College Football Insiders Newsletter 3.10

Inside College Football Insiders 3.10:

* Inside the Nation: Welcome to the "House of Spears" & Week 10 Opportunities Lost

* Between the Hashes: Roll Tide Roll (Plus Bayou Bengals Bite)

* On Location: From the Big House

* One On One with Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald

* Player Spotlight on John Clay of Wisconsin

* Game of the Week: Iowa @ Ohio State in the Battle for the Big Ten Title

* Conference Focus on the Big East - Mardy Gilyard, Noel Devine & USF DBs

* Plus...the Top 25, BCS Busters, Fans Weekend Guide & Football Fans Four-Pack

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD (PDF) FOR FREE

Photo Courtesy of Northwestern: Stephen J. Carrera

Game Preview: Notre Dame @ Michigan

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Last year, I suggested that the Notre-Michigan rivalry was far from dead, which was received about as well as a wet ball on a punt return for the Wolverines. But here we are, looking at this year’s match-up as a tell-all for who might be in BCS contention this year. Has the hype begun to over-inflate worse than the American dollar? Obviously, yes…but even if it is after only one game, both teams look like they are ready to put on perhaps the best, or at least most intriguing, show of the week.

When Notre Dame has the ball

Being on this side of the rivalry, it’s very hard to ignore the potential this year’s Fighting Irish has heaving the ball down the field. Albeit against WAC opponents and reaching back to last year’s Hawaii Bowl, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen has combined for 37-for-44 passing (84 percent), 716 yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last two starts. The bread and butter for Clausen and company is stretching the field vertically with Michael Floyd (last week averaged 47.3 yards/catch and scored three times) and Golden Tate (19.7 yards/catch last week). Look for them to match up with Michigan’s heralded junior cornerback Donovan Warren and upcoming sophomore Boubacar Cissoko. Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, who's Orange upset the Irish in South Bend last season, is installing an attacking approach on all levels of the defense, demonstrated nicely in the Wolverines lock down of Western Michigan’s NFL prospect Tim Hiller, who finished 22-for-38 for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. This newfound aggression, however, led to several Michigan mistakes in the secondary last week, including multiple pass interference calls on Warren, and a horrible bite from the secondary on a long play-action pass, leading to the Broncos only score. Michigan faces a serious upgrade in Notre Dame’s receiving corps, which also includes five-star tight end Kyle Rudolph (6-6, 260). Rudolph finished last week as the second-leading receiver with four grabs and a touchdown. Expect him to be matched up against an undersized opponent in Stevie Brown (6-0, 211), now playing the hybrid linebacker/safety position.

If I were calling the shots for Notre Dame, that is, if I were to score a coaching internship, I would line up in 11 formations (one running back, one tight end, three receivers). Michigan showed a lack of depth in their cornerbacks–when Cissoko went down with an injury last week, Hiller had success passing. Cissoko’s replacement, red-shirt sophomore J.T. Floyd, did not have a good opening day, looking lost in coverage. I would then stretch the field on the outside and counter Michigan’s aggressiveness with double moves and play-action. With the defense stretched, Rudolph and their third receiver (possibly Deion Walker?) should be open all day and in mismatches. Michigan’s safety position has not been solid since Ernie Shazor in 2004, and Michigan is working with inexperience back there with Troy Woolfolk and Michael Williams.

When Michigan has the ball

I think the two people who forgot that true freshmen were starting for the Wolverines were the freshmen themselves–Dernard “Shoelaces” Robinson and Tate Forcier. They played about as well as anyone could have asked, combining for 197 yards passing, 111 yards rushing and four touchdowns. The positive signs after week one were 1) surpassing their game-high rushing total of 2008 on opening day with 242 yards and 2) winning the turnover battle with a +two margin. Expect Michigan to continue to shuffle in speed and playmakers, especially with wide receiver Junior Hemmingway (five receptions, 103 yards, two touchdowns) listed as questionable. Greg Mathews must step up at the X on the outside if Hemmingway is unavailable. If Brandon Minor can return to the backfield, he will only add to a stable of backs loaded with game-breaking potential. I would expect Michigan to establish the run with a mixture of Carlos Brown, Minor, and Kevin Grady between the tackles, complemented by Michael Shaw, Vincent Smith, the slots and the quarterbacks stretching the field horizontally. Notre Dame wreaked havoc on a Nevada offense that is traditionally solid, limiting them to 149 yards passing and two interceptions. The advantage Michigan would seem to have would be their speed and playmaking ability on the ground. I don’t suspect a repeat performance by Forcier with the aerial attack, as Notre Dame’s secondary is solid and augmented by the zone blitzing scheme of a John Tenuta defense.

Prediction The keys to the game for Michigan are to contain Notre Dame’s passing game, to control the offense on the ground and limit quarterback mistakes. This will be a fun one for everyone to watch, but in the end, not so fun for those pulling for the maize and blue.
Notre Dame 41, Michigan 35

CFI RANKINGS: #23 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

2007 RECORD: 9-4; BIG TEN: 6-2
Won Capitol One Bowl vs. Florida 41-35
LOCATION: Ann Arbor, Michigan
STADIUM: Michigan Stadium (107,501)
HEAD COACH: Rich Rodriguez
OVERALL: 105-62-2 (15 seasons)
AT MICHIGAN: First Season

Everyone is expecting a down season for the Wolverines with a complete upheaval in system and philosophy, not to mention a ton of losses on the offensive side of the ball…but they still cracked the Coaches Poll at No. 24. Michigan is still Michigan and there will be no shortage of talent—particularly on the defensive side of the ball. If Rich Rodriguez can find a quarterback, watch out.

WHEN THE MAIZE & BLUE HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Calvin Magee (1st Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 2
KEY LOSSES: Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Jake Long, Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington, Adam Krause, Ryan Mallet (TRAN), Justin Boren (TRAN)

As if losing super seniors QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and OT Jake Long (No. 1 overall pick in ’08 NFL Draft) wasn’t bad enough, junior wideouts Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington left early for the pros, and blue chip recruit Ryan Mallet transferred out. With WR Greg Matthews, RB Brandon Minor and RB Kevin Grady leading a stable of skill players, there is no shortage of playmakers. But who will run the offense? No one knows for sure. Another area of uncertainty is the offensive line, typically a position of stability in Ann Arbor. Sophomore Steve Schilling is a stud tackle and they always bring in top recruits, but it could take time for them to gel as a unit.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) OT Steve Schilling (SO), 2) WR Greg Matthews (JR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Scott Shafer (1st Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: Shawn Crable, Jamar Adams, Chris Graham, Brandent Englemon

The Wolverines have the pieces in place to have one of the top defenses in the nation and it starts up front where they return all four starters. DT Terrance Taylor can dominate opponents at the point of attack, and ends Tim Jamison and Brandon Graham are each capable of reaching double digits in sacks. All three need to play with more consistency. The second unit has to replace two starters on the outside, including sack-master Shawn Crable, but sophomore MIKE Obi Ezeh is ready to step up and is a star in the making. The secondary returns both corners with Donavan Warren, one of the top freshman in the nation last season. They should be better at safety with junior Stevie Brown ready to bust out.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) CB Donavan Warren (SO), 2) DT Terrance Taylor (SR)

THE SCHEDULE

I know, I know, it begins and ends with Ohio St., but before they get to “the game” the Maize and Blue must protect the Big House. The season opens with the upstart Utes from Utah and how fast can you say Appalachian St.? Big Ten action begins with home games versus ranked foes Wisconsin and Illinois. They also play host to rival Michigan St., who could be much improved. Both their season and conference play begin in the Big House and Rodriguez had better take advantage of that.

PIVOTAL POINT

Quarterback: The fact that they’re replacing four of five starters along the offensive line is not getting enough attention. Nevertheless, Rodriguez’s version of the spread offense is all about the quarterback (see Pat White). Freshman Steven Threat and sophomore Nick Sheridan come into camp as the top two players on the depth chart, but the player who is creating the most buzz and may ultimately be the best fit in shotgun is incoming true freshman Justin Feagin.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Talent at Michigan is a given. However it has been quite some time since the Wolverines have had to replace this much ability on the offensive side of the ball. There is also a new attitude adjustment they have had to make, as the traditionalists went “outside the family” in hiring Rodriguez to replace Lloyd Carr. Those who wonder whether their bowl streak is jeopardy are going a bit too far into the realm of doom and gloom, but a spot in the final top 25 is not guaranteed. They will go as far as their quarterback (whoever he is) takes them.

Michigan's Hart, Henne and Long can avoid hole in legacy

By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Mike Hart did not guarantee a win over Ohio State, a la Jim Harbaugh a couple decades ago.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr chose not to give him a chance to open his mouth when the week of hype kicked off.

The star running back with shifty moves and loose lips was not among the players Carr made available for interviews, living up to a prediction Hart heard from a reporter.

``He better let me come next Monday. It's the last one,'' Hart said last week. ``He might not let me because I might say something stupid.''

Such as?

Guaranteeing a win over Notre Dame or referring to Michigan State as a little brother, as Hart did this year?

Proclaiming things would be ``different'' if the Wolverines had a rematch with Ohio State, as Hart did last season, adding its defense wasn't ``as good as people thought,'' after losing last year?

Yeah, something like that.

Hart, Chad Henne and Jake Long turned down a chance to make money in the NFL this year, returning for their senior seasons in part for another shot at the Buckeyes.

The trio's wait is almost over.

No. 7 Ohio State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) will match up with No. 23 Michigan (8-3, 6-1) Saturday in Ann Arbor with the outright Big Ten title at stake.

For Hart, Henne and Long, their legacies will be on the line, too.

They are arguably the best running back, quarterback and offensive tackle the Wolverines have ever had, quite an accomplishment at college football's winningest program.

But if they go 0-4 against the Buckeyes, it will add a permanent blemish on what is otherwise a flawless resume on and off the field. The trio is also 0-3 in bowl games.

Long made the biggest gamble financially when he chose to come back because he likely would've been a top-five pick.

The offensive tackle insisted a win wouldn't validate his decision.

``That's not what this game is about,'' he bristled. ``This game is about this team, about this championship. It's not about me. I'm not even worried about that.''

