Notes from 11/5-11/10 and for this week

**Boilermaker04** · 11-12-07, 08:46 PM

Bearmz

Thanks for the updates. Facts like these always help make better decisions. BOL to you this week.

Any thoughts on New Mexico + 14.5 vs. Utah?

**bearmz** · 11-13-07, 09:35 PM

Nov. 12, 2007
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -Florida State quarterback Drew Weatherford is probable for Saturday's game against Maryland.
Weatherford sustained a concussion Saturday during the Seminoles' 40-21 loss at Virginia Tech.
Weatherford said he felt fine after a 90-minute workout Monday.
Florida State (6-4, 3-4 ACC) coach Bobby Bowden said backup quarterback Xavier Lee was cleared for Saturday's game, but said he would leave Lee's status on the depth chart up to offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.
------------------------------------------
Colt Brennan was knocked out cold after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit Saturday night, but said he feels fine and will be ready to go Friday when No. 13 Hawaii faces Nevada on the road.
"I'll be out there and ready to play," he said, after sitting out practice Monday.
Warriors coach June Jones, however, said his record-breaking quarterback will be a game-time decision.
Brennan suffered a mild concussion in Hawaii's 37-30 victory over Fresno State that kept the Warriors undefeated at 9-0 and their BCS hopes alive.
He is also expected to be sidelined Tuesday as well. The team also practices Wednesday before flying to Reno in the afternoon for its game Friday.
The senior said he's had no symptoms from the concussion and feels "normal."
"I just got to hope that I continue to get better and feel good," he said. "Hopefully Friday, I can get cleared. That's all I'm waiting for."
*newer UD*
Colt Brennan QB, Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 11/12/07, Time: 11:58 am News: The Honolulu Advertiser is reporting Brennan is feeling better after suffering a concussion.
Warriors coach June Jones has indicated Brennan should play against Nevada.
-------------------------------------------------
Omar Clayton QB, UNLV Rebels 11/11/07, Time: 12:46 pm News: During Saturday's UNLV-San Diego State game, Clayton suffered a fractured finger and did not return to the game. Analysis:
Clayton a true freshman’s status for upcoming action is uncertain.
---------------------------------------------

ACC Bowl Eligible: Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
One Win Away: Miami, N.C. State
Big East Bowl Eligible: Cincinnati, Connecticut, Rutgers, USF, West Virginia
One Win Away: Louisville
Big Ten Bowl Eligible: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin
One Win Away: None
Big 12 Bowl Eligible: Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
One Win Away: Colorado, Kansas State, Oklahoma State
Conference USA Bowl Eligible: East Carolina, Houston, Tulsa, UCF
One Win Away: Memphis, Southern Miss
Independents Bowl Eligible: Navy
One Win Away: None
MAC Bowl Eligible: Bowling Green, Central Michigan
One Win Away: Ball State, Miami (OH), Ohio, Toledo
Mountain West Bowl Eligible: Air Force, BYU, New Mexico, Utah
One Win Away: TCU, Wyoming
Pac-10 Bowl Eligible: Arizona State, Cal, Oregon, USC
One Win Away: Oregon State, UCLA
SEC Bowl Eligible: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee
One Win Away: Vanderbilt
Sun Belt Bowl Eligible: Troy
One Win Away: Florida Atlantic, Middle Tennessee
WAC Bowl Eligible: Boise State, Hawai'i, Fresno State
One Win Away: Nevada

**bearmz** · 11-13-07, 09:36 PM

boiler, here's some notes on Ut vs NMx:

Because the Utes have won six straight games and because of the way they so thoroughly dominated a Wyoming team that had beaten No. 19 Virginia and played No. 20 Boise State close, it seems unimaginable that they will have trouble with the 7-3 Lobos.
But there's a precedent for it.
In 2005, Whittingham's first year as head coach, the Utes pounded Wyoming 43-13 at home after a bye week to improve to 5-4, then inexplicably were flat the next week and lost 31-27 to a New Mexico team that came in with a 5-4 record.
They now become Wyoming fans, hoping the Cowboys can get it together at home (where they are 4-1) when league-leading BYU visits on Saturday. The Utes (7-3, 4-2) need to beat the Cougars (7-2, 5-0) and have BYU lose to either Wyoming or San Diego State on Dec. 1 to get a piece of the MWC title.
The committee member said he believes the Las Vegas Bowl might take Utah (7-3) if it beats New Mexico (7-3) and BYU on Nov. 24 because then it would have eight straight wins.
Also, New Mexico is still in the picture for the Poinsettia Bowl.
"They're not out of it," Baber said. "If [Utah and Wyoming] just struggle and don't do much in the next few weeks, then yeah, [New Mexico] is still in the mix. "

The Utes are coming off a 50-0 win over Wyoming, their sixth consecutive victory.
During that stretch, Utah has averaged 232 rushing yards per game. In the past two games that number jumps to 300.
UNM couldn't pick a worse time to have a wobbly run defense.
Colorado State's physical style wrung out 178 rushing yards against the Lobos. Most of that total (172 yards) went to Gartrell Johnson, who at 6-foot, 230 pounds, hit the holes quickly and handed out plenty of bruises to members of UNM's secondary.
A trend is developing.
Through its last three games, UNM's defense has surrendered 209 rushing yards per game.
In its previous three games against Division I-A opponents, the Lobos were allowing 108 rushing yards per game.
"I don't know," said Carter, when asked about the suddenly porous run defense. "It seems like we lost our edge a bit. It could be we're getting a little run down. But we've got two weeks left, we've got to dig deep."

