Well, since Jethro started the 07 Heisman thread, why not talk about the season too.

I was watching SportsCenter tonight and Herbstreit had Michigan at #4 for next year, Desmond Howard had Big Blue at #5, and Corso had them at #3.

Here's rivals (way) early 2007 top 25. (If you're lazy, Michigan is #2.)

http://www.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=627579

Before long someone is really going to rip on us and suggest starting the 2014 Heisman thread. (by the way, the early favorite is Darnell Rogers from Macon, GA - he's only 14 right now, but he's already 6'1" and runs a 4.47 40)

So Mood, who else did the Sportscenter crew have in the top 5?

good article by Wojo about Big Ten style of play:

Get up to speed, Big Ten!

In the aftermath of a truly unsettling bowl season, it's fair to ask the question that has gnawed at Big Ten fans for a long time. Actually, it has gnawed for about a week, but it's gnawing deeply.
What must Michigan and Ohio State do to keep up with the Boise States of the world?
I joke. (Not completely.)


http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070110/SPORTS08/701100320/1004/SPORTS

Before long someone is really going to rip on us and suggest starting the 2014 Heisman thread. (by the way, the early favorite is Darnell Rogers from Macon, GA - he's only 14 right now, but he's already 6'1" and runs a 4.47 40)

So Mood, who else did the Sportscenter crew have in the top 5?

hahaha. Jethro, if that info is real, that is freaking awesome.

The teams that were most commonly mentioned from the guys were USC, LSU, Florida, and Michigan. Kirk threw in Rutgers, WTF? and Desmond had West Virginia.

What if Boise goes undefeated again?

What if Boise goes undefeated again?

who's on their schedule next year? I know they usually play Oregon State, but that's not a great team. If they played a top 4-5 team (conference rank, not NCAA rank) from the SEC/Big 10/Big12/ACC and ran the tables they would deserve a shot IMO.

Put me down for a prediction for Lloyd to return to normal and blow three games by the time OSU rolls into town so the victory over a completely depleted OSU '07 squad will make him seem like a hero again.
Don't these guys ever learn? Every year, they install UM into the top ten or five, and every year UM ends up in the toilet.
I'm becoming a little more interested every day as to what is going on in East Lansing.
I mean, we KNOW how the Lloyd Story is going to turn out, don't we?

After Monday, at least we don't have to read about Tressel from you for a while do we Zip?

What's wrong with Tressel pulling an occassional Lloyd?
Yes, I and 90% of America thought Tressel would get it done. But, there IS still that funny little thing about him beating Lloyd 5 out of 6, and three in a row.

Well, since Jethro started the 07 Heisman thread, why not talk about the season too.

I was watching SportsCenter tonight and Herbstreit had Michigan at #4 for next year, Desmond Howard had Big Blue at #5, and Corso had them at #3.

Here's rivals (way) early 2007 top 25. (If you're lazy, Michigan is #2.)

http://www.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=627579

This is why some of you Michigan fans drive me absolutely NUTS. I'm all for starting whatever thread you want. I've said that before, if you don't like it don't read it.

HOWEVER, Moodini I believe you ripped on me late in the football season for it "always being about bball during fball season." And I know several others like Filly who have always ripped me for this. And then you go and start a freaking 2007 Football thread in January?????!!!!!!!! Are you serious? You gave me crap for talking bball 2 wks before the first exhibition game! And you want to talk Michigan football 8 freaking months before the season starts?

I sound like a broken record but it fits. Why are so many UM fans hypocrites?!

Oh my God dude, are you kidding me? The 06 season just ended and everyone is talking about next year. It's on TV, newspapers, magazines, websites, etc. I mean it was on freaking SportsCenter! I'd say if it's on SportsCenter, we should be able to talk about it.

Just because "mighty" MSU is 0-2 in the Big Ten (again), you don't need to be so damn cranky and take it out on all of us.

I believe in this thread. Now that college football season is over, it's time to talk about...NEXT FOOTBALL SEASON!!
Yay! Time for us Michigan fans to get all giddy, as the Wolverines will be ranked high! YAY! Of course, by seasons end, we'll all be lined up on the ledge again, threatening to REALLY jump this time.
I say 9-3 next year, and back to the Capital One Bowl.

Tre, you may want to consider taking that break you recommended for me. It was very refreshing, and now you're showing strong signs of needing it. Much like me, gone is the quality in your posts and all that's left are blatant and ignorant attempts at bashing the other guy with very little support toward your own side.

You mentioned Michigan fans ripping you for talking hoops during football season. While that was wrong for those fans to do, comparing that is off. What Michigan fans are doing now is similar to State fans talking hoops in late April, early May - right after the season has ended. I don't expect anyone would have a problem with that. Several other differences but I have neither the time or the patience right now.

Another key point, calling someone a hypocrite loses its savor when you are performing a hypocritcal act at the time. Something we should all strongly consider.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Oh my God dude, are you kidding me? The 06 season just ended and everyone is talking about next year. It's on TV, newspapers, magazines, websites, etc. I mean it was on freaking SportsCenter! I'd say if it's on SportsCenter, we should be able to talk about it.

Just because "mighty" MSU is 0-2 in the Big Ten (again), you don't need to be so damn cranky and take it out on all of us.

Moodini, answer a few questions for me.

1) Did you or did you not rip me for it “always being about basketball” 2 WEEKS prior to the start of the College Basketball season?

2) Which is worse, talking about a sport 2 WEEKS before the season or 8 MONTHS before the season?

3) It was on Sportscenter huh? Well, do you think basketball was talked about on Sportscenter 2 wks before the season? Yes sir! Every major sport makes sportscenter somehow year around!

Go ahead and explain to me why it is okay for you to rip me for talking bball before the start of the season and then for you to turn around and talk football 8 months early. I’ll wait for your answers.


In terms of being cranky, I think the guy whose team took a nose dive at the end of the season (3rd year in a row) without a sport to look forward to for 8 months would be much more cranky. Maybe that's just me though.

Who said this thread was about Michigan football?

Much of the discussion is about the national scene and not about Michigan at all.

If you can't talk about the upcoming football season in a NCAA forum, where should those discussions go?

Who said this thread was about Michigan football?

Much of the discussion is about the national scene and not about Michigan at all.

If you can't talk about the upcoming football season in a NCAA forum, where should those discussions go?

Seriously. I'm about to stop visiting the NCAA forum ever again. Why does every damn thread have to turn into a Tre vs U of M fans arguement? Now the thread is totally derailed. I have no problem with talking about next year's football season, why do you Tre? I also have no problem with you talking about BBall months before it starts either. If someone ripped you for that, deal with them, but don't go on your typpical "all michigan fans are hyppocrites" rant again. I'm getting real sick of the stereotyping that's being done here. Address the poster and stop lumping everyone together.

Couldn't have put it better myself, Chris. Bravo.

Seriously. I'm about to stop visiting the NCAA forum ever again. Why does every damn thread have to turn into a Tre vs U of M fans arguement? Now the thread is totally derailed. I have no problem with talking about next year's football season, why do you Tre? I also have no problem with you talking about BBall months before it starts either. If someone ripped you for that, deal with them, but don't go on your typpical "all michigan fans are hyppocrites" rant again. I'm getting real sick of the stereotyping that's being done here. Address the poster and stop lumping everyone together.

You know what I'm sick of, different people saying stupid shit to me and then crying about it when it comes back to them. And everyone else chiming in. Where were all of you when Moodini complained about me talking bball in November? Didn't hear you arguing that all is okay to talk about then. You know why because it was anti msu at that time and you are okay with that. You only speak up when it fits your team preference.

I'm also sick of people like you that can't read. You told me to deal with that individual and not lump everyone together. IF you go back and read my posts, you'll see that I didn't lump everyone together. I directed the post at the person who directed theirs towards me. I mean, what the hell do you do? Do you read like 4 words and post? I did exactly what you told me to. ALSO, I shared your opinion in not caring who talks about what sport and when. But if somebody is going to complain about bball in november, ill give it right back to them.

Now that I've made my point, back to the discussion.

My list goes like this:

1) USC
2) Florida
3) West Virginia
4) Michigan

The cut off is there

I didn't defend you in that other thread because I never read it. If I did I would have said the same thing to Moodini (to ignore the thread if you don't want to talk about it). And don't tell me I didn't read your post entirely. Yes, you called out Moodini. Then you proceded to call out the rest of the Michigan fans on here (see bolded parts). You could have stuck with Moodini, but you felt it was needed to say "michigan fans" when the issue had nothing to do with what school people were fans of. It had everything to do with when a topic should be brought up. The problem I have is that you bring school affiliation into everything to stir up trouble.

You could have just said "Moodini is a hypocrite" but you chose to say "michigan fans are hypocrites"


This is why some of you Michigan fans drive me absolutely NUTS. I'm all for starting whatever thread you want. I've said that before, if you don't like it don't read it.

HOWEVER, Moodini I believe you ripped on me late in the football season for it "always being about bball during fball season." And I know several others like Filly who have always ripped me for this. And then you go and start a freaking 2007 Football thread in January?????!!!!!!!! Are you serious? You gave me crap for talking bball 2 wks before the first exhibition game! And you want to talk Michigan football 8 freaking months before the season starts?

I sound like a broken record but it fits. Why are so many UM fans hypocrites?!

Chris, that sure sounds like lumping to me. Another thread hijacked by a DrTre beef-fest. [smilie=offtopic.gi: [smilie=banghead.gi:

Good lord. I might not come back for another few weeks at this rate. Probably national signing day, any big Michigan hoops win, and/or a 5 star commit if there is one. Other tahn that, way too much drama here for me. Thanks fellas.

I didn't defend you in that other thread because I never read it. If I did I would have said the same thing to Moodini (to ignore the thread if you don't want to talk about it). And don't tell me I didn't read your post entirely. Yes, you called out Moodini. Then you proceded to call out the rest of the Michigan fans on here (see bolded parts). You could have stuck with Moodini, but you felt it was needed to say "michigan fans" when the issue had nothing to do with what school people were fans of. It had everything to do with when a topic should be brought up. The problem I have is that you bring school affiliation into everything to stir up trouble.

You could have just said "Moodini is a hypocrite" but you chose to say "michigan fans are hypocrites"

I'll give you props for not being like many others. And I won't lump you with the group. BUT, you missed some key words in that post and I put them in there purposely for you.

I said, "This is why >>>>>SOME<<<<<< of you Michigan fans drive me NUTS." By including the word "some" I was pointing out that it isn't all.

At the end I said, "Why are >>>>so many<<<<< of you Michigan fans are hypocrites. Once again, provided "so many" to point out that it isn't all. Yes, I stand by that fact that there are many here that do the hypocrite shit that I complain about.

Moodini, apparantly you don't know the meaning of the word "some." "Some" as in, not all, as in not lumping an entire group together.

Good lord. I might not come back for another few weeks at this rate. Probably national signing day, any big Michigan hoops win, and/or a 5 star commit if there is one. Other tahn that, way too much drama here for me. Thanks fellas.

Hey, I tried to get us back on topic. I posted my Top 4 for next year and nobody followed up with any on topic material.

Dr Tre:
Come on. Do you REALLY, for ONE SECOND believe UM will be ranked fourth at the end of next season?
Remember, the pre season rankings are for how you think a team will finish.
That means Lloyd goes probably 12-1, or 11-2, but the two losses come early and UM goes on to beat OSU and win a bowl game.
I think you have taken a "silly pill" this fine evening.

I think it's old and I'm tired of it...don't care to read the babble.

Im gonna get this thread back on track. How bout UW bein in the top 10 of a lot of preseason articles!! 16 starters comin back. A mostly untested QB but did win two games this year. He has a weaker arm than Stocco did, lot more floaters than tightrope passes, but I can see a 9 win season + bowl game in their future. Hmmm.... bring it Hipdigit since you think 12 wins was shite! lol

I assume Wisc plays both U of M and OSU next year right?

I actually have no idea. I assume they play OSU since they didnt this year, but they have played UM for a few years in a row now. With the rotating schedule they might be due to not play each other.

edit: They play at OSU. UM and MSU are on the schedule.

Zip, I was looking at this as preseason polls. My short list that I provided is what I thought they would be ranked preseason-not how I thought they would finish. Preseason polls are always way off.

If I was to provide who I thought should be in the Top 5 at the end of next year, I'd have to do a lot more thinking and research. I do think Wisky will be there, but the QB thing worries me with them.

I really am too wrapped up in College Basketball now to do an in depth look into how I think they'll finish. Maybe later.

Smith, Ginn, Gonzalez, and Pittman all gone from OSU. If Michigan can't beat them next year at The Big House, I don't know what to tell ya.

Also, "AD" Peterson and Colt Brennan (Hawaii 50 TD QB) declared for the NFL Draft.

I'm starting to like Michigan's chances to make an MNC run more and more, but......then we come to the issue of coaching. [smilie=kicks.gif]

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah....


1. Southern California 11-2 http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/stats/logos/usc_statslogo.gif (http://usc.rivals.com/) John David Booty (http://www.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=7679) bided his time in Los Angeles and made the most of it when he finally got his shot to quarterback the Trojans. He completed 242 of 391 passes for 2,956 yards and 25 touchdowns with nine interceptions, establishing himself as a major Heisman threat in 2007. The receiver position will be somewhat depleted, but there is plenty of talent in the wings. The defense, though, could carry the Trojans. It has scary potential, with probably the best secondary in the nation behind a top-notch front seven. USC ranked in the top 10 nationally in run defense, 11th in scoring defense and 20th in total defense. The unit loses only one senior, linebacker Dallas Sartz (http://www.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=24069). Pete Carroll (http://www.rivals.com/viewcoach.asp?Coach=703) has it rolling, and no one else in the Pac-10 is even close.

'Nuff said.

Well, Michigan ranked Number one in wasting a good season.

Now there are a number of preseason magazines out and I saw a list of the rankings from Lindy's, Athlon, FoxSports, Rivals and AJC. I took the average rankings from the 5 and established the combined top 10. Here they are:
1 - USC (unanimous pick)
2 - LSU
3 - West Virginia, Texas (tie)
5 - Florida, Michigan (tie)
7 - Oklahoma
8 - Wisconsin
9 - Ohio State
10 - Virginia Tech

Big Ten well represented with 3 teams in the top 9. Penn State climbed in near the bottom of 3 of the 5 polls.
Regional opponent Notre Dame was interestingly absent from 3 of the polls, reaching a high of #21 in the AJC poll.

