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ESPN has box scores, recaps and drive charts for most games...

Going back several (TBD) years...

Pardon the interruption, but I seem to be unable to comment on..

the Live Blog. Is there a minimum number of points required? Maybe my old school iPad needs to be upgraded? I'm stuck on a plane with no TV access so the Live Blog is a sweet.

I must type too slow...

by the time I hit "enter" questions answered...

Hopefully Morgan's injury not too serious...

so he's back for The Game next week. Who gets more minutes in his absence - Cam Gordon, James Ross, Joe Bolden, other?

Great Hire!

Hopefully Mr. Levenberry agrees since EJ's younger sister is on one of the top 6th grade girls AAU basketball teams in the country (he mentioned that on one of his interviews).  Every little bit helps (even though it's a bit premature and they would never be in school at the same time). 

My hunch is that EJ is heading to FSU...

Something happened in Tallahassee - maybe it was the weather, the women, the vibe - but moving up his decision suggests FSU since they only have one LB slot left as well (and we said we'd save one for him essentially until NSD).  I would bet that his parents prefer Michigan but EJ somehow favors FSU...  The O'Daniel ship has sailed (Clemson) and the Anzalone ship is expected to sail after this weekend (OSU).  Maybe we'll get lucky with Hutchins or Kalambayi but at this point I'd prefer a couple more DTs (especially a NG/1T) and a couple of stud receivers.    

I type slowly...

and multi-tasking at work as I now see several posters made similar comments from when I started typing to when i actually posted.  I will stick to just reading them!

My hunch is that EJ is heading to FSU...

I'm still perplexed that we would turn away Dorian O'Daniel (who is rated higher by some and had Michigan as his leader and who is at a school that consistently develops top D-I talent including coveted CB Kendall Fuller in this class) and Alex Anzalone from even visiting (presumably because Gedeon was a silent and Levenberry was close).  I was similarly perplexed regarding our stiff-arm to Tommy Schutt and cold-shoulder to Danny O'Brien last year.  That being said, I COMPLETELY trust Coaches Hoke & Mattison regarding their assessment of recruits (physically, mentally, emotionally) and their character and fit within the system and program. 

Poggi, Webb, Vanderdoes...

Elite NT/DT are few and far between (and are true difference makers on the field).  Getting one of those three would be good; two would be great; three would be legendary!  All three have extensive offer lists from big time programs so, from a probability perspective, we should be happy to get one (but definitely make room for at least two).  A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush so the sooner the better.  Poggi seems like the highest probability followed by Webb.  Vanderdoes is a lottery ticket (the probability of getting West Coast kids is pretty low unless there is some family history or significant connection).  Not to say that it can't happen but the Poggi and Webb seem more likely IMHO. 

Down 9 again!

We can't make a layup!? We don't play D. Ohio hasn't missed a FT!?

Regarding OSU...

Logic seems to support Smith choosing Michigan (not that logic always applies when it comes to recruiting):

* OSU took TWO 4* Power RBs last year (Brionte Dunn and Warren Ball); Michigan took none

* OSU will run a spread under Meyer (especially with Miller at QB); Michigan is evolving back towards Pro Style Man Ball by the fall of 2013 (cue tape to Chris Perry circa 2003)

* He has a chance to join a legendary class with arguably the best QB and to run behind the best two-year (2012 + 2013) OL haul in the country

DSmith = Chris Perry; TIsaac = Tyrone Wheatley

I don't know how you choose between Smith and Isaac - both are great RB prospects with different strengths.  It would obviously be great (albeit unlikely) to get both!  Most seem more enamored with Isaac based on his Rivals rating (which we know is no guarantee of success at the next level) and speed.  Like others - I trust Coach Hoke and his staff to make the call.  Ultimately, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (see BDunn, JGarnett, JDiamond, AKozan, YWright)...

Can we delete this entire post / thread!?

It looks a little presumptuous after getting dominated in every fathomable way by OSU today.  The good news is that we over-achieved this season (which is obviously better than under-achieving).  Nantz & Kerr were stunned at the gap in talent between our two squads and that we finished tied for first in the Big Ten.  What we saw today was Michigan with a True Freshman PG (rather than the MVP/Superman that Burke was the rest of the entire season).

For what its worth...

the Martavious/Montravious comment made me laugh

Wolverine73 (with an assist to SoFlaWolverine) summarize it...

