Recruiting needs: Northwestern Wildcats

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The skill positions will top Pat Fitzgerald's wish list as the Northwestern head coach wraps up a small recruiting class on the heels of a 9-4 season.

Northwestern loses its starting quarterback (C.J. Bacher), its top two running backs (Tyrell Sutton and Omar Conteh) and its top three wide receivers (Eric Peterman, Rasheed Ward and Ross Lane). Mike Kafka steps in at quarterback, but he'll be a senior. The Wildcats need another capable signal caller for 2010, and they think they've found one in commit Evan Watkins.

Running back will be the team's biggest need next fall, and the recruiting class could help. Sutton arrived four years ago as a true freshman and rushed for nearly 1,500 yards. Though undersized rising junior Stephen Simmons did a nice job in relief of Sutton this fall, Northwestern needs to stock up in the backfield.

The Wildcats return some capable possession-type wide receivers (Jeremy Ebert, Andrew Brewster), but adding a player who can stretch the field would be a big plus in this class.

On the defensive side, linebacker likely will be the top priority, as Northwestern loses two starters (Malcolm Arrington and Prince Kwateng). Fitzgerald has always recruited well to his former position and will look to add there. The defensive line loses two starters and another (star end Corey Wootton) after the 2009 season, so building depth up front is vital.

Northwestern also loses kicker Amado Villarreal, a two-year starter, and will award a scholarship to incoming recruit Jeff Budzien.

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Big Ten helmet stickers: Bowl edition

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten probably wants to forget this postseason after going 1-6 in bowls. But several players stood out, even in defeat, and they deserve recognition. Let's hand out helmet stickers for the final time this season, beginning with the one Big Ten team (Iowa) that actually won its bowl.

Iowa running back Shonn Greene – Playing in what would be his final collegiate game, the Hawkeyes' junior went out with a flourish, racking up 121 rushing yards and three touchdowns against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. Greene eclipsed 100 rushing yards in all 13 games and set a single-season school rushing record with 1,850 yards.

Iowa strong safety Tyler Sash — South Carolina was in a giving mood (five turnovers), and Sash capitalized with two interceptions, raising his season total to five. Sash, a redshirt freshman who became one of the team's top playmakers, picked off Stephen Garcia's first pass of the game and had interception returns of 45 and 29 yards.

Iowa cornerback Bradley Fletcher — The senior recorded an interception and a forced fumble in his final game in a Hawkeyes uniform. With Iowa up 14-0, Fletcher squashed any chance of a South Carolina rally by intercepting a Garcia pass in the end zone for a touchback. He also forced a fumble on South Carolina's first play of the second half.

Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman – He hadn't taken significant snaps since September but gave Ohio State a big lift in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against Texas. The offense was sputtering until Boeckman found Brian Robiskie for a 48-yard completion on the first play of the fourth quarter. Boeckman later threw a touchdown to fellow quarterback Terrelle Pryor and nearly helped Ohio State to a big upset.

Ohio State's defense — Colt McCoy and Quan Cosby had the final word in Glendale, but Ohio State held the high-powered Texas offense well below its season scoring average. The Buckeyes racked up three sacks and nine tackles for loss and limited big plays until Cosby's 26-yard touchdown with 16 seconds left.

Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher — Bacher ended an up-and-down senior season with arguably his best performance in the Valero Alamo Bowl. He threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns against Missouri in a 30-23 overtime loss. Bacher threw only one interception and spread the ball well to his veteran targets.

Northwestern's senior wide receivers — Rasheed Ward, Ross Lane and Eric Peterman combined for 19 receptions, 261 yards and three touchdowns in the Alamo Bowl. All three had scoring receptions of 20 yards or longer, highlighted by Lane's circus catch in the back of the end zone late in the third quarter.

Penn State linebacker Navorro Bowman – The Rose Bowl was a rough one for Penn State's defense, but Bowman certainly did his part with five tackles for loss and a sack. Bowman finished the season with 106 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. Next season he'll form the Big Ten's top linebacker tandem with Sean Lee.

Michigan State safety Otis Wiley – Wiley and his fellow defenders held Georgia to three first-half points in the Capital One Bowl and gave the Spartans offense a chance to create some distance on the scoreboard. Michigan State eventually caved against Matthew Stafford, but Wiley had a forced fumble and seven tackles to go along with 87 return yards in his final collegiate game.

