INSIDER
Michigan finally beats Ohio State, punches ticket to Big Ten title game
Read full article: Michigan finally beats Ohio State, punches ticket to Big Ten title gameThe Michigan Wolverines clinched the Big Ten East and a spot in the Big Ten title game next weekend with a huge win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday in Ann Arbor.
No. 5 Michigan State upset on the road by Purdue, handing Spartans first loss
Read full article: No. 5 Michigan State upset on the road by Purdue, handing Spartans first lossUndefeated Michigan State was upset on the road by the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday in West Lafayette, handing the Spartans their first loss of the season.
Big Ten makes alliance with ACC, Pac-12 for scheduling, future playoff talks, more
Read full article: Big Ten makes alliance with ACC, Pac-12 for scheduling, future playoff talks, moreThe Big Ten formally announced it has made an alliance with the ACC and Pac-12 that will impact non-conference scheduling, future playoff format discussions and more.
Big Ten teams that miss conference games because of COVID will be charged with forfeit
Read full article: Big Ten teams that miss conference games because of COVID will be charged with forfeitBig Ten teams that miss conference games because of COVID will be charged with a forfeit and a loss this season, the conference announced.
Report on campus doctor raises flags about iconic coach
Read full article: Report on campus doctor raises flags about iconic coachBo Schembechler, who led the team from 1969-89, was vividly told by at least four people that Robert Anderson had molested them during routine physicals or other exams, according to the report commissioned by the university.
Michigan football cancels final game of season vs. Iowa due to COVID-19
Read full article: Michigan football cancels final game of season vs. Iowa due to COVID-19Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines reacts in the second half while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium on November 28, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan football has canceled its final game of the 2020 season against Iowa due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns within the program. The announcement comes two days after the Big Ten matched up the Wolverines and Hawkeyes as part of its โChampions Weekโ slate. LAST WEEK: Michigan cancels rivalry football game vs. Ohio State due to rising COVID-19 casesItโs the third straight week Michigan has had to cancel due to the virus. Both the Maryland and Ohio State games were also canceled.
Michigan football to finish forgettable 2020 season with difficult matchup at Iowa
Read full article: Michigan football to finish forgettable 2020 season with difficult matchup at IowaSo itโs only fitting that the Big Ten throw some extra salt in the wound, forcing the woefully undermanned Wolverines into the fire with a โChampions Weekโ matchup against Iowa. The second place team in the East would play the second place team in the West, and so on. Well, Michigan, the sixth place team in the East, will play against Iowa, the No. The Maryland and Ohio State games were both canceled because the Wolverines were without dozens of players due to COVID-19, contact tracing and other injuries. While Ohio State and Northwestern play for the Big Ten title, the rest of the โChampions Weekโ matchups look like this:
Which version of Michigan football will show up against No. 13 Indiana?
Read full article: Which version of Michigan football will show up against No. 13 Indiana?READ: Will Michigan lose to Indiana for first time in 33 years this weekend? If Michigan can take care of the ball and get the running game back on track, it will be able to score on this Indiana defense. Don Brown couldnโt manufacture any pressure against Michigan State, and that was a death knell for the entire defense. Michigan is hoping to get back some players who were injured during the Michigan State game. But the most likely outcome feels like Indiana breaking the 24-game losing streak and beating Michigan for the first time since 1987.
Michigan football has to forget about last week, right the ship against Indiana
Read full article: Michigan football has to forget about last week, right the ship against IndianaANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Thereโs no sugarcoating it: Last week was a shocking, unmitigated disaster for the Michigan football program. Not only did Michigan lose to Michigan State, it also lost several players to injury during the game. READ: Will Michigan lose to Indiana for first time in 33 years this weekend? What Michigan really needs, more than anything, is to return to the field and get back in the win column. Milton wasnโt terrible against Michigan State, but he missed some throws that really could have opened up the offense.
Will Michigan football lose to Indiana for first time in 33 years this weekend?
Read full article: Will Michigan football lose to Indiana for first time in 33 years this weekend?Indiana last beat Michigan 33 years ago, on Oct. 24, 1987. Zach Charbonnet #24 of the Michigan Wolverines is tackled by Bryant Fitzgerald #31 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. It was a comedy of errors, and now, against a 2-0 Indiana team ranked No. Donovan Peoples-Jones #9 of the Michigan Wolverines goes up for a touchdown reception as Tiawan Mullen #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers defends during the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. Everything seems to be crumbling around this Michigan team.
Where does this yearโs MSU game rank among Michiganโs most devastating losses under Jim Harbaugh?
Read full article: Where does this yearโs MSU game rank among Michiganโs most devastating losses under Jim Harbaugh?ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan football has had some truly heartbreaking losses under Jim Harbaugh the last few years, including last weekendโs shocking letdown against Michigan State. Ohio State has won handily each of the last three seasons, and Michigan hasnโt come close to the playoff. Michigan outplayed Michigan State and had victory all but wrapped up. Ohio State in 2018Final score: 62-39Quarterback Shea Patterson throws a pass against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. Heck, nobody in the Michigan State fan base expected a win after what happened the previous week against Rutgers.
