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We took 4 (now 3) the year before and we only graduate 1 Sr. If the class balloons to about 20, I could see 3.

I don't believe NBC Sports comes on the basic Directtv package. I've had this problem for a while.

I don't think we were ever leading for him. Weren't we only number 2 (to ND), even after his visit to us? As time progressed, it became more obvious it was going to be ND or an east coast school, mainly North Carolina.

Regardless, it's a practice and not a game. It's not even a good practice because they are trying to avoid providing any insight into how the team actually runs in order to avoid game film. I don't really feel it reflects negatively on the Michigan faithful to fail to attend te spring game. It's cool that Alabama and the SEC teams fans show up for the games but the fact that we don't show up for a bs promotional event isnt an indictment of our fans but theirs.

Maybe just ask him about the NCAA and whether he thinks the organizations policies are the best for student athletes. Focus on trying to maneuver through the administrative bs entailed by the organization and if he thinks there are ways the NCAA can be better serving student athletes. You could reference our trouble with reporting and maintaining proper practice hours and cite how ridiculous countable hours are (see Bacon noting how many countable hours the hockey team gets for it's trip to Alaska). Maybe just ask about how tough it is to be serving so many interests (NCAA, osu, state of Ohio, fans, recruits, parents etc.) while tryin to coach and look out for the players best interests.

Wasnt it Brian referencing the Syracuse blog he likes and then noting the story run on it about the guy breaking his television? Doesn't seem like gloating to me. Also, posting the story about how one broke ones television with ones hat online seems to be inviting people to comment on it.

Sick.

I love how you attach the Canseco tweets from most recent to the first. Makes it an absolute joy to get to the beginning and everything comes together in one swoop. Also, this is not sarcasm; I really enjoy reading his tweets that way.

Then Ryan is playing the entire game--Gordon would be subbed out by Bolden, Morgan, or Ross. That means no rest which is not good. Beyer could back him up on 1st or second downs--the more likely running plays--and that would allow Ryan to play a lot and always be on the field on third down. I don't have any knowledge on the switch or playing both but if they did play both as starters then they need someone to rest Ryan.

As RS freshman, they might be losing a lot of weight due to the greater demands of college program cardio workouts and then putting it back on with the weightlifting. We would really need to see the incremental weight gains on a more consistent basis than once every spring and fall, especially considerinhg that the coaches probably have a significant incentive to fudge the numbers a bit. If he is still 297 come next year then maybe that would be a concern, but plenty of really good Olinemen can and do play at that weight. Be more concerned if the coaches are wondering about playing a true freshman or walkon over him.

Although I don't know any of the factors considered in increasing the percentage from 3.65ish to 4.152536%, the fact that you said science has completely convinced me.

Not only that, but LSU hasn't really hasn't had an impressive offense over the last couple years. They have really excelled on the defensive side of the game. Why would we want him as OC? Also, why would he want a demotion? Plenty of other schools that would want him as a head coach. Just a ridiculous comment all the way around.

When 5 of our possible 9 man rotation are freshman, we are bound to make numerous defensive mistakes. This makes playing defense more difficult. Making these mistakes exacerbates our ability to play "tough." Also having our only senior, Morgan, hobbled by a bad ankle sprain makes defense tougher (ha; that is truly no pun intended). With more experience and conditioning, I'm sure we will look a little "tougher" out there.

I forgot to ask, do you like guacamole?

The school, a state actor, is the entity enforcing the NCAA rules. However, I believe there was even a case heard by a federal appellate court or the Supreme Court where a coach was challenging the NCAA penalties that were being levied against him but were carried out by the school. He was saying that the penalties were from a private organization abridging his constitutional rights (1st amendment I believe) but required state action to be effective (or something along those lines). The court wasn't buying it and ruled against him. Thus, one probably couldn't be successful on a First Amendment challenge, and a challenge really wouldn't be worth your time anyways.

Chipotle burritos, yum. 27 maybe?

Don't forget to rub some dirt on it first.

Well this is pretty sick.

I think you are a little optimistic about the TE's; they could be a strength this year but that is asking a lot. I think they will be a strength in the 2014 season, but we will still have some growing pains this year. I am also worried about the interior OL.

As for the schedule, I think you are underestimating how tough the games at PSU and NW will be. Even when laying NW at home this season, it took a hail mary pass to beat them. Also, Ohio and ND are going to be good teams again. I think the season could be a 4 loss season, but I think there is also a decent chance that we have only 1 loss or run the table. I think the difference will be how Gardner progresses because although he played well against SC, he missed a lot of open throws that were clearly on him. He was about 50% completion in that game. Given another off-season, I think he can make the steps to make him a good Big Ten QB, especially with his ability to scramble.

