Facilitate This

At first glance, maybe I'm too old school. But that can't be it since I'm only 31. How old school can I possibly be at this age?

I was raised just a few miles north of Detroit in the proud city of Warren. Growing up, basketball was my livelihood. It was so simple back then, grab a ball, find a court, and play until the sun went down. Crap, at times, some of the best ball was being played on courts with no nets or slightly bent hoops. No matter, we played until the day gave way to the night.

In the summer, our hard headed high school basketball coach would take us to the city to play in summer leagues against PSL's schools in an old dingy gym in Hamtramack.

The good old days, when all you needed to play some competitive hoops was a ball, a jersey, and a rim.

Obviously those days are gone as college institutions now need multi million dollar venues in order to produce a good basketball program. After all, good arena lighting and new seats will undoubtedly get recruits to play with some heart and fire. In fact, it may even get a couple of players to dive on the ground for a loose ball. A new practice facility will surely help clear the mind of the head coach so he can install an offense that actually attacks the basket. It should also help with his ability to get off his butt during games and show some fire.

This is the sad state of college athletics. Gone are the days when you used to put on your jersey and play with passion no matter where the hoop stood, inside or out. Now we need shiny floors, bright lights, and state of the art PA systems in order to produce a winning team.

But something tells me deep down I'm misguided by this new train of thought. In my belly I feel the competitive drive and success of a team has little to do with facilities and more to do with the coach and his ability to produce a well prepared team that develops its players. Realistically, most of these kids come from nothing and are just ecstatic to where a college uniform.

At first, it might be difficult to sway in the big guns who opt for high profile schools with fancy, shiny hardwood. However, bringing in a coach who can take mid-level talent and make it gel will slowly get some lookers. Eventually, it is the leader who will turn this thing around. The talent will come because they want to play for this coach, not because the arena is nice looking. They will run through a wall for this leader and its effect will be shown by the play on the court.

In the end, its the General that attracts his men and leads them to victory, not the surrounding battlefield conditions.

We now have the opportunity to find that General and finally get it right, at last.

After all, the place where they play is just window dressing, its what's going on inside that produces success.

Pick a Side and Stay There!

So, most agree the current college football system is a joke in terms of crowning a National Champion. The majority in the college football world want some type of postseason, whether its an 'And 1' or playoff.

But, now I'm confused. This past Saturday we obviously watched the two best teams in the country play in Columbus, OH. The game was so thrilling that the first question asked was should there be a rematch?

Approximately half of the media and fans are in favor of it.

The other half?

Well, most use arguments along the line of 'its unfair to Ohio State' or 'give another team a chance' or 'Michigan had its shot' (in Columbus mind you).

Let me point out the problem with this. If you're part of the no rematch camp for reasons other than you DO NOT feel Michigan is #2, then you're really not in favor of a playoff and this shocks me. I am baffled that overnight a large portion of the college football world has decided a playoff is not the way to go.

You're probably asking why I'm saying this. Well, it's quite simple. If you're not in favor of a rematch, then a playoff will NOT work because rematches will be plentiful.

So we sit here today more confused than ever. As college football was, slowly, but surely moving toward a 'playoff', we just learned that there are many who actually don't want it because they hadn't taken the time to think it through.

You can't have a playoff without rematches!

Who would've thunk that?

Michigan vs. Ohio State (THE Game)

My first memory of this classic series is 1986. The Harbaugh led Wolverines walked into Columbus and fell behind Cris Carter's Buckeyes 14-3. However, Big Blue stormed backed from the early deficit to clip the Bucks 26-24, to clinch the Big Ten and a trip to the Rose Bowl.

I was 9 at the time and the hatred began that day. Over the years it has intensified and now lives at a soft boil, some 21 years later.

The 18th of November, 2006, will present to us one of the best match-ups in college football history. Not only is it Michigan vs. Ohio State, but it's for all the marbles. As if pure detest isn't enough, these two powerhouses will decide who books a trip to the National Championship this Saturday.

The ferocity of this series is unmatched. The war of the border is like no other. The tension escalates with each passing year and has now come to a climax. In the 102 year history of this epic series, never have they met ranked #1 and #2 and its quite possible it will never happen again.

For the fans, it is a week of two tales. The media coverage will be intense. You'll hear more statistics regarding the two teams then you'll care to know. The analysts will spew their meaningless jargon to hype THE Game to its highest magnitude. But come Friday night, every Michigan and Ohio State fan will have a feeling in the pit of their stomach that will not let them sleep. In fact, I doubt many do. Saturday morning will be welcomed with arms wide open, yet the nervousness and tension will escalate to unprecedented proportions.