Ranking the 6 most alarming aspects of Michigan footballโs loss to Michigan State
Read full article: Ranking the 6 most alarming aspects of Michigan footballโs loss to Michigan StateANN ARBOR, Mich. โ There are countless reasons for Michigan football fans to be discouraged after the teamโs loss to Michigan State, but here are the six most alarming signs for the future. Ronnie Bell #8 of the Michigan Wolverines fails to receive a pass during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. When that changed Saturday against Michigan State, Milton struggled with accuracy down the field. MORE: Can Michigan salvage season after lifeless loss to Michigan State? Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Michigan football has no business being ranked or favored against Indiana
Read full article: Michigan football has no business being ranked or favored against IndianaDominique Long #9 of the Michigan State Spartans misses a tackle on Joe Milton #5 of the Michigan Wolverines during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (2020 Getty Images)The other -- a once-impressive victory against ranked Minnesota -- lost the rest of its luster Friday night. By the way, that same Maryland team lost to Northwestern by 40 points the previous week. Maybe itโs the fact that Michigan hasnโt lost to Indiana since 1987, but that wonโt matter when the two teams line up this weekend. Michigan couldnโt handle the praise that came with beating up on Minnesota, and that led to a crushing loss.
Can Michigan football salvage season after lifeless loss to Michigan State?
Read full article: Can Michigan football salvage season after lifeless loss to Michigan State?ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Any hope for the Michigan football team to make a splash at the national level was dashed over the weekend in a loss to Michigan State. Anyone who watched Saturdayโs in-state rivalry would have thought Michigan State was the team favored to win by three touchdowns. Michigan was expected to handle Michigan State well before it debuted in Minneapolis, though. Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (2020 Getty Images)At this point, the only remedy that could heal the wounds opened by this weekendโs loss would be an upset against Ohio State.
Questions surround future of Michigan football after worst loss of Jim Harbaugh era
Read full article: Questions surround future of Michigan football after worst loss of Jim Harbaugh eraMeanwhile, Michigan State lost to Big Ten bottom feeder Rutgers in East Lansing. Nobody outside the Spartan locker room expected Michigan State to beat Michigan, but from the moment the opening whistle blew Saturday, it was Rocky Lombardi who embarrassed the Michigan secondary. Henning #3 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball during the first quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State always gets up for the Michigan game. Itโs the way Michigan lost thatโs much more damning than the actual loss itself.
Why Iโm picking Michigan football to beat Michigan State -- will it be the blowout everyone expects?
Read full article: Why Iโm picking Michigan football to beat Michigan State -- will it be the blowout everyone expects?ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ This has probably been the quietest week leading up to a Michigan vs. Michigan State football game in a decade. Comparing Michigan, Michigan State by position: Do Spartans have advantage anywhere? Thatโs why Iโm picking Michigan to win its third straight against Michigan State this weekend. RIVALRY PREVIEW: Michigan has to avoid overlooking massive underdog Michigan StateI donโt think Michigan takes this rivalry for granted anymore, so Michigan State should have the teamโs full attention. Michigan State will improve from last week, and thereโs almost no chance it turns the ball over another seven times.
Comparing Michigan, Michigan State by position: Do Spartans have advantage anywhere?
Read full article: Comparing Michigan, Michigan State by position: Do Spartans have advantage anywhere?ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ With Michigan and Michigan State set to square off in Ann Arbor this weekend, weโre breaking down which team is better at every single position. B1G: Wisconsin-Nebraska game canceled this weekend as Badgers report COVID-19 outbreakWhere Michigan truly separates itself from Michigan State is at defensive end, with Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson. ADVANTAGE: MichiganLinebackersAnjuan Simmons was at it again Saturday, leading Michigan State with 11 tackles, including three for losses. Safety is a strength for Michigan and Michigan State, but Hill has by far the highest ceiling. Michigan is recruiting near the top of the Big Ten and Michigan State is trying to reboot under a new regime.
Michigan football has to avoid overlooking massive underdog Michigan State
Read full article: Michigan football has to avoid overlooking massive underdog Michigan StateANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan football is expected to crush Michigan State this weekend, as the current betting line favors the Wolverines by more than three touchdowns. While Michigan dominated a top 25 team in Minnesota, Michigan State turned the ball over seven times in a loss to conference bottom feeder Rutgers. โThis game against the school down the road is not just another game, so itโs really special to me,โ Tucker said. Tucker said thatโs when teams generally show the most improvement, and itโs hard to imagine Michigan State turning the ball over seven times. Michigan crushed Michigan State 44-10 when the two teams met last season at the Big House.