Minnesota wide receiver Eric Decker – Decker returned from knee surgery and an ankle injury to boost the Gophers in the Insight Bowl with eight receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown. The junior set Minnesota bowl records for receptions and receiving yards and will return in 2009 as one of the Big Ten's top targets.

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Northwestern’s upset attempt falls just short

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Northwestern outplayed Missouri for most of the Valero Alamo Bowl.

The Wildcats had a tremendous game plan, made big plays on both sides of the ball and kept Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman from lighting up the Alamodome scoreboard, which seemed like a guarantee entering tonight’s contest. As the biggest underdog of the 68 FBS bowl teams, Northwestern has nothing to be ashamed about after a 30-23 overtime loss to the Tigers in a thrilling contest.

But when you’re a massive underdog and you face a more talented opponent, you need to execute the little things. Details matter more than ever. For Northwestern, the little things came on special teams, and in that area, Pat Fitzgerald’s team failed miserably.

Northwestern had no business being tied with Missouri at halftime after dominating the opening 30 minutes. But a poorly executed punt, one that should have gone out of bounds, allowed Maclin to race 75 yards for the tying touchdown with a minute left before the break.

That’s seven points right there. At worst, Northwestern should have been up 10-3 at the half.

The Wildcats then opened the second half with a brilliant scoring drive capped by a 46-yard Rasheed Ward touchdown catch. But in a scene Northwestern fans are all too familiar with, kicker Amado Villarreal missed on the extra point attempt. The conversion would have forced Missouri to score a touchdown in the closing minutes rather than settle for a field goal. Northwestern’s defense did a great job of keeping Missouri out of the end zone, so a stop was likely.

Eight points on special teams likely doomed the Wildcats, and that’s not even counting a missed field goal in the opening half. In a game where Northwestern did so many things right, the special teams details really stung.

The program’s first bowl win since 1949 would have been huge, but Northwestern made a strong statement tonight, especially on the defensive side. The Wildcats held Missouri’s offense to three first half points and picked off Daniel three times. Though Missouri ultimately made the plays when it mattered, Northwestern’s defense was one of the bright spots in the Big Ten and should only improve in 2009.

Quarterback C.J. Bacher and wide receivers Eric Peterman, Ross Lane and Ward played arguably their best games of the season, and running back Tyrell Sutton came off a wrist injury to rush for 114 yards. Northwestern’s problems along the offensive line came back to haunt the team late, and some questionable play-calling gave Missouri the time to rally and force overtime.

The 34-year-old Fitzgerald has Northwestern headed in the right direction. It’s critical that this program sustains success, something it did not do after Fitzgerald finished playing in 1996. Those who dismiss Northwestern because of its pre-1995 history are simply uninformed, but the program still needs to get over the hump in bowl games.

Fine-tuning the details on special teams is a good place to start.

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Big Ten year-end wide receiver/tight end rankings

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Only one Big Ten team (Illinois) ranked in the top 25 nationally in pass offense, so this was anything but an explosive year for the league’s wide receivers and tight ends. Subpar quarterback play had a role, as did injuries (Travis Beckum). Here’s a look at the best of an average bunch, as well as my preseason rankings for wide receivers/tight ends.

1. Eric Decker, Minnesota – The junior turned in an excellent season that would have looked even more impressive if not for an ankle injury Nov. 1 against Northwestern. Decker, who will play slot receiver in the NFL next season or in 2009, led the Big Ten and ranked 16th nationally in receptions. His blocking ability makes him even more attractive to pro teams. 

2. Arrelious Benn, Illinois – Benn came on strong in Big Ten play, racking up 45 receptions for 794 yards and three touchdowns in eight league games. A likely candidate to turn pro after the 2009 season, Benn averaged 17.6 yards per catch in conference games and solidified himself as Juice Williams’ top option. 

3. Deon Butler, Penn State – The former walk-on finished his college career with a flourish, leading Penn State in receptions (43), receiving yards (713) and touchdowns (7). Butler became Penn State’s all-time receptions leader (175) and ranks second in career receiving yards (2,674) and third in touchdown receptions (22). 

4. Derrick Williams, Penn State — Williams’ value went far beyond what he did as a wide receiver. Though he contributed to Penn State’s passing attack with 40 receptions and 451 yards, his impact on returns, as a ballcarrier and as a part-time quarterback in the “Wild Lion” offense was even greater. The former nation’s No. 1 recruit played his best football in the twilight of his career.

5. Desmond Tardy, Purdue — It wasn’t a banner year for the Purdue offense, but Tardy did his part, particularly in Big Ten play. The senior finished third in receiving yards in league games (510). He eclipsed 100 receiving yards in four games, including each of the final two.