Now there are a number of preseason magazines out and I saw a list of the rankings from Lindy's, Athlon, FoxSports, Rivals and AJC. I took the average rankings from the 5 and established the combined top 10. Here they are:
1 - USC (unanimous pick)
2 - LSU
3 - West Virginia, Texas (tie)
5 - Florida, Michigan (tie)
7 - Oklahoma
8 - Wisconsin
9 - Ohio State
10 - Virginia Tech

Big Ten well represented with 3 teams in the top 9. Penn State climbed in near the bottom of 3 of the 5 polls.
Regional opponent Notre Dame was interestingly absent from 3 of the polls, reaching a high of #21 in the AJC poll.

Ohio State in the Top 10? That's a joke. I know you have to give props and higher expectations to national powerhouses, but they lost everybody offensively. You could say the same about their D last year, but then I'll mention the Michigan and Florida game.

I think Wisconsin will be tough, but not a championship team. The BT might as well give the trophy to Michigan right now. Although the entire BT is going to be nowhere near the other major conferences. A big time down year that will send a couple of teams to major bowls just because they have no comp. in the conference.

tO$U has a great offensive line and Beanie Wells.........nuff said. The only teams capable of beating them are Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin. Beanie Wells has a legit shot of winning a Heisman because he will get Ron Dayne/Ricky Williams type carries and will put up the numbers to go with it. If he ends the year with 1,500 yards and 15 TD's I could see him going to New York at seasons end. If that defense holds teams to under 10 points I think it'll be easy for tO$U to win 9 or 10 games easily.

He'll need more than 15 TD's to get to NY.

And as for "handing the trophy to Michigan right now", believe me I would be just fine with that. However, there's a lot riding on Lloyd right now and I think most Michigan fans want to see if he can be Tressel in a chess match yet. Michigan is better than Ohio State and has been for a while in terms of talent and potential, but they've done nothing to prove it on the field. Michigan fans need to see it happen there. It would be a huge help in recruiting as well.

He'll need more than 15 TD's to get to NY.

And as for "handing the trophy to Michigan right now", believe me I would be just fine with that. However, there's a lot riding on Lloyd right now and I think most Michigan fans want to see if he can be Tressel in a chess match yet. Michigan is better than Ohio State and has been for a while in terms of talent and potential, but they've done nothing to prove it on the field. Michigan fans need to see it happen there. It would be a huge help in recruiting as well.

I'm with ya on everything but the "Michigan has been better for a while in terms of talent." Michigan did not have more talent than OSU last year. However, they will this year.

Sure their O line will be good, their back will be good, and their D will be good. But, not great IMO. You put them up against one of the powers and they'd get waxed.

BTW, I'd give anything to see Lloyd lose to OSU again this year. And for ONCE, this isn't about Michigan losing. I just want to see Lloyd get piled on by the media and fans and get ripped apart on talk shows. He's a douche and I love it when he gets blasted. This year would top them all and end his career.

I think that Michigan is clearly the favorite in the B10, but I'm worried about the Wisconsin game. I think we lose that game and another along the way (possibly Oregon?) and go 10-2, and go to the Rose Bowl and lose again. I do feel that this is the year LLLLoyd beats the Bucks again, but honestly a small part of me would not be that mad if he choked again because maybe it would spark a change.

Lloyd will have an unreal amount of pressure on him this season. I'll be interested to see how he reacts to it. He's going to be sweatin bullets going into that OSU game. Can you imagine if he lost it again? UM nation would be in an uproar.

On a side note in college football, Moodini and I checked out a preseason mag and I counted 7 guaranteed losses on MSU's schedule. just great.

I think that Michigan is clearly the favorite in the B10, but I'm worried about the Wisconsin game. I think we lose that game and another along the way (possibly Oregon?) and go 10-2, and go to the Rose Bowl and lose again. I do feel that this is the year LLLLoyd beats the Bucks again, but honestly a small part of me would not be that mad if he choked again because maybe it would spark a change.
I like A2 against OSU this year. The catchphrase "they're DUE" comes to mind. Kind of see the Cheesepuff/Duck scenario the same way as well. Oregons' place in the schedule is low hanging fruit for the Ducks. If the troops in Madison rally around their "green" QB, with 16 starters back A2 will be up against it. I don't see how even Lovable Lloyd can fuck this up for more than 2 losses going into the "bowl beatdown" unless the a revamped "D" lays a "steaming pile." I don't see it.

I think that Michigan is clearly the favorite in the B10, but I'm worried about the Wisconsin game. I think we lose that game and another along the way (possibly Oregon?) and go 10-2, and go to the Rose Bowl and lose again. I do feel that this is the year LLLLoyd beats the Bucks again, but honestly a small part of me would not be that mad if he choked again because maybe it would spark a change.

As much of a douche as I, like Tre, thinks Lloyd is, I can't bring myself to utter phrases like "Gorsh, I hope they lose so he gets canned". ESPECIALLY to Ohio State.
I think that is the problem with Michigan fans. Ohio State BLEEDS hatred for Michigan, and we walk around saying things like, "WEllll, if the Buckeyes beat Lloyd, maybe it will work out to be a good thing IF..."
I do know I'm exaggerating a tad, but DAMMIT I would like to see Lloyd go out with a national championship. Although, maybe that gives him more leverage to give the HC job to the pathetic Mike DeBord, instead of forcing UM to do the right thing and bring in Les Miles.

And by the way, if Mike DeBord somehow ends up with that job, I'm a Michigan State fan forever after that.

"And by the way, if Mike DeBord somehow ends up with that job, I'm a Michigan State fan forever after that."

Let me slide my ample fartbox over here on the MSU bandwagon Zip. We gotz plenty o' room.

Donovan Warren will wear #6 for Michigan this year. He wanted to wear #2, but it is obviously worn by Shawn Crable and there is also a rumor that the number is being held for McGuffie.

Donovan Warren will wear #6 for Michigan this year. He wanted to wear #2, but it is obviously worn by Shawn Crable and there is also a rumor that the number is being held for McGuffie.

If that fucker reserves #2, and gets to Ann Arbor with all that drama already, he better deliver.

First look at the Sparties new uniforms
http://blog.mlive.com/spartansinsider/large_hoyer.JPG
http://blog.mlive.com/spartansinsider/large_unibacks.JPG
I'll give em' some good, some bad......

I like the stripe back on the helmet
The pants aren't great
The Michigan State on the front is about as intimidating as the actual team
I do feel the names on the back with the logo above

They'll never be that clean again.

They'll never be that clean again.

What if Tre volunteers to do their laundry?

I've heard Tre is good at laundry, but that much stain stick on the budget would bankrupt the school, and Spartan Hoops would suffer as a result. In other words, after careful consideration of the bigger picture, Tre would never do their laundry. The only reason he volunteered to do McGuffie's is because he jumps over tackles instead of getting planted into the sod.

I like the approach: New coach, new stadium stuff, new approach, new uniforms!

MICHIGAN STATE FOOTBALL: The Bottom Half of the Big Ten Better Look Out

First look at the Sparties new uniforms
http://blog.mlive.com/spartansinsider/large_hoyer.JPG
http://blog.mlive.com/spartansinsider/large_unibacks.JPG
I'll give em' some good, some bad......

I like the stripe back on the helmet
The pants aren't great
The Michigan State on the front is about as intimidating as the actual team
I do feel the names on the back with the logo above

I felt the exact same way on the uni's Wizzle. The only thing that has slightly changed my opinion on the small "Michigan State" on the front is the fact that that is how they looked back in the day. Trust me, as a State fan we need as many reminders of days when we were actually good as possible. That past is getting more and more foggy as the years pass. I wish they would have brought back the old school USC style Spartan helmet that they rocked in the ND debacle game. I really felt those helmets. However, after seeing 300 I'm perfectly okay with this logo.

I like the approach: New coach, new stadium stuff, new approach, new uniforms!

MICHIGAN STATE FOOTBALL: The Bottom Half of the Big Ten Better Look Out

Still waiting for a Wolvie to get the Moodini maturity speech. How do you spell hypocrite again? M-I-C-H-I-G-A-N

NVM, forget it.

Have to toot my UW horn for a sec here. Saw a blip on ESPN a week or so ago and UW has the highest winning percentage of any B10 team over the last five years combined. Stocco (I know he is gone) had a higher winning percentage than any B10 QB who started at least two years, or twenty games, something like that. As posted earlier they return a ton of veteran starting talent with the only real big losses being Stocco and Joe Thomas. Hill was hurt the last couple games and is 100% again, he had a sorta bum ankle and shoulder. UW also beats the SEC and PAC10 teams in bowl games where the other teams do not.

Have to toot my UW horn for a sec here. Saw a blip on ESPN a week or so ago and UW has the highest winning percentage of any B10 team over the last five years combined. Stocco (I know he is gone) had a higher winning percentage than any B10 QB who started at least two years, or twenty games, something like that. As posted earlier they return a ton of veteran starting talent with the only real big losses being Stocco and Joe Thomas. Hill was hurt the last couple games and is 100% again, he had a sorta bum ankle and shoulder. UW also beats the SEC and PAC10 teams in bowl games where the other teams do not.

I agree, gotta give them props.

The early season tilt between UM and UW will probably say a lot about the two teams. For some reason it seems that Wisconsin RB's are about the only stellar backs that UM can consistantly keep in check. I'm sure there's a stat out there that proves me wrong, but it's the way I choose to remember it (insert "typical Michigan fan" comment).

In UW's defense, didn't their offense actually move a bit better last year at the end of the year without Stocco? I know he put together a solid career, but I thought the younger, fresher QB played quite well. I wouldn't mourn the loss of Stocco too heavily.

The early season tilt between UM and UW will probably say a lot about the two teams. For some reason it seems that Wisconsin RB's are about the only stellar backs that UM can consistantly keep in check. I'm sure there's a stat out there that proves me wrong, but it's the way I choose to remember it (insert "typical Michigan fan" comment).

In UW's defense, didn't their offense actually move a bit better last year at the end of the year without Stocco? I know he put together a solid career, but I thought the younger, fresher QB played quite well. I wouldn't mourn the loss of Stocco too heavily.

Whoa, Jethro...did you forget about the Calhoun debacle year before last? Calhoun left, Calhoun right, Screen to Calhoun. It was ridiculous. I'm glad that game is at Wisconsin. I think that one will come down to Wisconsin's D. I think they'll be able to put up around 24-28 on Michigan, but will they be able to stop Michigan's O? I'm looking forward to that one.

In UW's defense, didn't their offense actually move a bit better last year at the end of the year without Stocco? I know he put together a solid career, but I thought the younger, fresher QB played quite well. I wouldn't mourn the loss of Stocco too heavily.

Those games were against Iowa and Buffalo. Who doesnt move against Buffalo lol. Im not sure about how well Donovan moved the ball compared to Stocco in those two games, what I do know is he doesnt have the arm strength. As I said before, he throws more floaters than tightropes, and floaters lead to INTs. Stocco was something like 27-6 as a starter, how do you not be sad to see him leave?

Whoa, Jethro...did you forget about the Calhoun debacle year before last? Calhoun left, Calhoun right, Screen to Calhoun. It was ridiculous. I'm glad that game is at Wisconsin. I think that one will come down to Wisconsin's D. I think they'll be able to put up around 24-28 on Michigan, but will they be able to stop Michigan's O? I'm looking forward to that one.

Calhoun did have a great day in 2005, but he only scored once and averaged 4.4 ypc for 155 yards. Compared to what Calhoun was doing against other teams, that's respectable. Hill had 54 yards and 0 TD last year, the only game in his first 8 that he was held under 100 yards.
The two teams didn't play each other for a couple years before that, but I can remember Michigan holding Ron Dayne in check when he was steamrolling other teams.
If 155 yards and 1 TD on 35 carries proves me wrong, I can accept that.

As for Donovan, he just seemed to have more poise. His rating, completion % and ypa were all higher and he did it without a fully healthy Hill to take some pressure off. Again, not discountin Stocco's career, but there were games at the end when I think they kept Stocco in too long and the offense was stagnant. Say all you want about the quality of competition, but I don't think it's a substantial dropoff from one to the other. Possibly some mental mistakes that are cured with experience, but I think Donovan's talent level and physical tools are as good or better.

the video on Boub from Rivals makes him look like Morgan Trent Jr. anyone else catch that?

As for Donovan, he just seemed to have more poise. His rating, completion % and ypa were all higher and he did it without a fully healthy Hill to take some pressure off. Again, not discountin Stocco's career, but there were games at the end when I think they kept Stocco in too long and the offense was stagnant. Say all you want about the quality of competition, but I don't think it's a substantial dropoff from one to the other. Possibly some mental mistakes that are cured with experience, but I think Donovan's talent level and physical tools are as good or better.

Buffalo. BUFFALO Im not discounting Donovan's play, I think he will do well for UW this year, but a team like Buffalo being one of the two teams you play against will skew the stats. Its like saying a baseball player hit .350 in AA so he will hit .310 in the majors. Like I said, Donovan should be good but you can't discount the "quality of competition" in this debate.

UxKa:
Some say that Stocco's incredibly bad breath stunk up the entire stadium unless it was particularly windy. For that reason, many Wisconsin fans are glad he's gone.

Any Michigan fans here who also actually like that Chad Henne song by Bastard Sons of Woody (formerly Dead Schembechlers)?

^^Thise guys are hilarious. They have a great website, and their manifesto is one of the funniest things I've ever read. Why is OSU pounding uM these days? Tressel, and Ohio, get it.
Same can be said for Dantonio: Check this out http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070622/SPORTS0202/706220331/1131/

I think that's AWESOME! I wonder if UM has a similar clock for the countdown to their big game with Johnny Appleseed State.

I think that is freaking awesome! I absolutely love it. I love Dantonio's approach with Michigan too. He's not coming in and shying away from it and lowering his head with the thought that it isn't going to happen. He's taking Tressel's straight forward approach of identifying the target and going after it. I like it!