In the preseason, however, Long agreed that it was fair to say the trio's legacy would be diminished without a win against Ohio State or a bowl opponent.

``No matter what type of season we have, people are going to look at what we do against Ohio State and our bowl opponent,'' Long said in August.

While the trio's mark against the Buckeyes will always be remembered, each player has also accomplished a lot of things that can't be taken away.

Hart is Michigan's career rushing leader with 4,867 yards, ranking fifth in Big Ten history, and has run for at least 100 yards in the eight games he has been healthy enough to start this season. A high-ankle sprain has sidelined him for about 3 1/2 games.

Henne holds school records with 9,274 yards passing and 84 touchdown passes. He added to his lore last month by playing with a separated shoulder at Illinois, helping the Wolverines rally for a 27-17 win. The injury kept Henne off the field for much of last week's loss at Wisconsin and out of a game three weeks ago.

Long was the first of five players The Associated Press listed earlier this year as players worthy of Heisman Trophy consideration, but with no shot to win it. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle has routinely punished defensive linemen and linebackers to pave the way for Hart, and it's difficult to recall a sack being his fault.

Carr is quick to rave about the trio as players and people.

``They've been everything a coach could want in a player and as a representative of this program on and off the field,'' he said. ``When you look at three guys, all of whom could have left early to go on to the draft, and they all came back. To me, that speaks for the fact that they love their experience here.

``They're all going to graduate. And they're all going to be very, very successful when they leave Michigan.''

Before Hart cut off any Ohio State-related questions last week, he did provide hint about how important it is to him to finally beat the Buckeyes.

``Everyone knows already how bad I want to win that game,'' he said. ``I'm going to give everything I've got in that game.''

Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins sounded like he was ready to quiet Hart once and for all when asked about the running back's comments after the top-ranked Buckeyes beat the second-ranked Wolverines last season.

``Hopefully at the end of this year's game, he won't have too much to say,'' Jenkins said.

SOURCE:NCCAFOOTBALL.COM; PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

Manningham far from being a favorite son in Ohio

By RUSTY MILLER
AP Sports Writer

One of the things that amplifies the rancor in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, at least for Buckeyes fans, is that so many of Michigan's greatest players have migrated north.

Over the years, Michigan has invaded Ohio to snag standouts like Heisman Trophy winners Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson, as well as Thom Darden, Jim Mandich, Rob Lytle, Ricky Powers, Elvis Grbac, Dan Dierdorf, and Benny Friedman just to name a few.

It's one thing to battle your biggest rival. But it gets even more personal when your biggest rival used to be the kid down the street.

The latest native to be seen as a traitor by many Ohio State fans is Mario Manningham, a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio.

In Saturday's showdown at The Big House, a lot of eyes - on both sides of the border - will be watching him. Manningham is in one of the best six-game stretches of his career, and that's saying a lot.

The junior leads the nation with a streak of six straight 100-yard receiving games and he has scored in each game, including a school-record 97-yard TD in last week's loss at Wisconsin.

``He's been unbelievable,'' Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said. ``He's been sensational. He's a threat every time he touches the ball.''

Before a knee injury stunted Manningham last year, he had nine TDs in his first six games. He caught six TD passes in 2005 as a freshman.

``He did some great things as a true freshman,'' Carr said. ``A year ago, he really began to display the unique qualities as a receiver he possessed. He's got a great burst. He's tough, he loves the competitive part of it. In terms of all the things you want a wide receiver to do, he can do them.''

Except maybe wear his letter jacket in his hometown.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Spartans, Wolverines set to mark 100th meeting in rivalry

By TIM MARTIN
Associated Press Writer

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Former Michigan State running back T.J. Duckett says his lifelong best friend, fellow Kalamazoo native John Bradford, ``is the biggest Michigan fan in the history of the state.''

In 2001, Duckett irritated his buddy - and millions of other Wolverines fans - by catching the game-winning touchdown as time expired in one of the most controversial games in a rivalry that celebrates its 100th game Saturday.

Measured by a century or a second, time is a recurring theme in the Michigan-Michigan State football series.

In the 'Clock Game' of 2001, Michigan fans swear time stood still in Spartan Stadium long enough for Michigan State and Duckett to pull off a last-second 26-24 victory. Duckett says that to this day, Bradford claims Michigan State didn't really win the game.

This year, clocks in football training facilities at Michigan State (5-4, 1-4 Big Ten) began counting down the days to kickoff against No. 15 Michigan (7-2, 5-0) before the season started.

It's the latest edition of a rivalry that began in 1898. Except for a two-year break caused in part by World War II, it's been an annual affair since 1910. That's plenty of time to develop millions of split allegiances between friends and families that roar to the surface during Michigan-Michigan State week.

Michigan State usually has measured its football success against neighboring Michigan, college football's all-time winningest program. The Wolverines have dominated the series with a 66-28-5 advantage.

All but a few games were played in Ann Arbor until Michigan State became a full-fledged member of the Big Ten in the 1950s. That's when the teams began playing for the Paul Bunyan Trophy and the Spartans had equal standing for a home-and-home series.

