Last season Michigan had a number of football games where the first half was unsettling or unsatisfying, with a tenuous halftime lead understating the gap between the two squads. Michigan would eventually pull away in the second half, but it didn't always make for the best viewing experience. Their trip to Bloomington last season against that woeful Indiana squad was one such game, with the contest tied 10-10 at halftime before Michigan outscored the Hoosiers 21-0 in the second half. Today's game in some ways felt like a familiar script, a sluggish opening against an overmatched opponent. Except in this season of Michigan Football, the sluggish periods are shorter, the halftime leads are larger, and the eventual margins of victory are even larger. The Wolverines took a 21-7 lead into halftime against Indiana after a poor 1st quarter and pummeled the Hoosiers in the second half to win 52-7. Michigan's defense started first and did well on that opening series, forcing
Michigan's NFL draft decisions all seem to be in. Cornelius Johnson, Michael Barrett, and Kris Jenkins confirmed they're returning. So did Jim Harbaugh. Seems like a good day to check in on the state of the football roster. What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. Brian appropriated it, dropped it for a few years, and then I stole it from him. Regarding the number of tickets: typically its’ 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 kickers + a Flex TE/Slot + nickel + extra DL. This year we have a K/P so I used the extra spot on a 6th OL. Previously: Spring 2022, Post-Bowl 2022. DEPARTURES IN ORDER OF SIGNIFICANCE 1. C Olu Oluwatimi (out of eligibility). Won Outland and Rimington Awards, centered Joe Moore-winning OL. 2. DE Mike Morris (NFL). Only DL who could get solid pass-rush. Great run defender. Badly hampered/missed after rolled ankle late vs Nebraska. 3. NT Mazi Smith (NFL). Stalwart nose,
What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. Brian appropriated it, dropped it for a few years, and then I stole it from him. This year's spring update isn't going to be very different from last winter, especially at the top. How many tickets? Typically 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 specialists and three FLEX positions. This can vary somewhat to get everyone a ticket. Previously: Post-Bowl 2023, Spring 2022, Post-Bowl 2022. PACK YOUR BAGS You will see them on the field a lot, whether or not they’re technically getting the start. 1. QB JJ McCarthy (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 2] Moves up a spot because he's the most irreplaceable. Zen-master 5-star who sent Cade McNamara to Iowa, advances to the Henson 2000/Henne 2006 phase of 5-star quarterbackdom. Legs a major threat but left mostly on the shelf (see: irreplaceable). 2. RB Blake Corum (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 1] As foretold by Fred Jackson, Mike
Michigan's NFL draft decisions all seem to be in. Cornelius Johnson, Michael Barrett, and Kris Jenkins confirmed they're returning. So did Jim Harbaugh. Seems like a good day to check in on the state of the football roster. What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. Brian appropriated it, dropped it for a few years, and then I stole it from him. Regarding the number of tickets: typically its’ 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 kickers + a Flex TE/Slot + nickel + extra DL. This year we have a K/P so I used the extra spot on a 6th OL. Previously: Spring 2022, Post-Bowl 2022. DEPARTURES IN ORDER OF SIGNIFICANCE 1. C Olu Oluwatimi (out of eligibility). Won Outland and Rimington Awards, centered Joe Moore-winning OL. 2. DE Mike Morris (NFL). Only DL who could get solid pass-rush. Great run defender. Badly hampered/missed after rolled ankle late vs Nebraska. 3. NT Mazi Smith (NFL). Stalwart nose,
So first of all, I have nothing of definitive substance since I don’t subscribe to the premium recruiting sites, but there are a few tidbits I will mention. Early Signing day is only 2 days away and it’s surprisingly quiet so I don’t know if that’s a good sign or bad. A couple of notes: