Brady Hoke Gutsy Decision, Right or Wrong?

Michigan lost to Ohio State as many of us predicted... But they lost by a single point, and not by like 20... which is what I thought.

Michigan rallied from down 14 in the fourth quarter to tie it, gave up the lead, marched down the field and scored to tie it again...

So we all thought.

Brady Hoke, with one timeout and 35 seconds (give or take) left elected to go for the win right then and there.

A stone-cold cohonas kinda move...

Unfortunately, like everything else this season... It did not go according to plan.
Gardner threw into coverage and was picked off trying to throw to Dileo... To Little Drew Dileo.

I believe it was the right decision but the wrong play call.
Michigan literally had nothing left to play for except this game.  OSU is undefeated and has aspirations of being in the National Title.
Why not try to ruin your arch rivals hopes and dreams on one play?

I am okay with the triple stack formation, but the play should have been Funchess post/fade to the corner and throw a jump ball.  The move would have (most likely) isolated him on an undersized corner or safety.  Plus he used his height and athleticism to score on the previous play.

Regardless, Michigan failed.  Came up short.  Once again.

This season goes down as an utter failure.  A win against Ohio State would have just made it taste worse.  Like adding salt to really dry and bland potatoes.  It's still terrible, but hey, at least it tastes less like cardboard.

Team of Destiny? Wolverines Run Still Going

I haven't blogged enough about this tournament run.  I didn't write up about Kansas or Florida.  My fault folks.  But the excitement and disbelief of this run has overwhelmed me to be completely honest.  But it's time to do my "job."

Michigan's win over Kansas was one for the ages.  Down 14 in the second half, down 10 with just over two minutes left, the team did not quit.  Trey Burke hit the most absurd shot I have ever seen.  Ever.  From way down town to tie the game late.  Stone cold.

The game against Florida was a bit shocking.  I had a feeling Michigan would win; Florida hadn't played a non-double-digit seed the tournament.  But I did not expect Michigan to come out and punch them in the mouth like that and then keep at it.  Florida was never in the game, besides when it was 0-0.

Now that brings us to last night.  Syracuse had shut down teams, averaging a tournament low 49.5 ppg against.  The 2-3 zone of Boeheim and the Orange was well-talked about.  The length of the players, how would Burke fair penetrating?  How would the Michigan shooters handle the close-out length and speed of the Syracuse defenders?

Well in a way, the answer to the first question was "not well."  Burke struggled offensively, hitting only one shot from the field (a really deep three.)  But Burke did make some, not all, his free throws late.  Michigan still did it's best from the line to keep Syracuse in it, missing nine all together.

The three point shooters did get the job done.  They shot 33% (8-24) which doesn't sound all that pretty, but eight three pointers made is what's key.  24 points from beyond the arc will go a long way in helping any team win a ball game, and it sure helped Michigan over come the 2-3 zone.

Give John Beilein credit, who gets his first win over Boeheim in his 10th try.  Beilein had that team ready to play against that zone.  Given a week to prepare, he made sure the players were ready to shoot over close outs and lengthy arms, doing drills where players held what looked to me like a pad on a stick, to simulate the close out.

But the key to this game, in my eyes, was the play of Mitch McGary.  Coach Beilein said all week they had Mitch running passing and shooting drills from the elbow, the ideal place to have the ball to beat a two three zone.  And his stat line (10 points, 12 boards, and 6 assists) showed that all that extra work really payed off.

Next up for the Wolverines, a date with Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals, the number one overal seed of the tournament.  Louisville loves to full court pressure and force turnovers.  This game should be an up and down game.

And here's why, I'm taking... MICHIGAN.  Louisville relies on turnovers and pressure.  Michigan has the guards to break pressure in Burke, Hardaway, Albrecht, and Stauskus.  Michigan doesn't turn the ball over, having one of the lowest turnover margins in the country.

The up-tempo game that Louisville wants to play is also the pace Michigan wants to play.  And I believe the key to this game will be guard play.  Siva and Smith are the second best backcourt in the country... Behind Burke and Hardway.  I'm taking the Wolverines in this one 77-72 in what should be an up and down thriller.

GO BLUE!