The only prolonged streak of Spartan superiority over the Wolverines came in the 1950s and '60s, when Michigan State held a 14-4-2 edge while winning at least one version of a national championship in six different seasons under Biggie Munn and Duffy Daugherty.

Before and since, it's been pretty much all Michigan. The Wolverines have won five straight headed into Saturday's contest and own a 29-8 record in the series since 1970. No wonder some Wolverines say the Spartans have an inferiority complex.

First-year Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio this week asked his players, none of whom has ever beaten Michigan, if they were ready to stop bowing to the Wolverines. He says the Ann Arbor school, located roughly 60 miles southeast of East Lansing, is a measuring stick for the Spartans - and they haven't measured up lately.

``We compete against them in everything that we do every day, whether it's for a recruit, whether it's for a fan, or whether it's for a 9-year-old's heart,'' Dantonio said. ``Whatever it is, we are going to compete against those people down the road every single day.''

Some Michigan alums say the rivalry means much more to Michigan State than it does to them. No wonder some Spartans say the Wolverines are arrogant.

``I've always considered Ohio State and Notre Dame to be our rivals, not Michigan State,'' former Michigan receiver and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. ``As a player, I always had the impression from State that if they could beat us it would make their season. However, it was never like that for us. We expected to win and beating them held no more significance to us than a victory against Purdue or Minnesota.''

The Wolverines established their football program in 1879 and were considered a powerhouse well before what was then Michigan Agricultural College fielded its first team in 1896.

Michigan won the programs' first meeting 39-0, en route to a perfect 10-0 season in 1898.

A 0-0 tie in 1908 prompted wild celebration in East Lansing. About 6,000 fans threw their hats and pennants in the air and carried Michigan State players off the field. Then some 600 students took streetcars to nearby Lansing and partied in the streets, starting a big bonfire near the state Capitol.

Michigan State's first win, 12-7 in 1913, came in Ann Arbor and ruined Michigan's unbeaten season. Michigan State fans celebrated on the Wolverines' field for a half-hour after the game. Back home, the win prompted another celebration near the state Capitol and a building fire on campus that some suspected may have been set by rowdy celebrants, although that was never proven.

Police still marshal a larger-than-normal force whenever the Wolverines visit East Lansing.

The teams have traded massive upsets over the years.

In 1955, Michigan State's only loss was 14-7 in Ann Arbor. Although the Spartans would win the Rose Bowl and a minor version of the national title that season, the loss to Michigan likely cost them the consensus national championship.

In 1990, Michigan was ranked No. 1 in the nation and hosting the underdog Spartans in the Big House. The Spartans escaped with a controversial 28-27 win. On a potential game-winning 2-point conversion pass late in the game, Howard looked for a penalty flag against Michigan State's Eddie Brown, but it never came.

In 1999, Spartans quarterback Bill Burke passed for a school record 400 yards to lead No. 11 Michigan State past No. 3. Michigan in East Lansing, 34-31.

``You got the idea that a lot of people were affected by the outcome of that game,'' said Burke, an Ohio native who didn't know much about the rivalry until he arrived at Michigan State. ``You drive down almost any street in East Lansing and you'll see a lot of Spartan flags, but you'll see some Michigan flags too. Michigan State grads marry Michigan grads. A lot of families are split right down the middle.''

Ron Bellamy, a former Wolverine receiver who like Duckett is now with the NFL's Detroit Lions, grew up in Louisiana but quickly learned about the Great Lakes State rivalry.

``Michigan State is like the neighbor that keeps coming on your property, and you say, 'We're going to have to handle this if you keep coming on my side,''' Bellamy said. ``We hate them, and they hate us and it's a dirty game with a lot of trash talking.''

Bellamy is among those who believe the Wolverines were robbed by the clock operator and game officials as time wound down in the 2001 game at Spartan Stadium.

Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker spiked the ball during a last-chance drive in time to preserve one second on the clock, officials ruled, despite Michigan's objections that time should have run out.

Frank Beckmann, a longtime radio announcer for Michigan football games, called the clock incident ``criminal'' on the air.

Smoker, scrambling and off-balance, then lobbed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Duckett as time expired.

``I don't know if it was criminal, but it definitely was a great play in Spartan history,'' Duckett said.

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

Wolverines have plenty of reasons not to overlook lowly Gophers

By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Michigan has plenty of reasons to be motivated to beat Minnesota.

That's despite the Golden Gophers not exactly inspiring teams to be focused on them this season.

Minnesota (1-7, 0-4 Big Ten) has won only once - over Miami of Ohio and in triple overtime - and is coming off a loss to North Dakota State that rivals its embarrassing setback against Florida Atlantic.

But the 19th-ranked Wolverines (6-2, 4-0) insist they will not overlook an opponent again, no matter how lowly it appears, after their stunning loss to Appalachian State in the season opener.

``I think we learned early in the season not to take any team for granted,'' guard Steve Schilling said.

Still, Michigan might not have - or need - two of its senior offensive stars against Minnesota on Saturday.

It is unclear whether banged up running back Mike Hart and quarterback Chad Henne will play - either because their injuries are too severe or because Michigan's coaches want them at 100 percent for the season's stretch run.

