Bleacher Report - Articles by Dean Walker

Michigan vs. Penn State: A Sad Story in Ann Arbor

Dean Walker — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:39:57 -0400

I shouldn't be this disappointed. Penn State is a good team and played a great game.

As of right now, it's still in the third quarter and I know better than to write out any team before the fourth quarter has started, but with the level of play I've seen in three quarters from Michigan, it's hard to believe that they will stage a comeback down 22 points.

I can't attribute this beating to any one thing at the moment. You could point at the three turnovers, a fumble and interception courtesy of Denard Robinson and a fumble by Carlos Brown. You could point at the offense and their inability to move the ball whatsoever, regardless of who is under center. You could point at the defense and the secondary's inability to cover a receiver to save their lives.

I don't mean to downplay Penn State by any means; I've always held their program in the highest regards and they have probably the classiest fans in the Big 10, but this should have been a win-able game for Michigan.

*Speaking of class, I have to hand it to West Virginia. It was a hell of a thing for the fans to cheer the UConn players as they came on the field to open the game. They won a nail-biter and did it with respect and class. But I digress...

Penn State really hasn't played anybody this season. They got spanked by the same Iowa team at home that Michigan came within two points of beating on the road (although Kirk Ferentz owns real estate in State College). Other than that game their schedule has been remarkably soft. Not to say that Michigan's hasn't ( Delaware State), but Penn State's stats mentioned before the game are slightly skewed and have been against extremely weak opponents. This, and Michigan's opening drive, led me to believe that this was a very win-able game.

I think that's why I'm so disappointed. (What the hell?! Roughing the kicker? Really? Let's just keep shooting ourselves in the foot because Penn State needs more help winning this game.) This could have been a close game and one that was exciting to watch. Now, instead, Michigan has 8:44 left to get a stop and three touchdowns and I'm sitting here writing this article and glancing at the TV every other play.

But since I've totally spaced out what I had left to say in this paragraph, I'm going to get back to watching the rest of the game and throwing the occasional cuss-word at the TV. Even though it's 3 AM here, I can't not watch the rest of the game and still call myself a fan. Go Blue!

Dear Rich Rodriguez, What Were You Thinking??

Dean Walker — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:25:07 -0400

Words can't express how mad I am right now.

I can't even break this game down objectively. With 7:42 left in the game, why would you put in the one-dimensional Denard Robinson, who is 4-of-11 for 57 yards and two interceptions.

You put in a guy that has sat the bench for a frigid three-and-a-half quarters instead of staying with the quarterback who has orchestrated not one, not two, but three last-minute drives?

It's inconceivable to me that you chose to lose a game that could put you back into the Top 25 and into the talk for the Big Ten title in order to teach a freshman quarterback a lesson.

Okay, D-Rob had a decent drive to put the Wolverines back into the game. But it took four minutes off the clock, largely because all but three plays were runs.

Tate Forcier took the ball 92 yards with a minute on the clock against the Spartans. What is there to decide?

Screw the system, screw the game-plan and screw whatever lesson you wanted to teach Forcier. When the game is on the line, give it to the guy who has been getting it done all season.

I sat through the most embarrassing season Michigan has had in my lifetime last year and I paid money to see your team drop the ball against Toledo. I've made a point to stay up half the night here in Afghanistan (8.5 hours ahead of EST) to watch Michigan State, a team you should have beaten, hold you to almost zero yards rushing for a solid three quarters.

And I've have had full faith in your abilities the entire time.

But now, I honestly have to start questioning your coaching and your intelligence as a human being.

Are you trying to bring about the demise of one of college football's most storied programs on purpose?

Are you trying to make life harder for your players and your fans?

There is no possible way you can pass the buck to D-Rob and his interception. The Florida native has attempted 11 passes this season and is not used to freezing cold weather. He didn't even get the opportunity to play in Michigan's spring ball.

Did you expect him to throw a game-winning touchdown pass under those conditions? I don't think a single person in the state of Michigan expected that.

So, in conclusion, I would like you to pull your head out of your ass before we play Delaware State next week. I will be damned I we lose that game at home.

-Most Sincerely, Dean Walker

Wisconsin vs. Ohio State: The Battle for the Big 10 Begins in Columbus

Dean Walker — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:12:18 -0400

Countless articles across the internet are hinting of the demise of Ohio State at the hands of Wisconsin this Saturday as the Badgers head into Columbus to take on the ninth ranked Buckeyes.

Wisconsin, the only undefeated FBS team to not be ranked in the AP top 25 and one of two undefeated teams in the Big 10, is looking to earn some BCS respect and possibly a shot at the Big 10 title.

Ohio State is looking to earn some credibility on the National scene by making a statement against Wisconsin at home and proving this season that it can beat a legitimate team and skater against Navy and the last minute comeback against USC were flukes.

Wisconsin Offense vs. OSU Defense

This is quite possibly one of the most interesting matchups of the day. Wisconsin ranks 14th in the country in rushing offense while the OSU defense ranks 10th against the run. The Buckeyes have been notorious for their stifling run defense and this squad is no different, allowing an average of only 83.4 yards per game and giving up only four touchdowns on the ground.

