Michigan Basketball Ranked #18 In Preseason Poll

In the first poll released for the coming college basketball season, the USA Today Coaches' Poll has placed Michigan at #18. This is quite an improvement from last season (Michigan was not ranked in both the AP poll and Coaches poll).

This ranking does warrant some excitement, even though fans should remember the 2009 basketball season when Michigan was ranked #15 in the preseason, but ended up missing the postseason.

However, I think this coming season will be a little different than 2009. Michigan's 2009 team should have been better than it finished, but it had a lot more flaws than the 2011 Michigan team. For instance, much of the '09 team focused on 2 players, while this year's team seems to be much more of a combined and focused team effort. As we all know, the ability to rotate players and involve others, the more likely the team is to be successful.

With the return of 4 starters, and essentially every backup player from Michigan's 2010 team, I find it quite unlikely to endure the same collapse fans experienced in 2009. For instance, only 2 other Big Ten teams are ranked (Ohio State - #3, Wisconsin - #14) and only 2 other Big Ten teams are receiving votes (Michigan State - #28, Purdue - #35). This clearly doesn't mean Michigan will beat all the other Big Ten teams, or even those receiving votes, but it does bode well for the coming season.

So before you start thinking back to 2009 remember that this is a different team with experience, depth, and teamwork that should propel the team to a great season.

Is MSU For Real?

Over the past several weeks I have been bombarded with comments from Michigan State students, alumni, and fans telling me about the strength of their team and their ability to crush Michigan again this year.

However, after watching the first 6 weeks of the season, I have been far less confident in Michigan State's ability to finish at the top of the Big Ten again this year. So, is Michigan State for real or are they closer to what Michigan was last season? Hot early, but likely to end the season as an average or above-average Big Ten team.

Here's What We Know About Michigan State:

• Finished 11-2 Last Season (Lost @ Iowa and to Alabama in a bowl)
  
• 13 Returning Starters From 2010 (8th in the Big Ten)
• 4-1 in 2011 (Loss @ Notre Dame)
• Ranked #23 in the AP Poll and #19 in the Coaches Poll
• Ranked #1 in Total Defense (173.4 yds/g)
• Ranked #3 in Rush Defense (64 yds/g)
• Ranked #64 in Total Offense (398 yds/g)
• Ranked #95 in 3rd down conversions (35.21%)

Well, from that limited info, one might believe this should be one of the best teams in the league. They only lost 1 game, had more than half their starters return from an 11 win team, and have one of the best defenses in the nation.

However, this assumption would not be completely accurate. Undoubtedly, Michigan State's defense is solid, a team isn't placed into the top 5 without at least a decent defense, but you can't help but notice the weakness of some of the teams they've faced. For instance, here are the offensive stats for Michigan State's opponents:

Total Offense Stats:

Youngstown State - FCS (hard to compare stats, but had 254 yds against MSU)
Florida Atlantic - 119th (230 yds/g)
Notre Dame - 20th (467.5yds/g)
Central Michigan - 88th (350.5 yds/g)
Ohio State - 105th (315.3 yds/g)

So, what does this tell us? Excluding Youngstown State, which can't really be compared seeing as they are an FCS team, MSU has faced one top 50 offense this year. Michigan has already faced two at this point (Western Michigan and Notre Dame) and another two in the top 70 (San Diego State and Northwestern).

Since it is unlikely many people have found Michigan's schedule brutal this year, you cannot help but question those defensive stats. There is no doubt Michigan State's defense is solid, but I would be hesitant to put it in the elite stats. They do typically hold their opponents to much fewer yards than they average, which is the typical sign of a good defense, but when 60% of your opponents are MAC level or below, a Big Ten team should be able to hold the defense to below its average yards per game.

Although the defensive stats may be skewed for Michigan State, the offensive stats illustrate some of the early season troubles. Michigan State has essentially been unable to run the ball behind its young line, Kirk Cousins has made many mistakes, and they have frankly struggled moving the ball. Here's a comparison

MSU Offensive Stats - 2011 - 2010:

Total Offense +9.5 yds/g
Passing Offense +32.8 yds/g
Rushing Offense -23.7 yds/g
Scoring Offense -1.5 pts/g

So, what can we see from this? Michigan State is actually moving the ball more than last year, but only by 9.5 yds/g. Along with this, they are being forced to pass the ball more (likely due to their weak offensive line) and are scoring less even though they are moving the ball further. At first glance, this doesn't seem significant. The difference of gaining 9.5 yds/g more and scoring 1.5 pts/g fewer isn't all that important.