Hart has missed 1 1/2 games after appearing to injure his right ankle Oct. 13 against Purdue, and Henne was in and out of last week's win at Illinois because of an unknown injury.

The Wolverines know the last time Minnesota played in Ann Arbor, the Gophers won and stormed across the field to snatch the Little Brown Jug.

``I wouldn't want to experience that again,'' safety Brandent Englemon said. ``That was by far one of the worst feelings I've had here.''

Michigan also is driven to extend its six-game winning streak, heading into a challenging stretch to end the regular season: at Michigan State and Wisconsin before closing at home against top-ranked Ohio State.

Even though the Gophers' season is far from finished, they already are eliminated from earning a bowl bid for the first time in six years.

Minnesota does, however, have trophies at stake in three of its final four games - the Little Brown Jug against Michigan; Floyd of Rosedale versus Iowa; and Paul Bunyan's Axe in the finale against Wisconsin.

``Being a senior, if we can bring home three of those trophies that'd be amazing,'' safety Dom Barber said.

Claiming the first of the three trophies truly would be amazing.

Michigan is favored to win by more than three touchdowns against a defense giving up 534 yards a game - more than any other major football program - with injuries making a poor unit worse.

The Gophers expect to start three freshmen in the secondary as part of a defense that will be without five starters in front of about 110,000 fans at Michigan Stadium.

``I think about my favorite movie of all time, ``Hoosiers,'' and that basketball court where they go in with the tape measure. It's a certain number of feet here and that rim is 10-feet high,'' Minnesota's first-year coach Tim Brewster said. ``I don't anticipate them being in awe or anything like that. It's a football field, it's 100 yards long and we're going to go play.''

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

FROM THE MIDWEST: THE BIG TEN REPORT

BY MICK MILLER
BIG TEN INSIDER


“What we do in life … echoes in eternity.”

I believe I have solved the University of Michigan’s problem. Lloyd Carr needs to step down for Russell Crowe. The two met after Crowe discovered that Carr was using his film “Cinderella Man” to motivate his team. Crowe was in Baltimore doing a film and Carr asked him to come up to the game. “The Gladiator” spoke to the Wolverines prior to their game with Notre Dame and inspired them to come out and win their duel with the Fighting Irish. Next Saturday, the vicious defense of the Nittany Lions will need be slain by the Wolverines and more epic battles were fought this weekend with the true test for some the Big Ten (8-3 this week) gladiators’ upcoming next week: the conference schedule.

Michigan: Although most are relieved by the 38-0 win over the Irish (ANY win this season, and ANY over the Irish is good), you have to think that the Wolverines really kicked a worse team while they were down. With Penn State coming into the Big House next week with a stout and active defense, freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett (subbing for the injured senior Chad Henne) may wish he were watching a movie instead. Mallett threw for three touchdowns and managed the game well for his first start. Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen wishes he could have walked out of the show. The Wolverine defense pickled Clausen all day (8 sacks) long and the ineptitude of Notre Dame’s offense this season continued like a bad sequel (they have been outscored 102-13 after three games). Michigan finally wised up and hitched the chariot to halfback Mike Hart to the tune of 35 attempts and 187 yards with two touchdowns.
Up Next: While the Wolverines await the Nittany Lions and Emperor Paterno, the Irish will face the now mighty Spartans.

Michigan State: The other battle being fought in the state of Michigan was at Spartan Stadium where the Pitt Panthers invaded East Lansing. The Spartans overcame lackadaisical play with some timely turnovers by the defense to ward of true freshman halfback LeSean McCoy and his 172 yards. McCoy scored the Panthers only touchdown on the day with a 64-yard score that tied the game at seven in the first half. Safety Otis Wiley picked off a Pitt pass and tailback Jehuu Caulcrick (73 yards rushing on the day) made it pay off, scoring his seventh touchdown on the season. Halfback Javon Ringer added 95 yards rushing while Spartan corner Travis Key returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown to give MSU back the lead at 14-7, which they never relinquished. Head coach Mark Dantonio has the Spartans winning games they use to lose and winning ugly when need be.
Up Next: Michigan State travels to Notre Dame next Saturday looking to keep the luck of the Irish on its current course.

Iowa: The Hawkeyes continue to struggle with their in-state rival, Iowa State. Cyclone place kicker Bret Culbertson kicked a school-record tying five field goals, the last with one second left from 28 yards to beat Iowa in Ames. The Hawkeyes have lost seven of their last ten against Iowa State, who was 0-2 coming into the game. Iowa simply played bad on both sides of the ball with sub-par performances by their offense and defense. Bookend defensive ends Kenny Iwebema and Bryan Mattison combined for six tackles and no sacks. Running backs Damian Sims and Albert Young combined for 100 yards, but couldn’t punch it in and had a long of 17 yards between them. Quarterback Jake Christensen was 12 of 23 for a paltry 118 yards and an 11-yard bootleg touchdown run. Cyclone quarterback Bret Meyer was 21 for 29, but for not much more, 157 yards. The win was the first for Iowa State’s head coach Gene Chizik, whose team had lost to both Kent State and Northern Iowa at home.
Up Next: The Hawkeyes have little time for feeling sorry; they travel to Wisconsin next week for their Big Ten opener against the Badgers.

