First Look '09: Michigan Wolverines

Michigan. There might not be a single team in the history of American athletics that symbolizes a sport more than the Wolverines. (Ok, maybe the Yankees and Notre Dame) However, in 2008, the pillar of college football came crashing down, as Michigan went a paltry 3-9, suffering some of its worst ever defeats along the way. Now, it's up to the returning players, sophomore head coach, and a loyal fanbase to start to rebuild.

This series has given Penn State fans something of a headache for more than a decade, even with last year's blowout win for the Lions. But what do we really know about the 2009 Wolverines? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

The Rod - Like him personally or not, Rich Rodriguez can coach. From his days as a Tulane coordinator, to building West Virginia into a national power, RichRod has proven his ability to produce winning teams. Most will look at the 3-9 record from last season as just part of a process. After all, Rodriguez went 3-8 in his first year at West Virginia, going 9-4 the following season in Morgantown. The Wolverines could very well get to a bowl game next season.

While most observers (and some UM fans) chuckled at the announcement that fired Syracuse HC Greg Robinson would become Michigan's DC, the unit could see an immediate boost under his leadership. Robinson has two Super Bowl rings, and a Rose Bowl ring. The OC is Calvin Magee, who produced the last three offenses for Rodriguez at West Virginia. This is one of the best combination of coordinators in the nation.

Nowhere to go - ... but up, right? Well, sort of. Michigan has 10 returning starters on offense this season, but only five on a defense that wasn't very good in 2008. The only new starter on offense will be projected starting QB Tate Forcier, as all other skill players, and the entire offensive line returns intact. Turnovers (-10) were a major factor in Michigan's offensive woes in '08, so with more experience returning, look for a much better year on this side of the ball.

On defense, it could be a different story. The 2008 defense wasn't the worst in the league, but it had a lot of trouble against teams with a pulse. Star DE Brandon Graham returns (10 sks), but the defensive line as a whole was demolished this offseason. Add that to a severely depleted secondary, and opposing offenses could put up big numbers through the air against this defense. Robinson has installed a 3-4 base defense for 2009, to compensate for the losses up front. However, it could be problematic overall to make the switch.

Home sweet home - In 2008, Michigan had to host eventual No. 2 (only undefeated team in nation) Utah in the opener, travel to Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State. This season, all of those away games will be in the Big House. Even though Illinois, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Iowa all get the Wolverines at home, they aren't the toughest teams on the docket.

Opening with Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan and Indiana all at home, Michigan has a great shot to go 4-0 to open, before heading to East Lansing and Iowa City. Plus, hosting Delaware State before Penn State's visit, Michigan's record could be as good as 5-2 or 6-1 before the Lions. The last four games are at Illinois, home against Purdue, at Wisconsin and home for the big one against Ohio State.

Don't be surprised if Michigan ends up easily bowl bound this season with more than seven or eight wins.

From enemy territory: This week, Brad from Maize n Blue Nation was kind enough to talk a bit about the '09 Wolverines.

What's one positive about this year's Wolverines?

MBN: Well, I guess just having a chance to wash the taste of 3-9 out our mouths is as big of a positive as we can ask for going into 2009. But that's really not such a positive as it is just something that MUST happen. For this squad, the biggest positive is that these players (most importantly the offense) has had another year to learn and adapt to this system under Rodriguez. The spread-option was long considered a huge mystery around Ann Arbor, so for a coach to waltz into town and try and implement this system is a drastic undertaking.

But, as most know, Rodriguez's second season's are historically far more impressive than his firsts. And much of that has to do with just getting players used to moving and reacting to this style. That's not something you can just teach, it has to be ingrained into the mindset of each player on the team. It's getting players to stop thinking, and just react. And that takes time. Expecting every guy to pick it up in 1 year is just not realistic. It's having another year of training these players under this system where it really starts to pay off.

What's one negative about this year's Wolverines?

MBN: Easy. For the 2nd straight season, we have two totally untested QB's as our front runner's the for the starting job. Last year it was sophomore walk-on Nick Sheridan and freshman transfer Steven Threet. We all know how well that worked. This year, it's true freshmen Tate Forcier (For-See-AY)...who enrolled early in January, and incoming freshman Denard Robinson.