I think that is freaking awesome! I absolutely love it. I love Dantonio's approach with Michigan too. He's not coming in and shying away from it and lowering his head with the thought that it isn't going to happen. He's taking Tressel's straight forward approach of identifying the target and going after it. I like it!

I couldn't agree more. It looks like MSU has the right guy in place so far. I don't know what Smith had to say when he came in, but Perles and Saban seemed to have the same approach, and they showed it can be done.
UM would be wise, once Lloyd is finally gone, to respond to OSU and MSU with a coach who understands that you got some big ass battles right in your own back yard to think about now.
I'm not conceding much to Dantonio, except that the philosphical change is a great start.

I couldn't agree more. It looks like MSU has the right guy in place so far. I don't know what Smith had to say when he came in, but Perles and Saban seemed to have the same approach, and they showed it can be done.
UM would be wise, once Lloyd is finally gone, to respond to OSU and MSU with a coach who understands that you got some big ass battles right in your own back yard to think about now.
I'm not conceding much to Dantonio, except that the philosphical change is a great start.

Agreed. Saban had the same attitude. Kind of a tough I'm not going to lose to nobody mentality. I like that. It is a start and I don't have one single complaint about Dantonio so far. He's saying and doing all the right things.

bump


Quick hits from Michigan's media day
Posted by Sports Reporter John Heuser August 06, 2007 12:17PM
Categories: Football
The University of Michigan football team held its annual media day Monday morning at Schembechler Hall. Some quick hits from the session, where all the coaches and players were available to speak to the media:

No word yet on Carson Butler. Coach Lloyd Carr said last week in Chicago that the tight end, who was kicked off the team in March, might be allowed to return. A decision will be made soon, Carr reiterated Monday. Michigan's training camp practices start Tuesday.

Nearly two years after he last played football, Marques Slocum is a Wolverine. Slocum, who has been working to gain eligibility since arriving in Ann Arbor last fall, is elated to have reached the academic standing he needed. Considered one of the nation's best prep linemen during his senior year in high school, Slocum could have the opportunity to contribute during his first season.

Ryan Mallett is penciled in at the No. 2 quarterback spot. Mallett, the tall freshman from Texas, will back up Chad Henne; unless something unforeseen happens in training camp, Carr said.

The buzz on Mallett has been nothing but positive; the other players call him a natural leader with the gift of gab. He did a lot of chattering with teammates at media day. Henne, who should become Michigan's all-time passing leader this season, said he believes Mallett has the ability to be the best quarterback in school history.

Fans will see a much slimmer Brandon Graham. A sophomore from Detroit, Graham ballooned last season to close to 300 pounds. That had Carr talking about moving Graham inside to the defensive tackle position. Forget about that happening now. Graham, who has been compared favorably to last year's defensive star LaMarr Woodley, weighed in at a trim 262 pounds at the end of the summer. Look for him to start at one of the Wolverines' open defensive end spots.

The leg strength of kicker Bryan Wright was obvious at Michigan's spring football scrimmage. Carr put it in even better perspective Monday, saying that the redshirt freshman has the strongest leg of any Michigan kicker he's seen at the school, a span of some 27 years. What Wright needs to do now is prove that he can be accurate enough to win the starting field goal kicking job.

Carr said a couple of the incoming freshman have minor eligibility issues with the NCAA clearinghouse. The coach added that he expects the glitches to be cleared up quickly, perhaps within a day.


We're getting close now

Great news on Slocum

Mallett might be the most hyped Wolverine ever

Nobody will ever top the hype of Drew Henson when it comes to Michigan football.

I would agree, but add that the reason for that was the fact that he was an instate kid.
Mallett and McGuffie are getting plenty of hype, but they didn't grow up around here to have the legend grow.

Yea but remember that huge SI article that had on him before he even came to Michigan? It's not often that a hs kid gets a big spread in SI.

True. Though much of that came from how good he was in multiple sports. Nobody is considering drafting Mallett or McGuffie to play baseball.

Nobody will ever top the hype of Drew Henson when it comes to Michigan football.
Sam McGuffie just did

8t2gplt2dyc

I love the part where he flexes as he's trotting off.

Wow.

Seriously, I see this kid and his abilities blow my mind, but at the same time the little person on my shoulder says "If he tries that crap in college he'll end up on a stretcher."

Sam McGuffie just did

8t2gplt2dyc
The more I watch this kid, the more I think he is just a circus monkey. Jumping over people and doing somersaults does not equate to being a great football player. I think this kid gets his back broke in the Big Ten. Possibly by Antonio Jeremiah.

The more I watch this kid, the more I think he is just a circus monkey. Jumping over people and doing somersaults does not equate to being a great football player. I think this kid gets his back broke in the Big Ten. Possibly by Antonio Jeremiah.

Yeah, his football takes show he is just a circus monkey..Yet if he chose state he would be the greatest recruit in the world..

If you were playing around, sorry about that..Sometimes sarcasm does not come over the computer well with me...

State or U-M the guy is a dick. He embarrassed himself at LSU on a recruiting visit with his hyped bullshit. My good U-M goomba who is very good amigos with a U-M staffer said without a doubt he's the biggest anus that has set foot on the A2 campus. One of the biggest reasons he went to U-M was to put distance between he and his RoseAnn Barr family scene according to the source. It's called b-a-g-g-a-g-e. On the plus side he's 17-18 and kids grow up. Maybe he turns a leaf. Good luck with that Flying Burrito Brothers shit in the Big 10 though. It will be interesting to see how he develops. I have him penciled in as a Breaston type. I'm sure you guys would be happy with that.

State or U-M the guy is a dick. He embarrassed himself at LSU on a recruiting visit with his hyped bullshit. My good U-M goomba who is very good amigos with a U-M staffer said without a doubt he's the biggest anus that has set foot on the A2 campus. One of the biggest reasons he went to U-M was to put distance between he and his RoseAnn Barr family scene according to the source. It's called b-a-g-g-a-g-e. On the plus side he's 17-18 and kids grow up. Maybe he turns a leaf. Good luck with that Flying Burrito Brothers shit in the Big 10 though. It will be interesting to see how he develops. I have him penciled in as a Breaston type. I'm sure you guys would be happy with that.

[smilie=donthate.gi:

[smilie=donthate.gi:
Right from the recruiters mouth. Deal. Maybe you need to re-read the post. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out. Meanwhile keep that 8 minute Youtube dealio on favorites. I have a feeling you may have his career highlights with easy access. I could be wrong. I'm just not drinking the Blu-ade.

Right from the recruiters mouth. Deal. Maybe you need to re-read the post. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out. Meanwhile keep that 8 minute Youtube dealio on favorites. I have a feeling you may have his career highlights with easy access. I could be wrong. I'm just not drinking the Blu-ade.

Thats just it Hip..Its not just Michigan fans.Its everyone in the country...There is no doubt that if he was a spartan you would not be saying what your saying...I do understand your point..That is a lot of hype to live up to..

As a Michigan fan, I'll wait to see how it all pans out. I'm not getting excited over a crazy athlete that has yet to play a snap of college football. There are tons of guys who are extremely hyped and have just an average career. The guy is about as athletically gifted as they come, but let's not hand him the Heisman Trophy because he can flip over a guy.

I look forward to seeing how it plays out.

Yeah, his football takes show he is just a circus monkey..Yet if he chose state he would be the greatest recruit in the world..

If you were playing around, sorry about that..Sometimes sarcasm does not come over the computer well with me...
No, I`m not kidding. If the kid focuses on being a football player he will be damn good. If he focuses on being a circus monkey trying to make highlight films he could have a short career.

No, I`m not kidding. If the kid focuses on being a football player he will be damn good. If he focuses on being a circus monkey trying to make highlight films he could have a short career.

Yet reggie bush's highlight tapes were of the same thing..Did you say that about him?

Yet reggie bush's highlight tapes were of the same thing..Did you say that about him?
Look, let me try this again. If McGuffie focuses on being a running back, he will be good. If he focuses on being a circus monkey, he could very well get hurt. I am not saying he isn`t very talented. I am just saying he had better forget the stunts when he runs the ball in the Big Ten.

Look, let me try this again. If McGuffie focuses on being a running back, he will be good. If he focuses on being a circus monkey, he could very well get hurt. I am not saying he isn`t very talented. I am just saying he had better forget the stunts when he runs the ball in the Big Ten.

I understand your point, but he is not doing flips on the football field..Hurdling over someone is a talent that is used..Why is that a circus stunt?

I understand your point, but he is not doing flips on the football field..Hurdling over someone is a talent that is used..Why is that a circus stunt?
The people he will be trying to jump over in the Big Ten will be bigger and faster. There will also be more bigger and faster people on the field as a whole. Therefore, they will quickly and potently converge on him. I realize that McGuffie plays in the largest high school division in Texas. However, that is nowhere near the Big Ten. In addition, I would imagine the players in the Big Ten would be head-hunting a player who tried to utilize those tactics. I know I would.

When he does that hurdle move he is exposing him self towards serious punishment. It's like a WR goin air born for a pass up the middle, he will get pasted and the landing will be even more brutal. It would be sweet if he could pull it off though.

"Hurdling over someone is a talent that is used.."

In track & field. It's Harry High School shit that might work in 4A in Tejas and other parts. If you played the game any coach worth two shits will tell you to stow that particular routine...unless it works of course and then its' "great move kid!!" AGAIN I'm no Blue-Ade drinker but its' a hell of a highlight stunt. Double up and lets' see it against OSU or Cheezitz. I'll be glad to come on here and salt my crow.

One more time. I can't name who told me but the source was KEY in landing this guy. His comment was "either way(if he comes or doesn't) its' win/win. Much baggage involved." Sorry but you're wrong. If it was MSU who I root for in the Big 10, I'd be on here with the same info. Kinda' smacks of the 'ole "watch out what you wish for." When I went with my original post on the topic I give him every "op" for change saying "he's 17-18." Hopefully kids grow up and if his home scenario is as advertised...the Roseanne Barr day to day (out of the sources mouth)" its ' seems to me that it will only get better being that far removed from it.

For the third time I'm excited to see him play so as to see how it plays out. To say he's Reggie Bush revisited is truly over the top. I'd like to make a little wager on the "program" height & weight too. I say 6'0"-188 = horseshit.

TommyZ you are the U-M fan and I see why you'd be excited. I've seen this movie before and it doesn't always have a happy ending. As one of my Meeechigan Grad buddies asked me with an enthusiasm he has learned to temper after too many bowl game beat downs along with gas pipes in the BIG games, "Do we have the new RB stud in the country (McGuffie) or the next Blake Ezor?"

Inquiring minds.

I'm a Michigan fan and I was one of the first to say I'm concerned. Playing with bigger, faster, and stronger players will mean he gets hit harder, sooner and more often. His acrobatics have helped him take advantage of HS players, but they could get him seriously - perhaps career or life threatening - injured.
The thing that relaxes me about the whole situation is his respect for Coach Jackson who will surely teach him not to use that technique often, if at all - plus in the videos it seems he's very selective about when he does it. Only when there's a single defender in a vulerable position. Meaning I doubt he leaps up in the air to do a flip with a twist into a collection of defenders.

But the whole time this is just my hope. I haven't met the kid to know what his attitude is, but in interviews I've seen he says all the right things. He didn't fall all over himself to talk about "the play" like it was cool. He said it was just the thing he did because the opportunity presented himself and it was just another run.

I hope he sticks to the cut back moves and only jumps over diving defenders a la BJ Askew.

The only thing you have to remember is he plays in arguably the most talented state out there in their biggest division. So while it is not college players, he does play against the best HS players pretty much week in and week out.

I doubt you see him do many jumps at the collegiate level, but that doesnt take away from his vision or athleticism.

I will ask someone about the hipit post. I wouldnt really be surprsied. My biggest beef with him was that some mods at Scout said he didnt want the attention, but everything I saw was counter to that.

MY PREDICTIONS


* Michigan will go 12-0, and win the Big Ten and play USC in the Nat'l Title
* Notre Dame will lose 4 or 5 games, and go to a December bowl game, and lose (10th bowl loss in a row)
* Florida will be horribly overrated, Tim Tebow is a piece of garbage and got so much praise for QB sneaks (who cares), and Urban Meyer will cry like a bitch still and get a BCS Bowl Game Bid
* Darren McFadden will blow it his ACL
* West Virginia will have the worst defense in the Big East, and lose to Rutgers, South Florida and Louisville (again)
* Michigan State will finish at 5-7, and miss out on bowl game (again)
* Ohio State will drop a few games (Michigan & Wisc. for sure)
* Anthony Morelli will still play like an underachiever
* Chad Henne will win the Heisman Trophy

and Ryan Mallett will torch Appalachian State in the 2nd half of Week 1

(150+ yds, 2 TD (both to Toney Clemons))

You're so negative Wil.

MY PREDICTIONS


* Michigan will go 12-0, and win the Big Ten and play USC in the Nat'l Title
* Notre Dame will lose 4 or 5 games, and go to a December bowl game, and lose (10th bowl loss in a row)
* Florida will be horribly overrated, Tim Tebow is a piece of garbage and got so much praise for QB sneaks (who cares), and Urban Meyer will cry like a bitch still and get a BCS Bowl Game Bid
* Darren McFadden will blow it his ACL
* West Virginia will have the worst defense in the Big East, and lose to Rutgers, South Florida and Louisville (again)
* Michigan State will finish at 5-7, and miss out on bowl game (again)
* Ohio State will drop a few games (Michigan & Wisc. for sure)
* Anthony Morelli will still play like an underachiever
* Chad Henne will win the Heisman Trophy

How about a gentlemanly message board wager regarding the predictions in bold font?

Michigan State's schedule just got a bit easier.

Pitt's top WR is out for the season. Week 3 might be a win now.

Doubtful, Michigan State will not beat Pitt.


Wandstedt > Dantonio


I hate how Mike Valenti thinks Dantonio is a god-sent, for one, he knew nothing about him before he got to MSU, and he also said the EXACT same things when MSU hired John L. Ask Keith Nichol and Quincy Landingham which of the two they'd rather play for...

and as for the bet...shoot me an offer

and even Cedric Everson too for that matter...and possibly Joey Barksdale and RoJo

Doubtful, Michigan State will not beat Pitt.


