Any Michigan fan knows that nearly any season can be salvaged with a victory over the hated Buckeyes of Ohio State. So, it must follow that any Michigan fan values the ability to watch some of Michigan’s victories over the Team Down South at any opportunity. Well, Michigan fans, the opportunity is now here.

Rivalry Series: Michigan Beat Ohio State is a 3-disc set of two of Michigan’s most important wins over Ohio State, and a bonus game from 1995. Of course, just say “two of Michigan’s most important wins,” and two contests against the Buckeyes immediately come to mind: Bo’s great upset in 1969 and the National Title-earning (and Heisman-sealing) victory in 1997.

The 1969 upset victory over one of the greatest teams of all time, in Bo’s first season at the helm in Ann Arbor, is part of Michigan lore. However, most Michigan fans have never had the chance to see this game in its entirety, and capture the magic of Schembechler’s boys turning the tide in sports’ greatest rivalry. The old general got the Ten Year War started by upsetting what Woody Hayes would later call “The greatest team I ever coached.”

As a relatively recent comer to Michigan fanhood, the 1995 game was not one I had known as a hallmark victory in Wolverine lore. However, in Lloyd’s first game against Ohio State, he pulled off what nearly every Michigan coach has been able to do in his first year: beat Ohio State. The Buckeyes were a juggernaut, as they were in most years of the Cooper era, but like most years of the Cooper era, the Wolverines prevented them from playing for a national championship.

The 1997 season in its entirety closely resembles Michigan fan nirvana, and the win over Ohio State may be its most satisfying victories. Charles Woodson notched a near-TD reception, a famous punt return for touchdown, and a game-sealing interception to seal the Heisman for himself, and the right to play for the national championship for his team. There are few things more satisfying than watching this game on endless repeat.

These DVDs put you right in the game, as they are the original TV broadcasts, with the added benefit of not having commercials. Unlike catching these games on the Big Ten Network or ESPN Classic, no game action is removed to allow for fitting into a neat 3-hour window. This greatly enhances the experience for the true college football fan. Just because a punt isn’t blocked or returned for a touchdown, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still an important play in the game.

If you’re a Michigan fan (or even a fan of another school, and you happen to hate Ohio State), this DVD collection is a must-have. And, in the spirit of rivalry week, I’ll give you the opportunity to get one! In the comments of this post, leave your prediction for the final score of the game between Michigan and Ohio State this weekend. The closest to the actual score will win a copy of Rivalry Series: Michigan Beat Ohio State.

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At the request of commenter Jeff, I’ve moved the players whose seasons are done to the bottom of the update, since there shouldn’t be anything new with them. He also recommended noting who had a big game each week, which is a god idea, though it may not be all that exciting for the rest of this year, since most of the commits are pretty much done with their seasons.

If you know of an article that can help out, let me know. I’ll fill in the remaining game articles/stats as I find the articles. 2010 updates will come in the form of a year-end wrapup.

Still Playing

CA QB Tate Forcier
This Week: Scripps Ranch v. Cathedral. Scripps loses 70-37.
Season Totals: Scripps Ranch 7-3.

Seasons Over

MI RB Teric Jones
This Week: Cass Tech v. Southeastern in round 2 of the state playoffs. Cass loses 40-0.
Season Totals: Cass 7-2. Lost in 2nd Round of the playoffs.

Season Totals: Liberty 8-2, lost in first round of playoffs.

IL OL Michael Schofield
Season Totals: Sandburg 6-3. Lost in first round of playoffs.

NJ DE Anthony LaLota
Season Totals: Hun 4-4. Missed the playoffs.

IN LB Jordan Barnes
Season Totals: Homestead 8-1, lost in first round of playoffs.
Barnes: 58 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions.

OH S Isaiah Bell
Season Totals: Liberty 8-2, lost in first round of playoffs.

MI S Thomas Gordon
This Week: Cass Tech v. Southeastern in round 2 of the state playoffs. Cass loses 40-0.
Season Totals: Cass 7-2. Lost in 2nd Round of the playoffs.

