Dontrelle Willis pitched 6 and 1/3 innings of 1 hit ball last night.

Read that sentence above again.  Now try and believe it.

Like most of you, I was watching the Wings last night, and I didn't get to see most of Willis' gem; just a few innings during the 2 hockey intermissions.  But when the channel did get switched, I could barely believe those 3 boxes displayed on the Fox Sports Detroit screen:  0 | 1 | 0.

These numbers might have been more believable if either A) Number 35 was on the hill, or B) Dontrelle was high kicking in a church-league softball game.  But neither were true, and he was pitching to, quite possibly, the best offense in the American League.

I can recite stats to you all day long, but since you are reading my blog I am sure you can just as easily surf over to espn.com and see them for yourself.  My role is perspective.

Dontrelle Willis never earned any fans last year in Detroit, but what he did earn was a lot of respect.  He is a high profile player, and I know he has a lot of pride, yet he was willing to swallow that pride and be demoted to a minor league baseball team.  Did he have to do this?  Of course not, he signed a major league contract; the Tigers needed his permission to send him down.  He could have screwed the team over, either forcing him to stay on the Major League team, or forcing them to waive him and pay him the 27 million dollars to do nothing.

The other side?  Juan Rincon.  A worthless reliever who, a lifetime ago, managed to string together a few decent years.  In 2009, signs a minor league contract with the Tigers, but manages makes the opening day roster because Zumaya wasn't healthy.  The regular season rolls around, and his performance is terrible, and there is no longer any room for him on the roster, so the Tigers option him.  He refuses, hoping some team will pick him up, or the Tigers waive him so that he can collect 2 pay checks.

Instead of the easy road, Dontrelle worked his butt off.  He righted the ship with hard work, re-learning, and being open to constructive criticism.

So, the point of this blog is praise.  There aren't many players like Dontrelle.  Instead of believing he was entitled to that big contract, he wanted to earn it.  He wanted to earn it, not just for his own utility, but to make the contract look like a good investment for the team.  Willis said after the game, "[the win] feels great, because we're winning."  His attitude, his performance, and his aura is the kind of thing you want in your team's clubhouse.  His dedication and hard work are contagious, and nobody deserves success more than him.

So, I am really happy for Dontrelle's bounce back.  Of course, I am cautiously optimistic about his future, but I really, really hope his success continues because he earned it.

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Johan Frazen is a simply incredible hockey player.  I offer this video as evidence of some of this guy's incredible skills.

Spectacular regular season goals aside, this guy is doing something that few have ever seen before.  Here are his post-season statistics that I am sure are drilled into your head by now:

13 Goals last year, 18 points this year in 12 games.  

Frazen is singlehandedly keeping the Red Wings in contention for another championship.  Think about where the Wings would be without his elevated, clutch play; they would undoubtedly be dead in the water (Pond?).  Anaheim would have walked all over the Wings without the play of Frazen in that hard-fought, 7-game series, given how well the Ducks shut down Datsyuk and Hossa.

Frazen is the most clutch post-season performer we have seen in any sport in a while.  There is a long list of athletes whose performance takes a serious hit when the post-season rolls around; a list that starts alphabetically in the A's for A-Rod and Ray Allen.  There is another list, a much shorter list, of good players who become legends in the post-season, and Frazen belongs near the top.

If Reggie Jackson was Mr. October, Frazen might have to be Mr. May.

Lastly, remember the Wings just signed him to an 11 year deal earlier this season.  That contract looks even more appealing now that Frazen's play this post-season proved that last year's amazing statistics were no fluke.  The Wings will just about always be good enough to make the playoffs, and as long as this guy steps up his game in April and May like this, expect the engravers to be carving a lot of "Frazen" on those Stanley Cups and Con Smyth trophies.

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Can someone please tell me what Jim Leyland sees in Clete Thomas that I don't?  

Today was Clete's 5th game in a row starting in the outfield, proving that Jim intends on him being an everyday player and not just a situational left handed bat.  Personally, I don't get it.  He is hitting .333 right now, but 4 of those hits were in one game, and since them he has gone 2 for 14.  

Granted, that nobody in the Tigers lineup is really "lighting it up," but I still do not see the justification of starting Clete every day.

The reason I don't get it is because Clete gets thrown into an everyday role immediately, while Marcus Thames got little to no at bats before hitting the DL.  Another being that Jeff Larish also has not even been given the same opportunity that Clete has.  I understand that Clete is a much better outfielder than either Marcus Thames, Magglio Ordonez, or Jeff Larish, but that alone does not seem to justify Clete's big playing time or his position in the batting order (3rd).

There are several moves that are more logical than making Clete an everyday player fresh from AAA.  First, Leyland could platoon Raburn, Larish, and Thomas.  Larish supposedly can play the corner outfield positions, even though we have never seen him do so this year.  On the days when facing a right handed pitcher, my lineup and positions would look like this.

1.  Anderson - LF

2.  Polonco - 2B

3.  Granderson - CF

4.  Cabrera - 1B

5.  Larish - DH/RF

6.  Ordonez - DH/RF

7.  Inge - 3B

8.  Laird - C

9.  Everett/Santiago - SS

When facing a left-handed pitcher my lineup would look like this:

1.  Granderson - CF

2.  Polonco - 2B

3.  Ordonez - RF

4.  Cabrera - 1B

5.  Larish - DH

6.  Inge - 3B

7.  Laird - C

8.  Thomas/Anderson - LF

9.  Everett - SS

For the first time in ages, the Tigers are loaded with lefty bats.  Temporarily so, until Guillen and Thames come back.  But, Larish has been making more with his at-bats than Thomas has and I think he should be getting the vast majority of the playing time.  Plus, what are the Tigers waiting for?  Larish certainly isn't going to be useful to the Tigers as a first baseman, that spot is pretty much locked down for the next 7 years.  He would be far more useful as a corner outfielder or designated hitter.  And, lastly, Larish has far more talent than Thomas has, and I think that the most talent should be played most.

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So, Larry Foote is in town.  I have to admit that Larry Foote was my second favorite Michigan Linebacker ever (Ian Gold being my favorite) so obviously I would love him to come to town.  But seriously, the Lions, who won ZERO games last year and had a guy named PARIS playing middle linebacker last year, are saying they need to make sure HE FITS THE SCHEME!?!?  When you win 5 games you get the luxury of fitting guys in schemes.  When you are the Lions and you haven’t won a game in over a year and a half, you take ANY talent you can get.  How often do you A) get a guy who WANTS to come to Detroit, and B) actually fits a gaping whole in your team?  This is RARE!!!  Don’t forget this guy has won multiple super bowls, is a leader/all around good guy, and doesn’t want a long term contract.  This is a match made in heaven!

If I was martin mayhew I would have a 2-3 year, 3.5 million dollar contract (he made under 3 last year) ready for him to sign the second he walked into Ford Field.   But then again, I wouldn’t draft a TE in the first round, so clearly I know nothing about how to rebuild a football team.

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I want to begin this post with a quick apology for my hiatus over the past few weeks.  I have 2 more weeks of exams and then I should be back to my regular, weekly posting schedule.  Thanks for still tuning into the blog though.  For those of you who want to stay updated without having to access the site everyday, we do have an RSS feed on this site.  The URL for the feed is http://www.putitinstoneblog.com/feeds/posts/default .  Feel free to post that into your favorite RSS Tracker (Mac users, may I suggest NetNewsWire, it is really good and free).  That way your RSS feed will alert you of any new posts on Put it in Stone without having to access the site!  Anyway, lets get to business.

I will confess, I watched just about every pick in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.  I have also familiarized myself with the picks the Lions made in the later rounds.  So, lets analyze and grade this draft.