Sidenote, Martinez was the best passing QB in the Big Ten last season (granted, not saying much), so forcing him to throw it doesn't seem like it would guarantee the odds of winning, especially considering he had some good tosses against us last season.

I don't think people disrespect Morgan. I think he is greatly appreciated and is probably the best overall option at C. You know what you are getting out of him and he plays solid. McGary and Horford provide more explosive options but less tested. However, I think the point being made was that we did miss Morgan but that wasn't the difference in the game. On a lot of those uncontested dunks Zeller was making, it was the guard allowing penetration and McGary or Horford having to help with no one moving down on Zeller, as mentioned by another poster above. Maybe Morgan would not have helped on that last dunk and been able to box out Zeller but having Morgan wouldn't have made much of a difference since he probably would have helped most of the time. There was an offense rebound or two that Morgan probably would not have given up but the difference was probably Stauskas and GRIII having really bad games and Michigan settling for too many jumpshots and missing the open jumpshots. We could have been leading at half if we hadn't gone 1-9 from 3, with many of those being wide-open looks. If we are missing open jumpshots it is tough to beat elite teams. Stauskas not being able to manhandle Hulls was probably where we really lost out. That was a match-up we needed a win on and we didn't get it (10 versus 11 points but Stauskas shot 3-10 and Hulls shot 3-5). However, it was a close game and anything really could have been the difference maker.

I think he is just saying that in the world of college football and at the big schools across the country there are going to be players who feel entitled. They are receiving national attention in high school and were probably the more popular kids in high school. It is foolish to think that michigan doesnt have any. As the comment says, RR even probably recruited some of them. What he and te article should be more concerned about is that he seemed to forget how to coach competent defenses. Michigan defensive ranking should be considered in this articles point that RR didn't forget how to coach. Really just a poor article tryin to argue that it wasn't RR's fault that he failed at Michigan and it tries to support its position by saying he won 8 games in his first season at Arizona. It's one sentence paragraphs really don't paint a convincing picture for people who are more educated on this subject than the average Arizona fan.

This day just keeps getting better and better. Congrats to him. I hope it's an amazing day for him and her. He definitely deserves it.

Considering he has about 3, maybe 4, inches on roundtree, do you think he will be able to put on more weight than roundtree could and still maintain his speed? Roundtrees size did limit his effectiveness on the outside somewhat, also a QB designed to run first; do you think he could get up to 200+ pounds and be even more effective than roundtree was?

I think you guys are definitely right about Smith being overlooked, but part of the excitement is that if we can land Derrick Green we will have an excellent RB class just when we need one. The top RB, another top 10-15 (based on the site) RB, and a utility big back in Shallman. With Fitz entering his senior year and off a bad injury and no real apparent heir to RB, having Green, Smith, and Shallman gives us a good chance that we land a good RB who can start as a sophomore and be an impact guy. Nonetheless, Smith is definitely someone to be excited about.

We have gotten some decent CB's and FS's (See Richardson, Wilson, and Thomas-although he might be more of SS). We have missed out on several elite WR's and RB's though. If we can lock in Green, we will have a great RB class just when we need it. Having Smith, Green, and Shallman will give us some good options for next season and the future. It isn't that Hoke isn't doing well there, but that he isn't do as well as compared to the OL or other positional groups.

I think that it is just as safe to assume one of our division 1 coaches think that our safety position is not looking good due to the fact that they are willing to try a 5'6 guy there. Yes, they know a lot more about football than we do, but it doesn't require particularly insightful knowledge to know that the vast majority of safeties are not 5'6 and there is a reason for that (too small). The coaches might think there is a chance that he becomes effective there, but the chance that he usurps Wilson/Gordon with Robinson and soon to be Dymonte Thomas also competing for spots is small and seems a waste of Norfleet's talent. Although he might not be an every-down back, how can we not find a way to get him 5-10 touches in a game in space whether it's running or catching? Just seems desperate, like moving Ricardo Miller to TE or moving Will Campbell to OL (know it was previous coaching staff for that second one; also, granted the Washington to DL worked out well).

I think it happened to both.

Molk was also a Rimington winner. Burzynski may get to his size but that doesn't mean Burzynski will have Molk's strength, agility, play-recognition, or general ability to play C. Centers can be smaller and still win Rimingtons/be great an all but it requires a special player.

Miller was also off a RS year. Most teams try to avoid starting RS freshman at OL. While Lewan and Long are two recent examples of who could do that, they are the exception and not the rule.

