Most indispensable players: Ohio State

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

We're getting near the end of our series looking at the most indispensable players on each Big Ten team. Once again, this is not necessarily a listing of the best players on each team, but ones whose absence would be toughest to absorb because of their particular value or a lack of depth behind them. We're selecting two players from each Big Ten squad, usually one on offense and one on defense, but not always. Ohio State is on the clock: Braxton Miller, QB, Sophomore It's not just that Miller is the team's best playmaker and a seemingly perfect fit in Urban Meyer's spread offense.

Big Ten chat: today at noon ET

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Just a quick reminder that we'll be chatting about all things Big Ten football today at noon ET. Let's discuss the news coming out of the Big Ten spring meetings in Chicago, how the Big Ten fits into college football's future playoff and anything else that's on your mind. See you at noon ET.

Thursday Happy Hour is shopping for a wedding gift for when Jim Delany legally marries the Rose Bowl

Source: Maize n Brew by Zach Travis

Yesterday we talked about the recent developments in the college postseason discussion. One of which was the Big Ten completely caving on the idea of home site semifinals in order to save the Rose Bowl. Now, if the Big Ten backing off this issue doesn't make any sense to you, then you aren't alone. Adam Rittenberg:

Of the Big Ten groups advocating for playoffs at bowl sites, the coaches' position makes the least sense. These are guys who typically capitalize on every possible advantage presented to them. But they seem to value their players' bowl experience over the possibility of making Alabama or USC play them in

B1G quiet on expansion, watching terrain

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

CHICAGO -- Two years ago, Big Ten expansion dominated the discussion at league's spring meetings. This week, the subject barely came up when athletic directors and others got together. The Big Ten presidents and chancellors announced in August that the league "will not be actively engaged in conference expansion at this time, or at any time in the foreseeable future, barring a significant shift in the current intercollegiate athletic landscape.

More Alternate Uniforms on the Way

Source: Maize and Blue Nation by Brad

A lot of things to discuss coming out of the B1G spring meetings in Chicago the last couple of days. And while we'll get to the post-season discussion soon enough. One interesting tidbit though, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon let it be known that alternate uniforms will become a regular occurrence for the Michigan football program going forward [AnnArbor.com story]

"For football last year, we probably did a little bit more than we’ll do going forward in terms of variety, but we’re going to from time to time do some special things."

"The coaches like it and the student-athletes like it and the recruits are enamored by it. So why wouldn’t we?”

Last year Michigan wore alternate jerseys for the night game against Notre Dame, which were actually pretty well received due to the special nature of the occasion. Some folks didn't care too much for the shoulder stripes, but the retro block-M on the chest and the helmet numbers were huge hits.


Then there was the Michigan State game in East Lansing. Michigan warmed-up in their normal away jerseys, but then came out for the game in a road version of the legacy jerseys worn against Notre Dame. I'll just say, from my perspective, the look did not translate well to a road uniform. Plus, alternate uniforms are much more fun if you win. (See: The image below)

Dave Martin, AP

A modified version of that road jersey was used in the Sugar Bowl, and was received much better by the fan base, although this blogger feels they missed the mark, aesthetically. I think if you're going to go to an alternate look for road games, especially a major bowl, take a chance on a really different look.

Three alternate jerseys in one season was a lot to bite off for a school like Michigan, and frankly I'd be shocked if it's something done more than once a year going forward. But honestly, as long as it's used sparingly and done the right way, I have no issues with it.

I also respect the way Brandon is handling the use of alternate looks, relying on coach's and player input. It sound like this is more Dave Brandon listening to the people he trusts, and taking their input and making it happen – which is how it should be.

"I rely a lot on the coaches to make those decisions," Brandon said. "Frankly, the coaches would tell you a lot of this has to do with recruiting, too. Recruits today, they like variety. They emulate these programs that from time to time wield out these special jerseys."

"I really defer to the coaches, and all I ask is that Adidas, as our partner, does a great job of coming up with concepts that the kids like, that the coaches like, and I don’t want to get too carried away."

So can we safely assume that the Michigan State look was "getting carried away"? I think so. But don't expect any gameday surprises for 2012. The uniform looks are being finalized this summer, and will be released to the public prior to the season.

"I think what we’re going to do is lay it out and say, game by game, 'Here’s what we’re going to do. If we’re going to make any changes, here’s what they are,' and it will kind of end all the speculation. We’re in the midst of all of that.”

The legacy jerseys used for the Notre Dame game were unveiled in June of last year. So this could be in keeping with how these sorts of things will be handled – which is the way I would expect Michigan and Adidas to do things like this. But this is just my opinion. How do you feel about Michigan using alternate uniforms?

B1G quiet on expansion, watching landcape

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

CHICAGO -- Two years ago, Big Ten expansion dominated the discussion at league's spring meetings. This week, the subject barely came up when athletic directors and others got together. The Big Ten presidents and chancellors announced in August that the league "will not be actively engaged in conference expansion at this time, or at any time in the foreseeable future, barring a significant shift in the current intercollegiate athletic landscape.