6. Greg Orton, Purdue — Orton helped fill the void left by Dorien Bryant with a team-high 69 catches, which ranked second in the Big Ten behind Decker. He was reliable if not overly flashy and settled into the possession-receiver role in the Boilermakers’ offense.

7. Blair White, Michigan State — Wide receiver was a major concern for Michigan State entering the season, and White came out of nowhere to become Brian Hoyer’s top option in Big Ten play. Only Arrelious Benn had more receiving yards in Big Ten play than White (568), who averaged a blistering 17.1 yards per reception. 

8. Eric Peterman, Northwestern — Peterman led Northwestern in receiving for the second consecutive season and recorded all five of his touchdown receptions in Big Ten play. He made big plays at key points and seemed to finish the season playing his best football.

9. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin — Beckum’s injury really hurt the Wisconsin passing game, but Graham did a nice job of stepping up. He was the Badgers’ only reliable option and led Big Ten tight ends with 37 receptions for 478 yards and five touchdowns. 

T-10 Brandon Myers, Iowa — The Hawkeyes had the nation’s best running back (Shonn Greene) and didn’t need to pass much, but Myers made his mark with 30 receptions and four touchdowns. The senior tight end earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the league’s coaches and helped Iowa reach a New Year’s Day bowl. 

T-10. Brian Robiskie, Ohio State — He certainly had higher expectations for his senior year and probably thought Todd Boeckman, not Terrelle Pryor, would be throwing him the ball. But under the circumstances, Robiskie performed adequately and grabbed a league-high eight touchdown receptions. 

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Peterman wins national sportsmanship award

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Northwestern wide receiver Eric Peterman has been named the recipient of the Awards and Recognition Association’s Sportsmanship Award, given to the FBS senior who best displays sportsmanship on and off the field.

Former BYU coach LaVell Edwards presented Peterman with the award today in Evanston, Ill.

Peterman, an engineering major who carries a 3.23 GPA, is the fourth recipient of the award, joining Washington State quarterback Alex Brink (2007), Rutgers fullback Brian Leonard (2006) and Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams (2005). Edwards said Peterman’s résumé of accomplishments in football, academics and community service was the best the award selection panel had ever seen.

Every FBS school was eligible to nominate players for the award. The field was narrowed to 10 finalists before the panel chose Peterman, who led Northwestern in receiving yards in each of the last two seasons.

“There’s more to college football than just the football aspect of it,” Peterman said. “I’m so thrilled to be able to represent this award because of the things that our program values.

“It’s something that means a lot to me. There is more than football, and off-the-field activities are just as important.”

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Offseason competition paid off for Northwestern

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The most important game Northwestern played took place months before the 2008 season opener against Syracuse.

In an effort to give his players greater ownership, Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald restructured the offseason program, putting a competitive element into every team activity. Whether it was winter conditioning, spring practice, community service projects or academics, Northwestern players competed in the “Wildcat Games.”

The roster divided into 10 mini teams — each with a captain, each with a mixture of offense and defense and older and younger players — and racked up points from the end of the 2007 season to the start of fall camp.

“It made it so there was less of a gap between older and younger or between classes or position groups,” said senior defensive end Kevin Mims, whose “NU Elite” team finished third in the competition. “We talked as a leadership council at the beginning of the year and said there’s a lot of division within this team. Say there’s a young wide receiver, I almost never talked to him because he’s in a different class than me, a different position group and a different side of the ball.

“So we tried to get groups of guys together that wouldn’t usually get to know each other. Getting to know your teammates really helps when it comes down to crunch time.”

Northwestern performed in crunch time this fall, going 5-1 in games decided by eight points or fewer. Despite having only one All-Big Ten performer (defensive end Corey Wootton) and losing key players to injuries, the Wildcats’ newfound unity helped them win three of their final four games to finish 9-3.

Fitzgerald could tell the team’s attitude was in the right place when it came time to present the reward for winning the “Wildcat Games.” The winning team would be excused from the conditioning test on the first day of camp.

Wide receiver Eric Peterman, who captained the “Victorious Secret” team to victory, discussed the situation with his squad.

“I said, ‘Look, we’ve put all this work into it. If you feel good and you feel like you can run the conditioning test, why don’t we go ahead and do it?’” Peterman said. “It will make a step not only for our individual team but a step for this program in the right direction that we’re going to go this extra mile. Even when we don’t have to do certain activities, we’re going to go the extra mile and do it.”

