Tag: Michigan Wolverines

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The Michigan Wolverines are Big Ten champions

Before the 2021-22 college football season even kicked off, the Michigan Wolverines were given a 2% chance of winning the Big Ten. Saturday night in Indianapolis, Indiana the Wolverines thrashed the Iowa Hawkeyes and in doing so became champions. While the College Football Playoff committee will choose who is the top seed (Alabama or Michigan) that simply does not matter. Michigan is going to the playoffs for the first time.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 04: Michigan Wolverines players celebrate after a defensive stop on fourth down during the Big Ten Championship college football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Dec. 4, 2021 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“Those who stay will be Champions.” That quote from legendary Michigan Wolverines head coach Bo Schembechler was running through my mind last night as I saw Aidan Hutchinson and other Michigan players who could have left after last season and been first round NFL draft picks.

Yet, there was Hutchinson and his teammates standing on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium as maize and blue confetti filled the air and covered the field as Michigan had just humbled the Iowa Hawkeyes to win the Big Ten Championship.

42-3, a lopsided victory to be sure. But, after scoring 42 against the schools biggest rival Ohio State, Jim Harbaugh had his Wolverines locked onto a championship. Nothing short of a championship would do.

Michigan’s offense started the game strong then Iowa’s defense found it’s footing and the game turned into a first half defensive slugfest. Going into halftime Michigan was up 14-3. Coming out for the second half a switch was flipped.

The Wolverines team speed was too much for the Hawkeyes to overcome. Michigan has been described much of this season as one of the most balanced teams in the country. They are a complete in all phases of the game. This is a Harbaugh trait.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 04: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines reacts in the fourth quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

This season has been what Michigan fans have waited for since Harbaugh returned to the school as head football coach. The Big Ten Championship is the kind of launching pad that very well could and most likely will propel the Wolverines back to the yearly top of the Big Ten and nationally.

It does not matter what happens in the playoffs. What matters is that Jim Harbaugh and his football team won the Big Ten and are now set up for great things going forward.

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0-5 no more! The Michigan Wolverines football team dominates Ohio State

It is a long standing no-no to talk trash leading up to “The Game.” The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes, the golden game for college football and sports in general. The week leading up to the showdown that pitted the number two team (Ohio State) in the country against the number five team (Michigan) players did not talk trash. That had already been done months earlier by Ohio State head coach Ryan Day who said he was going to “hang 100 on them.”

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 27: Hassan Haskins #25 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates after his touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan football team did not forget the words of the schools most hated rival’s head coach. They used it as ammunition and a means to bring total focus. What happened yesterday in Ann Arbor was nothing short of dominate.

I have been saying since Ohio State’s first game the teams defense was not that good. Sure they beat up on teams they should have and gave the illusion they fixed some of the defensive woes. On a snowy afternoon at Michigan Stadium, that defense was exploited.

Michigan’s offensive line thrashed the Buckeye defense and the Michigan’s running game not only set the tone but inflected it’s will. Hassan Haskins lead the ground attack with 28 carries for 169 yards and five, yes five touchdowns the first running back to ever score five time against Ohio State.

Fans have been waiting for this brand of Jim Harbaugh football at Michigan. He built Stanford into a power football team years ago. Make no mistake Harbaugh was never in danger of losing his job. Those rumors came from outside the state of Michigan.

STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the first half of the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Harbaugh revamped his coaching staff and transformed his program in one offseason. Sure he is now 1-5 against Ohio State, but now he has the Wolverines going in the right direction and the rest of the Big Ten knows it.

If you want to know what Jim Harbaugh thinks of Buckeye head coach Ryan Day, he took a swipe at him during the post game interview. Speaking about Day, who took over for Urban Meyer, “Sometimes people that are standing on third base think they hit a triple, but they didn’t.”

Next Saturday night the Michigan Wolverines will faceoff against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Championship Game.

 

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The Michigan Wolverines football team has put the Big Ten on notice

It is not the fact the Michigan Wolverines football team has started the season 3-0. They have done that often over the past few seasons. In fact Michigan has looked good enough to beat anyone the past few seasons and then cracks in the foundation appear and the football team falls back to earth. The start of this season feels different, it feels different because it is.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 28: Christian Turner #3 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates his third quarter touchdown with offensive coordinator Josh Gattis while playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh brought in new coaches to help breathe life into the football program. The moves are paying off. Michigan’s defense looks like well Michigan again. The offense looks unstoppable.