Historical documentary on Michigan football game nominated for Michigan Emmy Award

Source: Ann Arbor News NCAAF by amalienash@annarbor.com

Emmy nominations for the Michigan Emmy chapter were announced Wednesday morning, and Stunt3 Media, a production company composed of local filmmakers Buddy Moorehouse and Brian Kruger, earned a nomination for best historical documentary for "Black and Blue: The Story of Gerald Ford, Willis Ward and the 1934 Michigan-Georgia Tech Game."

This is Stunt3's second Michigan Emmy nomination; Moorehouse and Kruger have previously been nominated for "The Legend of Pinky Deras," a film about "the greatest Little Leaguer of all time." This year's Michigan Emmy winners will be announced on June 16 in Detroit.

Continue reading Historical documentary on Michigan football game nominated for Michigan Emmy Award...

Spring breakout players in the Big Ten

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Spring practice is a time when coaches install new schemes or just instill the fundamentals. The most exciting part of spring practice is potential new stars emerge, with newcomers or former reserves turning heads with their performances. Some of these guys will fade back into the shadows come fall. But others will be making major contributions on a field near you. Here's a list of some players who had breakout springs: Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois: Redshirted last year after a hamstring injury, Ferguson blew up for 130 yards and caught six passes in the Illini spring game.

More alternate uniforms on horizon for Michigan football team, AD says

Source: Ann Arbor News NCAAF by kylemeinke@annarbor.com

The "legacy" uniforms that the Michigan football team unveiled for its game against Notre Dame last season led to the creation of two similar road versions, worn at Michigan State and the Sugar Bowl. More alternate looks could be coming, athletic director Dave Brandon said.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

CHICAGO -- More alternate jerseys could be on the way for the Michigan football team.

Athletic director Dave Brandon said he continues to support varying the team's look, and hopes to add more wrinkles in coming years.

"For football last year, we probably did a little bit more than we’ll do going forward in terms of variety, but we’re going to from time to time do some special things," he said Wednesday after the third and final day of the Big Ten spring meetings.

"The coaches like it and the student-athletes like it and the recruits are enamored by it. So why wouldn’t we?”

Continue reading More alternate uniforms on horizon for Michigan football team, AD says...

7 potential breakout players for Michigan Football

Source: isportsweb NCAAF by Rob White

Team 133 is currently hard at work with summer conditioning and doing all the little things required for the Michigan Wolverines to win a Big Ten Championship in football. Everybody is expecting big things from Denard Robinson and players like Taylor Lewan, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jake Ryan. Who are some players that might emerge this year, like Fitz Toussaint did last year? Here are 7 players that fit the bill as breakout candidates.

Brennen Beyer

1. Brennen Beyer - Sophomore DE - The coaches love Beyer, he has good size, 6-3, 225, and a high football IQ. He appeared in 9 games and tallied 11 tackles as a true freshman. At the conclusion of spring practice he had the edge over Frank Clark for the starting gig at rush end.

2. Frank Clark – Sophomore DE – He is competing with Beyer for the same rush end position. Expect both players to get significant playing time. Clark has elite athleticism and showcased his playmaking ability in the Sugar Bowl.

3. Jerald Robinson - Redshirt Sophomore WR – Robinson appeared in 2 games as a back up wide receiver last year and contributed on special teams in 11 games. He has yet to haul in his first career reception, but that is something the 6-foot-1, 206 pound WR should remedy early in the 2012 season.

4. Nathan Brink - Redshirt Junior DT – Brink was the talk to fall camp last year. He played in 11 games last year, started once (against Purdue) and registered 1 tackle which was a 4 yard TFL against Minnesota. He is recovering from a broken leg suffered in practice leading up to the Sugar Bowl. The coaches rave about his technique and he is bulking up to his ideal playing weight. Brink is currently listed at 6-5, 265 and they hope to pack another 10 pounds on this summer.

5. Joe Bolden - Freshman LB – Bolden was an early enrollee which means he was able to participate in spring practice and get a head start on his college career. He has good size, 6-3/230, and speed. He is an instinctive linebacker who should force his way onto the field similar to the way Desmond Morgan did last year.

6. William Campbell – Senior DT - Under the tutelage of Brady Hoke, Greg Mattison, and Jerry Montgomery, Campbell started to realize his immense potential last season. He is on the threshold of a monster season and could easily double his career tackles total of 15. With his size, 6-5/320, and athleticism a strong senior season should vault him into the early rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft.

7. Michael Schofield – Redshirt Junior OL - He started 10 games at left guard last year and has the inside track at the starting right tackle job this year. Schofield has the size, 6-7/300, and skills to elevate himself to All-Big Ten status this year.

