You do realize that Michigan barely beat Rutgers each of the past two seasons? Probably should be careful who we deride and just worry about winning the next game on the schedule - Hawaii.
Most would think that Donald Trump and Jim Harbaugh had bad days today. But neither did. Trump thinks he still won the election and Harbaugh thinks nothing is wrong.
One of the primary concerns in the 4.5 years under Harbaugh is quarterback development. In year 1, Ruddock got better. In year 2, Speight came out of nowhere to be the starter (remember the whispers coming from inside in 2015 that O’Korn would be the starter in 2016 and was better than Ruddock) and for the first 9 games, played well by most counts. He had a rough outing at Iowa where he also hurt his shoulder, and he was never the same. Fisch also departed. Since then, name your quarterback - 2017 Speight, O’Korn, Peters, Patterson, McCaffery (sorry, if McCaffery were better in practice than Patterson, he would be starting. Coaches want to win) - none have developed or reached expectations. Perhaps, it’s a coincidence. Perhaps it’s not.
Mason Parris has put on weight. He is up to about 250. Silva is a bit of a question mark right now. He had some academic struggles last year and I know the coaching staff was concerned about what this meant going forward. I have no idea what the immediate plans for Cam Amine are but with Massa out, he may see the line-up right away.
The plan was for Mattin to redshirt and grow into 133. Making 125 was really a struggle last year. With Micic out, I'm not sure if they are still planning to redshirt him. Obviously, Silva's situation factors into this. McHenry is still pretty small as far as college 125's go but he will still wrestle off Assad for the 125 spot.
While the increased coverage by BTN is great, Michigan Wrestling is probably in for a tough season. As noted above, Micic (2X All American), Amine (2X All American), Storr (NCAA qualifier), and Massa (3X NCAA qualifier; All American as a freshman) are all taking Olympic redshirts. Micic and Amine are already in the Olympics for other countries but Storr and Massa have little chance of making the US team. They are redshirting to line-up all four to be back in the line-up for next season. Without those four redshirting, Michigan is now out of the top 25 in the latest Trackwrestling pre-season rankings. Considering that the Big 10 has six teams ranked in the top 10 (PSU-1, Iowa-2, Nebraska-3, OSU-6, Wisconsin-7, Minnesota-8), its going to be a bumpy season. Time to look forward to 2020-21.
Consider that in May 1995, former UM Head Coach Gary Moeller was fired for getting drunk in a Detroit area restaurant and getting belligerent (and ultimately arrested). For years, OSU fans had a field day with this (and many still do). Moeller had a bad night, drank too much, and he was shown the door.
Meyer will keep his job for far worse. That is, if you believe he lives by and teaches his three tenets on the wall at the Woody Hayes Center ("Honesty" and "Treat Women with Respect" being two of the three).
That's why Michigan is the Leaders and Best. And Ohio State is, well Ohio State.
McFarland was going to retire last year but changed his mind. He had decided to retire several months ago and those close to the program knew this.
I would agree that Sanderson isn't happening. He keeps winning titles at PSU and PA is the most talent rich high school wrestling state in the country (Michigan, while better in the past 20 years, is not even close). Their Olympic Regional Training Center is also the highest funded in the country. He has no reason to leave.
Sean Bormet (associate head coach and 1994 NCAA runner-up at UM) is the internal front runner but the Athletic Department has not committed to him yet. Most are hoping this is a formality.
If they decide to open up the search, names to consider would be Pat Popolizio (NC State), Tony Robie (Virginia Tech and former UM assistant), and Chris Bono (South Dakota State).
In any case, hat's off to Joe McFarland, the quintessential Michigan Man. He wrestled at UM (from Ohio), left a head coaching gig at Indiana in 1992 to return to UM as an assistant coach (because he wanted to be the head coach at UM), turned down multiple head coaching job offers while an assistant at UM, and spent the last 19 years as the head of the Wrestling Wolverines.
McFarland was going to retire last year but changed his mind. He had decided to retire several months ago and those close to the program knew this.
I would agree that Sanderson isn't happening. He keeps winning titles at PSU and PA is the most talent rich high school wrestling state in the country (Michigan, while better in the past 20 years, is not even close). Their Olympic Regional Training Center is also the highest funded in the country. He has no reason to leave.
Sean Bormet (associate head coach and 1994 NCAA runner-up at UM) is the internal front runner but the Athletic Department has not committed to him yet. Most are hoping this is a formality.
If they decide to open up the search, names to consider would be Pat Popolizio (NC State), Tony Robie (Virginia Tech and former UM assistant), and Chris Bono (South Dakota State).
