Michigan Lands Dual Threat QB

Michigan got its sixth commitment for the 2009 draft class today when Kevin Newsome told rivals.com he was going to Michigan. The four star recruit is the first legitimate dual threat quarterback to commit to Michigan. This is a huge commit and will add instant depth to the thin QB depth chart. I will post more details as they come out about Kevin and also the other 5 recruits to commit to Michigan so far. Until then, Go Blue!!

Larry Wright to Transfer

Larry Wright, the Saginaw native, is set to transfer from St. Johns after two years with the program. It is rumored that Michigan is on the top of his list, but only time will tell. Wright would be a great addition to the team, as we could use another solid guard in the backcourt. Wright was a great contributor off the bench for the Red Storm averaging 9 points in 18 minutes of action per game. More importantly, Wright was a 40% shooter from the 3 point line, which is desperately needed on a team that was at the bottom of the Big Ten in shooting. I played against Larry in high school and he is a very athletic kid with lots of potential. Lets hope Michigan can land this guy. Until next time, Go Blue!

Pryor Commits to Ohio State

Terrelle Pryor really dropped the soap yesterday when he announced he would play his college ball at Ohio State and not Michigan. I'm not sure if he just like to be the center of attention or not, but we have all known where he was going to attend college. I'm just glad this nonsense is over and we can move on from the whole situation. All I can say is good luck to you Terrelle and I can't wait to see the Wolverines eat you alive on Saturdays for the next four years.

There are a lot of questions circling about what Michigan will do at quarterback now that Pryor is out of the picture. I will urge you to not panic just yet. If Steven Threet is as good as people talk him up he should be a solid contributor at quarterback. It is my understanding that Threet played in a spread offense in high school so he should be somewhat comfortable with running RR's system. If Threet can provide consistent play until Justin Feagin can grasp the offense we will be okay. Expect to see a dual quarterback system slowly implemented next year.

I would assume that both of these guys are temporary fixes at quarterback unless they really perform well. So where does that leave Michigan at quarterback for 2009? RR has already been heavily recruiting QB's from the 09 class and will continue to find guys who will fit his system. I wouldn't be surprised if Michigan signed three or more quarterbacks in next years class. The next year in recruiting is going to be crucial for Michigan's football program. If RR can get the guys he wants then the sky is the limit but if we struggle to find fast athletes who can compete...look out.

Until next time, Go Blue!!

Terrelle Pryor To Make College Decision Tomorrow

It is being reported on ESPN that top ranked recruit Terrelle Pryor will make his college decision tomorrow at noon. They are also reporting that the decision will be between Michigan and Ohio State, with most analysts predicting he will choose Ohio State. The long anticipated announcement is finally here. I will just be glad for this to be over and we can rejoice if we get him or move on if we don't. I will post whenever news comes out on the subject. Lets pray that Pryor picks the Wolverines or, at the very least, finally makes a decision. Until then, Go Blue!!

Season Over as Michigan Loses to Wisconsin

The men's basketball team ended their dismal season today as they lost to Wisconsin in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament 51-34. The Wolverines struggled today, managing to shoot only 20% from the field and 25% from three point range. Michigan managed to set a record today with the lowest point total in Big Ten Tournament history by only scoring 34 points. A big reason for the lack of scoring today was the play of Sims and Harris, or should I say the lack there of. Our two best players shot 3 of 22 from the floor and had 10 points combined. The All Big Ten Freshman couldn't get it going today, mainly because of the smothering defense of Michael Flowers. Flowers seemed to get into Manny's head early and stayed there all game. The lone bright spot of the game was Anthony Wrights play. He got the start again today and was the leading scorer finishing with 11 points. If Anthony can continue to improve we will have a legitimate third scoring option next year.

All in all the season was a disappointment. I mean, who can really say they are satisfied with 10 wins? What I am most impressed with is the fight this team showed all year. They never seemed to give up despite their shooting woes and all the losing. Toward the end of the year we started seeing an offense actually being run and the players having more confidence in Beilein's system. That confidence can only improve over the summer and heading into next year. I'm expecting the team to be more competitive next year as Coach Beilein is able to bring in some of his own players and continue to develop guys like Sims, Harris, Grady, and Wright. Lets hope for more to cheer about with Michigan basketball next year!! Until next time, Go Blue!

Michigan Wins in Grinding Fashion

The men's basketball team pulled out what appears to be an ugly win today by beating Iowa 55-47. Today we played well enough to win against an awful Iowa team but you can't expect to compete against Wisconsin when you only shoot 37% from the field. Manny Harris led Michigan, as he has all year, scoring 19 points. Sims had a solid game as well with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Probably the most overlooked move of the day was Anthony Wright getting the start over Ron Coleman. I said earlier that we needed a big game from him and he came through with 9 points, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds in 32 minutes. Hats off to Coach Beilein for making the move to Wright and sitting Coleman, the struggling senior. The road ahead doesn't get any easier as Michigan moves on to the quarterfinals to face the Big Ten regular season champion Wisconsin. Tip is set for noon Friday. An upset is what we are all hoping for tomorrow. Good luck boys and until next time, Go Blue!

Big Ten Tournament

The ninth seeded Wolverines open the Big Ten Tournament today against eighth seeded Iowa at noon. The two teams split the regular season match up with each team winning away from home. It will be interesting to see how Michigan comes out to play today, whether they will pack the bags in and call it a year or try and make a run to build momentum for next year. If Harris and Sims can have solid performances I don't see how we could lose this game. If one of them struggles, you can kiss the season goodbye. The X factor to look out for is Anthony Wright coming off the bench. He has provided the team with scoring and timely shooting as the season has progressed. Look for Wright to make an impact from three point range today. For those of you without the Big Ten Network you will have to watch the updates online like me. Sean at Michigan Sports Center is doing a live blog during the game if you want to check that out too. I will have a post up later tonight recapping the game. Until next time good luck boys and Go Blue!

Michigan Ends Three Game Winning Streak

The men's basketball team suffered a tough defeat last night losing at Minnesota 69-60, ending a three game winning streak. Michigan started slow and was down ten early but they fought there way back, primarily from the outstanding play of freshman Manny Harris, to take a 35-34 halftime lead. The Wolverines struggled in the second half, only scoring 25 points and not getting any scoring from either Harris or Sims in the last 15 minutes of the game. Coach Beilien made a questionable move, in my opinion, by benching Harris at the end of the game. He might have been forcing his shots a little too much but he is the best player on our team and needs to be in the game in big situations. Manny and DeShawn are the only legitimate scorers we have that can create for themselves. Despite the scoring drought the last 15 minutes of the game, the scoring duo each finished with 16 points for the game. The loss drops Michigan to 8-18 on the season. The team looks to get back to its winning ways when it hosts Illinois at 4 PM on Saturday. A post should be coming later today or Saturday after the hoops game. Until next time, Go Blue!