The first thing I need to say is the Lions invested a TON in Matthew Stafford.  The NFL really needs to do something about these fat and continually inflating rookie salaries.  The Lions invested more money in a player that has never played a single NFL down than any other player on the team.  That move makes absolutely no sense.  The draft, and specifically the draft order, was intended to help bad teams get better; ya know, in economic terms, to encourage competition.  But instead, the rookie contracts hurt bad teams.  Too much money gets invested in a player based purely on speculation and conjecture.  I think the NFL really needs to follow the NBA's lead and cap rookie contracts based on position, and draft number.  Currently, the draft is seeing rookie contracts go up about 20% each year.  That number is much higher than inflation and way higher than the yearly increases in salary cap.  Take the power away from the agents, and put it back in the hands of the teams before 6-8 teams go broke.

Just for a quick example, in the NBA, the number 1 pick is a coveted position.  What team doesn't want to add Blake Griffin this year, or wanted to add Lebron James in 2003?  In the NFL the number one pick is a curse, resulting in a contract no team want to be burdened by.  This needs to change, Mr. Goodell.

Alright, besides the money, Stafford was the only pick.  I love Aaron Curry, and the Lions sure could have used Jason Smith, but franchise quarterback is extremely important in a league built for QBs.  With the money spent on Stafford, he has to be a franchise QB.  If he turns into a Jay Cutler type, he is probably worth the money.  If not, expect 6-9 more years of serious losing in Detroit.  The Lions have the skill players to help him succeed, but they do not have the protection ready to help him succeed.  He already struggles with footwork in the pocket, so protection and time for him becomes even more important.  The Lions would be smart to play Culpepper every down this year and let Stafford learn, observe, and lobby for a better O-Line.   Next year, the Lions need to address the Line, give Stafford more protection, and you might have a situation conducive for success. 

So, after the inevitable happened, I have to say I am disappointed with the selections.  The talent level the Lions got, and perhaps the value was really quite good.  They got the Best TE, and Safeties in the draft.  The problem is, they don't desperately need either of those positions!  Don't get me wrong, a game changer can come from any position, even TE or Safety.  Ed Reed and Antonio Gates are great examples of game changers from those respective positions.  However, the needs of the Lions in the trenches is so important.  The Lions didn't draft a D-lineman until the 4th and didn't draft an offensive lineman until the 7th!!!  While both of these players have upside and could become contributors, I don't see it.  Call it skepticism from years of Millen-late round disappointments, but the odds of finding a gem are diminished when you combine a first year coach with a first year GM.  So, my doubts and skepticism is firmly founded

Despite the lack of executive experience, I have no doubt that Pettigrew is a great player and will probably help the offense, and especially Matthew Stafford, succeed.  But a first round TE is rare for a reason.  Most TE's don't come close to the talent level of the Big-time DE, OT, QB's or skill position players that the first round is normally littered with.  Although, it is, perhaps, becoming more commonplace to draft TE's in the first round (Greg Olson, Vernon Davis, Heath Miller, Tony Gonzalez were all first round selections), normally this is a luxury pick.  The Lions have NO luxuries, as they have needs all over the field!

At 20, in hindsight, there must be something wrong with Maualuga.  Also, from what I have heard, Michael Oher is one step away from being retarded.  So, perhaps either of these players nwould not have been a good pick.  So, my pick would have been Peria Jerry or Ziggy Hood.  The D-Tackles the Lions do have are both fat and old.  Some youth injected into this pick would have made sense.  

As for the later rounds, I think the Lions made a big mistake trading out of the first pick of the third round because it cost them a chance at getting Michael Johnson, the DE from Georgia Tech.  After passing on Peria Jerry, getting an impact DE would have made a lot of sense.  But they missed out and took at DT in the fourth round.  Hopefully, this big player (330+) will be a big impact on Defense.  Also, this probably shows a lot of faith in the skills of Cliff Avril, which is something I can see.

Levy, I have heard, can play middle.  Hopefully this is a natural transition for him and the Lions can rely on one of their only strengths, outside linebacker, to help Levy transition and succeed.  

In conclusion, I am a disappointed that the Lions did not address some more pressing needs at 20.  However, many sports writers and former executives claim the best way to draft is to take the most talented players in the first round and address needs in the later rounds.  If this philosophy is the right one, the Lions probably did that in their first 3 picks.  However, my fears are that the continued existence of some big holes on the offensive line, defensive line, and middle linebacker will result in a lot of losses yet again this year.

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Opening Day is finally here!  Baseball season has begun and honoring the theme and spirit of this blog, I bring you my predictions for the 2009 season.  Of course, predictions like this are really meaningless because a single injury or trade could change the whole completion of the season changes.  Now that the boilerplate stuff is out of the way, lets begin!  I bring you my predictions for all the division leaders, the respective league MVP's and Cy Young Winners and my World Season prediction!

AL East:  Yankees.  They addressed their two biggest needs in a big way this offseason: pitching and defense.  Teixeira is a huge upgrade over Giambi and their pitching staff much better with the big acquisitions of C.C. and Burnett.  Those additions push them above the Red Sox, but with the Rays close behind.

AL Central:  Twins.  This division is horrible, but the young hitters and solid pitching of the Twins should be enough for them to rise above the rest of crappy teams in this division.  The White Sox claim a good rotation, but they are relying heavily on the miracle recovery of Jose Contreras.  I imagine the Indians could make a run for the division, but the young and quick hitters, and the very good defense of the Twins will be enough to win this division.  Sorry Tigers fans, I have serious concerns about our rotation and our bullpen.  I don't have a good feeling about this season.

AL West:  Athletics.  The reason I am not picking the Angels is because they have a lot of early season injuries to their rotation and their hitting took a hit with the loss of Teixeira.  The Athletics made a great move getting Matt Holliday.  I also like the talent of their young pitchers.  They will be enough to make the playoffs, barely.

Wild Card:  Rays.  I honestly think the Rays will be better this year than last year.  The problem is the Yankees have a huge psychological advantage, and enough of one to prevent them winning the division.  The Yankees will win the season series against the Rays, and barely beat them out of the division.  But the Rays will be in the playoffs again.  

Cy Young:  Roy Halladay.  (My dark horse for this award is Liriano.)

MVP:  Matt Holliday

NL East: Mets.  I think the Mets had the best team last year in the NL, but the bullpen let them down.  The addition of K-Rod is a big addition.  The bullpen should get a big boost just from his presence.  As a result, I like them over the Phillies

NL Central: Cubs.  This team improved, while all the others got worse.  Only the Cardinals could challenge the Cubs for this league, but that is going to require Chris Carpenter to have a great season, which I doubt.

NL West: Dodgers.  Manny should be set to have another great season in LA, assuming he isn't trying only when there is money on the line.  But, regardless, the Dodgers have good and enough to get the division 

Wild Card:  Phillies.  I can't hate on the defending champs.  They will contend for the division, but settle for the wild card.

Cy Young: Brandon Webb

MVP:  Hanley Rameriez

World Series:  Rays v. Mets.  Rays win it all!

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I heard some of you are really STRUG-GEL-LING with your brackets. You getting beat by you roommates girl friend, who pick her winners based on criteria such as what teams uniforms would most likely appear on What Not to Where. You even overheard her say, “there’s no way Clinton would wear those awful black Purdue uniforms. He’d go with the classic UCONN look.” Or are you losing to the guy in the cubicle next to you, who has watched two college basketball games all year. The only player in the tournament he has actually heard of is Tyler Hansbrough. He picks all caulk and some crazy upset that of course happens. I can almost guarantee knowledge college basketball fans are losing to an individual such as this. Of course maybe you’re sitting in seventh place out of 32 people like me, but everyone above you has the same freaking teams left. Well, as other things I have fixed in sports (see MooN’s NCAA Football Playoff System or the MFPS for short) I have a system that will eliminate your programs. Once again I will be returning the bullet format for the sake of clarity.

· Disclaimer #1: This system only works for knowledgeable fans and only on a small scale. There’s no way this system works in your office pool in which over 100 participate. It’s too complicated and would be time consuming. You also need a group of individuals that understand how seeding and upsets work. Your cousin’s seven year old son can’t participate here. It wouldn’t work.

· Disclaimer #2: This system is for those expecting more out of their pool. It seeks to eliminate the five minute fill, the crazy upset guy, similar brackets, and going with the caulk. This is for the fan looking to take things to the next level (see Nate’s fantasy football system).