The Michigan Wolverines running game is moving the ball at will. A big credit goes to the offensive line who are blowing would be defenders off the ball and opening running lanes. Critics have said Michigan needs to pass the ball more. In yesterday’s blowout win against Northern Illinois the Wolverines aired it out for 233 yards.

Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, now in his third season of play calling has found his groove. When Gattis arrived in Ann Arbor from the Alabama Crimson Tide football program, he insisted Michigan’s offense would resemble Alabama’s in terms of getting speed in space.

It has taken the Wolverines two seasons to get here, but now players and coaches are on the same page. Michigan is getting players in space and allowing athleticism and speed to do damage. Making the Wolverines look like one of the Big Ten Conference’s better teams.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to get around the tackle of Eric Rogers #12 of the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first half
at Michigan Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Sure the schedule as some tough games upcoming. If this was last season or the one before it would be sketchy at best to think Michigan could beat a Penn State or Ohio State. Now it seems like the Wolverines can win those games.

From week one to yesterdays win, Michigan is opening the offensive playbook more. They have established a dominate running game. Now they are getting the passing game cranked up. Meanwhile the Wolverines defense is stout and looks to be ready for stiffer competition.

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With spring practice coming, the Michigan Wolverines football team has a lot of questions

The Michigan Wolverine football team had a 2020 season to forget. The Wolverines finished 2-4 with one the worst defenses in the schools history allowing 34.5 points and 434.3 yards per game. On offense it was not much better for the Maize and Blue. As spring football practice is going to be getting under way soon, the Wolverines have much work to do.

Last seasons opening week starter Joe Milton announced he was going to  transfer from Michigan. This has been an issue during head coach Jim Harbaugh’s time at Michigan. They need a consistent quarterback who will be there more than one or two seasons. Sophomore Cade McNamara, freshman Dan Villari look to be in a battle for the starter job.

MADISON, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines watches action prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Mike Macdonald who takes over as defensive coordinator, Macdonald comes over from the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. He will be tasked to improving a unit that was very bad. Last season. The Wolverines need much better play from the back end of the defense. The secondary.

Given his time coaching linebackers  with the Ravens, it seems likely that Macdonald will begin to move the Wolverines closer to  a 3-4 scheme that he is accustom to. Given the fact Michigan may not have the exact players to run the 3-4 it could be that year one under Macdonald will be a mix of what works best to improve the defense.

In my opinion, the unit that needs the most attention is the Wolverines secondary. Michigan’s secondary allowed more than 250 passing yards per game which ranked 90th in the country. This is a unit with talent. It is possible that the talent did not match last season scheme. The Michigan secondary should improve this coming season.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 26: Hassan Haskins #25 of the Michigan Wolverines heads up field on a first half run past Khalid Kareem #53 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Offensively, the Michigan Wolverines need more playmakers. Running back Hassan Haskins is solid as are wide  receivers Cornelius Johnson and Ronnie Bell but while they along with tight end Erik All are solid, none of those players are gamebreakers.

Until Michigan begins to bring in players that move the needle, they will not sniff the Big Ten title game or better.

It all starts soon with spring practice about to ramp up.

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Is the 2020 Michigan Wolverines football team ready to take the next step

How would quarterback Joe Milton handle making his first career start? How would a refurbished offensive line handle a prime time game with four new starters? Could the Michigan Wolverines wide receivers be effective without former Michigan standout Nico Collins part of the wide out group? How good would a loaded running backs group preform? A lot of questions were answered last night.

Heading into the 2020 season Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines football team had a lot of questions to sort through. Many of which were on the offensive side of the ball.

Saturday night in a prime time matchup with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Harbaugh’s team got to work and actually look like they might finally be ready to take the next step. The 49-24 win against a very good team turned heads.

Making his first start for Michigan at quarterback, Joe Milton managed a good game for the Wolverines. Milton was 15 of 22 for 225 yards and a touchdown, he would also run for a touchdown as well.

Facing a Minnesota team that has a nationally ranked top 10 defense, the new faces on the Wolverines offensive line played very well. Giving Milton a clean pocket to work with.

As for the Michigan defensive unit, they played well for the most part. The unit did give up a few big plays. That should have been expected given the Golden Gophers are a top 25 team and it was the first game of the season for both school’s.

That said the Wolverines will have to clean up a few aspects of the defensive play. The secondary must do a better job at keeping the play in front of them and not playing from the side or behind.

CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 12: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines is seen during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Yes, it is only one game. However, it looked and felt different than in seasons past. Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan football team has a different feel to it on the both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

It looks as if Michigan is finally ready to take the next step.

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Michigan vs Michigan State, what we learned

Embed from Getty Images For one quarter it looked like many past Michigan Wolverines vs Michigan State Spartans football games. Rough, physical and draining. After the first quarter, the wheels fell off for the Spartans. Meanwhile Michigan was just getting warmed up.

It was the tail of two tapes. Michigan who suffered a questionable loss to Penn State has not looked like the same team since halftime of that game. Leaving many to wonder what was said in the looker room in Happy Valley? The Spartans fall from Big Ten power has been a sharp decline for at least two years now.

Yesterday at the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, The Wolverines played like a bully waiting for it’s victim. Michigan was brutally physical, dynamic on offense, defense and special teams. What is more important, Michigan played fearlessly.

Michigan State played the role of the victim taken by surprise. The Spartans looked scattered, extremely reckless, and were  clearly shaken. This beautiful rivalry has come full circle. Rivalries always do. Make no mistake about it, Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh wanted to humiliate his in-state rival.

The 44-10 thumping the Spartans took came with deep intention and for Michigan implications, this is a win that grabs attention. Not just of the fan base, not just of the Spartans and the fan base in East Lansing, but the rest of the Big Ten.

At 8-2, Jim Harbaugh’s team is building something for the future. The rough transition from Josh Gattis’s new offense is now humming along. The switch in defensive philosophy from big defensive players to smaller quicker players has also paid high dividends.

For the Spartans and the man who has headed that program up for 14 years, after the game Mark Dantonio looked and sounded weary. Perhaps losing by 34 points, which happens to be the worst loss a Dantonio lead Spartan team has ever suffered, will do that to a person.

Jim Harbaugh, said he wanted the Wolverines to reclaim the in state rivalry and set that as priority one when he took over the Wolverines football program. He talked about how it would help in recruiting. Mission accomplished. Much like his days at Stanford, Harbaugh set the first target on the school that hampered recruiting. Then set a new target.

Now that Michigan has bullied the rivalry back from Michigan State, there is little question Harbaugh will now make another school top priority. That school is the one they play in two weeks. As I mentioned before, Harbaugh has a good history of making good on his vision for his program wherever he has been. It is safe to say he will do it again. Be it this season, next season or the one after that.

 

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Juwan Howard has a message for Michigan Wolverine fans

Embed from Getty Images Today is a big day for Michigan as the Wolverines introduce new head coach Juwan Howard of the men’s basketball program. It is a reunion with the former Fab Five member that has sent a surge of energy through both the fans and University of Michigan. Juwan Howard, sent a message through social media.

Howard expressed his own excitement as he said his dream has come true. Juwan Howard is now looking for an assistant coache as one of John Beilein former assistants have left the Michigan basketball team. Howard is said to be zeroing in on veteran college coach Phil Martelli.

That may prove to be a good choice for the first time head coach at a large University. Martelli had been the head coach at Saint Joseph’s since Juwan Howard’s rookie year with the Washington Bullets. St. Joseph’s parted ways with Martelli at the end of last season.

But this day, this day is all about Juwan Howard coming home to the school he loves. He will be flanked by his former Fab Five teammates at the press conference. Many current Michigan players are also at the presser, and some Michigan basketball legends. Terry Mills, Loy Vaught and others, including Michigan Wolverines football coach Jim Harbaugh.

When Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced that he was standing before the media, alumni and fan base with “My choice for basketball coach.” Juwan Howard teared up.

Manuel went on to say when he interviewed Juwan Howard in Miami, it was perfect day and he made sure to sit Howard with his back to the beach to a bunch of laughter.

When it came time for the Michigan basketball legend and new head basketball coach to speak he was still emotional, “Wow. Tears of joy,  I’m back.” He started off, to cheers from the Michigan faithful.

Juwan Howard says being named coach at Michigan is the second-biggest accomplishment in his life.

No. 1? Getting his degree from Michigan in 1997.

 

 

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Report Michigan offered Juwan Howard the basketball coaching job

Embed from Getty Images First it was Jim Harbaugh. The former Michigan Wolverines quarterback who returned to Michigan to coach the football team. Now another famous Michigan alum is on the cusp of taking over the basketball program.

