Caleb's a Midwest, blue collar, hard-worker that doesn't make excuses for anything type guy, and a kid like that looking for the right fit is looking for the type of people who express that as well," Ralph said. "That's everything that Coach Hoke and his staff stand for right now. What they practice and what they preach is what Michigan football, to me, is all about. I think Caleb saw that, understood that and knows that Michigan is going to get back on track.He committed to the Wolverines over offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Illinois, NC State, and West Virginia amongst a few others. No film on him either but I'm sure some will surface for both of these guys eventually. Let's keep the ball rolling! OL is a huge need for this class but I will feel much better when we land a couple of DTs and DEs.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Commit #2 - Caleb Stacey
Things are starting to move after nothing happening for the first few months of the Hoke regime. The Wolverines picked up their second commitment in a matter of days when interior offensive lineman Caleb Stacey verballed on Saturday. Stacey is a versatile interior lineman with the ability to play the center position - something coveted in a prospect. Rivals profile. He is listed at 6'4" and 275 pounds and comes from Cincinnati. Here's the money quote from his OL coach:
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Commit #1 - Ben Braden
Finally! We have a commit!! It's been a long time coming but Michigan has received their first verbal commitment for the 2012 recruiting class from in-state offensive lineman Ben Braden. Rivals profile. He is a 6'6", 285 pounder from Rockford probably slotted for OT. We need tons more lineman so this is bueno. Rivals has not rated him yet but that's not unusual as it is still early. I will add to this when I have some more time to collect info.
Okay, I lied. There's isn't much to add. I can't find any film on him but I will add this flufferrific quote from his coach from this Rivals article:
Okay, I lied. There's isn't much to add. I can't find any film on him but I will add this flufferrific quote from his coach from this Rivals article:
He is a very quiet young man, but he is beginning to open up and blossom. He's all about team, and we just look for him to have a great senior year. He's working hard right now to make sure he is in the best condition possible to have that type of season. I'm excited for him for this year and obviously into his future.As long as he's not quiet on the field then I'm good with that.
Busted Bracket
Well, my bracket is pretty well busted at this point. I do have all four of my Final Four teams still alive, so I guess I have that going for me. Duke just got annihilated by Arizona, which I love, so that's good too even though I picked Duke to win that game.
Speaking of Duke, that was a heartbreaker on Sunday. I could not be more surprised that Michigan hung with them and even had a legit shot at winning the game. This team overachieved this year and they did it because they had heart. A ton of it. I am excited about the future of this team. I think the officiating sucked and was obviously slanted towards Duke, but I expected that because the officiating is ALWAYS slanted in Duke's favor. The NCAA doesn't want them to lose. It's nauseating. But I'm not going to go on and on bitching about officiating. Fact is, if Darius hits that floater at the end of regulation, we go to OT and who knows what happens.
The blowout of Tennessee was a shock too, but a much more delicious one. I love watching my favorite team just beat the hell out of an opponent. It makes me happy. The future of Michigan basketball is bright and it's been a long time since anyone could say that. Well done boys and thanks for the ride.
Speaking of Duke, that was a heartbreaker on Sunday. I could not be more surprised that Michigan hung with them and even had a legit shot at winning the game. This team overachieved this year and they did it because they had heart. A ton of it. I am excited about the future of this team. I think the officiating sucked and was obviously slanted towards Duke, but I expected that because the officiating is ALWAYS slanted in Duke's favor. The NCAA doesn't want them to lose. It's nauseating. But I'm not going to go on and on bitching about officiating. Fact is, if Darius hits that floater at the end of regulation, we go to OT and who knows what happens.
The blowout of Tennessee was a shock too, but a much more delicious one. I love watching my favorite team just beat the hell out of an opponent. It makes me happy. The future of Michigan basketball is bright and it's been a long time since anyone could say that. Well done boys and thanks for the ride.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tourney Time
Okay boys and girls, it's time to fill out your brackets and enter your office pool or pools as may be the case with some of you. I sometimes enter more than one pool but always with the same sheet. Count me as one of the people that isn't impressed you did so well in your pool when you filled out 12 different brackets. Grow a pair and fill out one.
