Michigan Hockey: Wolverines Hockey Season Ends On Bitter Note, 3-2 2OT

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/31/2010

Wolverines Hockey Season Ends On Bitter Note, 3-2 2OT

The clock struck three minutes to midnight last Sunday night and the fairy tale story of the Michigan hockey revival came to a crashing halt. It was at that moment that the Miami Red Hawks willed a double OT 3-2 victory away from Michigan and abruptly ended any hopes of the Wolverines crashing the Frozen Four party in Detroit.

Only twenty four hours earlier had the Maize and Blue dispatched of a very talented Bemidji State team 5-1, setting up the re-match from the CCHA semi-final game.

Saturday night was special for Michigan, as they used their successful mix of speed, defense and timely offense to blow past BSU. Michigan held a third period lead thanks to a first period Luke Glendening goal and a late second period 4x4 goal by Louie Caporusso. BSU outshot the Wolverines 14-10 in the third period and finally broke through on Shawn Hunwick, as Ian Lowe scored a PPG halfway through the stanza. Michigan roared back on two Carl Hagelin goals, one shorthanded, to pull away. Michigan was penalized by the Hockey East Association officiating ten times for twenty minutes in the game, compared to BSU’s six times for twelve minutes. The wide open affair saw plenty of up and down action, plenty of scoring chances, and terrific special teams play by Michigan. Hunwick was dynamite again making at least four good stops to keep Michigan in the game. BSU ended their season 23-10-4 and will now move into the WCHA next season.

Miami ended UAH’s playoff hopes with a systematic 2-1 victory. They appeared to be fresher than Michigan on Saturday maybe due to the physical nature of Michigan’s game as well as having the advantage of playing earlier than Michigan. The Wolverines cam out flying, though, and Miami goaltender Conner Knapp had to be sharp in the opening seconds as Michigan had two great chances to take the lead.

The officiating once again called this game tight (at least through three periods) as Michigan was sent off six times and Miami was assessed seven penalties in the game. Miami opened the scoring in the first period with a PPG as Pat Cannone chipped home a centering pass over Hunwick at 12:08. Michigan’s David Wohlberg came right back and powered a rebound of his own shot past Knapp to tie the game at 13:42. Chad Langlais scored Michigan’s lone PPG of the evening at :49 of the second period, as he blasted a shot top shelf past a screened Knapp. The lead didn’t last long as Miami again took advantage of their power play chances as Cannone drove the net and pitch forked home a puck that Hunwick had frozen under his outstretched pad. It is important to note that this goal was allowed because of the proper positioning of the official and his generous allowance of time given for the play to continue even after Hunwick secured the puck.

The game remained tied even as both teams pressed. Michigan’s David Wohlberg was stopped on two clean-cut breakaways and Miami controlled the third period, hitting iron with 3:00 left. It appeared that Michigan was worn down and just hanging on near the end of regulation. They came out with fire in their eyes during OT, though.

Three minutes into OT, Michigan’s Carl Hagelin circled the Miami net on a strong rush. The Miami defenseman clipped his helmet and was going to be assessed a penalty. Hagelin centered the puck and it bounced off of a squirming Knapp in the crease and came to a streaking Kevin Lynch. Lynch buried the puck milliseconds after the official blew the play dead for presumably losing sight of the puck. The game should have ended, and Michigan should be dancing still. But after review it was waived off as the puck did not enter the net prior to the whistle (or the intent of the whistle). The only explanation, which was not offered was that Miami “touched” the puck long enough to consider control. My explanation is simple: The officiating was out of position in the corner, lost sight of the puck amongst a maze of players, and blew it dead prematurely. There is no reversing a judgment ruling like this, and Michigan was screwed for at least the third time in two seasons on account of officiating incompetence. Michigan did have other chances to end the game, such as a Hagelin breakaway that he was stopped on- or a Matt Rust cross bar that he clanked- but it shouldn’t have come to that. The Wolverines outshot Miami 20-6 in OT and were spent.

It took less than two minutes in the second overtime for the Red Hawks to push the Wolverines into their end, apply heavy forechecking pressure and force a turnover. Miami’s Alden Hirschfeld snapped a fifteen foot wrist shot from the circle that Shawn Hunwick would have liked to have back. The shot hit the inside of his pad, bounced off of his skate and into the net. The carriage had turned back into a pumpkin.

Now, I may be mixing in some slanted commentary into this, but as a Michigan fan I am getting tired of being on the short end of the stick in cases of officiating malfeasance. The stakes were too high and frankly, both teams deserved to win on their merits. It was a shame anyone had to lose this game. Miami’s Connor Knapp was simply superb and snatched this win, making 55 saves. Miami completely shut down the neutral zone and forced Michigan to play a dump and chase game. The physical nature of the game took its toll and in the end Miami was just a hair better than Michigan. That is, unless you consider the gaffe that allowed Miami’s season to continue and Michigan’s to end.

Miami will move on to play Boston College in Detroit, while Michigan will say goodbye to Captain Chris Summers, Brian Lebler, Steve Kampfer, Anthony Ciraulo and Eric Elmblad. When you look at the big picture, though, and see where this team was in mid-February and what they accomplished since then, you have to be proud as a Michigan fan. The team honored us with the best hockey in the country their last eight games and almost did the impossible. For that they should be honored and respected. Well done Blue.