Walk-on bias isn't necesarily that walk-ons cannot play, but that generally they are less athletic. They are the guys coaches (same coaches that you mention) were not willing to expend a scholarship on until they came to practice and earned a place in the rotation. Kovacs, Burzynski, Kwiatkowski, etc. all show they can contribute but outside of few, most all limited in their potential. Yes, there are the Kovacs and Aberrderis's of the world that become big-time playmakers, but they are the exception to the rule. The majority of guys walk-ons populate scout teams and the depth chart. Being a walk-on doesn't mean that Burzynski cannot play, but on a post commenting on finally being comfortable with OL relief, it should be worrisome that the first OL off the bench will be a walk-on or Miller/Bryant if either is beaten out, a RS freshman, or a true freshman. That does not bode well for depth. The difference between a walk-on and a recruited player is potential. Lewan is 6'7-6'8; even if a walk-on who knows how to play the position better and works harder, Lewan is going to have a better chance at being the guy that makes an elite difference because of his measurables and athleticism. Miller is 6'3-6'4 and can probably play at a greater weight (doesn't necessarily mean stronger but is an indication) while more likely retaining speed. Burzynski will make plays like Kovacs, but he wouldn't be able to make plays like Molk did.

As to your next point, RS freshman versus being a RS sophomore. Big difference. Being a RS sophomore to RS JR is a big difference also, but much closer than the first. And he was competitive, but was a pure C and the coaches didn't want a RS freshman playing C as they didn't want Burzynski.

They both will improve. I just think Miller has more potential. If we want to win a Big Ten Championship next year we need to be able to compete with Ohio and Nebraska, and I think Miller can provide more there. All in all, we still are not in a great situation either way, which is my general criticism of this post.

Dreaded DP. Time to go sit out a few plays.

Paskorz may not be the best athlete and might not contribute much on the field but he is one hell of a nice guy. I used to work at south quad cafeteria and would occasionally be stationed as a swiper. Used to have a lot of athletes come in. I would always greet people with many of the generic "hello, how you doing" type responses. Most of the students were generally polite back and some of the athletes would be cordial, but I always remember Paskorz would respond and be really cool and engaging. It was generally just shooting the shit but I always thought he was a damned nice guy. Ya I know, cool story bro. Also, I'm not posting this because I thought you were saying anything negative about him but just wanted to highlight he seems to be a cool guy.

I imagined you saying that in Jemaine's voice. It made it funny.

Te frustration thing about the call was I remember schofields man going way upfield and seemingly out of the play so my thought was how could it have been holding on schofield. I figured it was on one of te interior lineman but the refs just messed up the numbers like they do on some offensive holding penalties.

Although pinning them deep would have been great, hagerup would have been punting from around our 40 and given our generally bad punt coverage I don't think we could have "pinned them deep." It would have taken a 55 yard punt with great coverage to pin them anywhere near their goal line and the most likely result would have been a catch and return to the 20. Granted that would not have been nearly as good field position and may have been the smarter move, but I think you overestimate the possibility of pinnin them deep.

What he said.

Maybe a few years down the road. My friends from LA constantly remind me of how bad he is (partially because I hate LA and so they respond by attacking him). From what I have seen of him playing with LA and their comments, he still seems very raw and needs to develop his game to the level where he isn't necessarily a liabilty out on the floor. As mentioned above, this might just be becoming more comfortable with the level of talent opposing him and understanding his role as being a place-holder for the other talent on the team and not being the man-in-charge like he was at UofM. He needs more time. Maybe down the road, but it wouldn't suprise me if they bumped him to the 3rd point guard as the season goes on with a preference of having a more experienced Steve Blake or Duhon play. Although they aren't particularly impressive, LA might just be looking for a more steady performance rather than anything meaningful at this point.

Insert here Brian's analysis on why Lewans ufr numbers were so low early last season and concluding that Omameh's difficulty pulling left led us to run right for a significant portion of last year. He has improved but Omameh's ability to excel in space has been a casualty to the coaching/offensive philosophy switch. I think I remember Brian thinking Omameh wasn't able to keep his ample agility as he put on more weight. Just because Omameh was a RR OL recruit doesn't mean he has retained his nimble ability to maneuver in the field.

Interesting. If true, it would explain a lot.

Although jumping to conclusions about a high school kids motives and criticizing his them as "a douche move" is over the top and unnecessary, you are misquoting him; he didn't call the kid a douche, he said it was "a douche move." Maybe I'm just nit-picking. Also, isn't Ohio also short on Olinemen, so there would probably be early playing time there?

Pile too much on caliparri? Hasn't he left every past job with a little parting gift: NCAA violations resulting in some win forfeitures? Not only does he leave you for someone better, but he makes sure he leaves his mark.

