6.5 days later and my voice is still a tad raspy for the absurd amount of yelling and 'ohhhhhhh'ing I did last week, especially in the 4th quarter, vs. Notre Dame. So, as I head out today to travel to Ann Arbor to watch the today's matchup of two top ten teams (in the state of Michigan), I give you the latest nuggets of information regarding today's game and Michigan football in general compiled from emails and conversations from my sources close to the team.
Pleas read - > Funniest article of the year!
* The focus of today's game plan is to run, run, run the running backs until we figure it out. While he knew running Denard and passing deep was the only way to get back into the game last week, Coach Hoke is a tad embarrassed at the lack of production from his running backs. Expect as many as 4-5 backs to get carries today in hopes of finding someone that can hit a whole.
* The passing game worked a ton on timing this week on the long ball. The jump balls that were thrown last week won't always work on Big Ten opponents and Denard, obviously, needs to hit guys in stride down the sidelines to be effective.
* There was a point last week during the Notre Dame game where subbing in Devin Gardner was discussed. I was told by a trusted source that the offensive coaching staff got on the headset with Coach Hoke and asked "should we give #7 a shot?" Hoke quickly declined and set the tone to stick with Denard through thick and thin.
* Today will be the defining "redshirt or not game". Any freshman that haven't gotten snaps after today's game will redshirt, barring injuries to starters/key backups.
* Chicago OL Jordan Diamond is not expected to be a part of the 2012 recruiting class. Michigan coaches feel that a better prospect is highly likely to come to U-M and are gearing all efforts towards him.
* 2012 DT recruit Dan O'Brien confirmed with several players and recruits last weekend that he will indeed pledge to Michigan after he takes a couple visits to experience other schools.
* The Michigan coaches feel that they will get a WR recruit from the state of California in the next couple weeks.
* WR Jerald Robinson is finally out of the doghouse and will get some snaps today.
My predictions for today:
Michigan 45 EMU 17
Denard Robinson: 140 yards passing, 125 rushing.
Michael Shaw: 125 yards rushing
Craig Roh: 2 sacks
Ace's gambling pick of the day:
I am betting some big cash on WVU -1 @ Maryland. I don't gamble for a living but this is a game I feel very strong about.
Off to the Big House . . . enjoy the game and join me for chat Monday night 8:30pm ET!
-AW
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