Did I miss somebody? If so let me know in the comments below. You can follow me on Twitter @isportsRob

Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Jeremy Jackson — Wide Receiver — Wolverine’s Spring Football — GBMWolverine Evaluations

Source: GBMWolverine by GBMWolverine Staff

Posted at 6:00am — 5/17/2012

Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Jeremy Jackson — Wide Receiver — Wolverine’s Spring Football — GBMWolverine Evaluations

GBMWolverine Football Spring Evaluations: Position-by-Position — Player Profile.

GBMWolverine readers: Here is a brief overview of Jeremy Jackson and GBMWolverine’s analysis concerning his progress this spring in our opinion.

Note: We will not evaluate every player on the team and with this position group (Receivers) we will not evaluate #27 Jonathan Keizer, #85 Joe Reynolds, and #96 Baquer Sayed. If you would like to chat about this player bring them up on the message board or send us an e-mail request.

Reminder: Also noted that we didn’t attend every practice and realize things happen during those fifteen practices, but our evaluations are based on what we seen first hand and in our opinion and not what we hear like just about every other site out there that relies on second, third hand information to make their evaluations of the players during the spring.

Losing from 2011 (Team #132) on scholarship: Junior Hemingway (NFL – Chiefs), Martavious Odoms, Kelvin Grady, and Darryl Stonum (Discipline Reasons).

Coming in for 2012 (Team #133) on scholarship: Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboh, and Devin Funchess (TE/Slot).

Commit for 2013 (Team #134) on scholarship: Jaron Dukes and Csont’e York.

Jeremy Jackson
Height: 6’3
Weight: 198
Number: 17
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Junior
City/State: Ann Arbor, Michigan
High School: Huron
High School Coach: Cory Gildersleeve
… [visit site to read more]

Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Jeremy Jackson — Wide Receiver — Wolverine’s Spring Football — GBMWolverine Evaluations - GBMWolverine - GBMWolverine - A Michigan Wolverines Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Adversity toughens Michigan softball

Source: The Detroit News by Angelique S. Chengelis - The Detroit News

It has been more than a decade since the Michigan softball team went on the road for an NCAA regional. But even though it finished the regular season 39-15 and won the Big Ten, Michigan is headed to Louisville, Ky., to open the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

Women's swimming coach Jim Richardson announces retirement

Source: The Michigan Daily

On Wednesday, after 27 years with the women’s swimming program, Michigan coach Jim Richardson announced his retirement.

“We are grateful for the passion, enthusiasm and dedication that Jim has provided,” said Athletic Director Dave Brandon. “Jim worked hard to mold our young women into some of the finest swimmers in the conference and in the nation.”

read more

Ex-Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin signs with Tennessee Titans

Source: Ann Arbor News NCAAF by NicholasBaumgardner@annarbor.com

Mike Martin's professional career got underway last week, and now, he's about to collect his first official paycheck.

Martin, a former Michigan football defensive tackle, reached an agreement on an NFL contract with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday, according to a release on the team's official website. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Continue reading Ex-Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin signs with Tennessee Titans...

Win-Win From the U-M Letterwinners Club

Source: MVictors.com by Greg - MVictors

A unique opportunity from the U-M Letterwinners M Club benefitting their graduate scholarship fund.   They are offering a limited number of raffle tickets to the public for a variety of prizes, including package for the Michigan-Alabama game on September 1 in Dallas:

I know it’s listed at #5, but lunch I’m guessing lunch for two with AD Dave Brandon would fetch quite a pretty penny on the open market!

Get in the raffle here…let me know if you win.

Related:
M Letterwinners home page

W. Swimming. Head Coach Richardson Announces Retirement

Source: MGoBlue

After 27 seasons at the helm of the Michigan women's swimming and diving program, Jim Richardson has announced his retirement.

Video: Wrapping up the Big Ten meetings

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Adam Rittenberg wraps up the final day of the Big Ten spring meetings in Chicago

Michigan women's basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico has no roster turnover, keeps recruits

Source: Ann Arbor News NCAAB by NicholasBaumgardner@annarbor.com

New Michigan women's basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico, shown during her introductory press conference in April, has had no player turnover since taking over and expects Kevin Borseth's four-player recruiting class to report to Ann Arbor.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Personally, the past few weeks have been rather hectic for new Michigan women's basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico.

Her office inside the William Davidson Player Development Center is filled with unpacked boxes and she's still in the process of moving her family to Ann Arbor, something that will have to wait until her young children finish the school year in New York.

Professionally, however, the beginning of Barnes Arico's tenure with the Wolverines has been extremely smooth.

Continue reading Michigan women's basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico has no roster turnover, keeps recruits...

MnB B1G Preview: Minnesota

Source: Maize n Brew by maize_in_spartyland

Each Wednesday, up through August, I’ll cover a different Big Ten team or Michigan non-conference opponent. This week, I’m covering the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who Michigan will battle for the 93rd meeting of the Little Brown Jug.

To see all of our football previews, click here.

