A Brief Summation of My Feelings After the First Half of the Michigan-Penn State Game

apoeajgio kewafaovjiokjv afkj niusghirounbujbfisgmiemf0sgljgosjogijoesighhoiaip maghrfpipo opafoiuia ddafoe aodfgjoirjgoi ffiaofk bvg niuvhsueighbiuhusuirafufoaopfi muihuihhj,bdvbhjbv fnkskskgkjkljl;siod Why didn't I go to the hockey game? awepofk kfapowkfapo okfpowkafwafjpqpiwopiopwqiodhuyf ajwiefhiahfi ajkjskkafkj ahfjkdhafk kjfhjkhf kjhajkfhjksdhfjk hakjfhajkfh apfejfoijofafjoiwajiofj hjbhjbvjhbhjdbvjabvfgeguqiur atafpawinca uieah vbauehuhfuhuOapufeaupUIIHJKQHJHFUIEHpfahfuoiahguf afihiuawfhiah iuh weaoifjoiajoi

Late Night Pictures

Patrick Ewing does not believe in hands.

Joe Get Up!



Orange Bread has fierce aura..

Shes Happy...

Happy Halloween

Midnight Maize 239

Michael Rosenberg is Hilariously Ironic Sometimes

It's been quite awhile since Michael Rosenberg published his highly inaccurate investigative piece on Michigan's practices. And the fervor with which a number of Michigan fans attacked almost everything he writes has died down for the most part. But today, Rosenberg wrote a pointless article on conspiracy theories in sports with idiotic omissions (...there's nothing in there about the World Cup...and he wrote about Jordan's gambling and James' performance in the playoffs last season). And there's an excerpt in there that Michigan fans will find hilariously ironic:

If you believe that spectator sports exist largely to spark conversation, you have to love a good conspiracy theory, which is not the same thing as believing it. Conspiracy theories have been around sports forever -- in ancient Greece, the first Olympic marathon winner supposedly rode a horse for a few miles.

Actually, I just made that up. But it's a good one, isn't it? I almost believed it myself, and I'm the guy who made it up! So today, let's look at a few of sports' favorite conspiracy theories -- and try to take a detached view of how believable they really are.

And what else can we apply that quote to, I wonder...a certain investigation from awhile back, maybe.

MidKnights of the Round Table 6


1.Does Denard get invited to New York?

The Shredder: I really hope so. When this crazy Denard is gonna win the Heisman talk started I always just thought... "Hey I just want the kid to go to NYC". It's good for him and Michigan. Win or not. I think he does enough to get invited. I think Cam has this thing in the bag and has no chance unless Michigan and Denard go all nuts and win out.

Dark Blue: Yes Denard will get invited to the Heisman show. he will have a great rest of the year.

SCS: Yes

Seth: Yes. Assuming that a healthy Denard is able to lead Michigan to a bowl game and put up good numbers on Wisconsin and Ohio State, he should make it.

Hulk: Gone Fishing.


2.What will a loss to PSU cause you to do?

The Shredder: Ahhh maybe pull my hair out. Having to listen to the "this is 2009 all over again" will cause fits of rage. Losing this game to such a beat up PSU team could really put the heat on Rich Rod. He has to win the games when you are clearly the better team. I think Michigan is that team in this game.

Dark Blue: If we lose to Penn St. I will throw myself off of the top of a building in Chicago, but this isn't gonna happen. PSU is so deadt. 

SCS: Focus more on hockey.

Seth9: Cry, a lot.

Hulk:Gone to the Butt Dart Club

3.Whos your horse? Tate or Denard?

The Shredder: Gotta be Denard. You would have to be idiot to bench the kid. There is a major reason Michigan's offense is even better this year with him at QB. Sure he is has made some mistakes but those kinks will be worked out in time. Having Tate is a major asset to this team and I hope he says what he means in that he will stay. 

Dark Blue: DENARD ALL DENARD(deep CAPS analysis) 

SCS: Denard(deep analysis)

Seth: Denard(deeper analysis) 

Hulk: Gone to a NBA game

 4.Two things that go right on Saturday?

The Shredder: The running game: I expect Michigan to do what has been doing. Run a muck all over the field. The test comes in the red zone. I hope Hopkins is given that chance and can move  the pile a bit more than V.Smith has. Denard should hit 150 if he stays healthy. 