Quarterback C.J. Bacher’s team, which finished second, also had the option of skipping the conditioning test.

“They still wanted to run it,” Fitzgerald said. “We had a hungry team and we needed to keep that hunger mentality.”

Fitzgerald will continue the “Wildcat Games” program this offseason and underscored the importance of getting young players involved in competition, both during the season and in the offseason.

“That will be huge in keeping this momentum going,” he said. “In 1995 and 1996, we had a lot of older guys playing and when we matriculated out of the program we didn’t quite have the amount of young guys with the experience. There were also a lot of distractions off the field back then whereas now we have a lot of consistency and a clear vision in our program.”

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Northwestern Wildcats season recap

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Northwestern didn’t make the big national splash this fall as it did in the mid-1990s, but the program quietly took some key steps on the path to consistent success.

It started with a 4-0 sweep of the nonconference slate, a feat Northwestern hadn’t accomplished since 1963. Even the school’s league title-winning teams in 1995, 1996 and 2000 stumbled in nonleague play. Had Northwestern swept the nonconference portion in 2007 or merely gone 2-2 or better in 2004, the program would have made bowls in four of the last five years.

An even bigger breakthrough occurred on defense. Led by first-year coordinator Mike Hankwitz, Northwestern led the Big Ten in sacks (33) and ranked 23rd nationally in scoring defense (19.3 ppg). A unit that had finished no better than 68th nationally since Northwestern installed the spread offense in 2000 improved to 53rd this season. The Wildcats defense allowed 17 points or fewer in seven of the team’s nine wins and made the nation’s fifth-largest improvement in points allowed.

The offense didn’t light up the scoreboard as it had in past seasons, and a young offensive line and erratic quarterback play hurt the team at times. But newfound depth helped Northwestern survive injuries to quarterback C.J. Bacher and running back Tyrell Sutton, and the Wildcats won three of their final four games after a potentially disastrous loss at Indiana.

An Alamo Bowl matchup against Missouri awaits Northwestern, but head coach Pat Fitzgerald has built some momentum for a program that has been very competitive in Big Ten play since 1995.

Offensive MVP — Wide receiver Eric Peterman
After a slow start, Peterman came on strong during Big Ten play to lead the Wildcats in receiving yards (654) for the second consecutive season. The senior had a team-high five touchdown catches and also threw a touchdown pass in a win against Purdue. Fellow wideout Ross Lane deserves a mention, and Sutton was very productive before suffering a dislocated wrist Oct. 25 at Indiana.

Defensive MVP — Defensive end Corey Wootton
Hankwitz’s system allowed Wootton to start reaching his enormous potential, and the junior earned All-Big Ten honors after anchoring the league’s top pass rush. Wootton finished fifth in the Big Ten in sacks (9) and seventh in tackles for loss (15). The 6-foot-7 end had seven quarterback hurries, a blocked kick, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Safety Brad Phillips also merits a mention.

Turning point — Nov. 1 at Minnesota
Northwestern limped into the Metrodome, having lost Sutton, Bacher and starting middle linebacker Malcolm Arrington to injuries in the previous two games. But backup quarterback Mike Kafka sizzled in his first start since 2006, setting a Big Ten quarterback rushing record with 217 yards. Kafka kept the offense afloat, and the defense sealed a dramatic win as Brendan Smith returned an interception for a touchdown with 12 seconds remaining.

What’s next
The Wildcats are heavy underdogs in the Alamo Bowl, but their first postseason win since the 1949 Rose Bowl would cap a very strong season. Northwestern must replace its starting offensive backfield, but Kafka appears to be a capable replacement at quarterback and a very young offensive line will be a year older. The core returns on defense, and Northwestern should be in position for another bowl game in 2009.

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Northwestern still fighting for respect

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Northwestern went into its regular-season finale against Illinois as a home underdog despite owning three more wins than the Illini.

	Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
	Defensive end Corey Wootton is Northwestern’s only first- or second-team All-Big Ten selection.

Whether or not the Wildcats felt disrespected by Las Vegas, they handed Illinois a fairly thorough beating (27-10) and ended the regular-season at 9-3, notching the program’s highest victories total since head coach Pat Fitzgerald was a senior linebacker. Northwestern finished in a fourth-place tie in the Big Ten with Iowa, a team it beat Sept. 27, and re-entered the BCS standings at No. 24.

“Hopefully,” wide receiver Eric Peterman said, “we’re getting a little bit more respect.”