2012 Minnesota Golden Gophers Football Preview

2011 Record: 3-9 (2-6 Big Ten)

Head Coach: Jerry Kill, second season

B1G launches concussion research initiative

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

CHICAGO -- The Big Ten is bringing together its brainpower to help gather more information about the effects of concussions in sports. Commissioner Jim Delany announced Wednesday that the league members will launch a research initiative about how head injuries affect athletes in all sports. The Committee on Institutional Cooperation, the Big Ten's internal academic consortium, which includes all 12 sports members and the University of Chicago, will manage the project and the research efforts.

Michigan offer has Hurst excited - Michigan [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Meyer reveals depth chart, talks leaders

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer met with the media Wednesday and unveiled a post-spring depth chart. It didn't contain a lot of surprises. Some of the most interesting items from the depth chart -- and Meyer's comments -- included: Doran Grant has risen to co-starter status with Travis Howard at cornerback. Spring game sensation Michael Thomas is listed as the backup to Devin Smith at receiver, with Corey Brown and Evan Spencer the other starters there.

W. Rowing. Wolverines Sweep Individual Big Ten Awards

Source: MGoBlue

Felice Mueller (Athlete of the Year), Jessica Eiffert (Freshman of the Year) and Mark Rothstein (Coach of the Year) helped conference-champion Michigan win all three Big Ten individual awards for the first time in program history.

Michigan Football: Breakdown of Wolverines' Most Crucial Big Ten Matchups

Source: Bleacher Report NCAAF

Coming off an 11-2 season that finished with a victory over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, the Michigan Wolverines closed out at No. 9 in the rankings and have all kinds of momentum heading into the 2012 season.

Head coach Brady Hoke reeled in a top-10 recruiting class (No. 4 on Scout.com, No. 7 on Rivals.com) and returns Heisman hopeful quarterback Denard Robinson. The beginning of Michigan's 2012 campaign is rough, with Air Force sandwiched between Alabama and Notre Dame.

That said, playing for the Big Ten title is always the first goal in mind for the Wolverines, and the conference is impressive from top to bottom. Here, we look at the most crucial conference games that will determine Michigan's season this fall.

 

at Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilermakers are a sneaky good team that relies on a tough defense. Finishing 7-6 a year ago, Purdue is led by defensive lineman Kawann Short, who has accumulated 33.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks during his tenure.

Bringing in Rivals.com's No. 33 ranked recruiting class, look for Purdue to build on its solid pass defense. Denard Robinson will have limited time in the pocket as he also loses center David Molk to the NFL.

Offense is where the Boilermakers struggle. They averaged just under 27 points per game last season but were held to less than that average eight times. As long as Michigan can limit the production of dual-threat running back Ralph Bolden, the Wolverines will pull away late.

Purdue's forte is to run the ball, which was also Michigan's defensive weakness in 2011. Expect a slow game at the start, but Robinson's mobility and spreading of the field will force the Boilermakers on their heels.

 

vs. Michigan State Spartans

Not since 2007 has Michigan defeated its bitter in-state rival Michigan State, and the Spartans won't be an easy game in 2012 either.

Fortunately for the Wolverines, Sparty loses multiple veterans in Kirk Cousins, Edwin Baker, B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Jerel Worthy to the NFL. In addition, the Spartans' recruiting classes aren't nearly as impressive, so Michigan will enter as the favorites.

In this game, anticipate Michigan blitzing relentlessly, as Sparty's Andrew Maxwell has limited experience under center. Running back Le'Veon Bell will be heavily relied on, but there aren't any well-established receivers to work off play-action.

Defense is Michigan State's strength, with defensive back Johnny Adams and end William Gholston leading the way. Provided that Gholston is isolated with a double-team and the ground game gets rolling, Michigan can have success off bootlegs and sprint outs.

The Wolverines will come out blazing, as Sparty has held them to under 20 points the previous two meetings. 

at Nebraska Cornhuskers

Not only are the Nebraska Cornhuskers a tough game, but this can be viewed as a trap game, as well. After playing Michigan State, the 'Huskers are next on the schedule, and coach Bo Pelini presents another impressive team.

Nebraska brings in the No. 25 recruiting class on Rivals.com, and quarterback Taylor Martinez is still at the helm. A dual-threat just like Robinson, Martinez has displayed improvement as a passer, but the real man to stop is running back Rex Burkhead.

He's averaged over 1,300 total yards the past two seasons and scored 24 touchdowns for the 'Huskers. Linebacker Kenny Demens will need to isolate Burkhead all game long, because the Michigan offense will have balanced success to force a faster-paced game.

The Cornhuskers lose Jared Crick, Alfonzo Dennard and Lavonte David to the pros, so Robinson will enjoy an encore performance from 2011 and remain in the conference title race.

at Ohio State Buckeyes

Easily and by far the most important game on the schedule this season for Michigan, Ohio State has the counter to Brady Hoke with two-time national champion Urban Meyer.

The Buckeyes also reeled in a top-five recruiting class (No. 4 on Rivals.com, No. 3 on Scout.com), so it's safe to say the rivalry is back in full-force mode. That being said, the Bucks' do lose running back Dan Herron, lineman Mike Adams and receiver DeVier Posey to the NFL.