· Disclaimer #3: This system seeks to reward those, who actually make tough picks. I feel that it is unfair to reward someone for picking a #1 seed over a #16 the exact same way as someone, who picks the right #12/$5 upset. It doesn’t make sense. Seeing brackets are essentially a form of gambling they should be based on odds, right?

· Without further ado: The MooN NCAA Tourney Bracket System (copyright 2009)

· The system increasing the amount of points given per round as the teams advanced in the tourney like most systems

· 1^stx1, 2^ndx2, Sweet 16x3, Elite 8x4, Final 4x5, Championship x6

· Points are also given according to seed

· 1-2 start value= 1 point,3-4= 2 points, 5-7= 3 points, 8-10= 4 points, 11-14= 5 points, 15-16= 6 points

· Bonus 5 pts for each Elite 8 team, 10 pts per Final 4 team, 15 per Championship game team, 20 for winner

· Bonus 10 points available in each round for most games picked correctly

What do you think? I am completely open for suggestions on perfecting my system. I believe this system would greatly reduce the likely hood of losing to that guy, who asked you at the water cooler what a Zag was. It also rewards picking upsets correctly instead of going caulk, while not giving so many points that picking higher seeds is not reward. This would make strategy more important for example in a small pool it makes no sense to pick upsets when going with the 1 and 2 seeds will win 90% of the time. This system will also eliminate the likely hood of losing a bracket because of one pick made in the first or second round. I believe that people should be rewarded for picking one 5 seed in the final four correctly more than picking two 1 seeds. What’s harder to do? I bet your brother-in-law’s first wife wouldn’t know, but if you’re reading this you probably do.

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After getting over the initial shock of realizing the season was over, and after moving past the initial anger towards the referees, who gave Blake Griffin a Lebron-like treatment, I just wanted to reflect on this past season for the Michigan Wolverines.

What a great, unbelievable season!

Michigan did what all of us thought was impossible at the beginning of the year: the team got to the big dance, and advanced!  Michigan Basketball fans were treated to two excellent games in the NCAA tournament.  By doing so, I had the most fun I have had watching college basketball in my entire life.  (seeing as how I barely remember, nor could I truly appreciate, the fab five when I was 6-7 years old).  

But, Michigan proved to be a good basketball school yet again by beating teams like Duke, UCLA, Clemson, Illinois, and Purdue, and going down to the wire with top 5 schools like Oklahoma and Connecticut.  Michigan had their ups and downs, and were placed squarely on the bubble for about 3 straight months.  However, they overcame where Tommy Amaker teams failed.  They made the tournament, celebrating like they had just won the lottery when seeing their name on the screen of the selection show.  Not to be outdone, Michigan went in to a tournament game, its first in 11 years, and won on the back of Manny Harris.  The miraculous season ended in upsetting fashion, but in a game that did not lack in thrills.  Michigan had Oklahoma worried, but they just happened to have the best player in college basketball.

So congratulations to Michigan on advancing a round, something teams like Ohio State, Illinois and Minnesota cannot say.  Congratulations for making the tournament with a group of players everyone doubted.  And finally congratulations to the basketball program for hiring the right coach and bringing Michigan basketball back on the map.

While this loss hurts, there is so much to look forward to next year.  Sims and Harris both announced that they would be back next year; our graduating class only includes C.J. Lee, David Merritt, and Javon Shepard, and most importantly, John Beilein is back.  Michigan will have yet another year under their belt utilizing the Beilein system.

The tournament appearance, coupled by the win over Clemson, and the promise of a new basketball facility should entice some nice talent to head up to Ann Arbor.  And even if the talent isn't quite "top-tier," expect Beilein to do what he does best: win with less talent than other coaches could dream of.

So, in the grand tradition of "Putting it in Stone," I will dip into my spiritual gift of foresight and make a prediction.  Michigan will make the Sweet Sixteen in 2010.  

Put it in Stone.

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12:56:  Alright, here is my situation for context.  Over at my friends house, got the DirecTV Mega March Madness Package going, sitting in the lazy boy, computer on my lap, and other "enjoyable items" within arms reach.  I will be in this position all day, and tomorrow and hopefully the rest of march.  

1:01:  A&M made their first 10 shots, can the mormons spark a little of that Joseph Smith magic and come back from an early 20 point lead?  My guess is no.  BYU looks lost.  Speaking of nervous teams, what is Memphis doing?  They are hacking constantly, as Northridge is in the bonus after just 9 minutes of play.  My pick for the finals is worrying me.

1:09:  I had no idea that Andy Samberg played basketball for Butler.  Apparently, he is quite the player as he was Horizon League player of the year (if that means anything?).  Regardless, he is apparently trying to hide his association with Saturday Night Live and playing under the alias of Matt Howard.  Do we have a scandal on our hands?  Decide for yourself.

1:25:  This is unacceptable, all games are at half time currently and forcing me to watch commercials.  We got this package to avoid this very situation.  ANGRY!!!!

1:32:  That was too long, real basketball finally back on.

1:37:  If you are watching LSU-Butler you just heard Nantz say that Butler was "young and hungry."  No one can go to a commercial break quite like you Jim.  In good news this game is getting pretty exciting as Butler is within 1.  Samberg inside is doing some damage.  In bad news for me, my pick of LSU is not looking quite as safe.

1:43:  Seriously Memphis?  You can hold every Conference USA team under 50, but you can't destroy Cal State Northridge?  You are making me very nervous.

2:12:  Important lesson learned from the BYU game:  Do not pick a team of all white guys in basketball, ever.

2:27:  As the first round of games look to wrap up, I am satisfied with a 2 out of 3 result.  Memphis almost made me have a heart attack, but they survived.  I am excited to watch the Purdue game as I am hoping for a good showing by the Big 10.

2:48:  I have a new favorite (non-Michigan) player in the tournament: Jordan Eglseder of Northern Iowa.  Why?  Because he is a 7-1, 290 pound white guy.  I have eloquently named him Mr. Larson.  You might remember this famous character from Happy Gilmore, famous for saying "And you can count, on me, waiting for you, in the Parking Lot."  I have watched the entire game and I'm pretty sure he is yet to jump in the air.  I will keep you updated.

3:10:  Not impressed with Cal's play so far.  Purdue is looking strong as well.  The other two games are likely to be massacres. 

3:26:  Sweet Alley-oop dunk by Cal on the backdoor cut.  Well played!  Cal trying to win back my affection after I dissed them sixteen minutes ago.

3:38:  I might be missing it, but Raftery still hasn't said his famous catch phrase "with the kiss" yet.  I'm happy and sad.  By the way, Maryland just got about 7 offensive boards and 0 points to show for it.  Enjoy losing to Memphis on Saturday.

3:50:  Yep, the word graceful was just used to describe Eglseder...  Sarcasm is running high.  On a side note, the Purdue cheer "Boiler-up!" might be the worst in sports.  If you can think of a worse one, I would love to hear it.  But it has to be the most nonsensical cheer ever.  WHAT DOES IT MEAN!?!?  Taken literally, you are asking to turn up a furnace?  Perhaps you work with what you have, and when your nickname is Boilermakers, what else can you do?

3:56:  So, my "friends" have decided to push a certain button of mine.  The button being calling Pizza, "za."  They then took it to the next level and told me that I should get some 'roni on my 'za.  Threats of physical violence and screaming soon followed.

4:20:  This Purdue game just got really tight.  Purdue seems to have downsized their defensive pressure.  They better get their act together after this game because Washington will be a tall task.  To make things worse, they can't even hit free throws.  Hummel going 1-2 from the line is unacceptable.  

4:27:  Wow, I hope you all are watching this Purdue game.  At the beginning I thought it was going to be a blow out, but Purdue's poor free throw shooting accompanied by some cold blooded 3 point makes by Northern Iowa has made this a 2 point game.  I am rooting hard for the Big 10 this year, so come on Purdue!

4:29: Number 11 for Northern Iowa just stupidly took the ball to the basket while down by 4.  You gotta shoot the three!  What are you thinking.  This game is now over. 