For whatever reason, I didn't spend as much time on mine this year as I usually do. I just kinda filled it out. I waffled on a few things and changed my mind a few times. I'm sure it will turn out to be pure garbage. Oh well, I always say that and I usually do fairly well so we'll see.
I'm not going to go through every pick I've got because that's tedious and I don;t feel like doing it so let's just skip to the Sweet 16. In the East Regional, I have straight chalk - top 4 seeds all make it. In the Southwest Regional I have (1)Kansas vs (4)Louisville and (3)Purdue vs (10)Florida State. Almost chalk but for the 'Noles. In the West Regional, I have (1)Duke against (13)Oakland and (2)San Diego State vs (3)UConn. And finally in the Southeast Regional, I have (1)Pitt vs (5)Kansas State and (2)Florida vs (6)St. John's.
Moving on, I have Ohio State over Kentucky and Syracuse over UNC with OSU winning the East Regional. In the Southwest, Kansas beats Louisville and the Boilermakers beat FSU with Kansas taking the Regional. Out West, Duke puts down Oakland and UConn beats SD State with the Huskies winning the Regional. And in the Southeast Regional, Pitt and Florida win their games with Florida going to the Final Four. I struggled with this one the most because the SEC is awful at basketball but Florida is a pretty good team and Billy Donovan knows how to win tournament games.
So my Final Four is OSU, Kansas, UConn, and Florida. That's two one seeds , a two, and a three. I have OSU and Kansas (the two one's) playing in the final and Kansas winning 71-66.
As for my personal rooting interests, I am of course pleased that Michigan made the tournament. I don't think they should have been an eight seed but I don;t make those decisions. Personally, I would prefer to be a 10 seed over an eight, but that's another discussion. I see that Michigan opened as a one point favorite last night but as of this morning, Tennessee is now a one point favorite. I think it will be a good game, as eight-nine game usually are. I think Michigan wins the game by four or five. The potential second round matchup with Duke is tempting and it'll certainly be a lot of fun should it happen. I hate Duke with a passion so the prospect of upsetting them in the tournament is tantalizing, but I don't think that's a close game unfortunately. I could be wrong. I thought Kansas would blow Michigan out of the water when they played earlier and the game went to overtime so you never know I guess.
The fun of the next week is watching all the games back-to back-to back and seeing what Cinderellas are going to emerge. It is a great week and perfect timing to have Spring Break! I will be watching as many games as possible. Go Blue!
Oh, and if anyone was wondering, my birthday was trouble, the St. Patty's Day Parade in Dallas was amazing and so was the Toadies concert after. I am so sunburned that the top of my head is still blazing hot to the touch but I had an amazing time with great people. Can't wait til next time!
For whatever reason, I didn't spend as much time on mine this year as I usually do. I just kinda filled it out. I waffled on a few things and changed my mind a few times. I'm sure it will turn out to be pure garbage. Oh well, I always say that and I usually do fairly well so we'll see.
I'm not going to go through every pick I've got because that's tedious and I don;t feel like doing it so let's just skip to the Sweet 16. In the East Regional, I have straight chalk - top 4 seeds all make it. In the Southwest Regional I have (1)Kansas vs (4)Louisville and (3)Purdue vs (10)Florida State. Almost chalk but for the 'Noles. In the West Regional, I have (1)Duke against (13)Oakland and (2)San Diego State vs (3)UConn. And finally in the Southeast Regional, I have (1)Pitt vs (5)Kansas State and (2)Florida vs (6)St. John's.
Moving on, I have Ohio State over Kentucky and Syracuse over UNC with OSU winning the East Regional. In the Southwest, Kansas beats Louisville and the Boilermakers beat FSU with Kansas taking the Regional. Out West, Duke puts down Oakland and UConn beats SD State with the Huskies winning the Regional. And in the Southeast Regional, Pitt and Florida win their games with Florida going to the Final Four. I struggled with this one the most because the SEC is awful at basketball but Florida is a pretty good team and Billy Donovan knows how to win tournament games.
So my Final Four is OSU, Kansas, UConn, and Florida. That's two one seeds , a two, and a three. I have OSU and Kansas (the two one's) playing in the final and Kansas winning 71-66.