... best.  Add in the buzz from the first ever night game (which happened to be one of the most thrilling comebacks in MIchigan or CF history); hockey righting the ship and to continue it's record string of NCAA tournament appearances (as a potential #1 seed); basketball recruiting (the incoming Classes of 2012 and 2013 are the highest ranked in 20 years); lacrosse becoming a D-I sport etc.  All of these things help each other in further building the Michigan brand and exposure.  But most importantly, we have great coaches for each of these sports who are also GREAT people who get what makes Michigan special (along with an AD who is passionate about sports but also understands politics and business).  We are in outstanding hands and the future looks very bright.  Even the FREEP will have trouble arguing against this (except maybe Drew Sharp who has never had anything positive to say about anyone or anything in his lifetime as far as i know)...

EDIT:  I meant to add that even this year's SI Swimsuit cover star Kate Upton is a big Michigan fan! 

I'm an old dude (48) and a fan of tradition but

I admit that I love SNA and the sea of yellow pom poms at the big games. Whatever it takes to pump up the crowd. Flo Rida "I got a feeling" = yes. Journey and Eminem work. Fill me up buttercup = not so much.

Is Greg Davis Alex Kozan's uncle...?

Hmm

I loved Darius Morris but would take Trey Burke anyday

Darius' size might give him more upside potential in the NBA but if forced to choose the PG to lead Michigan, knowing what we now know, I would pick Burke

* He is a better finisher

* He is a MUCH better shooter (especially those clutch 3s)

* He is unflappable/unemotional 

 

 

How could ANYONE hate Michigan!?

Especially a seemingly educated and rationale guy like Wlbon.  It makes no sense. 

I vote Arizona...

Maybe that will help break the tie?

My bad for giving John Borton credit for Jim Stefani's fine work

I read essentially every article on the Michigan Rivals sight and at the opening post and the first couple of subsequent comments on most MGoBoard items but don't recall hearing Jim Stefani's name.  I will admit that I was surprised (a) to hear that John Borton was a renaissance man dining in Italy; and (b) the article wasn't filled with goofy puns/analogies...

Michigan's recruiting strategy, success & prospects

John Borton just posted a very comprehensive and insightful article on Rivals regarding Michigan's recruiting strategy & prospects by class (including 2013, 2014 and an early peek at 2015).  I don't know if it's behind a paywall or free but it's an excellent read and potential future reference... 

GREAT Overview of Michigan's Recruiting Strategy & Prospects...

John Borton just posted a very comprehensive and insightful article on Rivals regarding Michigan's recruiting strategy & prospects by class (including 2013, 2014 and an early peek at 2015).  I don't know if it's behind a paywall or free but it's an excellent read and potential future reference...

No question - this stings - but don't wig out

Seeing this OSU surge really blows but we need to get over it (especially since they remain in the mix for a couple more 4-5* kids). 

We still have that is nationally ranked in the Top 5 (for now) and should still finish in the Top 10. 

We are 2nd in the Big Ten - nobody else is even close (how do you think MSU, Wiscy, Nebraska and PSU are feeling at this point)!? 

We lost two 50/50 coin flips but both were tilted in favor of the other guys.  Hopefully we can still add some combination of Grant, Diamond, Kozan, Henry, Muller or TBD to this class but even if we don't - it's a tremendous class filled with keepers.    That being said, I'm a little sad that NSD is coming up and we don't have much to root for at this point (other than keeping the kids who have already committed).  On to the Class of 2013...

Meyer had a perfect storm of PSU imploding and Michigan blowing its wad early but the bowl ban, lost scholarships and extended probation has to impact them eventually (doesn't it)?  If not that, then our re-claiming of the rivalry on the field...

Not only is Yuri an elite CB prospect but...

It would be great to get some traction at a perenial power like Don Bosco Prep (similar to Blake Countess giving us greater visibity at Good Counsel). Happy successful alums can be very effective recruiters!

Rightly or Wrongly - RR is damaged goods

RR's predicament is somewhat similar to Mike Leach, who also had great Offensive success (at TT), but hasn't been able to land HC job.  RR didn't lock Craig James' son in a closet but he did leave two programs on probation (no matter if it was deserved).  With heightened concerns about reputations and AD's seeking to avoid controversy, I would be surprised if a BCS school offered him at this point.  The most likely alternatives would be (a) rebuild/reclaim his reputation as a HC at a smaller Southern school like Tulane or (b) become the OC for a BCS school with a great Defense in need of an Offensive jolt...