4:40: The only real thing to watch in this UCONN-Chattanooga game is to see if Chattanooga will score more than 40 points.  At least the 1-16 match-ups are over early.

5:39:  Not a lot going on, as only Washington and Miss. State are playing.  Miss. State seems to be proving my point that conference championships are detrimental to teams in NCAA Tournament.  While I am sure Miss. State is glad to be here, I doubt they like being stomped on by Washington on tired legs from 4 games in 4 days.  I guess I shouldn't extrapolate as there is plenty of basketball yet to be played, but Miss. State looks like they don't belong here.

7:09:  Nerves are running high right now.  I was just running back and forth down a high way.  Im currently rocking the Tractor Traylor 54 Jersey, Michigan basketball shorts, a maize under shirt and a Michigan hat.  If we lose this game, it wont be for lack of fandom by me.

7:19:  Bad Passes and bad defense.  This is not the sign of a Beilein coached team.  They look nervous and scared.  Snap out of it, Blue!

7:27:  At least we are shooting well so far.  Maybe when Sims actually shows up to the game, we could maybe, I don't know grab a defensive rebound, and he might make some plays...

7:32:  I love that Beilein is sitting Sims right now.  Hopefully, this extra motivation gets him to respond.  In his place Gibson is playing GREAT defense!  Oh speaking of good play, Manny Harris is playing pretty good.  Props to Manny for 2 blocks!

8:08:  At half we are ahead by 3.  Manny is playing incredible, Sims is playing like crap.  If Michigan steps up the defense and Sims shows up, I like our chances.  Keep up the intensity though Manny.

9:36:  Several years of my life were shaved off my overall expectancy, but I am soooooo Happy!

9:55:  Akron really wanted to delay the inevitable, but they finally fell.  Gonzaga looked pretty good towards the end of the game.  I have them in the Sweet 16.  Villanova also gave us a scare (I have them in the elite 8).  I have started watching the Duke game, and Binghamton really likes to run.  Could be an interesting game, but we shall have to see how many "Duke Fouls" are called.  I imagine this game will eventually get out of hand, but I sure love watching Duke struggle.

10:23:  Despite already knowing the inevitable, I am rooting hard for Morgan State.  Go Golden Bears!

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Above are my brackets.  Personally, I am not really very happy with them because my final four is really BORING.  Alas, I tried really hard to not pick this final four (especially because in picking these final four team that would mean that I actually agreed with President Obama about something), but I did.  Click the image to make it bigger and more easily viewable.  Good luck to me!

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As I sit here mulling over my bracket picks (which I will post tomorrow), I thought I would clear my head and write a quick post about the Jay Cutler to the Lions situation.  

So, before I get to far into anything, lets talk about what we "know."  Supposedly, Jay Cutler cannot stand his new coaching staff and has asked to be traded.  We also know that Denver isn't run by Matt Millen, so they aren't boneheads.  Denver seems willing to put him on the block, but they want another quarterback in exchange.  Unfortunately for the Lions, they do not have one of those, or at least none that any other team in their right mind would want.  (No Sparty, no one else wants Drew Staton)

What the Lions do have is a strong desire to get Cutler and more ammunition in terms of picks than any other team can offer.  But, any trade in the near future would likely have to involve another team.  Unless Denver gets desperate, the Lions will have to acquire a solid quarterback before swapping him with Denver. 

Before I get into some trade scenarios, I need to say a few things regarding this trade.  Firstly, I support getting Jay Cutler 100%, provided it is for the right price, of course.  Secondly, I am actually impressed with the offseason Martin Mayhew has done in this first offseason.  His real test will be the draft, but the moves to dump Kitna and acquire Julian Peterson were very impressive.  Kudos, Mr. Mayhew, so far... 

Alright, so how do the Lions get Jay Cutler?  Here are 3 unique and creative ways to get him.

1.  Trade Denver the #1 pick for Cutler+

This trade situation is obviously based on the assumption that Denver loves either Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez.  Why any GM would love either of these rookies is beyond me, but if Josh McDaniels is crazy enough to piss off his Pro Bowl quarterback to the point of requesting a trade, he might be crazy enough to love one of these players.  Assuming argumendo, that Denver wants to develop another young quarterback, this is the easiest possibility.  The problem with this scenario is you would have to get something more than just Jay Cutler for the number 1.  There is a big premium on the #1.  There are very few players worth the #1, and they are all untouchable.  Remember the trade the Chargers got for Eli Manning?  They traded the #1 overall pick for the #4, a 3rd rounder, and a first and a fifth round picks in the subsequent year's draft.  To move up 3 spots and get an arguably worse quarterback than Phillip Rivers cost the Giants three extra picks including a 1st rounder.  So, Cutler + Denver's #12 would probably be more than Denver is willing to give up, especially if Denver believes that one of those two QB's could fall to them at 12, which could easily happen.  Perhaps instead the Lions could get a 4th or 5th and next year's first rounder.  That is a fair trade, if Denver badly wants Sanchez or Stafford.

2.  Involve Cleveland.  Now things start to get hairy.  In order to pull this trade off the Lions would need to swap picks with Cleveland and get Derek Anderson.  Here, the assumption that Denver loves Derek Anderson is required to follow this trade scenario.  So, Detroit sends the #1 overall and possibly a late round pick for the #5 and Derek Anderson.  Detroit would then send Derek Anderson and either the #33 or the #20 for Jay Cutler.  This exact same trade scenario could work just as easily with Kansas City just replace Derek Anderson with Tyler Thigpen.  Detroit would, in either situation, get a franchise quarterback and either a top talent OT (Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe) or Aaron Curry.  Not to mention they save million of dollars in guaranteed money by getting out of that #1 slot.  It also gets Denver a quarterback, and some picks, and KC/Cleveland more picks as well.  It is mutually beneficial to all teams, as long as Denver likes one of those quarterbacks enough.

3.  The third scenario assumes that Denver panics.  Detroit sends the #20 and a late round pick, likely next year, in exchange for Jay Cutler.  This won't likely happen because Denver won't panic until training camp, which is well after the draft.  Detroit has to make this trade happen before April 25th. 

So can this deal get done?  I think it certainly can, and I also think the Lions are trying their hardest, but Denver is probably asking too much.  3 way trades are hard to pull off, and take time.  Detroit does have some premium for acting quickly, as the Jets and the Buccaneers are excited about their chances to get Jay Cutler too.  So, get it done Mayhew, I did the hard work, just make a few calls and turn on that charm and persuasion!  Stop reading my blog and get me Jay Cutler!

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I will be honest; I could do without conference tournaments.  They are unrealistic, overhyped, and frustrating.

As a subscriber to this sports blog, you inevitably ran into the ESPN “Championship Week!” commercials.  Also, as someone who reads my likely meaningless words, you probably see eye-to-eye with me on many issues, including how annoying these commercials were.  The hype for these conference tournaments is unbelievable.   Do you really care who wins the Horizon League?  I don’t, until I see a bracket.  And yet, we are berated by an onslaught of inconsequential basketball games – even in the major conferences.  Don’t get me wrong, I love watching college basketball, but I am just trying to get you to see conference tournaments for what they really are: money-makers for television networks.

You may not all agree with me, in fact, for some people, the conference tournament is an image of hope, as sitting atop the figurative Aggro Crag representing a grueling, 4-day tournament is an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.  An automatic bid essentially erasing 4 months of poor play, and replacing a dreadful season with, believe it or not, a conference championship!  Can you believe it folks; it only takes 4 wins to make the NCAA Tournament. 

For some people the conference tournament is a source of fear (see: Penn State, St. Mary’s, San Diego State, etc.).  Teams like Cleveland State (52 RPI, only 2 wins against the top 50, one of those coming in the conference tournament) stole a bid from an arguably more deserving team like St. Mary’s, whose only sin was having their star player get hurt, or Penn State, whose unforgivable transgression was scheduling a relaxed non-conference schedule. 

