Okay, I wanted to get a different thread going for the Power 5 in-state teams as we head through the next 6 weeks. Obviously there will be a bit more Michigan coverage than Michigan State but I have followed the Little Sisters of the Poor much more this past 12 months or so than before. Obviously, the drama was there and also trying to figure out any angles etc for how to bet on/against/etc with them.
Camp thoughts and articles to be shared throughout. Please refrain from making this into a pissing contest. We are all here to make money, so use any information for good or bad. I'll still have personal plays posted in the weekly BIG10 thread started by Hunt or myself.
Obviously I'll start with the Blue team. Today I just want to go through some general things and perhaps quell some misconceptions and perhaps give a different look than the national perspective. I know the bottom line on the the national perspective and I think it is right in some ways and very wrong in others...
Okay, here goes...we'll go with some quick position group thoughts:
QB: This will be the talk of fall camp and as the season progresses, no doubt. Wilton Speight does not have many fans. It is what it is. Here is my summary of last year. He was solid through the first 2/3 of the season. Somewhere in the 3q of the MSU game he threw a pick on a wheel route and they seemed to handcuff him much more after that. He was bad vs Iowa before he got hurt. My guess is he shouldn't have played against OSU/FSU but gutted it out with no other real options on the roster(this goes back to Hoke taking one QB a year etc). Now, fast forward to the Spring Game. It was ugly and uglier. Harbaugh absolutely threw the kitchen sink at him. I really think that most of the plan of the spring game was to do this and show him what he needed to do and whatnot. Now, also in the spring game stepped in Brandon Peters on the other team. He is a smooth QB that has a lot of talent. This is Jimmy's first QB recruit of consequence and he is being groomed, no doubt about it. He looked awesome at times and okay at others but also played against the 2nd team defense most of the time. Since then, the call for Peters and whatnot is a prevailing theme although most think that Speight will get the call down at Jerry World. IMO, Wilton isn't as bad as the end of last year when he was hurt plus the Spring Game. He also isn't a world beater. He can manage games and is a gamer. Peters will be a good one once he gets a chance although growing pains will happen. This will be the theme to watch through the next 2-3 months really.
RB: This is a position where they have yet to recruit a stud. They thought Najee was set to be here but things happen. Now, you go with what you got. Evans is an exciting player who continues to improve. He should be good for about 1200-1500 yards from scrimmage if healthy. Behind him, Higdon is fast and hits the hole. Now, he needs to be better against the good teams. Kareem Walker is a former 5 star who got his grades in order. Samuels is a beast coming in as a true frosh but his competition in HS was average at best. They need to find some consistency here and be able to run in 4th quarters of close games. Ty Issac is on his last chance. He is always a wildcard. I'd like to seem him used in space more/passing game.
FB: Panda is back after not opting for the NFL and he is in great shape. Harbaugh told him to get into better shape and he looks great. I would expect double-digit TD's here in a variety of ways from the former TE.
OL: This is definitely in the misconception part of the national perspective, imo. The OL at Michigan has been substandard except for 2 years the past 10 or so. Everyone will look at the seniors that departed yada yada and moan and complain. Well guess what, they been moaning and complaining about these guys for years. The talent level is better, now it is about getting a solid 5 out there. Obviously wherever Mason Cole ends up he is the leader of this group. True Frosh Ruiz will play this year and is a monster. This group, if healthy, will be much IMPROVED.
TE: Okay, you lose Jake Butt and Asiasi gets homesick. Those things happen but there is plenty of talent here. Wheatley Jr, McKeon, Bunting, Gentry among others... Bunting hasn't done much but had a nice 2nd half in the Orange Bowl when Butt got hurt. TWJ is in much better shape as well. The wildcard here and he will kind of be used as a Hybrid is Gentry. He is a former QB who can run like a gazelle and is an imposing figure. He had some nice plays in the spring game. I think he may be the surprise on offense.