The defense has also forced 12 turnovers in the first five games of the season. Wisconsin is averaging a decent 5 yards per carry, their leading rusher John Clay (6'2" 242 lbs) accounting for 582 yards and 7 touchdowns. These two units very well might cancel each other out and so the focus may shift toward the passing game.

Scott Tolzien is completing 65% of his passes, has accounted for just over a grand in the air, and has a trio of targets sitting at just over 250 yards a piece (Nick Toon: 269, Garrett Graham: 268, Isaac Anderson: 255).

If Wisconsin is going to win the battle on the offensive side of the ball, Tolzien is going to have to be the man to do it in my opinion. Ohio State is just too good against the run and, while it's going to be important for Wisconsin to establish the run, it will most likely be the effectiveness of the passing attack that keeps Wisconsin in the game.

Advantage: Even

OSU offense vs. Wisconsin Defense

Ohio State's offense has been something of a mystery this season. The highly touted Sophomore quarterback Terrell Pryor has seemed somewhat eclectic at times as he adjusts to the passing game and tries to build his pocket presence.

Some might attribute this to having an athlete of his caliber having to play "Tressel Ball," the nickname for the highly conservative offense that head coach Jim Tressel runs. Whatever the case may be, the kid has a cannon for an arm and, once he learns how to use it correctly, the OSU offense will be a force to contend with on the national scene.

As it stands right now Pryor is just 66 of 114 for 854 yards, not bad numbers by any means but not great numbers either. Pryor is, however, the leading rusher on the team with 298 yards and 3 touchdowns. Including Pryor OSU will be fielding 3 rushers with over 200 yards, Brandon Saine and Daniel Herron being the other two.

The key for Ohio State will be Pryor's ability to move around outside of the pocket and make plays with his feet. Wisconsin ranks second in the Big 10 in sacks and third in tacks for loss and will undoubtedly keep up the pressure against OSU.

Wisconsin also leads the nation in turnovers forced with 15 and will be hoping they can force Pryor into some bad situations who is 8-5 in touchdowns to interceptions. Ohio State has to focus on keeping hold of the ball and tiring out the Wisconsin defense with multiple looks and consistency.

Advantage: Wisconsin

Other Thoughts

Even though I have the advantage going to Wisconsin I'm not ready to put this game on upset alert just yet. I do find it kind of funny that the team going into this game as the "underdog" has statistically outperformed their opponent in almost every category that matters.

Ohio State has the talent and the intangibles to win this game but Wisconsin is not going to lie down like Illinois and Toledo did. This should be a close game but with the Buckeyes playing in the Shoe I have to give the win to OSU.

Michigan State: A Congratulations 42 Years in the Making

Dean Walker — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:00:31 -0400

It's been since 1967 that Michigan State has beaten Michigan back-to-back times and they won three times in a row back then so surely this has been a special win. All week, Mark Dantonio and his players had been talking about how much it meant to them to beat their in-state rivals and on Saturday they got their wish.

RECAP: Michigan Offense vs. MSU Defense

This was honestly one of the worst performances I've seen from Michigan offensively since Nick Sheridan and Steven Threet were sharing the start. Michigan only managed to squeak out 28 yards of rushing after sacks, an obvious season low, and Forcier got most of those in the final quarter of regulation.

Michigan was -5 yards rushing going into the third quarter and every attempt to get the ball moving on the ground had been stymied thus far.

As mentioned in my previous article, "MSU has one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten and they [had] to make Michigan play a one-dimensional game, if they hope[d] to keep them from putting up big numbers in both the rushing and passing game."

They did exactly that. They were able to shut down the running game which allowed them to add pressure to the passing game. Forcier was constantly moving around to try to escape the heavy MSU blitz and was forced to take some sacks and even had an intentional grounding called on him for the second time in as many games.

Michigan State did not look like they fielded the same defense they had in weeks one through four and made some impressive stands against a normally dynamic Michigan offense. They forced Michigan into yet another situation that called for some late-game heroics from Forcier, this time it just wasn't enough.

RECAP: MSU Offense vs. Michigan Defense

MSU really was as good as advertised on the offensive side of the ball, putting up 417 yards of total offense, 220 of that being through the air. While not putting up the best numbers on paper, Cousins was able to pick apart the Michigan secondary with relative ease (15/21 for 152 YDs, 0 TDs and 2 INTs) and MSU's rushing attack finally stepped up and put 197 YDs on the ground.

The most surprising factor on Saturday was Cousins' ability to run the ball after his protection broke down, which he was able to do several times and keep drives alive on 3rd-and-long. Without his ability to sustain MSU's long drives (holding the ball for almost two-thirds of the game), Michigan State would have given Michigan more opportunities to get into a rhythm and get their offense moving down the field.

On a personal note

I have to congratulate sparty on beating Michigan two years in a row. There's a lot of bad blood in the State and I know how much beating Michigan means to MSU, even if it pales in comparison to the Michigan/Ohio State rivalry. My only comment on the matter other than that is this:

Dear Mark Dantonio,

If you wish your program to be taken seriously on a conference and national level, try preparing for more than just the Michigan game every year. Who knows, you might win more than a couple games and not lose to the likes of CMU. Your comments leading up to the game have been childish and inappropriate for a head coach to make on the air.