LW Nmx beat CSU 26-23 after losing 37-0 to TCU the week before.
Last place? Who cares: Colorado State is crawling through one of its worst seasons in history.
They rank last in the Mountain West Conference and boast one win.

**CrapsMyWay** · 11-13-07, 09:37 PM

Thanks for all the info...Good Luck Everyone!

**pags11** · 11-14-07, 04:29 AM

thanks for this bearmz...

**bearmz** · 11-14-07, 04:46 PM

Kentucky running back Rafael Little is questionable for Saturday's game at No. 8 Georgia after injuring his back in last week's win over Vanderbilt.
Little missed three games with a thigh injury before returning to run for 70 yards against the Commodores but carried just once in the second half after hurting his back. He did not practice on Wednesday.
Brooks said the team's medical staff is unsure of the extent of the injury. Little will undergo treatment in hopes of being able to play.
"They're putting stem on him; they're giving him massage; they're doing heat, cold, everything," Brooks said. "It could be bruise, or it could be a pull. We're not totally sure. Whatever it is, it's painful."
-------------------------------------------
Each time he moved stiffly to address a questioner, Jake Locker's entire body turned. His sore, sprained neck did not.
That revealed more about the chances of Washington's talented redshirt freshman quarterback playing Saturday against California than his words did.
"It's not out of the realm of possibility," Locker said not so convincingly Tuesday, three days after he was immobilized on a stretcher and driven off the field to a hospital during a loss at Oregon State, following a helmet-to-helmet hit.
Locker still has a neck collar for the muscle strain, but he wasn't wearing it because he jokingly said "it draws too much attention."
The nation's second-leading rusher among quarterbacks with 807 yards in 10 games has to show trainers he can turn his head while being able to leave the rest of his 6-foot-3, 225-pound body behind.
The Huskies (3-7, 1-6 Pac-10) have to consider the prudence of having their dynamic runner and passer -- upon whom the program is relying for the next three seasons -- play Saturday. The game has far less importance than next week's 100th Apple Cup against Washington State, now that Washington is officially out of contention for a bowl game.
Coach Tyrone Willingham's initially said only that Locker would not practice Tuesday afternoon, senior Carl Bonnell(13-33-284pyds-2TD-0 INT/ 5 r atts/-14 ryds) would lead the team instead.
Bonnell sounded like he expected to start against the Bears (6-4, 3-4) and then yield to Locker for the Apple Cup.
"Maybe not this week, but next week," Bonnell said of when he expects Locker to play again.

ADDING:
Bonnell, meanwhile, figures to get an unexpected chance to start again. The graduate of Kentwood High, who began his career at WSU before transferring, has seven starts in his UW career, including the last five games of last season after Isaiah Stanback was injured.