Luckily for Ohio State, the stingy defense remains intact, as guys like John Simon and Johnathan Hankins control the line of scrimmage. At this point in the season, Michigan will have the Big Ten Legends Division locked up, so this could be a preview to the Big Ten championship game.

Braxton Miller is developing well as a dynamic quarterback, which will force the Wolverines to play more zone coverage and use linebacker spies. Fortunately for Michigan, this game will come down to the more effective rushing attack.

Fitzgerald Toussaint will be fed early and often to setup the pass, thus limiting Ohio State's possessions in the first half.

 

John Rozum on Twitter.

Read more Michigan Wolverines Football news on BleacherReport.com

B1G to tweak title game ticket sales strategy

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

CHICAGO -- When the Big Ten put 20,000 general public tickets on sale for the inaugural football title game in late July, they were gone within two hours. But many of those tickets -- bought by fans whose teams didn't qualify for the game in Indianapolis -- reappeared on websites like Stubhub.com days before the game, creating a soft secondary market. Some tickets were priced as low as $9 right before the game. Although the game sold out, there were several thousand empty seats at Lucas Oil Stadium when Wisconsin played Michigan State.

Michigan Football: Is Denard Robinson Michael Vick 2.0?

Source: Bleacher Report NCAAF

As Denard Robinson scrambles all over the football field—like he did in a game against San Diego State last year in which he ran for 200 yards and three scores—it’s hard not to compare the Michigan quarterback to Michael Vick.

But is that comparison valid?

Well, when you compare Robinson’s previous two seasons at Michigan to Vick’s two years at Virginia Tech, the numbers tell a compelling story.

First we’ll start with both quarterbacks' weaker assets, their arms.

 

 

Robinson Passing:

2010: 182 completions, 291 attempts, 62.5 percent completions, 2,570 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

2011: 142 completions, 258 attempts, 55 percent completions, 2,173 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

 

 

Vick Passing:

1999: 105 completions, 181 attempts, 58 percent completions, 2,065 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.

2000: 87 completions, 161 attempts, 54 percent completions, 1,234 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.

Although these stats are difficult to compare because Vick attempted so many fewer passes than Robinson, it’s interesting to note that Robinson has been a statistically better passer than Vick was in college.

Now let's look at quarterbacks' biggest strength, which is obviously their dynamic scrambling ability out of the pocket.

 

 

Vick Rushing:

1999: 108 attempts, 585 yards, eight touchdowns.

2000: 104 attempts, 617 yards, eight touchdowns.

 

 

Robinson Rushing:

2010: 256 attempts, 1,702 yards, 14 touchdowns.

2011: 221 attempts, 1,176 yards, 16 touchdowns.

 

Again, it’s difficult to compare these numbers because Vick had over 100 fewer rush attempts each year compared with Robinson. However, if you double Vick’s rushing stats in 1999 to 1,170 yards, that’s still far fewer than Robinson’s 1,702 yards during his 2010 campaign.

Chances are high that Robinson may not be considered a first-round draft choice when the 2013 NFL Draft rolls around. At six-feet tall and 195 pounds, Robinson doesn’t have the prototypical size that you look for in an NFL quarterback. Nevertheless, Vick also stands at just six-feet tall.

As a scrambling quarterback, Vick made a huge difference for the Atlanta Falcons as well as the Philadelphia Eagles.

Could Robinson possibly be the second coming of a Vick-type athlete who changes games with his feet while he works on improving his passing ability and football IQ?

If Robinson has another great year with Michigan this upcoming season he’ll continue improving his NFL draft stock.

So can Robinson be the next Vick at the NFL level? Numbers suggest that he may be just as good if not better.

Read more Michigan Wolverines Football news on BleacherReport.com

Unverified Voracity Tried Unplugging It

Source: MGoBlog by Brian

Hey, kids! Death to Comcast! No internet until just now today and my backup plan wasn't working. Apologies. Anyway:

Maybe you can do it after all? Luke Winn is my favorite college basketball writer for pieces like the one he just published on three-point defense. Inspired by Ken Pomeroy's repeated assertions that three-point defense is random* and that you should therefore try to reduce the number of threes opponents get off, Winn looks at the problem in more detail, finding a couple of notable exceptions:

After writing a story on the Pack-Line Defense -- a packed-in, help-oriented man-to-man that Dick Bennett first used at Wisconsin-Green Bay in the mid-1990s -- I couldn't help but notice that three teams running pure Pack-Line this season were among the leaders in three-point field-goal D: Arizona, which ranked third nationally at 28.5 percent; Virginia, which was sixth at 28.9 percent; and Xavier, which was 22nd at 30.5 percent. Meanwhile, two teams that seemed to encourage opponents to take threes, Florida State and Syracuse, also managed to rank in the top 50 in defensive three-point percentage and were top-20 overall defenses in efficiency.