Wandstedt > Dantonio


I hate how Mike Valenti thinks Dantonio is a god-sent, for one, he knew nothing about him before he got to MSU, and he also said the EXACT same things when MSU hired John L. Ask Keith Nichol and Quincy Landingham which of the two they'd rather play for...

and as for the bet...shoot me an offer
Would you also like to make a gentlemanly message board bet regarding the above statement in bold?


First the bets: I bet UM does not go 12-0 and Henne does not win the Heisman. I also bet that MSU beats Pitt. That is (3) bets. Whoever has the majority correct (2 out of 3) is the winner. Lets see, the loser must compose a post everyday about a great aspect of the winner`s school for a week. What do you think? Kind of lame, but I couldn`t think of anything else.

Doubtful, Michigan State will not beat Pitt.


Wandstedt > Dantonio


I hate how Mike Valenti thinks Dantonio is a god-sent, for one, he knew nothing about him before he got to MSU, and he also said the EXACT same things when MSU hired John L. Ask Keith Nichol and Quincy Landingham which of the two they'd rather play for...

and as for the bet...shoot me an offer
Wow...this might be the most mis-informed post on this board ever....unless the Mike Valenti you're thinking of is different from the one I work with?

LOL! Wil Ledzema I'm sorry, but these predictions and opinions have me rolling! Talk about blind love and blind hate. You gotta love predicting absolute perfection for your team and hating on anything and everything green. I love the attempt to talk trash in every post too mentioning former recruiting targets and shit like that. Reaching to talk trash for no reason whatsoever.

Since you want to make predictions on recent history, common yearly patterns, etc. etc. Throw me down for a UM loss to OSU and a bowl loss and throw the word "again" after those predictions just like you did above.

BTW, you rip Dantonio and claim that others praise him w/out knowing much about him. What do you know about him that makes your opinion accurate? Were you highly educated on the Mark Dantonio coaching history prior to the hire? I'm guessing you have nothing to base your opinion off of other than the fact that he's the coach for State.

"Wow...this might be the most mis-informed post on this board ever...(from Will)

Gosh, ya' think. The dumbing down of the "Blue & Yellow Coven" has hit a new low. Precious. You can't make this shit up. The only thing left out was "McGuffie wins Heismann in his Freshman Year". You guys slay me.

Okay the guy got back to me about McGuffie. Here is part of what he said.

"I've watched a lot of kids go through on visits over the years ... McGuffie is not a partier ... likely THAT'S what the LSU guys didn't like ... and some of the U-M players won't like it either IMO ... there are always about 5 contingents of players on a team ... Type I partiers, Type 2 partiers, Type III partiers, religious non-partiers, and workout-freak non-partiers ... McGuffie is of the 5th catagory ... he WILL embarass some of the less hard workers on the team, etc.An ass? No way. He and Mallett are Texans, and the guys had to adjust to Mallett too (maybe he WAS the biggest ass for a while, but he got with the program ...). Texans do brag a little, and they are VERY proud of their football ... but mcGuffie doesn't say much at all."

Here's my thing about McGuffie allegedly being an ass. I don't know about you, but I think people would shy away from being friends with an ass. And yet, most of the top athletes in the greater Houston area are good friends with the kid.
Also, doesn't an ass often think so much of himself that he doesn't care about anyone else? Instead, Sam got on the phone calling other recruits and reaching out to them trying to get them to join him at UM. Funny thing is, it actually worked with Fred Smith until one of his HS coaches and his best friend started pouring green Kool-Aid all over him at the last minute.

But yeah, I can totally believe based on all of that, McGuffie must absolutely be an ass. Oh, and everyone from Louisiana loves Texans, especially from Houston. Right.

And there is no chance he'll win a Heisman as a freshman. If he can convert his game to the college level and gets most of the carries as a sophomore - which is unlikely IMO - he might produce enough to get a handful of votes. Otherwise I doubt he's in the conversation much until his junior year. His freshman year will be Kevin Grady's last hurrah, plus Minor and Brown will be juniors.

Actually Grady will probably redshit this year, which gives him 2 more when McGuffie comes in. With Mike gone when McGuffie comes in, Sam could get some serious playing time. The zone blocking scheme was made for him.

It would also help if he decides to enroll early like he has been talking about. I wouldnt be surprised if Grady transferred before he came back (no inside info, just my feeling).

I see him as a Breaston guy. Special teams and a solid spot contributor on "O". Unless his body changes dramatically (and you cannot compare him to Hart as many have...look at Harts "base.") being an everydown back in the Big 10 will be a real challenge.

The other back UM got, Mike Cox, is more of a pwer back. It certainly wouldn't hurt my feelings if UM tried to go Bush - White with McGuffie - Cox. I don't pretend UM would have the same amount of success (even if I do think Bush was highly overrated), but I'll take 75% of that duo's productivity and be happy with it. Between 2004 and 2005 those two combined for 61 TD on the ground. 75% of that would be 46 in 2 years. UM's entire team has scored a total of 52 TDs on the ground the last 3 years. So yep, I would gladly take 75% of that and it would mean McGuffie never would have to be an every down back.

McGuffie is almost 5'10-5'11" foot 195-200 pounds. He will be fine as an every down back.

Steve Slaton 5'10", 185
McFadden 6'2, 213
Ray Rice, 5'9", 195
PJ Hill, 5'10", 220

Some NFL backs
Bush 6', 203
K. Jones 5'11 220
T. Bell 5'11 220
Rudi Johnson 5'10 220

So I think once he gets into a college weight program getting up to 210 shouldnt be a problem and as you can see, he has the height and weight to be an every down back. I expect him to be an every down back.

I see him as a Breaston guy. Special teams and a solid spot contributor on "O". Unless his body changes dramatically (and you cannot compare him to Hart as many have...look at Harts "base.") being an everydown back in the Big 10 will be a real challenge.

Hart developed that base at Michigan Hip...

Actually Grady will probably redshit this year

I talked to Kevin last Monday and redshirting is the farthest thing from his mind right now. He thinks he will be back this season...and the way he said it was very "matter of fact".

IMO he should redshirt...but I doubt he will... Look for him to be back mid season. He wants to be at full strength by MSU

Good scoop Muhme. It is a shame if he doesnt redshirt. He had a pretty decent spring going, but I think Carlos Brown is coming out of this whole thing as the #2 with Minor doing KO returns and being the 3rd back.

Dont discount Avery Horn either.

Would you also like to make a gentlemanly message board bet regarding the above statement in bold?


First the bets: I bet UM does not go 12-0 and Henne does not win the Heisman. I also bet that MSU beats Pitt. That is (3) bets. Whoever has the majority correct (2 out of 3) is the winner. Lets see, the loser must compose a post everyday about a great aspect of the winner`s school for a week. What do you think? Kind of lame, but I couldn`t think of anything else.


DEAL! I got this one wrapped up.

I see him as a Breaston guy. Special teams and a solid spot contributor on "O". Unless his body changes dramatically (and you cannot compare him to Hart as many have...look at Harts "base.") being an everydown back in the Big 10 will be a real challenge.

I think McGuffie will be like Reggie Bush, return kicks, punts, put him as a slot receiver, while Brandon Minor is the "LenDale White" of the offense, getting about 20 carries a game, while McGuffie gets 10-15. I heard that Michigan told McGuffie that they didn't tell him wether or not he'd be used as more than just a RB, I thought that was interesting.

I heard that Lloyd told McGuffie they'd use him as a cheerleader.

DEAL! I got this one wrapped up.
OK, we are on. By the way, how do you type with those blue and yellow pom-poms in your hands?

OK, we are on. By the way, how do you type with those blue and yellow pom-poms in your hands?

HAHAHA How funny! How do YOU type while jerking off to photos of The Izzo? Come on, bukdow, you know I'm not going to let you get away with cheap tripe you've gleaned off other boards, Dr Tre be damned!

Still waiting for Wil to back his statements about Dantonio not being a good coach. Ripped others for thinking he was good, yet can't back his opinion.

HAHAHA How funny! How do YOU type while jerking off to photos of The Izzo? Come on, bukdow, you know I'm not going to let you get away with cheap tripe you've gleaned off other boards, Dr Tre be damned!
Thank the Lord, I still have no idea what you are talking about.

Good scoop Muhme. It is a shame if he doesnt redshirt. He had a pretty decent spring going, but I think Carlos Brown is coming out of this whole thing as the #2 with Minor doing KO returns and being the 3rd back.

Dont discount Avery Horn either.
I know a guy that saw a lot of Horn out in Hillman (I think that is the HS name) and raved about him...said he was one of the fastest players he had ever seen...Guy keeps telling me he was a steal for Michigan.

So much for Carlos Brown coming out as the #2 back. He just broke his hand in practice. Having surgery. Not sure what the time frame is for him to be out.

Well the info that has been passed is that he had surgery to speed up the healing. Right now maybe ND, but more than like PSU.

That's not too bad. Damn surgical technology blows my mind. Makes it even more startling that Bass has such a bleak outlook.

So much for Carlos Brown coming out as the #2 back. He just broke his hand in practice. Having surgery. Not sure what the time frame is for him to be out.
...you should be saying "so much for _____" whoever told you he was going to be the #2 back. Minor is the CLEAR choice for the #2...never has that ever been in doubt.

Multiple people have said Minor did not look good in camp this year so far (not sure where they're getting the info - I didn't doubt it) and Brown was coming on big time. That's what it was coming from. I think it was Art I was giving the most credit for Brown as #2.

Still waiting for Wil to back his statements about Dantonio not being a good coach. Ripped others for thinking he was good, yet can't back his opinion.


We'll see how good of a coach he is. He isn't going to get this Spartans team to a Bowl game this year...so he'll make a GREAT first impression...

What he did at Cincinnati means nothing, how many people on here with a straight face can tell me they heard of Dantonio, and how great of a coach he was, prior to MSU interviewing him...my guess- less than half

We'll see right off the bat when they hardly beat UAB how great of a show he's running...

Count me among the half that knew who he was. When I heard his name on the list I can honestly say I was worried. I knew about his teams and how hard they played and their style of ball and I didn't want MSU to get that kind of an upgrade. You can ask people like Tre and he'll tell you I've always thought this was a good hire. (he'll tell you I implied that MD might have a history with other successful coaches that have questionable ethics, too, which started a fight - but otherwise I was always behind this as a good hire).
His recruiting has been pretty rough. I can't dismiss him from that.

By the way, I will also say that this year cannot be an accurate measure of how good of a coach he is. I don't think last year was an accurate measure of Marinelli. I do think it will look bad when Brian Kelly has better success with Dantonio's players, though.

Has anyone seen the upcoming Sports Illustrated cover? I'm sure it's probably regional like State's basketball one a few years ago, but still, pretty frickin' tight.

http://blog.mlive.com/wolverines/2007/08/large_caa6_1.JPG.jpg

We'll see how good of a coach he is. He isn't going to get this Spartans team to a Bowl game this year...so he'll make a GREAT first impression...

What he did at Cincinnati means nothing, how many people on here with a straight face can tell me they heard of Dantonio, and how great of a coach he was, prior to MSU interviewing him...my guess- less than half

We'll see right off the bat when they hardly beat UAB how great of a show he's running...

You didn't answer my question, I asked you to back what you've been saying. You ripped others for praising Dantonio without knowing much about him, well...you rip him and didn't know much about him. Same thing.

I'm sorry, but your opinions are coming off as extremely uninformed and ignorant.
1)Nobody that knows anything expects Dantonio to take MSU to a bowl in his first year. You act like he should or else he's a failure.
2)Unless the program leaves top notch talent, nobody expects you to win and leave a "GREAT" first impression with someone else's players. He's playing with 75% JLS's players. Not players for his system and we can see that already with him trying to recruit defensive talent.
3)If you are an intelligent sports fan, you don't judge a guy in his first year. You judge him after 3-4 which is why I turned on JLS last year. But, I'm sure you'll be here mid-season when State is below .500 saying "See, I told you so."
3)

BTW, why does what he did at Cincy mean nothing???!!!! One of the most ridiculous statements I've read on here. What are we supposed to base our opinions on?

We know this about Dantonio-
-Dantonio helped Saban make MSU a Top 5 team as a coord.
-Dantonio helped OSU/Tressel win the National Championship as a coord.
-Dantonio had winning seasons and took a joke of a football program in Cincy to a bowl.

That's good enough for me. I backed my opinion that he's a good coach. How are you going to back yours Wil?

What year was MSU a top 5 team? I know they went 9-2 his last year, but did they finish that season off in the top 5?

It matters where you finish the season in the rankings, not where you start (well for the most part) and not in the middle of the season either.

I always liked Coach D though. I think if he can recruit in the 30s consistently he will do fine.

Last season Dantonio & Co. took on Pitt, Ohio State, Va. Tech, Louisville, South Florida, W.Va., and Rutgers and went 8-5. He melded a bunch of no name schmoes into a competitive bunch. He has considerable more talent and just as tough if not tougher a schedule in East Lansing. I say he takes 'em bowling. It may be the fucking Cherry Bowl but a bowling they will go.

A BOOK says he doesn't ^^^, not in the first year.

A BOOK says he doesn't ^^^, not in the first year.


BIG BOY!!!

Hip: Have you read Christopher Hitchens yet? If not, that's the book on the line...

Hip: Have you read Christopher Hitchens yet? If not, that's the book on the line...

Nope! Perfect.

hitchens is an interesting guy. i've never read his books, but his articles suggest that he couldn't care less what people think about him. That is a rare quality these days (plus he's perfect as a disheveled drunk on TV).

For msu, i predict losses to ND, OSU, Wisc, UM, PSU, so they'd have to go 6-1 against the rest of schedule to make a bowl. I would say odds are against it, but it could happen if the qb pans out better than expected.

What year was MSU a top 5 team? I know they went 9-2 his last year, but did they finish that season off in the top 5?

It matters where you finish the season in the rankings, not where you start (well for the most part) and not in the middle of the season either.

I always liked Coach D though. I think if he can recruit in the 30s consistently he will do fine.

Saban's last year MSU finished 10-2 after beating Florida. They finished #5 and #6 depending on which poll you looked at.