Penn State: The Nittany Lions started somewhat sluggish and then punched out Buffalo from the second quarter on, 45-24. Down 3-0 after the first, Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli threw for four touchdown passes through the second and third, two to Andrew Quarless (his only receptions of the game) and closed down a valiant effort by Buffalo and their quarterback Drew Willy. The Bulls’ signal caller had a big game against a good Penn State defense, going 28 for 39 and 330 yards, a touchdown and interception. The Lion offense was simply too much for Buffalo, as Morelli opened the lead and halfbacks Rodney Kinlaw (23 carries for 129 yards, touchdown) and Austin Scott (9 for 53, a 40 yard touchdown run in the fourth) took over in the run game to break the Bulls, who outscored the Lions 21-14 in the fourth quarter.
Up Next: Penn State travels to Ann Arbor for a date with Michigan to open their Big Ten slate next Saturday.

Purdue: The Boilermakers continue to blow up opponents on offense by slicing and dicing the Chippewas to a 31-0 lead at the half, and then cruised to an easy 45-22 win in West Lafayette. Halfback Kory Sheets (21 carries, career best 144 yards) unleashed on Central Michigan with two touchdowns (17 and 7) in the first quarter, which opened up the passing game for quarterback Curtis Painter. The Boilermaker touchdown-maker continued his assault on the record books with a 29 for 39, 360 yards and three touchdown passes. Purdue mixes run and pass as good as anyone in the conference right now. Depending on their opponent, they show no preference in how to attack defenses with run or pass, which they use to set up the other. The problem they have is stopping themselves with turnovers. Down early, and the run game absent, CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour had no choice but to throw and had a nice game with 35 of 56, 364 yards and two touchdowns and an interception.
Up Next: Purdue opens the Big Ten schedule on the road against the Golden Gophers in Minnesota.


Indiana: Hoosier quarterback Kellen Lewis accounted for five touchdowns and was a one-man wrecking crew in the second half against the Zips Saturday. With Akron giving them all they wanted at 17-17 in the first, Lewis went to work. After closing the second quarter with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ray Fisher, Lewis’ took to the run, rushing for 199 yards on the game with two, second-half touchdown runs and his third scoring pass. He finished 19 of 24 for 137 yards through the air and fueled a 24-7 second half advantage. Wide receiver Jabari Arthur (7 receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown) and quarterback counterpart Carlton Jackson (15-21, 220 yards, touchdown pass, interception, 20 rushes, 71 yards, rushing score) carried the Akron team, who fell to 1-2 on the season with consecutive losses to Big Ten teams (Ohio State last week, 20-2).
Up Next: The Hoosiers host the Fighting Illini next Saturday to open conference play.

FROM THE MIDWEST: THE BIG TEN REPORT

BY MICK MILLER
BIG TEN INSIDER

This was a big weekend for the Big Ten conference as collectively they went 10-1 -- are you listening MICHIGAN?) From blowouts to nail-biters, there was something for everyone -- except MICHIGAN fans…right Lloyd Carr? It will be a very interesting story unfolding once the conference games start, and the preview being painted is pretty exciting as well -- but not for the Wolverine faithful…right Chad Henne?

Michigan: Ugh. Is this thing getting ugly or what? Sorry Appalachian State, the Wolverines are doing their best to make your landmark win look like a skid-mark on the road to the bowl season. This team is highlighting for the country exactly how to beat them -- spread the defense out and move your quarterback. I don’t see them being much more than a .500 club the rest of the way.

“Second verse, same as the first.”

Quarterback Chad Henne played terrible, threw a momentum and drive killing interception early in the game after halfback Mike Hart started the engine running (finishing 127 yards). The defense is woeful and cannot stop a mobile quarterback in a spread offense. Oregon’s Dennis Dixon rang up 368 yards of offense, accounting for four touchdowns, exposing the Wolverine defense for the world to see in the worst Michigan defeat at home since Bo was on the beat, and first 0-2 start since 1959 and four consecutive losses for the first time in 40 years. Hart has guaranteed a win at the Big Top….oops, House, next week against Notre Dame (also 0-2). Play, don’t predict. Spartans anyone?

Michigan State: The Spartans are making Big Blue green with envy, defeating Bowling Green 28-17, as they go to 2-0 for new head coach Mark Dantonio. The Spartans allowed Bowling Green to take a 14-7 lead on a six-yard touchdown run by Falcon quarterback Tyler Sheehan after an interception by Spartan quarterback Brian Hoyer (17-29, 250 yards). A Hoyer touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Davis before the half and a five-yard touchdown run by halfback Jehuu Caulcrick gave them a 21-14 lead and they sealed the deal with a 17-yard touchdown reception by Devin Thomas (156 yards receiving). Thomas is becoming the Spartan go-to receiver in the clutch as he had a nice 42-yard reception in traffic that led to the MSU lead. The Spartan running game made the difference as both teams moved the ball through the air. The Spartans welcome the Pitt Panthers next week to East Lansing, a team they beat in ’06 (38-23).