Syracuse in particular demonstrates that three-point defense probably exists in a meaningful way. In the ten years Kenpom has data for Syracuse has finished 8th (out of about 350), 6th, 63rd, 129th, 63rd, 185th, 8th, 22nd, 29th, and 47th in defending three pointers. That's one or two mediocre years, three good years, and five outstanding years. Clearly there's a lot more variance in three pointers**, but you can defend them. There may be a price (Syracuse, unbelievably, was 341 of 345 in defensive rebounding while being 33rd in offensive rebounding), but you can do it.

Also, this is why you are right to pull out your hair at Tim Hardaway long twos:

If you don't think the long twos-vs.-threes argument is important, consider this: While Wisconsin held its opponents to just 0.807 points per possession on three-point attempts -- an amazingly efficient rate -- it allowed just 0.628 PPP on long twos. There's a reason Ryan charts and cherishes the two-point jumpers UW forces outside the paint. The odds on getting beat from that area are miniscule.

Long twos are the worst shot in basketball, and you can get them with 25 seconds on the shot clock because teams don't care if you take them. If there's ten seconds left, sure, go for it. Eschewing the offense in favor of The Worst Shot In Basketball makes Brian crazy.

*[If you look at shooting percentages from the first half to the second half of a season, there is almost no correlation. I think this might be a sample size issue.]

**[Variance for the statistically disinclined: imagine the difference in variability in 50-point 30-foot Rock 'n' Jock baskets versus dunks.]

Feel the love for the system. The Insight Bowl is no longer going to be named after some sort of computer company I think or an abstract concept. They made the mistake of asking the twitter what the twitter thought they might rename it to. If this feels like a softball covered in butter, yeah:

The Tempe Municipal Government Cheddar's Casual Cafe' Quality Food & Service Bowl, at Sun Devil Stadium #NameTheGame

i want a bowl game called the Horrybowl. someone ask Robert Horry if he's interested in starting a liability-only car insurance company.

Jason Kirk's list of suggestions has some excellent candidates:

Molybdenum Ore Bowl
Insane Maricopa County Sheriff Bowl
P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Bowl

Erosion of public support due to shameless profit-seeking, etc etc etc. This is definitely a meaningful indicator of bowls' public face and not just the internet snarking on stuff.

Basically. Via Ira at WTKA, former Alaska-Anchorage player Justin Bourne responds to a piece on the superiority of the major junior route:

As someone quickly approaching their 30th birthday thinking about what I’d do if I were a young player now deciding between the two, I can’t help but think: I’d have to be awfully damn good to choose major junior hockey over college. It’s not taking anything away from those who choose to go the CHL route, it’s just that one way seems a little more all-or-nothing than the other. Both seem like flying down the highway on a motorcycle, but one affords you a helmet. …

Nobody can say for certain what’s the best route – each player has a different set of developmental needs, and each league fulfills those differently.

But for those who could use a little more time to develop and miiiigghht just want to hedge their bets on the future with an education, college hockey is the way to go.

That's about right. If you're not going to be in the top two rounds, junior is a gamble on a longshot when there's a less risky route that doesn't require you to give up the gamble, or even seem to hurt your chances much. Given the NHL hit rate of secound-rounders, you could argue that even those folks would be making a better decision to go to college.

Unless you just don't want even the tenuous amount of schooling you have to go through to be in college these days, the best argument in favor of the CHL is usually "they offered me money." If so, fair enough.

I would like to see the man behind the curtain, because there is only one. Michigan is investing a cool half-million into a giant curtain they can put in Crisler when it hosts women's basketball and gymnastics events so that the place feels less abandoned. Michigan averaged about 1700 fans per game at basketball last year.

It's probably the right thing to do, but putting up a curtain so attendance at certain sports is less embarrassing is… well, it kind of sums up the whole NCAA thing. The football players make a bunch of money, which is then spent on the strangest things.

Demar lands somewhere nice. Demar Dorsey will play his college ball at Hawaii, so at least he got an adventure out of everything. No, he's not coming here. I just told you he's going to play at Hawaii. No, still not coming. I am beginning to think you have the brain damage.

Etc.: Big Ten hockey hires Steve Piotrowski as its head of officials, which is a good move. Better move would be to clone him and put him on the ice for all games. Piotrowski #1 would be a super Piotrowksi. Dennis Norfleet gets really excited when he blocks a shot, understandably. SBN is making the case for relegation.

NO DEMAR DORSEY IS NOT COMING TO MICHIGAN

Video: Jim Delany on spring meetings

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany recaps the league's spring meetings with Adam Rittenberg.

Big Ten, Pac-12 pact moving forward

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

CHICAGO -- Despite a few speed bumps, the Big Ten/Pac-12 scheduling partnership is "a go," Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany told his league's athletic directors this week. The details are still being worked out, which isn't a surprise when you have 24 major-conference programs with unique interests, scheduling philosophies and scheduling agreements. But Delany hopes to have a more specific idea of the scheduling models in the next few months. "We do want it all fit in," Delany said Wednesday.