Wisconsin-Nebraska football game canceled this weekend as Badgers report COVID-19 outbreak
Read full article: Wisconsin-Nebraska football game canceled this weekend as Badgers report COVID-19 outbreakThe Wisconsin vs. Nebraska football game this weekend has been canceled as cases of COVID-19 continue to spread throughout the Badgers program. COVID-19 has been a hot topic in Madison as star quarterback Graham Mertz had his positive test confirmed on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the university announced the team will pause all team activities for at least seven days because of the outbreak. โThis morning, I received the news that I had tested positive via a PCR test I took yesterday,โ Chryst said. Wisconsin-Nebraska is the first Big Ten game to be canceled this year, but with COVID-19 cases continuing to spike around the Midwest, it will certainly be difficult to avoid further interruptions to the shortened season.
Michigan State coach Mel Tucker calls Michigan โschool up/down the roadโ 4 times ahead of matchup
Read full article: Michigan State coach Mel Tucker calls Michigan โschool up/down the roadโ 4 times ahead of matchupEAST LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker tried to avoid saying the name of his in-state rival ahead of their matchup this weekend, calling Michigan โthat school up/down the roadโ four times during his Tuesday press conference. In his first season as Michigan Stateโs head coach, Tucker is stoking the flames of an already-hot rivalry between the Wolverines and Spartans. You can hear Tucker calling Michigan โthe school up/down the roadโ in the clips beneath each quote. โThis game against the school down the road is not just another game, so itโs really special to me," Tucker said. โWe know that itโs always a physical game," Tucker said.
Wisconsin star QB Graham Mertzโs status uncertain vs. Michigan football in 3 weeks
Read full article: Wisconsin star QB Graham Mertzโs status uncertain vs. Michigan football in 3 weeksANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Itโs unclear whether Wisconsin will be without star QB Graham Mertz -- and possibly its top three quarterbacks -- when it travels to Ann Arbor in three weeks to play Michigan. Over the weekend, reports emerged that Mertz had tested positive for COVID-19. That first positive test came from an antigen test, and on Tuesday, CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd reported that Mertz tested positive for a second time -- presumably through a polymerase chain reaction test. That would be exactly 21 days from Mertzโs positive test, and according to ESPNโs Adam Rittenberg, he would be allowed to return to action that day. Unfortunately, Wolf has also reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, though he hasnโt had a second positive test confirmed.
6 positives, 3 concerns for Michigan football after dominant opening performance at Minnesota
Read full article: 6 positives, 3 concerns for Michigan football after dominant opening performance at MinnesotaHere are some of the most positive takeaways from the performance, as well as a few concerns. On Ben Masonโs touchdown, Milton tossed a little dump-down pass that looked simple enough but gave Mason the corner to get to the pylon. But he also returned a kickoff 66 yards to set up a Michigan touchdown. Michigan didnโt necessarily get better at wide receiver by losing Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones, but this yearโs group has a different look, and it might end up being a net positive. Like Nordin, Hill is expected to return to practice this week after he was removed from the Minnesota game with an undisclosed injury.
3 โunheraldedโ plays that helped Michigan football blow out Minnesota in season opener
Read full article: 3 โunheraldedโ plays that helped Michigan football blow out Minnesota in season openerANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan football made plenty of huge plays in its blowout win over Minnesota, but what about the under-the-radar moments that helped Jim Harbaughโs team maintain control of the game? Upshawโs tackle ultimately saved Michigan four points, and instead of a tie game, the Wolverines maintained a 14-10 lead. Four plays later, Haskins punched the ball into the end zone to give Michigan an 18-point lead, and the game was virtually over. After coming out with an impressive touchdown drive to get back within 11 points, Minnesota kicked off and forced a fumble during Blake Corumโs return. โThere was a ton of hustle plays throughout the game,โ Harbaugh said.
Ben Mason backed up impassioned pregame speech during Michigan footballโs win over Minnesota
Read full article: Ben Mason backed up impassioned pregame speech during Michigan footballโs win over MinnesotaANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Jim Harbaugh said Ben Mason made an impassioned pregame speech before Michigan footballโs victory over Minnesota, then went out and backed it up. Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. โBen was penalized -- and probably rightfully so -- but it was a tremendous block, tremendous, tremendous block on a tremendous player.โMason was named one of seven team captains for Michigan during the preseason, and before the opener, he had a few words for his teammates. โBen Mason kind of called up the team pregame ... and what he said was, โJoe (Milton), this is your night. Just a tremendous game by Ben Mason."
Michigan football injury update: Jim Harbaugh expects Daxton Hill, Quinn Nordin back at practice
Read full article: Michigan football injury update: Jim Harbaugh expects Daxton Hill, Quinn Nordin back at practiceANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Jim Harbaugh provided an update on the injuries to Daxton Hill and Quinn Nordin after Michigan footballโs impressive opening victory over Minnesota. Harbaugh was asked Monday about the status of Hill and Nordin ahead of the game against Michigan State. You can see Harbaughโs full comments on Hill and Nordin in the video above. โYeah, I anticipate he will be (available to practice this week),โ Harbaugh said of Nordin. Michigan State is off to an 0-1 start after falling to Rutgers.
Michigan football has crushed plenty of good teams under Jim Harbaugh -- Is this win different?
