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Maybe not a 'bust' per se…

Maybe not a 'bust' per se since he was drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL draft, and the hit rate there isn't high, but maybe Chase Winovich?  Thought he was perfect as situational pass rusher / OLB in this NFL era, but clearly didn't have it.

Personally, I love it.  I…

Personally, I love it.  I found this article helpful in listing out the specific dates for the next 2 years (see bottom of article) because I hadn't quite put that together yet.  Previously I thought the 1st round would occur right after the conference championship game weekend, but this says it will be 2 weeks after, and interesting that games will be on Friday and Saturday.  Teams with a 1st round bye will essentially have the same schedule as previous with an extra semifinal week added after.

Kinda wish they would re-seed like the NFL.  Seems like if the 12-seed upsets the 5-seed, the 1-seed would rather play the 12-seed than the 8 or 9 seed.  But, makes it more complex I guess.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2024-02-20/how-12-team-college-football-playoff-will-work-teams-schedule-bids

Quoting Albert Breer on…

Quoting Albert Breer on anything with a hint of Michigan (OSU slappy) is akin to posting about barstool sports, yoder, chatsports, ace williams, etc....

Nowadays there is going to…

Nowadays there is going to be an inherent flight risk on a player from a different region of the country that isn't getting PT after a few years (see also Clemons).  The push to return closer to home is strong.  That said, good luck to him!

Rooting like crazy for a…

Rooting like crazy for a Lions - Bills super bowl!  One long-suffering fan franchise with no super bowl wins; 4 straight losses in the 90's for the Bills and 0 appearances for the Lions in this scenario.

RE: Mikey - another huge…

RE: Mikey - another huge play I haven't seen mentioned much is at 16:20 in the highlight video, right after the holding call.  He completely read and ruined a screen for only a few yards, setting up a 3rd and long give up and punt checkdown.  If he hadn't read it correctly, looked like it would have picked up a chunk and set up 3rd and manageable.  

Close enough maybe, McCarthy…

Close enough maybe, McCarthy, Corum, & Sainristil Shirt - Michigan Licensed - BreakingT

Does anyone actually know if…

Does anyone actually know if Thaw muffed it and then gained control (recovered it) in the endzone, is that a safety or touchback?  I tried to google rulebook stuff but didn't come up with anything.  If it's similar to the NFL, it appears the ball is dead in the endzone after a muff and would be a touchback, FYI, Patriots bizarre muffed punt, explained: Interpreting NFL rulebook that prevented a safety vs. Steelers | Sporting News

Now if he gained control like he did at the 1 and then fumbled into the endzone, that seems like it would have been a TD and not a safety.  Anyway, glad we don't necessarily need to know.

The one that stands out to…

The one that stands out to me is Mullings somewhat diving catch along the sidelines on the first TD drive.  Appeared a more difficult catch on re-watch than I caught live since he had to sort of twist around and get his knee down in bounds while maintaining control of the ball.  Not necessarily difficult for a WR but for a big RB without much experience was impressive.  

Fun fact for the old crew…

Fun fact for the old crew like me who follow west-michigan area high school and college basketball and ultimately means nothing - Florida starting center Micah Handlogten is the son of Ben Handlogten, who in the early 90's played at Grand Rapids South Christian followed by a 4-year career at Western Michigan (averaged 16 and 9 senior year), and a few short stints in the NBA, mainly with the Jazz.  

Big advantage for the Lions…

Big advantage for the Lions to win this week - they need to be up for it and come in with a good game plan.  A win this week would not only wrap up the division, but would also provide a different focus for the next week - a potential shot at the #2 seed - more of the playing with house money, not a lot to lose approach.  Winning this week would also make week 18 potentially irrelevant (unlikely to get #1 seed unless SF loses twice, maybe locked into #3 seed at that point) and give an opportunity to rest injured guys.  

It's an interesting question…

It's an interesting question.  Clearly the CFP made the other bowls less meaningful, but that can't be the only reason. 

I think 1 big reason is that is now 'acceptable' and maybe even encouraged by the NFL.  It maybe used to be a red flag for not wanting to compete or whatever, but now that it is so commonplace that the NFL doesn't care.  Simply put - it is now a common practice where it used to not be.  There's a lot to that IMO.  