While I wish your team the best of luck if you play in a bowl game this year, I also wish you would have a little class, especially when it comes to this game.

Your players had three dead ball personal fouls to open up their first (real) drive, accentuating the childish and "little brother-ish" way you view this game. Other than the normal trash-talking that is to be expected against any team, not one personal foul was committed by one Michigan player and not once did you see any inappropriate pushing and shoving after plays other than, again, what is to be expected during any game.

Play and coach with some respect and dignity and keep the childish banter limited private phone calls between you and Rich Rod and I'll guarantee you'll see a different attitude coming into the game next year.

Looking Forward

Later this week, I'll be previewing Ohio State's matchup with Wisconsin at "The Shoe" in what promises to be a season-defining game as both teams race toward the Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl berth.

A lot's at State: This Year's Paul Bunyan Game Has Big Implications in Michigan

Dean Walker — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:09:02 -0400

This week's inner-state matchup between Michigan and Michigan State has a lot of implications for both teams coming into week five. For Michigan this proves that, even though MSU suffered at the hands of Central Michigan and Notre Dame, they can beat a solid team and that Notre Dame wasn't a fluke and Indiana was a hiccup.

For MSU, a win against an undefeated Michigan, their biggest rival, would pull them out of a three-game losing streak and maybe take some heat off their embarrassing loss to Central Michigan. Let's examine some of the key points to this upcoming game.

Michigan State's Offense vs Michigan's Defense

As is usually key in the Michigan Program, even one under new leadership, defense is what is going to win the game for the Wolverines. After an embarrassing display of blown coverage and missed tackles, the Wolverines secondary is going to have its work cut out for it.

I harbor no doubts that Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol are spending a lot of time watching video of the Michigan-Indiana game and are planning on how to exploit Boubacar Cissoko, who seems to be opposing quarterback's target of choice.

Last week against Indiana, the Michigan secondary really only had one major threat at Wide-out to contend with in Tandon Doss and they struggled to contain him; Doss racked up 5 catches for 104 yards including a 54-yard bomb from Ben Chappel and 3 rushes for 41 yards.

Michigan State will be fielding BJ Cunningham, Blair White, and Mark Dell who combine for 53 catches, 790 yards, and 8 TD's compared to Michigan's top three receivers combining for 20 catches, 266 yards, and 5 TD's. Each and every player in the Wolverines secondary is going to have to step up or they will find themselves getting torched on the big plays all afternoon.

The defensive front is going to be looking to get pressure on MSU's two quarterbacks as early as humanly possible. Seventy-four percent of MSU's total yards on the season and 55 percent of their plays have come out of the air. If they can, Michigan wants to play to their strengths and pressure the passing game early, forcing MSU to run and keep the ball out their wide-outs hands.

Kirk Cousins, who has been getting the majority of playing time for MSU's quarterback duo, will be looking to spread the ball around early and I fully expect MSU's first offensive play of the game to be a shot at Boubacar Cissoko, who seems to be the wolverine's weakest link on defense so far this year.

Like Michigan, MSU will want to play to their strengths and go to the air as much as possible, their backs totaling for roughly half of what the wolverine's have racked-up this season and none having more than 150 yards on the season.

The MSU offensive front needs to hold against Michigan's 3-4 defense and keep Brandon Graham out of the backfield and give Cousins enough time to go through his progression. The key to MSU's passing attack is distribution and they want to keep the wolverines on their heels and much as possible and maintain long, sustained drives.

Essentially, Michigan State's offensive game-plan is the exact opposite of the Wolverines defensive game-plan. Each team needs to play to their strengths and whichever unit does so longer and more efficiently will come up on top of this matchup.

Advantage: MSU

Michigan's Offense vs. Michigan State's Defense

"May the Forcier be with you," seems to be Michigan's mantra in close games, which this one very well may be. Tate Forcier has come up big in the last seconds of two games, most notably against Notre Dame where he led a last minute drive capped off by a five-yard touchdown to put the Wolverines up by four with 11 seconds on the clock.

Forcier has been the x-factor in big games, a true freshman who repeatedly denies getting nervous while playing.

Michigan will be looking to get the ball into the hands of their playmakers on offense. Brandon Minor will most likely get the start at tailback but expect to see Carlos Brown, who has shown explosiveness and "bigplayability" get a lot of reps as well. Up until last week's game against Indiana, Michigan had the fourth ranked running game in the country and will most likely stick with that game-plan to start.

If it's not broke, why fix it? If MSU is able to shut down the running game, Michigan will then look to keep the ball in Forcier's capable hands and pick apart the ninth ranked passing defense in the Big Ten.

The thorn in Michigan's side is their lack of depth of the offensive line, which showed greatly against Indiana. Converted center David Moosman, playing for the injured David Molk had five bad snaps last week, three of which resulted in a loss of 10 yards or more and one pushed the Wolverines out of field-goal range. Molk won't be returning any time soon, so this is an issue that needs to be addressed by Rodiguez's coaching staff.

Michigan State's defense will have its hands full containing Michigan's multiple threats on offense and their first priority should be putting an extra man in the box to try to stuff Minor and Brown, as well as contain QB's Forcier and Denard Robinson, both of whom are proven runners, especially Robinson who is Michigan's second leading rusher with 179 yards and 3 TD's.

MSU has one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten and they have to make Michigan play a one-dimensional game, if they hope to keep them from putting up big numbers in both the rushing and passing game.

If Michigan State, who is near the top of the Big Ten in the sack department, can get pressure on Forcier, they may be able to create turnovers and turn the game around.

Forcier has been known to try to force balls and make bad decisions when he is in trouble and if MSU can take advantage of this and get the ball back into the hands of their capable offense, Saturday's game should be a lot closer than it appears on paper.

Advantage: Michigan

After last season's 3-9 debacle no Michigan fan is ready to write off any game this season, even against a 1-3 Michigan State. A squeaker against Indiana and an upcoming "road game" against the Spartans who are hungry for a win has the Wolverines cautiously looking over their collective shoulders.

I look forward to this matchup every year but this particular game has big implications for both teams and possibly the Big Ten.

As it stands right now Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin are the only undefeated teams in the Big Ten and MSU would love to spoil Michigan's rebound season.

Michigan Wolverines: Five Biggest Concerns For 2009

Dean Walker — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:08:55 -0500

It seems that everyone here has a hard-on for Tate Forcier and how much he is going to change the team this year. While I agree that he might be a difference maker, I would like to point out my top five concerns from last year that need to be addressed this year to guarantee a winning season.

5. Quarterback Play

Yes, being solid at QB is a major concern, but I've seen teams do better than 3-9 with a mediocre QB (See: Michigan State and Brian Hoyer. No offense, but my wife is an MSU fan, and even she can see that he's just not "good.").

Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan last year had moments of excellence—and I use the term loosely—but hours of ineptitude, and everyone was quick to point it out and place the blame on them. I'm not trying to downplay how terrible they are; I would just like to point out that a QB is only as good as the players around him.

That being said, am I excited to see what Forcier can do this upcoming season? You better believe it. I still argue that he won't stand a chance at turning the team around without the next four things coming together.

4. Proper play-calling and personnel in respective situations

This issue reared its head less toward the end of the season, but in the first few games I was tired of seeing Sam McGuffie slash to the sides on 3rd-and-1 or 2 or get stuffed when he tried to motor his undersized (by Big Ten standards) frame up the middle, especially when there was a perfectly capable Brandon Minor standing on the sidelines.

McGuffie getting stuffed on short-yardage situations was not only a momentum-killer but also ensured that an already tired defense would be on the field much longer than it should have been.

I think it finally sank in for Rich Rodriguez at the end of the season when McGuffie was banged up and Minor (6’1”, 214 lbs) took the field that he was a better short-yardage option than McGuffie (5’11”, 185 lbs). I'm not calling for RR's head, but he does have to earn my trust in certain areas before I'm totally sold on him.

3. The secondary allowing the 10+ yard pass

I don't care how often you stuff the run up the middle, to the sides, wherever. I don't care how well you cover the screen or the quick slant. It only takes one deep ball to drastically change the outcome of a game, and Michigan proved time and time again that it could not cover the skinny post or the flag route.

There seemed to always be some sort of miscommunication between the corners and safeties on who was supposed to pick up the receiver when, as illustrated by the Ohio State game. There is no way our secondary should be letting a true freshman exploit them like that.

If somebody doesn't step up this season and start shutting down the pass, prepare to be exposed by Terrelle Pryor and any other decent QB for a few more seasons.

2. Offensive Line...period.

Only having one returning starter on the O-line last year killed Michigan's offense. A bad QB can look mediocre and a mediocre QB can look good with enough protection and time.

Granted, this is not a pocket-passing offense, but when your offense is dug into a 3rd-and-9+ situation, you have to start looking downfield and get away from slants and screens. To do that, your QB needs time to go through his progression, and the receivers need time to get open.

I do believe, however, that this line will be coming in deeper this year and with the experience of a really bad season behind them to build on and should look infinitely better this year.

1. Ball Handling

I wish I had DVR so I could re-watch all last season's games and count how many times the ball carrier ran with the ball to the inside hand. It is FUNDAMENTAL. You learn it in peewee: You carry the ball with the hand closest to the sideline and farthest away from the defender so they can't strip it from you.

Anyone in my apartment complex probably heard me screaming that at least twice a game, and I'm sure my roommate got tired of hearing it. If this team is to succeed next year, it needs to handle the basics first and foremost.

It is my opinion that we will see a productive Michigan season if—and only if—these things are taken care of. Michigan does have a "soft" schedule, but I'm not going to make any predictions of what the record will be and who Michigan will/should beat, because I think anyone who followed the Wolverines last year knows that anything can happen on any given day.

I'm asking you:

What role do you see Denard Robinson playing next year? Are we going to see some dual QB plays being called? Maybe have him line up in the slot? Gadget plays? What do you think?

Of the O-linemen coming in (true freshmen, not redshirts), do you start any of them or do you redshirt? If so, which ones?

On a scale of 1-10, how much do you miss Zoltan Mesko already?

If you disagree with any of my points, let me know. I'm open to criticism. But don't come on my page and flame my article just because you're an Ohio State fan or a WVU fan that's still bitter about RR leaving.