Xanadu:
Get Hitchens newest book. Great read. I'm sure I'll still have a copy after this football season.
MSU is in pretty good hands with Hoyer. HipDigIt loves to tell us UMers that the Hoyer led all stars from Ohio beat the Henne led all stars from Pennsylvania when they were seniors. I don;t think QB is going to be any problem for Sparty, other than breaking him in and the process that goes with being a first year starter. I think he led most of the comeback, or at least some of it against Northworstern last year after Stanton was injured.

For msu, i predict losses to ND, OSU, Wisc, UM, PSU, so they'd have to go 6-1 against the rest of schedule to make a bowl. I would say odds are against it, but it could happen if the qb pans out better than expected.

Here is my prediction:

UAB- W They'll look impressive, they'll look hard hitting
Bowling Green- W
Pitt- W
Notre Dame- Upset W (State does it with the run and playaction to Kellen)
Wisconsin- L (Will be dominated physically)
NW- W
Indiana- W
OSU- L (2 score loss)
Iowa- L (Close)
Michigan- L (Down to the wire, Spartans play inspired, but too much UM talent)
Purdue- W (Biggest win of the season. This is the one that proves this won't be the same ole Spartans tanking it after Michigan. Program win because of fighting history and changing it.)
Penn St.- L (Not enough talent yet)

I can't believe I'm predicting this (7-5). I said for the last few months that the Spartans wouldn't make a bowl, however as the season approaches, I guess my homerism comes into play. I won't be one bit disappointed by a 6-6 finish though which is more likely because of it being first MD year. Underselling? Should've predicted a NC I guess.

I can't see them winning against Pitt and ND. 6-6 would be obtainable though.

Maisel bowl projections: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview07/news/story?id=2974110

I do not think they beat Purdue. But I do think they can beat Pitt and ND, depending on where the game is being played.

I will say MSU wins 5 games, 6 if 2 out of the 3 Pitt, ND and Purdue are at home.

Purdue on the road was the one I had the hardest time with. Went back and forth.

I don't get why so many people think they can't or won't beat Pitt. They beat Pitt. on the road last year under freaking JLS and that was with Pitt. having their Elite 11 qb and their All American WR, not to mention an All American CB and Blades at LB. I definately see a great chance for victory against Pitt. at home with a better defense.

I don't get why so many people think they can't or won't beat Pitt. They beat Pitt. on the road last year under freaking JLS and that was with Pitt. having their Elite 11 qb and their All American WR, not to mention an All American CB and Blades at LB. I definately see a great chance for victory against Pitt. at home with a better defense.

I didn't say they can't. I just said they probably won't beat them AND ND back to back. Pitt will require a very good effort and MSU has not been known lately to follow up big wins with another big win. I hope they do, I'm just picking a split there.

I can't believe that I am saying this, but I think that Notre Dame is actually underrated this year. They have a couple of top 10 classes worth of a talent and a decent coach. Although a somewhat important loss, I think Brady Quinn might be the most overrated player in the history of football (all 100+ years). Thus, I don't think the new qb will be as big of a problem as anticipated. I suppose 3-1 non-conference and 3-5 conference should not be an unreasonable expectation for msu. we'll see.

Maisel wrote an article saying the Pac 10 is better than the big ten, but he really didn't put much in there to back it up:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview07/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=2973905

I think MSU has 7 wins against UAB, BGSU, Pitt, ND, NW, Indiana, and either PSU or Purdue. Therefore, I think MSU has 5 losses to Wisc, OSU, um, Iowa, and either PSU or Purdue.

I only see 4 wins this year..Next year I expect better

I'm predictiong, against my own predictions, Michigan to go undefeated. I now DO think they'll beat Penn State for the 9th consecutive time (in A2), will beat Wisconsin, and will beat Ohio State. I think they'll crush Notre Dame again.
Claussen of Notre Dame, according to a couple interviews I heard during all star games last year, is over rated. I think Notre Dame falls on hard times this year.
As for UM, though the defense was hit hard, the offense is going to be the best in the country (even with DeBord). Too much firepower, and they should be able to at least keep the defense off the field quite a bit. On defense, I think the hardest players to replace are Harris and Branch, but I think they'll manage. I don;t think UM will lose any games they "shouldn't" this year.
As for my Sparties, any hope for better than 6-6 is very unrealistic at best.

http://info.detnews.com/pix/sports/2006/um/UMvPSU_1014/UMvPSU12.jpg

http://www.notredamesucks.org/clausen.jpg

http://www.notredamesucks.org/clausen.jpg
That Clausen kid is a freakin` joke. I think ND comes in under .500 this year and Clausen is rattled beyond Mirer.

Is that picture from the NAMBLA web site. That is fucking creepy.

Iowa wideouts Douglas, Bowman suspended after arrest

ESPN.com news services

A year after the lack of a respectable passing game saw the Iowa Hawkeyes drop out of Big Ten title contention, the school announced that sophomore wide receivers Dominique Douglas (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=188287) and Anthony Bowman (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=188283) have been suspended indefinitely by the team following an arrest on Sunday.
The two wideouts were arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a credit card, but were later released by authorities on their own recognizance.
Douglas, who led the team in receptions (49) and receiving yards (654), was charged with making more than $2,000 in purchases to credit cards belonging to two other people, Johnson County District Court record said.
The felony charge is punishable by five years in jail and a fine up to $7,500.
Douglas was expected to give probable first-year starting quarterback Jake Christensen (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=169329) the go-to receiving threat last year's promising offense missed; while Bowman, who saw limited time in 2006, was to provide much-needed depth at the position.
In a statement issued Monday, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz announced the two would not participate in any team activities.
"The accusations are serious and, if proven to be true, are extremely disappointing for everyone associated with the University of Iowa and our football program," Ferentz said. "As always, we will work with the appropriate individuals and entities on and off campus as this matter works its way through the legal system.
"As is often the case in matters of this nature, I am aware of inconsistencies in what may or may not have taken place. We need to let the legal process run its course."
Iowa finished a disappointing 6-7 last year, losing in the Alamo Bowl to Texas, and will open the 2007 season Sept. 1 against Northern Illinois in Chicago.

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb lift 2 cards from peeps and they head to the Student Computer Center where they have to sign on with their very own student ID's. They immediately go to a Sneaker and Hat site and swing for the fences with the drastc plastic. How fucking dumb can you be?

Miami leaving Orange Bowl, will play in Dolphins' home


CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Miami will play home football games at Dolphin Stadium starting in 2008, leaving the historic but decaying Orange Bowl after seven decades.
The university's trustees decided Tuesday to make the much-debated move, which could generate $2 million or more in extra revenue annually for the Hurricanes' athletic department. City officials unsuccessfully tried to keep Miami at the Orange Bowl by promising $206 million in upgrades.
"This is a painful and sad decision," Miami president Donna Shalala said.
Miami first played at the Orange Bowl, about eight miles from its campus, in 1937. The Hurricanes won three national championship games on that field, had a NCAA-record 58-game home winning streak from 1985 through 1994 and have drawn more than 17 million fans there over the years.
But the stadium's facade is rusting, upgrades are needed and the building lacks many amenities that modern stadiums have -- such as the luxury suites and video replay screens.

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned or not, but Michigan named their tri-captains yesterday and they are Mike Hart, Jake Long, and Shawn Crable. No Chad Henne, 4 year starting QB. Interesting. I guess that's just not his personality.

I dont think it was so much that as Mike Hart is going to go down as one of the top 5 UM men of all time (for me at least) and Jake Long passed on millions to stay in school. Any other year and Henne is a lock.

I dont think it was so much that as Mike Hart is going to go down as one of the top 5 UM men of all time (for me at least) and Jake Long passed on millions to stay in school. Any other year and Henne is a lock.

Im still stunned that a 4 year starting quarterback that is supposed to be the leader of the team is not a captain

From all indications I get from an email from a staff member, Henne just this spring and summer really turned it around with his demeanor. By this, I mean listening to the coaches and fixing what they think was wrong with his game. Hart and Long had a head start on being complete teammates.

You know, throughout Henne's career I've always watched and thought he was good. Never came away from a game saying wow. It'll be interesting to see how he does this year with maybe the best offensive talent in the country. Don't get me wrong, I'd take him and he's always had good numbers. Just seems like something is missing, I don't know.

You know, throughout Henne's career I've always watched and thought he was good. Never came away from a game saying wow. It'll be interesting to see how he does this year with maybe the best offensive talent in the country. Don't get me wrong, I'd take him and he's always had good numbers. Just seems like something is missing, I don't know.

That's a great point. It's almost a Brady thing: When Brady was unchained, he was great, as in when leading a comeback victory, or in the Orange Bowl. Henne, in my opinion, has been completely hampered by UM's offensive schemes and coaching. I think the kid is a natural gunslinger, and when he gets to the NFL, we'll see a different guy.
You can only look so good when you are throwing 5 yard outs on 3rd and 11.

Tre I agree with you.

The difference between the last 2 seasons and this one was he finally is listening about what it is going to take to be a complete QB. He worked much harder in the offseason and showed the team he was there to lead them.

He has shown flashes of the WOW factor, but has not really done it consistently.

I dont think it was so much that as Mike Hart is going to go down as one of the top 5 UM men of all time (for me at least) and Jake Long passed on millions to stay in school. Any other year and Henne is a lock.
I agree. Mike Hart is a quinitessential 'UM man'.

I agree with Zip (HUH?). I think given more freedom, we might see a wow Henne. With Carr, we get a good Henne.

Great news coming out of EL and their practices. Sounds like the defense is COMPLETELY changed now under Narduzzi and MD. They are hard hitting, attacking, and they actually have a secondary now.

They've got a kid that transfered from South Carolina named Jeremy Ware and he's a corner. Both Spartan insiders said that during the Bobby Williams years, Ware would have been our #1 corner. Ware is playing great and he's 3rd string. Speaks volumes about the changes that are occuring. One preseason mag has Junior Otis Wiley as the #7 safety in the nation. That isn't THAT impressive, but we haven't had anything close to that in the past. You put Wiley and Nemo together and you are at least solid. A bunch of the freshmen are going to play. Saw a picture of Antonio Jeremiah and it was unbelievable. Check it out, Antonio "The Giant" Jeremiah (that's a linebacker next to him, not a db)
http://a489.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/93/l_39438cf030bff6b5d4ba51325f705ab0.jpg

They'll lose their share of games this season, but at least they'll be tough and hard nosed. I like it.

I've got a name to remember for the future. Andre Andersen freshman running back for MSU. Was committed to Minnesota (we all know their running back recent tradition) and switched to State after the coaching change. Was reportedly "electric" in the last scrimmage and broke a long TD.

That LB must be small. Jake Long is the same hieght (6'7") and outweighs him as well. He looked like he was 7' tall in that picture.

That LB must be small. Jake Long is the same hieght (6'7") and outweighs him as well. He looked like he was 7' tall in that picture.

Actually Long is 313 pds and Jeremiah is 330 right now according to Narduzzi. But you are right, just about the same, Jeremiah just added some muscle since committing.

^must be. They said he was 295 or something like that when he signed.

OK Michigan, time to prove you've earned your spot at the big boy table.
By name recognition alone, Michigan gets the type of national respect reserved for the elite of the elite, but unlike Texas, USC, Ohio State, LSU, Oklahoma and Florida, the self-proclaimed leaders haven't been able to come up with a really, really, really big win in years. Since winning the 1997 national title, Michigan has become the Peyton Manning of college football (before his Super Bowl win over the Bears).

Oh sure, there have been some sensational victories for the résumé, like last year's win over Wisconsin, and it's not like the team has been bad, going 11-0 before losing to Ohio State and USC, but for fans wanting national titles, and who had to resort to being grumpy after the BCSers put Florida in the big game, they want more. This might be the year they get it.

The defense, which was slightly overrated throughout 2006 and exposed at the end of the year, will take a big hit losing a slew of NFL talent, but the offense will make up for it by bombing away at will with Chad Henne throwing to Mario Manningham while Mike Hart runs wild behind one of the nation's best lines. Around 35-40 points a game will be the norm, while the defense won't be all that bad. This is Michigan; it'll replace NFL talent with more NFL talent.

The expectations should be higher than they usually are in Ann Arbor, which means 2008 could be a transition year if things don't go according to plan. As great as the program has been under Lloyd Carr, losing to Ohio State four out of the last five years, losing four bowl games in a row, and not getting back to the national championship in 10 years hasn't sat well. With the only away game against a 2006 bowl team at Wisconsin, it's BCS title game or bust for a team this good.


Michigan Wolverines
Team Information
Head coach: Lloyd Carr
13th year: 113-36
Returning Lettermen:
Off. 18, Def. 18, ST 1
Lettermen Lost: 31

Ten Best Players
1. RB Mike Hart, Sr.
2. WR Mario Manningham, Jr.
3. OT Jake Long, Sr.
4. QB Chad Henne, Sr.
5. LB Shawn Crable, Sr.
6. DT Terrance Taylor, Jr.
7. OG Adam Kraus, Sr.
8. SS Jamar Adams, Sr.
9. DE Tim Jamison, Sr.
10. WR Adrian Arrington, Sr.

2007 Schedule
Sept. 1 Appalachian State
Sept. 8 Oregon
Sept. 15 Notre Dame
Sept. 22 Penn State
Sept. 29 at Northwestern
Oct. 6 Eastern Michigan
Oct. 13 Purdue
Oct. 20 at Illinois
Oct. 27 Minnesota
Nov. 3 at Michigan State
Nov. 10 at Wisconsin
Nov. 17 Ohio State

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What to watch on offense ... A simple formula. Run Mike Hart, run Mike Hart and run Mike Hart. Then, just as the safeties start cheating up to finally stop getting pounded on, take advantage of the one-on-one coverage, hit Manningham and the other great receivers on game-breaking deep patterns, score 45 points, repeat the next week.

What to watch on defense ... Defensive coordinator Ron English made the D far more aggressive, but the pass rushing production slowed down in a big way by the end of the year. The overall athleticism will be there to bring more blitzes, but with such a good offense, forcing turnovers and big plays won't be as vital as just getting off the field. Being merely above average will be good enough.

The team will be far better if ... it takes the attitude from Day 1 that nothing less than a trip to the BCS Championship Game will do. The schedule works out well, the offense should be among the best in the country, and the defense has until mid-November to gel. It's OK to talk about winning the national championship; everyone else will be.