I think it has to be a balancing test, and losing a year of eligibility doesn't outweigh a few extra snaps against UMass and worse Big Ten teams. I think you are seriously overestimating playing a few snaps against some bad Big Ten teams in garbage time where the team isn't really even running their offense. Would you say playing half a quarter or more against UMass when we are up a bunch would really give them a flavor of what it means to play against Nebraksa, MSU, or Ohio? They are going to be inexperienced regardless if we get them 50 garbage snaps this year. Not to mention the issue is that these kids are just no physically ready to compete at this level yet. We risk injuring them, which would be disastrous because that means we have a guy who might not be ready to start next year or misses much needed offsearson training and weight lifting, and risk injurying our other players, notably Bellomy. Losing Bellomy would be tough because then that would limit what we can do with Gardner at WR. I don't disagree with your concern about getting experience for our Oline next year, but playing them in a few snaps this season isn't as important as being on the scout team and participating in the weight lifting regimine.

To each is his own. Nonetheless, although I wonder if Saban was just using it to enact changes in college football that would benefit his style, the health concerns of the kids are the more important factor to be considered. It is much easier to hurt yourself when you are dawg tired after a 15 play drive where you haven't had the opportunity to sub. 5 or 6 drives into the game and this becomes a little more dangerous. Something for minds more attuned to the nuances of the game to consider I guess.

Ya, smith has to realize with Teo sprinting at him that a jump pass over Teo is not going to work. It's too risky a throw. Smith needs to set his feet on that throw so that way any miss hopefully goes long. If the defense reads the play-as Teo did-you tuck it and take the 3 yard loss. Poor judgment as much if not moreso than a poor play call. An unnecessary play call though.

To OP, God may be great, but Brock Mealer is the 1%.

Exactly. Only about 1/9 of his passes come from under center. Not to say that he isn't efficient under center, but what plays, particularly passing plays, are we running from under center and when do we use under center the most (often near the endzone)? PA to TE's, ala Kevin Koger being president of Koger land against Ohio last year; easy throw to make. Or how about his woefully underthrown PA pass to Watson, I believe, that was a TD against Northwestern. Although that was a TD and a completion that was a significant indication of Denard's bad mechanics in passing. Granted this might explain why we run from I-Form, to allow us to continue passing from the I-Form, but it doens't explain why we run a 5'6 175 pound Vincent Smith from under center. Insightful but still really isn't that groundbreaking as it just shows why we occasionally utilize a less effective play to be able to have the option of using a more effective one later.

Especially considering the issues so many people have with criminal records-generally discriminated against in hiring-particularly if one is a minority. Our criminal justice system uses the pressures of minimum sentencing, harsh and unforgiving judges, incredible leeway for prosecutor discretion, and nearly complete insulation against actual review of criminal procedures lead a lot of people to plead guilty when they are innocent or are questionably guilty. Additionally, even though our system breaks things down into guilty and not guilty (ignoring things like supervision etc.) not every situation clearly falls into those two categories. Is it very depressing.

I don't know how I feel about God but I know there is good in this world and I know I have a disproportional share of it, and I hope and I pray that he will be okay.

Ya, but then there are conflicting reports about Carr being the guy who reached out to RR and was one of the individuals who seemed to be spearheading not only the RR interview but possibly the hire. Carr seemed gun-ho about the hire and then reneged on his interest in RR.

On the note of the story, it isn't really that big of a deal. From the kid's story it seems Carr was just saying that his style would be better at Iowa then under a spread at Michigan with RR. As people below have noted, it seems like he was just offering his unbiased opinion on where the kid's style of play would fit best. Maybe he should have suggested the kid contact RR and his offensive staff, but we really don't know cause the kid only relates one small slice of the story. Until more to a story emerges, I am going back to salivating about the Bama game.

Wish I could upvote you more past 5. Best response I heard in a while. Succint and hit the nail on the head.

I've never played football, so my opinion might is less informed than others on this, but since when does playing til the whistle mean hitting unsuspecting people when the play is completely away from you and done with? Shouldn't playing til the whistle mean hustling back towards the ball and cleaning up any missed tackles there? Granted it was intercepted and his second of pause after the QB hit before he accelerates towards the RB indicates maybe he thought he was throwing a block downfield. But if you watch the replay, he turns around and sees the interception just as the WR is tackling the CB; the play is clearly over and, yes, he is 10 so maybe he just didn't fully realize the play was over and was only thinking "block for the return," but he definitely should have been able to see the CB go down. Makes me wonder about the coaching. I don't know what happened obviously as I only saw the clip, but the coach should have taken him out and benched him or at least aside to ask the kid what he was thinking and if he felt the kid was just trying to block tell him he needs to be more observant of the play and have him sit out at least a few plays. Definitely worth mentioning to the league so that if a pattern develops the league knows about it.