Denard will go right and is back: I expect Denard to get back to Denard esk plays. He will break a big one and find Hemingway deep. A bye week will do him wonders.

Dark Blue: Score 50 points and we force 3 turnovers.

SCS: Rush defense (Only if Martin is healthy) and the run game makes a return.

Seth: Denard will run all over Penn State's depleted defense and our defense will contain Penn State's offense so long as Bolden doesn't come back. With Demens at linebacker and Mouton much improved over last year, I don't see Penn State able to run all over us and a walk-on QB will lead a passing attack that we can actually defend against.

Hulk: Gone to a truck stop

5.Score? Where we bowling? 

The Shredder: I expect Michigan to win something like 34 to 24. I really think our defense is still an issue and Even may have a few nice runs to keep PSU in it some what. Also a 8pm night games can have a few tough spots. 

I think we will bowling in the Gator Bowl.. Outback would be nice but I doubt it.

Dark Blue: Final Score is MICH 50 PSU 28. We end up in the Gator Bowl.

SCS: 35-24 M. Insight Bowl.

Seth: Michigan 31, Penn State 23. And I see us going 8-4 and finishing 5th in the Big Ten, which should get us to the Gator Bowl because either Wisconsin or Michigan State should be able to grab the conference a second BCS bid, moving Michigan up to 4th in the selection process.

Hulk: Gone to the Golden Banana.

Welcome to Happy Valley

Late Night Picks


News and Notes

  • I speed ahead after another good week for me going 4-1
  • Dark Blue has his worst week going 1-4 last week.
  • Nothing very exciting this week besides the MSU game.
  • We all expect the War Eagle to fly.
  • Huskers pound Mizzu 
  • The Ducks play video game football all over USC.

Midnight Maize 238

A Time of Mourning

As everyone on the face of the Earth should be aware, the most powerful being ever to inhabit this planet died yesterday. At 2 1/2 years old, Paul the Octopus, psychic predictor of World Cup matches, died yesterday from natural causes. Paul, who correctly predicted the victor in every German World Cup match, as well as Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the World Cup Final, will be remembered for his contributions to both World Cup oddsmakers and the struggle for Octopuses' rights*.

*I'm kidding about that last part. Everyone knows that animals do not have and should not have rights.

Midnight Maize Top 25

A bit late, and with only 4 voters. Whatever.



Dropped Out: 20. West Virginia, 22. Texas, 24. Kansas State

Others Receiving Votes: Michigan 2, Hawaii 1, Texas 1

Midnight Maize 237

Will the Real Slim Running Back please stand up? V.3.0

A Running Back look from a March and Aug posts, lets review how this has shook out.


Who will be our starting running back come UCONN? Michigan has a stable of young and capable running backs who could break out. We could have a running back by committee but that's sorta boring in my eyes. I love you B.Minor but we haven't had that stud Michigan RB since Mike Hart. Minor could have been but he was hurt too much and being made of glass isn't a Michigan running back trait. I think for Michigan to have the season we all want them to have, someone needs to break out of the pack as that stud Michigan back. Lets take a look...

Michael Shaw




Shaw now a Jr has had his highlights(08 Minn game) and low lights(passed on the depth chart by V.Smith). I like Shaw a lot. More then most. Some fans have written him off in favor of V.Smith and Fitzgerald Toussaint. I on the other hand think Shaw can become that stud we have wanted since Mike Hart. I love his power for how small he is. He seems to explode into holes,LB and everything else. He may lack a bit of vision but I am hoping by year three he can make strides in this area. A big part will be if Tate can improve his zone reads and get Michael Shaw the ball at the right times. You also gotta love Shaw's passion as you can see how much he hates to loose(He was the kid on the bench tore up after Iowa). Don't give up on Michael Shaw everyone.. He may surprise you.

(8-30-10)
Shaw as of today is listed as the number one back with Smith. I expect him to do well if given enough carries to get going. I think he is a RB who needs to get a rhythm going. Denard and Shaw in the back field is a serious home run threat but with Shaw's history it's also a serious negative yardage threat as well. I am sure we will see both Shaw and Smith in many sets so this could be very interesting to see who gets the carries.