Read full article: Michigan football has crushed plenty of good teams under Jim Harbaugh -- Is this win different?ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ The debut of the 2020 Michigan football team was certainly worth the wait Saturday, as it went into Minneapolis and dominated No. Since Harbaugh returned to Ann Arbor in 2015, Michigan has dominated too many good teams to count on one hand. Sept. 26, 2015: Michigan beats No. Oct. 10, 2015: Michigan beats No. Thereโs still a long road ahead for this Michigan team.
4 reasons Michigan football could lose to Minnesota, and why Iโm picking Michigan anyway
Read full article: 4 reasons Michigan football could lose to Minnesota, and why Iโm picking Michigan anywayMichigan and Minnesota havenโt met since 2017, when the Wolverines walloped the Golden Gophers in a weather-delayed, soaking wet night game. Well, Iโm about to break down four well-thought-out reasons why Michigan will lose to Minnesota, then Iโm going to pick Michigan to win anyway. Itโs like Minnesota picked up a โMichigan letdown gameโ appetizer menu and ordered an entire sampler platter. Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. At times last season, Michigan struggled to get pressure on the quarterback.
Here are the 7 players on Minnesotaโs football roster who had scholarship offers from Michigan
Read full article: Here are the 7 players on Minnesotaโs football roster who had scholarship offers from MichiganANN ARBOR, Mich. โ When Michigan football takes the field Saturday against Minnesota, it will do so against seven players who received scholarship offers from Jim Harbaugh. Meanwhile, three of Minnesotaโs best players received Michigan offers. Thatโs how recruiting works in this era of college football, and it means Michigan likely prioritized each of these players differently. 47 in OhioAccording to 247 Sports, Minnesota and Michigan were the only Power Five schools to extend scholarship offers to Fleming. He also received scholarship offers from Michigan State, Iowa, Northwestern, Purdue and Illinois.
25 players on Michigan football roster who got scholarship offers from Minnesota
Read full article: 25 players on Michigan football roster who got scholarship offers from MinnesotaANN ARBOR, Mich. โ There are 25 players on the Michigan football roster who received scholarship offers from Minnesota during their recruiting processes. TE Erick AllRecruiting profile: 4-star, No. OL Karsen BarnhartRecruiting profile: 4-star, No. HenningRecruiting profile: 4-star, No. DL Luiji VilainRecruiting profile: 4-star, No.
Michigan football vs. Minnesota: Which team lost more talent from last year?
Read full article: Michigan football vs. Minnesota: Which team lost more talent from last year?ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan and Minnesota both had top-20 football teams last year, but now Jim Harbaugh and P.J. READ: Hereโs where 39 Michigan football transfers are playing this seasonAttrition is the theme of every offseason in todayโs college football. Both teams are undergoing makeovers this offseason, but itโs pretty clear Michigan is replacing more talent than Minnesota. Itโs worth noting that Michigan is inherently going to lose more talent than Minnesota in any given year because of the obvious advantages in recruiting. Michigan is used to replacing NFL talent year-in and year-out, while Minnesotaโs 2019 was a bit of a surprise.
Hereโs where 39 Michigan football transfers are playing this season
Read full article: Hereโs where 39 Michigan football transfers are playing this seasonWe found 39 former Michigan football transfers who have recently left the team and still have college eligibility. Here's where they are playing in 2020.
Mayors from 11 Big Ten cities request 4 additional safety measures ahead of football season
Read full article: Mayors from 11 Big Ten cities request 4 additional safety measures ahead of football seasonAll rights reserved)ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Mayors from 11 Big Ten cities sent a letter to the conference requesting four additional safety measures be taken ahead of football season. After it was originally postponed until the spring, the Big Ten football season was reinstated last month and will begin this weekend. On Tuesday, 12 mayors -- 11 from Big Ten cities, as well as the mayor of Lansing -- sent a letter to the league requesting a few additional precautions be put in place. Work with local and county health officials to agree on a positivity rate that would make a city unsafe to hold a game. โWe know the history of football games within our cities,โ the letter says.
Minnesota football will have โnumber of playersโ unavailable vs. Michigan due to COVID-19
Read full article: Minnesota football will have โnumber of playersโ unavailable vs. Michigan due to COVID-19MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. โ The Minnesota football team will have a โnumber of playersโ unavailable against Michigan in the season opener due to COVID-19, according to Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck said Monday he knows current number of players unavailable due to COVID-19 for Saturdayโs game vs. Michigan,โ Pioneer Press writer Andy Greder tweeted at 11:35 a.m. Monday. News: #Gophers football coach PJ Fleck said Monday he knows current number of players unavailable due to #COVID19 for Saturday's game vs. Michigan, but he's clear he won't be sharing it. 18 Michigan vs. No. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said his team doesnโt currently have any players unavailable due to COVID-19.
