrrgh.

I've heard Minor say that he's playing this weekend, no if and's or but's, FWIW.

The injuries...well...they are. They exist. There's no sense in dwelling on the team that could be out there - the team that will be out there will be QB'd by Nick Sheridan and will lack one Sam McGuffie. Yes, looking at the numbers matchup this particular offense looks like it's going to border on sickly to anemic, but it's the best we've got. Updates as events warrent.

Stats-ish Preview: Northwestern

Beauford — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:13:26 -0000

Basketball = 2-0. Woo.

There is still football to be played, however, as the Wolverines go up against the Wildcats of Northwestern [insert Wildcat roar here] this Saturday, Noon ET, at Michigan Stadium. Any momentum gained from the Minnesota game is on the line Saturday; a win means we have somewhat of a hot-streak going into the 'shoe. A loss destroys the aforementioned streak, any momentum gained, and probably some sort of household appliance in the home of Beauford. If you're having trouble getting amped for this game, just think of my toaster. Her life is in your hands, Wolverines.

In Mortal Danger

Via www.lakewoodconferences.com

Northwestern's Offense:

It's looking more and more like starting quarterback CJ Bacher is going to play after all:

11/12/08 - QB C.J. Bacher (hamstring) is practicing again this week with hopes of returning to the lineup. Coach Pat Fitzgerald says he'll regain his starting job once he's healthy. The official depth chart lists the QB job as Bacher or junior Mike Kafka.

Still injured, however, is most of Northwestern's running back crew, leaving Sophomore Stephen Simmons as the probable starter against Michigan. Also seeing time against Michigan will be former receiver turned running back Jeravin Matthews.

Without starting running back Tyrell Sutton, who seems unlikely to return with a wrist injury, the Wildcats moved Stephen Simmons to a starter in their loss to Ohio State on Saturday. Against Michigan this weekend, Simmons will remain a starter, but Fitzgerald has made another shift.

He will move wide receiver Jeravin Matthews to running back to help back up Simmons with Jacob Schmidt and Scott Concannon. Matthews played multiple positions, including running back, because of his speed and athleticism in high school.

Given Michigan's track record in dealing with players who have hastily changed positions mid-season, I'd say that this Matthews character is destined for a good day.

Michigan will be facing a Northwestern offense that features a 3rd string running back not named "Sutton" and a dinged-up (at best) CJ Bacher who, according to the aforelinked article, is still having trouble "opening up and running." This all bodes poorly for the Northwestern offense, which wasn't exactly setting the world on fire prior to the nasty string of injuries. Northwestern is averaging a rather "meh" 370 yards/game this season, good enough for a 55 ranking nationally, and 5th in the Big Ten.

Bacher to date has thrown 11 interceptions to 10 TD's, and has only rushed for 283 yards on the season. That's good for around 30 yards per game after sacks are adjusted. It's safe to say that while Bacher is mobile, he isn't exactly Juice Williams. Bacher dealing with an injury that expressly limits his mobility is even less Juicy. If Bacher starts, expect to see more of his arm than his legs which, given the amount of INT's thrown this year, could be a good thing.

If Kafka starts, however, it's a whole other ballgame. Kafka has shown promise with his legs, but has poor pocket-awareness. He will probably take advantage of what Michigan gives him on the ground, but will be equally flustered by this "roaming Okie" blitz package we've seen recently. If he plays, I expect some exceedingly frustrating picked up 3rd and longs combined with some exceedingly satisfying sacks. Over the two games that he's seen significant time in, he's averaged about 20 attempts per game. Expect to see a lot of the ground attack if Kafka is starting.

FWIW, I kinda think Bacher is going to get the start, but will have a short leash if the injury limits him in any way.

Michigan Defense:

What to write, what to write...

Here's what we kinda know:

1) Schafer has "dumbed down" the defense to a base nickel package, employing an "okie" front on obvious passing downs. Okie basically means that there are 3 down linemen, and a bunch of guys behind them who kind of wonder around showing blitz, or not showing blitz, then maybe blitzing. Sound confusing? That's what it's supposed to do to the offensive line and quarterback. It worked great against Minnesota, and will probably get about as much action against a similar offense in Northwestern. By the way, I'm not a coach, so if I'm waaaay off base on what the Michigan Okie front is designed to do, by all means, correct me in the comments.

2) The defensive line is probably going to be good again. They're the only unit who has shown consistency on the defensive side of the ball. I think, given Bacher's immobility and a 3rd stringer at RB that they will be primed for a big day.

Here's what we don't know:

1) The secondary had a good/great day against Minnesota. It's the first one of those they've had as a unit. Predicting what they will do against Northwestern seems foolish given the inconsistency. Having 5 DB's on the field at once, with Harrison playing a hybrid "wolf" position (half LB, half S) in the cover 2 seems to have struck a chord with this particular group. We shall see.

2) Linebackers are inconsistent. Still.

I dunno. You try to sort it out.