YOST Bits

Ft. Wayne was very hospitable to the regional guests that they entertained and did a great job. Notre Dame should be commended for their hosting and the NCAA should be throttled for the idiotic sanitizing it does to take any fun from the fans in the name of “equality”. By this I am talking about how the NCAA dictates what teams can do and when they can do it (such as their bands or canned music in the event that they don’t have a band) in the spirit of competitive advantage. It totally doused any enthusiasm and spirit, if you ask me.

Secondly, for those of you that couldn’t make the trip, the NCAA capitalized on profitability here. The three game pass was outrageous as was the single game pass. Combine that with bowing down to ESPN for the game times, the event only attracted upwards of 4-5,000 in attendance per session. Quite pathetic considering the proximity to Detroit/Ann Arbor as well as Oxford, Ohio.

Steve Kampfer ended his career at Michigan with a four assist weekend, two in each game. He really was an anchor on defense, posting a solid plus/minus rating during the entire playoffs and cut his careless turnovers completely. He will truly be missed.

Brian Lebler also ended his Michigan career with the highest points total of his four seasons. He assisted on Caporusso’s GWG and also scored the empty net goal against BSU. He will be missed for his physical presence, although his discipline was less than acceptable at times.

Chris Summers made it back from injury to play in the Regional and was very solid. He was instrumental in drawing the penalty that led to Louie Caporusso’s game winner against BSU. Chris’ steady influence and outstanding speed will also be missed.

Michigan’s season long bugaboo- penalties- bit them hard again this weekend. Although I am quite boorish on the officiating skills of the HEA’s Bunyon and Gravelese, the Wolverines still were very careless in the taking of blatant penalties. Others were simply not called and/or missed leading me to further digress about the consistency of NCAA officiating in general. Nonetheless, Michigan’s discipline is something that hopefully will be improved with experience and confidence next season.

Carl Hagelin and Louie Caporusso paced Michigan’s attack this weekend: Hagelin was 2-1-3, while Caporusso was 1-1-2. Luke Glendening added 1-1-2, Lebler was 1-1-2 and Matt Rust added 2 assists. Chris Brown, David Wohlberg and Kevin Lynch added single points.

The offensive thrust from the blueline was also impressive: Chad Langlais was 1-2-3, Kampfer was 0-4-4.

Another glaring key to the Miami game was that the fourth line got abused to the point where they were only taking two shifts late in the third period and Overtime. Michigan pretty much went to three lines plus using Scooter Vaughn and simply got worn down by the extra depth that Miami has.

Looking forward to next season, Michigan will return barring any unforeseen early departures, all but one of their top 12 forwards. Michigan has talented freshmen forwards coming in to compliment the core scoring threats of seniors Carl Hagelin and Louie Caporusso. They also have a solid corps of returning defensemen including seniors Chad Langlais and Tristin Llewellyn, juniors Brandon Burlon and Greg Pateryn, and sophomore Lee Moffie. Michigan will have three freshmen blueliners coming in.

If anything, the emergence of Shawn Hunwick will stimulate a goaltending competition with Bryan Hogan. The real question will be whether Michigan will sign another goaltender for the 2010-11 season considering that both Hunwick and Hogan will be seniors. Their only returning goaltender for the following season would be a walk-on that hasn’t played a single minute. My bet is that Michigan will also sign another backup for next season to replace “baby” Summers and target a stud freshman goaltender for the 2011-12 season.

I’ll keep the GBMW hockey audience informed of any roster changes and present interesting tidbits about next season as the summer progresses. Thanks to our readers for their comments. I’ll be observing the Frozen Four in two weeks and will finish off this season with a final report on the event downtown.

Yostmeister three star selections:

Friday:
1. Michigan - Louie Caporusso - GWG
2. Michigan - Shawn Hunwick - stopped 26 shots and only allowed 1 goal
3. Michigan - Carl Hagelin - 2G and 1A, including the backbreaking 3rd goal

Saturday:
1. Miami - Connor Knapp - 55 saves, many of them ridiculous
2. Michigan - Steve Kampfer - 2A, solid play
3. Miami - Pat Cannone - 2G
Honorable Mention: David Wohlberg (1G), Chad Langlais (1G) and Shawn Hunwick (32svs) from Michigan; Jim McKenzie (2A), Alden Hirschfeld (GWG) and Carter Camper (2A) from Miami

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Women's Basketball: WNIT Final Four -- Miami (FL) at Michigan

Posted at 12:00pm -- 3/31/2010

Michigan Women's Basketball: WNIT Final Four -- Miami (FL) at Michigan

If your in the area go support the women's program. This is their first time in the Final Four in the WNIT.

3/31/2010 -- Wednesday

Michigan Women's Basketball
Miami (FL) at Michigan
7:00pm EDT. - 9:00pm EDT.
Crisler Arena
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Tickets:
$7.00 for Adults
$5.00 for Students/Youth/Seniors

Buy them online:
Miami (FL) at Michigan

Written by GBMW Staff

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Mailbag question: Difference between the 3-3-5 defense and what UM used last year?

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/31/2010

Mailbag question: Difference between the 3-3-5 defense and what UM used last year?