The reason that this fear exists is simply because teams KNOW they are in.  It is really not surprising that during “Championship Week” there are so many upsets.  The classic upset follows the formula of teams playing for their lives vs. teams that only care about seeding.  If anyone watched the Pitt Game, or the LSU-Miss. State game, you know they didn’t give it their all.

The lack of effort stems from a natural human reaction to a meaningless game: apathy.  If LSU won the SEC would they have gotten a higher seed than 8 seed?  Maybe, but they would not likely have gotten a much higher seed than a 7.  So, what difference does it make to LSU if they lose to Mississippi State and get a day off instead of playing for a conference tournament championship?  Exactly, nothing.

So, unlike any other tournament in major sports, conference tournaments are completely unrealistic.  College Basketball teams never play more than 2 games a week, except in this tournament.  Even in the NCAA tournament, teams get a day off between matchups.  In a conference tournament, teams have to play 3-4 days in a row to win the tournament.  Do good teams really want to wear themselves out for 3 more days before eventually receiving that inevitable #1 seed?  Pitt didn’t, Michigan State didn’t mind settling on a #2.

So, I ask you this.  Would you really miss the conference tournament?  If they moved the NCAA tournament a week earlier (thereby making it really March madness, instead of March/April madness), would you care?  Would you feel outraged if you were a Miss. State fan?  Or would do you sympathize with the Penn State fan?  I guess my point is the season is 30+ games in duration, while the conference tournament is 3-4 games long.  Clearly the longevity of the regular season is a much better representation of a team’s success.  So erase the conference tournament and make the selection committee’s job a little easier because I think most see my point and could really take or leave the conference tournament.

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Before I get into the awesomeness that happened at 6:30 on Sunday night I want to take this time to apologize for my extended absence from writing. I have been busy, but mostly I just haven’t been struck by anything in particular to write about. As Nate put so eloquently, there is a ton of stuff going on this week so I too plan on being an active participant this week.

On that note, today’s post is brought to you by procrastination. Why post today? I can ALWAYS wait till tomorrow…sorry guys.

Ed DeChellis (Head Coach at Penn State) and Tom Izzo split the coach of the year award in the Big Ten this year. Congratulations to both of them are in order for very productive and successful years. Now that my manners are out of the way, I want to tell you that it’s bull crap that both of them won this award over John Beilein.

DeChellis’s Nittany Lions went 15-16 last year and finished seventh in the Big Ten with a 7-11 conference record. Compare that to this year at 22-11 and 10-8 and you can see a significant improvement over the year. Izzo on the other hand, led his Spartans to a 27-9 record last year with a 12-6 Big Ten record. This year the Spartans went 26-6 and 15-3 respectively. Izzo maintained the excellence he so frequently demands and gets out of his players this year.

John Beilein on the other hand went 10-22 last year with a second to last place 5-13 Big Ten record. This year, not only did the records change to 22-10 overall and 9-9 Big Ten, but Beilein’s Wolverines are NCAA Tournament bound for the first time in ten years. After changing around his starters for a big portion of the non conference schedule, he finally settled on starting 4 guards and one forward for most of the Big Ten schedule and into the post season. In a conference loaded with talent (MSU I am talking about you) Michigan starts a pudgy, white freshmen shooting guard at power forward (Zach Novak.) Michigan also starts a committee of walk-ons at point guard or occasionally the defensive liability Kelvin Grady. With not a single starter taller than 6’8 and no smell of a 5 star recruit since the ‘sigh’ Ellerbee days, Beilein was able to completely flip the teams record in one year from the worst in school history to being NCAA Tournament bound.

When it all comes down to brass tacks, DeChellis did a lesser form of what Beilein did but with more experienced players and no past NCAA sanctions looming over his head. Izzo had a great season and his Spartans won the conference out right for the first time since 2001, but does he start any walk-ons? When was the last time Izzo was ever as talent deprived as Michigan is now? Oh yeah, I know, it was before Michigan got in trouble by the NCAA. Congratulations Tom for doing exactly what everyone thought you would do, win, and do so with excessive amounts of talent. So, although both Izzo and DeChellis had admirable seasons, neither of them stacks up even close to what Beilein has accomplished in his short tenure at Michigan.

As for Thursday’s game against Clemson, I pretty much agree with every bit of analysis that Nate has brought up. Although on paper Michigan is an underdog (10 seed and +5.5 points to Vegas,) they are by no means EXPECTED to lose. With Clemson not being very tall either, our 1-3-1 zone may actually be somewhat effective too.

Remember our team’s motto; shoot first, cross the timeline later. When that doesn’t work remember that DeShawn Sims is on your team. Death to Clemson. Its Great to be a Michigan Wolverine.

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It is a busy week in sports, so as a result it will be a busy week for me as well!  Today I offer the Michigan keys to victory.  Tomorrow a post about the Lions getting Cutler, Wednesday I will post my brackets, and Thursday through Sunday, I hope to live blog most of the tournament games as I hope to watch all games (with DirecTV's sweet service)

So, visit often!

Here are my reasons to be hopeful for a Michigan victory on Thursday evening:

1. Coaching.  Beilein has as history of success in the NCAA tournament, Prunell has lost every single tournament appearance in the first round.  Any sort of “chess match” between these two will clearly go to Michigan’s Beilein.
2. Clemson is not a team with tremendous size.  Everyone knows Michigan is a small team and any 4.8 rebounds per game type becomes a 8-9 rebound per game type.  That said, almost any team will have a size advantage against Michigan, but Clemson doesn’t have much of one.  Clemson is not like a Florida State or Ohio State that just could beat Michigan because of a clear size advantage.  Booker is a good player, but I think the size advantage is not enough to overcome Michigan’s defense and shooting advantage.
3. Pace of Play/Clemson’s press.  Michigan has never struggled with a press all year.  Because they are a well coached team that isn’t looking to run, Michigan’s three guard offense will not struggle with this press.  Michigan will look to get it over the timeline and set up their offense.  They proved my theory by beating strong teams.  UCLA tried to press us to no avail.  I expect Kelvin Grady to play a little bit bigger role in handing the ball, but walk-on CJ Lee has been fairly careful handling the point (only 19 turnovers all year, 2.8 assist/turnover ratio).   The pace of play will put Clemson in long defensive sets.  Michigan will confuse Clemson with their constantly changing defensive zones and looks, slowing the pace down even on Clemson’s side of the ball.  The UCONN had one of their lowest scoring games of the season against us, and expect Clemson to suffer the same fate.  The lower the total points, the more Michigan gains an advantage.
4. Free Throw shooting.  As with any NCAA tournament game, I expect it to be close and the winner will probably be the team that shoots free throws at the end of the game.  Michigan ranked first in the big ten with a 75.5% free throw shooting with one of the best free throw shooters in Manny Harris shooting almost 86%.  Clemson as a team shoots 68%.  Expect Manny to drive, get to the line, and convert.
5. Lastly, Trend.  Michigan is on a bit of an upswing in their schedule, while Clemson has been struggling more as of late.  Also, Michigan seems to really show up for big games.  They played their heart out against UCONN, Duke, UCLA and all their big games.  They needed a win against Iowa and destroyed them.  This is the biggest game of the year and I have no doubt they will play their hardest.  

Please add your own.  Talk to you tomorrow!

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I’m sure I will lose the very few people who might enjoy reading some of the nonsense I write on this blog, but I can’t help but laugh at the hatred that’s being thrown in the general direction of the Pistons these days, and in a more direct way to my boy Joe. Now the title of this post is obviously overblown. He is in no way a part of the running for GM of the year in any circle of people not associated with a GED reunion. But there is definitely a foresight shown by Dumars that the average fan, and many talking heads, doesn’t seem to appreciate.

Obviously the trade Joe pulled to send Chaunce to the Nugs for AI appears to be one of the worst trades the franchise has ever suffered. Chauncey has led the Nuggets to one of the top spots in the West, joining the Lakers and Spurs as true Western Conference contenders. Meanwhile, the Stones have been relegated to .500 ball and fighting for a playoff spot after making the Eastern Conference Finals for the past six years. Looking at the impact of the trade over the course of the year would lead one to believe that it was as much of a “no contest” loss for the venerable Dumars as OJ Simpson’s murder trial, but it all had to play itself out there too didn’t it?

