I did extensive research for this column by Googling "Indiana coach." Mike Woodson is 65. Recently Indiana basketball has had a few high draft picks and big recruits but the team has been a disappointment. But Woodson has been better than Juwan Howard.
Michigan only has one big-time sport because Howard has been such an embarrassment as well as a disappointment.
I like Tom Allen. He is smiling in his picture. Maranatha Baptist University. He makes $4.9 million. Granted, I don't have to work with or play for him, but I like his optimism and communications skills.
First, the game.
Indiana won the first quarter. That says something, but it didn't matter in terms of the outcome or the rest of the game.
Second, the accolades about J.J. McCarthy and the offense are overblown. While he is excellent--almost certainly one of Michigan's best or most productive since Henne, Rudock (overall offense), or Denard. It is also true that when McCarthy improvises it usually works. Still, he does get sacked, fumbles, and is intercepted in some fairly stupid plays. To me he is the biggest big-game question mark. If he is off or rattled, and Blake Corum and the running game is stopped, Michigan will be in trouble.
Aside from the explosive offensive players, Michigan's biggest strength is it's defensive line. Six to seven strong they offer run stoppers, rushers, strength, speed, and endurance. Against Indiana's redshirt freshman quarterbacks they were a constant threat. And they stopped the running game.
Fourth, Indiana is not very good. In Big Ten power rankings they have been at or near the bottom all year. I don't know if Jack Tuttle acted like a Cade or not (transfer in the middle of the season) but he and A.J. Barner are valuable additions at Michigan. I cannot recall any real stars on the team. In the age of a market economy and transfers Indiana is not getting the players.
Finally, this Michigan football team is remarkable. They stand out; they look different than any team I can remember.
I love watching these games. It is maybe 30 hours a season.
Mason Graham jolly? Jesse Minter has nice teeth. Did you see Sherrone Moore's look at Donovan Edwards?
You can't see it all live. And it has to be a commercial-free replay.
Suspense... I already know how it turns out. This team is all in. You have to want to. That is who they look for: people who want to be leaders and play in front of 100K people and on national tv.
The change that Jim Harbaugh made is that he is going to let the leaders lead. They're young(er) so you don't know how they're going to do it. But you have to give them a chance and an opportunity. Harbaugh has been consistent in supporting NIL, transfers, and paying players.
The Michigan players always cheer for each other. Some are older--Michael Barrett, CJ, and a few grad transfers. Some are younger--OMG, Keon Saab, who did you think was behind you? You have to really watch the games or boxscore details. There are emerging names, and another round from the portal too. It is a perfect mix.
No way--you can't make Cade and others do it if they don't want to. It is culture you have to want to be a part of.
Yes, I already know. They are going to put Donovan Edwards in again and he will score a touchdown.
Everyone says it, Michigan hasn't played anyone. J.J. can be kind of a bonehead at times too, but the confidence makes them explosive and extremely dangerous, at least until they are beaten.
P.S. The one downside I wish I hadn't seen. The strength coach vomiting on the sideline.
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