Well, if we lose out on Green, which is a distinct possibility, then there might be an open scholarship in the recent recruiting class. Dee would have to sit out this year and would join the 2013 class. Would be a RS SO though. He would offer us a different type of RB than Shallman or Smith offer us so maybe, if the coaches are interested. And assuming this is not just some random and off-the-wall rumor from the internet.

That RB group is ridiculous. So is that secondary. Jesus. A QB, an OL, and a better TE would make this a very dangerous team. So much waste.

Unless we lose a guy levenberry is out.

Realism to a degree. We return a significant portion of our team too. We are also going to improve. It's post first year in the system and it will show. Borges is much more comfortable with our scheme and the players. Denard will improve-really doubt it's a the level Borges qb at ucla did (Cade mcnown?) but improve nonetheless. Our entire back 7 returns. Ya we have question marks at wr and dline but everyone in the big ten has question marks. 8 and 4 isn't unrealistic-we could get there especially with an injury or two-but if everything goes according to plan-health wise- 9 and 3 is the most likely final with the ceiling being 11 and 1 and the floor being 8 and 4. Also, msu is really good and losing to them is not "giving one away." they should prob be favored to win big ten, especially of maxwell is as good as msu fans say he is.

So are we.

That post just kept getting better and better.

I wouldn't be. He is a high school kid and is attending all these events looking to improve his game. They are all voluntary ad consume quite abit of his summertime. If he zones out during a camp class to text some girls let him. Need to let them be kids as much as we are focused on them being the future of Michigan football.

Incorrect sir. I have numerous friends who are lakers fans and thus got to watch numerous laker games last year; Blake is nothing special but he is far more solid and consistent than Morris currently. Morris needs more time to develop. My laker fans absolutely hate Morris but I tell them to give him a few years and see if he develops.

It always does show a lot of class when kids aren't freaking out about not getting offers from elite programs. Unfortunately there is not enough spots for everyone at every place. Life is full of rejection; just have to work hard and enjoy what you get.

If you consider kovacs is a beast then I don't see how you can say Martin wasn't a beast. Also, your point that the guys who most likely turn into beasts are the Jordan kovacs of the world is undermined by the fact that you can only name one. There are plenty of recruiting misses but there are more recruiting hits than finding the kovacs of the world. The star system isn't great but it is proven that the higher table you are a a recruit the more likely he will pan out. Chill bro. There are plenty of people on the blog that recognize not all these guys are goingto pan out. You aren't as smart and well-reasoned as you think are.

I would avoid passig judgment. I always thought that was gods task. Too many people want to brand people as condemned to hell without really considering that hell is/would be beyond all comprehensive states of pain and anguish contemplatable in this universe. Also the statistics tend to indicateost people are bystanders in criminal situations and refrain from action rather than taking action. As such, I would avoid criticizing ijohnb's understanding nature. Yes, what happened was monstrous. Yes paterno failed to act. But let a higher power make the decisions on who and who does not deserve eternal damnation or whatever it is.

I thought we had maybe two spots left. I guess it is all up in the air depending on attrition.

You should have led with the fact that all the recruiters thought Browne was the best but that Farrell was enthused with Morris than everyone else by placing him in the top 3 qbs rather than solidly at number 2. Also, you should mention that Hargreaves was probably more focused on his performance than evaluating others. The biggest discrediting of Farrell would be that his evaluation completely disagrees with every other evaluation of Taco (at least the evaluations that have been put on the board).

True, but he also seems to want to visit schools and make the right decision for himself. It is nice for the fans to have these kids commit early but it is probably better for the kids to be able to visit the schools not on te kids dime and utilize what he learns to make the best educated decision for himself. Oklahoma and Oklahoma st put out good WRs in passing oriented offenses, so it makes sense that he would want to visit them, especially since it isnt cheap to travel their with his family. Maybe he Just wants to see the other schools before eliminating them and doesnt want his parents to pay for the visits when he can get free ones. Sidenote: I have forgotten his other top 2 schools.

Also, how do you know some of the things that make Michigan so attractive such as immediate playing time are not also available at other schools? Do the rest of his top 5 have talented QB recruits or freshman on their teams? Not every recruit jumps the gun when they know the school they like. See Poggi. Tremendous did an interview with him where he stated he played his recruiting close to the vest in order to promote his teammates and make sure lots of recruiters could see the younger guys on his team. See also Jordan diamond. I understand your concerns but until he says something more concrete about liking other schools, I think we are in the drivers seat. Also, we started offering other WRs because our other targets started indicating they were going elsewhere or their interest in us never improved (see massington, north, Larue, quick, foster, etc).

Actually an offensive line would be more helpful. See mike Martin forcing a pitch on a speed option. Wasn't one of their starting Gs a walkon by the time we played them due to injury.