Hey guys,

What are the differences from last year’s defense and also the responsibilities for the players? Is there a big difference or are the defenses fairly similar with like responsibilities?

Does the 3-3-5 fit Michigan better than the previous defense we used and did/does this help recruiting by getting the players we have been the past two years?

Hank R.

--------------------------

Thanks for the question.

They (the 3-3-5 and last year’s versions of defense) are very different.

Last season Michigan lined up in a hybrid 3-4 look, but the majority of the time they played a 4-3 under tackle scheme.

Michigan, this season, is rumored to be going more to the 3-3 odd stack. From information we have heard and film available to GBMW it does appear that Michigan is devoting a lot of time working on the 3-3 defense. As we have said before it will be interesting to see which of the defenses Michigan ends up using as its base, leaving the other as a change up.

Remember as well with Mike Martin out for the spring the UM coaches can work more with other players to see what they can do. What happens to the final selection of a base defense when Mike Martin comes back and what happens in the fall will be interesting to watch.

In the two bases identified above the responsibilities are different.

In the 3-3 base, the NT plays a 2-gap technique, and in the 4-3 the NT plays the strong side A gap. In the 3-3 there are 3 safeties, in the 4-3 there are 2. In the 4-3, a second DT plays the B gap to the quick side and neither uses a 3 technique in the base 4-3. Those are examples of some of the differences.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Football: Practice Video

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/30/2010



on YouTube
from mgovideo

Written by GBMW Staff

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DirecTV: MPEG2 HD Channels going away

Posted at 2:00pm -- 3/30/2010

The MPEG2 HD Channels in the 70's channel range will be coming down March 31. HBO, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, etc. There is a slide on channel 99 that explains the details.

A heads up for some of you that may have DVR recordings scheduled, make sure you change it to the MPEG4 HD channel (example 206 for ESPN, 209 for ESPN2, 245 TNT, etc...)

Only the MPEG4 variety will be broadcasted as of April 1st.

Written by GBMW Staff

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Michigan Basketball: Manny Harris Press Conference

Posted at 12:00pm -- 3/30/2010



on YouTube
from michaelrothstein35

Written by GBMW Staff

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Michigan Basketball: Manny Harris Moves On (forward?)

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/30/2010

Michigan Basketball: Manny Harris Moves On (forward?)

The expected decision now has no drama; Manny Harris is entering the NBA draft. This (Manny’s decision) is a known quantity and there is no mystery as to the why. But like a new novel, the ending can only be inferred or guessed at after reading the first chapter. Manny’s life chapter as a player at Michigan is concluded, but the intermediate chapters and the final ending to his active basketball career as a player at the next level(s) will only be penned by the due process of time. Before the construction of future chapters of basketball challenges, Manny’s decision will be subject to natural and normal conjecture, analysis, and judgment. The primary axis of any discussion will center on whether Manny left Michigan prematurely, that axis has already revolved for months. But there are other points of natural interest to ponder and mildly debate. The debate of course is merely academic and moot; this is Manny’s decision and his life. And so it follows that the final decision is his alone and looking back can be for the faint of heart; looking forward can enable the opportunist.

Before entering into this academic (for discussion only) dialogue, it is proper and certainly appropriate to offer up gratitude for Manny’s contributions to Michigan, and then on to the timely dialogue.

Manny decided to keep his commitment to Michigan after the removal of the head coach to whom he offered his commitment. In this day and age that is a sign of loyalty and commitment to a program. Very easily, Michigan may never have had Manny be a part of the last three years. By all accounts, he is a respected youngster, on and off the court, and yes this includes the couple of times he landed in the doghouse.

Of all of Manny’s observable traits, his athleticism stands out the most. There can be no denying Manny’s underlying abilities that feed his strengths on a basketball court. Manny is a very quick leaper, has good size, is versatile, and can create off the dribble and hit from outside, all with reasonable, certainly above average, proficiency.

From the onset of his college career, Manny was expected to play beyond his experience level and contribute far more than the normal underclassman. This to some players is burdensome. Was this so for Manny? Perhaps future discussion by the Michigan star will shed light on his leadership role and how it was acknowledged. Perhaps, Manny was a reluctant leader, perhaps not.

Here is a simple thought to close out this part of the discourse: GBMW and the Wolverine Nation wishes Manny the very best in the pursuit of his dream.

Now that Manny has left the Michigan basketball program was the exit indeed a year early? In the eyes of many fans the exit was a year early. But that opinion holds zero value in this equation. What has value will be the assessment of the NBA front offices. Know this, as a group the NBA executives are not wishy-washy or diverse about what type of player gets drafted. These guys are looking for certain things and the day of nursing undergrads for two or three years all in the name of development is now pretty much defunct. With tens of millions on the line for primary draft picks, there is little room for executive error in the off with your head NBA.

Manny has been well scouted by the tight-lipped NBA front-office types. But every player will be told by someone, somewhere across the basketball spectrum what a player wants to hear: that he will be a high draft round and a certain team is waiting in the wings, unknown to others in the basketball universe.

Similar discussion ensued from Michigan football fans when Donovan Warren left for the NFL early this year. Did both make a mistake, did one make a mistake and the other a great choice, or did both athletes make the right choice?