The big bonus for 09 is that both guys have been hand-picked by Rodriguez and QB coach Rod Smith to come in and run this system. Last year Rodriguez inherited Sheridan/Threet, neither of which were adequately equipped to handle this style of offense. Odds are Tate Forcier is going to get the start on Sept. 5th. Enrolling early and getting all of the spring reps was a huge advantage for him. But Rodriguez has said that it's still any one's race...so I expect both to see game time early in the season.

Both kids were very highly rated coming out of high school, so expectations are enormous...but they're still totally untested. So that position remains the biggest liability for this team.

Name something most casual fans might not know about this year's Wolverines.

MBN: Well, I guess the biggest thing most casual fans don't know is what to expect. I mean 2008 really screwed up the casual fan base for this football team. 3-9 just ain't the kinda thing that happens 'round here. So I think most fans are just concerned that 2009 could turn out the same way.

Those fans who follow more closely see the improvements being made and see the caliber of talent that is coming in to run this newfangled spread...so we're less weary. Although I still have to manage my expectations. My hope is for a bowl game at the end of the year. Somewhere in the 6-8 wins range probably a good mindset to have. We do have a new QB...but we also have 10 starters back on offense. And aside from the gutted interior defensive line, that side of the ball should show some improvement as well. We're not going to contend for the Big Ten title, but we may pull a couple surprise wins out of nowhere.

And one more thing that the casual fan surely does not know, but will...is that Zoltan Mesko is a Space Emperor (of space).

For more on Michigan:

Michigan's stadium renovations
Michigan 2009 Schedule
Complete Spring Game Coverage
First Look '08: Michigan

More from First Look '09:

Minnesota Golden Gophers
Eastern Illinois Panthers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

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Penn State wins, 46-17

Penn State finally shook off the Michigan football demons. Here's some initial thoughts. I'll have the full review tomorrow.

The Good: Everything after halftime. Penn State was on the ropes for the better part of two quarters. But the Nittany Lions overcame two separate 10-point deficits, reeling off 39 unanswered points to crush Michigan. Penn State faced that "adversity" Joe Paterno was harping on, and they came through with the win. I thought the defensive adjustments after halftime were a thing of beauty, since Michigan went from 200 yards in the first half, to only 38 total in the third quarter. Jared Odrick, Maurice Evans and Aaron Maybin really looked night-and-day better after the half, getting into the backfield for really huge stops. The offense had a real Jeckyl-Hyde kind of night. Evan Royster (174 yds (9.7 ypc) 1 TD) is my official nominee for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. But we can't overlook Daryll Clark. While he wasn't great, he was a leader out there. I think the good coming from this game is that the team adapted to what went wrong in the first half (almost everything), and came out roaring in the second half.

The Bad: Everything (except for the final drive) before halftime. I nearly put a hole in the drywall each time Brandon Minor rushed for another 7-yard pop. The Penn State tackling was the worst I've seen in a long time. They didn't look like they were trying to shed their blocks on defense, and couldn't get a good push on offense. At first, I thought the snap over Clark's head was a fluke, but it was just the beginning of Penn State's execution woes. But let's be fair, the blame should lay with both sides of the ball. I could attack the offense for not scoring more points, but how can I when Michigan had the ball for 12 MINUTES in the first quarter? I think the more frustrating aspect of Penn State's play tonight was the defensive breakdowns–no, meltdowns–versus the Michigan run game.

Overall: Penn State better learn from this win, and learn those lessons quickly. Steven Threet had way too many successful runs against Penn State. What's going to happen when Terrelle Pryor is taking the snaps, and Beanie Wells is getting the hand-offs? Tom Bradley and Joe Paterno have to smack this defense around this week in practice, and ask them if the really want to win a championship. They won't by playing like they did tonight. Penn State can win by wearing down teams with lesser talent, like Michigan, but can't count on it against teams with equal or better talent, like Ohio State. I guess we could take some comfort with one thing: This was by far Penn State's worst game of the season, and still won 46-17.

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Preview: No. 3 Penn State vs. Michigan

Preview: Michigan at No. 3 Penn State
Kickoff: Sat., Oct. 18. 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Weather Forecast: Cool, Partly Cloudy.