I Love The Drake (this is a lay up for Seinfeld fans)

Drake Johnson sounds like he could be a Tyrone Wheatley or a Carlos Brown (let's hope for the former).  There are obviously no guarantees of translating HS success to the next level but he has world class speed (you can't coach that), incredible production against top flight HS competition (Mike Hart set HS records against lower level competition which is partially why he was under the radar as well), his frame (call him 6' 200 lbs with the potential to get to 220 after a couple of years).  KO return specialist and/or WR potential (Al Davis would have loved this kid).  The fact that he's from Ann Arbor and has dreamed of going to Michigan his whole life is an extra credit bonus. 

Gallon has been one of the biggest upside surprises of 2011...

If you had asked me pre-season to project our Top 5 receivers at this point in 2011 my list would have included Hemingway, Roundtree, Odoms, Koger, Stokes and Jackson.  Gallon seemed to be an undersized Slottish WR and candidate for a transfer.  WRONG!  He was our leading receiver up until the Iowa game (Hemingway just passed him) and a big time contributor game after game (not to mention he's shored up a major weakness as a solid Punt Returner).  Hard work, patience and perseverence pay off.  He should be a shining example to the kids who get frustrtated by lack of PT as True Freshman and decide to transfer...

I am SERIOUSLY pissed

We were without power in CT for over a week.  Couldn't DVR the game.  Finally got power yesterday and set my DVR for BTN replay of the game tonight at 8pm.  Left a BBQ early to rush home and watch - but it's the F*CK*NG OSU game!?  Are you kidding me!?  I am beyond livid.  WTF is up with the BTN!?  They've replayed every other game in the conference twice. 

Yes - This Class is Very Good (and Very Important)...

Although the statistics above are interesting and helpful, this class stands out for the following reasons:

1.  We Were Nowhere.  As of the 2011 U.S. Army All-Star Game, essentially NONE of the participating Juniors (Class of 2012) had Michigan in their Top 5 (something that had never happened before); mostly due to (a) Michigan's lack of success on the field in 2008-2010; (b) uncertainty regarding the coaching staff and future system; and (c) a preference for Pro Style offense and defense amongst most of the highest rated players with next level aspirations;

2. We Got a Very Late Start.  Hoke was named Michigan's HD in mid January and did a VERY admirable job of retaining many of the previous coach's verbals while landing a surprising number of new commits from nowhere late in the process (but had no time to even start recruiting the Class of 2012 until after NSD in February);

3. We Reclaimed Our Home Turf.  After losing the "pole position" in recruiting the highest ranked/best players in Michigan from 2008-2010; Hoke immediately landed most of the most coveted players in the Top 10 including a clean sweep of the Big 3 (RJS; JRoss; TRich) plus 2 of the Big 3 from Farmington Harrison (MSU turf); and essentially everyone else who we have offered and truly want (I'm still hoping we get O'Brien but would be thrilled with Pipkins); 

4. We Surged to The Top.  The number of recruits who have verbally committed this early in the process (compare Michigan to the rest of the Big 10 at this point);

5. We seem to be recruiting kids who really want to play for Michigan and Hoke/Mattison and the entire staff (more likely to qualify and less likely to de-commit and hopefully less likely to transfer);

6. The kids we are recruiting have SERIOUS BCS caliber offers (rather than considering MAC or Conference USA schools like many of our recruits the past three years);

7. As many posters have pointed out, we are still in the mix for many highly rated kids and many of the existing 3* (5.7) have the potential to move up to 4*;

8. There is a recruiting BUZZ around Michigan that we haven't seen in the past 3 years (and exceeds any that I recall in the ~25 years that I have been reading/devouring The Wolverine - and now Rivals and Scout and MGoBlog)...

Two things:

1. Local kids are much more likely to stay committed than kids from far away who might reconsider due to family, friends, distance, weather or conference concerns. Not only are these great and highly rated kids but none are soft verbals (no flakes like DeQuninta Jones or Pearlie Graves amongst others from years past); and
2. We can still complete the instate sweep with Burbridge and O' Brien (although TN may lead do not sell us short with him)!

Good Stuff - Two Minor Corrections

I did a quick skim and noticed two minor errors (a) Aaron Burbridge IS a Rivals250 member (this list doesn't show him as one); and (b) Chris Wormley is NOT a Rivals250 member (this suggests that he is)

Survival of the Fittest

CC lacked the speed to play corner and apparently lacked the toughness or desire to compete that the new regime requires.  I hate to see a 4* CB and the only Top 100 and U.S. Army representative from that class (I think) leave, but he seemed to have an "entitlement" mentality.  Better to get rid of bad apples sooner rather than later.  His comments on the way out prevent me from rooting for him...

Recruiting Snippets

I'm probably violating some MGoBlog protocol with the length of this post (if so - my apologies).  Nothing groundbreaking here but a few recruiting thoughts/comments:

1. Why is ND on this list?  They are not in the Big Ten.  I pay attention to ND since we compete with them on the field and for recruits but they shouldn't be on the Big Ten list (at most they deserve a footnote maybe)!

2. The 2012 Rivals250 to watch list was released on 2/10/11 (see the link attached  http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-2851  ).  A couple things to note:

* Rivals hasn't ranked kids with stars (the Top250 would all be 4* or 5*) or grades yet (4* are graded 5.8-6.0; 5* are 6.1).  They have started to release their 5* players (11 so far; there are usually ~25 in any given year).  Only two of the 5* have verbally committed at this point (Mario Edwards to FSU and Johnathan Gray to Texas).

* OSU has 5 verbal commitments (all ranked amongst the Top 40 recruits in the state of OH) and four of the Rivals250.  I wonder how many they will keep if Tressel is fired or they can't play for the Big Ten Championship or a Bowl Game the next two years?  Some speculation their 2011 recruits will be given a chance to go elsewhere as well...

* Michigan and PSU each have 6 verbal commitments but only one each on the Rivals250 list at this point (RJS for Michigan and Jarron Jones for PSU). 

* Wisconsin has 3 verbals but now has two on the Rivals250 list (Vince Biegel and Dan Voltz - both kids with Michigan offers I think). 

* As shown above, no other Big Ten team has meaningful/noteworthy numbers; NW and Minnesota each have one Rivals250.

* Rivals shows zero commitments so far for MSU, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska (the post above shows one each for Iowa and Nebraska so who knows)...

* Notre Dame has 5 verbals and two on the Rivals250.

* Teams with the most commitments amongst the Rivals250 at this point include Texas (9); Texas A&M (7); FSU (6); LSU (5) and 4 each for Alabama, Florida, OSU, OK State and USC.  Who says cheaters never prosper!?

3.  I like our class so far and the potential for us to land several of our Sweet 16 (see attached http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1214761  - hopefully TomVH doesn't mind this reference and agrees wtih this list)...   James Ross and Terry Richardson both intend to take their visits and enjoy the process (sew your wild oats before you commit) but I think they both end up at Michigan.  Some think that James Ross may be the mysterious silent commitment.  It sounds like TR may be waiting until January to see how the season and other factors play out. 

4.  We obviously have significant needs on the DL and OL.  We could certainly use a highly rated Pro Style QB (maybe Pike reconsiders once Auburn goes on probation).  There has been very little discussion of the need for WR but we could really use a Pro Style WR or two since we lose most after this year (and next) and we didn't recruit one this year...

Go Blue!

Brian has become Drew Sharp...

Have they ever been seen together?  I'm just asking...

This is NOT someone from the AD - just a 1985 grad...

... who happens to be a very BIG Michigan fan.  I grew up in Clarkston.  My parents haven't missed a home game in 50+ years.  I live in CT and run a HF in NYC.  My kids (aged 13, 11 and 9) have been brainwashed since birth.  and BTW - this site DOES have influence...

It's not Brian - but a BIG Michigan fan

I write a ~weekly email (similar to my post above) which I send to friends (surprisingly, my recipient list continues to grow).  I scan the noise and distill into a detailed summary in an easy to read format.  I've visited this site MANY times over the years but never posted until yesterday.  I don't know Brian but appreciate the effort he puts forth to run this site.  That being said, for better or worse, it's a pretty influential site and can sway the opinions of certain fans, recruits and our competition.  The previous support for RR was commendable (to a point) as he was our coach.  But he's no longer our coach and nothing anyone says/does is going to change that.  Brady Hoke is our coach and anyone who saw the press conference or knows anything about Michigan football can see why.  We are seriously lucky to have him.  So, if you love Michigan football and what it stands for, it's time to embrace him whole heartedly 100%.  If you can't do that, please don't do anything to sabatoge his chances.  The Banner on this site is what Jon Stewart does to George Bush, not what Michigan fans do to their coach (who, by the way, is going to be here a LONG time).  Someone said Brian was continuing to bad mouth Hoke on the radio today!?  I have a hard time believing that but, if true, SHAME ON HIM.  Shame on any Michigan fan who is trying to create yet another division.  Brian backed himself into a corner by foolishly going ballistic on a guy who was a serious candidate to be our next coach (and has become our coach).  I'm willing to forgive and forget - it's time to move forward.  I'm not telling anyone how to think, but I'm asking people to be less spiteful to a guy who has been on the job for less than 24 hours.  Another life lesson from kindergarten "If you can't say something nice, don't say it all".  Or, at a minimum, please don't post it on Michigan website. 