In any case, hat's off to Joe McFarland, the quintessential Michigan Man. He wrestled at UM (from Ohio), left a head coaching gig at Indiana in 1992 to return to UM as an assistant coach (because he wanted to be the head coach at UM), turned down multiple head coaching job offers while an assistant at UM, and spent the last 19 years as the head of the Wrestling Wolverines.
McFarland was going to retire last year but changed his mind. He had decided to retire several months ago and those close to the program knew this.
I would agree that Sanderson isn't happening. He keeps winning titles at PSU and PA is the most talent rich high school wrestling state in the country (Michigan, while better in the past 20 years, is not even close). Their Olympic Regional Training Center is also the highest funded in the country. He has no reason to leave.
Sean Bormet (associate head coach and 1994 NCAA runner-up at UM) is the internal front runner but the Athletic Department has not committed to him yet. Most are hoping this is a formality.
If they decide to open up the search, names to consider would be Pat Popolizio (NC State), Tony Robie (Virginia Tech and former UM assistant), and Chris Bono (South Dakota State).
In any case, hat's off to Joe McFarland, the quintessential Michigan Man. He wrestled at UM (from Ohio), left a head coaching gig at Indiana in 1992 to return to UM as an assistant coach (because he wanted to be the head coach at UM), turned down multiple head coaching job offers while an assistant at UM, and spent the last 19 years as the head of the Wrestling Wolverines.
I haven't posted in like six year but here goes...I know John Falk is the equivalent of the Pope to some on here but let's remember that despite his shameless self promotion, he's just an equipment manager who most of you have never met. Yes, he has written a few books where he recycled stories that any true Michigan fan would already know but at the end of the day let's stop thinking he walks on water or that he is any smarter than the equipment manager at Ohio State, MSU or any other Big Ten school because he isn't. With that in mind, I feel inclined to share my John Falk story from 1992. I had just earned my varsity letter as a freshman. Growing up in Columbus and wanting to go to Michigan since I was 8, getting my varsity jacket was a pretty deal to me. I went down to Schembechler hall to pick up my varsity jacket, and as the equipment manager, Falk was in charge of handing out varsity jackets back then. When I got to Schembechler Hall, he was busy riding an exercise bike. I told him that I was there to pick up my varsity jacket. His response was basically that I would have to come back later because he was busy. When I reminded that I was there to pick up my jacket, he basically said the same thing again - I'm busy. Finally, I made it clear that I wasn't coming back to get my jacket. He then responded by telling me that I would have to get it myself then because he wasn't getting off the bike. So as he pointed out where to get my jacket, I climbed up the ladder in the equipment room, pulled it out of the bin, and left with my varsity jacket while he never got off of his exercise bike. That being said, I'm sure he is a great equipment manager. Just like Peyton Manning is a great guy.
True...but most (including Steve and the staff) would agree that he was more offensive this year, and that was was one of the key reasons he was able to win a national title.
There is no doubt that being hard to score on is good and keeps you in the match. But you need to have an offensive attack when the match is on the line.
Not sure why his offense isn't better or seemed to improve. I would agree that until he develops more offense, he won't win an NCAA title.
David Taylor is supposed to be announcing his decision tomorrow. It is down to PSU, tOSU, and Okie State.
We never had a chance with the older Steiber. He has been a huge Ohio State fan since he was young. Joe put the time in early in the game but it just wasn't going to happen due to his early allegiances to tOSU. I'm not sure about Hunter but you can assume he will follow Logan.
There are rumblings we might have a chance with Phillips. But that just might mean that we are in the game at this point.
Humphrey will be at 141 next year. He was cutting a ton of weight the past two years but had to because of Jaggers.
I don't know where either Kellen and Grajales will end up. I know making 141 wasn't easy for Kellen this year but I don't see him at 149 either taking on Metcalf.
Yes, he was a national qualifier but he finished 8th in the Big Ten and his freshman season was a disappointment as he went 7-15 after winning 23 matches in his RS season. He must develop significantly more offense on his feet. Perhaps not having to cut weight will help.
I don't question that there are studs in Michigan but the reality is that the depth of talent isn't there. You have only 9.9 scholarships. The 2nd tier kids on partials are key.
He does but I don't think Joe's relationship with Graham or the staff there is any stronger than any other staff's relationship. The reality is that Graham is a factory and Jeff Jordan doesn't show preference to any staff in the country. If he did, more kids would have gone to PSU the past few years as Matt Dernlan was on the PSU staff and Dernlan and Jordan are pretty close.