Host: Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 7-0 (3-0, Big Ten)
Last Game: Won at Wisconsin, 48-7
Injuries: WR Brett Brackett (concussion - possible), RB Brent Carter (knee - out), DE Jerome Hayes (knee - out), C Doug Klopacz (knee - out), LB Sean Lee (knee - out), DE Devon Still (ankle) - out, S Nick Sukay (foot - out)
Key Players: (offense) QB Daryll Clark, C AQ Shipley;(defense) DE Jared Odrick, S Anthony Scirrotto
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 43rd season, 379-125-3
Season Statistics:
Offense - 235.1 rush/247 pass/45.3 points per game
Defense - 89.9 rush/169.4 pass/11 points per game
TO Margin - (+8)

Why PSU will win -- The Michigan defensive front is very good, but they haven't faced an offensive line like Penn State's. With a sure-All America selection in A.Q. Shipley, and a few others working towards all-conference honors, Penn State just has to play to the line's strength. Lately, that's just about everything. The Nittany Lions have given up a total of SIX sacks this season, while plowing the way for the best rushing attack in the Big Ten. On the flip side of that, Penn State's defensive front has been the biggest, and most important, surprise this season. After losing so many players, then losing Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma for three games, no one thought the line would play as well. Um, not exactly. Penn State has been able to lean on the defensive line, in both pass and run defense. Penn State should be able to rush only four against Michigan, as they did against Wisconsin, and drop seven into coverage.

Visitor: Michigan Wolverines
Record: 2-4 (1-1 Big Ten)
Last Game: Lost vs Toledo, 13-10
Injuries: RB Brandon Minor (ribs - probable), DE Brandon Braham (leg - probable), WR Martavious Odoms (shoulder - probable), CB Donovan Warren (leg - probable), WR Junior Hemingway (Mono - out), LB Austin Panter (shoulder - out), RB Carlos Brown (foot - out), RB Mike Milano (susp. - out)
Key Players: (offense) RB Sam McGuffie, QB Steven Threet; (defense) LB Obi Ezeh, DT Terrence Taylor
Head Coach: Rich Rodriguez, 1st season at Michigan, 2-4; 8th year overall, 62-30
Season Statistics:
Offense - 130.7 rush/160.8 pass/18.8 points per game
Defense - 102.5 rush/241.7 pass/24.8 points per game
TO Margin - (-8)

Why Michigan will win -- While the offense has been almost a non-factor for Michigan, the defense has been quietly fantastic. It was the defense which turned the Wisconsin blowout into a Michigan win. If there's a chance for Michigan to jump on Penn State, it's with an early turnover or two. And while Wisconsin couldn't throw off Penn State by focusing in on stopping the run, Michigan's front seven could put enough pressure on Daryll Clark to force him into a few mistakes. On offense, the absolute only way Michigan can pull this one out is to not turn the ball over. It's plagued the Wolverines, highlighted by a six-turnover trip to South Bend, but can't come back again. Steven Threet (5 tds, 3 ints) has been the more consistent option at QB, but he hasn't gotten much help from the unit as a whole. There is talent, but no cohesion on offense. Michigan can only hope that the offense has an epiphany between now and Saturday, say, around 4:30 p.m.

What will happen -- I thought Wisconsin would put up a fight, any fight, against Penn State. But the deflating losses against Michigan and Ohio State were too much to overcome. What's Michigan thinking right now? Sure, they're saying that they will bring their best. Well then, what did they bring against Toledo? This game is a total mismatch, both on paper and in real life. Penn State will come out with fire in its eyes, seeking as much revenge as can be crammed into 60 minutes of football. The sheer desire to pound Michigan into the ground will keep Penn State focused enough to put this game away by the fourth quarter. After all, the Penn State coaches realize a win over Michigan doesn't come all that often, and will want to play as many of the backups as possible.

Prediction: No. 3 Penn State, 59 - Michigan, 13 (What?!?! Yeah, I went there.)

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Without Preconditions, Michigan blog talks with Zombie Nation

Michigan blogger Brad, from Maize & Blue Nation was kind enough to field some questions about this week's game in Happy Valley.

1. What's the state of Michigan football, right now?

MBN: "Michigan Football is slightly behind where I'd thought they'd be. I knew we would struggle, but not to this extent. I was hoping for at least 6-8 wins to be bowl-eligible and keep our streak alive, but that ship has sailed with losses to Toledo and Utah. They're rebuilding with a new coaching staff, a new offensive system and freshmen at almost every skill position. They have a young and inexperienced offensive line and very young receivers...and it shows.

There are Michigan die-hard fans out there who are very upset at the state of Michigan football right now. They somehow believed that rebuilding meant struggling in some non-conference games, and then by the conference schedule we'd be off to the races. That simply is just not the case. Michigan is having a difficult time finding their identity. And I'm afraid they won't find it this season. As much as the players try, it's just too much of a learning curve to figure out how to run the spread/option in one year with so many young players. I see it working in a year or two, but right now it's not pretty.