The offer is based on potential and saban wanting to get the kid down early to visit. If Saban wants a shot at him then he needs the kid to go see how cool and great Alabama/Tuscaloosa is before he makes a commitment to any local program. And to reiterate what Magnus said he was a freshman. Chill.

Looks like broccoli with what should be tomatoes but the coloring is off. Maybe peppers. He does have chicken, wome other type of meat, and what looks like possibly mashed potatoes so I don't feel too bad for him. It takes me a lot of exercise to lose weight on that diet.

I kept thinking that he is the perfect football player since all the jocks played football, but then your comment made me realize it's probably pronounced with a long o. Damn.

No, what I am saying is that it is a fundamental fact that more players than not are unproductive in the NFL. Granted BG has higher expectations due to were he was drafted, but not even most 1st round picks are as successful as people expect them to be. Being unproductive is a fundamental part of playing as failure is a fundamental part of life. If BG is unproductive over the next 5 to 10 years then he is a bust. What is ridiculous about your comments are that you are arguing a guy that had only been in the league two years with one season lost to injury is a bust. Too soon. Come back with this argument in 5 years. Sidenote: just because Philly fans and nfl fans in general expect immediate returns on their investments doesn't change the definition of the word bust. They/you just start misusing it.

Quinceys also terrible. E, kindl, and Quincey are turnover machines.

Is the union handling the lawsuit? The article doesn't say either way. It's a class action lawsuit so maybe the players have independent legal counsel.

Profits from a faster-paced game with bigger hits. Remember when people thought Roy Williams was a good nfl S because he would light recievers up when they were often most vulnerable. He got lots of espn coverage for it. Also, did you read the article: if the former committee on head traumas was creating false information it would be doin it to get the injured players to play when they shouldn't. Your very incentive for the nfl would have been an incentive to mislead people about concussions for years.

Also, if the NFL committee on head traumas specifically created misinformation and false reports on head injuries what does that have to do with the NCAA? Your logic is flawed. Just because two institutions have similar rules does not mean that both are misleading people. Here is an analogy: two governments with very similar laws and structure, but one is corrupt to the core and the other is relatively just and follows its own rules and promotes the well-being of its people. Disclaimer: I don't actually think the NCAA is benevolent or more than a money sucking machine, and the nfl and the NCAA are not that similar.

Just curious, do both Teller and Vanderdoes play SDE or 3-Tech? We would need someone who can primarily play SDE. Also, if either wanted to come to Michigan it would be tough to turn them down but wouldn't it be better to take a true NT rather than a SDE since the last class is loaded at SDE and Poggi could maybe play there. Of course, this is assuming the coaches feel Hurst can only play 3-Tech and not move to NT. Magnus seemed to think Hurst probably cannot play NT as he lacks the skills that Martin had which allowed him to excel at NT.

The bright side is that we can apply the camps are overrated logic to LTT.

Also, didn't Mathlete show Rivals is the most accurate with Scout a close second. I think ESPN does a great job with basketball, but Rivals is the best at football. Got to give 247 some more time to establish themselves.

That is just undergrad rating. If you include grad programs we rank much higher.

I also do not think the majority of the players hated RR. From what few connections I have to the program, the general buzz around RR and the players, and other accounts, I never got the impression that most players hated him. Sure a few did not appreciate him, his methods, or their lack of playing time, but I think the survey does a better job at least cutting into the very nuanced manner in which the players viewed RR. Additionally, the whole put their heads down and waited the season out when the losing started was really only a theme during the third year as it started during the second year. However, I could see some truth to that. I think even reading 3&Out would give you that impression.

Looks pretty good. I'll have to admit, I have not seen On Her Majesty's Secret Service so I will have to see that one. I might bump up Tomorrow Never Dies a couple of spots. Also, maybe Octopussy, but that is sentimental for me as it was the first one I saw and it is a pretty silly movie.

I was thinking the same thing. Kids were at least responsible enough to call the police. Hopefully no one was really hurt or injured. Also, it's not just football players getting caught by the police. It has happened to numerous other sports players there. They are tougher on kids drinking then UofM it seems.

Some spreads emphasize the passing game and getting the WR's involved more, see Okie St and Brian Kelly's offenses. The big issue with the spread is when the spread offense is more of a running based offensive scheme. When Arnett made that comment about the spread he was referring to RR's version of the spread which was heavily run-based. Although he passed more at Michigan, I think he ran the ball around 70% of the time at WV. Just depends on the offense. Also, the spread can play a more uptempo form of the game speeding the game up. Makes more possessions in the game which gives WRs more opportunities to make plays.