I remember when Christian McCaffrey did it - as one of the first - turned out okay I think.

Lions - Tonight is a sneaky…

Lions - Tonight is a sneaky important must-win in my opinion.  At home going into a bye.  6-2 and a 2-game lead over a Cousins-less Vikings would look pretty pretty good.  At that point I think Holmes should look to bolster the secondary with something, even if a non-flashy veteran.  5-3 is clearly not a complete disaster, but would lead to many doubts and questions. 

Overall, I think the offense will be fine - it's a top 5-10 unit so plenty there to like.  Will likely get Monty and OL healthy after bye.  Defense - it seems like matchups play too outsized a role.  Got eviscerated by Geno and Lamar (top half QBs); handled Ridder, Young, Love, and Mayfield (all bottom half QBs right now).  Also handled Mahomes, so that's encouraging, but week 1 without Kelce, although counts, is a bit of a confounding factor there.  A bit worried that good QBs will eat the secondary up if the pressure can't get there.  

Last year Michigan had tight…

Last year Michigan had tight games or tight first halves against everyone in the big ten not named Nebraska.  Even Iowa and MSU, while they felt comfortable, were not blowouts until later in the 4th.  Remember Maryland, Indiana, and Rutgers.  That's why it feels different this year.  

I just wish it was with…

I just wish it was with different broadcasters.  Eagle is alright but nowhere near as good as his dad (Ian).  Blackledge is mediocre at best IMO.  I know it's always easy to neg on announcers, but he didn't enlighten anything about a play, just 'nice block here' or 'great run' - no schematics.  He also at one point said something to the effect of 'Michigan rounding back into form' and I said outloud WTF this isn't 3 years ago - UM has been steamrolling people for 2 straight years now.  

If you watch the clip of the…

If you watch the clip of the catch made on Sainristil, he has a noticeable limp while running after the receiver down the field.  That combined with the low snap count makes me think he had some minor injury but was good enough to play.  

He came out before the final…

He came out before the final drive the week prior against Rutgers and went into the medical tent.  Was walking with a slight limp after the game, but no one really noticed.  Could be lingering from that, not sure.  Doesn't seem serious since he played.  I didn't see him pick up anything against Nebraska but could've missed it.  

Last year Goff was about 10…

Last year Goff was about 10 fantasy points higher at home than on the road.  You play him at home and sit on the road - your fault there.

As it is that's a 10 AM…

As it is that's a 10 AM kickoff in Boulder.  Kinda crazy when you think about it.  It seems like we may not see Johnson and Klatt until 11/11 in Happy Valley. 

The preview week and the…

The preview week and the UFRs make this site what it is - no other site comes close.  They've figured out their core.  Everything else is take or leave it - but those 2 things must stay or this blog doesn't exist.

It is known that Johnson had…

It is known that Johnson had a 'knee scope' this summer and there was some talk about maybe not being 100% for camp and possibly a few weeks into the season.  Have not heard anything about him since, but assume any reference to him is about this.

https://247sports.com/college/michigan/article/michigan-cb-will-johnson-had-offseason-knee-surgery-sophomore-star-shares-timeline-for-return-211006532/

This is me exactly.  I get…

This is me exactly.  I get YTTV for college football and NFL and then cancel in February.  I watch nearly every UM game on delay based on family stuff and the YTTV interface for recording, starting from the beginning, and fast forwarding (shows image preview at 15-second intervals) is the best I've tried.  For instance, I tried one (can't remember which one) which didn't show an image when fast forwarding so I had no idea whether it was still on commercial or cutting to game action.  

A big thing I see is that UM…

A big thing I see is that UM has 8 home games in ‘24 and only 6 in ‘25.  Not sure if that’s going to fly in the revenue department.  Thought they wanted at least 7 home games.  Would work if they flipped the marquee non-con game locations.

Serious question - can one …

Serious question - can one ‘DVR’ a game on peacock?  Couldn’t find an answer with a quick google search.  I often start watching an hour or so after kickoff.  Saves time and allows for flexibility (don’t have to rush home after kids soccer game for instance).  Losing this aspect would suck.

He’s a 2025 or is at least…

He’s a 2025 or is at least listed as that on all the sites.

Anything on Darius Acuff,…

Anything on Darius Acuff, 2025 recruit out of cass tech?  Seems to be the real-deal but haven’t heard much on him.  

I remember thinking after…

I remember thinking after the Indiana game last year where Henning got in 21 real WR snaps and was 'not good' that he was likely never going to do it here.  I remember one particular end zone target where he was falling down for no reason and couldn't bring it in.  Anyway, good luck to him but most likely outcome is we won't ever hear much from him, a la Giles Jackson.  

I think incentivizing non…

I think incentivizing non-con will happen if the committee stops just ranking teams mostly based on how many losses they have.  Right now you can only lose once and with expansion you can likely only lose twice.  They would need to put in a 9-3 team with a good non-con loss over a 10-2 team with a weaker schedule.  I’m not sure, in general, that would happen - therefore why schedule harder and risk an extra loss.

Bell, CJ, and Wilson will…

Bell, CJ, and Wilson will get 95% of WR snaps anyway so this is basically irrelevant other than maybe punt returns but Ronnie Bell is just as good.  Morris should be full go or close enough - it’s been 6 weeks since (presumed) ankle sprain.

Alan Bowman replacement. …

Alan Bowman replacement.  Probably 3rd string behind Warren would be my guess.  Likely transferring in for school / experience / Harbaugh exposure but pure speculation.  Gives you someone who's actually played in case of an injury disaster.  

I mean, what is he going to…

I mean, what is he going to say - 'yeah I took the highest bidder'.  

Here’s the math according to…

Here’s the math according to fivethirtyeight:

Lions odds right now - 42%

With tie - 54%

With NYG win - 42%

With WAS win - 41%

So tie is the right answer otherwise it doesn’t really matter.  I’d say I think WAS has a tougher closing schedule and are more likely to lose more games down the stretch.

FYI the Lions have a 97% chance of making playoffs if they win out.

To me it looked like he was…

To me it looked like he was mirroring Jones to the middle of the field but the ball was thrown behind them to the sidelines and when Jones went to move that way Johnson sort of just got in the way / had to grab him.  If the ball was towards the receiver or even underthrown Johnson was in good position.  

Pretty clearly got his ankle…

Pretty clearly got his ankle rolled up on late versus Nebraska.  Reasonable to think it’s an ankle sprain that needs more rest to fully heal.  Played a few snaps versus OSU but didn’t seem at all healthy.  Should be fine in 4 weeks.

Seems like an opportunity to…

Seems like an opportunity to go back to the WR screen game a bit as a function off of the run game, what with the softer zone coverage and not great tackling.  

Yeah my immediate thought…

Yeah my immediate thought was a possible partially torn meniscus cartilage, although the mechanism for that is usually twisting or turning and Blake's injury was more or a direct shot to the knee.  Back in high school I partially torn my meniscus playing soccer - and even played a few weeks later as running straight wasn't a problem (kicking and cutting were though).  I finally got it checked it - went in for a scope and fix of the partial tear - and was back running in about 6 weeks with a full recovery in 8-10.  This could be more of a pain and swelling, fluid, or bone fragment repair - which is probably similar timing.  All speculation.  

Sort of yes - between…

Sort of yes - between whatever the 2 sites are that year.  The #1 seed is looked at for geographical preference.  Since Atlanta is right next to Athens it's a clear choice this year.  They also protect the #1 seed, so if it were UM #1 and UGA #4 they would put it out in AZ even though ostensibly Atlanta is an easier travel for UM.  

Nobody knows is the correct…

Nobody knows is the correct answer I think?  That said, I agree with your scenarios.  The interesting this is, if they rank USC at 4 this week, how can you 'punish' them for playing an extra game?  Just seems logically incoherent to rank USC over OSU this week and not again next week just because OSU or Bama can't lose this week.  

Agreed.  Plus 2 things: 12-0…

Agreed.  Plus 2 things: 12-0 UM with beating OSU likely clinches playoff spot regardless of B1G championship (11-1 does not) and 11-1 UM with only loss to OSU has an outside, likely low, chance of playoff (10-2 clearly does not).  Those 2 things are pretty big IMO.  

Agree on the last sentence. …

Agree on the last sentence.  If he plays on a gimpy knee/ankle (not sure what he injured but looked like lower leg) - that may actually be better for UM than not playing and giving everything to Love.

I think it was an honest…

I think it was an honest mistake that Harbaugh admitted to in the post game presser.  It looked like they were going to call TO but the penalty temporarily stopped the clock, then Harbaugh rightly so declined the penalty, but then everyone forgot the clock would start on the ready for play.  Shouldn't happen but that's what happened.  Harbaugh would have called TO if he realized the situation.  This is speaking to a few plays after the 4th down delay which I thought was appropriate as you don't want to be stopped on 4th with 45 seconds left.  

Here’s a scenario - what if…

Here’s a scenario - what if he goes back home to Nevada and comes back to the big house on Sept. 9 as the starter for UNLV?  I think he could go to power 5 more likely- but that would be crazy.

There’s a comprehensive, 25…

There’s a comprehensive, 25 minute highlight video on YouTube - matthew loves ball channel.  
 

Besides the obvious in Jett and Kobe - Dug looked great to me.  Bigger and with a better jumper than I thought based on recruiting profile.  Clearly option 2 at pg but I can see why they may have valued him over Frankie.

Definitely beats the last…

Definitely beats the last time MSU came to visit at night - 2017.  Monsoon in the 3rd and early 4th quarters - no scoring after the rain came.  Granted - UM played terrible before that and had JOK bumbling around.  

We still have to be 100% run…

We still have to be 100% run out of the pistol.  IU was keyed on it.  Need to change that tendency.

Both of Alex’s dangerman!

Both of Alex’s dangerman!

Definitely my biggest 'ass…

Definitely my biggest 'ass-chapper' of the game as well.  By that point, we had run that inside play 2 or 3 times on 3rd and 1...Iowa knew, everyone watching knew it, Iowa was pumped up.  Feel like a play-action quick pass to flat or over LB level would have been easy and really changed the momentum of the game.  Also, if you're going to run it - might as well go under center and have a QB sneak as part of the package.  QB sneaks on 3rd and 1 with an athletic QB and an in-motion TE and RB pushing the QB from behind is nearly impossible to stop.

To me, the lack of a 3rd…

To me, the lack of a 3rd back is mostly concerning just for lack of depth, not necessarily the short-yardage situations.  You can't just bring in Dunlap, for example, on every 3rd and 1 - that's too predictable.  The coaches will just need to use Corum and Edwards and design plays to get a yard.  

Also, the workloads will have to be monitored if it's just those 2 they trust, particularly in the non-conference.  Let's throw the ball around instead of both Corum and Edwards getting 20 touches in those games.

Love it!  Quick guess at the…

Love it!  Quick guess at the 4 B1G teams we don't play (quick research, not thorough):

Purdue: Aidan O'Connell, 6th year - started at end of last season - 2,900, 19/8, 73% completion.  Pocket passer, system guy, but pretty good counting stats.  Probably could argue anywhere from 2-6 but I'd fall at 5 after Clifford.

Minn: Tanner Morgan, 6th year - yes still there.  Has regressed after a big 2019.  Last year was 2,044, 10/9, 60%.  Probably somewhere between 4-6 but I'd go with 6.

Wisc: Graham Mertz, 4th year - the prized recruit is still around presumably as the starter.  Well-documented struggles and not great stats, but still makes some nice throws.  He'd probably be between Indiana and Rutgers?  So maybe 7 on this list but below O'Connell and Morgan.

NW: Ryan Hilinski, I think?  Looked awful in Ann Arbor last year.  Seems like he still has the inside track this year, but no expert here.  Probably around Illinois?  

Zack Marshall, 3 star…

Zack Marshall, 3 star athlete being recruited as a TE.  Expected to announce this week after attending BBQ event.  https://247sports.com/player/zack-marshall-46118144/