Bearded Bracketology: Let the Madness Begin

Selection Sunday.  It's that day that every team works for, whether it's the midmajor teams hoping for a chance or the top teams battle for the top seed and a beneficial regional placement.

It's like that first day of spring.  The grind of the season is over and college basketball starts a new.

This year should shape up to be a dandy of a tournament, with no real top team and a lot of good solid teams in the field.  Anything can happen. (Well, except maybe a 16 seed winning a game. Some day...)

Although most sports bloggers will probably tell you their final four, upsets and list off reasons why they're right.  Truth is, they don't know jack... and guess what? Neither do I.  The tournament is a crap shoot and that's what makes it great.

So in my expert opinion, here's some things to watch for in the 2013 rendition of the NCAA tournament:

• Watch the games.  They're gonna be good.  Even the low seeds will give the higher seeds trouble this year.  Minnesota an 11, Oregon's a 12, South Dakota State has one of the best players in college basketball, and you've probably never heard of him. (Nate Wolters)
• 1 seeds on upset alert.  The top seeds of this tournament aren't ever Final Four locks, this year especially.  Gonzaga hasn't been tested, Indiana went through the grind of B1G ball, Louisville struggled mightily for a stretch and Kansas could face matchups that will give them fits.
• The Big Ten.  The Big Ten has been hailed as the best conference in basketball this season, will it translate to their first national champion since Michigan State in 2000?

In terms of our two local schools, Michigan State got a draw that really could favor them.  They should handle Valpo no problem, but Memphis will be a challenge.  The 30 win team from Conference USA has no shortage of athleticism, but I don't expect this Izzo team to fall flat early.  The Spartans then could potentially face Duke, and Coach K will not want to see this Izzo team in March.  MSU would be a matchup nightmare for the Blue Devils and could definitely get to the Elite 8 over the 2 seeded Duke boys.  

Ultimately, I expect MSU to make to the Sweet 16.  I haven't decided who I am going to officially take in the Duke/MSU matchup, but just for S's and G's, I'm going Sparty.  But Elite 8 is as far as I'll take them.  But I'm usually wrong.

Now Michigan on the other hand, has themselves a tougher draw, but one that could work in their favor.  Should be a fun matchup against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.  Two of the best point guards in the country with Trey Burke and Nate Wolters.  Michigan has the better team so should win... SHOULD.  After that they'll probably have a date with VCU.  That will be a great game to watch; two teams that match up well with each other.  I will take Michigan in that one, but it could go either way.

Michigan to the Sweet 16.  With the high expectations going into the season and the high ranking maintained most of the year, if that's the round the run stopped many fans would see it as a failure.  And the angry, critical part of me wants to agree, but I think we saw how good this Michigan team really is as the season unfolded.  Talented, but not all there and missing that killer instinct.  Michigan has that potential to upset Kansas, but I'll take the Jayhwaks in that matchup and a Sweet 16 exit for the Wolverines.

But the thing that I care most about, is WHERE ARE MY HAWKEYES???? COME ON HAWKEYE NATION GOT JOBBED!!!! HAWKEYE UP HAWKEYE UP!

***** 

I'M NOT DONE YET!

I am hosting an online bracket through ESPN, so if you would like to join in the Bearded Bracketology, let me know and I will hook you up with an invite and the secret password.  It'd be greatly appreciated if you joined in, and plus it's free.  You know you're going to do at least ONE bracket, why not make it a Bearded one?

Also, I would like to do a post about my predictions and the others in this pool.  If you would like to do a quick, one-two paragraph blurb about your final four/winner and local school prediction and have it featured in my blog, let me know and send me a write up.  I think it'd be a cool feature, and you get to show off how much smarter you are than me.

Must Win Game for Wolverines

Photo Credit:USA Today

We're all used to Michigan and Ohio State games having major importance for both teams.  Not only the for the sake of the rivalry but usually in Big Ten play.  But normally, they're playing football.  Not basketball.

Tonight, the Wolverines and Buckeyes meet for the first time as AP top 10 basketball teams (Michigan 3, OSU 10) and the implications of this game couldn't be much higher.

This year's Big Ten conference is incredibly competitive.  The Wolverines were usurped from their #1 ranking by the current #1 team Indiana after the Hoosiers won on Saturday.  Every conference game is crucial, with each team being so strong and the top of the conference so close in talent and standings.