2 players still battling for Michigan footballโs starting kicker, punter positions
Read full article: 2 players still battling for Michigan footballโs starting kicker, punter positionsANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan footballโs starting kicker and punter both returned for another season, but Jim Harbaugh said theyโre still battling for starting spots heading into the opener. โ(Nordin)'s in a real competitive battle with (Jake) Moody, whoโs also doing a really good job, so itโs still playing out,โ Harbaugh said. "Both are really good. Harbaugh said both the kicker and punter positions are still up in the air. โWe also have two really good punters: Brad Robbins and William Hart.
Michigan football: 4 players still fighting for starting cornerback spot
Read full article: Michigan football: 4 players still fighting for starting cornerback spotANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan footballโs secondary is one of the biggest question marks heading into this season, and just five days before the opener, four players are still fighting for a starting cornerback position. When Harbaugh spoke Monday ahead of the teamโs opener against Minnesota, he named four players as possibilities to fill that role. Turner are in competition for that spot, as well.โLATEST: Michigan vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on HalloweenGreen and Faustin were both three-stars in the 2018 recruiting class. Green was a top 400 player at cornerback, but Faustin was just inside the top 600. Since enrolling at Michigan, Faustin has been moved from cornerback to safety, and now back to cornerback.
Joe Milton vs. Cade McNamara: Jim Harbaugh avoids naming Michiganโs starting quarterback
Read full article: Joe Milton vs. Cade McNamara: Jim Harbaugh avoids naming Michiganโs starting quarterbackANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Joe Milton or Cade McNamara: Who will start at quarterback for Michigan football this weekend? Jim Harbaugh avoided making it official ahead of the opener vs. Minnesota. โHeโs playing extremely well.โMost people around the program expect Milton to be Michiganโs starter. LATEST: Michigan vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on HalloweenโJim, just to clarify, are you saying Joe is going to start at quarterback on Saturday?โ Harbaugh was asked during Mondayโs press conference. From the outside, McNamara hasnโt been considered a serious contender for the starting job, but Harbaugh has surprised fans at the quarterback position before.
Jim Harbaugh makes Michigan footballโs starting offensive line official
Read full article: Jim Harbaugh makes Michigan footballโs starting offensive line officialANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan football has to replace four offensive linemen from last season, and Jim Harbaugh revealed the new starting five during his Monday press conference. Jalen Mayfield and Ryan Hayes will be the starting tackles, which is no surprise since both have prior starting experience. Stueber and Mayfield were in a battle for the starting right tackle spot last August before that injury, and now Stueber has moved inside. LATEST: Michigan vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on HalloweenFormer walk-on O-lineman Andrew Vastardis will start at center as a fifth-year senior. โHe has been the leader on the offensive line for several months, since the season ended, since last year ended,โ Harbaugh said.
Nico Collins โnot currentlyโ on Michigan football team, Jim Harbaugh says
Read full article: Nico Collins โnot currentlyโ on Michigan football team, Jim Harbaugh saysANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan footballโs star wide receiver, Nico Collins, is โnot currently on the team,โ head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed Monday. MORE: 12 takeaways from Jim Harbaughโs press conferenceโNico is not participating in football right now, and I donโt have a crystal ball as to if his mind would change or not, but heโs not currently on the team,โ Harbaugh said. Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins at the 2018 Outback Bowl between Michigan and South Carolina on Jan. 1, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. (Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)In 2019, Collins 37 passes for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. LATEST: Michigan vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on HalloweenCollins, at 6-foot-4, was an excellent compliment to Michiganโs growing crop of smaller, faster receivers.
12 takeaways from Jim Harbaugh: Nico Collins, O-line starters, QB battle, team health
Read full article: 12 takeaways from Jim Harbaugh: Nico Collins, O-line starters, QB battle, team healthTRANSFER NEWS: Charles Thomas enters transfer portal as future linebacker room gets crowdedโThey have been through a lot,โ Harbaugh said. I feel really good about them in terms of competitiveness, and oneness -- probably the most important thing. โA lot of really good leaders, a lot of guys who are really invested and a lot of guys who really like each other,โ Harbaugh said. โ(Nordin)'s in a real competitive battle with (Jake) Moody, whoโs also doing a really good job, so itโs still playing out,โ Harbaugh said. I feel the talent is really good, and I think theyโll all eventually see action, but those are really tight battles."
Michigan football game vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on Halloween
Read full article: Michigan football game vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on HalloweenANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan footballโs rivalry game against Michigan State will kick off at noon on Halloween. Due to the irregularities created by the pandemic-shortened schedule, the Spartans will be forced to travel to Ann Arbor for the second year in a row. 21 Minnesota, while Michigan State hosts Rutgers. Last season, Michigan defeated Michigan State 44-10 at the Big House, marking the second-straight victory for the Maize and Blue in the rivalry. READ: Which Michigan football jersey number duo will be most valuable this season?