WR: This is another spot I see as being improved. This might not come right away but by the end of the season there is no doubt in my mind. Again, the national perspective is that you lose Darboh and Chesson to the pros. They were excellent players for Michigan for years. The nice part is, a lot of the young guys last year got experience early in the season. One thing Harbaugh does is get your feet wet early. So, you might not have returning starters but you have so much talent here to choose from.... McDoom (10 yards per carry), Crawford (great blocker), Perry (excellent possession receiver), Johnson and walk-on Shoenle had a great spring. The freshman are outstanding. Black had a great spring, DPJ will be a future All-American and Nico just got on campus but has been a very good surprise this summer. There is plenty to work with here.
Okay, on to the defense...I am just going to do this in two categories...
Front 7: Last year you could basically rotate out almost two starting front fours. It was a luxury, now it is back to reality. Reality is pretty damn good though when the next player on your team is in that front four. This will be the breakout year for Rashan Gary and next year the coronation before being picked very high in the draft. This guy exudes work ethic and has the basics down now. He is simply going to dominate some games. Last year was a collective effort(see the punishment for 3 q's at OSU of Barrett) and this year there will be the two big guns (Gary and Hurst) and a lot of solid bodies in there. Depth is an issue but as long as the injury bug doesn't hit hard this unit will be damn good. The linebackers can only improve. You can pretty much pencil that in to a Michigan season preview for a long-time now. This group will be very good. The straw that stirs the drink will be Devin Bush JR. I love having a player with his attitude and game back there. Mike McCray should be very solid again as well. We'll see how the other parts fall together during camp. Overall, the front 7 should be improved this season over last year as a group.
Back 4: There is no doubt this group took some hits in the draft. They all seemed to get drafted. Other than his mind being somewhere else (girl problems?) in the Orange Bowl JD was one of the very best ever at UM as a corner. You simply do not replace that. Again, one thing they do at UM now is get those feet wet in game conditions. Hudson, Mettulus, Long among others got some time last year. The leader back there will be Tyree Kinnel. I have always liked him and think he will be that 'solid' player they need. Overall this group will be down but they have a lot of young talent. There are some exciting freshman in the group too. I would expect next year to see this group back to top-notch and with how recruiting in going it should be that way for quite awhile.
I am going to add spot here...
VIPER: This is their hybrid LB/DB spot that they used Peppers in (out of necessity) last year. The guy to fill this role this year and who can really do it well it will be Khaleke Hudson. If you like big hits and aggressive football, this guy is for you. Other than Gary, it would not surprise me if he was the other star of the defense.
Special Teams: Peppers was very sure-handed and teams kicked away from him. That will be missed. I do not know who they will turn to exactly as some names have been thrown around. I would expect the coverage units to be very good again. Placekicking should be fine even with Allen gone. Nordin is a brash, cocky kid who can kick it from another planet. Let us see how he does in game action. I do not know much about the punter to be. Overall, ST's are down for sure. As long as they continue to create turnovers via blocked kicks and cover well though they will be alright. It is a wait n see approach with the kicking game.
Coaching: Don Brown might just be my favorite dude ever. His record speaks for itself. Kids love him and his defenses are nasty. We'll get to Harbaugh in a bit. Pep Hamilton was brought in on offense and he should be quite the asset. I personally have not been happy with how we have used the passing game at times. The lack of screens and at times a more wide-open attack sucks to be honest. Rumor has it, and look at 2008 Capital One Bowl Game, we will see more 4 wide etc. The offense supposedly will have a better tempo to it as well.
Harbaugh is not afraid to change his staff on a yearly basis. Durkin left after a year and he improved the position. The ST's got improved as well. His coordinator goes to UCLA and he finds an upgrade. He continually upgrades a lot of these positions. Now, we need to see the results later in the season. Some of the play-calling late in games in November is odd, to say the least. Also, last year they ran a lot of different things offensively that seemed to disappear later in the year. They really played way to safe at points for me. I know the defense was superb but you still need to make plays. You know he wants to run it and play defense. Well, you need to improvise at times. They did that in year one with Rudock. It is time to do it again this year.