The good thing is that while we have struggled offensively to move the ball and score points, our defense has been reasonably decent. And by decent, I mean they've kept us in some games where we probably should have been well out of it by the 4th quarter (see: Wisconsin). Our DL and DEs and very good, and our LBs can hold their own, but do have trouble tackling from time to time in the open field. The real question mark is our secondary. When they play a man-to-man coverage scheme, they do pretty well. But for some reason Shafer likes to drop them into a soft zone, which means an easy 5-8 yard out for the other team's WRs. Very frustrating."

2. How much of Michigan's struggles have to do with coaching? How much with personnel?

MBN: "Like I said above, at least defensively, it's a little bit of both.

Offensively, it's very much a product of personnel. We just don't have the players to run this scheme very well. I think the spread/option is a great offense, in theory. But only when you have experienced players running it. When it works, it works very well, and when it doesn't work, it looks terrible.

Over time, just at with West Virginia, it will come to these players. It just takes repetition and for the players to get used to the motions. Playing games against good competition (like PSU) will also help this team grow into the system faster."

3. Is there anything, even one thing, that Michigan can do to win this game? What, and why?

MBN: "When it comes to playing games against better teams, all you can do is control what you can control. Don't turn the ball over, don't make mistakes on special teams, and limit the penalties. Unfortunately, these have been problems for Michigan this year.

Other than that, just go out there and try to play loose and give yourself the best chance to be in the game in the 4th quarter. When you keep underdogs around at the end of the game, the momentum shifts and can easily make the underdog feel suddenly like they can win. That might not happen this weekend, but if you're a Michigan fan, that's something to hope for.

Also, you can hope that Penn State comes into this game just so ridiculously over-confident, and looking past Michigan to Ohio State that you can somehow sneak up on them and by the time they realize that this is a game, Michigan has the momentum. Not probable, but it can happen."

4. Realistic score prediction? What might we see in this game?

MBN: "I'm terrible at score predictions. But I'll say Penn State wins 31-10.

I really don't know what we'll see from the Michigan offense. We're such a mystery right now. If it goes anything like the last 6 games, I think we'll see a lot of option-reads to McGuffie up the middle, maybe an off-tackle or two, of which we may have some moderate success. A lot of screen passes. A few downfield throws here and there that will probably sail 5 yards over the receiver's heads. All-in-all, just an offense that looks like it is trying too hard and not quite getting it.

Penn State will, I assume, pressure Threet or Sheridan with a lot of blitzes early. Michigan will not be able to establish a passing game, so Penn State will just stack 8 or 9 in the box and keep Michigan pinned all night long.

Defensively, I think Michigan will look pretty good early. We shouldn't give up too many big plays. But after our offense starts to really struggle and the defense stays on the field too long, Penn State will be able to capitalize on that and give themselves more good scoring opportunities.

It will only be Michigan's second time on the road this year, and it will be at a very hostile stadium. Michigan will surely lose this game, but hopefully we can at least keep it close and gain valuable experience."

*Check back later today for the complete Penn State vs. Michigan football preview.

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Michigan, what was THAT?

Michigan, please, STOP IT! You're not that pathetic. How is it possible, for a team with several really good players, to lose to Toledo at home? There are many to blame, but I really hope the UM fans don't blame the kicker. If there is one figure on which to lay blame for this loss, and season, it's Rich Rodriguez. Yes, we all know how wonderful the spread offense can be, and how it will work in Ann Arbor... eventually.

But for now, what gives? Is Dick Rod really that stubborn and self-centered that he refuses to run an offense that might give this team even the slightest chance to win a game? Great, you beat Wisconsin. No, actually, YOU didn't beat them. They beat themselves. This Michigan offense will rival the vaunted Penn State 2004 unit as the worst ever at a school of this caliber.

There's not much more I can say about today's loss. Penn State once lost to Toledo at home, but that was when the Rockets were a decent football team. Appalachian State would crush Toledo, particularly if the 2007 Michigan-beating Mountaineers took the field. So, effectively, this loss was worse for the program than last season's opener. Feel good Michigan? No, it should feel like you were just shot in the balls.