Good point. I thought Isaac was only 6'2. Was thinking McFadden primarily. I do not think it is a given he will succeed at the position, but my comment was in reference to Smith being better. Smith might have a better height for the position, but clearly lacks other traits that are prized at the position. There is no saying that Smith will succeed either (obviously will be succeeding at RB or not). Saying that Smith is/will be better is foolish (as is with all recruits). Isaac would seem to have a higher ceiling and that is something we have seemed to have been missing at RB for a while now.

We have two OT's in Lewan and Schofield. Kalis seems to be eventually headed to the G spot, but he will be starting out as a potential back-up to either OT spot. Braden, although physically might be ready, technically and mentally seems to need time to develop, and we do not know if Magnusson will be able to step in early. At OT, we lost out on Garnett, a potential G or OT, and Diamond. Additionally, we lost Stacey, putting a hole at the center position, which granted will be filled by Kugler. If Jack Miller isn't ready to go as a RS sophomore or gets hurt, then we are going to have to try and fit Kalis or someone else into C unless Kugler can play as a true freshman, which is just scary as hell. Would have been nice to have another option in a RS freshman Stacey there. In an class that needed 5, the coaches seem open to taking 6, offensive linemen, we lost out on two national prospects and a local prospect to a lesser team. Also, RB, beyond Dunn we couldn't gather interest from anyone even though we clearly had no starting RB until halfway through the season. These are the small holes that made our recruiting class fall out of the Top 5. Still a great class (4-7 depending on the site I believe), but a couple misses nonetheless.

True, but a kid who can break tackles and take it to the house is better than a kid who can break tackles. Isaac has the size and ability to put on more weight. Add that to his speed and he could be a dangerous guy. Fast guys can still get 5 yards as they get there faster than the defensive players unlike bigger RB's. On the NFL, everyone is fast there and few RB's ever get the chance to take it to the house as the Defenses are so much faster and better than college. One of the reasons I find the NFL so boring is that it is about production and efficiency. Everyone is playing at near equal levels and it is about putting together a methodical drive that culiminates in a TD. Very structured. Like the randomness of college more. As such, speed is critical in college and still important in the NFL but everyone seems to have a more level playing field on the speed front. Also, TE's could be faster than Smith, and not many TE's do break away and score-unless you leave them wide open up the middle of the field.

If we get one of the last three I would be thrilled. If we don't get the first two then expect more sad recruiting threads.

Kevin Grady. But yes, we have been losing out on RB after RB. Frustrating.

True to most of that, but the emphasis of that post was Hoke's impressive record and feats in recruiting. Then it is immediately followed by a whiff on an elite prospect from the Midwest who like many others picks USC or Texas or any elite SEC school over Michigan. We can talk about Hoke's recruiting chomps all we want, but the fact of the matter is his success tends to be bred from the close ties these kids already have to the program. Rivals ran an article about why the elite recruits from the West have not been committing yet like the elite recruits from the South and Midwest. Mathis had an interesting quote about why so many kids committed to Michigan: "When I went to the Adidas camp in Detroit, those dudes had really been [following] their teams since they were a baby. That's like their family's teams. I understand why they committed. That's their school." Hoke seems to be doing well with these recruits and other Midwest recruits but losing out on the elite and national recruits. Here is an elite talent incredibly far away from USC and once again USC is swooping up and claiming him. Additionally, Hoke did take two RBs ahead of Isaac which definitely impacted his decision. That is a whole other debate as to the coaches having better eyes for talent than us and stars not being the end-all-be-all. Nonetheless, Smith clearly lacks the speed Isaac has and it sucks to lose out on that. I think His Dudeness is just commenting on the irony of us lauding Hoke's recruiting ability-which is great-but then losing another national recruit.

Missed out on DeAnthony Arnett, Burbridge, Watkins, Dee Hart, Rojo, Baxter, Brennan Clay, etc. Besides Burbridge, none of those were Hoke, but I think Magnus was referring to top skill prospects over the last several years and not just the Hoke misses.

We aren't guaranteed Fitz for two years and I would like to have Isaac on top of the other kids. The more options the better. It's nice to have a monster OLine. It's nicer to have elite running backs running behind a monster OLine (Rawls, Shallman, and Smith seem good but lack the speed to be elite).

Great defense...eh. Statistically we were really good, maybe even great, but that was against a weak schedule and we lost several players critical to our success. It is too early to say we will have a great defense this year without knowing how we will we replace Martin and RVB. Our defensive line could be good as we have some great minds (Mattison etc.) scheming and teaching the kids, but we probably should expect the Dline to perform at a slightly reduced level from last year. Our growths at LB and the secondary might offset this, but that does not account for the much more difficult schedule we face this year. We have a lot to look forward to, but you have to be realistic in expecting this season is going to be that much tougher due to the schedule.