Today(10-26-10)
Shaw has been banged up since late in the BG game. He sat out the IND game and than ripped off a nice run up the middle in the MSU game. After that he hasn't been seen much. It's hard to tell if thats more due the coaches liking the V.Smith more or his injury has caused this. I will guess it's the bad knee more than anything.  I am hoping he can get back to 12-15 carries at PSU. He seem to be on to something vs BG(yes almost baby seal) by hitting his holes and not dancing. Lets hope Michael Shaw has learned something and can get back on the field.

Vincent Smith



The true frosh showed a lot of guts last year and played well in the OSU game. Here's the catch going into 2010. He got injured. He will be coming back from a torn ACL. It could stunt his growth going into year two. On the flip side, how could you not love Smith? He is most like Mike Hart. He's got great vision and can move the chains. He also pass blocks very well and catches out of the back field like a champ. He was one of the few to show up in the Wisky game. Smith is the slowest of the RBs. He may even be slower then Mike Hart but... He's a RB who just moves the chains. I will take that any day over the home run threat. It will be interesting to see how he bounces back from his injury. He maybe the number one come UCONN.

(8-30-10)
V.Smith didn't lose much of any ground from being out all spring. Guys like Mike Cox could not hop Smith with him being out. He is a great grind it out type of RB. I can't see him busting a 60 yard TD but he will move the sticks for you which is more important in the big picture(as Mike Hart). He also shows a great skill of catching out of the back field which Mike Shaw might lack. V.Smith is the "OR" right now with Michael Shaw so we will be seeing a lot of both of them come this Saturday. They are really a great combo since one is a speedster and Smith is the grind man. If one fumbles they will have Mike Cox waiting in the wings.

Today(10-26-10)
V.Smith seem to be RR favorite back. "He's not a fumbler" Rich said. Well that was said after he put one the turf after the Michigan was driving on Iowa. So now thats Smith and Hopkins who have coughed one up. Gotta wonder if Hopkins might start taking some carries away from Smith. You gotta like Hopkins better up the middle. I hope the Power I Smith up the middle play is trashed. So far its been for a loss and a fumble. Brian of Mgoblog and Magnus of Touch the Banner have expressed a desire to see less of Smith and I have to agree. Hes a good 3rd down back and catches well out of the back field and in the slot but as a guy who gonna get you 80-100 yards and break something open and keep a defense off Denard.... The kid just isn't that. Rich seems to love the kid, not sure if he raking his yard or what but I doubt V.Smith is heading to the bench. I like V.Smith but he needs to be given less carries IMO.

Mike Cox



Mike is that wild card that I like. He maybe our next banger if given a chance. He has shown a lot in little chances. Sure most have been vs The Washington Generals football team but I expect him to get a fair chance to be in the mix. I hope Mike gets a fair chance because he could turn out to be better then we all know. If his RB gig doesn't turn out he can always turn to his modeling.

(8-30-10)
Mike Cox has a great blend of Speed and Power but has he learned the play book and cleaned up the mental mistakes? As of today Mike is listed 2nd on the depth chart. He should get chances this Saturday to prove that he may be worth starting. Mike still seems to be the dark horse or wild card of the group. It wouldn't be surprising if he became the man but it wouldn't be surprising if he sunk of the depth chart either. He's got the tools but does he have the brawn?

Today(10-26-10)
A big Swing and a miss on my part. Figure Mike might get his chance vs IND but I guess I was wrong. V.Smith took much of the load with Hopkins getting a carry. I just don't know anymore about M.Cox. He must be clueless on blocking assignments and everything else. He has the most gifts physically but can't put it together mentally. I am sure it's pretty frustrating to the coaches when they need a guy like him on the field. I still would wish he would get a small shot. Just give him a few carries here and there and see what happens. If I had to guess... Mike Cox will have to improve in the off season and come out next year looking to make a impact in the spring camp. What I am saying.. He won't see the field this year. 

Fitzgerald Toussaint



If Mike Cox is a wild card then what is Fitz? Right now he is a practice hype machine. Some have said "FITZ WILL BE THE STARTER BY GAME FOUR OMG!!". There has been so much crap to come out of UM practices over the years that I don't buy it until I see it. He has yet to take a game snap and some have placed him as our number one back. I am a show me person. Running backs coach Fred Jackson who hypes someone every year has done that with Fitz.