Couple random notes going into fall camp:
-Never expect a depth chart, hehe.
-I would expect the submarine again
-Rumor has it that the Camp workouts will have much less two-a-days than the first two years. They wanted to install a culture for the program that was lacking in the 'Country Club' days previous...
-Grant Perry will most likely be out for a few games to start the year for his running from police charge. He sat out several games last year and will miss a few more. Jimmy makes you pay for mess-ups. I was surprised he was still on team but the other charge got dropped.
-For recruiting guys, this class this upcoming year will be small so don't think that they are dropping the ball at all. Next years class will be top 3 most likely when it is all said and done
-This is really the first full Harbaugh team, it should be interesting.
This is my Game-By-Game take as of now. This will change and I will do a more in-depth one as the season gets closer.
Week 1: Neutral vs Florida -- I do like that everyone is on Florida in this game. That will help in my eventual play on the game (fla tt under). This will be a good ole classic college game, not some 41-38 barn burner. I expect something like 20-17 or 24-20... I think the good guys get it done but we'll see.
Week 2: Home vs Cincy -- Nothing much to see here. Good game to work out the kinks and get some guys some playing time in the 4th quarter. Cincy will be okay but nothing that worries me at all.
Week 3: Home vs Air Force -- We can thank Mr. Dominoes for scheduling another one of these. These games are always scary. Let's just get out safe and with no injuries to the front 4 against this offense.
Week 4: Away at Purdue -- Name your score.
Week 5: Home vs Michigan State -- Paul Bunyan game is after the bye week. This more than likely will be a night game. That is going to be some sort of spectacle. Again, nothing much to see here. I would say the score is around 42-10 late in the game and Dantoni will force in a TD and go for 2 for no reason.
Week 6: Away at Indiana -- A noon game in Bloomington is a semi-sandwich spot. This could be interesting for a bit but UM should control it in the 2nd half.
Week 7: Away at Penn State -- This will most likely be a night game as well. PSU is 'that' team this year who I am not as high on. They got smoked by UM last year and battered the year before in Happy Valley. This will be a tough game. On a neutral setting I would take Michigan. Here, I dunno. Not to mention Michigan hasn't won a meaningful road game in some time.
Week 8: Home vs Rutgers -- The 2nd bye week of the year and at the perfect time. They should be on cruise control by the end of the first quarter.
Week 9: Home to Minnesota -- The ole Little Brown Jug game. Row the Boat moves Northwest but this is another game that should be pretty simple after a tough quarter or two.
Week 10: Away at Maryland -- This wasn't pretty last year and this year will be closer. I also think Maryland will get better as the season progresses. This is the gear-up game for the two big ones so they better be careful here. Preseason I'd be all over Mary with the points.
Week 11: Away at Wisconsin -- I cannot remember if this is a night game or not. I know it isn't set yet and frankly I don't know if the B1G changed the November rules again (why we played Iowa at night last year is mind-boggling). Either way, this is your Wet champ right here (NW is the darkhorse...shhh). This game will be very difficult. This is UM's first trip to Madison in ages. This would be a heck of a win but no shame in losing.
Week 12: Home vs Ohio State -- Just asking for 'neutral' refs here lol. We'll see. OSU will be right there in the NC picture all year long. This should be another doozy. How Michigan reacts off a Wisky win or loss will be interesting. You never know in this series. Even some poor-ass Michigan teams took them to the wire this decade and some others not so much. You got to play a perfect game against them and then see how the chips fall...
So, my 'guess' at a record pre-bowl as of now is 9-3. Yes, it will be 3 straight years of 10-3 when it is all said and done. I can see it being 11-2 as well, if they gel correctly. Again, it is the middle of July though right now. Lots can happen and we'll be along for the ride...
