All Things SkunkBear

[Rack Em]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/umichfootball">@umichfootball</a> interested in taking <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Alabama&src=hash">#Alabama</a> transfer OL Chad Lindsay: <a href="http://t.co/QUcDbRHHZv">http://t.co/QUcDbRHHZv</a></p>— The Ann Arbor News (@annarbornews) <a href="https://twitter.com/annarbornews/statuses/448167529274703874">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Oh so he wants to be there for Hoke's final season?

 

[no.1IrishFan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/umichfootball">@umichfootball</a> interested in taking <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Alabama&src=hash">#Alabama</a> transfer OL Chad Lindsay: <a href="http://t.co/QUcDbRHHZv">http://t.co/QUcDbRHHZv</a></p>— The Ann Arbor News (@annarbornews) <a href="https://twitter.com/annarbornews/statuses/448167529274703874">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Would he have to sit this year?(sorry didn't read)

 

[Rack Em]

Here's the article.

Michigan is apparently looking for more help to fix its offensive line.

As in, outside the program.

CBS' Jeremy Fowler reported via Twitter on Sunday that the Wolverines are entertaining the possibility of accepting a transfer from former Alabama offensive lineman Chad Lindsay.

Lindsay has graduated from Alabama and is eligible to play immediately. He opted to leave the program earlier this month.

Lindsay played in eight games and made four starts at center a season ago for the Crimson Tide and now current Michigan offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.

A 6-foot-2, 302-pounder from The Woodlands, Texas has one year of eligibility remaining.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

Would he have to sit this year?(sorry didn't read)

Similar situation to Riggs. He would likely come in and start right away. Their OL is putrid, so he's kind of a big add.

 

[ulukinatme]

So, it looks like this guy from 'Bama has played mostly a reserve role throughout his career? He opts not to play 2014 despite having a year of eligibility left, whether that was his decision or not. So, between Lindsay and Offensive Coordinator Nussmeier...it looks like Michigan is content in taking Alabama's sloppy seconds.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ohio State summed up well <a href="http://t.co/WMSIklpwkJ">pic.twitter.com/WMSIklpwkJ</a></p>— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedditCFB/statuses/448540367667740674">March 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[IrishLax]

This transfer would probably start for Michigan and be a HUGE added bonus to their porous interior OL.

 

[IrishLax]

Just going to drop this exceptionally informed and well-reasoned piece of sportswriting here...

Michigan Wolverines predictions for fall 2014: Victory at Notre Dame - ESPN

 

[D-BOE34]

Just going to drop this exceptionally informed and well-reasoned piece of sportswriting here...

Michigan Wolverines predictions for fall 2014: Victory at Notre Dame - ESPN

We lost Nix and Tuitt. None of us know exactly who will be starting at LB. Whoever does start in the front 7 will be new to starting or young in CFB years played. Of course we expect ND to be amazing this year just as we do every year but we can't expect that from everyone out there. At least he said Golson was good and look for Bryant and Tarean to break out.

I guess I just don't see anything wrong with it besides the fact that it has Michigan all over it. I fucking hate Michigan!

 

[woolybug25]

Just going to drop this exceptionally informed and well-reasoned piece of sportswriting here...

Michigan Wolverines predictions for fall 2014: Victory at Notre Dame - ESPN

Another well thought out peice by Chantel Jennings.

I present to you... Chantel Jennings. Discuss...

 

[D-BOE34]

Another well thought out peice by Chantel Jennings.

I present to you... Chantel Jennings. Discuss...

I love her...

 

[IrishLion]

I guess I really shouldn't have majored in journalism with hopes of one day writing recaps of college football games.

I'm not an awesome looking blonde chick.

 

[Redbar]

Sounds like it should be a pretty easy Saturday for the skunk bears! After seeing her photo shoot there, I am sure she is right.

 

[Emcee77]

I guess I really shouldn't have majored in journalism with hopes of one day writing recaps of college football games.

I'm not an awesome looking blonde chick.

Ha. I have a friend who was trying to break into sportswriting but really struggled to find a good gig in a place he actually wanted to live, and he used to say that one of the factors is that no one is looking to hire white male sportswriters anymore. Don't know how much truth there is to that, but I wouldn't be shocked if there is at least some. My friend now covers restaurants and dining.