“He’s a good player,” Jackson said. “I’ve seen enough. I didn’t have my blinders on.”
Alright maybe this isn't a ton of hype but many people on the boards have added to his hype. I know he can be good and I hope he is but I just wanna see it.

(8-30-10)
With lots of internet rumblings and the super Fred Jackson hype of being "Mike Hart but faster". Fitz has more hype than most RBs get before taking a snap. Hype doesn't matter if you can't stay healthy. Right now that hype is stuck at the 4th spot on the depth chart. A lot may have to do with his health and being banged up. Some saying he may not even play vs UCONN. This is pretty concerning since he seems to be injury prone just like Mike Hart. It would be interesting to see if Fitz would have been the number one back if healthy. We may find out in a few weeks when he will be finally healthy. He better hope that another back hasn't ran away with the job. Poster FormerWolv even said Fitz was the clear number one back. We will see how true it is once he is healthy.

Today(10-26-10)
Not much has changed since the 30th of Aug. Fitz got his chance in BG game in which he looked good. He did make a nice run(you could drive a truck through the hole) but was caught from behind by a MAC LBer. His knee still looked to be holding him back. He than put the TD on the next play. Everything great right? WRONG! He found a way in two plays to hurt his shoulder and has been out since. So what we have learned is that Fitz is B.Minor but x100000 in being injury prone. It looks like he may be dressed for PSU game but lets hope he doesn't cough before the game.. He may be in street clothes by kick off.

New Kids
As for the new kids Austin White and Stephen Hopkins. I don't see them getting snaps unless one comes out of no where and shows some great stuff in the spring and fall.

(8-30-10)
Austin White is off the team(holds back mean things to say). Hopkins still getting praise and could see a snap here or there. He could be our 2010 goal line back but we will see. He is sitting at 4th or 5th right now so he is a spot duty guy if others don't hold their own.

Stephen Hopkins



Today(10-26-10)
The Hopkins love train is starting to gain some speed half way through the season. He looked good running tough vs a great Iowa team. Many are calling for him to get the load of carries and count me in. He has a lot of Smith's speed but at least he can punish people for tough yards and won't go down on the first hit. Hopkins may get a major chance vs PSU this Saturday. The young horse is gaining a lot of confidence and it will be interesting to see what kind of chance Hopkins will get.

Predictions from my squawking
So who is the our starting back come fall and vs UCONN? If I had to guess right now I say Shaw shows and does enough to be that starter come game one. It won't be by much and will have to show a lot to keep his starting job for the first three games.

(8-30-10)
I hate to say this but I told you so... I told you so. Shaw starts with V.Smith and both could be yanked for Cox if either don't produce or turn the ball over. Shaw doesn't have many fans so this is great shot to show what he can do. Without Rage or Gesundheit in his way anymore he will be given a chance to showcase his skills. UM will be pounding the rock on Saturday, lets hope someone steps up and produces.

Today(10-26-10)
I hate to say this but... I was wrong. Shaw hurt... Smith "meh" and Cox glued to the bench. Oh and Fitz is a scarecrow. So the running back position is a bit of a mess. Something Michigan isn't used to. Someone has to step up and help Denard. If I guess what will happen the rest of the year... Shit I dunno. Shaw gets some more carries since he is back to feeling better and Hopkins steals some carries from V.Smith. Either way we may be a year away from solving this issue(lets hope). 

It's Time...


Chicago Bulls open Wednesday vs the OK Thunder. Should be interesting since Kevin Durant is becoming a super NBA Space Christ. I also want Derrick Roses new shoes to go along with my Nike Pro Combat gear. Should be a good season for my Bulls.

This ad has two of my favorite things. Derrick Rose and Ken Jeong.

Midnight Maize 236

Bye Week Blues

 

The bye week is upon us here in MichiganLand. What is a guy (or girl) to do? Well Dark  Blue in his infinite wisdom has come up with some ideas for you, to help cure your boredom. Complete with bullets

  • Have sex, lots and lots of sex. This always helps cure my boredom. If only I was better looking.
  • Drink a shit ton of beer. This is a great way to cure boredom, and while you may wake up in the morning feeling like ass, just think of all the fun things that you did, that you can’t remember.
  • Poop a lot. Bye weeks are great for cleaning out your intestines.
  • I’m sure there is prolly lots of other goodt college football james on Saturday, but lets be honest. Michigan isn’t playing so do we really care? I know I don’t. PSU vs. Minny may sound like a riveting matchup but that game has more ASS then Jennifer Lopez. And not in a goodt way.
  • Get outta the house and go see a concert. Man I’m sure you can find some great Blue Oyster Cult cover band playing at a bar near you. I mean what could be better then listening to some drunk middle age biker sing don’t fear the reaper? Nothing at all except…
  • strip clubs. That is all.