B1G to discuss tie-in with Pinstripe Bowl

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

CHICAGO -- The Big Ten favors having a college football playoff within the existing bowls, which essentially pushes those games to warmer climates in the south and west. As Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said, "Let's say it is 5 degrees. Is that right for the game?" Apparently it's OK for lower-tier bowls. League commissioner Jim Delany said Wednesday that the Big Ten will have discussions with the Pinstripe Bowl, played outside in late December at New York's Yankee Stadium, about a potential future tie-in.

Report: Ex-Michigan five-star commit Demar Dorsey will play at Hawaii

Source: Ann Arbor News NCAAF by NicholasBaumgardner@annarbor.com

It appears Demar Dorsey is going tropical.

The former Michigan football five-star defensive back signee will reportedly continue his college football career with coach Norm Chow at Hawaii, according to CBS college football writer Bruce Feldman.

Feldman reported that Dorsey will arrive at Hawaii in July and the school will have to petition for immediate eligibility this fall.

Continue reading Report: Ex-Michigan five-star commit Demar Dorsey will play at Hawaii...

Brandon: Playoff games should be played within bowl system

Source: The Detroit News by Matt Charboneau - The Detroit News

Chicago — Michigan athletic director David Brandon understands that his football team has a decided advantage playing games at Michigan Stadium.

Michigan football players, Dave Brandon back 4-team playoff that includes bowl system

Source: Ann Arbor News NCAAF by kylemeinke@annarbor.com

CHICAGO -- The Big Ten is sure to encounter pushback from fans, media and other conferences over its preference to include the bowls -- specifically, the Rose Bowl -- in any football playoff.

But there's at least one prominent group who favors it: The guys who will play the games.

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon spoke extensively with reporters Wednesday after the Big Ten concluded its three-day spring meetings in Chicago, and, like his colleagues, said he supports a four-team playoff that includes the Rose Bowl.

Continue reading Michigan football players, Dave Brandon back 4-team playoff that includes bowl system...

Mark Andrews can play tight or split wide - Michigan [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

2014 Intro: Darohn Scott

Source: UMHoops.com by Joe Stapleton

Darohn Scott is a 2014 big man prospect from Grand Rapids. He plays high school ball with fellow Michigan target Drake Harris for Grand Rapids Christian and the two also play together for the Meanstreets AAU team. It’s still early in Scott’s development but he has shown promise so far this summer. I caught up with him yesterday for an interview to talk about his recruitment, what he thinks of Michigan, and more. (Photo: Matt Philpott)

Can you describe your game?
“I’m a big. I’m 6-8, 215. Very explosive going toward the basket. My offensive game still needs work but it’s getting better. Defensively I can take over games. I’m a strong rebounder and I can get rebounds above the rim.”

Who’s been recruiting you?
“Mainly Xavier, Western Michigan, Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame.”

Any early offers?
“No, not yet.”

What are you looking for in a school?
“I’m just looking to build relationships with the coaching staff and among the players, from a basketball program perspective. As a school, I’m looking for good academics, because that’s what it’s all about, education.”

Which coaches from Michigan have been talking to you?
“Lavall Jordan and Bacari Alexander.”

What have they been saying?
“Really just that my game is there and that I have the potential. The potential is there, and what I need to do is keep working on the offensive end of the floor. Defensively, I can control the game by blocking shots, grabbing rebounds and getting in the passing lanes because of my long wingspan.”

Have they been to any recent practices or games?
“Yes they have. Michigan and Michigan State were both at Merrilville, Indiana for the Nike Spring Showdown and they were at Virginia at the Boo Williams Nike EYBL tournament. Before that, Michigan came to an open gym asking for me but I wasn’t there.”

Anything specifically you’re looking to improve this summer?
“Just ballhandling and offensive stuff on the floor. Staying agile and getting my footwork down.”

How has AAU gone?
“I started off strong, and I just need to keep up that intensity throughout this time. So far, I’ve been able to keep up that intensity.”

What do you like about Michigan?
“It’s just a really nice school and a very nice program. You’re able to build relationships with the coaches and they tell you what you need to hear.”

Are you planning any visits?
“Usually if I visit I’m there with Drake [Harris] because that’s really the only way I can get there. My mom is not able to travel that far.”

Have you visited?
“The last time I came was last year when they played Western Michigan in football.”

What did you think?
“The atmosphere was great. Mitch McGary was there on an official visit that weekend and I got to talk to him. The atmosphere was great and the fans, they love you and they treat you with respect and they really want you to go to their school.”

Big Ten Meetings, Brought To You By Barbasol And Facepalm

Source: MGoBlog by Ace

Total abominations

The Big Ten meetings are currently underway in Chicago, and the big story is the Big Ten bowing to their SEC overlords respecting the sanctity of the Rose Bowl by abandoning the desire for on-campus playoff semifinals. Of course, the stated reason for such a stance can't be "we're hopelessly in the pockets of the bowl system, so we'll sacrifice a competitive advantage for the sake of preserving some bastardized ideal of tradition," so this is now about... fairness?