Michigan football lands 4-star linebacker, former Florida State commit Branden Jennings
Read full article: Michigan football lands 4-star linebacker, former Florida State commit Branden JenningsANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan football added another elite linebacker recruit to its 2021 class Friday, landing former Florida State commit and top 100 overall player Branden Jennings. 82 overall recruit in the 2021 class. He had 42 official scholarship offers, including from Clemson, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, LSU, Auburn, Texas and Penn State. 7 in the country, behind only Ohio State in the Big Ten. 474 overall player) committed to the 2021 class.
MVJ award: Which Michigan football jersey number duo will be most valuable this season?
Read full article: MVJ award: Which Michigan football jersey number duo will be most valuable this season?ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Which pair of Michigan football players who share a jersey number will unite to be the most valuable this season? This yearโs roster, with the new rule in place, has 45 duos who will wear the same jersey number. Some of the Michigan jersey number duos contain players who will contribute on different sides of the ball. 1: Both players must wear a jersey number for the entire season for their stats to qualify in favor of said jersey number. Other eligible duosHere are all the other jersey number duos listed on the 2020 Michigan football roster, as of Oct. 16.
10 days before kickoff: 10 reasons to be excited for Michigan football
Read full article: 10 days before kickoff: 10 reasons to be excited for Michigan footballANN ARBOR, Mich. โ After a long, strange offseason that felt like it would never end, Michigan football is just 10 days away. With 10 days left until the start of the season, here are 10 reasons for Michigan fans to be excited about their team. Joe Milton eraNobody knows if Milton will be successful as Michiganโs starting quarterback, but he sure has all the tools. Road trips to Indiana are never easy, especially in between the Michigan State and Wisconsin games. Fans have waited a long time for Michigan football to return, and as soon as it does, itโll be pedal to the metal.
Predicting all of Michigan footballโs defensive starters, with confidence levels
Read full article: Predicting all of Michigan footballโs defensive starters, with confidence levelsMichigan has often been ranked among the top five or 10 teams in the country, and thatโs thanks to strong defensive performances. Kwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to sack Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. According to Harbaugh, theyโve only gotten better this offseason, and if Michigan can get some help from the defensive tackles, itโll make their jobs even easier. READ: Defensive line is X-factor for Michigan against quarterback-loaded scheduleWith a less experienced secondary -- particularly at cornerback -- Hutchinson and Paye will be more important than ever. Defensive tacklesStarters: Carlo Kemp and Chris HintonConfidence: 100% and 95%Kemp will be one of the starters at defensive tackle -- thatโs a slam dunk.
Michigan footballโs season opener vs. Minnesota will kick off at night
Read full article: Michigan footballโs season opener vs. Minnesota will kick off at nightANN ARBOR, Mich. โ The 2020 Michigan football season will kick off with a top 25 matchup under the lights. 24 Minnesota will begin at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota is one of four ranked teams on Michiganโs eight-game regular season schedule. One week after the opener against Minnesota, Jim Harbaughโs team will host in-state rival Michigan State on Halloween. More Michigan football storiesPredictions:Lists:Player profiles:
Why Chris Hinton will be one of Michigan footballโs most important players this season
Read full article: Why Chris Hinton will be one of Michigan footballโs most important players this seasonOne of the most important is defensive tackle Chris Hinton. Defensive line outlookItโs no secret Michiganโs defensive line underperformed a year ago. That was missing against the likes of Wisconsin, Ohio State and Penn State last season. Former Michigan defensive tackle Maurice HurstHinton doesnโt have to be Maurice Hurst, but Michigan needs him to be a threat from the interior of the line. Itโs absolutely critical for the defensive line to get pressure without committing too many players to the blitz and compromising coverage downfield.
6 reasons why Michigan football is ranked in top 20 without playing a single game
Read full article: 6 reasons why Michigan football is ranked in top 20 without playing a single gameANN ARBOR, Mich. โ How is Michigan football a top 20 team in the country without playing a single game? Of those 70 appearances, Michigan has been ranked in the top 20 a total of 73 times and the top 10 a total of 33 times. Itโs littered with the biggest brands in college football, including Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Tennessee and the other obvious powerhouses. Since then, Texas, Texas A&M, UCF, Mississippi State and Oklahoma have all dropped below Michigan because of upset losses. Having two reliable pass rushers on the edges obviously helps Michiganโs defensive perception, even if there might be a weakness in between them.
Top 10 candidates for Michigan footballโs 2020 team MVP
Read full article: Top 10 candidates for Michigan footballโs 2020 team MVPAs a potential first-round draft pick, Mayfield certainly belongs in Michiganโs MVP conversation, even though he wonโt stuff any stat sheets as an O-lineman. Even if he doesnโt ultimately win team MVP, Mayfield could end up being the most important player. LB Cam McGroneCameron McGrone #44 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a fourth quarter sack against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. DE Kwity PayeKwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to sack Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Then they would both be candidates for team MVP.
4 different ways Michigan football would consider the 2020 season a success
Read full article: 4 different ways Michigan football would consider the 2020 season a successIf that loss is to Ohio State, Michigan would still have a rivalry win against Michigan State and three excellent wins against Minnesota, Wisconsin and Penn State. To get to Indy with two losses, Michigan would probably have to beat both Ohio State and Penn State. Penn State would have to beat Ohio State and lose another game, giving Michigan the head-to-head tiebreaker with both. Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin have had some really good quarterbacks the past decade. If it takes a couple bumps in the road during the 2020 season to buck that trend, so be it.
