Didn't you just write that UM should pass on them since OSU and Minnesota killed them through the air? Suddenly, that is much harder for a team missing its top WR and only guy who has consistently stretched the field. Count me among those convinced that UM is now in for a real fight.
Beyond? How far beyond? Will he be back for Indiana?
Was there any word on what the injury actually is?
What.
The.
Fuck.
Well... it's time for the Prodigal Sons (Henne and Breaston) to surprise and thrill us just when we need them the most (this is assuming MM will be back).
In the immortal words of Bonnie Tyler...
"I need a Heer-ROE!"
I was worried about PSU before, now I'm real worried. This is PSU's super bowl at this point.
I see 9 guys in the box and our only passing threat being the Steve Breaston WR screen...
I just want MM back for OSU at this point. Anything prior to that, gravy. It sucks, because we could get away without him after the Iowa game (he could have three weeks of rest -- NW, Ball State, & Indiana). This sucks hard.
Memo to Breaston: Pick up your receiving game.
Expanded Bonnie!
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night (game)
He's gotta be strong (handed)
He's gotta be fast (enough to stretch their D)
He's gotta be fresh from the fight (huh?)
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light (or at least until roughly 11:30 EDT)
He's gotta be sure (handed)
And it's gotta be soon (like, this Saturday bi-atch!)
And he's gotta be larger than life (much like Super Mario)
Yes, humor in the face of tragedy.
Any news on Ecker's situation? Not having Manningham and Ecker in State College is a combination I really don't want to explore. I think Manningham's role is fairly replaceable with the weapons we have, but lining up Brian Thompson and Massey at TE doesn't do it for me.
Stomped on one too many Koopa Troopas, I reckon. GRRRRR.
I'm not worried...I'm not worried...find a happy place...Margaret Thatcher naked on a cold day!
Greg Matthews, step right up...
Ecker has some sort of high ankle sprain. I don't expect he'll be back until some time during our trio of cupcakes.
And jesus, people: Penn State scored three meaningful points on ND's craptacular defense. Six versus OSU. And 14 in regulation versus Minnesota unless you want to give them credit for the muffed punt drive. Hunt is totally average, their offensive line has four new starters, and Morelli throws four balls a game that should be intercepted. Their over/under on points for this game is six. Do you think we can score seven?
While this is bad news, it's not completely devestating to the team. The rest of the receiving corps just needs to step up in their positions for the next two weekends in order to give MM time to heal up. Arrington is capable of filling the deep threat, because while not as fast, he is very tall. Breaston should stay right where he is at the #3 spot and be used the same way he has been recently on screens and medium passes. The guys that this REALLY falls on, though, are Tabb, Matthews, and possibly Savoy. One of them HAS to become the complement to Arrington that he has until recently been to MM.
Mike Hart just has to make nine would-be tacklers miss 35 times and rush for 250. That should be enough.
I guess we'll see how this defense plays without a large cushion.
Brian, I don't think any of us are sweating the PSU game minus Mario nearly as much as the prospect of having MM gone for the rest of the season -- inclduing that certain game on 11/18. That's what is sticking in my crawl at the moment. And everything I have read/seen is doom & gloom so far.
JonSobel,
I completely agree with keeping Breaston as the #3/slot guy. That's where he can do the most damage. I don't know if Tabb is big enough to take over at #2. Matthews or Dutch would be the ticket there, IMO.
...whoops, Tabb is only one inch shorter than Matthews, and is taller than Dutch. Ignore my Monday morning roster forecasting.
I agree that this stinks, but from the reaction so far, it's as if we lost Henne. It's certainly a blow, but one we can easily absorb through a combination of game plan adjustments and guys like AA and SB stepping it up a notch or two. Losing MM takes away some of the deep bomb threat, but from what I've seen, doesn't hurt us much in the short and intermediate game. The way that Henne has been playing, this isn't an excuse for PSU to "challenge us to beat them through the air." If they do that, they're toast against Arrington, alone.
Brian... Your assertation that PSU is "bad" is way off base. I'm not going to sit here and say they're some juggernaut, because they're not that either.. But they EASILY have enough weapons to knock of Michigan, at home, in a night game.
People point to their 'implosion' at ND as evidence of their poor team, but cripes! That was a damn month ago! Not to mention that they moved the ball on ND.. but killed themselves early with TO's and general Michigan-like shooting themselves in the foot with opportunities. That game got away from 'em early and they didn't recover.
They just held Minnesota's running game to like 60 freakin' yards including the OT's, they held OSU's running game to like 130... and held OSU's most explosive offense to 14 points IN THE COWSHOE. I'm convinced that defense is for real. I don't think we score much more that 24 with Manningham.. let alone without him.
So, then, it boils down to their O vs. our D. I've heard you claim that Hunt is average before... I still don't see it. He averaged 5.5 ypc vs. OSU, 6 ypc vs. Notre Dame, 4.6 ypc vs. Minnesota... I just don't see those as being "totally average". He's averaging over 5 on the year, and has 670 yards total with 7 TD's. Hunt is solid.