 

[arrowryan]

We lost Nix and Tuitt. None of us know exactly who will be starting at LB. Whoever does start in the front 7 will be new to starting or young in CFB years played. Of course we expect ND to be amazing this year just as we do every year but we can't expect that from everyone out there. At least he said Golson was good and look for Bryant and Tarean to break out.

I guess I just don't see anything wrong with it besides the fact that it has Michigan all over it. I fucking hate Michigan!

I wouldn't put too much into the article. She is making one big assumption about last year's stats. She fails to acknowledge Michigan's losses to their roster and only talks about Notre Dame's. She talks up two Michigan running backs when in reality, they combine to have 387 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns; Taren Folston has more than that and he only played in 8 games. And according to her, Notre Dame is the only team in this game that has weaknesses.

 

[IrishLion]

Ha. I have a friend who was trying to break into sportswriting but really struggled to find a good gig in a place he actually wanted to live, and he used to say that one of the factors is that no one is looking to hire white male sportswriters anymore. Don't know how much truth there is to that, but I wouldn't be shocked if there is at least some. My friend now covers restaurants and dining.

There is absolutely a bunch of truth to it lol. One of my professors basically told me as much just before graduation.

With the sports target audience being mostly males, as well as the rise of digital media that leads to more "on-screen" opportunities for sports/beat writers, companies don't want to hire white dudes anymore. They want to hire hot, young females... the target audience is much more likely to tune in to a video blog or video feature if they're looking at an attractive female, rather than a regular white dude.

 

[woolybug25]

I wouldn't put too much into the article. She is making one big assumption about last year's stats. She fails to acknowledge Michigan's losses to their roster and only talks about Notre Dame's. She talks up two Michigan running backs when in reality, they combine to have 387 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns; Taren Folston has more than that and he only played in 8 games. And according to her, Notre Dame is the only team in this game that has weaknesses.

She isn't even basing it on stats the whole time either.

She mentioned that they gave up over 130 rushing yards a game last year, but they will be much improved because they return all of the front 7 from last year... the same dudes that gave up 130 a game last year. ha

 

[Cackalacky]

She isn't even basing it on stats the whole time either.

She mentioned that they gave up over 130 rushing yards a game last year, but they will be much improved because they return all of the front 7 from last year... the same dudes that gave up 130 a game last year. ha

LOL. From sentence 1 I was scratching my head....dafuq?

Sentence 2...Dafuq?

Next paragraph...you serious Clark?

Would not smash her either.

 

[Irish#1]

At one point I saw a mock draft that had him going 10 to my Lions. I hope this cements that he doesn't. I hope he falls.

You don't want him and suh on the same team.

One of the most interesting things in the draft to me is where Lewan is taken relative to Martin.

On one hand you have a guy with flawless technique, incredible film, and fantastic intangibles... but less than desirable measurables. On the other hand, you have a guy with A+ measurables... but character concerns, and questionable film. Who gets taken where?

Teams tend to draft for potential as much as anything. They'll say they can develop him more while Martin doesn't give them as much to work with. He'll go before Martin.

 

[Irish#1]

Another well thought out peice by Chantel Jennings.

I present to you... Chantel Jennings. Discuss...

Obviously planning her career very carefully with orchestrated swim suit pics.

 

[phork]

I hate UM as much as anyone but....

We gave up 168 yards per game on the ground last year. With the losses on defense, I can't say I am confident that will improve much. Of course I throw the caveat out there that I don't know how our new DC is going to run things.

If they win, it won't be a run away. Their wide receivers are a mess. Although I expect Green to take over the lead this year. Their running game and OL were awful last year. Borges is gone, enter Nussmeier. Much like our DC, who knows how he will affect the skunks.

Anyone who says they are confident either way is on crack. This game has always been a toss up, I expect this one to be the same.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Anyone who says they are confident either way is on crack. This game has always been a toss up, I expect this one to be the same.

Yes. Jennings' article could have been much more concise:

Brian Kelly is 1-3 against UM. In 2014, the Wolverines will likely win for the following reasons:

• Voodoo bullshit

But if the Irish can shed their bad juju, then anything could happen.

Prediction: UM - 29 ND - 25

 

[chubler]

My favorite part was the suggestion that Funchess will find mismatches against our linebackers. Let's hope Michigan's coaching staff is equally ignorant of Jaylon Smith.

 

[ulukinatme]

My favorite part was the suggestion that Funchess will find mismatches against our linebackers. Let's hope Michigan's coaching staff is equally ignorant of Jaylon Smith.

Exactly, cause Funchess was such an awful mismatch last year. You know, with his 3 catches for 16 yards. It's not like Troy didn't have twice as many catches for 76 yards and a TD against Michigan. Forget about the fact our linebackers will more than likely be better this year than they were last year.

If they're smart, Michigan finds a way to produce another Jeremy Gallon and hope that BVG is incapable of locking said target down like Diaco was last year. Seriously, Gallon accounted for 2/3 of their receiving yards, I don't know why they didn't key on him.

 

[chubler]

Exactly, cause Funchess was such an awful mismatch last year. You know, with his 3 catches for 16 yards. It's not like Troy didn't have twice as many catches for 76 yards and a TD against Michigan. Forget about the fact our linebackers will more than likely be better this year than they were last year.

If they're smart, Michigan finds a way to produce another Jeremy Gallon and hope that BVG is incapable of locking said target down like Diaco was last year. Seriously, Gallon accounted for 2/3 of their receiving yards, I don't know why they didn't key on him.

Not to mention she expects that Gardner will improve on his 82 rushing yards and 793 ridiculous scrambles and completions to Gallon because we lost the two largest players on our defense. Nix and Tuitt are two of the best defensive linemen we've seen in a very long time, but switching to smaller and faster players suggests his rushing total will decrease, not top 100 as she's calling for.

 

[MPClinton22]

Wait didn't Michigan lose their leading rusher? I'm confused...

I also love this doozy of a run-on

"Notre Dame should be good at quarterback with Everett Golson, and look for sophomore running backs Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant to break out, but unlike Michigan’s young running backs and talented quarterback, Notre Dame’s group will have to run against one of the stoutest linebacker groups in the conference, as well as Frank Clark on the defensive line. "

 

[ulukinatme]

Wait didn't Michigan lose their leading rusher? I'm confused...

I also love this doozy of a run-on

"Notre Dame should be good at quarterback with Everett Golson, and look for sophomore running backs Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant to break out, but unlike Michigan’s young running backs and talented quarterback, Notre Dame’s group will have to run against one of the stoutest linebacker groups in the conference, as well as Frank Clark on the defensive line. "

Pffffft. Yeah, if we can't bottle up Gardner I'd be worried, but I think we'll do a better job of containing in a 4-3 than we did in a 3-4. Gardner taking off was the only real problem when it came to rushing yards against us. Toussaint was never that much of a threat running the ball in 2013 or 2012, although he did have one big reception against us last year.

 

[IrishLax]

We lost Nix and Tuitt. None of us know exactly who will be starting at LB. Whoever does start in the front 7 will be new to starting or young in CFB years played. Of course we expect ND to be amazing this year just as we do every year but we can't expect that from everyone out there. At least he said Golson was good and look for Bryant and Tarean to break out.

I guess I just don't see anything wrong with it besides the fact that it has Michigan all over it. I fucking hate Michigan!

I don't mind opinions in sports writing, even far out ones. That's the name of the game. I did mind the writing itself. It's rather amateur. It's the kind of quality you expect from Chat Sports or a Bleacher Report slideshow.

On top of that, if you want to have an opinion and say "I think Michigan wins because Hoke is fat and I always go with the more obese coach" or "Michigan always catches every break imaginable and they'll have Big Ten refs, so..." or even "I just have a hunch that Gardner has a big year" I'm fine with it.

But instead she pretends that she's using facts/stats/information/logic to come to her conclusion... and at the same time, many of the reasons she gives on the surface don't even make sense. Here's a blow-by-blow of where her "article" trips over itself:
-First she says that Michigan will win because they want to make a statement. She says the emotion will be "huge" for Michigan. Is the implication that Notre Dame WON'T want to make a statement? This doesn't make any sense.