As for my personal rooting interests, I am of course pleased that Michigan made the tournament. I don't think they should have been an eight seed but I don;t make those decisions. Personally, I would prefer to be a 10 seed over an eight, but that's another discussion. I see that Michigan opened as a one point favorite last night but as of this morning, Tennessee is now a one point favorite. I think it will be a good game, as eight-nine game usually are. I think Michigan wins the game by four or five. The potential second round matchup with Duke is tempting and it'll certainly be a lot of fun should it happen. I hate Duke with a passion so the prospect of upsetting them in the tournament is tantalizing, but I don't think that's a close game unfortunately. I could be wrong. I thought Kansas would blow Michigan out of the water when they played earlier and the game went to overtime so you never know I guess.
The fun of the next week is watching all the games back-to back-to back and seeing what Cinderellas are going to emerge. It is a great week and perfect timing to have Spring Break! I will be watching as many games as possible. Go Blue!
Oh, and if anyone was wondering, my birthday was trouble, the St. Patty's Day Parade in Dallas was amazing and so was the Toadies concert after. I am so sunburned that the top of my head is still blazing hot to the touch but I had an amazing time with great people. Can't wait til next time!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Happy Day
Spring is here. The weather is warming up. Weeds are already giving me a headache. There are some flowers and trees blooming already. My allergies are annoying the hell out of me too. Next week is spring break and March Madness is starting. It's a pretty kick ass time of year (except there's no football). It's also time for something special to me.
Today is my birthday. Birthdays aren't as exciting as they were when we were kids but it is still a special day. I get to do whatever I want and everyone pretty much lets you get away with anything. I'm not going to work today. I'm going to sleep in a little and then I'm going to go play golf. It's been a while since I've played so I'll probably play like crap but who cares? It'll be fun and relaxing and it's what I want to do. Afterwards, I'll head to my usual watering hole and let people buy me drinks (possibly the best perk of the birthday). The wife has open house at her school so I'll be on my own for most of the evening (this could be trouble). Happy Day to me.
Today is also the start of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. You can find the bracket here. The first game will be (8) Northwestern and (9) Minnesota (2:30 ET, ESPN2). Minnesota has been a big disappointment in my mind this year. They were ranked at one point (possibly more than one point) and have had some solid wins (UNC, WVU, Purdue). They split the season series with Michigan with each team winning on their own floor. I believe they are the better team here but they have also lost five in a row and nine of 10. Tubby Smith may be on the way out but I expect the Gophers to win this one and move on to face tsio.
Game 2 is (7) MSU and (10) Iowa (5:00 ET, ESPN2). State wins this one to get to a second round matchup against Purdue. There is little chance Iowa will give Sparty a game here and I expect a snoozer. HOWEVER, I wouldn't be shocked to see MSU bomb in this game because they are still too worried about what happened in Ann Arbor last week and probably still whining about last second layups and trash talk on the court. I would find this hilarious if they lost, although that would probably hurt Michigan in some way like strength of schedule. It also wouldn't look good as our two (probably) best wins are against the Spartans. Even still, I would find them losing in the first round to an awful Iowa team delicious.
Game 3 is the final game of the night and will feature (6) Penn State and (11) Indiana (7:30 ET, BTN). Indiana is terrible at the basketballs. I don't know what is going on down in Bloomington. Tom Crean is, by most accounts, a good coach. Indiana is a talent rich state. And this is freaking Indiana we're talking about here. Maybe the NCAA sanctions impacted that program more than I realized. Unfortunately, I'm familiar with how that can happen (cough, cough). Penn State cruises in this one and moves on to play Wisconsin on Friday.
HT to UMHoops for the bracket.
Today is my birthday. Birthdays aren't as exciting as they were when we were kids but it is still a special day. I get to do whatever I want and everyone pretty much lets you get away with anything. I'm not going to work today. I'm going to sleep in a little and then I'm going to go play golf. It's been a while since I've played so I'll probably play like crap but who cares? It'll be fun and relaxing and it's what I want to do. Afterwards, I'll head to my usual watering hole and let people buy me drinks (possibly the best perk of the birthday). The wife has open house at her school so I'll be on my own for most of the evening (this could be trouble). Happy Day to me.