And I don't care how 'bad' you want to make Morelli out to be... is he still young and learning? Yes. Does he possess the tools to throw underneath vs. our achilles heel DB's (i.e. safeties), and play "the game of his life" in front of a rabid home crowd? You bet your ass he does.
Listen, I'm not saying all hope is lost. Any Michigan team that marches into ND stadium and smacks 'em in the mouth is on a mission. But classifying them as 'bad' and stating that we should gut them over-states their negative aspects and our positive ones. Not to mention the whole host of other 'ancillary stuff' that we all know is coming with this game:
a.) we pissed in their Cheerios last year
b.) they're "due" to beat us.. been a long time for them.
c.) 8:00 pm kickoff... night game in Happy Valley. That's what did OSU in last year. I work with a guy who went there last year (OSU fan), who said he's been to a lot of stadiums in his life... even been to Happy Valley before... but *THAT*, he said, was the most **insanely loud** stadium he's ever been to. Including OSU for games with Michigan. He said the sound pressure was so loud, that it literally affected his ability to think watching the game. Gave him a "buzzed" feeling.
d.) Consider that not ONE single player of ours has **EVER** played a game in Happy Valley. What impact might that have?
I just feel certain that this was PSU's red letter game before fall camp ever began... Color me more than concerned. MAY I EAT CROW for the next 4 weeks should we win the game in the fashion that "paper" suggests we should...
Go Blue!
Brian, I'm not sure LC has even had a presser yet.
Tabb has good experience, not too worried about this. Business as usually, we might not get as many deep breakways... But the way our offense is playing that is fine. You could not convience me most of those 40 yards TD pass drives, would have not ended in a TD a few plays later if we had different plays called.
Well, on a totally pragmatic level, he was fun as hell to watch. This sucks.
Dude, you can't just drop a bomb like that and run. Give us a link or something.
Actually, Chad, Breaston, and Mundy are well equipped to go into State College, being area boys. I would bet they took a visit there are some point.
Not to worry. I have worn the "worst state ever" shirt on 6 consecutive saturdays, and it has not failed to deliver a victory yet. It will be on this saturday as well, for a 7th!
BTW, Brian, that shirt has to be the most commented on article of clothing in history (well, my history anyway) I walked the U of M golf course on saturday and dozens of people made comments, stopped me and asked where to get one, and you could see people nudging their friends as I walked by. Funny as hell. Expect a surge at mgostore this week...
Agree with jvocke. PSU is not "bad" in any sense of the word. PSU had plenty of offense and plenty of defense to win against a healthy Michigan team, and they should finish the year ranked. Surely Michigan fans should realize that a strong-armed QB plus a super speedy WR or two can equal big plays.
I would like to think that the "boring" games of the past few weeks have left open some offensive and defensive wrinkles for the Blue. Yuo can be sure that PSU has some trick and unique plays in reserve for Michigan.
You don't think Michigan has some trick plays reserved for this game? With MM out, I won't be surprised to see Michigan running several end-around plays with Breaston or even Carlos Brown.
What did Carr officially say about MM? Did he describe the nature of the injury? Is he def. gone for PSU? What about Iowa?
Manningham: 9 TDs.
Rest of Offense: 13 TDs.
I fail to see how this is not a pretty big deal.
That said, I like our matchups vs. PSU's offense. Morelli's the type of guy we can get to, Hunt the type of guy we tend to stand up (knocking on wood). They have some speed at receiver, but we'll see if Morelli has the time for those guys to run downfield.
But I am still mighty afeared of this game, one which will necessarily rely on Chad and his full complement of receivers to win this game. We've certainly faced higher powered offenses and similarly skilled players, but as you've put it before, Brian, their scoring output comes with high variance, due to the longball threat.
Great post, jvocke. I think most UM fans are taking PSU too lightly. None of us play, of course, but to write off the Lions as a team that we should beat ignores the realities that might work against that outcome. PSU can certainly beat Michigan.
jvocke covered it pretty well.
Am I the only one who thinks we'll be muttering during the game "What the fuck? Morelli has NEVER made that throw!"
The only silver lining is that with Mario out, the boys will all feel like they have to raise their play a notch or three. Our defense will definitely go in there with an "edge" to their game that may not have been there if we had all of our weapons.
Yeah, that's what I'm going to keep telling myself.
p.s. Brian, if you seriously think 7 points will win this game, well... you also thought Iowa was a top fiver. And you ned to realize that this is PSU Super Bowl. Seriously.
I'll be really worried if we get hit with news of a Morelli injury next...
Brian, Please keep thinking gut PSU/ PSU bad/overlook PSU for Iowa and OSU. Send those vibes over to Lloyd too. Thanks!
Not over-confident about PSU, but Morelli can't throw the deep ball very well at all.