Obviously Gordon’s stats are woefully incomplete at this point. If you can help out, leave a message
in the comments.

OH CB/S Justin Turner
Season Totals: Washington 6-4. Lost in first round of playoffs.

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Action since last rankings:
11-9-08 Minnesota gains commitment from Ra’Shede Hageman. Minnesota gains commitment from Matt Garin. Minnesota gains commitment from Joey Searcy. Ohio State loses commitment from Bradley McDougald (scholarship offer rescinded).
11-12-08 Northwestern gains commitment from Tyler Scott.
11-13-08 Michigan gains commitment from Brendan Gibbons. Penn State gains commitment from Garry Gilliam.

New Rankings:

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Coming into this year, Michigan and Northwestern had similar expectations. Both were projected to finish near the upper-middle of the conference, and perhaps even both make it to January bowl games. Of course, things didn’t exactly turn out that way. Northwestern has perhaps exceeded expectations, its only losses so far coming to Ohio State, Michigan State, and… er… Indiana. Michigan’s season has unfolded in the opposite direction. After reaching 2-2 on the season, back-to-back demoralizing losses against Illinois and Toledo initiated a tailspin that halted only this past week, with a win at Minnesota. Next year, look for Michigan to try to replicate the Northwestern model for success (ridiculously easy OOC schedule).

Offense
The ‘Cats are hurting on this side of the ball, with their top two running backs lost for the year. Tyrell Sutton (2005 Big Ten Freshman of the Year) and Omar Conteh (who stepped in for Sutton much of last year, including a 115-yard day against Michigan) will be replaced by sophomore Stephen Simmons and recently-converted WR Jeravin Matthews, a true freshman. Even before the top two went out for the year, Northwestern was near average in rushing, and that production can be expected to decrease without two talented players. In the passing game, Northwestern has relied on both CJ Bacher and Mike Kafka. Kafka has been more dangerous as a runner than a passer in his time filling in for an injured Bacher. Speaking of Bacher, there’s always the Official CJ Bacher Interception Statistic to draw on: when he starts and throws 1 pick or less, the Wildcats win. However, it is unclear exactly how healthy Bacher will be this weekend, though he should be available. Northwestern’s top 3 receivers are Eric Peterman, Ross Lane, and Rasheed Ward. All have seen their production decrease sans Bacher.

To me, it looks like a Minnesota to me. Without a credible running threat in the backfield, Northwestern’s offense looks a lot like that of the Gophers. That, of course, brings up the question of which quarterback starts for the Wildcats. With Kafka, they have a mobile signal-caller that isn’t the passing threat (and we saw how much success Michigan had defending against Justin Siller), and with Bacher, they have… GopherClone. That team spread the field and passed, without much of a run threat (though their offense is based on the RR spread, and we all know that Rodriguez would love to run the ball as much as possible). Either way, it looks like Northwestern’s options are limited. I’d like to think Michigan will be able to dial up a similar gameplan to last week, and trust their guys to man up on wideouts that aren’t as athletic.

Defense
Northwestern partisans have been hailing new defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz as the second coming of Christ. Of course, the pragmatist would note that his early-season numbers were built up against the #111 offense (Syracuse), the #87 offense (Duke), the #49 offense… in 1-AA (Southern Illinois), and the #71 offense (Ohio). Two of Northwestern’s top defenders, Malcolm Arrington and Vince Browne, have been lost for the season. The Wildcats shouldn’t be expected to get tons of stops against any offense with legitimate threats on the ground and through the air.

That brings us to the Michigan offense, whose best threat through the air so far this season has been Steven Threet. When he missed time last week, Nick Sheridan filled in most competently. However, whoever ends up getting the start for Michigan this week will likely be operating without the services of Brandon Minor, who has emerged as Michigan’s best threat of moving the ball on the ground. Michigan’s offense might be something of a mirror image of Northwestern’s at this point, though I think Sam McGuffie and Michael Shaw bring something to the table that Northwestern’s third-string running back may not. However, last week’s performance by the quarterback was probably a one-time deal, and the offense should regress this week.