-------------------------------------------------
Vince Hall was described by Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster before this year as the best defensive player he's ever coached. Hall's broken left forearm and wrist have sufficiently healed, and he finally gets to play again on Saturday. That it will be Senior Day and the opponent is Miami make it that much more exciting.
So much for thoughts a meaningless game will yield a letdown.
"It's senior day," Hall said Tuesday, scoffing at the possibility the team will be looking ahead to next week's big game at Virginia. "Our last time in Lane Stadium. If they ain't getting up, I'm getting 'em up. I ain't going to let that happen."
The No. 10 Hokies (8-2, 5-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) could lose to Miami and they'd still play for a spot in the ACC championship the following week at Virginia.
Despite playing the last part of the Clemson game with the broken bones in his arm and wrist, and sitting out four games in a row since, Hall still ranks second on the team in tackles with 61 in six games.
Linebacker Cam Martin said it will be like having a coach in the huddle again.
Hall may see only limited time against the Hurricanes. Backup Brett Warren played exceptionally well in his absence, and the big game isn't until next Saturday.
---------------------------------
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 NMXST:
Update: Dubois will miss Saturday's game against Utah State with a sprained knee, the Las Cruces Sun-News reports.
Recommendation: The Aggies were already without Chris Williams at wideout, so this is a pretty huge blow
-------------------------------
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Update: Brennan missed practice again on Tuesday with a concussion and hasn't yet received medical clearance to play, the Honolulu Star Bulletin reports.
Recommendation: Brennan and the coaching staff seem to be taking the injury in stride and are confident he'll be able to play, but haven't seen that clearance yet. Note that Hawaii plays on Friday night at Nevada, rather than on Saturday.
----------------------------------------
The Bulldogs rank in the middle of the Southeastern Conference pack in most categories: sixth in points, eighth in passing yards, seventh in total yards.
But those numbers are for an entire season. Over the last three weeks, No. 8 Georgia has been on quite a roll.
For the first time since 1942, the Geo Bulldogs have scored at least 40 points in three straight games, including emotional wins over two of their biggest rivals, Florida and Auburn.
Indeed, Georgia had positioned itself to make a run at the SEC championship game in Atlanta, though the Bulldogs (8-2, 5-2) must win Saturday against No. 22 Kentucky and hope that Tennessee loses one of its final two games. The Vols hold the tiebreaker edge in the Eastern Division.
If one is looking for an easy explanation for Georgia's offensive surge, Knowshon Moreno is a good place to start.
The redshirt freshman took over as the starter a month ago after Thomas Brown broke his collarbone and ran for 157 yards in his first career start against Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs struggled to a 20-17 victory in that one, but they've been unstoppable ever since.
Moreno ran for 188 yards in a 42-30 victory over Florida, 196 in a 44-34 win over Troy and 101 last week in a 45-20 triumph over Auburn -- a game that marked the return of Brown, who added 84 yards on the ground.
SQB Stafford, a sophomore, has cut down on the turnovers that plagued him as a freshman. The youngsters on the offensive line -- the first unit includes two freshmen and one redshirt freshman -- are much more confident and effective with 10 games under their belts. The maligned receiving corps is suddenly catching everything.
Moreno, the school's first 1,000-yard rusher since Musa Smith in 2002, is averaging 5.5 yards per carry. So is Brown, who has rushed for 494 yards despite missing three games.
The duo was especially effective against Auburn, wearing down the Tigers as the game went on. Georgia scored the final 28 points after falling behind late in the third quarter.
The runners have softened up things for the passing game. Stafford doesn't throw it around like some quarterbacks, averaging less than 28 attempts per game, but he's been hitting plenty of big plays.
Against Florida, Stafford tossed an 84-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi and a 53-yarder to Mike Henderson. Last week, the Stafford-to-Massaquoi combination burned Auburn for a 58-yard touchdown. Then, after the Tigers surged ahead with 17 straight points, Stafford went deep to Sean Bailey for a 45-yard completion that set up the go-ahead score for the Bulldogs.

Few Def stats for KY game[/B]:

Pass Def:
Aub: #15 (185y/g-11TD)
Fla: #89 (249-15)
Ky: #19 (190-16)
Pass Eff. D
Aub: # 21 (110 rating)
Fla: #70 (128.6)
KY: #36 (117)
Total D
Aub: # 11 (305 y/g-22TDs)
Fla: #38 (351-32)
KY: #63 (388-36)
-------------------------

**bearmz** · 11-15-07, 02:45 AM

After sitting out two days of practice following a concussion, Colt Brennan returned to the field Wednesday to take a few snaps, with Hawaii coach June Jones saying the quarterback has been cleared to play Friday at Nevada.
Doctors and trainers have determined Brennan is fine following the injury Saturday in a 37-30 victory over Fresno State, Jones said.
"If the game was today, I would say he would play," Jones said following practice.
Brennan took five snaps against the scout team.
He needs just one more touchdown pass to reach 122 and break the NCAA career record set by Brigham Young's Ty Detmer in 1991.
No. 13 Hawaii, 9-0 for the first time since 1925, will try to hold on to its perfect record when it faces unranked Nevada (5-4).
---------------------------------------------
For the first time since 1999, Tennessee (7-3, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) is poised to go undefeated at home with one game left against Vanderbilt (5-5, 2-5) on Saturday.
It's not that hard (for Tennessee) to be inspired in the beginning of a game because you have 100,000 people excited," Georgia coach Mark Richt said after his Bulldogs lost 35-14 in Knoxville in October. "They continued to feed off that energy and we just dug a bigger whole. We couldn't do anything to break the cycle of excitement."
Even though Tennessee has struggled in most of its away games, in front of the orange and white the Vols have overwhelmed Georgia and Arkansas, pulled out an overtime win against South Carolina and cruised to easy wins over Southern Mississippi, Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette.
The current senior class entered this season having won 65 percent of their home games with a 13-7 record at Neyland Stadium. They had also gone 6-6 at home against SEC opponents and 2-5 against ranked opponents.
That means the seniors can add six wins, including three over conference opponents and two over ranked teams, to their career record. LSU is the only other SEC team unbeaten at home this season.

**bearmz** · 11-15-07, 03:23 AM

Casey Dick is still Arkansas' starting quarterback after being pulled during last weekend's loss to Tennessee.
Coach Houston Nutt said the junior will remain at the top of the depth chart for Saturday's matchup with Mississippi State. Dick was 12-of-22 passing for 140 yards and two interceptions in a 34-13 loss to the Volunteers. Nathan Emert came in and was 3-for-6 for 22 yards. He also had an interception run back for a touchdown.
Dick has completed 55 percent of his passes for 1,205 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. With stars Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at running back, Dick hasn't been asked to do too much.
Two weekends ago against South Carolina, Dick kept mistakes to a minimum. He was 8 of 10 passing for 86 yards and two touchdowns. He didn't have to attempt a pass in the second half as Arkansas held on for a 48-36 win. McFadden ran for 321 yards in that game.
Arkansas and Mississippi State are ranked 11th and 12th in the SEC in passing. ... Nutt lost at Mississippi State the first time he faced the Bulldogs as Arkansas' coach. The Razorbacks have won all eight meetings since.
Only one team -- LSU -- has beaten the Razorbacks in Little Rock since coach Houston Nutt took over before the 1998 season. Now there's speculation on how much longer Nutt's tenure will last.
There's also a sense this could be Darren McFadden's last home game for the Razorbacks. The junior can turn pro after this season.
McFadden is from Little Rock, so he should be eager for a big game this weekend. He ran for 321 yards in Fayetteville two games ago in a win over South Carolina, but was held to 117 in a 34-13 loss at Tennessee last week.
------------------------------------------
North Texas is eighth in the country in passing, but its defense is allowing 50 points a game -- easily the worst mark in major college football.
North Texas coach Todd Dodge achieved great success with a spread offense as a high school coach at Southlake Carroll in Texas. North Texas is averaging 47 pass attempts per game under him. Receiver Casey Fitzgerald is third in the nation at 9.4 catches per game.
The Mean Green (1-8, 1-4 Sun Belt Conference) have allowed over 60 points three times this season.
Arkansas State (4-6, 2-4) is closing out its home season -- and the home careers of standout defensive backs Tyrell Johnson and Khayyam Burns. Those two have helped the Indians become one of the Sun Belt's top teams at defending the pass.
Arkansas State quarterback Corey Leonard is fourth in the Sun Belt in passing, and Reggie Arnold is third in rushing.
-----------------------------------------------
Rich Brooks knows the play of his offensive and defensive lines have been just as important to No. 22 Kentucky's resurgence as quarterback Andre Woodson.
Still, after watching both units struggle in a tough 27-20 win over Vanderbilt last week --- he wasn't in the mood to praise.
Both lines will need to be better -- much better -- on Saturday when the Wildcats (7-3, 3-3 Southeastern Conference) play at No. 8 Georgia (8-2, 5-2).
The Wildcats were able to keep Woodson's jersey clean in an upset over No. 1 LSU on Oct. 13. Since then, however, opponents have found a way to get Woodson to the turf, sacking him 12 times in the last three games.
After an arduous stretch in Kentucky faced South Carolina, LSU and Florida in consecutive weeks, Brooks knew there was bound to be a letdown.
While the Wildcats have made significant progress after being one of the worst defenses in the country a year ago, they're still 10th in the SEC yards allowed and don't rank in the top five in the conference in any major statistical category.
-------------------------------------
South Carolina cornerback Captain Munnerlyn could be out of the season with a sprained left foot. Munnerlyn sprained his left foot two weeks ago against Arkansas. He was in on just one play against Florida last Saturday.
The sophomore started every game before he was injured. Munnerlyn has 47 tackles and leads the team with three interceptions.
-----------------------------
The Bearcats are having their best season since they went 8-1 and won the Missouri Valley Conference title in 1964. A victory over West Virginia would leave them in the running for the Big East title with one game left against Syracuse.
Mauk is one of the reasons they've come this far. His 21 touchdown passes are second in the conference to Louisville's Brian Brohm, who has 28. He also can run, and ranks third in the conference in total offense with 257 yards per game.
In the past two games, Mauk has thrown for six touchdowns with only one interception.
---------------------------------
The Terrapins (5-5, 2-4) need a win to become bowl-eligible. Maryland became bowl-eligible last year with its 27-24 win over the Seminoles.
Florida State (6-4, 3-4) needs a win to avoid a second straight losing season in conference play. The one-time ACC kingpins are 14-14 in the last 28 games and just 6-11 against league opponents in regular season play.
---------------------------------
No. 3 Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy will gladly relinquish his time at defensive end to make way for Big 12 sacks leader Auston English to return.
With English out for last week's game against Baylor, McCoy was shifted from defensive tackle to defensive end, where the Sooners (9-1, 5-1 Big 12) needed a boost for the pass rush with both starters from the beginning of the season unable to play.
It will be nice to have Auston back and not just because I won't have to play defensive end, but because we need him out there on the field."
English, who has 9½ sacks in nine games this season, suffered a hairline fracture in his right leg the previous week against Texas A&M and was held out of the Baylor game as a precaution. He's expected to play this Saturday at Texas Tech.
Oklahoma matched its season low with one sack against Baylor. The only other game this season when the Sooners didn't record multiple sacks was against Iowa State.
-----------------------------
Thanks to the Fighting Irish's deal with NBC, Duke will get a rare chance to play on national television. Then comes the fact that Notre Dame (1-9) is struggling mightily under Charlie Weis this season, allowing the Blue Devils to treat a game that once seemed like a certain loss as a real chance to prove themselves.
Roof has already tried to prepare his team. Offensive coordinator Peter Vaas, who spent the past two seasons at Notre Dame, addressed the players Tuesday morning about what to expect when they arrive.
Notes: The Irish will likely be without several key players against Duke. Center John Sullivan, who has started 42 games, has an injured leg, defensive tackle Pat Kuntz, who is sixth on the team with 42 tackles, has a back injury and reserve safety Sergio Brown has a sprained ankle. None of the three is expected to play. Punter Geoff Price (quad) and reserve tight end Mike Ragone (sprained ankle) are doubtful.
--------------------------------------
Trips away from Owen Field haven't been friendly to the Sooners (9-1, 5-1) this season. They suffered their only loss this season at Colorado, and their other two games outside the state were among their three wins by 10 points or less. That includes a 17-7 victory at Iowa State in their last away game on Oct. 20.
In Stoops' nine seasons, Oklahoma is 53-2 at home and 27-10 on the road. In Big 12 road games, the Sooners' 22-7 record in that span is second-best in the conference behind Texas (28-3). Even discounting a 1-2 record in Big 12 play in Stoops' first season in 1999, the Longhorns would still hold the edge.
The game Saturday night will be Oklahoma's first return to Texas Tech since a 23-21 loss two years ago on a controversial 2-yard touchdown run by the Red Raiders' Taurean Henderson as time expired.
it didn't have the implications on the conference championship and even the BCS that exist this time. The Sooners would clinch the Big 12 South title with a win in either of their last two games, and they're still in the national championship picture at fourth in the BCS standings.