Also for the 20 people who read this shizz, thank you for your support. Granted we aren’t mgoblog or even the WLA, but I think on occasion we deliver some pretty goodt content. Also we are the only MICH blog in the blogosphere who offers nightly chats. Ladies looking for an e-hookup, well check us out.

Also for your entertainment I’m gonna throw up a video, just because I love you guys. Thanks!!!

One Moar also ASS

Bye Week

For the 20 people that visit the site I am sorry to say that there will be no content this Friday(Midknight round table,picks ect). I will still have a live blog Friday night at 12am. Midnight Maize is on it's bye week.

Midnight Maize 235

Midnight Maize 234

Chips Ahoy

she put $900 on the fifth horse in the sixth race i think its name is "chips ahoy!"it came in six lengths ahead, we spent the whole next week getting high at first i thought that she hit off some tip that she got from some other boy we were overjoyed i got a girl and she don't have to work she can tell which horse is gonna finish in first some nights the painkillers make the pain even worse came in six lengths ahead we spent the whole next week getting high i love this girl but i can't tell when she's having a good time how am i supposed to know that you're high if you won't let me touch you? how am i supposed to know that you're high if you won't even dance? how am i supposed to know that you're high if you won't let me touch you? how am i supposed to know that you're high if you won't even dance? she's hard on the heart and she's soft to the touch she gets migraine headaches when she does it too much she always does it too much how am i supposed to know that you're high if you won't let me touch you?  how am i supposed to know that you're high if you won't even dance?  how am i supposed to know that you're high if you won't let me touch you? ( how am i supposed to know that you're high if you won't even dance?  and you won't even dance.

This is just Dark Blue feeling the need to post something, I figured I’d go with song lyrics to my current favorite song. Enjoy!!

Midnight Maize 233

Midnight Maize Top 25





Dropped Out: 18. Nevada, 22. Air Force, 23. Florida, 25. Michigan

Others receiving votes: Miami 7, Northwestern 3, Hawaii 2

One Shreds Opinion

Offense
Denard and offense got off to the fast start by moving the ball at will vs a very good Iowa defense. The problems came in yellow flags and TOs. First the yellow flags. Lewan had a rough day, but the personal foul was a bit touchy but a flag none the less. On the flip side he held one of the best linemen in college football at bay and showed how much of a stud this kid is. He also jumped off the line but he is still young and will get better. All the flags on both sides of the ball had me feeling like I was watching the Lions or something. This team seemed so disciplined in it's first four games and ball was taken care of. Mistakes once again hold the offense back, Denard seems to freak out if he gets more than 3-4 seconds in the pocket. Like the football is a ticking time bomb. His INT was very 2009 Iowa. Just threw it to the safety after freaking out. He needs to learn to throw it away or just take off and try to make some magic with his gifted legs. I think it something we will see him get better at but it's not there yet. Deanrd's nasty habit of packing the ball when his first read isn't there has shown it's self. Thats when mistakes come.

When Denard was knocked out with a hand injury, Tate came in and played very well. He makes a defense adjust to a new game plan on the fly and did well besides a few INTs but Michigan was pressing at that point to make plays. You also gotta give a lot of love to the WR. Stonum and Hemingway had I think their best day at Michigan. This team might be finding a go to WR in Hemingway which I hope. We have that guy in Roundtree on the inside but we haven't found that on the outside. The Offense led a great come back but came up short. I think I can say this team has more heart than 09. They hung tough and almost made magic happen.