College Football Week 14 Quick Picks

Dean Walker — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:58:02 -0500

I was 4-5 last week, but I lost the biggest game of the week. Looks like I overlooked the fact that Big 12 teams play like maniacs at home. The Sooners had Tech's number all game on Saturday, and they looked good.

Now the Big 12 is a mess that will have to be mopped up this weekend so people can stop speculating on who gets the Go-Ahead in the BCS. But let's journey over to the SEC first.

Alabama vs. Auburn

Spread: 'Bama by 14

As much as 'Bama should win this game, it could very well end up being a trap. I know he would never admit it, but you have to bet Coach Saban is looking ahead to Florida, and Auburn is looking to salvage its season with a big win over a tough opponent.

Even though this has the potential to be an upset, I'm not betting on it. Auburn's offense never stands a chance, and the Tide roll all over them. Alabama by 17.

Texas vs. Texas A&M

Spread: Texas by 34

Texas has to make a case for itself to stay ahead of Oklahoma in the rankings and beat A&M big, especially since OU closes out its regular season against 11th-ranked Oklahoma State. The gods of football smile on strength of schedule, and the Sooners will have it with a win over the Cowboys. Look for the Horns to be focused and on their game on Saturday. Texas by 40+.

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State

Spread: Oklahoma by 7

It's been the trend between the powerhouses of the Big 12 to show up at home, and in that regard, the Cowboys have the advantage. Their eighth-ranked rush attack squares off against OU's 10th-ranked rush defense (which I think is a little skewed because nobody rushes in the Big 12 anyway).

OU will be playing for the right to play in the conference championship, but I think OSU will give them a run for their money, no pun intended. I'm putting this game on Upset alert (or maybe I just don't like the Sooners).

Florida at Florida State

Spread: Florida by 15.5

Once again, Urban Meyer's Gators are firing on all cylinders and itching to prove that they belong in the Championship game for the second time in three years. At this point I don't think there are going to be too many teams that can shut them down.

If Florida State doesn't shut down the run early, they are going to have their hands full trying to figure out where the ball is. I'll be surprised if this game isn't decided by halftime and the Gators aren't trying to pad Tebow's stats some more. Gators big.

USC vs. Notre Dame

Spread: USC by 29

Notre Dame has improved its numbers from last year, but they are still not "good" by standards. It's been a while since they've beaten a ranked opponent, and I really don't see this one being a trend buster. USC's defense is just too good, and Notre Dame's offense is just too bad.

As much as I would love to see USC out of the picture, they're going to hang in there and stomp the Irish.

Other Thoughts from around the world of Sports

Pacman is on the three-and-out plan. If he jacks up one more time, he's out of the league for good. I guess when you have a bunch of money it's hard to stay out of trouble.

A whole plethora of coaches are getting canned, among them are Washington Wizards' coach Eddie Jordan and Eastern Michigan's Jeff Genyk. Seriously, though, you're Eastern Michigan. Do you really expect to win games? Genyk does get to coach his final game against Central Michigan this week. Boy, I'm excited for that one.

Just because I have to get my biased poke in there: Michigan starts off the Basketball season 3-1 and beats then-No. 4 UCLA. Could the planets be completely messed up and this be the year Michigan blows in football and makes the tourney in Basketball? Half of it has come true this year—stay tuned for the rest.

How terrible have the Pistons been looking the last couple of games? I almost threw up while watching them lay a massive egg in Boston. That AI trade still looking good?

K-State just rehired Bill Snyder to coach football. He did go 136-68-1, but the dude is 69. Can he be "the Miracle in Manhattan: Part Two" or has the game escaped him? And speaking of ridiculously old coaches, do you think Joe Pa will retire with a Rose Bowl win this year?

GM has just announced it will end its endorsement deal with Tiger Woods at the end of the year. Not that you need more news about how much crap GM and the economy is in, but I thought that was kind of relevant.

College Football Week 13 Quick Picks

Dean Walker — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:03:26 -0500

Here are some picks on the top 10 teams this week in college football as well as some other random thoughts from across sports.

No. 5 Oklahoma vs. No. 2 Texas Tech

Spread: OU by 6.5

Texas Tech just can't get any love this year and week after week they go out and prove that they belong in the hunt for the National Championship. The chip on the shoulders or the Red Raiders will prove to be enough to get them by yet another tough opponent. And don't count on the Sooners to show up on defense magically this weekend, either.

No. 4 Florida vs Citadel

Spread: NL

This game will be a blowout. Florida will have to try hard to lose this game and I just don't see it happening. Urban Meyer will consider it a loss if he isn't up by 40-plus in the fourth and Tim Tebow is still throwing the ball (whoops...).

No. 7 Utah vs. No. 14 BYU

Spread: Utah by 6.5

This game has BCS implications for both teams so look for a long hard-fought game on both sides of the ball. This one will be close. The spread favors Utah, so I'm going to have to go with the home team on this one.

No. 8 Penn State vs. No. 15 Michigan State

Spread: Penn State by 14.5

Another game with bowl implications, PSU will be playing for the Big 10 conference and Rose Bowl trip. MSU will be playing for the same thing while hoping their arch-rival Michigan pulls a rabbit out against Ohio State. The X-factor in this game will be PSU's run defense which is ranked 10th in the country. Penn State wins the Big 10 outright.