Other Stuff
On top of injury news, this week may hinge on intangibles more than any other so far this year. Was Michigan’s performance last week the sign of better things to come with gained confidence, or just a one-week anomaly? Will the weather have an adverse effect on either team’s offense? These can’t be accounted for in a preview, however comprehensive it may be (and I’m under no illusion that this is a comprehensive preview).

Predictions
At least 3 (but probably 4) players take snaps for Michigan.
Northwestern has trouble moving the ball on the ground with anyone other than Mike Kafka, but they have a successful game through the air.
Michigan drops one to the Wildcats, 24-10.

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I’m actually just heading out to Ann Arbor, so I don’t have time for a substantive post, but kicker Brendan Gibbons out of Florida has committed to Michigan today. Much more when I have an internet connection again.

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The entire time he was the headman in Ann Arbor, Lloyd Carr was more than just a football coach: he was a molder of young men. Some Michigan fans may scoff at that, and point to the decline in winning percentage over his last few years, or losing his last four games against Ohio State. However, Lloyd realized, like so many people with any sort of perspective often do, that coaching football is about more than just Xs and Os, wins and losses. In fact, if you asked nearly any college football coach in the game today, he would say that teaching young football players how to become men is at least as important.

In 2006, Lloyd Carr had an outstanding year from the win and loss standpoint. However, Lloyd will undoubtedly tell you that 2007 was a year that he was more proud of his team. Until the very end, he taught not only hot reads and zone blitzes, but how a man is expected to behave, and even the finer points of Rudyard Kipling and Jack Kerouac. His players made him proud in the Capital One bowl, and even more so when they have moved on with their lives since.

So without Lloyd at the helm in Ann Arbor this year, have the values of Coach Carr and Coach Schembechler before him left as well? Probably not. Lloyd is still around, and he certainly would love for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year to embody a commitment to academics and shaping young men that he sought in his tenure in Ann Arbor.

Rich Rodriguez may be a year or two away from being in the running for a Coach of the Year Award, but with Lloyd still in town, you can bet the values of academics will never leave the program.

For more information on the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, or to vote for a coach who you think values the classroom as much as the practice field, visit coachoftheyear.com.

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The Situation
Just under 12 minutes remain in the first half. Minnesota has reached Michigan’s territory for the first time on the day, facing a 3rd & 7 from Michigan’s 47. The Wolverine defense has dominated the game thus far, preventing Minnesota from gaining a single first down. Getting another stop here could solidify Michigan’s momentum, and springboard the team to just their third victory of the year.

The Personnel and Formation
Minnesota is in a trips left spread formation. There is one receiver to the right of the line, and one far left with two slot players inside of him. Adam Weber is in the shotgun with DeLeon Eskridge flanking him to the right. Michigan responds with its Okie nickel package. The Wolverines are showing man-free coverage, with Donovan Warren lined up over the solo receiver, Morgan Trent over the trips split end, and Brandon Harrison and Charles Stewart (as a linebacker) over the slot receivers.

The Play
Weber drops back to pass. Michigan indeed comes after him, with man-free coverage, blitzing 6 (Eskridge does not go out on a passing route, so Michael Williams, as a linebacker, ignores him and goes after Weber). Weber has about a microsecond to react, and no time to throw. Obi Ezeh finds a big crease in the middle of the line and sacks Weber, along with Williams and Jonas Mouton.

The player will show in this paragraph

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Why it Worked
Michigan managed to send 6 pass rushers against 6 blockers, but still get to Weber with relative ease. The Gophers’ blocking assignments were confused by the use of the Okie Chaos, in addition to a twist pass-rush move by Brandon Graham. Even if the Maroon Sea had not parted for Ezeh, Williams and Mouton still would have had plenty of opportunity to sack Weber before he could get a pass off. The outside rush by Williams ran into the futile blocking attempt of Eskridge, and Mouton used his speed to get around the left tackle on the other flank. Had Eskridge gone out on a safety valve route, Williams would have had the responsibility of staying with him.