I’ve written previously on how I believe Rodney Stuckey is the young, dynamic point guard of the future who has a Finals MVP in his future. I wrote that the cap flexibility that the Pistons have created will give them a great chance to find an All-Star big man to go along with Stuck, Rip, and Tay. And I’ve also stated that AI should come off the bench and be the expiring contract has-been that should be hogging the ball with the second teamers, which was what the Sixers had when he was there anyway. And while those are all compelling reasons to continue to believe that this was a good trade for the future, we have an amazing example set before us as to another reason that Joe pulled the trigger.

Joe Dumars was the starting point guard of the Bad Boys with Isiah (no I didn’t spell that wrong) and Company. He saw first hand what a group of hard nosed veterans who were still in their prime could do to the opposition and their star power. So he went about turning the Pistons into the same bunch of team oriented players who could go up against the opponents big guns shut them down. And within a few years, Joe had won a Championship and came within a quarter of winning back-to-backs as a GM like he did as a player.

But this is where the stories diverge. The Brass of the Pistons in the late 80’s kept the core together as they got older and watched them win fewer and fewer games, hoping that another run was in their old and tired legs. What the higher ups failed to see was that they were starting a Geriatric Committee posing as an NBA franchise. Their skills began to decline at a rapid pace, but kept hoping for “one more run” with an aging core that never materialized. Dumars was a part of those Championship teams and was a key member of participating in them. But he was also a member of the team during a good portion of the 90’s, when the team was relegated to the cellar because the younger, up and coming teams of the NBA had caught and surpassed them. This began a horrible streak for our beloved ballclub. They made a habit of not making the playoffs, had high draft picks, and had Terry Mills as their center for close to a decade. The Palace was a Ghost Town of it’s former self, and was in constant rebuilding mode reminiscent of our current Lions organization.

Basically, Joe saw first hand that a core which is kept together too long hoping for that “last great run” is only fooling themselves. And when Joe D. saw that the team had peaked, and were ousted in the ECF for a string of four straight seasons, he knew that that the time had come to react, no matter how hard that might be during the present season. He traded their floor general and brought in a “superstar” with an expiring contract who didn’t play the style that the team prides themselves on. While he knew this would throw off chemistry, he also knew that it would put himself in a position to get a player he missed out on when he had the 2^nd pick of the draft. Joey has made mistakes, yes, but he always works hard to rectify them. He missed out on Bosh, Wade, and Melo, but he is now in a position to redeem himself. He will now look to pair a player of that caliber with their core. It’s quite obvious that Stuckey, Rip, and Tay are the core guys that will be a part of this team in the near future, and it is no coincidence that they are the youngest players from the team that won the ‘Ship in ‘04.

In essence, this is a probable one or two year “rebuilding” period, in which Joe has handed the keys of the franchise to his younger players while increasing the odds of landing a big time free agent over the course of the next two seasons. Meanwhile, we are still beating some of the top teams in the league and will most definitely make the playoffs after Curry finally got the rocks to put his future, Rip, into the starting lineup and benching free agency fodder AI, who is more equipped to play with the second stringers anyhow. Remind me to send a Thank You letter to Allen’s back problems. Bringing AI off the bench with a defensive team around him with an outside shooter to dish to makes the 2^nd unit as good as the Sixers were when THEY made it to the finals with AI. . . . Maybe not quite but you can understand what I’m getting at. ESPN has also reported that AI is willing to do “whatever it takes” to help the Pistons win a championship when his back is healthy enough to allow him to play. Of course, AI is in a contract year and doesn’t want to be considered a cancer going into the (probable) final free agent period of his career. Whether this is just lip service, or a true desire to win at whatever cost, you can’t help but like the chances of the Stones getting “hot” at the right time as Rip put it on PTI Thursday.

Yes, Chauncey is having a great year, and has elevated the play in Denver dramatically. This has most assuredly pushed the knife a little further into Joe D’s back, as he is dealing with trading his prize point guard and now also has to deal with fans and media who always want to win. Yet no one wants to remember what happened to the Stones in the ‘90s. The move impacts the next four years, in which Chaunce will be getting paid twelve million dollars a year as he loses a step, ala Ben Wallace, with the multiple teams he has played for and the albatross contract he is playing out. The next year that Ben is sought after is the year his contract expires. Point taken? So when a team can be a playoff squad with the chance to once again go deep into the postseason while “rebuilding” you have to look at it as a success. There will be no decade long slump in this organization with Dumars at the helm, and that is why he has my worthless vote for GM of the year.

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As the trade deadline came and went I realized that Joe Dumars has given up on the season, and counting his money for next year.

So, while there is still 2+ months left in the season, I will give up too.  Time to look back.

Chauncey Billups was apparently (if we didn't already know) the glue that held this team together.  Perhaps, while Rasheed can clearly be seen to be the emotional leader on the floor, Billups was the actual basketball leader.  Lacking such a strong presence of leadership, and lacking a level-headed, strong basketball mind, there is no balance to contradict 'Sheed.  Without that balance and glue, a group lacking a super star (sorry AI) simply can't get it done.

It seems everyone on the team has given up.  Not even Iverson who has millions of dollars at stake this offseason, seems to be motivated.  Such apathy can only be attributed to Rasheed Wallace. 

It seems that not only has Sheed given up on trying to emotionally encourage and motivate his fellow teammates, he has also formed an alliance against Iverson.  This team is lost and done.

While I am guilty of being the guy who has wanted Sheed shipped out of town for the last 3 seasons, I think its clear the Pistons need him out of town in a hurry.  I want Rodney Stuckey to become the leader in the locker room, not a clown whose idea of getting his team fired up is getting a technical foul. 

The fact is that Stuckey cannot grow or assume the role as leader until Sheed and Iverson are out of town.  And that is why this season is over.

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Today’s post is brought to you by Valentines Day. Not because it’s a stupid Hallmark holiday and its sole existence is to drive sales of retail stores nationwide during a financial down time, but because ONLY girls like it. When I say only girls like it, I mean absolutely NO guy would ever care if it didn’t exist. In fact most would be happier. This stupid “holiday” appeals to like 25% of the nation but like everyone is roped into celebrating (or not celebrating) it with someone else. I wish there was a holiday where a girl is forced to deliver guys a six pack of beer and a pizza in like August or something. Get on that sh*t Budweiser!

So, like Nate, I too have been busy/lazy and haven’t really had the time I would like to write a post about steroids and how they relate to the Baseball Hall of Fame (its coming sometime I promise.) So I want to take this time to look at the rest of the Michigan basketball season.

Michigan has only two home games remaining, those being Purdue and Minnesota. The other games are all away, those being at Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Northwestern. Michigan is currently 15-10 overall and 5-7 in the Big Ten. The ONLY way Michigan has a chance to get into the field of 64 is to finish with a Big Ten record of 9-9. This really looks like a daunting task. Michigan would have to win both home games against Purdue and Minnesota (both ranked), and steal road victories most likely at Northwestern and at Iowa. Saying Michigan can actually pull that off, they also would need to add a first round win in the Big Ten tournament in my opinion. All of that mixed in with the UCLA and Duke victories should give us the nod at like a #9 seed. I promise there is not a single #1 seed team that wants to play Michigan knowing what they can do against quality opposition.

With all that being said, sadly it looks like a #1 NIT seed for Michigan yet again this year. To be honest, a #1 NIT seed is still leaps and bounds better than Michigan’s bruising 10-27 record a year ago. The growth of this team over the course of a year has been nothing short of astonishing and there is no need to think that it will stop next year. C.J. Lee is the only graduating senior and all signs point to DeShawn Sims and Manny Harris coming back for another year. Coupled with the core of the team staying together is the addition of Darius Morris. Morris is a Rivals top 100 player for next year who is already committed to Michigan. Fortunately for us, he also plays PG. Morris will be able to actually handle the ball effectively and be able to distribute the ball to players like Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims. This will increase their productivity as well as lower team turnovers. Sims can complete his post game, Harris can actually play the small forward position, and Morris can drive and dish effectively. If that all happens, players like Stu Douglass and Lavel Lucas-Perry should have way better OPEN looks at three point attempts.