The Schedule: If you like last year's big run before the Ohio State game, you'll love this year's Wolverine schedule. Before mid-November, the three road games are at Northwestern, Illinois and Michigan State. There are some tough battles with Oregon, Notre Dame and Penn State in September, but they're all in the Big House. Not facing Iowa is a plus, but missing Indiana is a bad break. It all comes down to the two-game finishing kick at Wisconsin and the showdown with Ohio State, which could both be made tougher after coming off the always-tough rivalry game against the Spartans.

Best Offensive Player: Senior RB Mike Hart. Chad Henne and Mario Manningham may someday earn a better NFL draft grade, but Hart has been the irreplaceable cog in the Wolverine offense since becoming a starter as a freshman in 2004. While not all that flashy, he never puts the ball on the ground and has the uncanny ability to move the chains and wear out opposing defenses with his straight-ahead running style.

Best Defensive Player: Senior LB Shawn Crable. No more than a real nice complement to a stacked Michigan defense a year ago, Crable is well positioned to be the leading man in his final season in Ann Arbor. Somewhat of a tweener at 6-5 and 245 pounds, he's plenty athletic to wreak havoc as a blitzing outside linebacker or can play with his hand in the dirt with a few extra pounds of bulk.

Key player to a successful season: Senior DE Tim Jamison. Is this the year he can put it all together and become a complete end? He'll certainly have the opportunity with one of the few returning defenders with any experience. With five sacks last season, to go along with just 13 tackles, he has to be an adequate replacement for LaMarr Woodley and Rondell Biggs.

The season will be a success if ... Michigan plays for the national title. The defense gets two months to gel, while the offense will be among the best in America from the opening kickoff against Appalachian State. With a not-that-bad schedule, anything less than 11-1 might be unacceptable to most Wolverine fans, especially if that one loss is to the Buckeyes.

Key game: Nov. 17 vs. Ohio State. Playing the Buckeyes to a nearly dead-even draw last year didn't mean much considering it was still a loss. Even if it's not for a spot in the national title game, Michigan must beat its archrival for the first time since 2003 or there might be big changes on the coaching staff.

DEPTH CHART

OFFENSE Returning Starters: 6
QB 7 Chad Henne 6-2, 224, Sr.
15 Ryan Mallett 6-6, 247, Fr.

RB 20 Mike Hart 5-9, 196, Sr.
4 Brandon Minor 6-0, 213, So.
23 Carlos Brown 6-0, 202, So.

FB 33 Mark Moundros 6-1, 222, So.
32 Vince Helmuth 6-1, 245, Fr.
36 Quintin Patilla 6-1, 234, So.

WR 86 Mario Manningham 6-0, 181, Jr.
82 LaTerryal Savoy 6-2, 205, So.

WR 16 Adrian Arrington 6-3, 187, Sr.
13 Greg Mathews 6-3, 207, So.

TE 83 Mike Massey 6-4, 229, Sr.
42 Chris McLaurin 6-3, 236, Jr.
39 Andre Criswell 6-1, 257, Jr.

LT 77 Jake Long 6-7, 313, Sr.
71 Mark Ortmann 6-6, 297, Jr.

LG 57 Adam Kraus 6-6, 296, Sr.
78 Justin Schifano 6-4, 298, Jr.

C 65 Justin Boren 6-3, 310, So.
60 David Moosman 6-4, 298, Jr.
62 Tim McAvoy 6-5, 298, Jr.

RG 73 Alex Mitchell 6-5, 313, Sr.
70 Jeremy Ciulla 6-4, 292, Sr.

RT 71 Mark Ortmann 6-6, 297, Jr. OR
52 Steve Schilling 6-5, 297, So.
75 Cory Zirbel 6-5, 296, Jr.

DEFENSE Returning Starters: 4

DE 90 Tim Jamison 6-3, 266, Sr.
92 Greg Banks 6-4, 264, So.

DT 67 Terrance Taylor 6-0, 310, Jr.
93 Jason Kates 6-3, 318, So.

DT 97 Will Johnson 6-5, 291, Sr.
94 John Ferrara 6-4, 270, So.

DE 55 Brandon Graham 6-2, 276, So.
99 Adam Patterson 6-2, 262, So.



SLB 2 Shawn Crable 6-5, 245, Sr.
45 Obi Ezeh 6-2, 243, So.

MLB 49 John Thompson 6-1, 230, Sr.
54 Austin Panter 6-3, 231, Jr.

WLB 37 Chris Graham 5-11, 225, Sr.
8 Jonas Mouton 6-2, 230, So.

LCB 25 Johnny Sears 6-0, 190, Jr.
35 Doug Dutch 5-11, 200, Sr.

FS 30 Stevie Brown 6-0, 208, So.
31 Brandent Englemon 5-11, 206, Sr.

SS 22 Jamar Adams 6-2, 212, Sr.
5 Charles Stewart 6-1, 205, Sr.

RCB 14 Morgan Trent 6-1, 189, Sr.
27 Brandon Harrison 5-8, 195, Jr.

SPECIALISTS PK 34 Jason Gingell 5-9, 191, Sr. OR
43 Bryan Wright 6-1, 215, So. OR
84 K.C. Lopata 6-2, 217, Sr. OR
92 Jason Olesnavage 6-4, 207, Jr.
P 41 Zoltan Mesko 6-4, 242, Jr.
88 Ankit Kachhal 6-1, 181, Sr.
KR/PR 25 Johnny Sears 6-0, 190, Jr. OR
23 Carlos Brown 6-0, 202, So. OR
13 Greg Mathews 6-3, 207, So.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7140118?MSNHPHMA

bukdown, it is time for you to become a Michigan Man.

Tre I agree with you.

The difference between the last 2 seasons and this one was he finally is listening about what it is going to take to be a complete QB. He worked much harder in the offseason and showed the team he was there to lead them.

He has shown flashes of the WOW factor, but has not really done it consistently.

From what I've heard, Henne has been "lights out" so far in fall camp and has been working great out of the shotgun. You always hear this cool new stuff when fall camp is going on, let's hope this year it's true.

Sidebar-Also heard that Manningham has been unbelievable too. He apparently is dominating all of their long distance runs and coaches and players have been saying that "he's been doing things that only Mario can do."

Henne...in the shotgun? PIX?

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7140118?MSNHPHMA

bukdown, it is time for you to become a Michigan Man.
Zippity-do-dah, thank you for the information. Although I am sold on the brilliant future of UM basketball, I worry about UM football. The huge problem that is yet to rear its head is the relationship between Carr and Crable. Crable is a jokester, and a captain, and Carr is a huckster. By mid-season Carr and Crable will be at one another`s throats causing a huge rift within the team. It will drive Carr to retirement, Crable to transfer and Mike Hart to a perpetual pouty-lip while proclaiming both not to be "michigan men."

Zippity-do-dah, thank you for the information. Although I am sold on the brilliant future of UM basketball, I worry about UM football. The huge problem that is yet to rear its head is the relationship between Carr and Crable. Crable is a jokester, and a captain, and Carr is a huckster. By mid-season Carr and Crable will be at one another`s throats causing a huge rift within the team. It will drive Carr to retirement, Crable to transfer and Mike Hart to a perpetual pouty-lip while proclaiming both not to be "michigan men."

Click the link for my reply bukdow

http://www.psy.vanderbilt.edu/faculty/bachorowski/fs133d3.wav

Click the link for my reply bukdow

http://www.psy.vanderbilt.edu/faculty/bachorowski/fs133d3.wav
I can`t open it at work, stupid fire wall. But I bet its a real toilet bowl gem.

Looking for a Real 2-Deep

I don't know about you guys, but I always find it frustrating to read an official 2-deep and then have it not match what's actually going on out on the field.

So he's what I consider a 'real 2-deep' ... guys who are actually on the field with the game on the line, not in mop-up.

Will this be 100% accurate? Probably not -- especially with one scrimmage leaft today.

But here goes.

Quarterback
Henne
Mallett

Running back
Hart
Minor

Wideout
MM, AA
Mathews, Clemons

BTW, since there is such a lack of experienced depth at WR, don't be surprised to see most if not all the freshmen wideouts on the field on some capacity.

Tight End
Massey, Butler, Criswell ... all will play IMO

O-line
Long-Kraus-Boren-Ciulla-Schilling
Ortmann

K, this is a mystery beyond Ortmann ... it is easily to see him coming in as a backup OT ... but what happens if an interior guy goes down? Will they still find a way to slide people around and get Ortmann in there? IMO - good possibility, ala Mitchell last season. Of course this is only an issue for a few weeks, when Mitchell returns.

+++++++++++

D-Tackle
TT, W-Johnson
hmmm ... guessing Patterson.
(could be Kates or Ferrara ... Slocum seems slowed by his shoulder-ding, but we'll see there too)

D-end
Jamison, B-Graham
Crable, Banks/Patterson

Linebackers
WILL - C-Graham, MIKE - Thompson, SAM - Crable
Ezeh

Once Mouton is back 100%, IMO he'll back up too. If we see Herron in there -- that'd be an impressive thing for the frosh.

Safeties
Adams, Brown
Stewart or Englemon

Corners
Trent, Sears
Warren, Harrison

And Carr has said Woolfolk would play, so IMO special teams to start.

Nickel
Harrison
possibly Stewart or the 3rd CB

Punter
Zoltan

P-returner
Mathews or Sears

K-Returner
Minor, S-Brown ... at least until C-Brown returns.
Not sure on backups -- but IMO they'd put a vet back there if need be rather than A-Horn ... we'll see.

+++++++++

BTW, one thing -- looks like a lot of frosh skill people could play this season.

In recent decades it has become far more common to see true freshman step into major college programs and make an immediate impact on the football field. Skill position athletes often enter with the kind of physical ability that allows them to contribute from day one. One position group that doesn’t experience that kind of early success quite as often, though, is offensive line. Rarely does a true freshman come in with the sheer size, strength, and quick-study ability to be an early factor in the offensive trenches at any major college program, let alone Michigan. But that’s exactly what Just Boren did last season.

"His dad (Mike Boren) played here,” Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr said regarding his second year offensive lineman. “(Mike) was a tough, smart, and competitive guy. Justin is the same. He's extremely powerful. He walked in here a year ago as a true freshman, and he was big enough, strong enough and tough enough that he would have played a bigger role had he not been hurt early in training camp and missed four or five weeks."

Boren recovered from his early season ankle injury to see action in five games at both left and right guard, and even earned a start on the right side versus Northwestern. His power and quickness made him a huge asset at the guard position, and in 2007, he was poised to fulfill the promise he had shown as a high school All-American and during his first season as a Wolverine. Then came the news that he would be moving to center. It was a revelation that he was none too fond of initially.

“At first it was just different and I didn’t want to do it because it was different,” Boren admitted. “Once I played it a little, it was fun. I like it.”

The attributes that made Boren a potentially dominating guard make him an equally promising center prospect. The explosion and quickness he shows after the snap not only makes him a physical force at the point of attack, it also makes him a presence when he releases into the second level of the defense to block down field. He is unique in that he is the first center in a quite some time that does not require a double team to get movement off of the line of scrimmage. The toughest part of the transition thus far has been mastering the shotgun snap and learning to make all of the line calls. With a great deal of hard work, he has made huge strides in both areas.

“Spring wasn’t too good,” Boren said regarding his shotgun snap, “but summer I worked on it a lot. I worked on it all summer and got it down. I knew we were going to be using it a lot more.”

“I’ve been working with Coach Moeller on making the calls,” he continued. “I’ve got it down pretty good to where I feel comfortable with it now.”

Boren’s development impressed his head coach enough heading into fall camp to elicit the following evaluation.

“I think Justin Boren has really distanced himself at center,” Carr said.

That assessment was contrary, however, to that offered by a joking Terrance Taylor.

“Me and Boren have our battles,” Taylor said. “He’s all right at center. He’s okay (laughing). I got hurt in spring ball so I didn’t get a chance to go against him, but during this camp we’ll get a couple of battles going and I’ll have a couple of stories for you guys the next time we meet.”

The two players lock horns on a consistent basis in practice, and as a result, a bit of a rivalry has developed. As two of the strongest players on the team, their game of one-upsmanship extends to conversations about who can press the most weight.

“That would be me,” Taylor said confidently.

“We don’t max out,” Boren shot back. “Terrance hurt himself the last time we did the reps. I don’t know. We’ll have to get a little bench off going.”

“Terrance might have me a little bit,” Boren later admitted. “We don’t max out though. (laughing).”

Opening Statement:

“We are beginning the last week of our training camp. We have got Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Our last 2 a day will be tomorrow, and we still have some decisions to make and that will probably play out through the weekend and then we will make some decisions and get into game week.”

Question: Can you over some positions that you were looking at; right tackle, kicker, kicker return, maybe talk about that is shaping up?

Coach Carr: “I think at write tackle Steve Schilling has had an excellent fall. He is an extremely talented guy, great size and athletic ability… a guy that is smart and loves to play. I think that he will be a great player here someday. I think Mark Ortmann has done a very good job and has competed well. Perry Dorrestein. It is just too close to call at this point. The kicking situation is pretty much the same. I think that Bryan Wright looks to be our kick off guy. He has done a very good job there. The place kicking has been very competitive. They have all done a good job, and I think we have 3 guys that are very close so that will necessitate a call here, and we will have confidence in whoever we choose.”

Question: Have there been any severe injuries that would keep guys out for a significant period of time.

Coach Carr: “We have got some typical training camp injuries, mostly sprained ankles and things of that nature. Alex Mitchell had an injury Monday in practice, yesterday morning. He will miss the 1st game, possibly the 2nd, but we hope to have him back. It is not an injury that is going to impact a season, but he does have some rehab to do to the injury that he got yesterday.

Question: Do you have any idea when Carlos Brown will be back?

Coach Carr: “Carlos is still in a cast. He has not practiced since his injury. He has also had three teeth removed… two wisdom teeth, I think. So he has not had a very fun training camp, but I think the worst is over for him. Hopefully he will be able to return to practice next week. We will just have to see”.

Question: Carson Butler, is he back on the team and practicing?