No. 9 Boise State at Nevada

Spread: Boise State by 6

Once again this will be a hard-fought game by bitter rivals. Boise will be playing for a BCS berth and some love for the conference. The low spread favors Boise State and I like their dynamic offense. The Broncos have my pick this week.

No. 10 Ohio State vs. Michigan

Spread: Ohio State by 20.5

Arguably the best rivalry in college football, this game has more at stake than meets the eye. Ohio State will be playing for its shot at the conference title and hoping MSU beats Penn State. Michigan will be playing to salvage what's left of its miserable season. By the numbers 20.5 looks like a fair spread but I see the Wolverines losing by only two touchdowns. Pick the maize and blue against the spread, even though the Buckeyes will still come out on top.

Other Points of Interest

LSU is only favored over Ole Miss by 4.5 points. The Tigers need to be careful if they want to make a case for themselves in the postseason. They can't afford another loss this late in the season.

Arizona and Georgia Tech are unranked and favored over ranked teams by 3 and 3.5 points, respectively. These would be good games to put on your DVR if you're planning on watching something else at those times.

And in other news...

Pacman Jones just got reinstated...again. I thought Roger Goodell was trying to make a name for himself as the tough guy and the "pain in the ass" for all the ne'er-do-rights in the league. I guess they probably think it's punishment enough to play on the same team as Owens and Williams.

The Billups-AI trade looks like it's going to pan-out for both teams. The Nuggets have won four straight and the Pistons just snapped Cleveland's eight-game win streak.

Ocho Cinco (man, I can't even type that without laughing) just got deactivated for showing up to a meeting late and then walking out on it moments later... allegedly... I really can't see how a stand-up guy like Chad...Ocho...Cinco... would do something like that.

Brady Quinn has a broken finger (right index) but will try to play Sunday. Brett Farve probably called him. Romo should take notes.

When asked about his team's 0-10 record by a reporter, Lion's head coach Rod Marinelli responded, "I'm not 0-10, you're 0-10." Apparently that reporter is also glue in which everything he says bounces off Marinelli and sticks back to him. Definitely my quote of the week.

The Moment We've All Been Hating For

Dean Walker — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:01:17 -0500

I have to get a couple of points in before I start breaking down this Saturday.

1. Please don't take what Rich Rod said out of context ("Get a life"). It's just a media ploy to stir up drama by putting that in the headlines. Read the whole story before you make up your mind what he said.

2. Go Texas Tech! These guys are the real deal and yet they can't get any love. They've been predicted to be upset in almost all of the games they were favored in and they have been slotted to lose by 6.5 this week against an Oklahoma team that, until recently, has shown it can't play defense. If it were just Graham Harrel and Micheal Crabtree against OU's defense, the Raiders would have my vote.

3. Arizona is favored by three over the Beavers. USC fans keep praying...

But seriously, on with THE GAME:

Michigan Offense vs. Ohio State Defense

This really isn't a contest and you know what I'm going to write before you see it at the bottom of the paragraph. Michigan is going to have to be able to roll out points early to be able to pull this miracle off. Sheridan will most likely get the start this week but I see him coming out early if the offense begins to stall. Look for a lot of quick plays early on to try to throw the OSU defense off balance.

If the ball is in Ohio State territory it will be a four-down situation almost without a doubt. Rich Rod has already shown he's not afraid to go for it this season and he knows that he can call this a season saved by pulling the unthinkable.

On the flip side look of Ohio state to rush five and six men early on in this game. They will want to get into the young QB's head early and throw the offense off tempo with multiple looks from different angles. Expect to hear laurenitis' number called often in this game.

Advantage: OSU

Ohio State Offense vs. Michigan Defense

On this end the battle will be a little closer if a couple of things fall in place for Michigan.

First and foremost the secondary CANNOT get burned on the deep ball. Although Pryor was famous for being Athletic in High School, he's shown already that he has the arm to throw the distance. The safeties have to have their heads in the game for the full 60 minutes to give the defense any chance at stopping Pryor.

The linebackers cannot over commit. This has been Michigan's problem with mobile QB's in the past. When the pocket starts to move the linebackers over-pursue and leave wide open gaps in the middle.

Patience is what this unit needs more than anything. Hold position until Pryor commits to run (which he does often) and give him those 2-3 yard gains all day. Bend but don't break. If Pryor gets to the 2nd level he's shown that he has the strength to break tackles, something Michigan hasn't done well all season.

Taylor, Graham, boys, keep doing what you're doing up front.

Advantage: OSU

Special Teams

I can really sum this battle up in two words: Zoltan Mesko. This kid is a difference maker for the Wolverines and has made game-changing plays on fourth down to keep drives alive. He has the leg to put the ball inside the opponen's 20 from almost anywhere on the field. The punting game has been the rose among the thorns for Michigan and could very easily decide the outcome in late-game situations.

Advantage: Mich

Other Thoughts

I wanted to put coaching in here too but I hate Jim Tressel too much to write about him. I respect what he's done for his program and what he'll probably be doing a while longer, but I still maintain he's the Antichrist.