College Basketball is all about good guard play and if Darius Morris can achieve these things at the tender age of 18, Michigan will be in shape for a top 5 finish in the Big Ten.

On a horrible side note…with the NFL Draft looming close by I have a prediction. Put it in Stone, Mark Sanchez will be a better NFL Quarterback than Matthew Stafford.

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The result of February being a down time in sports and an increased academic schedule results in this short and only relevant for about 2 more hours post. Sorry, but instead of writing another post about something I really don't care about (see: Michael Phelps' drug problem or A-rod's, well, drug problem), I am just copying and pasting an email I wrote to several MSU fans earlier today regarding the Michigan-Michigan State Basketball game. I will try and give a few quick thoughts about the game after it's conclusion to make it up to you.

Here are my predictions and keys for victory for tonight's game.

Michigan basketball is the very definition of a bubble team, but they are also a team that no number 1 seed wants to see sitting in a 9 seed. That said, I believe that today is their defining moment. Will they impress the selection committee with a strong victory at home against yet another top 10 ranked opponent, or will they fade into the oblivion that is the NIT?

I was asked about my thoughts on how Michigan could pull an upset today. I will do that, but first allow me to explain what I expect to happen. I honestly believe that Michigan will lose by 15 points today. Michigan’s weakness is, unfortunately for me, Michigan State’s strength: rebounding. Our short line-up and zone defense has resulted in second opportunities for opponents all year long. Because MSU will likely outrebound Michigan by 15-20 boards, Michigan likely has no chance to keep it close.

That said, lets talk a minute about the UCONN game. In that game, Michigan was outrebounded 46-21 and still managed to keep it close. The way they did that was 2 fold: (1) they intermittently ran a 2-3 zone to try and combat the Connecticut advantage in size; and, (2) they caused 17 turnovers by constantly changing defense types and through the solid defensive play of Zack Novak and C.J. Lee. What killed Michigan was that they shot below 35% from three and UCONN (a team that does not shoot the 3 very well) made 6 three pointers.

While State should expect to see a steady mix of 1-3-1 zone, 2-3 zone, and man-to-man, I respect State’s outside game more than Connecticut. Because of this fact, Michigan will likely be forced to play mostly man defense. That plays to state’s favor with their advantage in size and rebounding ability.

So, to sum up. Here is what Michigan needs to do to win:

1. Shoot 35% or above from three. (likely meaning they will make at least 12 three pointers)
2. < 20 rebounding differential
3. Cause double digit turnovers.

Again, all 3 of these are not likely. Michigan’s three point shooting has not been good as of late, mostly a result of Lavel Lucas Perry losing confidence in his shot. In addition causing turnovers is difficult to do when you are trying to steal from a very good ball handler in Kalin Lucas.

So, while I am not looking positively towards this game, I am still excited. It really is do or die; win and Michigan is in.

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Name	Position	ESPN	Rivals	Scout	Under-Amour	Army	Early Enroll
Isiah Bell	S	81	3*	3*	X
William Campbell	DL	79	5*	5*		X	X
Vladimir Emilien	S	80	4*	3*			X
Tate Forcier	QB	81	4*	4*			X
Jeremy Gallon	WR	77	4*	3*		X
Brendan Gibbons	K	77	2*	3*		X
Cameron Gordan	WR	78	4*	3*
Thomas Gordan	S	77	3*	2*
Brandin Hawthorne	LB	78	3*	3*			X
Mike Jones	S	77	3*	3*			X
Teric Jones	RB	78	3*	3*
Anthony LaLota	DE	80	4*	4*		X	X
Talor Lewan	OL	80	4*	4*	X
Denard Robinson	ATH	81	4*	4*
Craig Roh	DE	83	4*	4*	X
Michael Schofield	OL	77	4*	4*
Vincent Smith	RB	77	3*	3*			X
Je'Ron Stokes	WR	82	4*	4*		X
Fitzgerald Toussaint	RB	79	4*	3*
J.T. Turner	DB	80	4*	5*		X
Quinton Washington	OL	82	4*	3*	X
Adrian Witty	DB	40	2*	2*

For RichRod’s first class in which he had more than two months of recruiting players, you have to be impressed. There is obviously great disparity in how these kids are ranked, probably more so than in year’s past: ESPN ranks Michigan’s class #14, while Rivals has them at #7 and Scout at #11. Those of you that think U-M was being out recruited by the Spartys, you are sorely mistaken. Chris Norman is the only kid that RichRod went hard after, and, quite frankly, the kid was born and raised a Spartan. U-M also got the best player in the state, Big Will Campbell. Trust me, there isn’t even a close second. This is big seeing as in the past two years USC has came in and snagged the best in the state see: Ronald Johnson and Nick Perry. RichRod also went down and pulled 8 recruits out of the state of Florida which should bring speed and athleticism to the program. These are skills that are certainly needed to run RichRod’s system, and were lacking as you can see by last year’s game play. Unfortunately, the Wolverines lost two solid DT recruit in Pearly Graves and DeQuinta Jones that were committed until signing day. The loss of these two players will certainly be felt as the program will be lacking depth at DL next year and LB in the near future. Despite those losses, U-M bounced back with two huge commits in QB Denard Robinson and WR Je’Ron Stokes that solidified other positions of need. Brian has keep you up to date on the past de-commits and recruits so I won’t dwell on losing recruits to Tulsa (yup you read that right, It says Tulsa. You know the Golden Hurricane? Yes, they have a football team). U-M did a great job of getting kids at the positions where they lost recruits to decommits. In most cases they actually got better players to replace them (see Bryce McNeal-Je’Ron Stokes). I’ll give you a quick summary of this year’s class from a little different perspective.

Isaiah Bell 6-2/205: He impressed at the Under-Amour game playing mostly LB. He played a lot of safety in high school, but I fully expect him to grow into a LB that fits into the 3-3-5, if Greg Robinson decides to run that. He would bring some quickness to the LB corps that they have been lacking, and brings good coverage skills for a LB. Some questioned his coverage skills as a safety and U-M has had problem in the past, see: every safety U-M’s had since 2000. Bell might see playing time as a true frosh on special teams.

Next Year Prediction: Redshirt

Career Prediction: Potential 2-year starter at LB. All-Big Ten.

William Campbell 6-5/315: A flat-out stud. Check out his film if you get the chance. He is a real man-child with potential to be a Top 10 NFL draft pick. He is able to play both ways, but I expect to see him on the DT, because it’s his best position and U-M needs him there. He must keep his weight down and not fall into the trap of laziness as some past U-M DT, and also needs to focus on his fundamentals, instead of relaying on his strength. He could be special, especially when paired next to Mike Martin. Expect immediate playing time, especially if we stick with the four man front.

Next Year: Significant PT, potential starter

Career: Potential All-American

Vlad Emilien 6-1/190: Probably the only player in this class who is a true safety. His commitment sort of came out of now where and he was injured for most of his senior year. I would expect him to redshirt, but given U-M’s past struggles at safety, early playing time is there for the taking. Hopefully, he won’t see the field this year and he gets the chance to develop, but I think he has great upside.

Next Year: Redshirt or back-up special teams depending on health

Career: 2 or 3–year starter at safety

Tate Forcier 6-0.5/183: The name should sound familiar as his brother Jason transfered out when Ryan Mallet rolling into town. It’s too bad because he would have been the starter last season. Tate graduated early and had a personal QB coach so he should be further along than most freshman. The kid has a good arm, accurate both in the pocket and on the run with decent speed. His skill-set fits RichRod’s system well and will battle Threet for early PT. I expect him to be starting by the time Big Ten games roll around if not sooner. Don’t expect too much, but he will be an upgrade over last year.