By the way, Michigan has been doing similar things all season – the players just haven’t been executing, particularly in the “tackling” department. Not to harp on one point to much, but Scott Shafer knows what he is doing. If players are in position to make plays (it’s what they do, after all), the blame goes on the kids for not finishing them, rather than on the guy cooking up the schemes.

Now you know what it was like Inside the Play.

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Michigan made a huge mistake in hiring Rich Rod. The season only get worse.
Minnesota-28 Michigan-7

Minnesota has a very tough defense and an offense that can really move the ball through the air. They’ll beat Michigan by at least 14. Michigan is steamrolling towards 2-10.

Hail to this year’s fraudulent Wolverines! U of M alums will shun each of you forever! Learn to pour some coffee because that’s the job you’ll get on graduation! 2 and 10!

This Rod hire looks worse every week, he is infamous for his arrogance and failure to make adjustments. Chances are his tenure at Michigan will be a failure. Whether the players fit his system or not, there is no reason for the ineptitude his Michigan team has displayed this season. Good coaches learn to adapt.

I agree. R Rod’s master plan is to sacrifice this year’s team and make it go 2-10, so he can claim what terrible team he inherited from Lloyd Carr. This will set the expectations way low for future years. That way, when he does finally have a winning record, say 7-5, he hopes to be praised for what genius he is. In the end, RR will turn Michigan into another Purdue. Few decent years followed by “rebuilding” year, followed by few decent years, and then so on. Don’t expect another National Championship with him.

(Source)

Various outlets are reporting that Rich Rodriguez has called Steven Threet “very, very questionable” for Saturday’s game against Minnesota. Justin Feagin has been moved back to QB to back up Nick Sheridan. If that sentence doesn’t fill your veins with icy dread, I don’t know what will. Who knows, maybe Sheridan will be lost for the season and Feagin will go nuts on the Gophers, a la Justin Siller against Michigan? (Source)

Posted under Football

Sorry this is so late. I often confuse these “AM” and “PM” things you hear so much about.

Rank	Team	Delta
1	Texas Tech	2
2	Alabama	—
3	Texas	1
4	Oklahoma	2
5	Florida	2
6	Penn State	5
7	Southern Cal	1
8	Utah	1
9	Oklahoma State	4
10	Georgia	2
11	Boise State	1
12	Missouri	1
13	Ohio State	1
14	TCU	3
15	Michigan State	—
16	Brigham Young	—
17	Virginia Tech	9
18	Pittsburgh	2
19	North Carolina	7
20	California	2
21	Maryland	2
22	Florida State	1
23	Ball State	3
24	Georgia Tech	7
25	Tulsa	3

Games Watched: NIU-Ball State, 1st half of TCU-Utah (plus the highlights), Virginia Tech-Maryland, Michigan-Minnesota, Ohio State-Northwestern, Portions of Texas-Baylor, Portions of Michigan State-Purdue, The end of Illinois-Western Michigan, Alabama-LSU, Penn State-Iowa, Portions of Florida Satte-Clemson, Oklahoma State-Texas Tech, Portions of Vanderbilt-Florida, BC-Notre Dame.

Things I’m Iffy About:

• #1 and #2. Texas Tech’s schedule has a worse back end, seeing as how they played TWO(!) 1-AA schools, and Alabama played none. However, the top of the resume is much better, as Texas Tech has beaten a pair of top 10 teams, whereas Alabama’s best win is… in overtime against a not-very-good LSU unit? Alabama has also struggled much more with the teams on their schedule, whereas Texas Tech has blown out pretty much everyone except Texas. For now, I’ll give the benefit of the doubt to the team with the better wins, not the one with fewer bad teams on the schedule.
• Not having Oklahoma State ahead of Utah. However, they do have 2 losses (to the Utes’ 0), regardless of against whom those losses came. Aside from the #1 wins on the resume (which give OK State a slight edge) and losses on the resume (which gives Utah a slight edge), I think the resumes aren’t as far off as you’d think. Utah is ahead of the Cowboys until someone convinces me otherwise.
• TCU over Michigan State. IT looks like MSU wins that comparison easily, on second review. Those teams will be switched on the final ballot unless someone tries to convince me why they shouldn’t be.
• The order after #15 or so. I feel like there are a lot of comparisons that are similar enough I just threw the teams in there.

Part of the reason for huge deltas is that I managed to not
rank North Carolina last week. Have at it. The more comments, the better my ballot ends up.

Posted under Football

This has been a rough year for Michigan fans as streak after streak was broken, as benchmarks of sustained success were missed, as the team lost five straight games and seven of nine overall. What got to me the most was the one step forward, two steps back modus operandi of this team. It seemed as soon as one thing became effective, something else broke. So, every time I saw something that inspired hope, that hope was quickly and forcefully shattered by some mistake or failure.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been telling myself and anyone who will listen that this will work, but I have not really taken stock of how bad this season has been. Before last Saturday, Michigan had won two games by a total of 12 points and lost seven by a total of 87 points. Some of the games were competitive, but in Big Ten play I can’t really say Michigan should have won any of the games that it lost. The Wolverines were outplayed by better teams.

This was all sinking in by Saturday. I was resigned to a loss, even a blowout, against a team that Michigan has, quite literally, historically dominated. Even at half time, I figured the same old script would show itself. If this team has proven anything, it’s that it’s inconsistent. So expected the same old script: three and outs on offense; missed tackles and blown assignments on defense.

This is the first game that I’ve been excited to re-watch since the Toledo sadness happened. That was really when I lost my optimism for this team. Subsequent games made me question next year’s team. But one game made me remember why I was so excited to see this team play in August. What they lack in consistency they make up for in potential.

This offense was an absolute machine on Saturday with one quarterback who doesn’t throw well down field and one quarterback who doesn’t throw; with the worst offensive line any of us are ever likely to see; freshmen at almost every skill position; the top two running backs not playing at 100%. For the first time the offense was able to effectively counter the defense’s adjustments. In the past few games, the original script worked well, but once the defense adjusted, the offense stalled. There were a ton of new wrinkles (e.g. Feagin), some nostalgic wrinkles (e.g. the Braylon Edwards Memorial Diamond Formation), and parts of the basic the scheme that worked better this game than any game previous. This is what we have to look forward to. We got a preview of what this offense will be.

The defense, after giving up 48 points and roughly 6.82×10^23 yards against Purdue absolutely shut down an adequate if not amazing Minnesota offense. The defense was vintage Scott Shafer. The 3-3-5 stack was, as this blog and gsimmons guessed, likely and experiment designed to stop a decent running back (Kory Sheets) because there was a third string quarterback playing. The defense against Minnesota varied between 4-3, 4-3 over and 3-4 okie. The corners played up at the line both on man to man and on basic cover two. The defensive line and linebackers played well as a team and kept the running game contained very well.

My favorite part of the defensive game plan was the 3-4 Okie Chaos on passing third downs. I can’t imagine an offensive lineman or quarterback feels comfortable with 4 stand up potential blitzers moving in and out. I have to go back and look, but I don’t believe that Minnesota picked up a first down in one of these situations. Scott Shafer isn’t just a “press-man coverage and blitz” guy. He uses the threat of blitz just as well as actually blitzing.

This is what this team will become. This game proves that these guys can coach. I don’t care if Minnesota isn’t as good as advertised. The team that showed up and played could hang with most teams in the Big Ten. But when you have the youth and inexperience that Michigan has, it’s irrational to expect consistency game to game and from start to finish. After trying to revel in little victories like converting a third down or a good kick return, it’s nice to see the entire product and revel in a victory that results in win.

We caught a glimpse of what will happen, but the best part is that soon we’ll be living in the future.

Posted under Football