Michigan just can't stay out of the news this winter.
A Wolverine fan like myself isn't even used to it.
Finally though, we have some news that has nothing to do with Rich Rodriguez and his former stomping grounds in Morgantown.
A more true rivalry reared its head again, and it came in the form of ESPN employee Kirk Herbstreit.
"I think it's a six-win season for Michigan next year, I really do," Kirk told Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio.
Colin was asked by Kirk how many games Michigan would win; then promptly scoffed at the notion that they would win nine and then even eight games as Cowherd suggested.
I don't doubt the Big Ten. It’s certainly not a cakewalk. But it's still the University of Michigan and they are still a talented group of football players.
Not only that, their out-of-conference schedule is weak. Toledo and Utah won't be going into the Big House and pulling any sort of upset.
Of course there is no room to talk when you lose to Appalachian State. But there are no expectations this year, and there is no arrogance.
Will they have a quarterback?
David Cone and Steven Threet are the two main quarterbacks left on the roster.
Do they fit the Rodriguez system?
It doesn’t matter—like it was pointed out with Mallett, the Rodriguez system can adapt to the talent around it.
Michigan has talented backs and some stars such as Terrence Taylor and Brandon Graham coming back on defense. This team can ride some of their experienced talent to more than six wins.
They can also ride some of their incoming talent, which there is no shortage of.
The most recent commitment was the reassurance of outside linebacker Marcus Witherspoon saying he would be coming to Ann Arbor in 2008.
Witherspoon joins three other big time linebacker recruits that will be donning the winged helmet: Taylor Hill out of Cardinal Mooney in Youngstown, Ohio, Taylor Demens staying in-state, and another New Jersey prospect J.B. Fitzgerald.
As it stands now Michigan is ranked 13th in the nation according to rivals in 2008 recruitment. They do have the second most four star athletes in the nation, but have yet to lock down a five star prospect.
While UM is still in the mix for four-star defensive-end Nick Perry, the biggest get is still considering his future.
That would be Terrelle Pryor. The highly coveted dual-threat quarterback out of Pennsylvania.
Is Pryor that much of a priority just because Michigan doesn't have a quarterback in place?
I think he is a priority because of his talent. It doesn't come down to need. Who wouldn't want a talented kid like Pryor running the show from day one?
Will they survive without him?
Most likely—as previously stated, there is no shortage of talent coming into Ann Arbor and currently in it. Michigan has survived plenty of years without him.
Four-star Boubacar Cissoko and Brandon Smith are two defensive backs committed to Michigan, and the Wolverines are still in the mix for defensive backs Charles Mitchell and Vaughn Telemaque.
Michigan will add a trio of giant offensive lineman, looking to replace Jake Long and team up with Steve Schilling to protect that quarterback yet to be named.
Darryl Stonum, Brandon Moore, Kevin Koger and stand out running back Sam McGuffie lead the offensive recruits. McGuffie is a you-tube favorite that will dazzle the fans with his quick and shifty moves.
So when it really does come down to it. Is Michigan in trouble if they don't get super recruit Terrelle Pryor?
No, but it wouldn't hurt, especially if it keeps him away from Columbus.
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8 months ago
UM fans smell like hot dog water
from 8 months ago
Much love, thanks
8 months ago
A group of Ohio State bound recruits visited Pryor at his last basketball game, while Oregon is putting on a full-court press to get him to take an official visit the weekend before signing day. The Pryor debate on where he lands is just getting started.
8 months ago
If pryor goes to osu he will be sitting for 1 year and tressel will be a choke he is and make terrelle hand the ball off. he deserves michigan, and michigan deserves him.
from 8 months ago
hahahahahaha, any Michigan fan speaking of anyone choking is a riot.... Don't hear anyone on OSU's sideline trying to clear an airway during the rivalry game that comes at the end of year.. Michigan still sucks and Tressel will continue to own them...
8 months ago
he should definitely stay out of the SEC if he wants to stay healthy.
8 months ago
yeah herstreit is about to piss some boys off down here which might make any trip south of the mason dixson dangerous. what he needs to do is keep his big 10 mouth shut before it gets shut for him.
8 months ago
yeah herstreit is about to piss some boys off down here which might make any trip south of the mason dixson dangerous. what he needs to do is keep his big 10 mouth shut before it gets shut for him.
8 months ago
Let's just say I am glad Herbie isn't my commodities broker.
8 months ago
Wow! This looks like a JV article and postings. First off, Pryor canceled his trip to Oregon and appears to be out of the running there, and it looks like it is going to come down to Michigan and Ohio State. I think Ohio State would be a better off for him next season and for his future.
And as for Herbstreit, I think he does a great job at what he does. He is paid to give his opinion, obviosly SOME people are going to disagree with him in almost everything he says. JOHN, I am not sure why exactly you hate him but he is from the midwest and is going to talk about the Big Ten. I am pretty sure he still thinks of the SEC as the best confrence in college football. And while im on the topic, why don't SEC fans show some respect to the rest of the country and college football rahter than bash every other team and confrence.
There is no question that the SEC has the most talent OVERALL as a confrence and they also have some of the highest profiled coaches in the country. I admit, after last season the criticism Ohio State fans got, they may deserved because they thought they were far better than any other team (except Michigan) Bowl season sure proved them wrong. But not this year, they just won games, I am from the midwest and I did not hear any Ohio State fans say that they were without a doubt the best team in the country. Get some class down there SEC fans and act like you've won before.
from 8 months ago
Where did this rant come from? The author is a fan of Michigan.
8 months ago
I am not a Michigan fan, but I am a fan of the Big Ten as well as Kirk Herbstreit. And I am sick and tired of these SEC fans.
Sorry, I may have gotten a little off topic.
from 8 months ago
I can appreciate you getting sick and tired of us SEC fans. I have a question. Are you tired of us pointing out that we play better football than you? Or is it something else. Here's a new joke:
What do Ohio State and Marijuana have in common? They both get smoked in bowls.
Joe (the SEC fan)
Geaux Tigers!
Nick Saban is a Nappy headed ho
8 months ago
Gotcha. I meant that Nino, the article writer was a fan of Michigan though. I kind of figured you were Big Ten fan.
Yeah, I think being more realistic and saying the Big Ten is in a down cycle right now would be the more appropriate thing. But who really knows, next year it could be the best conference.
8 months ago
If RR wouldn't have thrown the Pitt game, WV would have had the pleasure of smoking OS in the national championship. Thanks a lot Rich.
8 months ago
How do you make Ohio State cookies?
Put them in a big bowl and beat them for a few hours.
8 months ago
Hurbstreat is a Homer.
8 months ago
By Ohio Mike
To all you SEC fans I would offer a real solution to even the battle between the SEC and The Big Ten
Get some balls and schedule a game in our back yard, you do get home field advantage don't you.
Never mind, we would probably have to send our buses down to get you.
7 months ago
Wow, there are some great comments here! I would sit patiently on the edge of my seat awaiting more, but it seems as if there are no more.
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