Brady Hoke = GREAT Hire!

The more I learn about Brady Hoke, the more excited I am about him as the new head football coach at the University of Michigan.  I cannot tell a lie – I struggled to get excited about him as a candidate initially and didn’t feel much elation when the announcement was made yesterday.  I was relieved that the process was over, and vowed to be supportive either way, but I wasn’t really happy.  It’s not that I didn’t think he was a good guy or potentially a good coach, it just felt like, after the past three years and the past few weeks in particular, we needed a bigger buzz.  There was clearly some disappointment that he wasn’t Jim Harbaugh.  Many were enamored at the thought of Les Miles and his 62-17 record at LSU.  With Hoke, it appeared on the surface as if we were “settling”.  Frankly, there was also frustration that, if Hoke was our guy, we should have hired him 24 hours after the OSU game (not three weeks before National Signing Day for the 2011 recruiting class).  That is water under the bridge at this point.  Nobody but Dave Brandon really knows what happened at each stage during the process – and there isn’t a truth serum on the planet that will get him to talk.  However, let me say this, after seeing Brady Hoke in today’s press conference, I wouldn’t trade him for any coach in America (including Les Miles or Jim Harbaugh).  I’m serious.  If you didn’t see his press conference – please watch it now – in its entirety.  Have a Kleenex handy – and get ready to strap on your pads!  http://www.mgoblue.com/allaccess/?media=221155

 

I understand why the majority of fans were underwhelmed (or even concerned) initially:

  • His overall won/loss record as a head coach was just 47-50.  That may be true, but he inherited two perpetually moribund programs and made them both winners.  By the way, Auburn hired Gene Chizik after going 3-9 and then 2-10 (including 10 straight losses to finish his second/last season at Iowa State).   The genius fans nearly rioted and both the new coach and AD were booed upon his introduction.  Two years later he guided Auburn to the BCS National Championship (with help from a couple of JC transfers named Cam Newton and Nick Fairly)…
  • He hasn’t coached in a BCS Conference.  That may be true, but neither had Jim Tressel and it’s worked out pretty well for him and that school in Ohio.  By the way, while Hoke was on the Michigan coaching staff from 1995-2002 he acquired 5 Big Ten Championship rings plus a National Championship ring (he can show you all six if you are really nice).  I assure you he hasn’t sold any of them on EBay or traded them for free tattoos…
  • He doesn’t look like a Michigan football coach.  OK, the guy is unlikely to elicit man-crush reactions like Jim Harbaugh or Pete Carroll, and Sandra Bullock is unlikely to say “I find him extremely handsome” like she did about Nick Saban in The Blind Side.  Then again - he’s a football coach not a News Anchorman!  David Letterman even invited Hoke to read “The Top 10 Highlights of the Ball State Cardinals Football Season” on the Late Show after his 12-1 season in 2008…  How many coaches can say that!?  Here you go if you missed it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mErqJBbCjsc
  • He doesn’t like the spread so Denard Robinson will transfer.  This is not necessarily true.  Hoke has a history and reputation for best exploiting the talents of his players and team and adapting his approach accordingly.  That is what good coaches do.   They don’t try to force round pegs into square holes – and certainly don’t chase away the best player and most vocal leader on the team (who happens to be the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year)…

 

So why the change of heart?