However, let's take a look back at the schedule. The stats from 2010 cover the ENTIRE season. This means they include Michigan State's games against 6 teams in the Top 51 defenses of 2010 (Alabama, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, Illinois, and Notre Dame). As of now, Michigan State has faced 2 defenses in the Top 51 (Ohio State #22 and Notre Dame #51).

Obviously, if a team faces tougher defenses, their stats are going to go down. Along with this, even the 2 defenses they have faced this season are in the middle or rear of the top 51 (Alabama, Wisconsin, and Iowa were all in the top 25 in 2010). Essentially, what this means is that not only are Michigan State's defensive stats boosted, their offensive stats (roughly equivalent to last season) are boosted as well.

Now, I don't expect Michigan State to lose the remainder of its games and miss a bowl, but I do not expect them to even come close to 11-2 or winning the Big Ten. They may be able to sneak past Michigan and Nebraska for the Legends Division, but I don't see them having any chance against Wisconsin (assuming they win the Leaders).

So, is Michigan State For Real?

I say not quite. They are an above average Big Ten team, but not championship or BCS-caliber.

Also, an MSU joke:

Did you hear they're going to start calling Spartan Stadium, "The Shed"?
Yeah, because every Big House has a shed behind it...

Michigan Moves Up To #11 In AP Poll

With today's announcement of the new rankings, Michigan has risen up to #11 in the AP Poll and #10 in the USA Today Coaches' Poll after its defeat of Northwestern 42-24.

Michigan has not been this high since pre-season 2007 and has steadily advanced in the rankings since Week 1. Although some of this has been due to some questionable opponents (Minnesota and Eastern Michigan) and losses from ranked teams (Texas, Florida State), this is still a significant event for the Michigan team to be ranked this high.

Michigan State (Michigan's next opponent) moved back into the rankings coming in at #23 in the AP Poll and #19 in the Coaches' Poll. Though MSU had a bye week last week, they still appear to be at least a rank-able team and should be a tough match-up for Michigan next week in East Lansing. Odds for the game have not yet been released, but it is sure to be a tight spread with both teams ranked and MSU playing at home.

Other notes from the poll:

This is the first time no Florida school has appeared in the rankings since 1982.

Ohio State still remains un ranked and received 0 votes this week

Notre Dame has not returned to the rankings, but has been increasing its vote totals (#28 in AP)

O-H- UUUUHHH- O-H

As if Ohio does not have enough problems this football season. A newspaper is reporting that suspensions could be extended for at least two of the four Ohio State players who were set to return to the team this week.

Athletic director Gene Smith will discuss developments in the NCAA case Monday.

Tailback Daniel Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, left tackle Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas were expected to be cleared to join the team this week for the Buckeyes' game at No. 14 Nebraska. They have sat out the team's first five games for accepting cash and free or discounted tattoos in violation of NCAA rules.

The Dispatch reported that Herron and Posey could be held out longer for accepting inflated pay for summer jobs in the Cleveland area. As a lot of you have known for a while now. Ohio has issues all over the place. with the EPIC losses this season and the Mighty Nebraska coming in to attempt to give the bucks their 3rd loss of the season (which would put them at an even 3-3) they have a brand new head coach in Luke Fickell that just can't seem to grasp the the concept of scoring touchdowns, winning, or calling time outs. The future of the Ohio team looks....well.....not so bright. As a Die Hard Michigan fan makes me smile when I see them struggle for all those years of woopins that they gave us, but in the same breath it hurts to see the big ten as a whole take a black eye. lets hope Ohio gets over their issues soon and lets get back to wooping some buckeye ass when were both powerhouses. like the days of past!

Please follow me on twitter @no1repoman for breaking news the minute I hear it, and for some fun pokes at buckeyes everywhere!



Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/10/03/Ohio.State.ap/index.html#ixzz1ZkEFL8CS

Michigan Ranked #19 In AP Poll, But Could Move Up

Several sites including the Detroit Free Press and ESPN have now released the new NCAA Week 5 rankings and have placed Michigan at #19. This is an improvement from last week's #23 ranking. Although some of Michigan's improvement in the rankings is due to other team's failure (West Virginia and Florida State's losses moved them behind Michigan), it is still nice to see Michigan inside the top 20.

Last season, Michigan made it up to #18 before falling to the eventual Big Ten Co-Champion Michigan State team. It is very likely that Michigan will fall at some point, but after being ranked for two consecutive weeks, the analysis of rankings is bound to start.

Michigan has a pretty winnable game this Saturday (Minnesota, 1-3), but many teams above or slightly below Michigan have a tougher task on Saturday. Here are the ranked teams above Michigan with "tough" games on Saturday:

#16 South Florida @ Pitt

#14 Texas A & M @ #18 Arkansas

Northwestern @ #24 Illinois

#15 Baylor @ Kansas State

#13 Clemson @ #11 Virginia Tech

#17 Texas @ Iowa State

Obviously, two of the six games featured two ranked teams, so at least one has to fall, but of the ranked v. non-ranked match-ups listed, 3 of the 4 teams are in the receiving votes categories:

Northwestern - #34 in coach's poll

Kansas State - #31 in AP poll and coach's poll

Iowa State - #29 in AP Poll and #30 in coach's poll

The fact that these teams received votes in the polls does not mean they are going to win any of the above games, but it does seem very likely that at least 1 or 2 of the non-ranked teams in the above match-ups can pull off the upset.

Essentially, for Michigan fans, this could be a VERY good week in the rankings. If Michigan wins, which is very likely, but we don't want to jinx anything, it is quite probable that both teams above or below Michigan will fall. Even if all the ranked teams win in the above match-ups (excluding the 2 games where ranked teams have to lose), Michigan's votes should go up as the quality of non-ranked bids go down.

Obviously rankings are hard to predict, but this could be the week that sets up the season nicely for Michigan. I don't want to speculate too much or get ahead of myself, but we could see a Michigan team that could lose a game in the coming weeks and stay ranked, which is exciting. Plus we know Michigan State or Ohio State has to lose this weekend, so it can't be too bad, right? Haha Go Blue!

Michigan Outranks Ohio State For First Time In Over 4 Years

Reports of the new college football rankings are surfacing and according to reports from the Detroit Free Press, the new AP pool has placed Michigan at #22 in the nation. Michigan State and Ohio State will be unranked.

This is an incredible development because Michigan has not been ranked higher than Ohio State since the pre-season poll from 2007. Along with this, Ohio State has at least by ranked since November 2004. This means that for over 6 full seasons the Buckeyes have at least been considered in the top 25 teams in the nation.

Though Michigan may be a tad overrated, fans can't help but get excited over this breaking news. I think it's very likely that Michigan State will reappear in the rankings, especially if they are able to beat Ohio State in Columbus, but as of now, Michigan is the highest ranked of the 3 schools at #22.

Along with this, the Coach's poll has Michigan at #21, but still leaves Ohio State unranked. With the Buckeye's horrible performance against Miami (Fl) last night, it's no surprise they dropped, but Michigan's massive upsurge was surprising.

Ohio States Suspends 3 More Players For Akron Game

Well, in another "surprise," Ohio State has reported more violations. Apparently 3 players received "benefits of $300 or less" in the report from CBS Sports. The players involved were Jordan Hall, Travis Howard, and Corey Brown. Hall and Howard are both starters and were expected to contribute much in the wake of the previous suspension of 4 Ohio States players (it would have been 5, but Terrelle Pryor left for the NFL).

What is most "surprising" about this announcement was that this was virtually the same violations that Jim Tressel failed to report before last football season. Ohio State is currently in the process of reporting these violations to the NCAA and receiving their punishment.

Though full details on this in regards to the previous investigation have not been released, Ohio State's self-imposed sanctions of a 1 game suspension are sure to have little impact since it is against Akron. Ohio State is listed at more than a 34 point favorite over Akron.

Let's hope that the NCAA is able to look past Ohio State's scandal and get to the facts of the investigation. If Tressel was the person to blame for the past violations, then why are they still occurring? There obviously appears to be some sort of lack of institutional control within the athletic department. And if so, Ohio State's punishment is sure to be more severe than first speculated.

In fact, the Big Ten recently confirmed that if a team is banned from the post season, (bowl games) they will be unable to play in the Big Ten Championship game. This is important because if Ohio State was hypothetically banned from a bowl game, they would be unable to win the Big Ten for at least a couple years, ending their current Big Ten Championship streak.

Terrelle Pryor Is Drafted By the Oakland Raiders.

ESPN has just reported that Terrelle Pryor was drafted by the Oakland Raiders as the 18th pick in the 3rd round of the supplemental draft.

Though he is unlikely to receive significant playing time, this is still a major step both for Pryor and Ohio State. Now that he has a place in the NFL, at least for the conceivable future, there will be much less pressure on him from fans, the media, and the university.

He seems to be a great fit for the Raiders (I think we all know the reason) and Michigan fans can only hope he avoids anymore trouble. Surely he may prove to be more of a gain for Michigan than he ever was for Ohio State, especially considering a huge portion of his playing time has already been voided.

Link here:

ESPN

Terrelle Pryor eligible for Monday’s supplemental draft

Terrelle Pryor is eligible for Monday's supplemental draft the other shocking announcement from the NFL on Thursday is that Pryor’s five-game suspension will carry over to the NFL this season. So whichever team drafts him — and you have to figure someone will — won’t be able to use him for the first five weeks of the schedule. More importantly, Pryor will not be able to practice or receive pay during that five-week period. For more on this story at ESPN college link below:

ESPN

Buckeye's whistleblower about to check in!

  As I reported in last weeks article : "Mr. Ellis could break  "ohio" fans hearts" link below : 

 

http://everythingmichiganandmore.blogspot.com/2011/08/mr-ellis-could-break-ohio-fans-hearts.html

 

This week the NCAA could have more ammo to use against "ohio"? On Thursday August 18th  Michael Ellis is to produce his famous pictures and have private talks with the NCAA! Ellis was one of the key sources George Dohrmann used in his S.I. article to break the "ohio" story. It is also being reported that Mr. Ellis will  bring someone else to the meetings to back his allegations up! 

 

With the story breaking on Miami University yesterday on yahoo sports the NCAA could be very busy in the coming months? link below:

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news;_ylt=ApdGbXwSM8nKTxow45evo.g5nYcB?slug=cr-renegade_miami_booster_details_illicit_benefits_081611

 

"Ohio" was informed that investigations were ongoing and that there could be a chance of new charges being brought to the table. This may be the reason for the ongoing investigation? The NCAA was informed sometime before the August 12th meeting in Indianapolis that Mr. Ellis had more information to provide. Prior to this week Mr. Ellis had no intentions to speak with the NCAA. But as negotiations fizzled out with the sale of his pictures to media outlets he decided to speak with the NCAA. This is obviously attempt on his part to wrap this saga up. In  tweets this was mentioned.  Please read the following Tweets by Scott Torgerson below! He is a radio DJ in Ohio that has been reporting on this story and has access to Mr. Ellis. He is on the Common Man & The Torg show 97.1 the Fan.

link below:

 

http://www.971thefan.com/live/content/podcasts/index.html

 

 

myguythetorg the torg

 

Mr ellis the si source informs me he will b in indy thurs w/ his lawyer+ will interview w/ 3 investigators + is showing them all the pics

 

myguythetorg the torg

@

@FUnkymoses17 no the ncaa said nothing new at this time. This will b something new and not good. I hope those players told the truth

 

myguythetorg the torg

@

@bg4545 he wanted money for the pics and si backed out after the article was out now he doesn't care about the money just wants it over with

 

 

 

 This is an update that I found on MGBLOG that relates to this story. I found it very interesting and gives much insight into what the NCAA may be investigating on!

by  George Dohrmann; (George Broke the S.I. story on ohio)

Ellis showed SI pictures of players -- Pryor, Gibson, Herron and Solomon Thomas -- being tattooed or showing off their artwork. Rife appears in one photo with a player. Ellis also produced a photo of 11 plastic bags filled with what appears to be marijuana; he says the photo was taken at Fine Line Ink. The letter the DOJ sent to Ohio State in December stated, "There is no allegation that any of these players were involved in or had knowledge of Mr. Rife's drug trafficking activities." Ellis says that is true but that he did witness four other Buckeyes trade memorabilia for weed. Three of those transactions involved a small amount of the drug, he says, but in one instance a player departed with what Ellis was told was a pound. (Rife's lawyer denies that his client provided marijuana to any players.)