They're going to have to use our patented quick pass attack to beat us, but we've defended those passes fairly well to date.
Sucks to lose Manningham, hopefully we can make it through whatever games he misses.
GO BLUE!!!
Anon,
Obviously we are better with MM than without... But there is any opportunity cost you can't ignore when you say MM 9 TD rest of team 13. A step down in talent maybe, a tragic step not likely. We will utilize other players.
About PSU, A road night game in the Big Ten is always tough. This will be our best competition since Wis. PSU however looks more like the PSU of the past 5 years, than the PSU of last year. Both sides will be up for the game, 2 score game. We might use the play action we have been pretending to have forgotten about the last two games.
in case anyone is wondering i just ran into MM - he is on crutches and he can not put weight on his left leg - it looks like it is going to be more than 1 week out, he couldnt walk without the crutches
The way I see it, losing Mario can be divided into two separate issues:
1.) Losing him physically. Yes, he has been a key component of our offense thus far, and without him in the game, PSU can feel free to double up on Arrington, who although talented, has not yet earned as much trust. Still, as has been pointed out already, we do have the talent on this team to overcome Manningham's loss.
2.) Losing him emotionally. As in, what will be going on in the heads of the players (Arrington, Breaston, Matthews, etc) who now have to step up in his absence? Especially if we come out on offense and go 3-and-out in our first drive. Will our players get tense? Tighten up? Start to freak out under pressure, being truly tested for the first time all year? Or will they rise to the challenge, play loose, jump on the opportunity? I think how we handle this will be a good measure of the leadership on our team. I'm suddenly even more grateful to have a guy like Mike Hart on the team.
One silver lining - at least we didn't lose MM in practice this coming Thursday or something. DeBord has a whole week to adjust our offense, and guys like Matthews will have a whole week to get extra snaps in practice.
Damnit Brian, you can't give me a fucking heart attack like that. I'm not worrid about PSU, I'm worried about Iowa and tOSU! What's the injury? how long will he be out for?
I was at the OSU/PSU game last year, and I wholeheartedly agree with jvocke's comments - that place was Insane. I've since tried to describe it to friends, but that comment summed it up as well as I could - I felt buzzed. No team in the country was beating PSU that night. Think of how much easier a time a less experienced, less talented OSU team had at Texas in a similar situation.
Furthermore, as I'm married to a PSU family, I go to a fair amount of games there and can assure everyone that this is the biggest game for PSU since 1994, maybe 1986. These fans have been obsessed with UM for a looooooong time now, and every single week the talk radio centers around UM and the refs, no matter who PSU is playing. No, I'm not kidding.
I'll be there saturday night, one lonely maize hoodie among the white-out. I was scared as hell before the MM injury. Now I actually feel a little better b/c everyone else knows they will have to step up a little bit. I could very easily see UM losing this one and winning 11/18.
Mario's listed as a starter on the official depth chart for Saturday. Maybe he plans to play on crutches. From what we saw last year, even Super Mario on crutches would still be able to burn Justin King for a few scores.
Ok, so they REALLY want to beat us. Good for them. What are they going to do, magically will their team to victory? Think "We will beat Michigan" at exactly 8:12 pm on Saturday night, causing a karma overload or something? Look, we all knew it was going to be a tough environment. They're going to be gunning for us. We still have a lot of talent, Henne is throwing lasers, and the D is sorta kinda decent.
If I were Darth Vader you'd so be grasping at your neck trying to breath right now.
Man, one bad season and Michigan fans turn into a bunch of hand wringing babies. I think you guys underestimate this team tremendously (thats right, tremendously). Manningham has 9 touchdowns not so much because we NEED that attack as because we have that attack. Even without a step-up by Arrington and Breaston all we need to do to make up for Manningham in a game like PSU is a little game plan changing. Utilizing the long handoff will stretch out PSU enough to beat them. Have some confidence.
Penn St. isn't great but because of all the aforementioned reasons, they should scare the bejesus out of us Michigan fans...and that was before the Blue lost Manningham. Seven straight losses to another team gets old unless you're Indiana. This will be a dogfight.
Michigan had a lot of problems last year - Hart was hurt, the O-line was banged up, and they couldn't throw the ball downfield. LC and DeBord can talk about how great their new zone-blocking scheme is all they want but the reality is that those three factors are the difference in Michigan running the ball this year - and that means ALL of them. To take Manningham out of the mix now kills their deep ball threat. Sorry, but if Matthews, Tabb, or Dutch were as good as him, they would be playing...a lot.
So that being said, here's what I want to see - a focused Michigan team with a chip on their shoulder Saturday night that says we're going to prove to the Big Ten that we are the best team in the nation even without MM on the field. If that happens, I'll hope for an ambush similar to the 1997 massacre in State College, which is the best that a Michigan team has ever played under LC(IMHO).
I can't find any news on Manningham anywhere, not even on the 1050AM site. I thought for sure something would be noted somewhere other than this site. Are we 100% sure that Lloyd has a press conference already today and that Manningham has indeed been ruled out for the PSU game?