Coach Carr: “He has returned to practice. What he is trying to do is do some things that he has been asked to do and so we will see how that works out, but he is practicing.

Question: How is the tight end position shaping up otherwise?

Coach Carr: “Mike Massey has had an excellent fall. He is a guy that I think has really matured physically. He runs extremely well, has good hands. He has won the starting tight end position. Andre Criswell has very good fall, a week ago turned his ankle and so he has missed a few days. He is back in practice, but he has done a very good job there. Martell Webb and Steve Watson, 2 freshmen, are trying to learning system. But both of them have competed very well and made some progress and we will have to see how that situation develops.”

Question: Is Ciulla in for Mitchell?

Coach Carr: “Ciulla missed a week in there. He returned to practice on Monday and it is very competitive. Dave Molk, a true freshman, worked at center the first week or so. He is working at guard now. He is a very, very talented guy and it is pretty unusual for a freshman to come in and really pick up all the things that they need to. He is a bright guy. He is strong, powerful guy, very athletic. He has made an impression there, but Ciulla certainly is there. Tim McAvoy has had a very good fall. We will have to see how that goes.”

Question: How is the fullback situation shaping up?

Coach Carr: “The fullback competition is very intense. Mark Moundros has had a very good fall. Vince Helmuth is competing well. I think that will go right down to the wire there as far as the fullback position.”

Question: Can you talk about what thought process regarding bringing Carson Butler back?

Coach Carr: “Well, I think with Carson there was an allegation, the judicial process played out, and he was found not guilty of a serious allegation. Because of that I just felt that it would be extremely unfair not to give him another opportunity. “

Question: How has Jonas Mouton been doing in camp?

Coach Carr: “Jonas has had a very good fall. He was hurt on Saturday, ankle sprain. He will hopefully return to practice later in the week or certainly by game week. It is just one of those things where he needs to rehab it and get it ready to go. But he has had a very, very good fall.”

Question: How is the middle linebacker position shaping up?

Coach Carr: “The MIKE linebacker position, John Thompson or Obi Ezeh, those two guys are really spirited in competition. I think it is safe to say that both of them are going to play a very important role. Ezeh is a young player, who in high school played a lot of different positions. Last spring, we played Obi at the SAM linebacker position, which I think gives us flexibility at that position. He is an outstanding athlete and really a guy with great potential. John has really had an excellent fall, so I think that both of them are going to see significant playing time. We will just have to let that position play itself out.”

Question: You didn’t mention Austin Panter’s name in the mix at middle linebacker. Would you consider moving him outside?

Coach Carr: “I do not think that we will do that right now, but certainly it is a possibility.”

Question: How has Chris Graham performed this fall?

Coach Carr: “Chris has had an excellent fall. He has had a lot of experience. He has had a lot of successful in his career here. He has been slowed at times by injuries, but he is a powerful guy. He has really improved as a pass defender, but he is tough, and he plays with a lot of enthusiasm and guy that is really well respected on our team.”

Question: Have you held some of the established guys back in the fall like you did in the spring?

Coach Carr: “We have had some full scrimmages, and we have held a couple of guys out of that. First of all if a guy has proven that he is an outstanding player then it makes sense today with the scholarships where they are, that you try to get them through the season. That does not mean that they have not practiced during a lot of intense drills because they have. But we have held a couple of guys out the full scrimmages.”

Question: If you had to play tomorrow, who would the top three corners?

Coach Carr: “Johnny Sears has had an outstanding fall. He is a guy that really played a significant role on some of our special teams. He made some great plays on the kick off. He is a guy that plays without any fear. He is a very, very tough hardnosed player, and I think that he has really matured as a corner. He has had a very good fall. I think Brandon Harrison has had an excellent fall, and he has in the last week or so made some strides at the cornerback position. Of course, he was a starter a year ago in our nickel back situation, so I think that the experience that he had a year ago has helped him. He has I think made some real strides. Troy Woolfolk and Donovan Warren will both play. I think they are young guys with very, very good ability and Donovan is a guy that is extremely aggressive, a good tackler and a guy that plays without fear. I mean as a true freshman, I think the thing that I look for is a guy that is not intimated by the speed, by all the things that they are too learn. Sometimes that really delays a guy because he is thinking too much and in my experience the guys who have been able to come in and play important roles as a freshman, are guys that do not get down when they make a big mistake. They understand that making a mistake is part of the learning process. So I think both of those kids have done an excellent job.”

Question: What about Morgan Trent?

Coach Carr: Morgan will be one of the starting corners. He has had a very good fall. I think that Vance is very pleased with where he is. I think the big thing with Morgan is that he has all the ability. He, I think, is one of those kids that has worked at his career. He understands, like every player does, that it is about getting better. It is about preparing yourself mentally for all of the challenges. Of course the older you are the better prepared you are to do that, and I think he has done a good job.”

Question: How is the battle between Charles Stewart and Steve Brown going?

Coach Carr: “I think Steve Brown is really a physical player. He is still a young player. He still has a lot of things to learn. Charles Stewart has I think made the move in there. I like both of those guys. I think both of them are going to play. I think they are both guys that are going to make a real contribution in a lot of areas on this team. I think that position right now is probably up for grabs, so we will see what happens here.”

Question: Who is your punt returner right now and who is doing kick offs?

Coach Carr: “Johnny Sears has done an excellent job catching punts. We practiced yesterday morning in the stadium in a torrential rain. It was a very valuable practice from the standpoint of learning how you have to play different when the ball is wet and that is particularly true in the kicking game and as a receiver, as a punt returner, kick off returner and a QB certainly, center. Also, I think we learned some things yesterday, but Johnny I think with 3 or 4 days to go here has done an excellent job. Greg Mathews is a very reliable guy in terms of handling the football and really that is what a return guy has to prove. He has got to prove that he is reliable and making good decisions on whether or not he is going to fair catch it, whether or not he is going to field the ball inside the 10 yard line, or all those kicks that are short where you have to come up and fair catch it. There are a lot of decisions to make and Donovan Warren has caught the ball extremely well. James Rogers I think at some point will develop into an outstanding punt returner. We will determine that later in the week.”

Question: Kick returners?

Coach Carr: “I think Brandon Minor is a guy that we have to decide how to use Brandon on kickoff return with Carlos out right now. That really becomes an issue from a depth standpoint at tailback. Avery Horn has got some looks there and is a pretty explosive guy. He missed a week or so of training camp because of some clearinghouse issues, which I think really set him back some, but I think we are not decided there where we are going to be.”

Question: How has Marques Slocum been coming along?

Coach Carr: “I think all of our back up guys on the defense line are freshman or are guys that are redshirt freshman or sophomores. Jason Kates has shown real improvement. He has got his weight down, and he is improving every day. John Ferrara, Greg Banks, all those kids… and Slocum has got an opportunity to play for the first time. He has got a lot of work to do, but he has wonderful athletic ability, and I think he has made some real strides from where we were when we started. I think that he certainly will have an opportunity to get some playing time.”

Question: What has been the biggest surprise of the camp?

Coach Carr: “When I look at what we have done through yesterday, now you have to take it to the game. But I think defensively we have made a lot of strides from where we were when we started spring practice. I think that we are a better team today, and I think we are going to have a team that is going to play with a lot of energy, enthusiasm. We got a lot of young guys out there and the question will be how we stop the run and prevent big plays. I think that is the test of every defense and certainly with as many new players as we have and as many different types of schemes that young players are presented defensively with, a different type of scheme almost every week. So how they adjust to that and how they grow I think is a big question, and I think certainly in the kicking game we have got some unknowns. The return game, we just have to see how some of these kids that are getting an opportunity to play for the first time respond to the pressure of game competition.

Question: How was Brandon Graham’s fall?

Coach Carr: “Brandon missed last week with a sprained ankle. But he was having an outstanding spring, and he is back practicing. He is not full speed, but he hopefully by Monday will be ready to go.”

On tri-captains Mike Hart, Jake Long, and Shawn Crable

Coach Carr: “I would like to say, I know you have heard me say the honor of being selected by your teammates as a captain is the greatest honor a Michigan football player can receive, and I think that are team really made three great choices here. These guys have all proven themselves as outstanding football players. They have always represented our program, our team, and the university extremely well and they are all guys that are very passionate and very much team guys. They just want to win and that really I think says a lot about our team. They want to win and that is what they based their decisions on.”

Artemis, thanks for the articles. Do you know the current state of speculation regarding carr's possible retirement at the end of the year?

I'm looking forward to the first game. does anyone know if you get more BCS credit for playing a good 1-AA team compared to a bad one. I think Appalachain state is often in the title game and is probably better than some D1 teams. I think it is time for a game thread. Hopefully, warren and mallet get some time.

I am somewhat apprehensive about the schedule, because michigan doesn't play any strong passing teams outside of Purdue (who don't really impress me anyways). I think their pass defense will be shredded in a bowl game. I also don't like the road game at wisconsin after the road game at state and before the osu game. I'd much rather have seen wisconsin early in the b10 season.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purdue, Penn State, Notre Dame and Illinois

"12 points is what MSU lost four games by, that is what you call bad or no luck. I know the schedule is brutal and we shouldn't think that we can automatically turn it around after three losing seasons, I understand all of that."- Rivals poster-.

I have a little bet with Zipperton T. Goshboots that MSU goes bowling. I like me chances. That effort last year and of recent was a clusterfuck by a guy I personally liked, John L. Smith. I'm not going to belabor it. It's been puked about ad infinitum. It's over. So much shit has come out post apocalypse that it's just fucking toxic. The guy had a wife with cancer, he was rich and I don't think he gave the much talked about two shits in the grand scheme of things. Something about a "levering agent in play." His coaching staff, has now been said to have multi-agendas and were about as together as Lloyd Carr and the editors of MySpace,.com.

This shit is not going to happen on Dantonios watch. Check #1. It's foreign to him. This shit will not be tolerated. Look up the guys' pedigree if you doubt my yappin'. Saban, Tressel. It's fucking unacceptable and it ain't going to happen. I know this is GREATBIGBLUETIMEOFYEAR and it's time to put the rub on MSU FB. Knock yourself out. I get it. They deserve it. Just let me warn you that you whoof out of habit and without reason. This team is not nearly as bad as the "touts" claim. Time will tell. You heard it here. Look at my "preamble." 12 Points was all that was needed for 4 turnarounds. Coaching is going to mend THOSE fences. Enough to earn me Hitchen's book from Goshboots anyway.

Zip, WOTS Borders has a 35% sale on it. Buy early!!

Artemis, thanks for the articles. Do you know the current state of speculation regarding carr's possible retirement at the end of the year?

I'm looking forward to the first game. does anyone know if you get more BCS credit for playing a good 1-AA team compared to a bad one. I think Appalachain state is often in the title game and is probably better than some D1 teams. I think it is time for a game thread. Hopefully, warren and mallet get some time.

I am somewhat apprehensive about the schedule, because michigan doesn't play any strong passing teams outside of Purdue (who don't really impress me anyways). I think their pass defense will be shredded in a bowl game. I also don't like the road game at wisconsin after the road game at state and before the osu game. I'd much rather have seen wisconsin early in the b10 season.

While I usually revel in dissing the U of Mum for the abject shit they play year in, year out, I can't do it this year. They have either the 15th or the 34th toughest schedule in the country depending on what rag you read. This is a HUGE step up from the usual swill selection that these gasbags get to pony up hundreds of dollars to go see this shit as replacation of the Christians and the Lions AT THE GREAT BIG HIGH SCHOOL FIELD. My hat is off. In spite of 8 home games (spare me the college econ) they actually play peeps with a fucking pulse. That said? Fucking Appleatin' State??? Leaders of the best? My fucking Aunt Esther. Here "credit" this!!

I can buy it on Amazon for as little as a penny.

So send early and often!!

While I usually revel in dissing the U of Mum for the abject shit they play year in, year out, I can't do it this year. They have either the 15th or the 34th toughest schedule in the country depending on what rag you read. This is a HUGE step up from the usual swill selection that these gasbags get to pony up hundreds of dollars to go see this shit as replacation of the Christians and the Lions AT THE GREAT BIG HIGH SCHOOL FIELD. My hat is off. In spite of 8 home games (spare me the college econ) they actually play peeps with a fucking pulse. That said? Fucking Appleatin' State??? Leaders of the best? My fucking Aunt Esther. Here "credit" this!!

As useful as that rant was, my question is more literal. does anyone know if there is much of a difference in BCS points between different 1-AA teams or if there is a difference between an appalachian state and, for example, a ball state. I wasn't saying app state was a powerhouse relative to D1 schools.

Anyways, I don't see what is so different between michigan's schedule and other bcs schools. they play some pushovers, they play notre dame, and they've mixed in some home and home's with pac-10 schools. I guess michigan could try to swap out state for a big10 rivalry game against a team that doesn't fold like a tent every year.

"I guess michigan could try to swap out state for a big10 rivalry game against a team that doesn't fold like a tent every year." -xanadu-

Oh ouch!! Did I hurt your feelings?

As if they've cultivated some "rep" for only wanting to play only the best or something? Funny. I'll be standing on one leg waiting for that to happen. Give up MSU? Hardly. To answer your question. They get "gotz" for playing a 1AA team as they should.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purdue, Penn State, Notre Dame and Illinois

"12 points is what MSU lost four games by, that is what you call bad or no luck. I know the schedule is brutal and we shouldn't think that we can automatically turn it around after three losing seasons, I understand all of that."- Rivals poster-.

I have a little bet with Zipperton T. Goshboots that MSU goes bowling. I like me chances. That effort last year and of recent was a clusterfuck by a guy I personally liked, John L. Smith. I'm not going to belabor it. It's been puked about ad infinitum. It's over. So much shit has come out post apocalypse that it's just fucking toxic. The guy had a wife with cancer, he was rich and I don't think he gave the much talked about two shits in the grand scheme of things. Something about a "levering agent in play." His coaching staff, has now been said to have multi-agendas and were about as together as Lloyd Carr and the editors of MySpace,.com.