As far as Manny goes, he will need to really pick it up during the summer NBA camps to impress scouts. Some believe he will not be drafted at all, while others believe his name will emerge in the second round. “Hope” is still held that Manny will be drafted late in the first round.

Manny’s draft position may not totally hinge on what he does to impress this summer, but instead his ultimate selection may hinge on who and how many other players decide to come out early for the NBA. This could mean that Manny is drafted and ends up on an NBA roster or makes a trip overseas to Europe.

Some have said one can make a great life overseas, but the problem is what will a player do after finishing playing in Europe? It has been stated that many oversea leagues do not guarantee contracts or have the up-front money like the NBA does. There are obstacles in this oversea lifestyle including the obvious ones of travel, language, culture, and basketball style that is fitted to European players.

Here is an article from Brandon Jennings who went overseas instead of playing college basketball: Brandon Jennings talks playing overseas.

Would Manny be happy playing overseas? Can he enjoy playing so far away from his family? One reason Manny kept his commitment to Michigan was so his family could come to most of his games.

Hopefully he can get drafted by an NBA team immediately and make the roster, because it is very difficult to keep fighting to make a dream happen over an extended time, as more and more players join NBA rosters which provides less and less opportunity for players originally overlooked (undrafted) or cut.

Red Berenson has previously discussed players leaving early to fulfill a dream of playing professionally. He said that if a player can leave and make a pro roster, then fine – leave: but if a player leaves and has to play in the minor leagues after forfeiting college eligibility, then it probably was not a very good move because college provides a great opportunity to refine a player’s game, allowing for improvement in a secure environment. Red, like every astute college coach always underscores the reality of finishing a degree program, in case a player does not succeed at the professional level, an injury ends a career prematurely, or the money eventually stops flowing.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

2010 Michigan Football Spring Roster -- Defense / Special Teams / Coaches

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/29/2010

2010 Michigan Football Spring Roster -- Defense / Special Teams / Coaches

## ... Name ........................ Position ............. Height .. Weight .. Eligibility
02 ... J.T. Turner ................. Cornerback ......... 6-02 ..... 197 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
04 ... Cameron Gordon ........ Safety ................ 6-03 ..... 208 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
05 ... Vladimir Emilien ........... Safety ................ 6-01 ..... 202 ..... Sophomore
07 ... Brandin Hawthorne ..... Safety ................ 6-00 ..... 202 ..... Sophomore
08 ... Jonas Mouton ............. Linebacker .......... 6-02 ..... 228 ..... Senior
12 ... J.T. Floyd ................... Cornerback ......... 6-00 ..... 183 ..... Red-shirt Sophomore
14 ... Teric Jones ................. Safety ................ 5-09 ..... 194 ..... Sophomore
15 ... Thomas Gordon ......... Safety ................. 5-11 ..... 208 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
17 ... Tony Anderson .......... Cornerback .......... 5-11 ..... 193 ..... Red-shirt Junior
18 ... James Rogers ............ Cornerback .......... 6-01 ..... 191 ..... Senior
19 ... Zac Johnson .............. Safety ................. 6-02 ..... 200 ..... Red-shirt Junior
21 ... Jordan Reilly .............. Safety ................. 5-10 ..... 180 ..... Red-shirt Junior
23 ... Floyd Simmons .......... Safety ................. 6-00 ..... 197 ..... Red-shirt Sophomore
24 ... Al Backey .................. Cornerback .......... 5-10 ..... 178 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
25 ... Kenny Demens ........... Linebacker ........... 6-01 ..... 244 ..... Red-shirt Sophomre
26 ... Isaiah Bell .................. Linebacker ........... 6-01 ..... 237 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
27 ... Mike Jones ................. Linebacker ........... 6-02 ..... 207 ..... Sophomore
28 ... Matthew Cavanaugh ... Safety ................. 5-10 ..... 183 ..... Red-shirt Sophomore
29 ... Troy Woolfolk ............ Cornerback .......... 6-00 ..... 186 ..... Senior
31 ... Jared Van Slyke ......... Safety ................. 6-02 ..... 206 ..... Red-shirt Junior
32 ... Jordan Kovacs ........... Safety ................. 6-00 ..... 200 ..... Red-shirt Sophomore
35 ... Karl Tech .................. Safety ................. 5-10 ..... 199 ..... Red-shirt Junior
36 ... Rasheed Furrha ......... Linebacker ........... 6-01 ..... 207 ..... Red-shirt Junior
39 ... Will Heininger ............ Defensive Tackle ... 6-06 ..... 271 ..... Red-shirt Junior
40 ... Mike Williams ............. Safety ................. 5-11 ..... 190 ..... Red-shirt Junior
42 ... J.B. Fitzgerald ........... Linebacker ............ 6-03 ..... 239 ..... Junior
44 ... Mark Moundros ......... Linebacker ............ 6-01 ..... 234 ..... Senior
45 ... Obi Ezeh .................. Linebacker ............ 6-02 ..... 240 ..... Senior
52 ... Kevin Leach .............. Linebacker ............ 6-01 ..... 200 ..... Red-shirt Junior
53 ... Ryan Van Bergen ...... Defensive End ....... 6-06 ..... 280 ..... Red-shirt Junior
58 ... Brandon Herron ........ Linebacker ............ 6-02 ..... 220 ..... Red-shirt Junior
59 ... Paul Gyarmati ........... Linebacker ............ 6-01 ..... 205 ..... Red-shirt Sophomore
62 ... Dominique Ware ....... Defensive Tackle .... 5-07 ..... 247 ..... Red-shirt Junior
67 ... Nathan Brink ............ Defensive Tackle .... 6-05 ..... 242 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
68 ... Mike Martin ............... Defensive Tackle .... 6-02 ..... 294 ..... Junior
68 ... Alex Schwab ............ Defensive Tackle .... 6-00 ..... 235 ..... Red-shirt Sophomore
73 ... William Campbell ....... Defensive Tackle .... 6-05 ..... 324 ..... Sophomore
81 ... Steve Watson .......... Defensive End ....... 6-04 ..... 257 ..... Red-shirt Junior
88 ... Craig Roh ................ Linebacker ............. 6-05 ..... 249 ..... Sophomore
90 ... Anthony LaLota ....... Defensive End ........ 6-04 ..... 263 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
92 ... Greg Banks ............. Defensive Tackle ..... 6-04 ..... 274 ..... Senior
95 ... Renaldo Sagesse ..... Defensive Tackle ..... 6-04 ..... 285 ..... Senior
99 ... Adam Patterson ....... Defensive End ........ 6-03 ..... 272 ..... Senior