Defense
A lot like MSU, I really think they did enough to win the game if the offense wasn't busy turning the ball over. Were they perfect? Far from it. Mouton is like Jekyll and Hyde. Which Mouton is gonna show? Saturday we saw Jekyll. Mouton allowed countless cut backs. Not all his fault but once again not playing his gap. The defense crapped the bed on long 3rd downs. The 3rd and 13 draw play made me wanna punch myself in the face. Our young corner Floyd had his worst day. Floyd had a face mask and was burned bad on a slant pass for a TD. He found himself out of position many times. I am sure Brian's UFR will murder him. At the end of the day they just couldn't get a stop for UM to get the ball back. On a better note we did find our self a MLB... Kenny Demons was a upgrade from Obi. Obi came in on the 3rd drive and RR was seen running down Greg asking why in gods name is Obi out there. Kenny was put back in at that point. He wasn't perfect and made mistakes but I think we saw improvement.

Special Teams
I don't do a ST ever but I have no hair left after Saturdays game. The two kick offs that landed out of bounds were killers. The kicker just took a dump in his pants....Twice! It's something you don't see much. I don't even feel like finding out how to spell his name so I just call him "Poopey Pants". It may have cost this team in the end. Iowa would have been down by a very loud student section. The blocked FG is a whole another rage. Comes back to coaching again. If the ball is deflected or blocked and hits the field of play... It is fucking live! TWO WEEKS IN A ROW! This time it almost cost Michigan.. Oh wait it did. That one again is on Rich Rod. I am sorry but in last weeks game film session there was something to learn and the team didn't learn it. Maybe this week it might finally be addressed? Lets hope.

The Good
-We found a deep threat?
-Tate can get it done.
-Down the field passing is back at UM
-Didn't pack it in.
-Stonum
-Oline
-Loud Big House 75% full
-We has MLB?

The Bad
-Mouton's Jekyll
-3rd and long
-Freak out moments by Denard
-Packing the ball=NOOOOOOOOOO!!
-Lewan is an asshole but I like it.
-Seeing Yellow
-Denard is banged up would be an understatement
-Molk knocked out
-V.Smith up the middle

The Ugly
-Floyd
-Special teams
-Special teams
-Special teams
-Blocked FGs are fucking live!
-Special teams
-Special teams
-Running backs are a mess.
-Crappy fans who boo and leave early. I hate you.

Det News













Conference Power Rankings

1. Pac 10- No change, Oregon leaps to #1 in the country.

2. Big Ten- Proves that this is a deep conference if all games can actually be close.

3. SEC- Florida and South Carolina losses don't help the SEC's case.

4. Big 12- Nebraska falls, Texas doesn't suck.

5. ACC- No change.

6. Big East- No change.

Putting It All into Perspective

 

I sat alone in the dark last night, drinking Maker’s Mark bourbon, and genuinely hating the world. I had not watched any football after the Michigan loss. That never happens on a Saturday night. Football rules the day, what had happened to me?

I received at call from a friend, when things were at their blackest. This friend helped put things in perspective for me. We are Michigan, we will once again be at the top of the football world. It may happen in 2011, or it may not happen again until 2169. Someone on mgo the other day, commented that Michigan fans are spoiled little bitches, to remember the Red Sox and the 86 year championship drought they went through. Sure you had some pissed off fans, but these dudes made the trek to Fenway Park every night. They never lost faith. What have we been through? Two losing seasons, and no National Championships since 1997?

I love the game as much as any person in the world, but the thing I have to keep reminding myself, is, DB it’s just a game. Life or death doesn’t hinge on Michigan’s performance on the field. Sure it is okay to be sad after a tough loss, just don’t drink a bottle of bleach.

We are Michigan, we have more tradition then 99.8% of FCS schools. We will return to the top, this institution is committed to winning. Let’s just try to have some faith and believe in what they’re building in Ann Arbor.

Big Ten Power Rankings

Major shakeup in this weeks rankings:

1. Michigan State- Only undefeated team

2. Wisconsin- Knocked off the best team

3. Iowa- Should have won by a larger margin

4. Ohio State- Needs to regroup quickly

5. Michigan- Doesn't fall by virtue of staging an improbable comeback against Iowa. Loss hurts, but will regroup

6. Northwestern- Bye week

7. Illinois- Held tough against State

8. Penn State- Bye week

9. Purdue- Beat the worst team in the conference. Hooray!

10. Indiana- Barely survived Arkansas State

11. Minnesota- Tim Brewster has just been fired!

Midnight Maize 232

MidKnights of the Round Table 5



1.Was the Michigan loss because of how Michigan played or more of how good State is? 