Nobody is fooling anybody this week. Those fans who have an attachment to this game cannot concentrate a lick without thinking to Saturday. The game will be joyous for one side and sorrowful for the other. The emotions let loose during the week could supply enough power to generate a major city for months. What this game means to many cannot be quantified by on-field statistics. We will all hear why one team should beat the other, but emotions win in this rivalry. More often than not, the more talented team walks off as the loser. Heart and determination trump god given skill in this battle.

The media content this week has gotten so large that one doesn't even know where to begin. Maybe its best to just sit back and reflect. Enjoy some old classic battles between the two schools and relish in the history this rivalry has provided. After all, nobody truly understands the magnitude of this match-up outside of the two teams and its fan base. No one can comprehend the difficulty sleeping the Friday night before the game and the angst leading up to it on Saturday morning. Most of all, nobody on the outside understands the anguish of a loss that lives with us for 364 days.

But those within the walls of this classic rivalry fully understand what's at stake on Saturday for the 103rd time. Some will pop out of bed Sunday morning, while others will try to convince themselves it was only a dream.

Michigan vs. Ohio State for a chance to claim it all.


DP

Michigan vs. Ohio State Preview

Ohio State vs Michigan 2006 Hype Video


Michigan vs. Ohio State PROMO


Michigan - Ohio State 2006 (Inches Speech)

Buckle Up, America!

I feel terribly sad today because I was right. I was afraid this would happen, but few would listen. Back during the 2004 election, I urged those around me not to re-elect Bush. The writing was spray painted all over the wall that his 8 year Presidency could go down as one of the worst, ever. I stood, alone, on my island urging many to go in another direction.

I did this not because I was a Kerry supporter, afterall, I am independent conservative. I do feel there is something to be said in voting for the person not the party. Although this point gets lost on most biased Americans. Rather, I did this because I was afraid of the day we just experienced.

The Democrats now have control and they're radical leader has the podium to begin her quest to rot everything that is right, in America.

And the so called hard headed Republicans are the reason for this disaster by re-electing Bush.

But you say, the Democrats would've taken control regardless this fall and under that scenario the White House would be in 100% Democratic control.

I say, bad assumption.

What Americans did on Tuesday was not vote FOR the Democratic Party, rather they voted against Bush. The result is near disaster that could come to fruition in 2008.

The reality of Tuesday's vote, when all is said and done, was a bold statement against Bush and the Republican Party. However, what most voters do not understand is they may have mortgaged their morals and beliefs to make this statement.

There are so many Americans who continually vote and post a stand:

1. Against amnesty
2. For border control
3. Against affirmative action
4. For marriage only between man & woman
5. Against raising taxes
6. For prayer in school
7. Against degradation of the Flag
8. For the right to bear arms

And yet, the new speaker of the house, Nancy Pelosi, is the exact opposite of what is listed above. It amazes me how a Nation could be, in majority, unified on the above issues, yet give up control to a party who will slowly drag these issues down the drain. I truly worry what this country will look like 6 years from now with radical leadership now in place.

True, Americans will probably get what they requested in giving Democrats control with the liklihood of the U.S. slowly pulling out of Iraq. Our leaders will mostly likely travel around the world and make nice over a cup of coffee with hate filled leaders of the Middle East & North Korea. But watch what happens within our country. Watch closely how values deteriorate over the next several years, at a rapid pace. Pay attention to what Americans mortgaged just to make a statement against Bush.

The Republicans, how I see it, do not possess a strong Presidential candidate for 2008, which means we could be in for full Democratic control in just a few short years. If this happens, the face of America will be vastly different:

• The government will be much larger, filled with many more 'special' groups
• Taxes will undoubtedly be up
• God will be forbidden
• Borders will be open
• Illegals will have access to public services they are 'entitled' to

And we will pay for all this.

I hope I am wrong about where this country is headed. But I also hoped I was wrong two years ago when Bush was re-elected.

Hopefully, in 2008, Americans will take notice of what they're voting for.

DP

Poll Squabbles

I didn't plan on addressing the college football poll topic this year, but with the recent cheeseburger bickering from Charlie Weis and the constant 'the media hates us' whining from ND fans, I could no longer resist.

Look college football fans (this includes you, too, Domers), once and for all, the polls are not an objective science and they consist of multiples flaws that can only be matched by a John L. Smith led team. The basic principle that an extraordinary amount fans fail to comprehend as they watch their team experience the roller coaster ranking ride year in and year out, is that when you start the season off with a preseason poll, your team is open for constant ranking corrections.

Any system that ranks its outputs (teams in this case), before objective analysis (the playing of games), takes place, is bound to have serious miscalculations.

For argument sake, let's take two teams to fit our example - Michigan & Notre Dame. The Irish went into the 2006 season with a # 2 ranking and have done little to justify that ranking. Meanwhile, Michigan came into the 2006 season with a #14 and as earned its way to a most recent #2 rank.

The big thing Irish fans don't realize is just because they lost in week 3 of season, it does not mean the ranking correction takes place following that game and as long as Notre Dame wins from that point on it has the 'right' to that spot or higher in the polls.

Its quite the opposite. Look at it this way. Imagine each college football week is similar to public corporations posting quarterly earnings. Analysts expect an EPS (earning per share) of x and if the company surprises Wall Street in either direction, the stock could very well experience some correction.

It is not different in college football. Each week analysts learn a little more about your team, as well as the teams chasing or that are ahead of your team. And each week these analysts must soak in what they saw and re-distribute the rankings based on the current market conditions.

It is not the fault of the analysts that following Michigan's domination of Notre Dame that the Irish barely escaped a Michigan State team, which is now laughable in the market landscape that voters must use as their guide when ranking teams each week. It is also not the fault of the analysts that the Irish have not played a worthy opponent since the Michigan debacle and will not do so until they butt heads with USC later this year. During this time, other teams are able to show their stuff against more formidable foes, causing fluctuations in the rankings.

Notre Dame fans will suggest that its not fair for a team with a 'Bye' week to jump the Irish after a last second win against UCLA. But keep in mind, when voters put a team at a particular ranking, they set an expectation for that team. I highly doubt that the expectation they put on Notre Dame's ranking prior to the UCLA was for the Irish to pull out a last second win at home.

Thus, a market correction followed that knocked Notre Dame down in some polls.

It really is simple logic for those fans who are not obsessed with the 'media against us' theory.

Until college football gets it right and rids the foolish preseason polls, which set expectations before any precedent is provided, we can look forward to similar occurrences each year. At worse, if college football must have these ridiculous preseason polls that set fans into a frenzy when their team is rewarded or slighted by a ranking, then at least provide us a playoff so the matter can be settled on the field.

Until then fans, accept the crazy logic and operation, which is what college football is today. And be consistent with your ranking complaints.

I sure didn't see many Notre Dame fans, nor Charlie for that matter, complain when the Irish were ranked #2 to start the season for no applicable reason, at all. I mean, in two years time, Notre Dame has failed to beat a Top 25 team, yet they are still ranked in the Top 10.

Not that's something to squabble about.

DP

Countdown to the Showdown

One year ago at this time, Michigan was coming off a thrilling win vs. Penn State and going into a crucial battle with the Hawkeyes, similar to this week's events. But other than the games place on the schedule, the 2006 vs. 2005 season comparison, up to this point, are about as bipolar as the Yankees and Tigers chance to win the 2006 World Series.

Man, how things can change in one short season.

No longer are the Wolverines creeping into each game hoping for a victory to salvage a dismal season. Rather, Big Blue is grasping each game like it is its last and breaking the opposition over its thick, tradition laden, legs. The mojo, if you will, in Wolverine football is back.

Ask many a Michigan fan and they will most likely tell you that the trip to Happy Valley this year was one they feared. I mean, how many years can Penn State lose to Michigan? Seven in a row is long enough, right? The Penn State fans almost deemed it their duty to expel its football team from this horrendous streak. They would come out in massive numbers, wearing nothing but white, and make as much noise as humanly possible to disrupt the Wolverines.

And they did this all in vain.

Michigan once again demoralized Penn State's dream of conquering the Wolverines. Not only did Michigan silence 110,000+ rabid Nittany Lion fans, but they did it in a dominating fashion by physically beating Penn State into submission. Don't let the 17-10 score fool you. This game was never in doubt and it was more of what Michigan did wrong at points in the game than what Penn State did right.

They could've pitched a shut out with a little more focus.

Nonetheless, the path has been cleared. The Big Ten, in all logical probability, will be represented in this year's BCS Title game. The question is who will it be: Michigan or Ohio State.
The hype has begun even though both teams have 4 opponents before the big one. But the dominance they have displayed, to date, has been so great that the remaining foes only appear to earth that is about to have a date with a bulldozer clearing the path for a new road. A hiccup seems unlikely and virtually impossible, at this point.

Can this blood thirsty rivalry handle nearly one month of anticipation? How high will analysts thrust this game into the college football stratosphere? The best and most anticipated game, ever?

There is still work to be done on both sides. But that does not stop fans from beginning the countdown, analysis, and bickering back and forth as to which team will be taking the field in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

Ohio State feels its their right of passage. After all, they are the self proclaimed owners of the Fiesta Bowl.

Michigan feels its their destiny and looks to take a page out of that other Blue team still working its magic in downtown Detroit.

The majority of the experts had Ohio State penciled in for this year's National Championship game back during the preseason. Although, it should be pointed out, most of those same experts had the Yankees in the World Series.

Let the countdown begin.

DP

Half Way Home

After a very business like thumping of Michigan State, the Wolverines find themselves unblemished at the midway point of the season. The score did not do justice to just how bad Michigan man handled the Spartans, who were over matched and bullied all over the field. A MSU offense, which boasted a Nationally Top 10 rushing attack averaging 220 yds/game going in Saturday's match-up, mustered a measly 60 yards. I guess Caulcrick will need to rethink his view on the 'unimpressive' Michigan defensive line that he called out leading up to the game. Undoubtedly, his words fired up the 'D', which contained him to a miniscule 29 yards on 14 attempts.

Brandon Minor of Michigan out gained the boisterous Caulcrick on only 3 carries!

Michigan State had its share of, well, Michigan State moments, which included offsides, missed FG, offsides, late hit, offsides, running into the kicker, and oh, did I mention offsides?

Even if Michigan wasn't prepared to win this one, MSU undoubtedly was planning to hand the Wolverines a victory, regardless, with their sloppy play.

Henne was his usual efficient self, only passing the ball 17 times and completing 11 for 140 yards and 3 TD's. Manningham showed up for his weekly, almost automatic, two deep TD's to go along with Arrington's acrobatic, yet controversial, TD. Mike Hart motored for 122 yards and even left the game early (ankle) to allow Kevin Grady and Brandon Minor to make their presence felt. And did they ever by amassing a combined 92 yards on 15 carries, including an impressive 40 yard scamper by the true freshman (Minor).

The defense held the high powered Spartan attack to a respectable 312 yards of total offense. Although, the sacks have dangerously declined over the last two weeks (a combined 1), the defense once again made running the ball an insurmountable chore for the Spartans who were virtually forced to a strictly pass offense to move the ball with any type of consistency. The defense also came through with two interceptions, although the 1st one would've been wiser to hit the turf as the Spartans faced 4th down.

You could sense early on in this game that Sparty simply had no answer on how to shove the ball down Michigan's throat. Due to this, Michigan jumped on them early, all the way to a 24-0 lead before MSU displayed some life in producing 2 late scores (one set-up by the poor interception decision of Adams).

Needless to say, the defense will be relied heavily in the next two week's, as we conclude this 6 game gauntlet, to pull the Wolverins through unscathed.

Key defensive statistics:

1. 9 plays of negative or no gain out of 61 - 14.8% (61 out of 367 for the year - 16.6%)
2. 1 sack (18 for the year)
3. 2 turnovers to make it 13 for the year

Red Zone Efficiency

Offense

1. 2 trips into Red Zone vs. MSU, resulting in 1 TD & 1 FG (71.4% scoring efficiency)
2. For the year, 23 trips for 12 TD's, 7 FG's, and 2 turnovers (64.6% scoring efficiency)

Defense

1. 3 MSU trips into the Red Zone resulting in 2 TD's (61.9% scoring efficiency)
2. For the year, only 10 opposing trips into Red Zone for 5 TD's, 2 FG's, and 2 turnovers (57.1% scoring efficiency)

This week, against Penn State, will prove the Wolvies biggest test, yet. Beaver Stadium will be rocking and the Nittany Lions are looking to avenge their unimaginable 7 game losing streak against Michigan. As if the hype machine isn't enough for this game, it is to be played under the Pennsylvania lights. The Wolverines will have to do it without their most feared weapon, Mario Manningham, due to a knee injury.

The weight of this game will fall on the shoulders of Ron English and his defense to lead the way for Big Blue. The offensive attack will look to be methodical and control the clock with hopes of leaving Happy Valley, well happy.

A true test of this team's character will be unveiled on Saturday night. The Wolverine faithful are hoping 6 turns to 7 and 7 turns to 8 in a match-up that will bring the Wolverines one step closer to the eagerly anticipated slugfest.

But for now, one game and streak at a time.

Quick Slants

Well, the Auburn defense, which looked exposed against South Carolina confirmed our suspicion on Saturday afternoon against Arkansas as the Razorbacks ran all over them. This week is a showdown with Florida, which Michigan fans now find themselves rooting for the Tigers for BCS positioning.

USC continued its shaky play, bareley getting by an average Washington squad, yet, the computers still love the Trojans in the polls with 4 of them used for BCS rankings having them ranked #1.

Here is my Top 10:

1. Ohio State - Here until they slip
2. Michigan - No team in the Nation has been more consistent week in and week out
3. Florida - Will jump to #2 if they get by Auburn on the road
4. USC - Don't see this team getting through the season undefeated
5. Tennessee - If they would've held on vs. Florida they would be sitting pretty at #2
6. Cal - Look for the Bears to give USC everything they can handle
7. West Virginia - Still question the legitimacy of this team
8. Texas - Jury still out on the Longhorns, but looked solid vs. Oklahoma
9. Auburn - Will maintain its Top 10 status with a big win vs. the Gators this week
10. Notre Dame - They don't play anybody until the season finally - a Top 10 default, for now

DP

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

So we are one game away from reaching the mid-point of the college football season. My, where has it gone already? Before you know it we'll be hearing ESPN's bowl jingle,'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year'.

Let's take quick look at the Minny game before moving on to more important matters.

Henne and the offense dominated in this match-up no matter what the doubters suggest. Michigan rolled up over 500 yards of offense, including 234 on the ground. Henne was, once again, lethal with his deep attack while hooking up with Arrington (2) and Mannigham for TD's. The downside of the offense and probably the reason for all the post game fuss were 3 key plays:

1. Henne missing a streaking Mannigham for an apparent TD
2. Henne misses a wide-open Massey on an out inside the 15
3. Failed Red Zone conversion inside the 5 yard line

The above could've produced another 13 to 21 points, not too mention securing the necessary breathing room required by Michigan faithful needed for a stamp of approval win.

Theatrics aside, the Michigan offense appears to be blossoming each week with new foliage, as roles are expanded and new weapons are found. This week, insert Adrian Arrington.

With two targets to catch Henne's missiles, coupled with the headache Hart presents to opposing defenses, the offense could become a well-oiled machine by years end.

Defensively, the Wolverines did their job. An obvious point of concern was the loss of Morgan Trent and his coverage abilities along with his sure tackling against the run. He should be back for the MSU game, which will allow English to get back into attack mode by trusting his corners one on one.

For the first time this season, the defense looked uninspired at times and failed to register a sack. It's sure nice to see a lackluster defense only give up 323 yards of offense and limit one of the most potent rushing attacks in the Nation to one half of their normal output. The inability to abuse Capito was mainly due to his quick drops. The lack of lost yardage on sacks as well as not forcing a turnover did not bode well in terms of highlight video additions. However, I was surprised to see that Michigan held Minny to 7 plays of no gain or negative yardage, which all came against run (24 attempts).

For the year, the attacking Michigan defense has compiled the following:

1. 17 sacks
2. 35 plays of no gain or negative yardage (17% of oppositions offensive plays)
3. 11 forced turnovers (2 on special teams)

They also give up a mere 36.4 yards per game on the ground.

Updated 2006 Red Zone Efficiency:

Offense

1. 4 trips vs. Minny resulting in 2 TD's - 14 of a possible 28 points
2. For the season, 21 trips resulting in 11 TD's and 6 FG's and 94 of a possible 147 points - 63.9%

Defense

1. 1 trip vs. Minny resulting in a turnover of downs
2. For the season, an amazing 7 trips for 3 TD's and 2 FG's - 55.1% point scored efficiency.

Quick Slants

I was wrong about OSU and Iowa. I really believed Iowa had the horses to make a run this year. OSU man handled them at home in front of a National audience; therefore, I am off the Iowa bandwagon and realize without a major John L. Smith type breakdown, the Bucks are going into 11/18 undefeated. I projected 3 Big Ten losses for them and I'll take my lumps for my poor prognosis.

On that note, it is hard for me not to believe that the stars are beginning to align for the biggest regular season college football showdown that we've seen in quite some time. With each passing week it is easier for me to convince myself that both Michigan and Ohio State will be 11-0 leading up to the season finale. The Penn State game is still my biggest fear because at some point, the law of averages suggest Michigan may walk out of that game with a loss. However, the more I see Michigan's defense stiffen and the offense gel, I am optimistic of the Big Blue's chances of leaving leave Beaver Stadium with 7 game winning streak at hand.

We've also reached October 1st, which means I can start ranking teams on what they've accomplished rather than preseason hype. Here is my Top 10:

1. Ohio State - No doubt about it
2. Auburn - Like Irons a lot, although the 'D' was exposed against S. Carolina
3. Michigan - The train is rolling on both sides of the ball
4. Florida - Speed, speed, speed and some nice weapons to go along with that speed
5. USC - Enough talent to come out of the Pac 10 unscathed
6. LSU - Defense is the real deal, but offense is limited
7. West Virginia - 2005 carryover ranking. Show me something or I'll drop you like a hot iron
8. Texas - We will find out this weekend against OU if Texas is Top 10 legit
9. Louisville - Will get to prove Top 10 legitimacy in a few weeks vs. WV
10. Notre Dame - Should be Oklahoma's spot, but Oregon cheated

On we roll to hate, I mean State weak. The emotions always get high during this match-up and should provide decent Saturday late afternoon entertainment....at least for one half.

Michigan rolls into Happy Valley......

DP

BCS Standings

A few interesting notes:

1. Michigan is ranked # 1 in 5 of the 6 computer polls
2. The gap between #2 and #3 and narrowed, significantly
3. 3 Big Ten teams in the Top 15

DP

(click to enlarge)

Punted to Submission

Never in my life would I predict that I'd lead off my blog highlighting the statistic of a punter. I feel slimy just writing that. But what we witnessed in Saturday's game between Michigan and Wisconsin was monumental, well, at least from a punters perspective.

Punter, Ken DeBauche from Wisconsin is probably treating a rash as we speak due to excessive upper right thigh rubbing to the, well, you know what region. DeBauche punted the ball an astounding 11 times for 514 yards on Saturday afternoon, which ranks 10th best in conference history.

I didn't see many analysts predict that stat.

So from there, we can kind of guess how this game was won. Can you say defense, again? This front four is getting more and more special after each week. Here's a good example, Wisconsin had 15 possessions and scored on three of them - 1 TD and 2 FG's. In Wisconsin's 12 other possessions they accumulated a whopping 46 yards!! Wow, that's nearly 4 yards per drive, not play, per drive.

Wisconsin racked up 104 of its 248 total yards in the last 5:21 of the game. It also gained 60 yards on its first drive that took 2:44 off the clock. Which means, in the other 51:55 of the game, Wisconsin moved the ball for 88 yards.

Did I say this defense was good?

Keys to the defensive performance:

1. 4 sacks (17 on the season)
2. 11 of 70 plays of no gain or negative yards (44 of 248 for the season, 17.7%)
3. 12 net rushing yards (74 for the season, which ranks #1)

Offensively, once the engine was jump started, a healthy does of Henne to Manningham for two more perfect strikes put this game away with Hart finishing off any hopes the Badgers had when he slipped into the end zone from 5 yards out on a nice, patient, run up the middle.

Rivas and Breaston once again shined on special teams - Breaston in putting Michigan in good field position and Rivas with finishing off scoring drives.

And what happened to our kick and punt return coverage? The first two weeks of the season were simply painful to watch. Now our opposition is lucky to get to the 20 yard line on kick-offs and more importantly, returners are just thankful when they are forcefully shown the turf and still possess the ball. That's two forced special team turnovers in two weeks, folks.

The offense looked sluggish at times, but we must give Wisconsin's defense some credit. I mean, they did finish off the 2005 season by spanking a Top 10 Auburn team. It was only natural that Michigan would struggle to move the ball against them at times; however, 3rd down conversions were a chore to watch. Need to work on this guys.

On the flipside of Michigan's 3rd down troubles is the fact that for two straight weeks, the Wolverines have turned a 3rd and 4 into long TD passes to Manningham. This shows they are not afraid to go for the jugular during crucial moments of the game. A nice change for the Michigan faithful.

So, Michigan punched Wisconsin in the mouth and has now assured itself an unbeaten September for this first time in years. Off to Minnesota to play in the poor excuse for any type of sports venue the garbage bag, I mean Metrodome. If Michigan is able to take care of business against the Gophers, which I suspect they will do, handily, it's off to the toughest stretch of the year - MSU, @PSU, Iowa.

My Key to 2006 Success Update - Red Zone Efficiency

Offense

1. Four trips in the Red Zone resulting in 1 TD & 2 FG's for 13 of 28 possible points (80 of a possible 119 points for the season - 67.2%).

Defense

1. One trip for the opposition in the Red Zone resulting in 1 FG for 3 of 7 possible points (27 of a possible 42 points scored for the season - 64.3%).
   

Offensively, Michigan needs to pick its Red Zone efficiency up. Although they've scored in 15 of 17 total trips for the season, they are relying heavily on the FG.

Quick Slant

My Week 1 Big Ten predictions were perfect, but the games were not that difficult to pick. It will be more interesting next week when the Buckeyes travel to Iowa. I took Iowa in this one.