Same thing they did to beat OSU last year. Stop the run, pressure the qb on obvious passing downs, and don't lose the game on offense. Throw in some trick plays/deep balls (a trick play for PSU), maybe a big return, and hang on late. I'm not saying emotion enough is going to carry them. But the talent gap isn't as wide as you might believe, and it is an environment that no one on UM is going to have seen before.
I'm not believing it until I see it from a legit source - so far just a bunch of Internet rumors being regurgitated by radio punks like Mike "I am from the East Coast and still couldn't get into U-M" Valenti.
I am thinking the same way Anthony is (sorry, don't mean to scare you, being that I am an ND alum, and you all hate me).
Has anyone seen any published news about MM's injury? There is a co-worker of mine who doubts that MM is out because he can't find a press-release at WWL (or anywhere else for that matter).
Brian, do you have a link for said announcement? Maybe UM's athletics website? Or did some PSU computer hacker steal your account and post this to get the UM faithful riled up? Heck, I can do that just by saying "Brady Quinn is the best player in the country right now". Or better yet "Notre Dame could beat Michigan if they were to play today." See, no hacking required.
Also, one PSA in case people aren't aware of this (maybe you all are). Teams don't become "due" for things (other than, as ny1995 has said, Notre Dame being due for a beatdown). Sure, they get more motivated over time, so there's that. But the fact that they haven't beaten us in a decade doesn't suddenly make them much more likely to win. Please keep this in mind. Now return to freaking out.
chrisnd, eat shit, you vitriolic son of a bitch.
Just kidding. But seriously, you're the best opposing fan I've seen on these forums. You do your job well and I'd take you over sonofjorel any-damn-day.
Anthony --
Same thing here. I hope that this is all some elaborate ploy set-up between the coaches and MM to trick everyone (notably PSU) into thinking he's not going to play -- only for him to make a WWF style entrance before the game, dramatically tossing his crutches aside.
Scott--
It'd be more appropriate for us to be down and on the ropes before he makes his sudden appearance, running behind the stunned D for the game-winning touchdown...followed of course by a folding chair to the back of Joe Pa's head.
What's that? It sounds like, yes, it's Manningham's music! He's getting up off of the stretcher, and back on to the field of play!
Not to go all Simmons, but...
9 minutes ago, detroit free press
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.d...NEWS99/
61009021
At mlive.com Carr would not even discuss the topic,which worries me!!
It would be great to see a fake injury paired up with something like the trick play MSU used on us back in the Saban days where Sedrick Irvin steps onto the field just before the ball is snapped and jets down the sideline uncovered. Carr and Debord have probalby been plotting this one for years.
Anyone have any ideas on how we'd fare against PSU with a six-inch Mario? Of course, he'd have regular Mario speed and full-sized hands.
I'm suspicious also that this is just a rumor. At this point, it's less substantiated than the Trent injury report that came via his parent's bolwing league. All Rivals has up is a headline that says Carr received questions about a "possible Maningham injury" during the press conference. Anyone know what Carr said, or have a photo of Manningham in South Quad on crutches?
Wasn't Carr equally as vague about Kolodziej, Bass, and even Gutierrez? This reads more along the lines of "we don't know if he'll be gone for six weeks, or for life" more than "he's fine, guys, what the hell are you talking about?"
The hoax thing was just a joke, however it would be beyond awesome if it is a hoax.
I just hope he is able to come back soon.
Anyone who thinks Manningham will play is not a true Michigan fan. All year we've been waiting for the other shoe to drop, and just when we let the team convince us that there was no other shoe.....BAM!
ok, so now i'm expecting some sort of Willis Reed situation.
This whole thing started with a post saying that Lloyd Carr said in his press conference that Manningham was out. Then a link to an article in the Detroit Free Press and also on Rivals says that Carr won't say anything. What? So he said that Manningham was out in his press conference but then denied it to two other sources? I'm so ticked off right now. I was at the game on Saturday, and I was too busy making sure that Mike Hart's injury wasn't serious that I didn't pay any attention to Manningham. I can't remember seeing him leave the field.
UGGGGGHH. This is going to be a long week.
Does anyone have a Rivals subscription? Anyone care to post a quick summary of what the article says?
It's here:
http://michigan.rivals.com/conte....asp?
CID=593128
Anthony --
Press conference was in the afternoon. The stuff in the morning was from Valenti and his joke of a crew.
Other rumors:
- torn meniscus
- on crutches
- superpower injection
So Manningham is NOT injured? That was all made up by Valenti and his crew? No injury at all?
He definately has an injury as he left the game in the 3rd quarter and didn't return.
Lets just hope Henne doesn't need the deep ball to be effective. Lets hope Breaston attaches fingers to his fists before the game so he can catch passes. Lets hope Mike Hart slicks himself up with oil before the game.
Get the man a damn mushroom!
Well, Mike Hart left the game after rolling his ankle in the 3rd quarter and he didn't come back in...but he didn't come back in because he wasn't needed, the game was already decided, not because he couldn't physically play. I would really like to offically know what Manningham's status is for this weekend...
Wolverbean,
Great points. I think this team is way more than the sum of its parts. There is a team (and coaching) spirit that is evident even in the clips.
Kevin,
Thanks man, we need that kind of post. I think this team is great in the dictionary sense of that word. It plays with its head, executes, controls, etc ad nauseum. PSU is going to be sky high for this game, but that can quickly turn against a team. They have to shut down our D. Shut.It.Down. That or turn the volume down to a respectable level. We're not used to thinking about shutting down a defense, but one look at the ND game will tell you that's what you've got to do if you're snapping the ball, and hoping to win the game on offensive points. This is not a unit one trifles with. You are not going to play hide and seek with the Wood & Co. and control the offensive thrust of the game in order to execute your game plan. You will try to exploit weaknesses, but M's demonstrable weaknesses on D can't be exploited all day (or night). The 2006 Wolverines are extremely well coached, the talent is second to none, and these cats are playing with attitude, not to mention huevos. Paterno is no one's fool; HE knows that this Michigan team is the real deal. He will be prepared and have his kids up on cloud nine, but this is not the same Michigan team he has played in the last 3 years. He knows that better than all of us put together.
Kevin, I think, like you, that there's (an understandable) tendency to underestimate this team. We all been there before (I've been a fan for longer than a lot of you have been alive). This team has pulled something out its hat for 6 weeks running, and it ain't trick plays. Forget the natural high of playing at home, and at night - can any of us imagine being a walking, talking, sentient PSU fan? If you're a PSU fan, and you're not scared shitless by this Wolverine team, WITH or WITHOUT Mario, maybe you should consider another sport to follow, because clearly college football is not the field for you.
For whatever the hell it's worth, I think that English is going to have that hive of killer bees in Morelli's face all night. I think he's going to try to nuke them. Blow their O straight out of the water. I can't wait. Go BLUE.
P.S. I want to thank Brian for this site. It's given me a chance to know and love you guys. I've been around the block, kids, trust me: this team is the real deal. Let's keep our nerves in line.
We've still got the WR screen.
Arrington is gonna rise to the challenge and take over as the top wideout. If A didnt get hurt last year Manningham would never had the chance to become what he has. A is gonna take over the world
Carr rarely says anything about injuries, correct? So reading good or bad into his silence doesn't take you anywhere.
My new theory: Manningham is secretly 100% and this is just a maneuver to swindle Penn State. Do I believe that? No, but I would like to.
Otherwise, in response to the rampant terror in many of the preceding comments, I would like to quote Mr. Senor Love Daddy from Do the Right Thing: "Y'all take a chill. You got to cool that shit off. And that's the double-truth, Ruth." Michigan may make you nuts, but we're not the Red Sox.
The clip from Carr's presser is here:
http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/...tball/
audio.ssf
He talks (or refuses to talk) about Manningham about a third of the way.
My read (_pure_ speculation): he's injured, he will have (or had) a surgery, and the coaches do not know the extent of his injury.
Updated "New Math":
UM - 86 =/ 0
This is especially true against Penn St. I understand the difficulty in playing a night road game at Happy Valley, and I expect the Lions to be seeking revenge for last year. But PSU needed two "gifts" at the end their last game to beat Minnesota! As long as Henne can get it into his head through practice this week that his go-to receiver has a 16 on his chest rather than an 86, we should be fine . . . at least until Nov. 18.
If A got more than 3 pass attempts a game his numbers would be right there with 86! Run game is more important so he only gets three looks a game.
Anyone else besides me recognize a diogenes post about 3 sentences into it's long, rambling course?
Its just not a good situation. Its not the apocalyptic disaster that losing Hart would be. But Manningham is the third guy on the list of players we least want to lose if we want the best chance to run the table.
I think we can still win the PSU game on defense alone, but Manningham's speed is going to be crucial in the OSU game. And if I'm honest I think we're going to need to put up a lot of points against Iowa.
I hope he's ok, but Michigan still has two wideouts who can step up and wreak havok.
Its just not a good situation. Its not the apocalyptic disaster that losing Hart would be. But Manningham is the third guy on the list of players we least want to lose if we want the best chance to run the table.
I think we can still win the PSU game on defense alone, but Manningham's speed is going to be crucial in the OSU game. And if I'm honest I think we're going to need to put up a lot of points against Iowa.
I hope he's ok, but Michigan still has two wideouts who can step up and wreak havok.
this is the midseason inspiration they're looking for!!!
WIFM!!!!
I now have two separate reports of Manningham on crutches, plus ominous rumblings from mods on paysites, plus ominous silence from Carr. Plus Foster and Valenti, who may be clowns, but do have some standards and such.
And jesus, people: Penn State scored three meaningful points on ND's craptacular defense. Six versus OSU. And 14 in regulation versus Minnesota unless you want to give them credit for the muffed punt drive. Hunt is totally average, their offensive line has four new starters, and Morelli throws four balls a game that should be intercepted. Their over/under on points for this game is six. Do you think we can score seven?
Brian @ mgoblog | Homepage | 10.09.06 - 12:28 pm | #
You sure about that? I think it's 17. So yeah, we need to score at least 20.
I guess we'll all have to wait until Saturday to find out. I do think that Michigan can still pull out a win in Happy Valley. It'll be a little tougher, IMO, but it can be done. I'm more worried about Iowa to a lesser extent, and OSU where I think Manningham's speed will definately be needed. It'd just be nice to actually get a report of what kind of injury he has and what the doctors expect for his return.
Sorry about length and ramble. Will redact accordingly in future.
No, no, no. Ramble away.
JS: my personal over/under. Which was a bit overstated... personally I'd be shocked if they hit 20, though.
Not to be a potential Debbie Downer here, but any word on Mike Hart's ankle? He said after the game that he could have finished the game if necessary. Any updates? No one saw him on crutches at Angell Hall or anything, did they?
Apparently, Manningham has a torn meniscus. Assuming it's not a major tear, this requires arthroscopic surgery. Basically, the torn piece prevents the knee joint from moving properly, so you "scope" it out of there. The typical weekend warrior needs 4-8 weeks of recovery time before resuming sports. I'm going to assume that Super Mario is not your typical person and will be back for the OSU game.
I also was told by a Buckeye fan that Mo Clarett tore his meniscus in 2002 and only missed 2 games.
Still lots of assumptions, though...
Gut them, yeah.
Seems like a torn meniscus, or at least that what message board chatter leads you to believe. 4-6 weeks, maybe??
Hope he is at least back for tOSU!!
Kevin couldn't of said it better, so many of you have gotten your heads screwed up big time by leat year's team and effort
I've never heard so much wussie talk in all of my life. This team has character, it has a BACKBONE and it's playing with a purpose. Even without Super Mario Michigan is the better team and just like it has been all year Penn State will put up a fight but there will be no doubt who the better team is on the field and there will be no doubt about the outcome of the game.
Brian,
Could you post your email address? I don't have MS Mail set up on my computer, but I'd like to send you a message. If you wouldn't mind posting it, please do.
Thanks!
Based on talent, depth at position and effect on the game, I would argue that Long is the 3rd most important Wolverine to keep healthy. Hopefully, his house doesn't catch on fire this week.
I wish I shared your view re: PSU Brian, but I think PSU could luck their way into 14 points and hold us to a touchdown and 2 FGs. I still think UM wins the game, but I'm more concerned (perhaps irrationally) going into this game than any other thus far, including ND. That's 90% due to PSU's defense and 10% due to it being a road night game. This is when it would be nice to have Antonio Bass.
It isnt a rumor that mario is on crutches - he was eating lunch today at wendys in the union with crutches next to him when he got up to leave he didnt put any weight on his left leg, hobbled over to the crutches and you could tell something was wrong with his knee - he didnt seem like he was in pain or anything but from someone without any knowledge of sports injuries his knee and his movement showed this is not some fake injury
While PSU's play up to this point this year indicates that they are a marginal team, every game is different and just because PSU struggled against Notre Dame (and Michigan routed them), it doesn't mean this game will be a walk-over for the Blue. Emotion is huge in college football.
That being said, if this team is truly national championship material, they will roll into Happy Valley and grind out a win in impressive fashion without MM.
Also, this team has yet to have its 1997 Iowa, backs against the wall moment. Maybe they will get it in one of these next two weeks. We can only hope that the end result will be the same as it was in 1997.
I believe Dan's story. Mario Manningham likes Wendy's, and I've seen him there several times during my lunch break.
Was Manningham hurt on the late hit by the MSU safety?
I also believe Dan's story. It's widely known that Gittleson's S&C program involves having the players eat Wendy's chili. Lots and lots of Wendy's chili.
What I think is a fairly credible source is saying this:
Manningham Has A Severe Strain.... will be scoped tomorrow morning to determine if there is a partial tear. Keep your fingers crossed. Good luck MM and Go Blue.
For what it's worth.
Hey, is that dapper Mrs. Fields' cookie stand still there in the Union?
It's important: my decision to return to UofM for grad school depends entirely upon this question.
WOW. I have never seen so much concern for a Michigan player ever. Have you ever gotten 93 comments so quickly on one topic on your blog?
Mrs. Field's is still up and still serving up warm, gooey, goodness
Ryan,
Thanks for the update. That kind of fits all comments to date, if true. Lloyd wouldn't comment because they don't yet know the extent of the injury. He is injured (based on several accounts of seeing him on crutches) but no timetable can be made since his actual injury isn't yet known. I would have hoped that if surgery were needed they would have done it today so that his return could be one day less, but hey, I'll hope for the best...
thanks again.
Great American Cookie Company is better than Mrs. Fields
Dix: Blasphemy.
Everyone: Perhaps Mario's class had a costume party today, and he came dressed up as Willis McGahee...?
Great m@, you just doomed Mike Hart
To answer others questions about Mike Hart. He did roll his ankle, he did ice it after the game. He said that it wasn't a severe ankle injury at all, it was just a minor "tweak." He said that he'd get treatment for his ankle throughout the week and that he'd be ready to go and would be 100% by gametime on Saturday.
To answer others questions about Mike Hart. He did roll his ankle, he did ice it after the game. He said that it wasn't a severe ankle injury at all, it was just a minor "tweak." He said that he'd get treatment for his ankle throughout the week and that he'd be ready to go and would be 100% by gametime on Saturday.
Sorry about length and ramble. Will redact accordingly in future.
diogenes | 10.09.06 - 4:20 pm | #
diogenes, I don't think you should redact at all.
Of course, this coming from the poster than rambles with the best of them. Must be my ND pedigree (that means "upbringing" for those of you in Rio Linde and Ann Arbor).
Uh, I have one question - why is Mario eating lunch at Wendy's? Don't we have like world class chefs making enormous amounts of food for our football players?
It's cool that MM is keepin' it real by lunching at Wendy's but I am concerned about the care that our players are receiving. (and yes, that was TIC).
Apparently the football players get like 500 bucks on their MCards as part of their mealplan that they can use at various places around town, including Wendys.
When I was a freshman I lived on 2nd Adams in WQ and shared a wall with David Terrell and Todd Howard. Terrell gave us his MCard and we just went to town eating Wendys and Subway in the union. And those Little Ceasars pizza deals on Wednesday night. Medium pizza and a coke for under 5 bucks.
Man did we get fat, but it was free so I'm not complaining.
I am a huge fan at the game on Saturday and have disected everygame this year on HD Tivo after the game. First, this is not a joke, there is an injury, I have no doubt. Lloyd and Michigan have more class than to fuel some sort of rumor just to suprise Penn State. Anyone who listens to Lloyd on Michigan Replay and on Pressers should be able to read between the lines and understand Mario is out and our only hope is that he is back for Ohio State. Second, I think Mario is an electrifying player and I for one am more disappointed because we won't see MM continue to score on the deep ball. It is an amazing thing to keep doing even though the other team knows it coming. That said, I am not in a panic. Like I said, I've seen all games in HD (that were available) taped with HD Tivo and watched again. We have too many weapons. Too many moving parts. Don't give me this crap about whose the most valuable player (who can't we lose). There is no question that it is Chad Henne. Michigan fans love to criticize the quarterback, but this guy is the reason Mario get's the ball. He's the reason Arrington started getting the ball, and he is still the reason that Breaston gets the ball even with all the drops. Hart is definitely a big time players, but I put our can not lose list as follows Henne, Hart, Manningham. Everyone loves Mario because it is crazy that 14 of his 15 touchdowns are beyond 20 yards. But, guess what, Michigan didn't always have to score from the deep threat and they still don't because Hart (unlike last year with a banged up O-line) can go out and we can drop in 3 or evern 4 other guys that can average 5 yds per carry. Minor, Jackson, Brown, Grady. I put Grady last because he should be a full-back. Manningham can be replaced. Tabb is a Senior, Dutch, Mathews, Savoy. I have a feeling that based on Lloyds' comments we may be seeing Mathews in the game on Saturday sharing time with Tabb for the starting position. Arrington will still be used in the slot and Breaston will get a couple deep bombs (hope he can catch the ball). We will win on Saturday and anyone who has the line at -6 obviously hasn't followed the wolverines this year. Michigan is pretty good at beating up on Penn State and this year is no different. We win by 14 minium, I wouldn't bet on more than that because that's how the coaching staff calls the games. Balance between scoring and managing the clock. The score will likely be similiar to the last three somewhere in the 28-31 to 10 to 16 range. It just sucks to lose such an impact player when you have such a special team.
May I just say this... yes it tore my heart, brains and everything out that MM is injured, but seeing this support (and concern - Jeez almost a hundred posts in less than 2 hours!!!) from Michigan fans - it is times like this, when I just wanna get up and shout... Its great to be a Michigan Wolverine! Prayers for MM, and fans be optimistic! This is the year and we will win it all the way!
Go Blue!
I honestly don't think it will be a big deal that Manningham may/will miss this game or more. Sure it would suck, but Henne has been throwing deep passes my grandma could catch. As long as Tabb or Matthews can get seperation, I think the deep ball will still be there for us. They'll practice it all week, and we'll probably get alot more catches from our TE's on Saturday too. I really don't understand what all the panic is about. You guys just need to grab a cookie, some milk, and take a nap, and you'll see, everything will be alright.