**Cougar Bait** · 11-15-07, 07:10 AM

Any news on the Michigan/Ohio St. game would be greatly appreciated! Especially a Henne/Hart update. Thanks! You do a great job with these posts.

**pags11** · 11-15-07, 03:33 PM

thanks for this bearmz...

**hhsilver** · 11-15-07, 03:38 PM

thanks for all the info bearmx. even if it doesn't help me get some winners, it makes for interesting reading all in one thread.

**bearmz** · 11-15-07, 06:59 PM

Trying to find latest UDs on Mich; here's what I've found from different sources:

Tuesday November 13, 2007, 6:28 AM
The weekly game of knowing how much quarterback Chad Henne and tailback Mike Hart will be able to contribute for the University of Michigan might continue up until after Saturday's kickoff.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr wouldn't elaborate Monday on if the two will be on the field when the Wolverines get the ball for the first time against Ohio State.
"We'll have to see on Saturday,'' Carr said at his weekly news conference.
Carr held out Hart, who's healing from a right high ankle sprain, from playing during the weekend at Wisconsin after not liking how he looked in pregame warmups.
And it became obvious to the Wolverines that something was wrong with Henne, who has a slightly separated throwing shoulder, when he left a third-down pass to Adrian Arrington short on Michigan's first drive.
"Then he came back the next series, and threw another pass to Adrian that he just lost control of it,'' Carr said. "And it was pretty apparent at that time to him and to everybody that it wasn't going to be his day.''
Teammates, as they have said in recent weeks, expect the duo to play against Ohio State. Given the ailments that Henne and Hart have, it's hard to expect either to be at 100 percent by Saturday, but they add dimensions the Wolverines will be sorely missing if they can't play.
"Well, having Mike and Chad, they're great veteran players,'' left tackle Jake Long said. "They do everything right. They don't make mistakes, and they give everybody emotion - not only the offense but the defense.''
In addition to no update on Henne and Hart, Carr had nothing to add about safety and special teams standout Anton Campbell, who left the field at Wisconsin on crutches.
"Saturday,'' Carr said.

QB Todd Boeckman — Gets his first crack at the Wolverines after "Michigan killer" Troy Smith went 3-0. Boeckman is coming off a lousy game against Illinois, but was steady through the first 10 games. He is the first Ohio State quarterback to make his first start in the series on the road since Craig Krenzel did it in 2001. OSU W 26-20RB Beanie Wells — His 51-yard touchdown run last year against Michigan was his signature highlight of the season. Played through hand and leg injuries last week and will be expected to do so again.
ROSTER REPORT: Beanie Wells appeared at interviews this week wearing a brace on his right hand but said it was just precautionary. Wells had the hand taped repeatedly against the Illini after jamming his thumb, but he'll be ready to go.
Backup QB Antonio Henton was reinstated to the team following a seven-game suspension after being charged with soliciting a prostitute. Henton had been practicing with the team through most of the suspension.
DE Lawrence Wilson (leg) and LB Curtis Terry (ankle) are out. LB Ross Homan (toe) is doubtful.
ROSTER REPORT: RB Mike Hart (ankle) and QB Chad Henne (shoulder) are questionable for the Buckeyes. Hart missed last week's game against Wisconsin, while Henne played just a couple of series before being removed.