Special Teams:
34 ... Brendan Gibbons ...... Kicker ................... 6-01 ..... 245 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
46 ... Seth Broekhuizen ..... Kicker .................... 6-01 ..... 192 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
54 ... Jareth Glanda ........... Snapper ................ 6-03 ..... 246 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
66 ... George Morales ........ Snapper ............... 6-00 ..... 227 ..... Red-shirt Sophomore
91 ... Tom Pomarico .......... Snapper ................ 6-04 ..... 238 ..... Red-shirt Junior
93 ... Kris Pauloski ............ Kicker .................... 6-03 ..... 202 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
94 ... Curt Graman ........... Snapper ................. 6-05 ..... 191 ..... Red-shirt Freshman
97 ... Scott Schrimscher ... Kicker ..................... 5-10 ..... 177 ..... Red-shirt Junior

Coaches:
Rich Rodriguez - Head Coach
Calvin Magee - Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Greg Robinson - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach
Adam Braithwaite - Safeties Coach
Tony Dews - Wide Receivers
Greg Frey - Offensive Line
Tony Gibson - Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Backs/Special Teams
Fred Jackson - Running Backs
Rod Smith - Quarterbacks
Bruce Tall - Defensive Line

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Football: Video of Craig Roh

Posted at 12:00pm -- 3/29/2010



from mgovideo
on YouTube

Written by GBMW Staff

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Michigan Basketball: Manny leaves ... and hopes for the NBA

Posted at 11:15am -- 3/29/2010

Manny Harris decided to pursue his dreams of professional basketball. Now the question is will it be NBA or Europe?

GBMW will have more later on this situation.

Written by GBMW Staff

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Michigan Sports: This sure does seem like the same day over and over again

Posted at 10:00am -- 3/29/2010


Don't you feel like "Phil"



Seems like we have seen this before and the nightmare continues. The Hockey team gave Michigan fans some hope for the past three weeks and last night the clock struck 6:00am again -- just like in the movie.




Written by GBMW Staff

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Mailbag question: Haven't seen any reports on practice lately from you guys

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/29/2010

Mailbag question: Haven't seen any reports on practice lately from you guys

GBMW,

I haven't seen a report from you guys in a little while on how spring practice is going and I am wondering what you guys think so far.

It seems like most reports are going well, but we have heard that before and we saw what happened in the fall.

What can you take out of spring practices and translate it to what the fall might bring?

Keep up the good work.

Greg P.

-----------------------------------

Thanks for the question.

Spring practice is a valuable period when the coaching staff can evaluate the improvement players have made since last season. It is a time to experiment with and implement new schemes and packages. Also, spring is a time to get a look at how the young guns hold up against major college competition.

For most coaches, spring is a time when coaches can stress and work on game fundamentals. And, after winter film critique, spring is a chance to emphasize and improve on aspects that are in clear need of improvement. We look at spring as the equivalent of the NFL's preseason, but still spring is not the ultimate gauge of how the team will perform next year.

As for this spring, we are hearing good reports with regards to: (1) the team’s work ethic and attitude; (2) the team showed up in very good shape; (3) the depth problems at some positions are showing signs of improving, and (4) the overall athletic ability of the team, (especially on offense) is improving.

The biggest disappointment to GBMW is not overall player performance, but that Vlad is injured. He is a player that Michigan needed to stay healthy this spring to learn the position and provide the coaches with an opportunity to determine his possible starting status.

On offense, Mike Cox and Michael Shaw really seem to be improved over last year. The quarterbacks have had their moments both good and bad, but that is what spring practice is all about, and also to what must be worked on during the summer to prepare for the fall.

The offensive line seems to continue to build depth, along with getting some of the younger players more seasoning, allowing them to be in a position to help the team this year.