He was a member of Michigan’s “Fab Five” in the 1990’s. Then Juwan Howard had a successful NBA career. in 2013 Howard retired from playing, he then immediately transitioned into a coaching position with the Miami Heat.

When Michigan basketball coach John Beilein left the school for the NBA the door was open. Juwan had no shortage of supporters for the Michigan job. Chris Webber, Jalen Rose and Jimmy King who helped make up the legendary “Fab Five” have been very vocal in support of their former teammate and friend Howard.

Then some of his former NBA teammates joined in. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James who won championships in Miami with Juwan Howard also lent their voices in total support. James is an avid Ohio State fan. But he also knows how big the Michigan job is and wants to see his friend get the chance.

While it has been a rumor for some time now. Howard’s wife sent out a not so subtle hint.

 

This is a good move for Michigan. Juwan Howard is well respected inside NBA circles. He was bound to be a coach sooner or later. What he brings to Michigan is huge.

Being in the NBA for many years and building a relationship with players and coaches, Howard can recruit some of the players sons to Michigan. Something other schools can not do.

Make no mistake there will be a step or two backwards at first. Coaching changes generally do that. But Juwan Howard will do a very good job at Michigan.

Howard was  clearly the sentimental favorite among Wolverines fans after helping guide the program to back to back title games in 1992 and 1993.

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Michigan Wolverines football defensive coordinator is looking for redemption

Embed from Getty Images The last two football games of the 2018 season were ugly. Michigan Wolverines defense gave up 103 points and 1,035 total yards in blowout losses to Ohio State and Florida. Wolverines defensive coordinator Don Brown called it, “The most disappointing experience I’ve ever been through in my entire life.”

Jim Harbaugh’s fourth year  defensive coordinator, Brown said he does not believe it was schematic issues that lead to the meltdown. Don Brown said “It’s not the concept, I’ve gotta do a bit of a better job.” That is the starting point.

Entering the 2019 season that will be a little more tricky. Replacements are needed for several defensive players from last year’s group. Linebacker Devin Bush, defensive lineman Rashan Gary and cornerback David Long all entered the NFL draft as juniors , while defensive lineman Chase Winovich and safety Tyree Kinnel, have graduated. Leaving a big void that needs filled.

Michigan lost 47%  of the teams total tackles from last season, also 41%  of the teams sacks. Lost in these gaudy numbers is the fact above the numbers the Michigan defense lost the ever important  intangible leadership. From Devin Bush and Chase Winovich. That is a lot to replace.

“It’s always next man up no matter what happens,” said junior safety Josh Metellus. Now Michigan and Don Brown have had all winter to get  ready. Ready for what comes next. New players need to pick up the system quickly this spring. Players need to focus on growing into their roles.

As for Don Brown he fired this off “We’re going to  do some things a little differently.” What exactly that is, is unknown and is likely to remain that way until August 8, when the Wolverines kickoff the 2019 season.

That is Don Brown and the players focus of spring practice. To get players acclimated and up to speed of the defensive system. Michigan can not afford to have another season ending meltdown in 2019.

 

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Jim Harbaugh says 2019 is the best offensive line he has had at Michigan

Embed from Getty Images When Jim Harbaugh took over the Michigan Wolverines coaching job, the offensive line was in shambles. Now entering his fifth season what was once a sore spot is now a  position of strength for the Wolverines.

Michigan ran a running game, ball control offense that saw the team increase its win total to ten last season. This spring there’s a lot to still like about the offensive line,such as players who have been known quantities, as well as those who are emerging from the depth  chart as they improved their game , It seems the unit on the whole has taken their game to the next level.

“Offensive line has been really good,” coach Harbaugh said. “Mike Onwenu is really standing out as is Cesar Ruiz and Ben Bredeson. That’s the real strength for our football team. Both left and right  tackles  Jon Runyan are having real good springs so far and then Andrew Stueber and Jalen Mayfield who are currently battling it out for starting right tackle.

The lines are getting blurry as far as starters, backups and third string. That is very good news for the Wolverines. The means that depth has become a strength. If a player is injured or needs a breather, it truly is next man in. Unlike the past Michigan should not miss a beat offensively.

Michigan and Jim Harbaugh are a long ways from the group he inherited four years ago. Now there is a building buzz and excitement  about the depth that has been built.  “I think this offensive line starting group has got a chance to be the best that we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh’s excitement about the offensive line, seems somewhat understated, given, not only the ability of the four returning starters. It goes without saying this is the most  athletic group Michigan has had up front in some time.