  • It started with Jason Whitlock’s article “Hoke, not Harbaugh, perfect for Michigan”.  If you haven’t read it, please do so now.  You will be happy that you did.  http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/brady-hoke-not-jim-harbaugh-is-perfect-coach-for-michigan-wolverines-010711
  • It continued with several other articles written by people who actually know Brady Hoke and endorsements by people who actually played for Brady Hoke.  Most of the people who were dissing the man, or the decision to hire him, had never met him (and most had never seen him or actually heard him speak).  There doesn’t seem to be a person out there with a negative thing to say about the guy – including those who have coached and recruited against him.
  • It picked up steam when I heard that the current Michigan players gave him a standing ovation when he was introduced to the team and the supportive comments from guys (admittedly, mostly on the defensive side of the ball) like Mike Martin, Jibreel Black and others.  He has also received strong public endorsements from former players you may have heard of including Tom Brady and Charles Woodson.  Attending his press conference were 20+ former players (most who played for Brady Hoke, many who hadn’t).  They took time from work and their families to drive (and in some cases fly) to Ann Arbor to welcome him with open arms.  I considered doing the same (and catching tonight’s Michigan versus OSU basketball game) but was snowed in CT/NYC…
  • In addition to hearing great things about him as a coach and a person – I continue to hear that he’s a great recruiter.  He recruited guys like Tom Brady, Justin Fargas and Leon Hall to leave sunny California to play at Michigan.  Recruiting talent to places like Florida, LSU or Texas – that takes care of itself.  Anyone who can recruit talent to Ball State has to be really good!  I think we will do a much better job of recruiting again in the states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Illinois. 
  • The clincher was the press conference.  This guy is all substance over style.  He may look and sound a bit like Fred Flintstone, but he cares deeply about coaching and his players.  He speaks from the heart.  He uses the term “we” rather than “me” or “I”.  He is all about the team and family.  He said he would have walked to Ann Arbor from San Diego (and he meant it).  He accepted the job immediately without knowing (or even asking about) the terms!  He loves Michigan, he loves Ann Arbor, he knows the Midwest.  He understands our culture, our traditions, our rivalries and what makes us special.  He understands that winning the Big Ten is everything.  If you don’t win the Big Ten, you don’t get to compete for National Championships.  This is a guy who is comfortable in his own skin (unfortunately RR never gave that impression). 

 

Here is the deal.  Brady Hoke is facing an extraordinary set of challenges in the next few weeks – and he needs our help.  We need to back this guy 100%+ with all of our maize & blue hearts.  No more whining about our former coach or other candidates or this scheme or that.  We have our guy and he’s going to be here a LONG time.  Hopefully, as Michigan fans, you don’t need convincing.  If you do, hopefully this and similar notes, articles, emails and Blogs have helped.  If you are still not there – that’s too bad – suck it up.  We need to make his job easier not harder.  Here are just a few of the things he must do:

  • Meet with the current players (particularly the seniors and leaders), to share his passion and vision (and re-recruit them).  It’s inevitable that there will be some turnover.  Hopefully it’s kept to a minimum – and it doesn’t get personal like it did three years ago.
  • Meet with the recruits who are currently committed and re-recruit them (particularly those who are most at risk of going elsewhere).  Again, it’s inevitable that some may have second thoughts due to the change in coaching regime and/or potential scheme.  Some have already bailed, others are wavering but most are pretty solid.  Either way, we can’t take anything for granted. 
  • Meet with the recruits who had Michigan at or near the top of their list until recently but may have de-committed, waivered or committed elsewhere during this six weeks of uncertainty.  Many of those guys could potentially reconsider (especially if they view his press conference with their parents).  Apparently there will be no recruiting visitors to Ann Arbor this weekend which leaves just two monster/massive weekends to state the case and get this done.  Hopefully the late January weather in Ann Arbor is somewhat cooperative…
  • Assemble a staff.  This will obviously help with the points above. 
  • Start planning for Spring practice.
  • Start working on the 2012 recruiting class.  We are already behind here and, given the weakness and attrition of the past couple of classes, the importance of this cannot be overstated. 

 

What can we do?  Embracing this guy whole heartedly at tonight’s Michigan versus OSU basketball game would be a good start (the “Maize Rage” has it covered).  Support him amongst friends, fans, websites, blogs and Twitter.  Forward this note (or others like it) to Michigan graduates and fans everywhere.  We can no longer tolerate differing factions.  A House Divided Cannot Stand.  If you remain angry about something, send a note to Dave Brandon, but don’t take it out on Brady Hoke (and certainly don’t post it for opposing coaches to use against us in recruiting).  Our Athletic Director has taken some heat during this process, and initially after this hire, but nobody was more relieved than Dave Brandon during & after today’s press conference.  He knows he made an outstanding hire

 

p.s.  My dogs are named Bo and Brady (ok, so my Brady was named after Tom, but this gives me some flexibility)…  At least I don’t have to get another dog!

p.s.s.  Could Jared Sullinger enter a mid-year NBA draft of some sort?  He’s a beast and the Cavs could use him NOW (plus I’d rather not see him in scarlet & gray again anytime soon).

p.s.s.s.  Is there is a bigger moron in the world than Drew Sharp?  If so, I have no interest in ever meeting him.  How does that guy still have a job?