Michigan Wolverines Football News - August 25, 2008 (MAIZE RAGE Edition)

As of this writing, only 5 days, 3 hours, 45 minutes, and 58 seconds left until we play the Utah Utes!  Go Blue - Michigan Football!

#19 - Michigan vs Utah

http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2008/8/11/590977/19-michigan-vs-utah

Rodriguez shakes up Wolverines

http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080810/MONTRISPTSCOL/937451566/-1/COLUMNISTS

Previewing Utah’s Opponents: Michigan Wolverines

http://mwcfootball.wordpress.com/2008/08/10/previewing-utahs-opponents-michigan-wolverines/

Complete CFN preseason rankings, 1-119

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/8425842/Complete-CFN-preseason-rankings,-1-119

What to watch on offense: How quickly will the line come together? The running backs should be outstanding, the receiving corps won't be bad, and even with all the weeping and gnashing of teeth about not having Terrelle Pryor running the show, the quarterbacks aren't going to be awful.

None of it matters unless the line, one of the least experienced in America, can produce right away. This is Michigan, so there's a slew of four-star talent across the line, and fortunately, there are enough good athletes to start putting the Rich Rodriguez style of offense in place.

What to watch on defense: The line could possibly grow into one of the best in America. The offense might struggle, but if the defensive front plays up to its capability, the defense will pick up the slack. A disappointment last season, even though it was supposed to be a year of transition, there aren't any excuses going into this season.

With the tackle combination of Terrance Taylor and Will Johnson good enough to get the NFL scouts hopping, while the ends, Tim Jamison and rising star Brandon Graham, should be big-time stat producers.

Relative Strengths: Running Back, Defensive Line

Relative Weaknesses: Quarterback, Offensive Line

Spartans anxious for Michigan game

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigten/0-1-224/Spartans-anxious-for-Michigan-game.html

U-M RB's: The Young and Talented

http://pennstate.scout.com/a.z?s=157&p=2&c=778497

It's still early, but Rodriguez's offense has Wolverines excited

http://blog.mlive.com/jim_carty/2008/08/jim_carty_the_ann_arbor_news.html

"The Michigan offense never seemed to show the same formation on back-to-back plays.  There were two tailbacks in the backfield, an empty backfield, wide receivers motioning into an empty backfield to become tailbacks, slotbacks turning into quarterbacks, quarterbacks turning into wide receivers, tight ends lining up in the slot and so forth."

"There were more looks on display in 15 minutes than an entire season under the previous coaching regime."

In 12 months, Trent goes from question mark to anchor at cornerback

http://blog.mlive.com/jim_carty/2008/08/confident_morgan_trent_appears.html#more

Carty on WTKA: McGuffie mania, quarterback confidence and the big picture

http://blog.mlive.com/jim_carty/2008/08/carty_on_wtka_august_18.html#more

Jackson: Shaw and McGuffie are special, will play

http://blog.mlive.com/jim_carty/2008/08/fred_jackson_cant_stop_raving.html#more

"Jackson spent a good 20 minutes Sunday afternoon throwing gasoline all over the already raging hype inferno surrounding the freshman running backs, beginning with a warning that Minor and Brown had better get over their nagging injuries real fast if they don't want to lose their place in the offense."

"Those two guys right there, I PROMISE you that you stay nicked up too long, it's going to hurt you tremendously," Jackson said.

Because Shaw and McGuffie can play right now, he said.

Shaw and McGuffie are two of the most exciting freshmen he has ever coached at Michigan, he continued.  They're Justin Fargas fast, but can cut better.

Michigan starter or not, Sheridan will be ready

http://blog.mlive.com/jim_carty/2008/08/sheridan_makes_michigan_quarte.html#more

College Football 2008 Preview: Michigan Wolverines

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/922943/college_football_2008_preview_michigan.html

Shaw, McGuffie Michigan gems; freshmen fit well in spread-option

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/SPORTS17/808130438

U-M's Rodriguez wants more walk-ons

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/football/index.ssf/2008/08/notes_um_coach_rodriguez_wants.html

Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines Hope to Play Well Under Lack of Pressure

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/46819-rich-rodriguez-and-the-wolverines-hope-to-play-well-under-lack-of-pressure

Rich Rodriguez trying to maintain 'small-time' approach at U-M

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080814/SPORTS06/80813103/1048/sports

U-M will lean on experience of defense

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080814/SPORTS0201/808140314/1131/SPORTS0201

Sports Illustrated Releases Commemorative U-M Football Issue

http://www.mgoblue.com/football/article.aspx?id=142992

- I've got to have it!!!  Now I have to figure out where I can buy it.  I recently got my hands on a copy of SI from the week after the App State game.  Guess what was all over the cover?

2008 Michigan Football Preview (Or, If you Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em)

http://sports.wnur.org/?p=190

25 Michigan keys: #9 - Defending the home turf

http://blog.mlive.com/thediag/2008/08/25_michigan_keys_9.html

Check out this site I just found where you can download torrents of Michigan games:

http://mgovideo.com/

Michigan football not in AP Top 25

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080817/SPORTS06/808170490/1048

" The Wolverines, who finished last year No. 18 after a 9-4 season, will start out of the Associated Press poll for the first time since 1985, following the 6-6 season in 1984."

College Football Betting | Are the Wolverines the right bet against Utah?

http://www.theonlinewire.com/articleView.aspx?ID=3969

U-M has several bright spots going into season

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/football/index.ssf/2008/08/um_has_several_bright_spots_go.html

Rodriguez heralds many changes at Michigan

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/football/index.ssf/2008/08/rodriguez_heralds_many_changes.html

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