DB: Admitted playing northern sites outside simply isn't fair even though Big Ten could have competitive advantage...

— Freep Wolverines (@freepwolverines) May 16, 2012

Sure, USC or UCLA playing in the Rose Bowl, LSU playing in the Sugar Bowl, Florida or Miami in the Orange Bowl, that's all fine. God forbid Big Ten fans actually get to drive to a postseason game while their SEC counterparts don coats (gasp!) and get on an airplane for what amounts to a road game! No, this can't happen because the kids want a nice trip and their bowl swag:

DB: Many UM FB players in favor of traveling to warm weather sites for bowl experience but could be tough in multiple weeks w B10 title game

— Freep Wolverines (@freepwolverines) May 16, 2012

Fair enough, I guess. I'm assuming, if the question was framed differently, the players would be in support of hosting a semifinal—and evening the playing field—instead of playing a "home" semi in Pasadena before a warm neutral-site final, though I could be wrong. Escaping Michigan in January is always high on my list of things to do in Michigan in January. This, however, is not my ideal destination:

Delany said he will "have conversations" about adding Big Ten bowl tie-in to New York City.

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 16, 2012

Just so everyone has this straight: B1G concerned about cold weather for playoff, but would like to play bowl games in NYC in January.

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 16, 2012

I present Yankee Stadium, home of the Pinstripe Bowl, one day before the 2010 game:

What's really remarkable is that the Big Ten is so brazen in its hypocricy that these ideas are presented within mere minutes of each other. The sooner the bowl system dies a fiery (icy?) death, at least when it comes to determining a national champion, the better.

Big Ten to discuss tie-in with Pinstripe Bowl

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

CHICAGO -- The Big Ten favors having a college football playoff within the existing bowls, which essentially pushes those games to warmer climates in the south and west. As Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said, "Let's say it is 5 degrees. Is that right for the game?" Apparently it's OK for lower-tier bowls. League commissioner Jim Delany said Wednesday that the Big Ten will have discussions with the Pinstripe Bowl, played outside in late December at New York's Yankee Stadium, about a potential future tie-in.

Report: DB Demar Dorsey to play at Hawaii

Source: The Detroit News by Detroit News wire services

Defensive back Demar Dorsey, who originally committed to Michigan but was later denied admission, will be playing football at Hawaii, according to Bruce Feldman of cbssportsline.com.

Michigan Newsstand - May 16 (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

A look at news stories featuring Michigan athletics.

Maize N' View: Five hunches for 2012 - Michigan [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Softball. Chidester, Wagner, Hutchins Collect All-Big Ten Honors

Source: MGoBlue

Six Wolverines earned all-conference nods, Amanda Chidester repeated as Big Ten Player of the Year, Haylie Wagner was named Pitcher and Freshman of the Year, and Carol Hutchins earned her 13th Coach of the Year award.

Michigan's Lewan maturing into a leader

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan lost some invaluable leadership on the offensive line when center David Molk graduated. A somewhat unlikely figure is volunteering to fill that void. "I definitely see myself as a leader," junior left tackle Taylor Lewan told ESPN.com. "I want to be one of the main guys that really helps through all the successes and all the bad things. I want that to be put on myself. "I'm the left tackle, the blind side. They made a movie about it.

Wrestling. Russell Named DAC Michigan Collegiate Athlete of the Year

Source: MGoBlue

Two-time national champion Kellen Russell (2008-12) and incoming freshman Taylor Massa earned Athlete of the Year recognition at the annual Detroit Athletic Club Athletic Banquet.

MnB B1G Preview: Getting the scoop on Minnesota with Jeff and Tom from The Daily Gopher

Source: Maize n Brew by Zach Travis

This week we stop by The Daily Gopher, SBN's Minnesota blogging outpost, for a chat with two of the site's writers, Jeff and Tom, about the plight of the Gophers these past few years and what the future holds.

--

Minnesota started the 2011 season so badly that halfway through most of the college football world was ready to proclaim this the worst major conference team of all time. I watched when Minnesota played Michigan, and I caught part of both the Nebraska and Purdue games. I didn't imagine that team would score twice the rest of the season, much less win twice down the stretch. What changed over the last month of the season?

Jeff -

Big Ten lunchtime links

Source: Big Ten Football Blog

The league meetings in Chicago and playoffs (cue Jim Mora clip) dominate your hump day links: The Big Ten's love of the Rose Bowl is making it act irrationally and against the league's best interests, Dan Wetzel writes. There's no guarantee on how that Rose Bowl relationship will continue. The Big Ten won't be able to use geography as an excuse for bowl performance in the future, Drew Sharp says. The league is pushing for a seven-win minimum to make a bowl game even though that may hurt some of its own teams.

Track and football both big for Allen - Michigan [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Florida DE has Illini interest - Michigan [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF