HAIL TO THE VICTORS VALIANT!
December 31, 2013
Game Report Posted: April 03, 2010 16:18
#2 Michigan beat #1 Nebraska 37-21 to win the BCS National Championship trophy on a rainy night in Pasadena. Michigan said that they felt slighted when the voters moved Nebraska ahead of them in the polls, but coach Jello stated that there's only 1 time when the #1 ranking matters, and that's at the end of the season. Still, Michigan's players played as though they all had chips on their shoulders.
This game was a contrast between 2 very different offensive philosophies. Michigan, who ran the ball very well, only attempted 11 passes compared to 43 rushes. Nebraska, outside of a few sacks and coverage scrambles, only ran the ball a shocking two times during the entire game compared to 34 passes. It also pitted 2 young sophomore QBs against each other in Mark Charles from Michigan and Heisman winner Alford of Nebraska. Charles played well while Alford may have been suffering a bit from the Heisman Hangover.
Michigan dominated the 1st half. Their 1st 2 drives stalled in Nebraska territory, but they still managed to get 2 FGs out of them. When Mark Charles scored on a QB sneak with 5s remaining in the half, Michigan took a 13-0 lead into halftime. After Michigan added a 0 yard TD run by SR HB Fitz Toussaint halfway through the 3rd quarter Michigan had their largest lead of the game, 20-0. After this, Nebraska went into 5 WR, throw every down mode and Michigan countered with a quarters defensive package. For the most part Michigan didn't have much of an answer for the Nebraska 5 WR attack. Coach Jello decided to play it safe and try to bend, but not break and it worked pretty well. While they did end up giving up almost 300 yards passing, they also picked off the Heisman winner 3 times in the game. This would be the difference in the game.
While the Huskers were throwing all over the field, Michigan was running all over it. Nebraska didn't have an answer for the Michigan ground game, particularly in the middle of their 3-4 defense. Michigan would churn out 170 yards and 3 TDs on the ground, led my SR HB Vincent Smith (who clearly didn't want to go out a loser) with 112 yards and a TD on 19 carries. Michigan's O-line really deserves most of the credit, however, as they were blowing open holes in the soft Nebraska front 7 to the tune of 16 pancakes on the day.
Michigan had some stars on defense too. Superstar DT A.J. Keller, who had a pretty disappointing season, came though when he was needed most with 3 sacks. FR CB Thomas Henderson, who only saw playing time after SR CB Austin Hill was knocked out for the game with an injury, came up huge with 2 INTs. Speaking of injuries, SO QB Mark Charles was injured twice in the game, including a injury that forced him to miss almost the entire 4th quarter. SR backup Ian Heffner relieved him, and while he didn't have to throw often, he made some huge runs that kept the ball in Michigan's hands. Michigan dominated the TOP with 18.5 minutes to Nebraska's 9.5.
Coach Jello will enjoy this championship for now as he waits to see if this will lead to a mass exodus of star players from his team like he fears it will
OUCH! Who the hell forgot to pack the lube?!?
October 12, 2013
Game Report Posted: March 11, 2010 02:35
Don't be fooled by Illinois' 0-5 record and 11.9 PPG. This team is actually pretty terrible. On Michigan's 2nd play from scrimmage SR WR Jeremy Gallon caught a screen pass 4 yards behind the line of scrimmage and took it 70 yards for a 66 yard TD reception. Things only got worse for Illinois from there en route to a 59-0 drubbing.
I go on and on about how studly SO WR Greg Banks is (he caught 3 balls for 136 yards and 2 TDs) and the following highlight shows what an all around awesome player he is. Don't watch the WR who catches the pass (#18), but check out Banks (#1) on the right of the screen. First he pancakes his defender, then he runs downfield and takes another defender out of the play. Gallon gets the 66 yard TD reception, but without Banks, this is a 3 yard completion.
http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/17773799
Michigan's starters only played a half in this one as they took a 35-0 lead into the half thanx to 369 yards of total offense. Charles threw for a Michigan record 5 TD passes (on only 7 completions!) including 66 and 85 yarders. 6 players rushed for at least 20 yards. Michigan's defense only allowed 117 total yards. With the 2nd team, FR phenom Lamont West carried the ball 6 times for 44 yards and 2 TDs.