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First Look: Michigan Wolverines

You won’t find a more intriguing story line for 2008 outside of Michigan. Last season was considered by many to be a complete disaster, but lost in the mix were some very impressive highlights. The program is going into overhaul mode, with new uniforms, a new stadium, and most noticeably, a brand-spanking-new head coach in Rich Rodriguez. The offense will look vastly different than anything run in Michigan Stadium in the last, well, ever. The fans are preparing themselves for a worst-case scenario in 2008, but they shouldn’t worry too much. After all, this is Michigan, and even with all the problems, there are enough players to make this season at least palatable, if not surprising. I hate when people say “I can see this team going anywhere from [insert really bad record here] to [insert really good record here],” but in 2008, Michigan can only be labeled as completely unpredictable.

1. The “Snake Oil Salesman” -- Remember how pissed off Kirk Herbstreit was when Les Miles denied his interest in the Michigan coaching job? I’d be. Well folks, that was just the beginning, as no one could have predicted the firestorm coming when Rich Rodriguez shocked his alma mater and left West Virginia (60-26 record, 2 BCS bowl wins) in a cloak of secrecy for Ann Arbor. Any coach in the nation should be afraid to face RichRod on the field, but he’s never been so vulnerable as right now. Defections, staff shakeups and the graduation (and NFL Draft-entering) of some of the best talent this team had, will cause more than headaches in 2008. I don’t want to imagine how scary Michigan will be a few years from now. It could even happen next year, but for 2008, RichRod could lose some of his luster.

2. Starting from scratch -- Losing the career record-holders in passing AND rushing yards wouldn’t look good for this team even if Ryan Mallett (No. 1 recruit ’07) hadn’t transferred to Arkansas. Adding to Michigan’s stress is the mishaps of running back Kevin Grady, who didn’t know when to say “when,” and will most likely be in the dog house for the rest of this season. That leaves a very green running back contingent, but one that’s bursting with potential. Stepping in where Mallett should have been is probably Steven Threet. Although not as hyped as Mallett, Threet has great size (6’6”, 230) and has better mobility that Mallett. The defense loses its top four tacklers (358 total tackles), but the line returns intact and should take some pressure off the back seven. There are enough leaders on this side of the ball to keep things under control in 2008.

3. No more “Big House” -- Ok Michigan, you can still keep “The Big House” nickname, but you’re no longer the “biggest” house. Several thousand seats were removed from Michigan Stadium for renovations (actually, UM was sued because the stadium hasn’t been updated since the Ice Age, and didn’t have enough handicapped seating/accessibility). Unfortunately for the Wolverines, most of the toughest games come on the road, outside the friendly confines of Ann Arbor. However, opening with Utah, at Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Illinois won’t be an easy slate. Then, finishing out the season with trips to Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota and Ohio State, with home games against Michigan State and Northwestern sprinkled in, will present a formidable challenge for a Michigan team that could be looking for a break. With this schedule, even one key injury could spell disaster.

Next week’s First Look: Ohio State Buckeyes

-First Look: Wisconsin Badgers
-First Look: Purdue Boilermakers
-First Look: Illinois Fighting Illini
-First Look: Temple Owls
-First Look: Syracuse Orange(men)
-First Look: Oregon State Beavers
-First Look: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

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Rodriguez Fires UM Staff

This is huge. Not only has the hiring of Rich Rodriguez meant the possibility of a transition year at Michigan, but now he's eliminated the entire coaching staff that's beaten Penn State every meeting since '97.

As Erik Campbell, receivers coach, put it "But it's all over. It's a new beginning."

Let's hope so.

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Successionist Party

Talk has officially grown to roar on Joe Paterno's possible succession plan at Penn State. Partly due to West Virginia losing Rich Rodriguez to Michigan, and taking interest in ICOD Tom Bradley, and partly due to the recent announcement of Jimbo Fisher as the "Head Coach In-Waiting" at Florida State, the Penn State football nation has clamored for an outline of the program's future--any future.

The cries for his retirement plan have only made Paterno more tight-lipped about the issue. Rumors of him leaving have swirled around Happy Valley since the New England Patriots tried to woo him in the early 1970s. But that wasn't talk of retirement. Many believed that Paterno would go after he won his second national championship in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, capping his first undefeated championship season. He didn't go anywhere, instead staying to reel off some of the most underachieving years in the Paterno era at Penn State--8-4, 5-6, 8-3-1, 7-5.