MICHIGAN - Linebacker Antonio Bass (11/12, knee) is expected to miss the remainder of the year. Running back Mike Hart (11/12, sore right ankle) is probable for Saturday's game against Ohio State. Quarterback Chad Henne (11/12, sore right shoulder) is probable for Saturday's game against Ohio State. Defensive Back Brandent Englemon (11/12, undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's game against Ohio State. Running back Avery Horn (11/12, hamstring) is questionable for Saturday's game against Ohio State. Linebacker Brandon Logan (11/12, undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's game against Ohio State. Linebacker Brandon Herron (11/12, undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's game against Ohio State.
OHIO STATE - Running back Maurice Wells (11/15, leg) is questionable for Saturday's game against Michigan. Running back Chris Wells (11/12, thumb/leg) is probable for Saturday's game against Michigan. Linebacker Ross Homan (11/12, toe) is questionable for Saturday's game against Michigan. Defensive end Lawrence Wilson (9/3, broken right leg) is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks.

**bearmz** · 11-15-07, 07:04 PM

Here's a bunch of stuff while spanning the globe on Mich vs OSU:

Thursday November 15, 2007, 4:06 AM
, Cleveland Plain DealerThe U-M - OSU matchup pits two guys likely to be top 20 NFL draft picks this year. Watch for the matchup between U-M LT Jake Long and OSU DE and sack master Vernon Gholston.
In a special audio preview, OSU football writer Doug Lesmerises of The Cleveland Plain Dealer says although the pending injuries make this game so hard to call, he's got a strong feeling this is Michigan's year to win it.
He says OSU DE Vernon Gholston often rolls over opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks, but he hasn't faced anyone this year who will challenge him like Jake Long will.
He adds that if healthy, Mike Hart has a great chance at a good performance if U-M can block OSU on the outside like Illinois did last week, tying up its talented linebackers.
He also predicts that Mario Manningham can make real trouble for the OSU secondary in this game, despite the Buckeyes' highly successful pass defense this season.

Thursday November 15, 2007, 4:06 AM
Leisa ThompsonHeuser predicts Mario Manningham's effectiveness will be key in this game. It's trouble if OSU's secondary contains him as Wisconsin mostly did last week.
In this week's audio preview, John Heuser says he doesn't feel confident enough in Chad Henne's health -- or to a lesser extent Mike Hart's -- to say U-M can beat OSU.
He thinks U-M will get a great challenge from OSU DE Vernon Gholston, who will pressure Henne or Ryan Mallett. He also says Mario Manningham must be U-M's go-to offensive weapon and wonders how much the Ohio State secondary will contain the WR.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr recruited Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman in high school, offering a scholarship and coaxing a visit out of him.
Boeckman has silenced naysayers this season while tossing 23 touchdown passes, the fourth-highest total in OSU history. But he’s coming off his worst game, having thrown three of his 11 interceptions in a loss to Illinois.
“This will probably be a good test for him,” receiver Brian Hartline said. “He was playing really well, but he had some bad throws. It will be interesting to see how the whole team in general bounces back from something like that, not just Todd.”

Former Lions linebacker Chris Spielman, who can be heard on WBNS-AM (1460) in Columbus, Ohio, talked with WXYT-FM about the Michigan-Ohio State game:
On Ohio State’s loss to Illinois: “Well, they couldn’t tackle, they couldn’t get off blocks, and frankly I think some of the calls they made towards the end of the game when it’s obvious (Illinois) was going to run the ball, and they want to run the ball to keep the clock moving, they should have had maybe a few more people in the box or be aware of Juice Williams and they didn’t adjust. The bottom line of it though is when you can’t get the ball for 13 minutes and 46 seconds of one full quarter, in the fourth quarter, you don’t have an opportunity to win the game. You have no shot. This is probably the simplest comment I could make: it’s very difficult to score without the ball. Illinois did a great job, an unbelievable job of keeping the ball away from Ohio State for 13:46.”

Let me ask you this, this is a fair question. Mike Hart, Chad Henne, Jake Long.
“Did they come back for the reason to play for a Big Ten championship and go to the Rose Bowl? Or did they come back for their senior year, to compete for a national championship? I bet you if you’d ask them, I would think that would be the main reason they chose to come back. They’ve been to the Rose Bowl, and the rules are that guys play for BCS national championships. That’s the standard at Ohio State, that’s the standard at Michigan. Schools like that can do that, and I know it’s been disappointing.
November 15, 2007

Because for all he has done(Mike Hart) -- the all-time rushing record, leading the Big Ten as a freshman, countless honors and awards -- there is one thing he hasn't experienced: smiling after an Ohio State game.
"It's irritating, I can't lie," he says. "It's real irritating, especially with the way the game went last year and the year before. ... It's hard."
Can you put it into words?
He doesn't blink.
"I'd rather lose to Appalachian State than lose to Ohio State."