--------------------------------
Tomorrow, I'll look at MSU attrition and try to locate their strengths and weaknesses.
Again, please feel free to discuss and engage. Lets keep this thread full of information. Any articles/blogs etc you would like to post please do!
Camp thoughts and articles to be shared throughout. Please refrain from making this into a pissing contest. We are all here to make money, so use any information for good or bad. I'll still have personal plays posted in the weekly BIG10 thread started by Hunt or myself.
Obviously I'll start with the Blue team. Today I just want to go through some general things and perhaps quell some misconceptions and perhaps give a different look than the national perspective. I know the bottom line on the the national perspective and I think it is right in some ways and very wrong in others...
Okay, here goes...we'll go with some quick position group thoughts:
QB: This will be the talk of fall camp and as the season progresses, no doubt. Wilton Speight does not have many fans. It is what it is. Here is my summary of last year. He was solid through the first 2/3 of the season. Somewhere in the 3q of the MSU game he threw a pick on a wheel route and they seemed to handcuff him much more after that. He was bad vs Iowa before he got hurt. My guess is he shouldn't have played against OSU/FSU but gutted it out with no other real options on the roster(this goes back to Hoke taking one QB a year etc). Now, fast forward to the Spring Game. It was ugly and uglier. Harbaugh absolutely threw the kitchen sink at him. I really think that most of the plan of the spring game was to do this and show him what he needed to do and whatnot. Now, also in the spring game stepped in Brandon Peters on the other team. He is a smooth QB that has a lot of talent. This is Jimmy's first QB recruit of consequence and he is being groomed, no doubt about it. He looked awesome at times and okay at others but also played against the 2nd team defense most of the time. Since then, the call for Peters and whatnot is a prevailing theme although most think that Speight will get the call down at Jerry World. IMO, Wilton isn't as bad as the end of last year when he was hurt plus the Spring Game. He also isn't a world beater. He can manage games and is a gamer. Peters will be a good one once he gets a chance although growing pains will happen. This will be the theme to watch through the next 2-3 months really.
RB: This is a position where they have yet to recruit a stud. They thought Najee was set to be here but things happen. Now, you go with what you got. Evans is an exciting player who continues to improve. He should be good for about 1200-1500 yards from scrimmage if healthy. Behind him, Higdon is fast and hits the hole. Now, he needs to be better against the good teams. Kareem Walker is a former 5 star who got his grades in order. Samuels is a beast coming in as a true frosh but his competition in HS was average at best. They need to find some consistency here and be able to run in 4th quarters of close games. Ty Issac is on his last chance. He is always a wildcard. I'd like to seem him used in space more/passing game.
FB: Panda is back after not opting for the NFL and he is in great shape. Harbaugh told him to get into better shape and he looks great. I would expect double-digit TD's here in a variety of ways from the former TE.
OL: This is definitely in the misconception part of the national perspective, imo. The OL at Michigan has been substandard except for 2 years the past 10 or so. Everyone will look at the seniors that departed yada yada and moan and complain. Well guess what, they been moaning and complaining about these guys for years. The talent level is better, now it is about getting a solid 5 out there. Obviously wherever Mason Cole ends up he is the leader of this group. True Frosh Ruiz will play this year and is a monster. This group, if healthy, will be much IMPROVED.
TE: Okay, you lose Jake Butt and Asiasi gets homesick. Those things happen but there is plenty of talent here. Wheatley Jr, McKeon, Bunting, Gentry among others... Bunting hasn't done much but had a nice 2nd half in the Orange Bowl when Butt got hurt. TWJ is in much better shape as well. The wildcard here and he will kind of be used as a Hybrid is Gentry. He is a former QB who can run like a gazelle and is an imposing figure. He had some nice plays in the spring game. I think he may be the surprise on offense.