Defensive line could make or break Michigan football season against quarterback-loaded schedule
Read full article: Defensive line could make or break Michigan football season against quarterback-loaded scheduleUnfortunately, the defensive line wasnโt a strength for Michigan a year ago. Even though the schedule is shorter this season, Michigan wonโt avoid the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Look no further than the 2019 recruiting class to find the X-factors for this defensive line. Beyond Hinton and Smith, the rest of the defensive line depth is hard to project. Beyond Hutchinson and Paye, the defensive line could very well be a weakness for Michigan, and that would be a crippling blow to a young defense.
Michigan football offseason hype: Let Joe Milton write his own story
Read full article: Michigan football offseason hype: Let Joe Milton write his own storyThe Michigan Football Offseason Hype Train is standing room only, and it has a whole month to pick up speed. Like Isaac Newton said: When Michigan football hype is in motion, it stays in motion unless acted upon by a Buckeye, Badger or Nittany Lion. Joe Milton #5 of the Michigan Wolverines scores a fourth quarter touchdown while playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If heโs the quarterback who pushes Michigan football over the hump, celebrate him as Maize and Blue confetti rains from the rafters in Indianapolis. Letโs take a step back and let Joe Milton be Joe Milton.
Game-by-game (including 9th matchup) predictions for new Michigan football schedule
Read full article: Game-by-game (including 9th matchup) predictions for new Michigan football scheduleANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football team have fought for a season since the moment the Big Ten announced football would be postponed. Michigan put a beating on Michigan State for the first time in a long time last year, dropping 44 points on the Spartans and running them out of Ann Arbor. Michigan outplayed Penn State on the road last season, a year after smacking the Nittany Lions by 35 points in Ann Arbor. Probably not a lot, but if Milton can be at least as good as Shea Patterson was last season, Michigan should be the favorite at home. Unless Milton emerges as a Heisman-level quarterback in his first season, Michigan probably wonโt be competitive in this game.
Hereโs the new 8-game Michigan State football schedule for delayed 2020 season
Read full article: Hereโs the new 8-game Michigan State football schedule for delayed 2020 seasonEAST LANSING, Mich. โ Here is the new eight-game schedule for Michigan State football as the Big Ten prepares to start its 2020 season in late October. Oct. 24: vs. RutgersOct. 31: at MichiganNov. 7: at IowaNov. 14: vs. IndianaNov. 21: at MarylandNov. 28: vs. NorthwesternDec. 5: vs. Ohio StateDec. 12: at Penn StateThe Spartans are scheduled to begin the season Oct. 24 against Rutgers. Michigan State will play all six of its fellow East Division foes: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers. Iowa and Northwestern will be the two crossover games. The Big Ten announced earlier this week that fall football was being reinstated, about a month after the leagueโs presidents voted to push the season to the spring.
Hereโs the new 8-game Michigan football schedule for delayed 2020 season
Read full article: Hereโs the new 8-game Michigan football schedule for delayed 2020 seasonANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Here is the new eight-game schedule for Michigan football as the Big Ten prepares to start its 2020 season in late October. Oct. 24: at MinnesotaOct. 31: vs. Michigan StateNov. 7: at IndianaNov. 14: vs. WisconsinNov. 21: at RutgersNov. 28: vs. Penn StateDec. 5: vs. MarylandDec. 12: at Ohio StateThe Wolverines are scheduled to begin the season Oct. 24 at Minnesota, which won 11 games last season. Michigan will play all six of its fellow East Division foes: Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers. Michiganโs 12-game schedule was originally cut down to 10 conference games, but that schedule lasted just six days before the conference postponed the season. Jim Harbaugh was among the most outspoken coaches in the country, publicly disagreeing with the decision to postpone football.
Michigan football a complete mystery heading into unusual season
Read full article: Michigan football a complete mystery heading into unusual seasonANN ARBOR, Mich. โ What in the world is Michigan football going to look like next month? What does Michigan football look like without 100,000 fans in the Big House, or the Ohio State game on Thanksgiving weekend? But even beyond all the things that have made college football such an unusual topic this year, we really donโt know much about the actual Michigan football team. Joe Milton warms up before Michigan's game against Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 8, 2018, in Ann Arbor. Assuming the six East Division opponents -- Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers -- are all on Michiganโs schedule, that leaves two open spots for crossover games.
Big Tenโs cardiac registry aims to study effects of COVID-19
Read full article: Big Tenโs cardiac registry aims to study effects of COVID-19ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ The Big Tenโs plan to play football this fall includes trying to save lives in the future. The conference, which reversed course and announced Wednesday it would have a fall football season, is setting up a cardiac registry to study the effects COVID-19 has on athletes' hearts. The Big Ten did not point directly to myocarditis its its decision, instead emphasizing the emergence of daily, rapid-response COVID-19 testing. But the cardiac registry was noted by Big Ten leadership. It will include athletes from all sports who test positive for COVID-19 and consent to be part of the study.