Given the Bacher injury/Kafka inexperience, and the 3rd string running back thing combined with the new-found simplicity of the defense, I kinda expect them to have an ok day. Ohio State held a Kafka-helmed Northwestern to only 294 yards of total offense and 10 points last week. I expect Northwestern to gain something closer to their season average of 370 YPG, but nothing exceeding that. Their injuries will limit them, and Michigan's defense appears to have found something against Minnesota.

Michigan Offense:

Per Rivals, and via Mgoblog:

Redshirt sophomore Nick Sheridan will get another opportunity to add to his second chance, head coach Rich Rodriguez reported today. Sheridan led the Wolverines to a win over Minnesota and will start again Saturday against Northwestern ...

So, there you have it. Additionally, it looks as if Minor will be limited/inactive with an injured body:

Michigan running back Brandon Minor has yet to practice this week due to shoulder, rib and wrist injuries.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez said Minor was "doubtful" on Wednesday.

Head, shoulders, knees, toes, wrists, and ribs. It's all hurt. As I mentioned in my less-informative preview, the rushing onus falls onto a combination of McGuffie and Shaw against Northwestern.

As I mentioned before, one of the things I've been most impressed with has been McGuffie coming out of the backfield as a receiver. I expect there to be even more of that mentality now that the Minor-Rage offense is not available. Shaw has been equally impressive; on his 23 attempts he's averaging 6.8 YPC.

The 800 lbs. gorilla in the corner, however, has on a #8 Jersey and plays quarterback. He may not be death anymore, but uh, Steve Young he ain't. To date, he's completing 56% of his passes, and has 5 INTS to his 2 TD's. Any optimism that stems from the fact that Bacher may not be starting for Northwestern should be immediately nullified by the fact that Sheridan is starting for Michigan.

That's not to say that he can't win us this ballgame. Last week, I thought Nick did several things very, very well. When he scrambled he kept his eyes downfield. He throws a screen pass well. He kinda looks like Brian Greise. However, I was terrified on a number of deep balls that hung, and hung, and hung. Minnesota didn't make him pay for those.

Here is Sheridan against Minnesota:

Player	Att	Comp	INT	Yards	TD
Sheridan	30	18	0	203	1

Here is Sheridan against everyone else:

Player	Att	Comp	INT	Yards	TD
Sheridan	54	29	5	262	1

Sheridan was 60 yards shy of matching his entire seasonal output to date against Minnesota, which included playing time of some sort in 5 games. Did Sheridan turn some sort of corner? Maybe. My guess is that he wasn't as bad as his numbers suggested, but I think a regression towards the mean is more than likely against Northwestern.

Reasons for this include the fact that Northwestern will likely be more prepared after seeing what he did against Minny. For example, those hitches to Mathews and Stonum probably won't be there every time, and Stonum probably won't make a SportsCenter top-10 one handed catch for a crucial first down. Add into this the fact that Sheridan likely won't have Minor-Rage offense to lean on, and you see why there is reason for concern.

Speaking of which, I was very impressed with both Stonum and Mathews against Minnesota, and am guessing they will be featured, along with quarkback Odoms, prominently in whatever passing attack Michigan can muster.

Bottom line for our QB: Against Minnesota, Sheridan managed to at least be smart, and was helped by some terrific catches. If he can pull another 0 INT day, Michigan will likely be in good shape. If he starts throwing INT's, it's fail time.

Feagin will likely see time in the same capacity that he was used against Minnesota. I think that he's under instructions to throw if it is absolutely wide-there-is-nobody-standing-within-15-yards open. Rodriguez, at this point, would rather take a loss of yardage on a keeper than have Feagin try to force something. I think Feagin will get an opportunity to throw the ball this weekend; whether he actually does is up for debate.

Another positive note is that Molk will be starting, despite some worry about a toe injury suffered against Minnesota.

Northwestern Defense

As a unit, Northwestern is giving up around 350 yards per game. That's very middle of the road, and good enough for a 58th nationally, and 7th in the Big Ten. The defense is solid, if not spectacular. If there is one area they excel in, it's playing behind the LOS. Northwestern is ranked 2nd in the conference in both TFL's and Sacks. They are aggressive, and will likely try to pressure Sheridan into making bad reads and throws. Michigan's offense mitigates this aggression slightly with screens and draws, but I expect Sheridan to have to make that all-important decision to just tuck it and take the sack on more than one occasion.

Corey Wootten is among the conference best in TFL's and has 7.5 sacks on the year - good enough for 5th in the conference. The line will have their hands full with him. I wish I had more to tell you here, but I don't. Northwestern's defense does nothing really spectacularly, but nothing really poorly either. Their 3rd down conversion against is solid - 65% of the time they get off the field.

Overall, I expect that Northwestern's defensive gameplan will be to tackle behind the sticks and get Michigan into obvious 3rd and long situations. From there, they should be able to pressure Sheridan enough to maybe force him to make a bad throw. On a play to play basis, Northwestern's D should hold up rather well, but I expect they will be susceptible to the big play by becoming over-aggressive. A few Shaw draws or Feagin keepers will probably go for 30+ yards as aggressive LB's and secondary run themselves out of the play.

Special Teams

Lopata: Check

Mesko: Check

All systems go.

Prediction

I kinda think that Michigan wins this one, actually. Let's make it 17-13.