Today is also the start of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. You can find the bracket here. The first game will be (8) Northwestern and (9) Minnesota (2:30 ET, ESPN2). Minnesota has been a big disappointment in my mind this year. They were ranked at one point (possibly more than one point) and have had some solid wins (UNC, WVU, Purdue). They split the season series with Michigan with each team winning on their own floor. I believe they are the better team here but they have also lost five in a row and nine of 10. Tubby Smith may be on the way out but I expect the Gophers to win this one and move on to face tsio.
Game 2 is (7) MSU and (10) Iowa (5:00 ET, ESPN2). State wins this one to get to a second round matchup against Purdue. There is little chance Iowa will give Sparty a game here and I expect a snoozer. HOWEVER, I wouldn't be shocked to see MSU bomb in this game because they are still too worried about what happened in Ann Arbor last week and probably still whining about last second layups and trash talk on the court. I would find this hilarious if they lost, although that would probably hurt Michigan in some way like strength of schedule. It also wouldn't look good as our two (probably) best wins are against the Spartans. Even still, I would find them losing in the first round to an awful Iowa team delicious.
Game 3 is the final game of the night and will feature (6) Penn State and (11) Indiana (7:30 ET, BTN). Indiana is terrible at the basketballs. I don't know what is going on down in Bloomington. Tom Crean is, by most accounts, a good coach. Indiana is a talent rich state. And this is freaking Indiana we're talking about here. Maybe the NCAA sanctions impacted that program more than I realized. Unfortunately, I'm familiar with how that can happen (cough, cough). Penn State cruises in this one and moves on to play Wisconsin on Friday.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Best Shows on TV
Ahh TV. I spend way too much time with it, but who am I kidding? I love TV. It's hours and hours of entertainment at my fingertips and I don't have to think about a thing. What more could you ask for? Nothing, of course. That's what it's for. Here is my list of the best shows currently on TV (in no particular order). I'm sure I'll forget something but whatever.
THE SIMPSONS
The show has been on for over 20 years and still delivers laughs consistently. Easily my favorite show ever.
FAMILY GUY
This show was okay when it first came out but has really improved and definitely has a spot in my Tivo.
SPORTSCENTER
Still the best sports show around. Some of the anchors are dumb and try to be too funny and it'll never be like it was when Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann were there, but it's still the best place to get the day's sports action.
NCIS
I never really got into Law & Order. In fact, I hate Law & Order. But this isn't really like Law & Order and I hate it when people group this show with that one. All of the characters are very likeable and the story lines are well thought out.
JUSTIFIED
This one is new for me. I only started watching this season but I love it through the first 3 episodes. Very well thought out and different from the other cop-ish dramas on the tube.
MODERN FAMILY
This is something I waited too long to get into. I knew that Sofia Vergara was on it and HOT as hell and that Ms. Vessey from Ed was on it too, not to mention Al Bundy, but I just didn't get into at the beginning. I should have. This show is funny and has a permanent spot in my Tivo rotation.
TOSH.0
This is another example of a type of show that I really dislike (clip show) but it works for me for some reason. Daniel Tosh is the reason I suppose. I liked his stand-up from the first time I saw him on Comedy Central and he makes the show.
FUTURAMA
I wish they would make more of these. I really like this show. Yeah, it's stupid. So what? It makes me laugh. Don't judge me. Okay, let's move on.
This post has gotten way longer than I intended so I'm gonna stop. Maybe I'll do more another time but I doubt it. I covered most of the good stuff. I also just realized that they haven't made any new Futuramas for a while so I guess it's not technically on TV right now other than reruns. Whatever. Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't thank whoever the guy that invented Tivo was. Holy hell you are a freaking genius and I love you. I can't imagine what life used to be like without your wonderful invention. Thank you, Mr. Tivo. Thank you.
THE SIMPSONS
The show has been on for over 20 years and still delivers laughs consistently. Easily my favorite show ever.