One of the things that amplifies the rancor in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, at least for Buckeyes fans, is that so many of Michigan’s greatest players have migrated from Ohio.
Over the years, Michigan has invaded Ohio to snag standouts such as Jim Mandich, Rob Lytle, Ricky Powers, Elvis Grbac, Dan Dierdorf, Thom Darden, Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson.
The latest native to be seen as a traitor by many Ohio State fans is Mario Manningham, a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio.
Manningham is in one of the best six-game stretches of his career, and that’s saying a lot.
The junior leads the nation with a streak of six straight 100-yard receiving games and he has scored in each game, including a school-record 97-yard TD in last week’s loss at Wisconsin.
Before a knee injury stunted Manningham last year, he had nine TDs in his first six games. He caught six TD passes in 2005 as a freshman

OSU added incentive?
OSU’s Kirk Barton: Understated.
There was no baiting the senior co-captain into commenting about unflattering remarks Michigan tailback Mike Hart made about the Buckeyes after Ohio State’s 42-39 win in last year’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash.
Nevertheless, verbal graffiti has found its way over the years onto the walls of both locker rooms. If you don’t think it matters, talk to Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.
“I think there are a lot of comments that sting both ways,” said Carr, who is 1-5 against Tressel in this storied rivalry. “It’s all part of the week, you know. What some guy said 25 years ago, I’ve got it up over there on the board. You don’t forget.”
The story Monday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, where Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and a dozen or so players spent the afternoon addressing the media for Michigan week.
It didn't matter whether the players played offense or defense, if they would directly compete against Hart -- who continues nursing a high ankle sprain -- or not. Everyone talked about the Michigan senior tailback.
Including the coach.
"I'm sure (he) will play," Tressel said. "He's a warrior."
Tressel was gracious and vanilla.
Asked about Hart's suggestion after last year's 42-39 loss in Columbus that U-M was the better team and would win in a rematch, Tressel replied: "You know, I really don't remember that discussion."
Every player said he was aware of Hart's postgame trash talk last year. They also had heard about the "big brother" comment two weeks ago after the Michigan State game.
And that's how it went. Hart came up. A Buckeye bit his lip. Eventually, a little contempt leaked out, even if only in tone and facial expression.
U-M players come to the weekly news conference only when asked by coaches. Clearly, Hart wasn't invited Monday.
And, it could be argued, the essence of avoiding bulletin-board material. In Columbus, because of Hart's comments last year, that may be too late.

For eight weeks, Lloyd Carr was able to plug the leaks.
The defense saved the game at Northwestern, Chad Henne's dramatic throws won the Michigan State game, and special teams were on target against Illinois to bail out a potential loss. It was always something, especially on the road.
Against Wisconsin, those flash moments -- the stunning touchdown passes to Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington, the acrobatic catches by Greg Mathews -- were not able to compensate for nearly everything else that went wrong.
As if the on-field issues weren't enough, trying to get the stars healthy -- Mike Hart's ankle and Henne's shoulder obviously did not improve last week because neither impacted Saturday's game -- remains a top priority. Carr offered no updates on Michigan Replay.
The Wolverines rallied once this season after the water rushed over heads, preventing a total season collapse.
They need to do it one more time, this time for the Big Ten title against the Buckeyes, or else the problems -- not the eight-game rally -- will be the lingering legacy of 2007.

November 11, 2007
WXYT (97.1 FM The Ticket) host Doug Karsch analyzes Michigan's loss to Wisconsin:
Why is Michigan giving up so many rushing yards? Their defense got totally worn down these last couple weeks, and they got the ball jammed down their throats. (Ohio State coach) Jim Tressel is gonna love the idea of turning around and handing it off to the Wells boys repeatedly. They have to shore up the rush defense. It doesn't help when you can't move the chains.
Did injuries finally catch up with Michigan? Without a doubt. When (Chad) Henne and (Mike) Hart don't play, Michigan is a very pedestrian team offensively. (Ryan) Mallett is all ends of the spectrum, good and bad, at times. But if there is one major disappointment, it is probably Michigan's inability to get a consistent rushing attack without Mike Hart.
How much does it hurt that U-M must pare down the playbook with Mallett at quarterback? I think there is some truth to that. I think Mallett is still learning the playbook, but what are you gonna do? You're breaking in a freshman quarterback. He's got a lot to learn. It makes you understand what Chad Henne did in winning the Big Ten and going to the Rose Bowl as a true freshman. To be able to do that is remarkable.
Will Hart ever be healthy again this season? I don't know. I remember two years ago, when Hart hurt his ankle his sophomore year, and Michigan was unable to mount any kind of rushing attack against Ohio State. Michigan was one-dimensional, and Michigan lost to Ohio State. I'm sure he will be healthy for the bowl game, but if Hart and Henne aren't playing next week, I'm not sure Michigan has a shot.
But it all comes down to Henne and Hart. If they play, they got a chance. If not, I'm not sure they have a shot.