Next Michigan will take on the Boilermakers of Purdue.
Michigan Rides Momentum Roller Coaster to Maintain Little Brown Jug
October 5, 2013
Game Report Posted: March 11, 2010 02:36
Michigan held on to beat Minnesota in a game that featured many ups and downs. Michigan took a 7-3 lead after 1 thanx to Mark Charles taking the first snap 43 yards for a TD. The 2nd quarter would see Michigan outscore Minn. 14-0. In the 3rd quarter Minnesota outscored Michigan 21-0, taking their 1st lead of the game. The 4th quarter saw Michigan put away the Gophers by outscoring them 28-0. The game wasn't decided until Mark Charles scored on his 2nd TD run of the game with 40 seconds remaining. On the ensuing drive, Minnesota went 3 and out and Fitz Toussaint returned the punt 72 yards for his first PR for a TD which made the game look more comfortable than it really was.
Charles was horrible throwing the ball as he only completed 5 of 14 passes for 68 yards and 3 INTs. Luckily Michigan pounded the Beavers on the ground to the tune of 301 yards rushing and 5 TDs. Charles had his 2nd consecutive 100 yards rushing performance. In the 1st half, starting HB Vincent Smith continued to struggle as he has all season. Backup Fitz Toussaint had a couple of big runs so he got the start in the 2nd half. He ended the game with 151 rushing yards and 298 all purpose yards and 3 total TDs on the day. Defensively Jerome Williams had a big day with 2 INTs.
Next up for the 6-0 Wolverines is a winless Illinois team.
Charles and Banks Explode All Over the Hoosier Defense
September 28, 2013
Game Report Posted: March 06, 2010 03:51
Michigan's offense finally got their shit together as they worked over the Hoosier defense. In the end the day would be a record breaking day 1 Wolverine. Mark Charles (who surprisingly enough wasn't named the player of the game) played out of his mind and showed flashes of his potential. He completed 10 of 15 passes for a mind boggling 232 yards and 3 TDs. On top of this, he led the team in rushing with 16 carries for 104 yards and 2 more TDs. Despite this amazing day, fellow SO Greg Banks was not to be outdone. He caught 6 passes for 3 TDs and a new Michigan school record of 198 yards receiving (breaking Jack Clancy's 1966 record by 1 yard).
With the game finally comfortable halfway through the 4th quarter coach Jello put in the subs and Wolverine fans caught a glimpse of the future. With 2 minutes to play, highly touted FR HB Lamont West made a nice cut and then was gone on a 35 yard TD run. One can only imagine how good this kid will be once he gets some experience.
Michigan's defense left much to be desired as they allowed 142 rushing and 318 passing yards. If it weren't for 3 INTs, Indiana would've likely scored at least 40 points. Next up for Michigan is a home game against rival Minnesota. Coach Jello is expected to have several potential recruits in attendance so let's hope that the offense plays this well next week and that the defense steps up their game.
Michigan Survives 4th Scare in a Row, 37-34
September 21, 2013
Game Report Posted: March 04, 2010 05:04
Nothing was working for Michigan against Iowa in the Big House.
On Iowa's 1st play from scrimmage, Michigan forced a fumble which was picked up by a fat O-lineman who then ran ahead for 60 yards before he could be caught.
Charles was sacked 8 times.
Charles threw 2 INTs, including a pick 6 on their own 10 yard line.
All World WR Greg Banks was knocked out of the game after 1 catch in the 1st quarter.
All World HB Vincent Smith was knocked out of the game early in the 3rd quarter.
Michigan's offense was out gained, out rushed, and out passed by the Hawkeyes.