David Taylor is the 4Xer who followed Sanderson to PSU.
The disappointing fact is that the pipeline to Lakewood St. Edward has closed down. With Mike and Andy on the staff, that pipeline should have stayed intact. But it hasn't. After getting Andy, Mike, and Ryan Bertin, we haven't gotten a St. Ed's kid since Mark Moos. Perhaps that explains why it shut down.
I think small school kids are a risk unless they have excelled significantly on the national level because the depth of talent isn't there at the state level. Zeerip might turn out to be the classic example.
Actually, I'd have to disagree with the statement that Michigan is a strong high school wrestling state. The reality is that it is far behind the talent in Ohio, PA, Illinois, and Iowa in terms of depth. That, along with a $43,000 out-of-state tuition bill, kills UM in recruiting. Ohio State can offer a quality Ohio kid a partial and the kid only has to pay $5,000 a year. McFarland offers an Ohio kid a partial (because the 2nd tier depth isn't nearly as strong in Michigan) and it still costs over $20,000 a year.
You'll always have your studs like Metcalf who get a full ride. But it is the second tier kids who are on partials that can turn your program into a powerhouse. When your second tier kids in-state aren't as strong, it puts you at a distinct advantage from a recruiting standpoint.
Next could be a tough year. They are losing the anchors of the team - Luke and Todd - with only Russell back as a consistent performer. Some of the younger kids who were big time recruits coming out - Zeerip, Weber, and Boyd - need to develop and produce. Zeerip and Weber had disappointing rookie campaigns this year, and the talk on Boyd inside the program isn't so great. There is a lot of scholarship money tied up in those three. If they don't produce, UM will be behind the 8 ball.
Recent Comments
You do realize that Michigan barely beat Rutgers each of the past two seasons? Probably should be careful who we deride and just worry about winning the next game on the schedule - Hawaii.
Most would think that Donald Trump and Jim Harbaugh had bad days today. But neither did. Trump thinks he still won the election and Harbaugh thinks nothing is wrong.
One of the primary concerns in the 4.5 years under Harbaugh is quarterback development. In year 1, Ruddock got better. In year 2, Speight came out of nowhere to be the starter (remember the whispers coming from inside in 2015 that O’Korn would be the starter in 2016 and was better than Ruddock) and for the first 9 games, played well by most counts. He had a rough outing at Iowa where he also hurt his shoulder, and he was never the same. Fisch also departed. Since then, name your quarterback - 2017 Speight, O’Korn, Peters, Patterson, McCaffery (sorry, if McCaffery were better in practice than Patterson, he would be starting. Coaches want to win) - none have developed or reached expectations. Perhaps, it’s a coincidence. Perhaps it’s not.
Mason Parris has put on weight. He is up to about 250. Silva is a bit of a question mark right now. He had some academic struggles last year and I know the coaching staff was concerned about what this meant going forward. I have no idea what the immediate plans for Cam Amine are but with Massa out, he may see the line-up right away.
The plan was for Mattin to redshirt and grow into 133. Making 125 was really a struggle last year. With Micic out, I'm not sure if they are still planning to redshirt him. Obviously, Silva's situation factors into this. McHenry is still pretty small as far as college 125's go but he will still wrestle off Assad for the 125 spot.
While the increased coverage by BTN is great, Michigan Wrestling is probably in for a tough season. As noted above, Micic (2X All American), Amine (2X All American), Storr (NCAA qualifier), and Massa (3X NCAA qualifier; All American as a freshman) are all taking Olympic redshirts. Micic and Amine are already in the Olympics for other countries but Storr and Massa have little chance of making the US team. They are redshirting to line-up all four to be back in the line-up for next season. Without those four redshirting, Michigan is now out of the top 25 in the latest Trackwrestling pre-season rankings. Considering that the Big 10 has six teams ranked in the top 10 (PSU-1, Iowa-2, Nebraska-3, OSU-6, Wisconsin-7, Minnesota-8), its going to be a bumpy season. Time to look forward to 2020-21.
Consider that in May 1995, former UM Head Coach Gary Moeller was fired for getting drunk in a Detroit area restaurant and getting belligerent (and ultimately arrested). For years, OSU fans had a field day with this (and many still do). Moeller had a bad night, drank too much, and he was shown the door.
Meyer will keep his job for far worse. That is, if you believe he lives by and teaches his three tenets on the wall at the Woody Hayes Center ("Honesty" and "Treat Women with Respect" being two of the three).
That's why Michigan is the Leaders and Best. And Ohio State is, well Ohio State.
McFarland was going to retire last year but changed his mind. He had decided to retire several months ago and those close to the program knew this.
I would agree that Sanderson isn't happening. He keeps winning titles at PSU and PA is the most talent rich high school wrestling state in the country (Michigan, while better in the past 20 years, is not even close). Their Olympic Regional Training Center is also the highest funded in the country. He has no reason to leave.
Sean Bormet (associate head coach and 1994 NCAA runner-up at UM) is the internal front runner but the Athletic Department has not committed to him yet. Most are hoping this is a formality.
If they decide to open up the search, names to consider would be Pat Popolizio (NC State), Tony Robie (Virginia Tech and former UM assistant), and Chris Bono (South Dakota State).
In any case, hat's off to Joe McFarland, the quintessential Michigan Man. He wrestled at UM (from Ohio), left a head coaching gig at Indiana in 1992 to return to UM as an assistant coach (because he wanted to be the head coach at UM), turned down multiple head coaching job offers while an assistant at UM, and spent the last 19 years as the head of the Wrestling Wolverines.
McFarland was going to retire last year but changed his mind. He had decided to retire several months ago and those close to the program knew this.
I would agree that Sanderson isn't happening. He keeps winning titles at PSU and PA is the most talent rich high school wrestling state in the country (Michigan, while better in the past 20 years, is not even close). Their Olympic Regional Training Center is also the highest funded in the country. He has no reason to leave.
Sean Bormet (associate head coach and 1994 NCAA runner-up at UM) is the internal front runner but the Athletic Department has not committed to him yet. Most are hoping this is a formality.
If they decide to open up the search, names to consider would be Pat Popolizio (NC State), Tony Robie (Virginia Tech and former UM assistant), and Chris Bono (South Dakota State).
In any case, hat's off to Joe McFarland, the quintessential Michigan Man. He wrestled at UM (from Ohio), left a head coaching gig at Indiana in 1992 to return to UM as an assistant coach (because he wanted to be the head coach at UM), turned down multiple head coaching job offers while an assistant at UM, and spent the last 19 years as the head of the Wrestling Wolverines.
McFarland was going to retire last year but changed his mind. He had decided to retire several months ago and those close to the program knew this.
I would agree that Sanderson isn't happening. He keeps winning titles at PSU and PA is the most talent rich high school wrestling state in the country (Michigan, while better in the past 20 years, is not even close). Their Olympic Regional Training Center is also the highest funded in the country. He has no reason to leave.
Sean Bormet (associate head coach and 1994 NCAA runner-up at UM) is the internal front runner but the Athletic Department has not committed to him yet. Most are hoping this is a formality.
If they decide to open up the search, names to consider would be Pat Popolizio (NC State), Tony Robie (Virginia Tech and former UM assistant), and Chris Bono (South Dakota State).
In any case, hat's off to Joe McFarland, the quintessential Michigan Man. He wrestled at UM (from Ohio), left a head coaching gig at Indiana in 1992 to return to UM as an assistant coach (because he wanted to be the head coach at UM), turned down multiple head coaching job offers while an assistant at UM, and spent the last 19 years as the head of the Wrestling Wolverines.
I haven't posted in like six year but here goes...I know John Falk is the equivalent of the Pope to some on here but let's remember that despite his shameless self promotion, he's just an equipment manager who most of you have never met. Yes, he has written a few books where he recycled stories that any true Michigan fan would already know but at the end of the day let's stop thinking he walks on water or that he is any smarter than the equipment manager at Ohio State, MSU or any other Big Ten school because he isn't. With that in mind, I feel inclined to share my John Falk story from 1992. I had just earned my varsity letter as a freshman. Growing up in Columbus and wanting to go to Michigan since I was 8, getting my varsity jacket was a pretty deal to me. I went down to Schembechler hall to pick up my varsity jacket, and as the equipment manager, Falk was in charge of handing out varsity jackets back then. When I got to Schembechler Hall, he was busy riding an exercise bike. I told him that I was there to pick up my varsity jacket. His response was basically that I would have to come back later because he was busy. When I reminded that I was there to pick up my jacket, he basically said the same thing again - I'm busy. Finally, I made it clear that I wasn't coming back to get my jacket. He then responded by telling me that I would have to get it myself then because he wasn't getting off the bike. So as he pointed out where to get my jacket, I climbed up the ladder in the equipment room, pulled it out of the bin, and left with my varsity jacket while he never got off of his exercise bike. That being said, I'm sure he is a great equipment manager. Just like Peyton Manning is a great guy.