The failure to hold the line down the stretch vs. Ill allowed many to again question Ohio State's defense. A year ago, in a perfect regular season, they gave up 39 points while holding off Michigan in the regular-season finale and then were torched for 41 points in a 41-14 loss to Florida in the national championship game.
Some say this year's defense is tired and is bound to give up points, just like last year.
The Michigan team they'll be facing is dramatically different from Illinois.
The swift and elusive Williams is as good a running quarterback as there is in the country and tailbacks Rashard Mendenhall and Daniel Dufrene make for a powerful 1-2 punch.
The Wolverines counter with Chad Henne, who has a sore right (throwing) shoulder, or true freshman Ryan Mallett at quarterback. Neither is a runner of Williams' stature, but both have strong arms.
Mike Hart, if he recovers from a high ankle sprain, is among the elite tailbacks in the land. If he remains hobbled or even less than 100 percent, the Wolverines' running game isn't the same even with quality backup Brandon Minor.
It is out wide where Michigan has many more weapons than Illinois, led by native Ohioan Mario Manningham, along with Adrian Arrington and Greg Mathews.
The Buckeyes say they've tightened things up this week, that they're ready to overcome any mistakes from last week and to make up for shortcomings at the end of last year and this.
"We have a huge chip on our shoulders because of what happened last week and because we didn't play good at all against Michigan last year," Jenkins said. "We have a lot of things to prove and not only to ourselves but to a lot of other people."

U-M vs. Top 10 Ranked Teams
The Wolverines have won 68 percent of the their match-ups
against top 10 teams during Lloyd Carr’s tenure. U-M has compiled
a 17-8 mark against top 10 opponents and is 40-23 overall
against nationally ranked teams. Carr’s only blemishes against
top 10 squads have come against Ohio State or in bowl games.
U-M is 9-1 vs. top 10 teams at Michigan Stadium. Michigan is
4-4 against top 10 ranked Ohio State squads (3-1 at home and
1-3 on the road).
LAST MEETING IN THE SERIES
#1 Ohio State 42, #2 Michigan 39
Ohio Stadium, Nov. 18, 2006
The Wolverines were unable to overcome a 14-point halftime
deficit and could not pull any closer than three points
from the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium,
losing 42-39 before a sellout and stadium-record crowd of
105,708 fans at the Horseshoe. The Wolverines gained 397
yards of total offense while yielding a season-high 507 yards
to the Buckeyes.
Junior tailback Mike Hart led the ground game with his first
100-yard rushing effort against the Buckeyes. Hart carried the
ball 23 times for 142 yards and matched his career high with
three rushing scores on runs of one, two and one yards.
Junior quarterback Chad Henne had a stellar performance,
completing 21-of-35 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns.
Junior wide receiver Adrian Arrington led the receiving
effort with five receptions for a career-best 90 yards and
one TD. Sophomore wideout Mario Manningham hauled in six
catches for 86 yards.
The two teams traded scoring drives to open the game
but Ohio State gained a 14-point halftime advantage on the
heels of three second quarter touchdowns. Michigan scored
the first 10 points of the second half but a 56-yard touchdown
run by Antonio Pittman stretched the Buckeyes’ lead to 35-24
heading into the fourth quarter. The Wolverines outscored
the Buckeyes, 15-7 in the final stanza, but were unable to get
the necessary defensive stop as Troy Smith tossed a 13-yard
game-winning TD pass to Brian Robiskie with 5:38 remaining.

Blast from the past?
ESPN's "GameDay" last visited Ann Arbor in 2003, when Michigan registered a 35-21 win over Ohio State - the Wolverines' last victory over the Buckeyes.

An eerie anniversery for this game. It will be exactly 1 yr ago that Bo Schembechler died.

.

**bearmz** · 11-16-07, 02:20 PM

Rafael Little RB, Kentucky Wildcats 11/16/07, Time: 6:44 am News: SportingNews.com is reporting Wildcats head coach Rich Brooks has indicated Little will play and start in Saturday's game against Georgia.
Dennis Dixon QB, Oregon Ducks 11/16/07, Time: 6:44 am Status:
News: Updating a previous report, the Oregonian is reporting after Thursday's loss, Ducks head coach Mike Bellotti indicated Dixon was likely done for the year.
Jonathan Stewart RB, Oregon Ducks 11/16/07, Time: 6:40 am News: As if losing Dennis Dixon wasn't enough, the Ducks also lost Stewart to a foot injury in Thursday's loss to Arizona. Analysis:
More will be known on Stewart's status later this week.
Derek Dubois WR, New Mexico State Aggies 11/16/07, Time: 6:31 am Status:
News: The Aggies do not expect to have Dubois in the lineup for Saturday's game against Utah State. Analysis:
Although Chase Holbrook is not putting up huge numbers, the Utah State defense has not stopped anyone this year.
Tyler Donovan QB, Wisconsin Badgers 11/14/07, Time: 12:41 am News: JSOnline.com is reporting Donovan has returned to practice, but his status for Saturday's game against Minnesota is in doubt.
Benjamin Williams RB, South Florida Bulls 11/13/07, Time: 1:57 am News: The St. Petersburg Times is reporting Williams has returned to practice and the Bulls currently list him as the starter for Saturday's game against Louisville