The receivers, especially at the slot position, also seem to be taking the next step. The young split ends still need some work and improvement should come via experience. With Junior Hemingway out for the spring, the younger players will receive more time and reps.

The biggest problem on offense right now, in our opinion, is the offensive center position. Michigan needs a healthy David Molk leading the offensive line group. GBMW has seen the centers really struggle this year with snaps, as last year when Molk went down. Molk won the center spot early on at Michigan because he is the most consistent snapper. Michigan needs another center to become more consistent as insurance if something again happens to Molk.

GBMW is taking a wait and see approach regarding the defensive side of the ball. Last year the linebackers seemed to take a small step forward, but then in the fall everybody saw what happened. All of us need to consider that this group may have been trying to do too much. But again, this group is in a similar situation as last spring, and like last spring we will all have to wait and see if the linebacker group is an asset or liability.

The defensive backs are looking good so far, but the true test for this young group will be in the fall, when the freshman defensive backs join the team this summer. The defensive backs have not been tested deep.

The defensive line could be the strong front for this team and we have as well seen progress in the depth that will be needed this fall. With Mike Martin out it might actually be a good thing to see what others can do and who wants to step up.

The biggest problem on defense in GBMW’s opinion is just learning the defense. Right now it is too tough for us to judge the defense or give an opinion on how they are progressing. It seems to us that the linebackers are still not as athletic/quick as a defense based on speed needs and clearly the safety positions will remain a mystery for the near future.

The biggest individual improvement this year we believe on the defensive side of the ball is Greg Banks. Again it is early, but with Mike Martin out, this has given Banks a chance with the first group and demonstrate to the coaching staff what he can do. So far he has done very well.

Written by GBMW Staff

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Michigan Hockey: Midwest Regional Final -- Michigan vs. Miami

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/28/2010

Michigan Hockey: Midwest Regional Final -- Michigan vs. Miami

NCAA Tournament
Midwest Regional

Michigan Hockey
Michigan vs. Miami
8:30pm EDT. - 10:30pm EDT.
DirecTV Channel 614
ESPNU

***Winner goes to Frozen Four in Detroit

Written by GBMW Staff

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Michigan Football: Video of Denard Robinson

Posted at 12:00pm -- 3/28/2010



from mgovideo
on YouTube

Written by GBMW Staff

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Mailbag question: Coach Robinson and the 3-3-5

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/28/2010

Mailbag question: Coach Robinson and the 3-3-5

GBMW,

I have a couple of questions regarding the 3-3-5 defense that UM is apparently going to use this season.

I do not think that I have seen any information indicating that GR has ever used the 3-3-5 defense. How much of a problem is this for implementing the defense? I believe that one issue with the defense is that they have seemed to learn a new scheme each year so this has entailed a hard time improving. So isn't that still a problem for this season? Does the scheme offer enough advantages to offset the learning curve?

Keep up the good work; I enjoy your honest evaluations and comments.

Andy

-------------------------------

Thanks for the questions.

If the entire defensive staff were novices (little background knowledge or teaching experience) regarding the use and implementation of a 3-3-5 stack defense, then Coach Robinson's lack of experience might be an issue. Remember as well that Coach Robinson has been to several places working either at the NFL or college level, so he is clearly adept at employing and teaching different schemes, as well as working with personnel across a broad continuum of skill talent.

Coach Bruce Tall, Coach Tony Gibson, and Coach Adam Braithwaite all have significant experience with the odd stack from their time at West Virginia. And so on the surface, one could infer that implementing the 3-3-5 stack should not be a problem.

Michigan also played quite a bit of 3-man front last season, so again the learning curve should not be as much of an issue.

The primary supporting event in our opinion is that by previous design or an evolutionary course of things, Michigan has been recruiting and gaining commitments from athletes with skills that are a better fit with 3-man fronts. Michigan has been recruiting more of the smallish, quicker athletes who can run, which is in theory the perfect fit for playing the 3-3-5 odd stack.

Thank you again for your questions. There is no doubt that the defense (or more likely defenses) that Michigan employs in 2010 is of great interest to fans.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Hockey: Midwest Regional -- Michigan vs. Bemidji

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/27/2010

NCAA Tournament
Midwest Regional

Michigan Hockey
Michigan vs. Bemidji
7:30pm EDT. - 10:00pm EDT.

ESPN360

Also check out ESPN Alt.

Also check JustinTv.com

If you have a Playstation3 you can use that to see on your TV.

Also if you have DirecTV it is on 640 MASN
Must need "Sports Pack"

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Women's Basketball: WNIT -- Tickets

Posted at 12:00pm -- 3/27/2010

WNIT Tournament -- Elite 8
Sunday -- 3/28/2010

Michigan Women's Basketball

Syracuse at Michigan
2:00pm EDT. - 4:00pm EDT.
Crisler Arena -- Ann Arbor, Mi.

Go support Michigan Women's Basketball.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

2010 NCAA Hockey Tournament Regional Preview -- Part 2 -- Michigan Preview

Posted at 8:00am -- 3/27/2010

Midwest Regional:

#1 Miami (CCHA) vs. #4 Alabama-Huntsville (CHA) 4:00 pm 3/27

#2 Bemidji State (CHA) vs. #3 Michigan (CCHA) 7:30 pm 3/27

Regional Final 8:00 pm 3/28

MIAMI (27-7-7)

The RedHawks are smarting after the Wolverines derailed their dream of sweeping the CCHA regular season and tourney titles. They enter play as the #1 overall seed and the #1 team in the country. Regardless of what happened against Michigan, this team still possesses one of the top ten offenses in the country scoring at 3.4 goals per game and still maintains the top defense in the country at 1.9 goals against per game. Senior Jarrod Palmer, junior Andy Miele, junior Carter Camper and junior Tommy Wingels all have 38+ points. Defensively, sophomore Chris Wideman leads the attack with 5-16-21 including three points last weekend. He and freshman Joe Hartman anchor one of the best defensive pairings in the CCHA. The goaltending is still solid although sophomore Cody Reichard got roughed up in the CCHA semifinals. Both he and Connor Knapp hold goals against averages under 2.00 and almost identical save percentages at .924 or slightly less. Miami fans must be concerned though, that their team has been a nominal 4-3-1 in their last eight games. Worst yet, Miami had only given up four or more goals four times in their first 33 games, but has yielded four or more goals three times now in their last eight games. They are still a loaded team looking to right the ship. My guess is that it will start with the goaltending reins being handed to Knapp, renew an emphasis on defense and better their overall discipline.

BEMIDJI STATE (23-9-4)

The Beavers secured their berth in the NCAA tournament with their consistent play and solid non-conference schedule this season. They won the CHA regular season title and lost in the first round of the CHA tournament. BSU played teams from the CCHA eight times going 4-2-2 against them, with wins over WMU, NMU, Miami and UNO. They also swept Minnesota-Duluth and beat Minnesota from the WCHA-going 9-5-2 in their non-conference tilts-more impressively because 11 of those 16 games were on the road or at a neutral site.

The Beavers have slipped lately, posting a 5-3-2 mark in their last ten games.

Bemidji State appears for the fourth time in Division I NCAA tournament play since the university moved up from Division II in 1998-99. Bemidji State has 13 total NCAA tournament appearances and are six time national champions: five times in Division II and once at the Division III level from 1983-1998.

The Beavers are led by their top line of All-CHA First Team junior Matt Read (19-21-40 / +29), freshman Jordan George (13-21-34/+22), and All-CHA Second Team junior Ian Lowe (20-10-30/+25). All-CHA First team sophomore Brad Hunt anchors the defense and contributed 7-26-33 /+17- and also shared the team penalty minutes lead with 33 minutes in the box this season. The lineup is also balanced with good secondary scoring from sophomore Ben Kinne (10-14-24), senior Tyler Lehrke (9-15-24) and junior Ryan Cramer ( 13-8-21 ). All-CHA First Team goaltender Dan Bakula sports a 19-7-3 record with a .919 save % and a 2.27 GAA. Back-up Mathieu Dugas holds a 4-2-1 record with a 1.93 GAA and a .918 save %.

BSU’s roster is predominantly Canadian (14) with (1) Swede and (10) Americans hailing from North Dakota (1), Wisconsin (1) and Minnesota (8). They have four seniors, six juniors, seven sophomores and eight freshmen on their team. When BSU is playing well, they feature an up tempo heavy forecheck and backcheck in order to utilize their team speed. They averaged two goals per game in their 9 losses and over four goals per game in their 23 wins and 4 ties. They can bang when they want to, but rely mostly on their pressure style to create turnovers. BSU likes to jump on opponents early, outscoring them 40-14 in the first period and finish well also- outscoring opponents 55-39 in the third period.

The Beavers will not sneak up on anyone in the tournament this season. Last season they shocked #1 seed Notre Dame and Cornell to advance to the Frozen Four before losing to Miami in the national semi-finals. They are well seasoned and are not intimidated. It will be a solid test for Michigan, very similar to NMU or a good WCHA team.

BSU is ranked 7th nationally in goals per game at 3.53 and are just as stingy defensively, only allowing a 5th best 2.28 goals per game. The Beavers PP is an average 19% (25th) and their PK is a commendable 12th at 84.8%. They are a disciplined team, only taking an average of 12.2 penalty minutes per game, good for 14th best in the country. Overall the BSU statistics demand respect, especially with a proven ability to play with the “big boy” conferences. I still surmise that their numbers are skewed by a weak conference and that their depth and defense is not as strong as it appears. Offensively, though, the Beavers can compete with most anyone in the country, especially since this is what their game is patterned to do.

ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE (12-17-3 )

The Chargers are the Cinderella team of the tournament, having won the last CHA conference tournament title to gain entry into the NCAA playoffs. They are an experienced team on the blue line, with a total of 15 upperclassmen on the roster. They are not as gifted offensively, so they place their faith in solid defense and the CHA tourney MVP junior Cameron Talbot (11-17-3, 2.64 GAA and .922 sv %.) The offense is young, supported by freshmen Matti Jarvinen (5-12-17), Justin Csiter (5-7-12) and Keenan Desmet (3-9-12). Junior Andy Coburn (7-13-20) and sophomore Cody Campbell ( 7-13-20 ) are the top points leaders.