The Shredder: I say a little of both. They did a good job in the run game. They got some lucky last second ankle grabs that saved some big runs but at the same time Denard was just off the mark all day and had little to do with MSU pressure. He had almost too much time. Michigan shot it's self in the foot more than anything. 

SCS: Both. Michigan shot itself in the foot way too much during that game, but State is a good team and deserves a lot of credit.

Seth9: A combination of the two. Denard's interceptions were not due so much to the defensive skill of Michigan State as they were unforced bad throws, and they had a major impact on the game. However, Michigan State's running attack was very strong and Michigan State's defense certainly played better than any competition we've faced to date.

Dark Blue: Well there is no question that Sparty played well in the game, but MICH left an ass ton of points on the field. So I'm gonna go with a little bit of both. For the record, I think Sparty is a very very goodt team, and may very well go undefeated. 

Hulk:  A little of both. Michigan obviously shot itself in the foot with drops, penalties, and turnovers. You have to give credit where credit is due though. MSU came out and played a good game on defense and made enough big plays on offense to win. MSU is a good team this year, theres no doubt about it. It should be interesting to watch if they "Sparty NO!" a few games this year like they seem to do every year.

2.Running Back wise who would you like to see getting more of the carries going forward?

The Shredder: Mike Cox for me. Like I said before I don't wanna just come out and hand him the game but give him 3-5 carries and see if he finds his footing. He too good of a physical talent to not try. I know Hopkins can do some damage but I don't see him busting any 20 yard runs due to his speed. I also Hope Shaw is really 100% since he seems to becoming into his own. Sorry V.Smith...

SCS: Hopkins. He's bowled over people when out there. If he can hold onto the ball consistently, he should play.

Seth9: Michael Shaw. Shaw might not be especially shifty, but he's strong, fast, and experienced.

Dark Blue: MOAR MIKE SHAW. Also if Fitz ever gets healthy I'd like to see a little bit of him. 

Hulk: I've said it from day 1. Shaw is the most complete RB on the roster atm. He has the speed to breakaway, has good hands, and is a good blocker on QB lead plays. The knock on him was he had bad vision and went down easy. This year we have seen him get better at finding holes and running with authority. If Shaw is healthy, he should get the most work.

3.Iowa has only allowed 6TDs all season(I think). How many does UM put into the endzone on Saturday?

The Shredder: Last year it was no one had scored a rushing TDs and Minor took that from Iowa pretty quick in the 09 game. I expect Michigan to correct the mistakes and play better in the red zone. They should find the endzone 3-4 times. 

SCS: 3

Seth9: Iowa has yet to face a good offense outside of Arizona, who put up points on them. Our offense should be able to drive the ball so long as we diversify the playbook on third and shorts and if we can avoid making stupid mistakes and stop Clayburn from shredding our line, we'll be able to score. Anticipate Denard and Shaw running away from Clayburn all game by design too.

Dark BlueThis is a revenge game, at home. I think Michigan puts up a ton of points. I'm gonna say 6 Touchdowns. Iowa has yet to face an offense anywhere close to as good as Michigan's. I think this one will be a huge shocker to the rest of the world.

Hulk: I think we could see something like 4 touchdowns against Iowa. I think we can move the ball on them, it will be about not making mistakes. I think we'll see a big play or 2 and then Denard having to grind out 5-7 yards a carry. If Denard stays patient and our OL puts up a fight with Iowas DL, it could get interesting.

4.Does the Denard hype machine getting rolling again?

The Shredder: I think it gets back on track. I don't expect a 400 yard out put but he will be better. He got his off day out of his system. Maybe like 120 yards rushing and 200 yards passing. 

SCS: Yes, but to a lesser extent.

Seth9: The Denard hype machine will roll if Michigan is getting national recognition.

Dark Blue: Has it really died? Sure he had a terrible game, but we've seen what this guy can do. He makes opposing defenses look fucking terrible. The thing going forward that Nard has to remember, is to make the right read, and make good decisions. He's only started 6 games so he will get much much better then he already is. Denard will win a Heisman at some point in his career. 

Hulk: I see Denard putting up pretty good stats, but you don't get a ton of hype if you don't win the game. I think we could see another 125 rushing, 200 passing from Denard.