Despite all of this, Michigan found a way to win. SR HB Fitz Toussaint came up huge on special teams as he returned 2 kickoffs for over 75 yards including 1 for a TD. Charles ran the ball decently well as he ended up with 26 rushing yards despite the 8 sacks. While dropping back, however, he looked lost without his #1 target Banks.
This is Michigan's 4th victory of the season, but they have only outscored their opponents by a total of 22 points. Unless they can get their shit together soon, they will likely squander the opportunity they gave themselves by beating Notre Dame this season. Unless they can start to gel as a team, they will have no shot of playing for a National Championship.
Michigan's Offense Struggles Yet Again, But Wolverines Take Care of Army 20-14
September 14, 2013
Game Report Posted: March 01, 2010 16:35
Michigan's offense continues to struggle to click, but luckily the defense stepped up to the challenge of facing Army's potent flexbone attack. Michigan's offense only accounted for 276 yards of offense and 1 TD, but their defense held Army to only 240 yards. The Michigan defense played bend, but don't break as they only gave up 1 rush of 20+ yards (a 29 yarder by Denard Robinson). They forced Army to only get a few yards at a time until they eventually either turned the ball over or couldn't get a 1st down. Michigan's D forced 4 Army punts (compared to 1 by Michigan) and 2 turnovers.
The 2 turnovers were the difference in the game. The 1st was an INT thrown by Denard Robinson (on 1 of his 2 passes in the game) at the end of the 1st half in the Michigan redzone. If he doesn't throw that pick, Army gets at least 3 points. The other turnover was the really costly one. Denard Robinson was hit by SR OLB Brandin Hawthorne to force a fumble. It was scooped up by SR DE Craig Roh who would rumble 43 yards for the scoop and score.
Next week Michigan will begin conference play by taking on Iowa.
Weatherman Reports 100MPH Winds in Ann Arbor as 110,000 People All Exhale At the Same Time
September 7, 2013
Game Report Posted: March 01, 2010 16:36
#1 Michigan hosted #20 Mississippi State 1 week after upsetting Notre Dame and they appeared to still be hungover most of the game. Max's players came to the Big House with their helmets strapped on very tightly. This game was a bit of a defensive struggle featuring two teams with very similar styles (they combined for 72 rushes and only 22 passes). MSU punted on their 1st drive. Michigan's 1st drive featured a beautiful 49 yard rush by QB Mark Charles to the 1 yard line. Fitz Toussaint would punch it in from there. On MSU's next possession they were forced to 3rd and 5. Michigan brought the blitz and All-Everything DE Craig Roh nearly got to the QB but he flew right by him. The QB would then hit WR Gilbert who had gotten behind the cover 0 defense for a 67 yard TD.
In the 2nd quarter both defenses flexed their muscles and held the other team to only a FG. Michigan's offense continued to sputter throughout the 3rd quarter as they went scoreless. On a 3rd and 2 MSU HB Conner got much more than that as he broke off a 49 yard TD to give MSU the lead by 7 with 4 minutes left in the 3rd. After another Michigan punt MSU got conservative on offense and ran the clock out as best they could.
They were able to eat the clock down to 5:30 remaining in the 4th quarter and had a gorgeous punt that pinned Michigan inside their own 10 yard line. Mark Charles, who had been rather lack luster throughout the game) then wrote a new chapter to his legacy. He led Michigan on a 4:50, 92 yard drive which he capped off with a 4yd TD run.
In OT, Michigan's defense stepped up and forced 3 and out and a FG by MSU. Michigan, who had the momentum by now would rumble on 5 running plays in a row for a TD and the victory.
This was an excellent gameplan by coach Max as coach Jello felt completely helpless at times while on both offense and defense. Nothing he tried could stop the potent Bulldog rushing attack and for the 2 middle quarters, Michigan's offense just couldn't seem to get anything working at all.
Things don't get any easier for Michigan as they will next face Army. Michigan has never faced a flexbone team so coach Jello has his work cut out for him as he tries to find some way to stop the potent flexbone attack. Hopefully after 3 games against a straight up pro style team, a straight up spread team, and flexbone team Michigan's defense will be prepared for anything.
King Kong Has Left the Building!
August 31, 2013
Game Report Posted: February 26, 2010 05:59
Coach Jello has had a gargantuan sized monkey on his back for the past 5 years and it's name is Notre Dame. Michigan was 0-4 against the Irish under coach Jello. That monkey is now gone following a 34-24 victory Saturday night.
The game started off very familiarly for Michigan. In every ND game prior to this one ND had a 40+ yard TD run on their first drive. The same happened in this game as Ian Childress busted a 42 yarder for a TD on their 1st possession. Michigan would miss a medium ranged FG to exit the 1st quarter down 7-0. After a 30 yard TD pass to Spence and a Mark Charles 5 yd rushing TD ND took a 14-10 lead into the half.
In the 3rd quarter the wolverines would seize control and never relinquish it. MLB Jarrod Miller took over as he picked off Archie on 2 consecutive possessions and returned 1 for a TD. This, combined with Charles' 1st of 2 TD passes would give Michigan a 24-21 lead after 3.
In the 4th, Charles would hit Banks for a 40 yard pass on 3rd and 18 to keep a TD drive going. With 2 minutes remaining ND, down by 7, forced Michigan to punt the ball. Theo Riddick was lit up right after catching the ball and fumbled it to the Wolverines. This sealed the deal and got Michigan their first victory over ND in this dynasty.
This game had several side story lines in addition to the usual Michigan-Notre Dame game. It featured a #1 vs. #2 matchup. It featured the much anticipated matchup of QBs Devin Archie and Mark Charles, who were both signed during the same year. It also featured 2 star receivers in Deon Spence and Greg Banks who were also recruited the same year as Charles and Spence. Michigan's duo got the better of ND's duo in this game.
Not only did Charles run the ball well (he led the team with 53 rushing yards), he surprisingly outpassed Archie as well.
Player QBR Comp Att % Yards TD INT
Archie 131.7 18 28 64% 194 2 2
Charles 184.0 20 23 86% 211 2 1
WR Greg Banks, who had a lot of preseason hype with him given permission to don the coveted #1 jersey, had a huge game. He and Spence both caught 8 balls, but Banks was more explosive. Spence ended with 8 rec for 81 yards and 2 TDs. Banks caught 8 for 131 yards and 1 TD.
Next up for the Wolverines is #20 Mississippi State in a rematch of their 2001 Capital 1 Bowl matchup.
2013 Michigan Season Preview
August 3, 2013
Season Report Posted: February 23, 2010 22:55
Looking Back:
Last year was a great season for the maize and blue. They went undefeated in the Big 10, beat the hairless nuts, and capped off a 12-1 campaign with a drubbing of #5 Oregon in the Rose Bowl and a #3 ranking. The defense was crazy as they pitched 3 shutouts, all against top 10 teams. It was also the swan song for 16 great players, 14 of whom started. The biggest departure, figuratively and literally, was 4 year starting DT Big Will Campbell. Campbell finished his career as the all time leading sacker in Michigan's glorious history with 30.
Looking Forward:
Despite losing a ton of talent from last year's dominating team, the Wolverines are still a very good team and, surprisingly, start the season as the #1 team in the land. This year's team is clearly not as talents as last years and it'll be playing some younger guys, but things are still very promising in Ann Arbor. Let's take a look at the 2013 edition of the Michigan Wolverines.
QB:
Mark Charles will finally get his opportunity to run the show. Everyone knows that he can run, but the question still remains as to whether or not he can throw. In his FR campaign he threw 8 INTs to only 4 TDs and he left high school with a reputation as a fumbler. Michigan's offense will go as Charles goes and he must take care of the ball for Michigan to have success.
