Winter is only 7 days away and been here for 6 weeks. This Sucks
Here we are on a Random Wednesday in mid December, The holiday season is crashing down on us. I have to honestly say, not my favorite time of year.
However, here we are on Wednesday Dec 18, 2019. a fairly random day in many respects until I was reminded of something, but a few Michigan things have been accumulating and I had some time,
-The OSU Sting still hurts. I was disappointed in the effort and the will of the team. I went back and read my Wisconsin Analysis and found several of those insights peeking through again. Lack of Toughness still seeps through. Had to be 10 dropped passes by our fabled Receiver Core. That cuts the belly out of any game plan. Too many in critical situations all year. I can't blame coaching, that's on the individual and there are pockets of softness in that core that remain. Tarik Black wants Greener pastures, My reaction, meh! No big loss for Michigan. I give the kid credit for rehabbing a couple of rough injuries but he was not a factor this year. Ronnie more CowBell beat him out and he seemed to lose focus. Probably good for all involved. Nico to the NFL?? ok I get it, he'll get drafted, take your chance and go, DPJ, has to be one of the all time under achievers on the HYPE/PRODUCTION ratio. Probably even beats the Ricky Powers Ratio. I never felt like that guy was all in for Michigan ever. Good luck with that last game tape. The highlight of the Game for me, and a strong indication of some of the quality in our coaching staff. Chase Young, No Tackles, No Sacks. After eating the league alive all year, We Punked Him, Same for the Gee Willikers Guy from Spartyland and the guy from Iowa and Penn State. We shutdown premier or Self promoted premier Defensive lineman all year. Hats of to the O-Line, Ed Wariner, and I'm sure Lost in Space and Jimmy had some contribution.
- Bowl Game We're playing in a game over our heads, Sure its a made for TV movie but I'm happy to be playing on New Years Day against a high quality team and a villain. All of this makes us be more focused in the preparation and that will make us better. Not one player appears to be skipping the Bowl. I think something happened behind the scenes, its more than just the chance to finish what you started and play Alabama and a chance to get a last chunk of game film for the Scouts. I don't have high hopes but I think we will benefit from the experience regardless of the outcome and I'm so glad not to be playing in some half ass game against Wake Forest in Wichita State or Yonkers, Have fun Sparty. Keep Telling yourself you accomplished something.
-Recruiting. I guess today is another signing day. Sounds like we'll pull in a quality but unspectacular load of fresh Wolverines. Gets hard to follow anymore, I never know what class were really on. No real top 50 Blue Chips this year. Lots of bark about how we can't compete with OSU on the recruiting trail. I suppose that's true and I can live with that, as I am convinced that something smells in Columbus, but follow the money and you'll have your answer but nobody wants too.
-OSU lost their Co-DC to Boston College. Keeps Donny Brown here, which I still believe is good for us. ( I know I canned him at the Tailgate after OSU) but I reconsidered, Great Article on the MGOBLOG about how he fares against OSU compared to peers. On a data driven basis there was a compelling argument. I'd encourage you to read it. GMISAD Refer to my OSU blog if you need translation
-Basketball. Lots to talk about here that I will save for another day, but I will say I am really impressed with Juwan. Great Attitude, Great performance so far, Player development looks much better than expected with contributions going 10 deep.
-Best Wishes to all the Michigan Faithful, Thanks for making it a fun year under some tough circumstances on and off the field and Happy Holidays. 2020 will be here quick and we'll be teeing it up again.
- Dec 18, isn't a just a random Cold Day in December for Michigan Fans, Thanks Ashley for making it a little nicer.