Here are the COVID-19 stats that would force Big Ten teams to stop playing, practicing for 7 days
Read full article: Here are the COVID-19 stats that would force Big Ten teams to stop playing, practicing for 7 daysThe decision comes with stringent COVID-19 safety guidelines, headlined by two main statistics the conference will monitor throughout the season:Two COVID-19 statsThe two stats outlined in the Big Ten release are team positivity rate and population positivity rate. Big Ten officials define population positivity rate and the โnumber of COVID-19 positive individuals divided by the total population at risk." Team test positivity rate and population positivity rate thresholds will be used to determine recommendations for continuing practice and competition, officials said. All COVID-19 positive student-athletes will have to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing to include labs and biomarkers, ECG, Echocardiogram and a Cardiac MRI. Following cardiac evaluation, student-athletes must receive clearance from a cardiologist designated by the university for the primary purpose of cardiac clearance for COVID-19 positive student-athletes.
Big Ten reinstates fall football season, with games scheduled to begin Oct. 23-24
Read full article: Big Ten reinstates fall football season, with games scheduled to begin Oct. 23-24ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ The Big Ten announced Wednesday that it has reinstated the 2020 fall football season, with games scheduled to begin Oct. 23-24. This reversal comes five weeks after Big Ten presidents voted against playing any fall sports. We respect the challenge that the virus has presented, however we will not cower from it.โIt took several weeks, but Harbaugh has gotten his wish. Six days before postponing the season, Big Ten officials released a modified 10-game, conference-only schedule for each member. Even without bye weeks, a 10-game schedule would carry the Big Ten football season through Christmas.
Big Ten presidents meet -- Could fall football return?
Read full article: Big Ten presidents meet -- Could fall football return?Could Michigan State University and the University of Michigan play football this season? The presidents of the Big Ten met Sunday to get updates on testing and medical information to possibly reverse a decision that canceled the season. A lot of college football fans have their fingers crossed hearing about the serious possibility of having their sports back. โItโs not a surprise to me," said Sam Webb. โIf you hear word of the Big Ten presidents and chancellors agreeing to start the season, what they are also saying is they got their hands on some rapid testing,โ Webb said.
Midwest legislative leaders urge Big Ten to reconsider fall sports
Read full article: Midwest legislative leaders urge Big Ten to reconsider fall sportsMichigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) and other Midwest legislative leaders announced Tuesday they sent a joint letter to Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren encouraging the conference to reconsider its stance on the fall sports season. The Big Ten Conference announced on Aug. 11 that it would move its football season to the spring semester because of health risks associated with the coronavirus. Over the weekend, President Trump tweeted Big Ten members University of Michigan and Michigan State University could be excluded from the next football season due to the governors response to the coronavirus. Big Ten Football is looking really good, but may lose Michigan, Illinois and Maryland because of those Governors' ridiculous lack of interest or political support, Trump tweeted Sunday. Last week, the Michigan High School School Athletic Association (MHSAA) reinstated football and other high school sports.
Report: Big Ten presidents vote to postpone college football season, hope to play in spring
Read full article: Report: Big Ten presidents vote to postpone college football season, hope to play in springANN ARBOR, Mich. Presidents at Big Ten schools have reportedly voted to postpone the college football season in hopes that it can be played in the spring. On Monday, there were reports that the majority of the Big Ten voted against having a fall football season amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Dan Patrick reports Big Ten had internal vote & by 12-2 margin, league members opted on not having a fall football season. Nebraska & Iowa were only schools that voted to play this fall, @dpshow said. BREAKING: The Big Ten presidents have voted to postpone the 2020 college football season with hopes of playing in the spring, per sources.
Report: Big Ten schools vote against having fall football season
Read full article: Report: Big Ten schools vote against having fall football seasonANN ARBOR, Mich. The majority of the Big Ten has voted against having a fall football season amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a report. Dan Patrick reports Big Ten had internal vote & by 12-2 margin, league members opted on not having a fall football season. Nebraska & Iowa were only schools that voted to play this fall, @dpshow said. According to the report, the Big Ten is expected to officially cancel the season Tuesday. Last week, the Mid-American Conference became the first FBS league to cancel football.
Big Ten football season set to begin on Labor Day weekend
Read full article: Big Ten football season set to begin on Labor Day weekendThe Big Ten released its 10-game conference-only football schedule beginning as early as Labor Day weekend but cautioned there is no certainty games will be played. The Big Ten had announced a month ago it would shorten the season and eliminate nonconference games because of the coronavirus pandemic. Under the revised schedule, teams will play conference opponents they originally were set to meet and will have one additional cross-division game. The regular season starts the weekend of Sept. 5 and runs through Nov. 21. The conference will allow teams to begin preseason practices Friday, or earlier if a team's season begins before Sept. 5.