 Thanks to Picktown GoBlue at MGOBLOG for posting this! http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/ellis-talk-ncaa-investigators

Ohio State May Face Further NCAA Charges

Today, in a report from ESPN, the broadcasting network posted that Ohio State will be receiving another set of allegations against Ohio State's football program in the coming weeks. This comes as a surprise since just a few days ago the NCAA stated that Ohio State would avoid the most serious rule infractions.

Some of the new information that has surfaced includes things such as thousands of dollars worth of merchandise being sold by players, free games of golf, and special auto deals specifically designed for players.

The NCAA's current allegations against Ohio State are primarily linked to Jim Tressel and the previous coaching staff. If the new allegations contain things such as the infamous "failure to monitor" allegation, Ohio State could face much stiff penalties. This is because the "failure to monitor" allegation implies that the entire athletic department and school is to blame for the rule violation.

Typically, if a school is found guilty of the "failure to monitor" charge, there are stiff penalties for the program and entire athletic department. For example, USC received this rule infraction recently and was forced to accept scholarship reductions, a postseason ban, and the vacation of a NCAA championship. However, USC's violations were linked to the entire athletic department. If new allegations against Ohio State continue to focus solely on Tressel and the coaching staff, Ohio State may get off much lighter on its penalties.

This can be seen in the NCAA investigation regarding Tennessee. Instead of placing blame on the university, the NCAA opted to blame Lane Kiffin (head coach at the time) and the coaching staff for recruiting violations. Though Tennessee still had to incure some punishments and the tarnishment of its reputation, the penalties would likely have been much worse if the NCAA had accused the university itself of a "failure to monitor."

If ESPN's reports are accurate and the NCAA is primed to add new allegations to Ohio State including a "failure to monitor" charge, there could be serious penalties including scholarship cuts and bowl bans. If these types of penalties surface, the Ohio State football program will take a major step back. Recruiting will take a significant hit (there's already much speculation that a bowl ban will spur several high profile recruits from Ohio State to Michigan), Ohio State will have fewer scholarship players on the field, and be incapable playing in nationally viewed bowl games.

There has been some speculation that this sudden "change of heart" by the NCAA was driven by Terrelle Pryor's testimony, but I'm hesitant to believe these rumors. Pryor may be in tough waters to be eligible for the NFL Supplemental Draft, but assuming he's trying to cough up information that will directly harm his college team may be a little too speculative. Over time we have clearly seen that Pryor has some questionable standards, but as of now, these rumors are, well, just rumors.

What we do know is that the NCAA investigation is continuing and seems very likely to be headed for new allegations against Ohio State. Whether the NCAA will postpone Ohio State's appearance before the Committee On Infractions is also still uncertain, but I think it's safe to assume that whatever allegations will reach fruition by the end of the 2011 season.

The Ohio State news just keeps Coming!!!

I am a Die Hard Michigan fan but I live in Ohio. To be honest I get more news here about OSU then in the rest of the country. It is amazing to me how the media around here is willing to take down there own University. But, ok then I will roll with it. I love the sharks circling. The news is always fresh here and never gets old to me! I just sit back and smile. And think to myself ......WOW!!!  What fools! Your taking down your own team!!! And much more! Gotta love it!!! If you are a Michigan fan.
I will start today with some more turmoil involving Ohio State University. First I read several of Ohio State's athletic administrators workers are driving  courtesy cars that are provided by local car dealers, including the director of NCAA compliance. Ok I will just hit on this story for a second. I am sure other Universities allow this as well but I feel that this is not a very good practice if you want your players to follow the rules. "Practice what you preach Ohio State". This does not look good at all for Ohio State because more problems  may stem from this investigation. Talks of game tickets for cars are also spreading around the net. If this is true. The staff is no better then the players and I'm sure the truth will come out if that is the case. Bad...Bad...Bad... You can read more on this story at http://www.10tv.com/live/content/teninvestigates/stories/2011/06/16/stor...