Not yet.

When the All-Big Ten selections were released Monday night, Northwestern had a grand total of one player — defensive end Corey Wootton — on the first or second teams. Only bottom-feeders Purdue and Indiana had less representation on the All-Big Ten teams than Northwestern.

Wisconsin had six second-team selections despite a 7-5 record, and 5-7 Illinois had two first-teamers (wideout Arrelious Benn and linebacker Brit Miller) and three second-team picks.

“I haven’t talked to any guys [to see] if they’re mad they didn’t get to first team or we didn’t get more people,” said Peterman, who was interviewing for a job at American Airlines in Dallas when the All-Big Ten teams came out. “I don’t think it really affects us. It’s all about team here.”

Head coach Pat Fitzgerald called the Wildcats a first-team All-Big Ten team on Monday and didn’t seem concerned about the team’s uphill battle for respect.

“I know we’re very well-respected within the young men that we’re recruiting,” Fitzgerald said. I know that we’re very well-respected in the high school coaches that we walk into their high schools. … So I guess that respect that you’re talking about — about the things that are out of our control — quite frankly, I don’t care.

“To win football games and to be bowl-eligible and to have the success that we’ve had and three Big Ten championships since 1995, I think it speaks for itself. So if you don’t respect the job that our young men do [and] our coaches do, then shame on you.”

Peterman admits Northwestern still fights the perception of being “the little stepchild of the Big Ten that everybody gets to beat on all the time.” The last few seasons have started to change that opinion, but respect remains hard to come by.

Northwestern did lose to a bad Indiana team whiffed on two chances to make a splash during the regular season, getting stomped at home by both Michigan State and Ohio State. But another opportunity awaits in a bowl game, where Northwestern hasn’t been successful in nearly 60 years (1949 Rose Bowl).

Though the Wildcats could be leapfrogged by Iowa in the bowl pecking order, a 10th victory could change perceptions of the program heading into 2009.

“It’s got to be year after year, consistently in the middle of the pack or in the upper echelon [of the Big Ten] to get respect,” Peterman said. “And also win a bowl game. Ten wins in a season is kind of another level. Ten sounds so much better than nine. We’re trying to get to that level and get the monkey off our back of winning a bowl game for the first time in 60 years.”

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Greene, Laurinaitis headline All-Big Ten teams

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The All-Big Ten teams have been named by the league’s coaches and media members. My analysis will come later tonight.

Iowa running back Shonn Greene and Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis were selected as Big Ten Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year by both the coaches and the media. Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor was the consensus choice for Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Penn State’s Joe Paterno was the media’s pick for Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Here’s the full list.

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Grades: Michigan Reverts Back to Form Against Northwestern

Northwestern 21, Michigan 14

Record: 3-8, 2-6 Big 10

Well I’m thoroughly depressed. Anyone else?

In 129 years of football at the University of Michigan never, never, have the Wolverines suffered eight losses.

It happened in the most disheartening way I could ever imagine. Northwestern, of all the teams in the Big Ten, is the team to hand Michigan loss number eight.

And just when Michigan was starting to show vast signs of improvement and being capable of finishing the season on a high note.

It’s like that scene in The Godfather 3 when Al Pacino says “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in,” and he has a heart attack.

Michigan had put together two solid offensive performances the past two weeks against Minnesota and Purdue.

Then the Wolverines revert back to its early season form and lay a giant egg in the second half.

The defense once again gave up big plays and left the middle of the field wide open, and Northwestern happily exploited it time and again with no adjustments made by Scott Schafer and the coaching staff.

On with the grades before I decide to down a bottle of vodka and use some Xanax as a chaser.

Offense

Welcome back Nick “Human White Flag” Sheridan. Last week, against Minnesota, was obviously an aberration and you will forever have the Little Brown Jug to remember.

Sheridan’s 8-for-29, 61 yards passing, 35 yards rushing and one touchdown run performance was as bad as it gets at Michigan.

He very easily could’ve thrown three interceptions but the weather might have prevented Northwestern from catching balls thrown right to them.

After being benched for Steven Threet in the third quarter, Sheridan might as well have had the word Surrender where his name is on the back of his jersey.

Not that Threet was any better. He wasn’t by any means. Threet looked like his rain and snow drenched jersey was weighing down any attempt to throw the ball.

His overthrown ball to Mike Massey for an interception could be blamed on Massey though.

Massey had a chance to be a hero on senior day and his last game in Michigan Stadium but for some reason he just pulled his arms down, giving up any attempt to get a hand on the ball. Just shows why Koger’s been starting.

It’s time Martavious Odoms received some criticism after avoiding it all season (from me anyway). It’s 11 games into the season now and the guy can barely hold on to a punt or kick return.

No excuses either that the Florida wide receiver was more than uncomfortable out there in the cold and snow. He better get used to it now. Man up.

But there was a big surprise for the offense on Saturday. Carlos Brown came back in a big way. Just when I thought the guy was all but lost he busts loose for 115 yards on 23 carries.

Still, it was not enough, and if Rich Rodriguez was going to spring Brown as a surprise he should’ve saved it for the Ohio State game.

Instead he could’ve played Sam McGuffie who was nowhere to be found. Maybe Brown is on his way out and RichRod wanted to give him a parting gift of playing in the Big House one last time.

Who knows what this coaching staff is thinking anymore.

Offensive Grade: D+

Defense

I have to admit it; I was jumping up and down when Stevie Brown intercepted that pass to start the game.

I thought to myself, “Wow, the defense is making so many strides that even Stevie Brown has improved.”

I think the picture above perfectly reflects my feelings now.

Michigan’s defense was erratic at best in the first half.

First, the Wolverines get an early turnover, then they give up a 21-yard touchdown to a third string running back on a third and 18 play.

Michigan shut Northwestern down the rest of the half but made no adjustments at halftime and got torched in the third quarter.

Ross Lane’s 17-yard touchdown grab was disgusting and if that was bad, the 53 yard score by Eric Peterman was an instant gag reflex.

At first glance it seemed Stevie Brown and Charles Stewart are to blame for Peterman’s touchdown being that the middle of the field was so wide open, but blame Brandon Harrison for letting Peterman get that open.

Harrison let Peterman go right by him and before Harrison knew what was happening he was 10 yards behind him chasing him with his tail between his legs.

C.J. Bacher looked like what all Big Ten quarterbacks not named Adam Weber have looked like against Michigan this year: All-Americans.

Although that is hardly the case, Michigan has made some bad quarterbacks look really good this year and Bacher is no exception.

Bacher was allowed to throw 17-for-29, 198 yards and two touchdowns.

Despite all that, the defense very nearly got Michigan back in this game. Donovan Warren (who if it wasn’t for a whistle happy official might of had a touchdown) almost had the moment I’ve been waiting for from him, and he should’ve given the offense all the momentum it needed to pull the comeback.

Defensive Grade: C-

Special Teams

K.C. Lopata just didn’t get enough air underneath what should’ve been a chip shot on a field goal that was blocked by Corey Wootton (who I warned about and he had a block, a sack, and a forced fumble).

Odoms fumbling a punt return was no big surprise, it happens on a weekly basis—all that’s left to surprise is whether or not he’ll recover it.

Zoltan Mesko was great as usual. I’m putting together his unofficial autobiography right now.

The big hero (if there were any) was walk on special teams ace Ricky Reyes. Well I don’t know if he’s an ace, but I’ve never been more confused as to who was scoring a touchdown for Michigan.

Reyes easily scored after red-shirt freshman Michael Williams blocked the punt.

I saw that Michigan hadn’t returned a blocked punt for a touchdown since Marlin Jackson did it in 2001 against Wisconsin.

Michigan almost blocked Northwestern punter Stefan Demos a couple times.

Special Teams Grade: B+

Coaching

Pat Fitzgerald was saying how he remembered every single detail about beating Michigan at the Big House in 1995 as a linebacker.

I bet he’ll file this game in his archives as games to remember right next to that one.

He clearly out coached Rich Rodriguez at halftime by making the proper adjustments and attacking the Michigan defense at its weak points.

While I have no idea what Rodriguez did at halftime other than maybe try drying off. Scott Schafer was right there next in line for the heating pad.

Although, he shouldn’t be worried about heating up because he’s on the hottest seat in Ann Arbor right now. Schafer continues to disappoint me on a daily basis

Coaching Grade: D-

Final Thoughts

If there was any thoughts out there about beating Ohio State, just forget about it.

It would be the biggest upset of all time in Michigan history. Bigger than App. State, bigger than Toledo, and bigger than the 1969 game where the Wolverines beat Ohio State.

Why? Two reasons.

One, it’s in Columbus. Two, Michigan is a god-awful 3-8.

But it’s not going to happen so stop mentioning or even thinking it.

What if though? No. No what ifs.

Week 11 Final Grade: C

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