RBs:
This is unquestionably the strongest position on the entire team, let alone the offense. SRs Vincent Smith and Fitz Toussaint are both beasts and form a brilliant 1-2 punch. 3rd stringer Eric Ward has been brilliant thus far in his career, averaging 7.2 YPC. FR Lamont West brings the kind of speed that Michigan has never had in the backfield under coach Jello. The top 2 backs are very, very good and Michigan's stable is very, very deep. On top of this, Michigan's SO FB is the best FB to come out of HS in 5 years and is developing very nicely.
Receivers:
We lost some good receivers and our corps isn't as strong as last year's and not nearly as strong as coach Jello would like. SR Jeremy Gallon is finally the #1 receiver and hopes to have a decent year after a disappointing one as the #2 guy last year. SO Greg Banks, who led the team in receiving last year as a FR, could have a breakout year. More on Banks later. Outside of those 2, the receivers are average at best. Given coach Jello's propensity for 5 WR sets, this could prove to be an issue. Michigan's TEs are mostly young and still need to continue to develop for a couple of years before they're real threats.
O-Line:
They're fairly young and not nearly as talented as last year's squad. Even more than the receivers, this could be the weakest part of the offense. They really need to open holes for the backs to run through and to protect Charles. If they don't play above and beyond their capabilities, this could be a long season for Charles.
D-Line:
Last year's D-line was a near-NFL caliber line (2 were 1st round draft picks last year and the other 2 will be when they leave Michigan) so it's not fair to compare the two. The squad is anchored by LE Craig Roh and DT A.J. Keller who are both poised for huge years. JR Wendell Campbell (William's "little" brother) will finally get a chance to start and JR Greg Simmons will also step into the starting lineup. Simmons is the obvious weak link of the D-line.
LBs:
MLB Jarrod Miller is one of 2 returning starters in the LB corps and is still the weak link of the backers. SR Brandin Hawthorne brings the kind of speed to the LB slot that can either cover a WR or create havoc in the backfield. SO T.J. Grant will get a shot to start and could turn into a 3 year starter. This kid has tremendous talent and could end up as one of the all time greats for Michigan before he graduates.
Secondary:
This year's squad is barely a mere shadow of last year's secondary. None of the corners are very good. The FS is not good, especially considering the fact that he's a SR. SS Jerome Williams is the highlight of the secondary and he still needs another year before he matures into an outstanding player. This is clearly the weakest part of the entire team.
Honors:
Starting in 1979 with Anthony Carter, it has been a Michigan tradition to only give out the number "1" jersey to a WR that has proven himself worthy. No player had earned the honor during coach Jello's tenure until now. In the season opener against hated Notre Dame, SO(RS) Greg Banks will have the privilege to don the coveted #1. Banks is the first Wolverine to wear the jersey since Braylon Edwards finished his Michigan career with 3 TD catches in the 2005 Rose Bowl. Can he live up to the legacy? Only time will tell.
Everyone in Ann Arbor is expecting big things from Banks
Banks has the physical talents to succeed. He towers over most CBs with his 6'5" frame. He has great speed with a 96 rating. In coach Jello's system, no receiver will ever put up Anthony Carter or Braylon Edwards type numbers (no receiver or back has broken 1,000 yards receiving or rushing under Coach Jello), but Banks had a great freshman campaign. Last year he led the team in receiving yards, YPC, TDs, RAC, and, unfortunately, drops. His 647 receiving yards are the most yards in 1 season by anyone during coach Jello's tenure. By allowing him to wear the #1 jersey, coach Jello obviously expects great things from him.
Michigan does not have any preseason All Americans, but they do have 3 1st team and 3 2nd team All Big Ten players.
1st Team All-Conference
* Vincent Smith - SR(RS), halfback
* Craig Roh - SR(RS), Defensive End
* Brendan Gibbons - SR(RS), kicker
2nd Team All-Conference
* Greg Banks - SO(RS) (RS), wide receiver
* Fitzgerald Toussaint - SR(RS) (RS), halfback
* A.J. Keller - JR, defensive tackle
__________________