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Notes: 2nd Day of Fall Practice
- Dave Birkett of AnnArbor.com writes about Michigan’s early focus on Ohio State via some buckeye decals on tackling dummies seen around the practice field. If I’m Rich Rodriguez, I’m doing something everyday damn day about that Ohio State game. And let me rant for a second. I still don’t understand why writers always preface talking about the Michigan – Ohio State game by saying that Rodriguez somehow wasn’t aware of how big or intense the rivalry is! Come on, the man’s a Division I football coach and he’s been in the game his entire life, recruited in Michigan and Ohio, etc. Anyway, here a bit of what RR says….
If Rich Rodriguez had any doubts about how big the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry was when he stepped on campus, they’re gone now.
Rodriguez was asked Monday about the appearance of Ohio State decals on some of the tackling dummies the team was using during the first day of practice.
“I don’t know how they got on there,” Rodriguez said. “Did somebody from Columbus put that on there? I don’t know where that came from.
- The Michigan coaching staff is still waiting to see how the NCAA Clearinghouse handles J.T. Turner and Adrian Witty. Michigan needs J.T. Turner to show up to camp and show up quick to add some depth in the defensive backfield.
Turner, from Ohio’s Washington Massillon High, was one of the highest-rated players in Michigan’s 2009 recruiting class. Rodriguez said last month Turner could play either cornerback or safety, but would begin his Michigan career at corner.
- I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure I’ve heard enough media talk about the Justin Feagin situation. The guy wasn’t even going to see the field this year. I understand people want to make this a big deal and assimilate that there is a deeper issue at hand here. Let’s give it a rest though, Justin Feagin consumed an entire day for many. His story is more comical than anything – well at least the part where a fire in a dorm room was intentionally started! It appears that Rodriguez wasn’t exactly aware of what was going on in Feagin’s life outside of the football program – hopefully this is the last issue of the sort.
- ESPN blogger Adam Rittenburg gives his bowl predictions for the big ten. Here’s his take on Michigan’s outlook…
MICHIGAN
Bowl bound: Possibly
Best case: Freshman Tate Forcier takes his first step toward stardom and Michigan’s defense clicks in Greg Robinson’s system, as the Wolverines start 4-0 and finish with eight wins.
Worst case: If the offense falls apart again, Michigan could miss a bowl for the second straight season.
Prediction: Motor City
Check out the rest of his predictions here.