FAMILY GUY
This show was okay when it first came out but has really improved and definitely has a spot in my Tivo.
SPORTSCENTER
Still the best sports show around. Some of the anchors are dumb and try to be too funny and it'll never be like it was when Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann were there, but it's still the best place to get the day's sports action.
NCIS
I never really got into Law & Order. In fact, I hate Law & Order. But this isn't really like Law & Order and I hate it when people group this show with that one. All of the characters are very likeable and the story lines are well thought out.
JUSTIFIED
This one is new for me. I only started watching this season but I love it through the first 3 episodes. Very well thought out and different from the other cop-ish dramas on the tube.
MODERN FAMILY
This is something I waited too long to get into. I knew that Sofia Vergara was on it and HOT as hell and that Ms. Vessey from Ed was on it too, not to mention Al Bundy, but I just didn't get into at the beginning. I should have. This show is funny and has a permanent spot in my Tivo rotation.
TOSH.0
This is another example of a type of show that I really dislike (clip show) but it works for me for some reason. Daniel Tosh is the reason I suppose. I liked his stand-up from the first time I saw him on Comedy Central and he makes the show.
FUTURAMA
I wish they would make more of these. I really like this show. Yeah, it's stupid. So what? It makes me laugh. Don't judge me. Okay, let's move on.
This post has gotten way longer than I intended so I'm gonna stop. Maybe I'll do more another time but I doubt it. I covered most of the good stuff. I also just realized that they haven't made any new Futuramas for a while so I guess it's not technically on TV right now other than reruns. Whatever. Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't thank whoever the guy that invented Tivo was. Holy hell you are a freaking genius and I love you. I can't imagine what life used to be like without your wonderful invention. Thank you, Mr. Tivo. Thank you.
No Politics
I am very adamant about this: This space will not be used to talk about politics or political views by myself or anyone else. Ever. I hate politics with a passion and want as little to do with the scumbags that peddle this garbage as possible. Having said that, this is the one and only exception I'll make.
FUCK YOU GLENN BECK.
I don't know what your problem with the city of Detroit is but you have been bad mouthing the city and its people going back to 2008 at least. This most recent brain dead episode in which you describe Detroit as worse off than Hiroshima after the atomic blast is not the first time you have attacked the city and the people that live there or are from there. What's your problem? You think that's funny? You think by saying something shocking like that you're going to boost your audience? Go to hell, man.
I'm not so naive to think that Detroit is some shining beacon of prosperity and moral virtue. I know that there has been a long history of corruption in both the city's government and in the labor unions that guided the views of the working class majority. I know there have been shady deals and inept politicians that have broken the back of a once prosperous metropolis. I know and the people of Detroit certainly know. The city and the whole damn state are in a bad place, more so than the rest of the country which isn't exactly booming. So let's kick these people while they're down?
In November of 2008, he had this to say:
FUCK YOU GLENN BECK.
I don't know what your problem with the city of Detroit is but you have been bad mouthing the city and its people going back to 2008 at least. This most recent brain dead episode in which you describe Detroit as worse off than Hiroshima after the atomic blast is not the first time you have attacked the city and the people that live there or are from there. What's your problem? You think that's funny? You think by saying something shocking like that you're going to boost your audience? Go to hell, man.
I'm not so naive to think that Detroit is some shining beacon of prosperity and moral virtue. I know that there has been a long history of corruption in both the city's government and in the labor unions that guided the views of the working class majority. I know there have been shady deals and inept politicians that have broken the back of a once prosperous metropolis. I know and the people of Detroit certainly know. The city and the whole damn state are in a bad place, more so than the rest of the country which isn't exactly booming. So let's kick these people while they're down?