Well, your premise that everyone plays by the same rules as the SEC ia flawed because not everyone plays the game the way the SEC does as not every team has the ability to play it that way. To oversign you have to have excessive demand to attend your school. People knock down Alabama's door because Saban has the reputation of putting kids into the NFL (which is probably true). Add the tradition Bama has and it leads to kids wanting to play there even if they have to be given the backseat when other kids with more potential come along. UConn and Arizone State cannot play that way either. Also, the other conferences to not play by the same rules that the SEC does. Some play by more similar rules than others, but none play the game like the SEC does (ironic).

Besides that flawed premise, your arguments reads: we're fucked for having a moral compass and playing by the rules. It is not really sour grapes to bitch about others breaking the rules. You could say it detracts from our moral superiority by complaining. You would have been better served by arguing that oversigning isn't the only reason the Big Ten loses out, but it loses because it spends less on coordinators or there is more talent in the south etc. However, you would be overlooking the fact oversigning is incrediblely useful in the hands of Saban and Miles. Saban is a great coach but one has to wonder if so much of his success comes from his ability stockpile reinforcements where other programs fall off. It's like a duel where one side loads two bullets into his gun and Saban loads three bullets. Statistically Saban will have more succes regardless of his skill with the gun. For example, even though Nutt at Ole Miss was never as nationally successful as Miles or Saban, he was still better than most of the mid-range and bottom teams in the Big Ten. If he had the ability to coach that Saban has, then he could have combined that with his signing of 37 player classes to win championships.

Also, your analogy is flawed in that I would not be friends with someone who felt the need to "bang hotty after hotty on the side" so I wouldn't even be complaining about him. If you have problems with the complaints then find better replies or start associating more with the guy ignoring his marriage.

Not to entirely rain on your parade, but wasn't Kugler rated pretty highly from the get-go? Also, Pipkens went from 3 star to 5 star which is a pretty big jump. Doubt Csont'e goes that far. Also, did Jalin Marshall play mainly QB or WR at the NFTC? Because that would be cool if he outplayed him, but if not still cools since he won MVP.

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Same here, but I tend to be disillusioned with most pro sports these days. Like baseball because its baseball. Nothing like sitting out in the sun with some friends and a beer or two enjoying your day and cheering on your team. However, could care less about NBA or NFL. If (when) the Red Wings are eliminated from the playoffs, I tend to no longer care. Boring stuff. However, now that I am in Chicago, so many people seem to care about professional sports teams only. Not even just my native Chicago friends but people from Wisco, LA, Boston, etc. Someone will ask me about the NBA and I think of the Ron Artest elbow a couple of weeks ago or eeryone freaking out about a Lebron James wide-open dunk and I chuckle and wonder why.

(edit: now I'm going to read about Kate Upton being on a baseball card.)

Too simplistic: recruiting locally successfully > recruiting nationally unsuccessfully.

The best is recruiting locally and nationally successfully. Last year we had a really good recruiting class, especially after cleaning up well locally, but did not finish strong on the national front and ended up slipping from Top 3 to about 5-7 ranked class in the nation. If we swing a Garnett or two at the national scale that adds some top-end prospects to round out the class. We did miss out on Levenberry, but there are other guys like Mathis, Pagano, Poggi, or a Fuller/Cravens type recruit who would guarantee a Top 3 class. Good to establish the local base since there seems to be more stability there to allow us to weather the storms of uncertainty over the national recruits.

/know you are making fun of MSU

Anyone else feel that the evaluation for Top O Coordinator spot is slightly if not significantly compromised by the inclusion of Tom Herman from Ohio? I know Paul Chryst would have won if he was at Wisconsin still, but Ohio had a terrible offense this year, and has an underachieving offense for a while. Could it have been the players he had to work with, particularly the lack of a viable QB? I guess you could say similar things about the Minnesota guy. Maybe a lot of this boils down to resume also and previous years, but it would seem to bode poorly for the Big Ten that Tom Herman is one of the best O Coordinators. Maybe need some better offensive minds.

With the good reviews for Ross, Resche, Hill, and whoever the WR was that won MVP, seems odd that all the Michigan and Ohio commits got the invites to the Openning. Seems they are just inviting the highest rated kids and not the best performers. Particularly since Marshal, Burrows, and Morris didn't even win MVPs today (although Morris won MVP for Elite 11 yesterday). Unless the selection process is independent of camp performance.

Godin and Wormely might move to 3T. But yes, Strobel is a similar player. Always nice to get reinforcements at positions, especially since Taco seems like a high risk/high reward type recruit. Never know who is going to pan out and who isn't. Nonetheless, I would like some more 3T also, like Poggi....

Every time you post something, I always visualize it and see you roaring it to the crowd like Long is doing in your avatar (or Lewan, can't tell). I always think you are yelling it. Just a funny thought, that is all.