Tonight's game is no different, with both teams touting a 7-2 conference record.  If both teams want to win the Big Ten, this game is an important one to have, but even more so for the Wolverines.

Michigan's two conference losses (and two losses on the season) are to Indiana and Ohio State.  If Michigan were to lose tonight to Ohio State, they would then lose the tie-breaker to the Buckeyes, meaning they would have to rely on other teams to keep their B1G title chances alive.

Michigan is also coming off a tough road loss, coming home against their rival, and have two very tough conference road games following this game.  Michigan cannot afford to drop this game.

Which is exactly why I am picking Michigan to hold off the Buckeyes tonight 72-66.  I expect them to come out stronger than the first meeting with the Crisler crowd behind them.  Expect Trey Burke to have a better all-around game than he did against Indiana.  Michigan cannot afford 20+ shots from their point guard.

GoBlue BEATohio 

Michigan is Silly Good

Photo Credit: Detroit News

Michigan basketball is really good, in fact, they're one of the top teams in the country.

Ya know in case you've been living under a rock this winter... And yes, I meant basketball, not football (although I miss the top 5 days of Michigan football.  Go to hell SEC and your  cheating ways.)

Well to make up for the SEC taking over football, the Big Ten has taken over basketball.  And Michigan is right up there with the best of them.  Although I think not a team in the country is as electric, deep, and flat out good as Indiana.

But Michigan will compete, and may just beat them at Crysler.  This team is extremely deep.  Ridiculously deep.  Absurdly deep.

Did I mention they're a deep team?

Michigan has been building a good program under Beilein, but the one problem they've had is a lack of all-around depth and a plethora of scoring options.  This team has that and then some.

This team could play a secondary line up and still beat teams.  (Okay, maybe not, but they could compete.)

Stauskas, McGary, Robinson III paint a bright future for this squad, and with veterans like Burke, Hardaway, and Morgan, this squad will make a deep run in March.

You heard it here definitely not first, but you read it here.  Michigan WILL be a Final Four Team.  Chalk it up.  This team is too good, and too deep.  Too many scoring options, and for once under Beilein, they have more than one post presence.

It's going to be a fun year Wolverines.  Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Oh How I Hate Ohio

Well just as quickly as we got the Ohio monkey off our backs... It's right back on.  I could rant and rave about the absurd unfairness that went into the Urban Meyer hiring and how it's ridiculous how a team can cheat so blatantly, get punished, and come out better off.  It's a crock of shit and we all know it...

But anyways today's game.  Michigan... That defense played good enough to win.  They were let down by the lack of creativity from Brady Hoke and mostly Al Borges.

Michigan played good enough to win, and as a bitter Michigan fan I'll say they should have won.  What killed them was the turnovers and the putrid play calling in the second half.  In the second half, there were no Denard and Devin plays.  It was one or the other.  And if Denard was in, everyone in America knew a run was coming.

If anyone says credit OSU for adjusting I will shove my fist down their throat.  A monkey could adjust his defense to stop that lack of ingenuity.  4th and 3.  I absolutely loved going for it.  Run with Denard?  More than okay with, he's usually good for 3.  A slow developing run up the gut after having all kinds of running room to the outside? Fire Al Borges just for that.  You'd have to be a moron to call that kind of QB run.

3rd and 1.  I'm all into the game.  "Gardner play action bootleg with a run option.  That would work wonders right now."  Al Borges: "Let's give it to Vincent Smith, right up the middle."

This sort of shit is unforgivable   If you feel I'm overreacting, then you haven't seen me overreact but you will when my foot's up your ass.

Michigan should have won today.  They were let down by, in my opinion, coaches just as much as they were by themselves.  Michigan beat themselves.

I saw too many people already declare because of this win Urban will dominate this rivalry.  If he wins next year, you can begin to think that.  But winning a game he's favored to win at home?  Really?  And you're being paid to be national sport reporters and you spew off idocracies like that, meanwhile I sound just as stupid but yet a touch more sane by saying this proves nothing except that it should be a good battle.