5.Feelings on some of the coaching during the MSU game? Punting and clock management? 

The Shredder: It was Rich Rods worse day as a coach imo. I won't sugar coat this much but it's embarrassing for him. I hate the whole I tried to call time out crap. I just don't buy that. Why would you even be sending the punt team out in the first place? Not sure what his train of thought was but it didn't help his case to the RR haters and the public. His FG attempt at the end of half was also frustrating since we are so bad in that regard. Just take a shot at the end zone. You have Denard, he may break out of the pocket and who knows. Also the FG was deflected and hit the turf causing it to be live. Not one Michigan player went after that ball and neither were the coaches coaching them to. I will say it's just very frustrating to have our coach make some simple mistakes.

SCS: Rodriguez already admitted to messing up, so I have no more to say.

Seth9: The coaching was simply not good. We should not be running the same play with the same undersized personnel multiple times on third and short. Power with Hopkins or diversify the playbook rather than run Smith in that situation. Furthermore we didn't look ready for MSU's conventional running plays (never mind the end arounds) defensively, which speaks to poor preparation. And, Rodriguez acknowledged that he screwed up by punting, and when a coach acknowledges screwing up, then he really screwed up. I have a few other problems, but they are more minor than these. However, the result was that Dantonio once again outcoached Rodriguez, which is not good.

Dark Blue: As much as I've hated on people for hating on coaching, I'm not going to say anything. I'm using my pass. 

Hulk:  I wasn't thrilled with the end of the game decisions. I think we still had a chance to put some more points on the board with the timeouts remaining. That said, It wasn't because we didn't use a timeout or 2 and not punt with 7 minutes to go that lost us the game. It was poor execution and mistakes.

6.Who you got? UM or Iowa? Score?

The Shredder: Man this is another tough game. After watching us struggle vs MSU and getting only two wins in the Big10 thus far under RR does not bold well. I think we keep it close and play a lot better. The Iowa offense isn't MSU but the play action to Nut should be a killer. I hope I am wrong but Iowa 28 Michigan 21.

SCS: Iowa, 24-21.

Seth9: Michigan 38-31. Iowa's running back situation will help us considerably. If they're at full strength, we lose.

Dark Blue: MICH 45 IoCAW 24

Hulk:  As much as it pains me to say it, I think Iowa nips us for the second year in a row. 31-28. Too much play action for our defense to handle gives them a couple TDs. I would love to be wrong.

7. Player of the game for Iowa will be.... ???

The Shredder: Roundtree. I think Denard may find him for some big plays when Iowa tries and stops the nard running game. He's got the one bad drop but has had a great year. I expect a big day. 

SCS: Adrian Clayborn

Seth9: Denard because, well...Denard.

Dark Blue: It will either be Stanzi or Clayborne, only Clayborne if they somehow manage to contain Denard. It'll prolly be their starting safety, cuz that dude is gonna have the most tackles. 

Hulk: For offense I'll take either Stonum or Lewan/Omameh. I think we should be able to hit some bigger passing plays and if Lewan can compete with Clayborn, and Omameh with Klug, we should be well off.

Defense: Roh and Martin. If Roh and Martin can be disruptive, it will put alot of heat on Stanzi. I'm praying for a Rick Six this week.


New Michigan Scoreboard Revealed for Iowa Game(Ms Paint)



Michigan teamed with Dr.Emmit Brown of Hill Valley to produce one of college football's most unique scoreboards. Issues have came up once Denard hits 88mph and is lost in time. Fans not knowing where Denard has traveled to can be very frustrating. This new Scoreboard can now let the fans know where and when Denard is. 


Many have speculated that Denard may even head back to Rich Rods hire date to help get west virginia defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel to join Rich Rod in Ann Arbor to alter time and possibly make the Michigan defense better upon his return. 


Side note: For whatever reason, the Back to the Future bug has bit me. Maybe because the new Blu-Ray hits in a few weeks. Also dates do have meaning. 

Late Night Picks


News and Notes

  • Seth and I hate being right about the MSU at UM game.
  • The UM kool aid takes a hit after the loss
  • The War Eagle flies high.
  • MSU rolls at home.. Yeah another home game.
  • Figured Wisc might get some love.
  • Can we trade Nebraska for???? Maybe... Colorado? 

Midnight Maize 231

Midnight Maize 230

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