Then it happened, the perfect opportunity. From 1991 through 1994, Penn State landed itself into three New Years Day bowls and 49 wins over that span. Above all, the 1994Lions were considered by many as national champions, sporting a 12-0 record. Penn State was ready for Paterno to say "I'm done." But again, it didn't happen. Another close call came in 1999, when ICOD Jerry Sandusky left. But Joe remained.

Now, with many big-time programs like Florida State, Michigan and Wisconsin giving advanced notice of their coaches' plans, Penn State fans are wondering why Tim Curley and Paterno are keeping mum on the issue. Paterno has said time after time that he would like one more undefeated season, especially after coming so close in 2005. He mentioned that although he doesn't hold stock in records, stats and public opinion, he would like to have a perfect year in each decade he's coached. He's only got three seasons left to do it.

Penn State is not known for its element of surprise when it comes to almost anything, but there's a very real chance the events of the past week and a half could spark a sudden change of heart in the Lasch Building. While it would catch many off guard to see a press conference called sometime before Coastal Carolina comes to town, announcing a succession plan, I wouldn't be that shocked. Penn State is conservative. Penn State is old school. But above all, Penn State is Joe Paterno, and no one will call the shots but Joe Paterno.

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Bradley going, going, gone?

Straight from the people who brought you Joe Paterno's salary, David Jones of the Patriot News reported Monday:

Penn State defensive coodinator Tom Bradley has been contacted by an intermediary at West Virginia University regarding the Mountaineers' coaching vacancy, The Patriot-News has learned.
Bradley, who has been a Penn State assistant coach for 29 years and defensive coordinator since 2000, indicated he is interested in talking to West Virginia officials for the job, a source told The Patriot-News.
Bradley did not return two calls made Monday by The Patriot-News.
The Mountaineers are seeking a new coach to replace Rich Rodriguez, who was introduced Monday as the head at the University of Michigan.

This SEC-esque stunt Rodriguez pulled is really starting to bother me. It would be one thing to lose Brian Norwood, but Scrap too? In the same off season? Well, at least we have Larry Johnson Sr... For Nowwww....

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News and Notes: More Michigan, Is Schiano Next? and Volleyball Vindication

Michigan has stolen the spotlight this week. But that's not really difficult to do when you're wearing the Maize and Blue. If you didn't figure it out by now--or, didn't read my comments posted minutes after the UM hiring story broke--there could be some immediate problems stemming from installing Rich Rodriguez's spread-run system at Ann Arbor. CollegeFootballNews.com's Pete Fiutak really hit the nail on the head with his analysis of the situation.

Rutgers head man Greg Schiano might join the coaching carousel sooner than we think. Talk on him making a move to coach Penn State after Joe Paterno retires has been swirling around for years, especially since RU has become much improved. But going back to that CFN article on Rodriguez, I thought it was interesting how Fiutak found it necessary enough to mention Schiano's possible future with the Nittany Lions.

"Michigan made overtures to Rutgers' Schiano, but he'll probably end up in the NFL or at Penn State sometime in the next three years."

Now, I'm sort of biased towards Schiano, being from North Jersey and all. But I can't help but get excited at this very real possibility. Schiano has all the makings of the next Joe Paterno. You laugh, but who expected JoePa to be as wildly successful as he's been, when he was hired to replace the revered Rip Engle?

Finally, congratulations to the Penn State Women's Volleyball team. After posting a mere two losses, national coach of the year, and four All-America selections, Penn State took home the 2007 Women's Volleyball National Championship, defeating top-seeded Stanford 3-2.

While everyone in the Nittany nation is ga-ga over football, Head Coach Russ Rose has turned Penn State into a powerhouse not unlike UCLA basketball under Gooden, Oklahoma football under Wilkinson, or the New Enlgand Patriots under Belichick. Good job. I've been to quite a few V-ball games in Rec Hall, and I can tell you, they're some of the best game environments you'll see. It's like a Beaver Stadium night game, but packed into a 5,000-seat gym.

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Rodriguez to Michigan

Well folks, this is really interesting. West Virginia Head Coach Rich Rodriguez will leave the Mountaineers and take over in Ann Arbor. Just a few questions about this hire:

1. How the hell do they expect to win under Rodriguez's system? I just can't see QB Ryan Mallet running the ball on zone-reads.
2. The offensive line, while used to zone blocking, isn't used to spread-zone blocking. So how quickly will the line pick up on the new system?

and...

3. If Michigan's offense takes a small dip in production, what does that mean for wins and losses if the defense is still giving up 20+ points per game?

Just food for thought.

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