The Chargers are aggressive and physical but typically have been burned by sacrificing solid positional play to make those jarring hits. Former MSU Spartan Danton Cole coaches the Chargers and emphasizes a prevent defensive style, packing in his veteran defense around the net to block shots, clog up passing lanes and force turnovers, while setting up a semi-neutral zone trap when play is out of the Charger’s offensive zone.

The numbers bare out trouble for UAH- scoring at a 2.2 gpg clip, while giving up 2.7 gpg; an anemic .132 PP conversion while killing penalties at a solid 86.4%, 4th in the country. The Chargers average six penalties per game for 12.6 minutes.

UAH was 4-6-1 in non-conference play this season, with a split @ Notre Dame, and wins at Air Force and Mercyhurst of the AHA conference. Even worse, the Chargers enter the tournament 0-6-1 against other tournament teams (0-5-1 against BSU) with the other loss against Vermont.

This is UAH’s second appearance in the NCAA tourney, with their first in 2007. They took Notre Dame to overtime after coming back from a 3-0 deficit before losing in the Midwest Region in Grand Rapids.

Michigan has played the Chargers twice in games held in separate years at Yost arena and beat them both games.

UAH is looking for a new conference home since the CCHA rejected their application to join last summer. UAH will continue its program as an independent for at least the next two seasons.

MICHIGAN (25-17-1)

Some fast facts on the Maize and Blue:

Michigan moved up to 11th in the latest polls.

Michigan has scored 28 goals in the six win playoff run. The Wolverines have scored first in eight straight games and are 22-4 this season when doing so, including being 18-1 after holding a first period lead.

Carl Hagelin (17-30-47) has a point in 16 of his past 17 games and continues to lead the Wolverines. Matt Rust (13-25-38) has tallied in 12 of the past 17 games. The hottest Wolverine is Louie Caporusso who is 20-21-41 on the season with nine goals and four assists in his past seven games. Kevin Lynch got the game winner against Miami and added another to bring his totals to 6-9-15 for the season. Chris Brown was held off the scoreboard but is still leading the freshmen in scoring with 13-14-27. Steve Kampfer paces the blue line with 3-19-22 including three big assists last weekend. He is +12 for the playoffs.

Michigan expects Captain Chris Summers to return to the lineup this weekend. Shawn Hunwick will be given the nod in goal again. He is 7-2 this season with a 1.86 GAA and a .912 save %.

The Wolverines will play in their 33rd NCAA Tourney which is #1 amongst all Division I schools. They have a 46-25 record and have won a Division I leading nine national championships. Michigan has appeared in 23 Frozen Fours and has won 24 Frozen Four games. This will be the first meeting against Bemidji State . A victory will give Coach Berenson his 700th victory in his career.

Michigan moved up another spot in scoring this week, now averaging 3.28 GPG, 14th in the country. The Wolverines improved two spots to 6th in goals against, averaging 2.28 GPG, essentially tied with BSU. The PP jumped from 24th to 17th, converting at a 19.6% clip on the strength of three PPG’s over the weekend. The PK dropped from 7th to 8th even though their percentage improved to 86.5%. Michigan continues to improve their discipline, with the average penalty minutes dropping to 16.2 per game, 15th worst in the country.

Michigan improved to 5-5-1 against tournament teams with Wisconsin being the only out of conference team the Wolverines played this season.

Yostmeister keys this weekend:

1. Bemidji State is a talented team that can skate with Michigan and will apply the same formula that has jumpstarted the Wolverine’s success. The Wolverines must be patient and disciplined against them.

2. BSU doesn’t fare well in tight checking, low scoring games. It will be better to take what BSU gives and not try to engage in a wide open up and down affair with them. The first goal will be important, especially since BSU is an underrated defensive team. A strategy is to force BSU to take chances and counterattack, stay focused on protecting Hunwick.

3. Hunwick has to be his steady self. Bakula also doesn’t appear to be a goaltender that will steal games. Call it a slight edge to Bakula, but not by much right now.

4. Take away the top line and let Michigan’s depth counter BSU’s. Michigan has gotten at least one point from every starter in the past six games. Depth Edge: Michigan.

5. Conversely, BSU will have match-up problems now that Michigan is getting scoring from three lines. They’ll most logically try to take Caporusso away, so the entire BSU lineup must produce or Michigan will win. Offensive/defensive Edge: Michigan

6. Special Teams: Michigan has been solid on the PK all season, getting production on the PP. Edge: Michigan.

7. If Michigan defeats BSU and moves on, my presumption is that the Wolverines will face Miami again. If that is the case, the same formula applies: force Miami’s defense into mistakes, make the chances count, and stay focused defensively. Lightning can and will strike twice, but Michigan will have to play perfect against a Miami team seeking retribution.

Midwest Regional Predictions:

Saturday: Miami 5 Alabama-Huntsville 1

Michigan 4 Bemidji State 3 (OT)

Sunday: Miami 3 Michigan 2

Mind: Miami will move on to face North Dakota in the Frozen Four in Detroit .

Heart: Secretly I know Michigan can defeat Bemidji on Saturday and show the RedHawk faithful that their Dynasty is yet to be established on Sunday. Michigan advances on a double OT winner from Matt Rust. Joy fills Ann Arbor and silent glee is echoed amongst the committees that established the Frozen Four in Detroit. GO BLUE!

Written by Yostmeister

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!