DP

Good Night and Good Luck, Chicago

Mark the date, September 24th, 2006. For today is the day the streak has officially ended. Let's recap what has transpired since the painstaking streak began:

1. The Detroit Pistons have won 3 NBA Championships
2. The Detroit Red Wings added 3 more Stanley Cups
3. Both the University of Michigan football and basketball teams won a National Championship
4. The Michigan State Spartans hoisted a basketball National Championship

All these classic moments have been soaked in by Detroit area sports fans since that wondrous fall day, back in 1987, when Frank Tannana pitched a 1-0 shut-out gem on the final game of the year against Toronto to complete an improbable late season comeback and playoff berth for the 1987 Tigers. That was the last time this city has sniffed playoff baseball.

And now, today, it is back.

This piece is not to rip the White Sox or its fans. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

To the Sox we'd like to say thank you and bid you good luck with your post season ambitions from today forward because it no longer impacts the October plans of the Detroit Tigers.

Thanks to the Sox for showing the baseball world last season that hard work, sound pitching, and a bunch of regular Joe's working as one, can accomplish great feats. No longer does a team need high priced free agents to taste post season glory. No, the 2005 White Sox taught us believing in a common goal can overtake talent, at times.

The 2005 Sox also taught us not to get distraught when watching a huge Division lead get whittled away in the last month of the season. Instead of a complete collapse, composure and confidence were key attributes of the 2005 White Sox team, which is now evident in our Tigers who have clawed themselves out of a disasterous ending - instilling 2 nails into the White Sox playoff coffin just a couple of weeks ago.

The baseball world was watching Chicago and the Detroit Tigers learned a thing or two from it. In fact, the Tiger's season has vast similarities to the 2005 White Sox, hopefully it can have the same ending.

And as we head into the final week of the season, we don't know if the Chicago White Sox will be around next Monday to defend their throne; however, we do know that for the first time since 1987, Detroit Tigers baseball is back and playoff bound.

These improbable overacheivers shocked the baseball world this year, only 3 years removed from the 2nd worst season in baseball history. The 2006 Tigers are one of the greatest turnaround stories in all of sports.

Let's hope there is a couple of more chapters to their story.

From here until this wonderful ride ends, cherish it, because 19 years is longer than you think.

DP

Shell Shocked

We finally get a break. No more, fire Lloyd Carr cries. No more, the offense is too vanilla. No more, Henne cannot produce in big games. No more, the defense cannot stop a big time QB. Last but not least, no more, Michigan cannot win its road opener.

On Saturday afternoon, each of these myths fell one by one to the turf of Notre Dame Stadium. The Michigan team we have so eagerly awaited for the past two seasons unleased itself in vicious fashion, handing Notre Dame one its most lopsided home losses in school history.



To say Michigan was prepared on Saturday is an understatement. The performance they displayed was nothing short of being on a mission to seek and destroy. They dominated Notre Dame physically, mentally, and emotionally in their own backyard. The great Charlie Weis and his offensive prowess were dismantled by young DC, Ron English. The brilliant Irish offensive game schemer could only muster up the number of Super Bowl rings he owns in rushing yards, 4, against English's raging defense.

You cannot help but feel that this could be a special year for the men in Blue.

The vanilla offense that was much maligned in Week's 1 & 2 for its lack of depth, assaulted the Notre Dame defense with a quick strike aerial attack. Before ND knew what slapped them upside the head, McFly style, it was already 34-7. Henne was able to shred ND's defense with a mere 13 completions that went for an astounding 220 yards and 3 TD's.

Mike Hart was also instrumental in pounding the Irish defense into submission with a huge day controlling the clock with the run game. What made the day even more impressive was that Michigan was able to will its way to time of possession dominance by nearly 8 minutes, which included 2 scores from the defense and another setting up shop at the Notre Dame 4 yard line. The 8 minute disparity provided no justice to just how stingy Michigan was in dictating the flow of the game.

What does this victory mean for the 2006? Well, as long as Notre Dame is not vastly overrated, it should mean that Michigan will be favored in every game this season leading up to their annual slugfest with the Buckeyes. While the schedule has its trip-ups, there is reason to believe that this Michigan team, I mean the one that took the field on Saturday, has the talent, skill, and passion to run the table.

Obviously, we are a ways from that happening, but the prospects are looking brighter by the moment.

Now for some statistics:

Keys to the defensive performance:

1. 5 forced turnovers (10 for the season and #1 turnover margin in the Nation)
2. 3 sacks (13 on the season)
3. 7 of 66 plays of no gain or negative yards (33 of 178 for the season, 18.5%)
4. 4 net rushing yards (62 for the season, which ranks #1)

My key area for 2006 success is Red Zone efficiency on both offense and defense. Here are the results from Game 2:

Offense

1. Four trips with plays starting inside the Red Zone resulting in 19 points (2 TD's, 2 FG's)

Defense

1. Two trips with plays starting inside the Red Zone resulting in 14 points (2 TD's).

For the year, Michigan is 12 for 13 offensively in the Red Zone, scoring 67 of a possible 91 points (73.6%). Defensively, they've held the opposition to 5 Red Zone trips while allowing 24 of a possible 35 points.

Again, this has been a major success for Michigan thus far in 2006.

Let's bring on Wisky and keep this mother brother train rolling......

DP

Game of a Lifetime

And here we are, a mere 48 hours away from the huge Michigan/Notre Dame showdown. But this game is not large in magnitude solely due to the history of these two football powers. Nor is it because this contest lines up the #2 and #11 ranked teams in the Nation. Although bragging right are significant in this series, the true identity of this game cannot be found there, either.

No, this game can be compared to one of those solar eclipses that come once every 20 years or so. I for one, cannot remember in all of my years of watching Michigan football a more important game on the schedule. I'm not referring to its importance from a record standpoint. Sure, the 1997 games vs. Penn State and Ohio State were undeniably big time. The 2003 & 2004 Rose Bowls vs. USC and Texas were also colossal match-ups.

But this game goes deeper. It's not so much about the record this time. For the 1st time since General Bo paced the sidelines in his 1st year, the Michigan football program is in question. Where is it heading and what will become of it?

Will it endure the painstaking streaks that many power houses have fell victim to over the last couple of decades, which includes: Oklahoma, Nebraska, Penn State, Notre Dame, Miami, USC etc.? All these programs hit bottom at one point or another in the last 20 years. In contrast, since Bo arrived in 1969, only 1 school has a better winning % than Michigan. Frankly, Michigan fans have been spoiled with Big Ten Championships, Rose Bowls, a bowl streak of 31 years, and a National Championship. Few of us have experienced the depths of irrelevancy when it comes to Michigan football.

Some may look at this and disagree that Saturday's game means so much, as it's only 1 game. But the program is at the precipice of hitting the crossroads. The question is what path will Michigan take?

A victory on Saturday could ignite the engine to this sleeping giant. A loss could bring Michigan one step closer to losing its grip on the college football landscape. It may bring them mere inches away to dark days so many reputable programs have faced.

In my eyes, I've yet to see a larger football game than what we'll witness on Saturday since Bo spoiled 'ole Woody's season some 37 years ago.


Now to some key points to the game:

Offense

Michigan's game plan needs to focus on limiting ND's possessions. Each minute the ND offense is on the sideline holds a better chance of success in winning this contest. Possession time, of course, is led by a sound and efficient running game that can churn out first downs. I'm not advocating going into a shell offensively, instead we need to pick our spots to unleash an aggressive aerial assault as well as trick plays. However, focus cannot be lost that this game will be won in the trenches and Michigan must dominate running the football.

A healthy dose of Mike Hart attacking off-tackle and on screens should keep the ND defense busy. I'd also like to see Grady and Minor get their fair share of carries between the tackles to wear down the defense with the physical running style they bring. I truly believe Minor could have a significant impact in this game if he is allowed to see the field, consistently.

Defense

There is no question here that the defensive line holds the key to stopping Quinn and the ND offense. If the front four can apply consistent pressure on Quinn and rattle him, it will greatly improve Michigan's chance to leave South Bend victorious. However, English cannot solely rely on a four man rush to pressure Quinn as Penn State did. He must be willing to bring the heat from both the linebacker and safety positions. It is also imperative that he mix his packages up to create confusion during blitzes such as, dropping Woodley back into zone coverage to combat against the quick dump off to Walker underneath as well as receivers running quick slants.

English must, and I mean must, keep ND off balance with his scheming. Walker should be spied upon in the passing game as he will most likely be the weapon that Weis will use to open up the attack and spread Michigan's defense out. If Crable and or Burgess can limit his success of catching the ball out of the backfield, Weis will be forced to throw the ball downfield with Quinn being pressured, which could result in turnovers.

Special Teams

Let's just say, this area is simple. Michigan needs to convert FG's as well as open up some space for Breaston to make his mark. Conversely, the kicking/punting coverage teams need to avoid allowing big plays while putting the Michigan defense in good spots relative to field position.

All in all, Lloyd and his staff must bring it. Nothing should be left on the field unanswered. They've been waiting for this game for 8 months now. It's time to show us all what you've learned, changed, and taught.

Go Blue!


DP