WR: This is another spot I see as being improved. This might not come right away but by the end of the season there is no doubt in my mind. Again, the national perspective is that you lose Darboh and Chesson to the pros. They were excellent players for Michigan for years. The nice part is, a lot of the young guys last year got experience early in the season. One thing Harbaugh does is get your feet wet early. So, you might not have returning starters but you have so much talent here to choose from.... McDoom (10 yards per carry), Crawford (great blocker), Perry (excellent possession receiver), Johnson and walk-on Shoenle had a great spring. The freshman are outstanding. Black had a great spring, DPJ will be a future All-American and Nico just got on campus but has been a very good surprise this summer. There is plenty to work with here.
Okay, on to the defense...I am just going to do this in two categories...
Front 7: Last year you could basically rotate out almost two starting front fours. It was a luxury, now it is back to reality. Reality is pretty damn good though when the next player on your team is in that front four. This will be the breakout year for Rashan Gary and next year the coronation before being picked very high in the draft. This guy exudes work ethic and has the basics down now. He is simply going to dominate some games. Last year was a collective effort(see the punishment for 3 q's at OSU of Barrett) and this year there will be the two big guns (Gary and Hurst) and a lot of solid bodies in there. Depth is an issue but as long as the injury bug doesn't hit hard this unit will be damn good. The linebackers can only improve. You can pretty much pencil that in to a Michigan season preview for a long-time now. This group will be very good. The straw that stirs the drink will be Devin Bush JR. I love having a player with his attitude and game back there. Mike McCray should be very solid again as well. We'll see how the other parts fall together during camp. Overall, the front 7 should be improved this season over last year as a group.
Back 4: There is no doubt this group took some hits in the draft. They all seemed to get drafted. Other than his mind being somewhere else (girl problems?) in the Orange Bowl JD was one of the very best ever at UM as a corner. You simply do not replace that. Again, one thing they do at UM now is get those feet wet in game conditions. Hudson, Mettulus, Long among others got some time last year. The leader back there will be Tyree Kinnel. I have always liked him and think he will be that 'solid' player they need. Overall this group will be down but they have a lot of young talent. There are some exciting freshman in the group too. I would expect next year to see this group back to top-notch and with how recruiting in going it should be that way for quite awhile.
I am going to add spot here...
VIPER: This is their hybrid LB/DB spot that they used Peppers in (out of necessity) last year. The guy to fill this role this year and who can really do it well it will be Khaleke Hudson. If you like big hits and aggressive football, this guy is for you. Other than Gary, it would not surprise me if he was the other star of the defense.
Special Teams: Peppers was very sure-handed and teams kicked away from him. That will be missed. I do not know who they will turn to exactly as some names have been thrown around. I would expect the coverage units to be very good again. Placekicking should be fine even with Allen gone. Nordin is a brash, cocky kid who can kick it from another planet. Let us see how he does in game action. I do not know much about the punter to be. Overall, ST's are down for sure. As long as they continue to create turnovers via blocked kicks and cover well though they will be alright. It is a wait n see approach with the kicking game.
Coaching: Don Brown might just be my favorite dude ever. His record speaks for itself. Kids love him and his defenses are nasty. We'll get to Harbaugh in a bit. Pep Hamilton was brought in on offense and he should be quite the asset. I personally have not been happy with how we have used the passing game at times. The lack of screens and at times a more wide-open attack sucks to be honest. Rumor has it, and look at 2008 Capital One Bowl Game, we will see more 4 wide etc. The offense supposedly will have a better tempo to it as well.
Harbaugh is not afraid to change his staff on a yearly basis. Durkin left after a year and he improved the position. The ST's got improved as well. His coordinator goes to UCLA and he finds an upgrade. He continually upgrades a lot of these positions. Now, we need to see the results later in the season. Some of the play-calling late in games in November is odd, to say the least. Also, last year they ran a lot of different things offensively that seemed to disappear later in the year. They really played way to safe at points for me. I know the defense was superb but you still need to make plays. You know he wants to run it and play defense. Well, you need to improvise at times. They did that in year one with Rudock. It is time to do it again this year.
Couple random notes going into fall camp:
-Never expect a depth chart, hehe.
-I would expect the submarine again
-Rumor has it that the Camp workouts will have much less two-a-days than the first two years. They wanted to install a culture for the program that was lacking in the 'Country Club' days previous...
-Grant Perry will most likely be out for a few games to start the year for his running from police charge. He sat out several games last year and will miss a few more. Jimmy makes you pay for mess-ups. I was surprised he was still on team but the other charge got dropped.
-For recruiting guys, this class this upcoming year will be small so don't think that they are dropping the ball at all. Next years class will be top 3 most likely when it is all said and done
-This is really the first full Harbaugh team, it should be interesting.
This is my Game-By-Game take as of now. This will change and I will do a more in-depth one as the season gets closer.
Week 1: Neutral vs Florida -- I do like that everyone is on Florida in this game. That will help in my eventual play on the game (fla tt under). This will be a good ole classic college game, not some 41-38 barn burner. I expect something like 20-17 or 24-20... I think the good guys get it done but we'll see.
Week 2: Home vs Cincy -- Nothing much to see here. Good game to work out the kinks and get some guys some playing time in the 4th quarter. Cincy will be okay but nothing that worries me at all.
Week 3: Home vs Air Force -- We can thank Mr. Dominoes for scheduling another one of these. These games are always scary. Let's just get out safe and with no injuries to the front 4 against this offense.
Week 4: Away at Purdue -- Name your score.
Week 5: Home vs Michigan State -- Paul Bunyan game is after the bye week. This more than likely will be a night game. That is going to be some sort of spectacle. Again, nothing much to see here. I would say the score is around 42-10 late in the game and Dantoni will force in a TD and go for 2 for no reason.
Week 6: Away at Indiana -- A noon game in Bloomington is a semi-sandwich spot. This could be interesting for a bit but UM should control it in the 2nd half.
Week 7: Away at Penn State -- This will most likely be a night game as well. PSU is 'that' team this year who I am not as high on. They got smoked by UM last year and battered the year before in Happy Valley. This will be a tough game. On a neutral setting I would take Michigan. Here, I dunno. Not to mention Michigan hasn't won a meaningful road game in some time.
Week 8: Home vs Rutgers -- The 2nd bye week of the year and at the perfect time. They should be on cruise control by the end of the first quarter.
Week 9: Home to Minnesota -- The ole Little Brown Jug game. Row the Boat moves Northwest but this is another game that should be pretty simple after a tough quarter or two.
Week 10: Away at Maryland -- This wasn't pretty last year and this year will be closer. I also think Maryland will get better as the season progresses. This is the gear-up game for the two big ones so they better be careful here. Preseason I'd be all over Mary with the points.
Week 11: Away at Wisconsin -- I cannot remember if this is a night game or not. I know it isn't set yet and frankly I don't know if the B1G changed the November rules again (why we played Iowa at night last year is mind-boggling). Either way, this is your Wet champ right here (NW is the darkhorse...shhh). This game will be very difficult. This is UM's first trip to Madison in ages. This would be a heck of a win but no shame in losing.
Week 12: Home vs Ohio State -- Just asking for 'neutral' refs here lol. We'll see. OSU will be right there in the NC picture all year long. This should be another doozy. How Michigan reacts off a Wisky win or loss will be interesting. You never know in this series. Even some poor-ass Michigan teams took them to the wire this decade and some others not so much. You got to play a perfect game against them and then see how the chips fall...
So, my 'guess' at a record pre-bowl as of now is 9-3. Yes, it will be 3 straight years of 10-3 when it is all said and done. I can see it being 11-2 as well, if they gel correctly. Again, it is the middle of July though right now. Lots can happen and we'll be along for the ride...
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Tomorrow, I'll look at MSU attrition and try to locate their strengths and weaknesses.
Again, please feel free to discuss and engage. Lets keep this thread full of information. Any articles/blogs etc you would like to post please do!