In November of 2008, he had this to say:
I so believe in General Motors, I so believe in the people of Detroit, I so believe in the product that they have that I want to see them last. I’m not against them. I’m a spokesperson for them.Quite a spokesperson for the people of Detroit you are. I'm sure everyone you're speaking for appreciates your support. Truth is, you never cared about this place or its people. You've probably never been to Detroit. And I'd like to keep it that way. Just stay out of Michigan entirely. And keep out of Texas while you're at it because as big as Texas is, I don't want to be within the confines of the same state border as a sniveling worm like you.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Welcome
Since this is my first venture into this whole blogging thing, I think I'll start with something I care about. Now when I say care I mean I care about WAY too much. More than a normal human should care about anything that isn't a direct family member. But then again, I consider this part of my family. University of Michigan Football. No this isn't going to be another Michigan blog. There's plenty of those out there. If that's what your looking for, go to MGoBlog because there isn't a better site out there for you. There will be plenty of my thoughts on Michigan sports (including professional sports from time to time) but that's not the purpose of this. I don't know what the purpose of this actually is, but who cares anyway?
Recruiting for the class of 2012 is on my mind. I do not consider myself a recruiting guru. If that's what you're looking for follow TomVH or DGDestroys on twitter. I do know a little about football though, so this isn't completely off the wall. This is my kinda wishlist for the upcoming Michigan recruiting class. I say kinda because, of course, I would love to have Dorial Green-Beckham but I don't think he's coming to Michigan. This is also not a list of guys I think are going to Michigan necessarily either. It's kinda a combination of guys I like, guys that have awesome names, guys that Michigan has a good/decent shot at that...you know what, this is my list so if you don't like it too damn bad.
If you would like to see a full list of all prospects that Michigan has offered go here. DGDestroys keeps that up to date and usually has a nightly "quick hitters" post to cover the news of the day. Each kid also is linked to his film which I find particularly helpful.
Okay, I'm working on my own assumption that there will be 20 spots to fill in this class. We won't know the real amount until all the attrition and such is over but it should be somewhere around there. With the midwest up talentwise this year, a bigger class would certainly be a good thing.
OFFENSE(10)
QB - 1
Zeke Pike
RB - 1
Keith Marshall
OL - 5
Andrus Peat
Jordan Diamond
Taylor Decker
Dan Voltz
Kyle Kalis
WR - 1
Stephon Diggs
TE - 2
Ron Thompson
Devin Funchess
DEFENSE (10)
DE - 3
Chris Wormley
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Pharaoh Brown
DT - 3
Danny O'Brien
Matt Godin
Aziz Shittu
LB - 2
James Ross
Royce Jenkins Stone
DB - 2
Terry Richardson
Jarrod Wilson
And I'm going to add a 21st name on here just because his name is too awesome to leave off. That, of course, is Leviticus Payne. I even like typing his name.
Recruiting for the class of 2012 is on my mind. I do not consider myself a recruiting guru. If that's what you're looking for follow TomVH or DGDestroys on twitter. I do know a little about football though, so this isn't completely off the wall. This is my kinda wishlist for the upcoming Michigan recruiting class. I say kinda because, of course, I would love to have Dorial Green-Beckham but I don't think he's coming to Michigan. This is also not a list of guys I think are going to Michigan necessarily either. It's kinda a combination of guys I like, guys that have awesome names, guys that Michigan has a good/decent shot at that...you know what, this is my list so if you don't like it too damn bad.
If you would like to see a full list of all prospects that Michigan has offered go here. DGDestroys keeps that up to date and usually has a nightly "quick hitters" post to cover the news of the day. Each kid also is linked to his film which I find particularly helpful.
Okay, I'm working on my own assumption that there will be 20 spots to fill in this class. We won't know the real amount until all the attrition and such is over but it should be somewhere around there. With the midwest up talentwise this year, a bigger class would certainly be a good thing.
OFFENSE(10)
QB - 1
Zeke Pike
RB - 1
Keith Marshall
OL - 5
Andrus Peat
Jordan Diamond
Taylor Decker
Dan Voltz
Kyle Kalis
WR - 1
Stephon Diggs
TE - 2
Ron Thompson
Devin Funchess
DEFENSE (10)
DE - 3
Chris Wormley
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Pharaoh Brown
DT - 3
Danny O'Brien
Matt Godin
Aziz Shittu
LB - 2
James Ross
Royce Jenkins Stone
DB - 2
Terry Richardson
Jarrod Wilson
And I'm going to add a 21st name on here just because his name is too awesome to leave off. That, of course, is Leviticus Payne. I even like typing his name.
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