Iowa: The Hawkeyes rebounded from a lackluster effort last week and mauled the Orange into black and blue (35-0). Defensive end Kenny Iwebema literally helped keep Syracuse off the board by blocking two field goal attempts and added a sack to bookend teammate Bryan Mattison’s three sacks from the other end spot. Iowa has not allowed a touchdown in its first two games and finally got their offense on track. Junior tight end Tony Moeaki introduced himself to the ‘Cuse (and the rest of the world) with eight receptions for 112 yards and three touchdowns, including a 52-yarder to get the rout going. Hawkeye quarterback Jake Christensen squeezed the Orange for 72 percent passing, 278 yards and four touchdowns. The Iowa defense held Syracuse to 103 yards of total offense (one yard in the first half). Iowa takes its 2-0 record into next week against in-state rival Iowa State (0-2).

Penn State: The Nittany Lions welcomed the Irish and freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen into Happy Valley and sent them home sad after a 31-10 spanking. Penn State harassed the youngster all day long with six sacks and held him to 144 yards passing with an interception. On the flipside, Anthony Morelli crashed back to Earth with a less than stellar performance (12-of-22). The Lion running game was led by Austin Scott’s 116 yards and two touchdowns. The story of the day was the Penn State defense, which held Notre Dame to zero yards rushing on the day, as most of Clausen’s connections were of the swing and short pass variety. All-Everything linebacker Dan Connor had a sack and 12 tackles for a Lion defense that carried the day. The Buffalo Bulls of the Mid-American Conference travel to Happy Valley next week.

Purdue: The artistry of Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter continues to canvas the Boilermaker record book with new standards in passing. Painter lit up Eastern Illinois for 38-of-49 passing, 348 yards and six touchdown passes (to five different receivers). The only thing to stop Purdue’s offense this day was the hour weather delay due to lightning at the half, but that didn’t prevent Painter striking throughout the second half. Eleven Boilermaker receivers caught passes, including a big rebound game for Dorien Bryant (12 receptions, 111 yards, and touchdown), the conference’s leader in receptions and yards in 2006, after he was held to two catches for 12 yards last week. The Purdue ground game kept the Eastern Illinois defense honest with 178 yards rushing and 4.7 yards per carry average and the defense held court by allowing the Panthers four yards per play on the day. Painter and the Boilermakers continue their air assault next week when Central Michigan touches down in West Lafayette.

Indiana: The Hoosiers displayed a nice balance of offense and defense in jumping out to a 31-7 halftime lead over the Broncos of Western Michigan, before holding on for a 37-27 win in Western’s first game ever hosting a Big Ten opponent. While the Indiana defense was racking up five takeaways (three fumbles, and two interceptions, both by freshman Mitchell Evans) and seven sacks, quarterback Kellen Lewis was throwing for 221 yards and three touchdowns. Hoosier defensive end Greg Middleton scooped up one of those fumbles and he returned it 44 yards for his first career score. The Broncos outscored the Hoosiers 20-6 in the second half on the strength of a 98-yard kickoff return by Brandon West and two Tim Hiller touchdown passes, as he finished with 343 yards and three touchdown passes, while West also registered 51 yards rushing and 83 receiving yards for a big all-purpose day. Indiana moves to 2-0 on the year with Akron visiting Bloomington next week.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE MAIZE AND BLUE

Brian Y. Yu, The Student:

“Two nights ago, I was engaged in an ice-breaker (one of those cheesy, name-games you play with a group of people you first meet) for my campus job that was like musical chairs but without the music. With the chairs in a circle, facing inward, the odd-person-out would have to shout out a characteristic. If said attribute applied, you would have to stand and run to a different chair. One of the new employees found himself inside the circle and shouted, “…if you’re still upset about the Appalachian State game!” Out of fifteen participants, only six moved, including me. The others looked around and shrugged. A few didn’t even like college football. Others said that they were over it already. Even those who did move said that they were more upset that national title hopes were diminished than about the actual result. I guess in the land of Maize and Blue, a loss is a loss is a loss. Sure it’s a big loss, (D I-AA!) but let’s just hope it’s the only one for now.”

Brad Kurtzberg, The Alum:

“Michigan was out-coached yet again. Lloyd Carr just doesn't get the most out of his talent and for some reason, they cannot defend the spread offense to save themselves. They also seem to make too many mental errors under Carr and the lack of discipline costs them every year. Did I predict they would lose one of their early games at the last (NFL Draft Bible) meeting or what? (Yes he did) It's so frustrating sometimes. I think Carr is done unless he wins the Big Ten AND beats OSU.”

Appalachian State is Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 34-32 win at Michigan, the Appalachian State Mountaineers (1-0) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Sept. 1.
Julian Rauch kicked a 24-yard field goal with 26 seconds left and Corey Lynch blocked a Michigan field goal attempt in the final seconds as Appalachian State, which led, 31-20, before a late Michigan rally, pulled off the miraculous upset. It was Appalachian State's 15th straight win.

Someone said it might be one of the big victories in college football," Appalachian State head coach Jerry Moore said after the game. "It may be the biggest."