This shit is not going to happen on Dantonios watch. Check #1. It's foreign to him. This shit will not be tolerated. Look up the guys' pedigree if you doubt my yappin'. Saban, Tressel. It's fucking unacceptable and it ain't going to happen. I know this is GREATBIGBLUETIMEOFYEAR and it's time to put the rub on MSU FB. Knock yourself out. I get it. They deserve it. Just let me warn you that you whoof out of habit and without reason. This team is not nearly as bad as the "touts" claim. Time will tell. You heard it here. Look at my "preamble." 12 Points was all that was needed for 4 turnarounds. Coaching is going to mend THOSE fences. Enough to earn me Hitchen's book from Goshboots anyway.

Zip, WOTS Borders has a 35% sale on it. Buy early!!

Freaking great post! I'm not going to go crazy with optimism or start yelling for BT titles, but I'm excited. I'm excited for three reasons.
1) We have a leader we can be proud of.
2) We will now have a team we can be proud of, hard hitting and disciplined.
3) We will now have a flippin' defense.

Win or lose, I'm excited for kickoff. It's time.

Found this and wanted to post it, enjoy.

http://vmedia.rivals.com/UserMedia/FanPagesPhoto/Gallery/72/O74672.jpg

Florida? I'm ruling out Michigan.

I bet she's actualy from Ohio and is just advertizing her talents.

Freaking great post! I'm not going to go crazy with optimism or start yelling for BT titles, but I'm excited. I'm excited for three reasons.
1) We have a leader we can be proud of.
2) We will now have a team we can be proud of, hard hitting and disciplined.
3) We will now have a flippin' defense.

Win or lose, I'm excited for kickoff. It's time.

Tre:
You might not be getting excited about MSU football just yet, but you CAN get excited over the fact that there is finally a Sparty who makes at least SOME sense on this board in HipDigIt.

No difference if you play the worst DIAA team or the best.

App State is a power in DIAA, but would have a hard time beating Temple, wait..not they wouldnt, but I think Duke could compete some years.

Opening weekend betting lines of local interest:

MSU -21 (vs. UAB)
WMU +25 (at WVU)
EMU +21 (at Pitt)
CMU +7.5 (at Kansas)

Unfortunately, we won't have any of these in our current Sportsbook contest, because they fall right on the switchover to a new contest period.

We'll start posting the local football wagers next week when contest #6 starts.

Interesting note, true freshman 4 star WR Mark Dell will start at SE on Saturday. This is in part because of Love and Williams being forced to earn their way back. However, he is starting because he has been consistent and extremely exciting thus far. I like it.

Opening weekend betting lines of local interest:

MSU -21 (vs. UAB)
WMU +25 (at WVU)
EMU +21 (at Pitt)
CMU +7.5 (at Kansas)

Unfortunately, we won't have any of these in our current Sportsbook contest, because they fall right on the switchover to a new contest period.

We'll start posting the local football wagers next week when contest #6 starts.

Damn. I'm taking my chips and the points!

http://a337.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/81/l_c77c907baaa128850c4523717e0a4a08.jpg

Go Spartans!

LOL!

I don't think Michigan even has anyone wearing #80 this year.

The pic is well done, though.

Maybe they should have hired the artist to do the TV commercials?

Chad Henne is dead in the middle BTW.

That picture is tight.

I absolutely love it! Combine 300 with my team and I'm feeling every bit of it.

Too bad that's more movie than reality...lol

Yea, that picture is pretty cool except for the fact that it has players from last year's michigan team. Hall and Branch, #s 29 and 80. I love the optimism that state fans have, it makes me laugh.

Yea, that picture is pretty cool except for the fact that it has players from last year's michigan team. Hall and Branch, #s 29 and 80. I love the optimism that state fans have, it makes me laugh.

Is that as funny as you gasbags calling yourselves the "leaders of the best" or was that the "leaders of the REST....of the Little 8?" Now that's funny!! Every year it's "puff, puff, puff, the pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffft! That's even funnier!

Yea, that picture is pretty cool except for the fact that it has players from last year's michigan team. Hall and Branch, #s 29 and 80. I love the optimism that state fans have, it makes me laugh.

Yeah, those OT games with a joke of a coach show MSU shouldn't even bee on the same field.

And the point of the image was to show Spartan's beating opponents, specifically the best known players, who cares if they are now in the NFL.

Which is funnier?

1) The absolute power that is Michigan football going into overtime in back to back seasons with a John L. coached Spartan team with no discipline, absolutely no defense, and less than half the talent.

or

2) UM fans busting a nut thinking about a NC, etc. only to lose to OSU and whoever they play in a bowl every single year.


You definately have a right to laugh at State.

Is that as funny as you gasbags calling yourselves the "leaders of the best" or was that the "leaders of the REST....of the Little 8?" Now that's funny!! Every year it's "puff, puff, puff, the pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffft! That's even funnier!

At least get the lyrics right. It's the "leaders and best" and "champions of the west".

The pic is actually pretty cool, but it is comical at the same time. If only State didn't go 1-7 in the Big Ten last year. The roles should be reversed.

Fuck The Big Ten Network, now I gotta wait 'til next week to watch the game vs. Oregon!

"At least get the lyrics right. It's the "leaders and best" and "champions of the west".

I'm sure some "Cult Members" were unable to sleep in their Blue & Yellow "Big House" beds last night. My sincere apologies.

The pic is actually pretty cool, but it is comical at the same time. If only State didn't go 1-7 in the Big Ten last year. The roles should be reversed.

Last year is over and JLS is GONE.

he will forever live on in my sig...lol

Last year is over and JLS is GONE.

True, I think their coaching should be better this year, but they will have less talent.

True, I think their coaching should be better this year, but they will have less talent.

Completely disagree. What makes you think their talent will be less than last year? Stanton is a loss for sure. Outside of that, I can't think of one guy that I considered to be very good and will be sorely missed. However, those added on defense and Dell and Anderson added on offense completely make up for Stanton's departure. Everybody will see the difference when our defense takes the field tomorrow.

I'm not saying MSU will be great this year. I'm just saying that MSU will no longer be a joke and respect will be headed their way.

Completely disagree. What makes you think their talent will be less than last year? Stanton is a loss for sure. Outside of that, I can't think of one guy that I considered to be very good and will be sorely missed. However, those added on defense and Dell and Anderson added on offense completely make up for Stanton's departure. Everybody will see the difference when our defense takes the field tomorrow.
v

I'm not saying MSU will be great this year. I'm just saying that MSU will no longer be a joke and respect will be headed their way.


..everyone discounts the talent in E.L. ZERO LOVE!! 5 games lost by 12 points with the Katzenjammer Kids trying to coach them. A coaching staff totally out of sorts. The cupboard is not bare and like I wagered Zip. They go bowling. 7-5.

We'll see how good of a coach he is. He isn't going to get this Spartans team to a Bowl game this year...so he'll make a GREAT first impression...

What he did at Cincinnati means nothing, how many people on here with a straight face can tell me they heard of Dantonio, and how great of a coach he was, prior to MSU interviewing him...my guess- less than half

We'll see right off the bat when they hardly beat UAB how great of a show he's running...

Hey Wil, care to eat your words? Looks like yesterdays results kindof worked you over with all of the garbage you were talking a few weeks ago. I remember reading that last line clear as day and thought I'd have to find it.

I'm willing to bet that after all of your Dantonio bashing, you probably wish he was your coach yesterday and probably wish he was your coach period right about now.

ESPN expert picks State to finish ahead of Michigan in bowl projections. should make for an interesting year. Time to put up or shut up for michigan

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3003412

ESPN experts picks State to finish ahead of Michigan in bowl projections. should make for an interesting year. Time to put up or shut up for michigan

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3003412

They are crazy if they really believe that. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about State's new look. However, after watching the Michigan replay of Saturday's game last night, I'm still convinced Michigan is very good. They just have some coaching issues, but the offense and talent is still top notch.

ESPN expert picks State to finish ahead of Michigan in bowl projections. should make for an interesting year. Time to put up or shut up for michigan

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3003412

Fucking sheer stupidity. This ain't no reverse mojo either. It doesn' even warrant further comment.

TJ Ducket is mentoring Caulcrick. He called him the night before the first game and wished him luck. Attended the game and text messaged him some tips. Then stayed after to congradulate him. Caulcrick says TJ is his idol and he wants to have a (individual season like TJ did at State. I like it.

TJ Ducket is mentoring Caulcrick. He called him the night before the first game and wished him luck. Attended the game and text messaged him some tips. Then stayed after to congradulate him. Caulcrick says TJ is his idol and he wants to have a (individual season like TJ did at State. I like it.
Tre, I don`t mean to be a dick, but I see this a lot and its as bad as "I seen", its "congraTulate".

Tre, I don`t mean to be a dick, but I see this a lot and its as bad as "I seen", its "congraTulate".

My bad, I actually knew that and I still make the mistake all the time. When I'm on a mb, I'm a train wreck english wise. The amazing thing is that I'm actually an English minor. lol I just could care less on a mb.

Fucking sheer stupidity. This ain't no reverse mojo either. It doesn' even warrant further comment.

Well michigan is teetering on the edge right now. If hart gets hurt, they could go into a tail spin pretty quickly. Unfotunately for state, they have a tough b10 schedule. If state had iowa and purdue at home and indiana and nw on the road, i might consider state's chances to pass michigan. i think purdue will be better than expected. iowa is a wild card. state's non-conference is shaping up pretty well. i just read that pitt's qb will be out and we all saw what happened to nd. does state still run a spread? i only saw the last couple minutes of the uab game.

that said, i am sticking with my team of course.

Well michigan is teetering on the edge right now. If hart gets hurt, they could go into a tail spin pretty quickly. Unfotunately for state, they have a tough b10 schedule. If state had iowa and purdue at home and indiana and nw on the road, i might consider state's chances to pass michigan. i think purdue will be better than expected. iowa is a wild card. state's non-conference is shaping up pretty well. i just read that pitt's qb will be out and we all saw what happened to nd. does state still run a spread? i only saw the last couple minutes of the uab game.

that said, i am sticking with my team of course.

State's offense is basically a combination of the things that Ohio State has done offensively. OSU as we all know was very much power running, play action, and lots of defense when Tressel started. Now they open it up a big and expose defenses with some spread. State does the same. They start off with some power, but then they'll come out with some 4 wide once in a great while to expose you. It is mostly power running and then play action though. I absolutely loved the play calling and the look of the offense on Saturday, I hope it looks the same this sat.

thanks for the info

Colt Brennan's numbers through 2 games:

76.2% completion
964 yards
10 TDs 1 Int

pass happy offense or not this is just sick

Fuck Hawaii, their crybaby coach, and their spotted haired qb.

Thought this was hilarious today so I thought I would pass it on. So one of my fourth graders walks up to me today with some difficulty on a math problem. The kid is a sports nut. First day of school he started ripping off Javon Ringer's Ohio rushing records for me. Anyways, he is a die-hard Michigan fan. So we work out the problem and he made a very minor mistake. He stops, looks at me dead serious and says, "I'm sorry Mr. Tre, but the start to Michigan's season just has me all mixed up right now. I can hardly think straight, it's horrible." I cracked up laughing and told him I'd help him through it. Classic.

And then you poured him a glass of green koolaid, lol.

exactly haha

Did you rail the kid for not having a vested interest in Michigan? He isn't a student there, so why should he care?
I hope you gave him the Dunce Cap for the day.

I have a tazor and i ask each kid as they enter the room who they root for. If anything remotely close to U of M or Wolverines comes out of their mouth, they get a good zap.

Doc Tre...making the Spartan Nation grow every year.

So are your fourth graders allowed to have a tenuous connection to Michigan State then?

Thought this was hilarious today so I thought I would pass it on. So one of my fourth graders walks up to me today with some difficulty on a math problem. The kid is a sports nut. First day of school he started ripping off Javon Ringer's Ohio rushing records for me. Anyways, he is a die-hard Michigan fan. So we work out the problem and he made a very minor mistake. He stops, looks at me dead serious and says, "I'm sorry Mr. Tre, but the start to Michigan's season just has me all mixed up right now. I can hardly think straight, it's horrible." I cracked up laughing and told him I'd help him through it. Classic.

Thats just heart warming to know a Spurty has a UofMers back like that.

So are your fourth graders allowed to have a tenuous connection to Michigan State then?

Tenuous, at best.

A Michigan fan made national news this week for putting himself as a fan up for bidding. He said he no longer will be a Michigan fan and whoever bids the most, will get to name his new school that he will show loyalty to. He stated that all proceeds will go to charity and bids did start coming in. Unfortunately EBay removed the auction.

A Michigan fan made national news this week for putting himself as a fan up for bidding. He said he no longer will be a Michigan fan and whoever bids the most, will get to name his new school that he will show loyalty to. He stated that all proceeds will go to charity and bids did start coming in. Unfortunately EBay removed the auction.

The fan is actually a minister at a protestant church in south Michigan. The funny thing is, last I heard a BYU fan was winning the bidding and the protestant preacher would be rooting for the Mormons.

The fan is actually a minister at a protestant church in south Michigan. The funny thing is, last I heard a BYU fan was winning the bidding and the protestant preacher would be rooting for the Mormons.

LOL! Hilarious

Great Kentucky-Louisville game.

What the hell happened to UCLA? 44-6?

What the hell happened to UCLA? 44-6?

Took the words right out of Karl Dorrels' mouth. 20-21 starters back from a team that beat USC? However for whatever reason he insists on playing this Olson guy @ QB. He sucks. He's about 28 and transferred from BYU after a Mormon Mission. So he sits the architect of their modest success last year (name escapes me) and plugs in this douche`. I don't see this continuing.

Can anyone provide an injury update on the numerous Spartan injuries? These really need to heal quickly, can't afford them this year.

Henne has been cleared to play by the doctors.

UM also reinstated Savoy.

UM also reinstated Savoy.

But they didn't reinstate his dong.

21201. Had to Laugh...
by keninaz, 10/4/07 22:02 ET
I was in Wal Mart here in AZ and i came upon a scUM T-shirt on the floor.The mother told the boy to pick it up, He said,"I'm not touching that thing..They SUCK"I about crashed into a stack of Gatorade !!!TRUE STORY

You know what is even funnier. They probably dont sell MSU gear there.

Gotta get rid of that Nike stuff somewhere.

You know what is even funnier. They probably dont sell MSU gear there.

You know what else they don't have? They don't have a commercial airing nationally about my team losing to a 1AA school.