 The next story that caught my eye was that Ohio State seems to be losing a lot of coaches lately. The latest to get out of Dodge is one of there Basketball staff. Hmmm What is really going on in Columbus?

 Brandon Miller, who has been an assistant to coach Thad Matta for six of Matta's seven seasons at Ohio State, resigned yesterday.You can read more on this story at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2011/06/16/0616-ohio..

On This story I will ask you one thing  What usually happens after a coach resigns? We will have to wait and see what this brings. But my guess is more news for me to write about! GO BLUE FOREVER!!

More trouble may be coming for OSU this week

Scandal

Reports from Dave Hyde that the NCAA will be coming to South Flordia this week to investigate several High-school football stars and the methods of several colleges and there recruiting practices. One of the colleges in question is the OHIO STATE University. When will it end for OSU???If they don't have enough problems. As I posted today in a earlier article OSU had it's first commit cut ties with Ohio State because of all the turmoil. I think if the problems keep happening you may see many more commits to follow. For more on this story click the link below!

Hyde5: NCAA in South Florida investigating recruiting

So Jim Tressel guarentees a victory Nov 27th HaHa

Well I just got done reading the article http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6626390. on ESPN college football. And I must say I think Jim Tressel has lost his mind. Did you forget you are no longer the coach of tOSu football team. Tressel states at a rally on his front doorstep that he would always be a Buckeye and that the team will beat Michigan again this November. He even has the nerve to say "
Don't forget: Nov. 26th we're going to kick their ass! 
                                  
What a joke this guy is I think instead of making silly comments and ticking off our coach Brady Hoke you should be working on your Defense for your upcoming encounter with the NCAA. Don't forget Mr. Tressel it is still to be determined what players tOSU will be allowed to field on NOV 27th. MY former high school football team the Toledo Whitmer Panthers may be a better match up than what OSU can put out on the field after the NCAA gets done with you. 

Tressel was forced to resign Monday for his role in covering up his knowledge of his players taking improper benefits from a Columbus tattoo-parlor owner.

Keep Cheering and singing in Columbus. When Nov 27th gets here you will be shocked at what your actions have caused. Thanks for adding extra fuel in this Rivalry I'm sure Brady will use it to his advantage.

S.I. OSU Story may be released sooner

per dohrmann's twitter:

"I'm told it is likely my SI mag story will be posted at SI.com later today/tonight. Timing of Tress dec. will make sense after you read it" This is the real reason Tressel stepped down Today. He did not want to face the music. This article is a bombshell like i have been posting all week. Waiting patiently for this hammer to Drop. Already some of the OSU recruits are voicing there concerns.

The OSU ship has sunk

As many of you know or are now finding out, the Buckeyes have lost their captain! Their ship is in a storm and there is no sign of anyone taking over the helm, but wait, who is that i see? could it be? is that.......no it can't be....is it?........we all know who the suspected replacement is, but remember this....nothing is as it seems. We thought we were getting Les Miles....twice! Nothing is as it seems. Luke Fickle will be his temporary replacement and he is going to have his hands full if they do not pick a new coach. His first tough opponent will be the University of Toledo who returns, hhhmmmm almost everyone starting, and the Buckeyes will be without their BIG 5 plus 1 The affected players are quarterback Terrelle Pryor, offensive tackle Mike Adams, running back Daniel “Boom” Herron, receiver DeVier Posey and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas.
A sixth player, linebacker Jordan Whiting, has to sit out the first game next year for receiving discounted services. ooohh yea the plus 1 is the sweater vest. Hey Tressel, I am sure the salvation army will take your Buckeye memorabilia and. sell it for profit! Please stay tuned for updated info. Matt Freeman May 30th

Tressel Has resigned from OSU

We are working fast to put something together everyone. I was planning on this happening tomorrow. So i will just say this for now if you read my blog you knew this was gonna happen!! Get the hell out of the kitchen it's to damn hot!!!! And How many OSU recruits can we pull. The stables are gonna fill quick!!
Report: Tressel has resigned from Ohio State: Coach Jim Tressel has resigned from Ohio State, The Columbus Dispat... http://es.pn/jtyOD