Next Year: Starter by default

Career: Depends on future QB recruiting

Jeremy Gallon 5-9/175: He turned heads at the Army All-American game practices. He played mostly QB out of the Wildcat formation in high school, which means it will take some time to get used to the slot. He is the perfect slot for the spread. The talent is there and he seems to just have that “IT” factor when the ball is in his hand. His PT next season will depend on Terrence Robinson’s health, but a red shirt is unlikely. He will bring added excitement on the return teams.

Next Year: PT at the slot, KR, PR

Career: Future starter in the slot, All-Big Ten potential

Brendan Gibbons 6-0/210: U-M offered after Anthony Fera decommitted. He was an Army All-American. I like his attitude and he has potential to punt as well.

Next Year: Starter for FG and KO

Career: Add punter that list. Possible All-Big Ten

Cameron Gordon 6-3/210: Gordon is a heck of an athlete, perhaps the best in the state of Michigan. He is from Inkster, which is also home to top 10’ QB Devin Gardner. Plays both outside WR and LB. U-M offered pretty late as there seems to some controversy as to where he will play. His upside seems to be at LB, but as of now he’s a wide out.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: Back WR, Possible starter at LB

Thomas Gordon 5-11/205: Teammate of Big Will and Teric Jones at Detroit Cass Tech where he played QB and S. He is known in the internet community as “Prison Abs,” because he is a work out fiend. He is fairly raw at this point and I would expect a redshirt, but should make an impact on ST with a decent upside at S.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: Back-up S, special teams contributor

Brandin Hawthorne 6-0/197: He is a teammate of Vincent Smith out of Pahokee, FL. Brian seems to really like this kid, and I can’t argue that he has potential. He seems a little skinny at this point and could use a year or two in Barwis’ program. He seems like a good fit at outside LB in RichRod’s system, but needs some more development. He is a hard worker, and I expect him to reach his potential whatever it may be.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: 1 or 2-year starter at outside LB

Mike Jones 6-2.5/200: He is another kid out of FL, who enrolled early. Played safety in high school, but I expect a move to LB soon. Although he might play the tweaner, a chance is there is a move to the 3-3-5, similar to the rover used by John L. Smith a couple of year’s ago. He is obviously tall and skinny, and it’s a good thing he is there early to start his Barwisizing.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: 2-year starter at rover

Teric Jones 5-10/194: He is really fast and has allegedly run a sub 4.4 forty. He is listed at RB, but has excellent pass catching abilities. Don’t be surprised if he moves to the slot. He is a workout buddy of Thomas Gordon, and I think he will make a good third-down back as well.

Next Year: Redshirt (but will contend for PT)

Career: Never a starter but a solid contributor at several spots

Anthony LaLota 6-5/260: He was originally listed as a five start recruit on some sites, which is surprising considering he has only played football for two plus years. He focused on hoops early on, and he is a heck of an athlete. He seems to have a really good head on his shoulders, and being at U-M early will certainly help him. He is listed as a DE, but I would suspect a move to DT with the lack of depth there. His best position is probably somewhere on the O-Line, but he seems adamant on playing defensive.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: One year starter at DT

Taylor Lewan 6-6.5/270: He has great upside although he might need a couple of years to develop. He is tall, quick, and fits into the system extremely well. He should be an anchor on the O-Line for years to come, probably at LT. I highly doubt he plays next year, as the depth seems to be pretty good there.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: 3 or 4-year starter. All-Big Ten potential.

Denard Robinson 6-0/185: He and teammate Adrian Witty committed on signing day, although he was once thought to be a FL lock. He is fast, real fast. He really wants to play QB, and will get his shot. This kid isn’t Justin Feagin; he has much better potential. I think it will be hard for him to beat Forcier or Threet out this season, but I suspect that he will get playing time in certain packages. His future will be dependent on future QB recruiting as U-M will certainly get one and possibly two more in the 10’ class. A move to CB is certainly possible, and he projects well there too.

Next Year: PT at QB in some packages

Career: Pending, but will contribute

Craig Roh 6-5/225: He is a teammate of Taylor Lewan, and has family ties to the state. His stock rose after a strong Under-Amour week, where he was constantly around the ball because of his tremendous motor and quickness. I really wish they could find a way to redshirt him, but I am not sure if they will be able to keep him off the field. DE depth is solid but not great behind Graham. He will need to shore up his run stopping ability, but can get to the QB.

Next Year: PT especially in passing situations

Career: 3-year starter. All-Big Ten

Michael Schofield 6-6/270: He is another impressive physical talent. He played in the Hawaiian All-American game, where he was fairly impressive. He will need a year or too, and won’t be rushed into playing early because of the depth they have there. He will most likely be a tackle, but that situation is certainly fluid.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: 2-year starter

Vincent Smith 5-8/165: He is a small guy, but a very hard worker. He is in tremendous shape. I wasn’t so sure about his game when he first committed as U-M has been recruiting a plethora of slots and scat backs. He’s been growing on me, and I could see him playing some this year. He will probably end up as a RB and a return man.

Next Year: Special teams demon and return guy

Career: He’ll get carries, but probably never be a starter

Je’Ron Stokes 6-0.5/178: He is a great late pickup and a perfect example of RichRod’s recruiting skills. Stokes games fits either the outside spot or the slot, which gives him ample opportunity for early PT. He has very good speed, which along with his versatility creates matchup problems that RichRod will certainly exploit. He younger brother is a junior dual-threat QB with U-M interest so keep an eye on him.

Next Year: PT at both WR spots

Career: I expect him start somewhere for 2-years. Potential All-Big Ten

Fitzgerald Toussaint 5-10/185: Besides having the coolest name in this class, he also has the best film. He is a pleasure to watch and has some crazy moves. I actually like his film better than McGuffie’s last year. He just doesn’t jump over people! He will play next year in my opinion, and could return kicks as well. I think he is underrated and will surprise some people.

Next Year: This year’s version of Shaw in terms of PT

Career: I don’t think he is the starter type but will get a lot of carries

J.T. Turner 6-2/185: Early commit out of Ohio (that isn’t easy by the way), whose stock rose over the year. He was debatable the top DB at the Army game. He can play either safety or corner. It will depend on the development of others, as I expect Warren and Cissoko to be the starters. He could be starting at one of the safety spots, and possibly slide to corner on passing downs with him on the outside and Cissoko covering the slot. Either way, he will see the field early and often and might be our best recruit.

Next Year: Starter or a lot of PT at DB

Career: 3-year starter. All-American

Quinton Washington 6-4/322: I think he has the most potential in this class behind Campbell and Turner. I would call him a sleeper as a 3* on Scout, but ESPN has him as U-M’s top recruit making for an unfair assessment. He has a chance to be in the two deep this year, but like the other O-Linemen a redshirt would be ideal. He is the most physically ready of the three to play early, expect a major impact.

Next Year: Backup and will see some time

Career: 3-year starter if he doesn’t redshirt. All-Big Ten and possibly All-American potential

Adrian Witty 6-1/185: I can’t really give a fair analysis of him. U-M didn’t just offer him because of his connection with Denard Robinson though. They would have taken him even without a Robinson commit. He is fairly athletic and can play receiver as well. My guess is they will try him in at DB, as it is a more pressing need.

Next Year: Redshirt

Career: Special Teamer, depth

Overall, this class is a definite top ten with top stud recruits in Campbell and Turner and two QB’s, which was the programs biggest need. U-M also has several players on the O-Line that could become multiple year starters. They also brought in several players that are much better fits on offense for what RichRod is trying to do, as well as some great athletes on the defensive side of the ball. U-M’s class varies in ranking by the services quite a bit (although MSU has about 20 spots difference depending on where you look). It’s probably not as high as Rivals ranks them and not as low as Scout does. These recruiting services have there own agendas in mind when ranking these kids and classes (I will post on that some day). What is important is that you fill your team’s need with quality players. Even if the class is lower ranked, filling needs makes the class more valuable to the school. I am extremely happy with this class especially considering the 3-9 season and the negative recruiting surrounding the RichRod and the program. For those that took shots at the program last year, you might be eating your words in the very near future (paging Mark Dantonio…..)

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