The Mountaineers, the two-time defending Division I Championship Subdivision national champions, became the first team from that division (formerly Division I-AA) to beat a ranked team from the Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A). They are also the first team from the FCS to win the honor in the six-year history of the national team of the week.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 1 included:

· California (1-0): DeSean Jackson returned a punt 77 yards for a score Justin Forsett ran for 158 yards as the Bears topped Tennessee, 45-31, to avenge a 35- 18 defeat from a year ago.

· Georgia Tech (1-0): Tashard Choice ran for 196 yards and two scores as the Ramblin' Wreck dismantled Notre Dame on the road, 33-3.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the third season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Select members of the FWAA board of directors decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2007 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Nov. 26.

Since 1971, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl has hosted five games that have decided the college football national championship, including two Bowl Championship Series title games. Last season, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl presented three post-season games, including the Insight Bowl and the BCS title game. This season the game will be played on Jan. 2, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES CFI REPORT

THE CAMPUS REPORT
By Brian Yu, NFL Draft Bible

Greetings! Writing from the greatest city in the world (NYC), welcome to the launch of the Michigan Campus Report! I’m a senior at the University of Michigan and as such, I’ll be reporting quite a bit about the Wolverines and Big Ten football. Eventually, I hope to be able to provide more than just predictions, evaluations, and recaps. So keep a look out for player interviews (*fingers crossed*), Q&A’s, and insider reports from around the country – straight from those who pack the stands every Saturday.

But for now, here’s a recap of last season, and a quick outlook at this upcoming fall.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2006 RECAP
Following a disappointing 2005 season which saw many calling for Lloyd Carr’s dismissal – yours truly not included – the Wolverines put together a strong 2006 campaign, only to be foiled by our recent inability to win in January. For those keeping score, we haven’t won a bowl game since 2002.

Chad Henne put together a good year…especially at the beginning of the season, looking far more comfortable and fluid in the pocket. (I still maintain that he overthrows or completely misses his receivers way too often, but that’s a story for another time). And unlike 2005, I don’t recall a single moment in which our student section began chanting the backup quarterbacks name. Mike Hart showed no ill-effects from his ankle injury in 2005 and even had Heisman rumblings surrounding him through the first half of the season. Another mid-season Heisman hopeful was then-sophomore Mario Manningham, who torched the Notre Dame defense in week three for 137 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns!

Lloyd Carr’s revamped defense, led by newly appointed defensive coordinator Ron English forced countless turnovers and efficiently stopped the running game; a weakness that plagued the team in the previous year… on my 19th birthday (again, 2005), I watched Laurence Maroney and Gary Russell rush for 257 combined yards, including a 61 yard run by Russell in the last two minutes that led to the game winning field goal for Minnesota. Not good times.

The Wolverines also lost the embodiment of Michigan football when Bo Schembechler passed away on Nov. 17th, the day before the Michigan v. Ohio State game; already dubbed “Game of the Century” as it became the first time in which the two schools would meet as the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the nation.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2007 PREVIEW
Between Henne, Hart, Manningham, and all-world tackle Jake Long, the Michigan offense is as good on paper as any team in the nation. But take it from someone in the stands every Saturday, we face way too many third-downs than we should. Another blow to the Michigan offense is the indefinite suspension of Adrian Arrington due to legal issues. Arrington filled in nicely when Manningham missed three games with an injury last year. Sophomores Greg Matthews and LaTerryal Savoy will have to step up in Arrington’s absence to alleviate the double teams that Super Mario will command.

The defense lost many of its key players to the draft, including DT Alan Branch (33rd overall; Cardinals), ILB David Harris (47th overall; Jets), DE/LB Lamar Woodley (46th overall, Steelers), OLB Prescott Burgess (207th overall; Ravens), and CB Leon Hall (18th overall; Bengals). However, there isn’t a whole lot of concern coming out of Ann Arbor, which reflects the faith in defensive coordinator Ron English to maximize performance and talent. One of the most noticeable differences in the 2006 defensive squad was their ability to close in on the ball. And every player hustled. More than a few times, DT Alan Branch made tackles deep into the secondary. So look for players like senior OLB Shawn Crable, sophomore DE Brandon Graham, and senior SS Jamar Adams to have huge seasons.

Personally, I believe the most affected, and venerable, area of Michigan football is now the special teams. Stevie Breaston was one of the most exciting players to watch, especially in the open field. With his departure to the NFL (142nd overall, Cardinals), the Wolverines will have a tough time filling the void on special teams. And you don’t have to be a football-guru to understand that better field position leads to more points. Unfortunately, I don’t know if anyone can replace even half of Breaston’s return numbers. Perhaps just as unsettling is the void left by Garrett Rivas, who in his senior season became Michigan’s all-time leader in field goals. So far, there is no clear-cut front runner for the placekicker position, so only time will tell who wins that battle.

Our very own Michigan Insider, Brian Yu returns to school in August as he will be providing us exclusive reports from the press box in Ann Arbor.

Brian was behind the plate when Shawn Crable struck out three times (!) in an Intramural softball game. Go Gracie!

Email: brian@nfldraftbible.com