Here's my assessment of the rivalry between Hoke and Meyer.  It has the potential to be a modern day Bo and Woody.  However, if Hoke doesn't win next year at home and win key recruiting battles, it WILL turn into Tressel v Carr.

This rivalry will determine whether Hoke stays on until he retires, or whether we have to go through another coaching search.

On a related note, if I had the chance to punch one  man in the face without repercussion, it'd be Urban Meyer.  I have hated him ever since he made Utah a BCS buster.  He's a no good cheater and I want to punch him square in the face.

Just Another Saturday...

Photo Credit: Yahoo!

So last night was pretty crazy eh?  #1 and #2 go down so now Notre Dame is #1... Personally, I'm really bummed.  I was excited at the prospect of having a non-SEC team win the ship, but as soon as K-State lost no matter what happened a team I hated was going to be crowned national champion.  And now that Bama is back in the hunt it's going to be them

And on the local front, Michigan absolutely destroyed Iowa 42-17 on senior day.  Devin Gardner looked great once again with six total touchdowns.  All Denard did was run and catch swing passes, so he looked great too.  Honestly, when Denard first got here and Tate Forcier looked as good as he did, I thought running and catching passes was Denard's future.  Honestly wish it were... TATE YOU'RE STILL MY BOY.

And for the Spartans?  Well... Same ol' Spartans.  They lost 23-20 and looked very lethargic while doing so.  They out gained Northwestern in every stat except points.  I am still amazed at how awful State's wide receivers are this year.  I have never seen so many dropped passes collectively by an entire core of wide outs.  It's cost them dearly this season, this game included.

Michigan is still in the hunt for a Big Ten title, needing to beat Ohio State next week and Nebraska to lose to Iowa.  Since I don't think either of those will happen, out Big Ten champ will be either a lucky, undeserving Nebraska (we all know they would have lost to Denard AND they lost to Penn State) or the third-best team in the leaders division Wisconsin (puke.)

And for the Spartans, they have to beat the vaunted Golden Gophers of Minnesota just to get a bowl game.  God I love college football.

Bearded Predictions for next week:
Ohio State 24  Michigan 20
Michigan State 17 Minnesota 14

I also have Notre Dame on upset alert because I hate them.

Have a good Sunday y'all, go Lions!

Just my thoughts...

Well there really isn't anything in particular that I want to blog about, so I'm just gonna tell you my thoughts on whatever I feel like...
Look at the post below this... College Football... it's so great, except when your team keeps losing, thanks Rich (at least my other team got bowl eligible Go Green), but it's still amazing. Stanford in my blog AGAIN for beating USC at USC. The Men of Troy are 47-2 at home since '05(year may be wrong) but those two losses are from the Stanford Cardinal. Pretty impressive. And my second most hated team lost, that's right Lou Hotlz, the national title bound Fighting Irish lost, again. Oh man is college football great. Ohio State (Numero Uno on my hate list) clinched the Big Ten Title, which means they receive the automatic bid to the Rose Bowl, and they get to be pounded by Stanford (hopefully) or Oregon (probably) And to those who want a playoff, I say no. I love the bowl games, don't take those away form me or else I will be sad.
How many of you out there do fantasy football? I know I do, and I love/hate it, I always lose easy games. I am in the playoff hunt, but a championship is out of the question. But I am going to be honest here, without fantasy football, I would not care about NFL football. It's kinda boring at times and there is no intensity. Not like at the college level. But fantasy football is what keeps me interested in football, because let's face it, the Lions suck. I am forced to watch them every week, I say forced because I am a true fan, I think I discussed this before, yes?. I watch their games, and start anyone who plays against them. Fantasy Football, it's such a craze, and it's so awesome. I bet there are many out there that watch NFL football only because of Fantasy Football, you know who you are.
And finally, I would like to talk about hockey, the greatest sport ever. More specifically the greatest team ever, the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings are starting to hit their groove, and they've got half their team hurt. Everyone who panicked at the beginning of the year and is still panicking, just needs to relax. We are the Detroit Red Wings. We will win the 2010 Stanley Cup and Lord Stanley will be home again. That's a bearded fellow "Chalk it up my friends."

Enjoy your lives, sorry for the length between posts, nothing really inspired me to blog