With under a week to go with until the Spring Game I have a couple of things written that I will post in the coming week. My second half of the insanely early preview of the 2010 football season will post after the spring game. That said, here's some basic spring game info straight from mgoblue.
Date/Time: Saturday, April 17th, 1:00 pm (doors open at 10:00 am)
Location: The Big House (obviously)
Admission Price: Free
Additionally, the university has announced that PNC Bank will be making a donation to Mott's Children's Hospital and will be sponsoring locker room tours. These locker room tours will be:
-Friday, April 16 at 6:30-8 pm
-Saturday, April 17 at 7-9:30 am
If you want live outside of the Ann Arbor area (like yours truly) and want to watch the spring game it will stream live on BTN.com for a reasonable $2.99. Also it will be shown on tape delay at 8 pm on BTN.
Coming later this week on UMGameday Spring Game Coverage:
-What to watch for: Offense
-What to watch for: Defense
-What to watch for: Special Teams
I can't commit completely but if I get some support I'd be happy to do a live blog for the 8 pm showing of the spring game on BTN. I'll provide some play by play and analysis and anyone who wants to will be free to put in their two cents (I'd love to do it at 1:00 but I have a conflict and this way you don't have to pay $3 to watch, unless you don't get BTN).
Go Blue!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Denard Robinson: Your 2010 Starting QB?
After the end of the 2009 season, it seemed a sure thing that Tate Forcier was going to be the starting quarterback once again. Thing again folks. Obviously none of this is final and it is just spring practice but Denard Robinson is really impressing and pushing Tate. Here's my analysis.
First of all, we can't read all too much into this and jump to conclusions (hence the question marks after the headline). However, there is something to this. Tate has a strong arm and quick feet, but he is no match for the cheetah-like speed of Denard Robinson. And while Tate has better mechanics, he has been getting high level coaching for years and is much closer to his "ceiling". Denard is just starting to explore his potential and is making major strides in Spring camp.
I, for one, would be thrilled to give Denard Robinson a chance. Obviously he was not a good passing quarterback last season, finishing 14 for 31 passing (45%) with no TDs against a D-1 team (he did have a couple in a 63-6 win over Delaware State) and four interceptions. By the end of the season Denard was relegated to coming in and running nothing but predictable QB sweeps which got quite frustrating to watch as teams knew what was coming. However, one thing to keep in mind was that he did not enroll early like Tate and come to Spring Practice so he was essentially learning on the fly. He did have some flashes with his arm though, and we all know what his legs are capable of.
Rich Rod has commented that Denard and Tate will likely split time but I still anticipate Tate getting the bulk of the time and the starting job. He has proven his potential and Denard still has a long way to go. One wild card in this could be the after affects of Tate's shoulder injury from last year and that could play a factor, though most experts believe he is close to 100% now and will be ready for the season perfectly healthy.
Either way it's just spring so we can't read too much into this stuff. However, I would love to give Denard a chance at QB (especially because he's been performing so well in camp). If he can learn to use his legs as a supplementary tool to his passing (i.e. throwing on the run, which he is still struggling with and Tate is great at) he could become a dangerous weapon in the future. However for the upcoming season I still see Tate as the main quarterback.
Notes:
Rich Rod said that he and the coaching staff are working Denard into other positions (!) that he could play during the year to get his speed on the field. This has been a long time coming and is a great idea. I'm really excited to see what comes of this...With Denard performing so well in camp it's becoming more and more inevitable that freshman phenom and QB of the future Devon Gardner will take a redshirt. I actually really like this idea because it maximizes his time as a starter. He has also been shaky in spring practice as any freshman getting his reps would. The future is extremely bright for Devon...We will be able to see how all three of the quarterbacks do in a game setting a week from Saturday in Michigan's third spring game under Rich Rodriguez. Spring game material will be posted next week.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Coming soon to UMGameday
Once the season starts the blog will be revamped with a lot of interactive content. I cannot speak for Matt (but I'm sure he'll have posts) but I will begin the 2010 season's coverage in August with season previews and predictions. Once we reach the regular season I will post this content weekly:
I want to make the site as interactive as possible so comment to your heart's desire on every post. While I'm not going to impose restrictions on comments (language, slurs etc.) please use common sense so I don't have to. Also if you would like to become a contributor to the site shoot me an email (hpkscooter@aol.com). Thanks to all for reading and let the countdown to September begin. Go Blue!
Notes: Part 2 of my insanely early look at the 2010 season should be up in a few days...the 2010 Spring Game is on April 18. I'll have a few posts leading up to that as well as a full-blown recap.
Tuesday: Mailbag*
Wednesday: Big Ten Power Rankings and My National Top 10
Thursday: Random thoughts on Michigan and all things College Football
Friday: Preview of the weekend's game with my thoughts and prediction
Saturday: Game thread/Liveblog**
Sunday: Recap of the weekend's game and Big Ten action
*This will be dependent on your questions. If I can get a steady flow of questions I would be really excited to make this a weekly feature but it will most likely be an every-other-week thing or once a month thing. It's all dependent on reader's questions.
**I'm sure I'll be able to do maybe a few Liveblogs but these will be rare (maybe twice this year). I'll post a game thread each game, posting at the start time of the game.
Wednesday: Big Ten Power Rankings and My National Top 10
Thursday: Random thoughts on Michigan and all things College Football
Friday: Preview of the weekend's game with my thoughts and prediction
Saturday: Game thread/Liveblog**
Sunday: Recap of the weekend's game and Big Ten action
*This will be dependent on your questions. If I can get a steady flow of questions I would be really excited to make this a weekly feature but it will most likely be an every-other-week thing or once a month thing. It's all dependent on reader's questions.
**I'm sure I'll be able to do maybe a few Liveblogs but these will be rare (maybe twice this year). I'll post a game thread each game, posting at the start time of the game.
I want to make the site as interactive as possible so comment to your heart's desire on every post. While I'm not going to impose restrictions on comments (language, slurs etc.) please use common sense so I don't have to. Also if you would like to become a contributor to the site shoot me an email (hpkscooter@aol.com). Thanks to all for reading and let the countdown to September begin. Go Blue!
Notes: Part 2 of my insanely early look at the 2010 season should be up in a few days...the 2010 Spring Game is on April 18. I'll have a few posts leading up to that as well as a full-blown recap.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
An Insanely Early Look at the 2010 Football Season: Part 1
With spring practice in full swing and the spring game fast approaching, football is in the air. Before of course it disappears again over the summer. While we wait out these few months until September, I'm going to take a brief look over the schedule and do some previewing, just based on knowledge and really no research. So, without further ado, a ridiculously early 2010 football preview. Today, I'll be previewing the first half of the season.
9/4- vs UConn
The theme last year for UConn for close, but no cigar as the Huskies lost countless games by excruciatingly close margins. UConn has most of its core coming back and is certainly a contender in the Big East and a good opponent. However, UConn's inability to win the close ones is going to haunt them, especially because on paper at least this looks like a very close game. It's really too early to tell, but I'm going to go ahead and try anyway. Likely result: Win
9/11- at Notre Dame
Out with the old in with the new. Notre Dame has completely changed from last year to now. They have a new coach, a new QB, and new wide recievers. However, many of the teams core remains the same as the one that battled Michigan down to the very last play of the game at the Big House. This game will be another barn burner. Likely result: Loss
9/18- vs UMass
Really not much to say here. From what I think I know, UMass is a sold 1-AA team that won some games last year. However, I don't think they can compete with the athletes at Michigan. Likely result: Win
9/25- vs Bowling Green
Also not too much necessary. The Eagles were not atrocious last year but they just don't have the athletes to play with Michigan. Likely result: Win
10/2- at Indiana
Indiana returns most of their starters from a team that went 1-7 in the Big Ten last year, including a loss to Michigan, the Wolverines only win of the Big Ten season. It's going to be another rough year in Bloomington so the Hoosier faithful better hope their basketball gets back on track if they want a good rooting interest. Likely result: Win
10/9- vs Michigan State
It's time folks. Yes, the last time Michigan beat Sparty in football OR basketball was in 2007, when Chad Henne and the football team completed a wild comeback to pull off a shocking 28-24 victory at Spartan Stadium. This lead Mike Hart to smugly state his infamous "little brother" quote. And Michigan hasn't beaten the Spartans in a major two sport (basketball and football) game since. This will change. Although Michigan is still not a great football team, Michigan State lost nine players from last year who were involved in a bar fight that led to expulsion from the team. Two former players are in jail right now. Likely result: Win
So there you have the first half of the year. After a quick glance: 5-1 (2-0). The Notre Dame game I expect to be close so maybe even 6-0. This is extremely optimistic but not impossible. Let's hear your thoughts in the comments. The second half of the preview will come probably later this week and I'll have a real preview closer to the season with an actual projected record (this is just for fun). Thanks for reading!
9/4- vs UConn
The theme last year for UConn for close, but no cigar as the Huskies lost countless games by excruciatingly close margins. UConn has most of its core coming back and is certainly a contender in the Big East and a good opponent. However, UConn's inability to win the close ones is going to haunt them, especially because on paper at least this looks like a very close game. It's really too early to tell, but I'm going to go ahead and try anyway. Likely result: Win
9/11- at Notre Dame
Out with the old in with the new. Notre Dame has completely changed from last year to now. They have a new coach, a new QB, and new wide recievers. However, many of the teams core remains the same as the one that battled Michigan down to the very last play of the game at the Big House. This game will be another barn burner. Likely result: Loss
9/18- vs UMass
Really not much to say here. From what I think I know, UMass is a sold 1-AA team that won some games last year. However, I don't think they can compete with the athletes at Michigan. Likely result: Win
9/25- vs Bowling Green
Also not too much necessary. The Eagles were not atrocious last year but they just don't have the athletes to play with Michigan. Likely result: Win
10/2- at Indiana
Indiana returns most of their starters from a team that went 1-7 in the Big Ten last year, including a loss to Michigan, the Wolverines only win of the Big Ten season. It's going to be another rough year in Bloomington so the Hoosier faithful better hope their basketball gets back on track if they want a good rooting interest. Likely result: Win
10/9- vs Michigan State
It's time folks. Yes, the last time Michigan beat Sparty in football OR basketball was in 2007, when Chad Henne and the football team completed a wild comeback to pull off a shocking 28-24 victory at Spartan Stadium. This lead Mike Hart to smugly state his infamous "little brother" quote. And Michigan hasn't beaten the Spartans in a major two sport (basketball and football) game since. This will change. Although Michigan is still not a great football team, Michigan State lost nine players from last year who were involved in a bar fight that led to expulsion from the team. Two former players are in jail right now. Likely result: Win
So there you have the first half of the year. After a quick glance: 5-1 (2-0). The Notre Dame game I expect to be close so maybe even 6-0. This is extremely optimistic but not impossible. Let's hear your thoughts in the comments. The second half of the preview will come probably later this week and I'll have a real preview closer to the season with an actual projected record (this is just for fun). Thanks for reading!
Off-Season Update: Football Game at Wrigley Field?!?!
Just to keep the site somewhat active here's some offseason fluff to munch on. Included in this post: some other sports (hockey, basketball); Brandom Graham NFL draft update; football spring practice update; football game at Wrigley?!?!
-Quick shoutout to the UM Hockey team. After struggling through a tough regular season that saw the team lose any chances of an at large bid into the NCAA tournament, the guys (especially former walk-on goalie Shawn Hunwick) came through in the CCHA tournament, going 6-0-0 and winning the conference. After a 5-1 first round win over Bemidji State, the Wolverines went into OT in a 2-2 game against No. 1 seeded Miami (OH). A lose puck goal appeared to give UM the win in OT, but it was waved off on a brutal early whistle. Miami went on to win 3-2 in the second OT.
-The basketball season had a couple bright spots, but it was mainly lowlights and it ended fittingly on the most painful loss of the season. Not much else to say here. Good luck to Manny Harris and DeShawn Simms going on in professional basketball (Manny is expected to be a late second round pick, DeShawn most likely undrafted and go through either Europe or the D-League).
-With the NFL draft fast approaching, Michigan's best draft prospect, DE Brandon Graham has been ramping up with workload. Brandon is expected to go early in the draft, likely in the Top 10. Good luck to Brandon.
-In football spring practice Michigan's defense is installing a new 3-3-5 system that is risky but anything should be better than last years defense. Also star freshman quarterback Devon Gardner seems likely to be heading for a redshirt in order to get him as many starting years possible (likely two with Tate being around until 2012).
-Also rumors are being tossed around that the Michigan at Northwestern game in 2011 could be played at Wrigley Field, most likely at a 12:00 pm or 3:30 pm start. Nothing is official yet, just something to note.
-Quick shoutout to the UM Hockey team. After struggling through a tough regular season that saw the team lose any chances of an at large bid into the NCAA tournament, the guys (especially former walk-on goalie Shawn Hunwick) came through in the CCHA tournament, going 6-0-0 and winning the conference. After a 5-1 first round win over Bemidji State, the Wolverines went into OT in a 2-2 game against No. 1 seeded Miami (OH). A lose puck goal appeared to give UM the win in OT, but it was waved off on a brutal early whistle. Miami went on to win 3-2 in the second OT.
-The basketball season had a couple bright spots, but it was mainly lowlights and it ended fittingly on the most painful loss of the season. Not much else to say here. Good luck to Manny Harris and DeShawn Simms going on in professional basketball (Manny is expected to be a late second round pick, DeShawn most likely undrafted and go through either Europe or the D-League).
-With the NFL draft fast approaching, Michigan's best draft prospect, DE Brandon Graham has been ramping up with workload. Brandon is expected to go early in the draft, likely in the Top 10. Good luck to Brandon.
-In football spring practice Michigan's defense is installing a new 3-3-5 system that is risky but anything should be better than last years defense. Also star freshman quarterback Devon Gardner seems likely to be heading for a redshirt in order to get him as many starting years possible (likely two with Tate being around until 2012).
-Also rumors are being tossed around that the Michigan at Northwestern game in 2011 could be played at Wrigley Field, most likely at a 12:00 pm or 3:30 pm start. Nothing is official yet, just something to note.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)