-She says to expect Gardner to show up big because he does in all rivalry games. She says that with the exception of MSU in '13 he has exceeded expectations in all rivalry games... well, even with the clever phrasing, that's not true. He's quarterbacked 4 total rivalry games: OSU '12, ND '13, MSU '13, OSU '13. He had horrible games in two of them (OSU '12, MSU '13) where his average raw QBR was a 30.1 and a 8.5. In the other two, he put up QBRs of 87.9 and 85.7. So half the time he totally sucks, the other half the time he performs like a top QB. The epitome of inconsistency, but she implies the very opposite. 0 for 2 at this point in logic.

-She says that where ND is replacing players relative to where Michigan is replacing players, that it is good that offenses are further ahead than defenses early in the season. This, again, doesn't track. The premises in no way support this conclusion. 0 for 3.

-She then states that ND is thin at DL and LB. Thumbs up. She then touts two players who had a combined 387 yards on 3.5 YPC with only 2 TDs as strengths. Strike 1, for comparison Folston had 470 on 5.3 YPC and 3 TDs himself... and McDaniel had 705 on 4.6... Michigan's "strength" makes Cam McDaniel look like freaking Adrian Peterson. She also doesn't talk about Michigan's OL that is replacing Taylor Lewan at all, which is actually what matches up the front 7. Strike 2. For those keeping score at home she's now 1 for 6 on facts/logic passing even the most generous sniff test.

-She notes that ND allowed 168 on 4.2 last year... so then those unproven backs that averaged 3.5 + Gardner that will be running behind a bad OL should "easily" get 200+ at 4.5. There's a lot wrong here, but most of all she is not appreciating that ND was actually very solid against the run versus "normal" teams, and that those vanilla stats are GROSSLY skewed by Air Force (290) and Navy (331). Is Michigan going to run the option with Nuss? 1 for 7.

-She says ND has a "weakness in experience" at WR. DaVaris Daniels, if he returns, will be coming into his 3rd year as a starter. And there are a multitude of other guys who got limited successful reps last season while playing behind TJ Jones (a combined 1,647 yards and 13 TDs returns). Michigan, by contrast, returns only roughly 1200 yards receiving and 8 TDs. So that's 1 for 8.

-She then notes that ND has a good QB and RBs, but they will have to run against a much more stout front 7 led by Frank Clark on the DL backed by the one of the best LB corps in the conference. +1 for no logical contradictions, -1 for not appreciating that no one is scared of a player with 43 total tackles and 5 sacks and is projected as a late round pick. To mention him as a strength and include someone like Jaylon Smith in a "weakness" group is absurd. 2 for 10.

-She then talks about the yards allowed by Michigan but says don't worry there are lots of players returning and there's a shift in defensive philosophy that will lead to improvement. Yet she dedicated half her article to talking about how ND vanilla stats from last year are telltale without ever once mentioning a complete change in defensive philosophy with a new DC. 2 for 11.

-She talks about a "secondary advantage" for Notre Dame... and while Russel is quite good... most people regard CB/S some of the bigger question marks on the team. Then she talks about Funchess getting mismatches on LBs even though Smith might be one of the best cover LBs in the game this year. So she closes 2 for 13 by my scorecard.

Even for ESPN, a blog post that appears with the writing quality of a high school text message that is devoid of nuance or logical interpretation of information is pretty bad.

 

[IrishLax]

Wait didn't Michigan lose their leading rusher? I'm confused...

I also love this doozy of a run-on

"Notre Dame should be good at quarterback with Everett Golson, and look for sophomore running backs Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant to break out, but unlike Michigan’s young running backs and talented quarterback, Notre Dame’s group will have to run against one of the stoutest linebacker groups in the conference, as well as Frank Clark on the defensive line. "

Haha seriously... really the worst part of the whole thing was the writing itself. She is terrible. She truly has absolutely no talent as a writer if this article is indicative of her general quality of work.

Basically everyone on this board (sans GBDomer, of course ) writes more eloquently than her without even trying. And this is work published on a major news website. SMH.

 

[gkIrish]

Just going to drop this exceptionally informed and well-reasoned piece of sportswriting here...

Michigan Wolverines predictions for fall 2014: Victory at Notre Dame - ESPN

Nothing like predicting the results of a football game before 1/4 of the team is on campus.