Ohio State is the by-the-numbers victor of this game. They should win it. Plain and simple. But there have been a few games down the line of this rivalry that one team was a heavy favorite and came out with their tail between their legs. Good luck to everyone this Saturday, and by everyone I mean GO BLUE!

Sporadic at Best: Michigan Mid-Term Report Card

Dean Walker — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:08:47 -0400

We're five games into a 12-game schedule, so it's not quite midseason, but I need to get some things off my chest about my Michigan Wolverines. I still haven't gotten used to seeing my team lose—it doesn't (read: didn't) happen often—but some things have at least been a little easier to accept.

Here's the breakdown of how I've seen the season so far.

Offense

Boy, where to start? I guess I'll begin with the passing game.

It's been a Jekyll and Hyde season for the Michigan passing game, mainly because they started out the season with both Jekyll and Hyde at quarterback—I'll leave it to you to decide which one is which. If there was anything that could help the offense it would have been stability at quarterback.

On paper there were two different guys to choose from: the runner who can't pass, or the passer who can't run. The first couple games it was whoever started, if they began to fail, put the other guy in, change the style of play to suit the QB, and confuse the heck out of everyone on offense—or so it seemed.

Finally Steven Threet began to emerge as the more dominant of the two, and RR decided to name him the "starter." I would love to say I love Threet at QB, but I can't bring myself to do it. My biggest criticisms are the obvious lack of ball skills (more on that later), lack of touch, and inconsistencies.

I really like how Threet has grown to be more comfortable in the pocket, stepping up when he needs to and feeling the pressure around him. He's shown some decent moves for a big tall white boy, but I get a little nervous when he takes hits like he did last week against Illinois.

If Threet can get into a rhythm, realize that he doesn't have to zing every ball he throws, and please please PLEASE protect the ball, he might just be the starter next year as well.

On the running side of the ball, I only have a couple of issues.

I really like Sam McGuffie. He has the potential to be a walking highlight reel. He seems to be the only ball carrier on the team that doesn't make me have to close my eyes and pray every time he gets a touch.

I think he does need to be a little more patient and let the holes develop before he decides to shift into fifth gear. I like his tenacity and speed, but he needs to be a little more patient. His biggest issues, to me, are dictated by powers beyond his control. Again, I'll elaborate later.

The receiving corps is young, inexperienced, and looks confused about 80 percent of the time. These guys need to work on their route running first and foremost. I can't accurately state how many incompletions have been due to bad routes, but I would like to say that at least one-fourth of the bad throws have been to where the receiver was supposed to be.

Mathews and Odoms appear to be the best things to happen to this group. When the balls are thrown to them, they generally come down with it and make good attempts at yards after catch.

The thing this group lacks is the go-to guy. There's no Manningham, Braylon, Avant, whoever to get things done down the field.

Overall, the offense is a roller coaster that seems to have more drops (no pun intended) than it does rises. There are brief flashes of brilliance that give Michigan fans hope to carry on the rest of the season, but those are few and far between.

Grade: C-

Defense

This is a group of guys that have the ability to carry the team. At the beginning of the year I remember reading an article that said, "The defense is good enough to keep Michigan in most games," and they demonstrated that against Utah, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin especially.

As of Week Four, they were ranked the No. 12 rush defense in the country, and that's what Michigan fans have grown to expect. Unfortunately, Michigan fans have also grown to expect the defense getting picked apart by an athletic QB running the spread option—and so far, they haven't been proved wrong.

To say that Juice Williams embarrassed Michigan in their house would be...well...true. The secondary left gaps that even Nick Sheridan could throw through. The line was able to penetrate a few times and hand Illinois some lost yardage, and Obi Ezeh was all over the field, leading the team with 15 tackles, one for loss.

Unfortunately, all of the "sacks" the defense had were considered tackles for loss officially, saying that Williams was running the ball when it happened. There were times that the linebackers especially were made to look like fools in the backfield though, standing there trying to decide whether or not to go for Williams or the pitch.

If the defensive backs can hold it together and not allow so many big plays down the field, this will be the defense to beat in the second half of the season.

Grade: B

Special Teams

An oft-overlooked aspect of a game is the special teams battle, and for Michigan, it has proven to be one of the biggest game breakers. Notre Dame exploited Michigan's inability to hold on to the ball and earned a couple of free possessions that should have been a Michigan 1st-and-10.

Odoms has looked the best so far this year, and just when I thought we had finally found a guy that can return a ball decently enough, he fumbles and loses the return job. If even just the special teams turnovers were erased from the game, I think there would be a couple of different outcomes this year, namely at South Bend.

The field goal business is a little shaky but hasn't been bad enough to make me worry. The shanks that we've seen thus far could happen to anyone and haven't been often enough to cause me bother.

I would like to see a little bit more distance on kickoffs though. The opposition has been consistently returning the ball from their 10 or farther out.

Zoltan has been doing his thing, which is good by me. The only thing I'd like to see from him is fewer punts, but that's not really his fault.

Grade: C

Coaching

I don't necessarily agree with the people calling for Rich Rod's head. I think they should have known that this season was going to be bad, and it would have been bad under any head coach we got, even Carr. I also think that it'll be better when he gets his players on the roster.

I would say, however, that he could be doing a better job with the personnel he has. As a for-instance, where oh where is Kevin Grady inside the 10-yard line? Where is Brandon Minor on 3rd-and-2?

Why do you keep running stretch plays across the line when McGuffie is getting smoked in the backfield? Why do you keep running him, a smaller back, up the middle?

Why are you shooting long on 3rd-and-3 or 4 when you haven't yet established the run game—and for that matter, why does it seem like certain drives are pass-only drives and certain drives are rush-only drives? Why do your ball carriers have the inability to move the ball to the outside hand when they are running?

These are questions that I believe need immediate answers. I'm not a football coach, but it just seems like common football sense to me to do (or not do) certain things on the field.

I think the problem isn't that Rich Rod is adamant about running the spread. I think it's that he's adamant about NOT running old-school Michigan ball.

Grade: C

There's a lot of work to be done, but I think it's possible to at least have a .500 season. There are some teams on the schedule that should beat Michigan, but Wisconsin should have beaten Michigan as well.

If people can start hanging onto the ball and the offense can click like it did in the two-and-a-half quarters between the Wisconsin game and the Illinois game, Michigan should be able to contend with anyone on their schedule—and that includes Ohio State.

I Have a Dream: Top Hopes for This Football Season

Dean Walker — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:53:40 -0400

Hopes, dreams, expectations: They're what drive us football fans through the drought of the offseason and the dry period between spring scrimmages/training and opening week.

We have our RSS news feeds set up in our offices in the hopes that some news of our team will reach our desktop, moistening our parched throats. We check ESPN and Fox Sports and whatever news outlet we can find to keep our minds looking ahead for the season to come.

I've had some of my hopes and dreams come to life, and some that have been completely dashed. There are some that still are yet to be decided. This is how my season has gone so far.

Hopes Come True

5. Brett Favre is not in Green Bay.

Don't get me wrong: It's not that I don't like him or don't think he's a great QB. I'm just tired of hearing about him. I have a couple of friends from Wisconsin that think he's God's gift to humanity, which is totally wrong—Tom Brady is God's gift to humanity.

4. Millen got canned.

If you're a Detroit Lions fan, you know where I'm coming from.

3. USC lost again to an unranked team in their conference.

Dear USC,

Thank you for showing me that gambling is wrong. Now I will think twice before betting on the No. 1 team in the country to beat a lousy football team. Not to take away from Oregon State, but man, you guys blew it. Again, thanks.

2. Despite their loss last week to the 'Skins, the Cowboys are still the dominant team in the NFC.

It was a rough few years to be a Cowboys fan in the post-Aikman, Irving, Smith, Sanders era, especially being from an area where people dislike the Cowboys for no other reason than because they are the Cowboys. Now, even though they haven't won a playoff game in a while and have a pension for taking in the trash of the league, I can be proud to be a Cowboys fan.

1. Michigan beat a ranked opponent.

I'll be honest—I didn't think it was going to happen. I looked at the schedule long and hard and tried to find a ranked team I thought they could beat, but I failed. I went into that game Saturday with a piss-poor attitude and a dour look on my face. I had hopes, but that's all they were until Saturday.

Hopes Not Yet Come True

5. I hope the Colts have a losing season.

Along the same lines as the Brett Favre scene, I have a really obnoxious friend who worships the ground Peyton Manning walks on. I just want him to shut the heck up. Is that too much to ask?

4. Will people please shut up about Tim Tebow?

Honestly, I have nothing more to say about this.

3. I hope a meteor falls on Spartan Stadium on Oct. 18 around kickoff of the MSU/OSU game.

My two favorite teams in the league are Michigan and anyone playing Ohio State, but since it would be a fallacy to call myself a Michigan fan and root for MSU, I have to hope for the only other alternative: They both die in flames.

2. I hope the Cowboys win a playoff game.

I'm really tired of people undermining the Cowboys with, "Yeah, but they haven't won a playoff game in 14 or so years." Really, I just want to hear them come up with a better comeback as much as I want the Cowboys to actually win.

1. I hope Michigan beats another ranked opponent.

I really wanted to be greedy here and say that I hope they win the rest of their games, but I'm a realist. I would be totally satisfied with a win over another ranked opponent by the end of the year. The way everyone else in the top 25 is dropping like flies, I think MSU or even Northwestern could come be ranked by the time Michigan gets to them. Fingers crossed.

Hopes That Have Been Crushed

5. The Patriots going a season undefeated and without cheating.

Boy, I had a fun offseason...

4. John Madden removes his head from Brett Favre's ass.

Nope, it's still firmly wedged up there with no sign of it giving way. You would think he would have to come out for air every once in a while, but he's gotten to be quite talented at broadcasting games from in there.

3. USC and OSU kill each other.

I flipped to that game and immediately wanted to throw up. It was really a lose-lose situation for me. It is impossible for both teams to lose, so I went with the next best thing to hope for.

2. The Lions at least achieve .500 like they should have last year.

This one's not even close. I would have better luck asking for the Dallas Cowboys' cheerleaders for Christmas from my grandmother than this one coming true.

1. Michigan comes out and shocks everyone, winning their first four games in a row and making it into the top 25.

I think this one really speaks for itself.

Please, feel free to share what you've wished for this football season. I'll be interested to know.