Well sweet Jeezus...WTF happened...Let me tell you sumthing..If you don't have a long vertical game to loosen up those beast of linebackers...well then your gonna be in trouble...Look that team will move the ball and if they get D Will/Wallace/King involved its over.....Plus its a night game and they want to spoil your season like you did them last year....I'm gonna go 17-10 PSU...Plus Mike Harts hurt and you guys haven't played anybody all year...Yeah 17-10 PSU...Touchdown based on crowd/Home Field....
16=1
Son of Jorel,
As one wit once said of a lesser wit: "It's not that you're ill mannered, my dear young man, it's that you have no manners at all." Or something like that.
Gutz: mgoblog at gmail dot com.
Michigan hasn't played anyone, and yet we massacred a team that massacred PSU?
This is a bit confusing.
I am worried that we will struggle offensively, but I don't think there is any evidence to suggest that Penn State will "move the ball" against our defense.
We shall overcome.
UM 35
PSU 24
I can't believe no one has commented on this -
Chrisnd -
pedigree does not mean "upbringing."
pedigree -
1. an ancestral line; line of descent; lineage; ancestry.
2. a genealogical table, chart, list, or record, esp. of a purebred animal.
3. distinguished, excellent, or pure ancestry.
The word you were probably looking for is "rearing."
ND education at its finest...
Seeing as how our go-to receivers this year are MM and AA, I think it would be best if we could find a temporary replacement who also has an alliterative name. Has anyone ever seen Ross Ryan run a fade?
Son of Jorel...making those with an IQ just north of plant life feel better about themselves with every post.
Alliteration WR: Dutch's first name is Doug or something isn't it? How about some DD action. ;)
I could use some DD action...
Ross Ryan runs a fantastic fade. unfortunately, he runs a pensive post.
Re: Union eats, everyone knows the surly sandwich artists at subway is the best meal around. Are they still as moody as they were a few years ago? I swear the manager would beat them if they handed out too many free sub stickers or something.
Per MM's injury, I agree with the optimists and Brian. I think we have far too many threats on offense to be held down by PSU. Manningham has scored so many touchdowns because we are so good, not necessarily the other way around.
Allez les bleu.
I don't get it...OSU obliterated an avg/overrated ND in the Fiesta and you guys obliterate them in 2006, and now you feel your gods champion for the big 10????? Who have you played that justify's the arrogance???? MSU??? Vandy???? maybe CMU???? Lay all the jabs regarding my intellect all you want but may the truth set you free:
1. No MM, NO VERTICAL game to get the linebackers off the line of scrimmage.
2. AA benefits from MM....Who does the opposing team fear now???? Breaston???
3. Hart is hurt
4. Night, Pissed off from last year??? Ruined natl champ hopes??? Inverse Deja Vu
Clearly bad news. This means more pressure on the D. They haven't had to step up recently. Now they do. PSU on the road is a great chance to prove they're capable.
I can't believe no one has commented on this -
Chrisnd -
pedigree does not mean "upbringing."
pedigree -
1. an ancestral line; line of descent; lineage; ancestry.
2. a genealogical table, chart, list, or record, esp. of a purebred animal.
3. distinguished, excellent, or pure ancestry.
The word you were probably looking for is "rearing."
ND education at its finest...
Anonymous | 10.09.06 - 6:41 pm | #
Actually, ND taught me how to be lazy. As in "I am too lazy to go to dictionary.com and find the correct usage of a word."
And of course, it shouldn't surprise ANYONE that it took a non-regular anonymous poster to catch it. Are you sure you aren't from Happy Valley?
Regardless, pedigree can also be used as in a manner equal to "derivation, origin, or history". In the context in which I used it, I am semi-correct.
Just like I am semi-correct when I say "Charlie Weis is the best coach in the world, and has smaller man-boobs than Lloyd Carr."
Or something like that.
Oh, and hey, Son of Jorel, please go back to Krypton, and take your crack-pot theories with you. You make us other, reasonable enemies look bad with your outrageous comments BEFORE Penn State puts the whoop-ass on the skunkbears. So really...
Uh, I have one question - why is Mario eating lunch at Wendy's?
Like you even needed to ask
MM being gone worries me more vs. Iowa than it does PSU. The defense will be amped up and may not give up more than a couple FGs. The large crowd won't effect the D.
Iowa is no joke even if they're not as good as I (and others) thought they would be at the beginning of the season.
WolverBean, I could go for one of those raht naw!
Dude, why did you have to go and show a picture of that to me? I mean, really? Are you some sort of Wendy's hack?
And really, what kind of message is that anyway? Do you think that Mario is aware that Wendy's is based in DUBLIN, OHIO - right down the street from the home of Brady Quinn (the greatest quarterback in college this year, and guaranteed Heisman winner because Brian said so!)? What kind of secret message do you think this sends? Is Mario faking an injury so he can begin his transfer papers to return to his home state to play for the Buckeyes in his senior year? Oh, the humanity!
Anyone up for some spicy chicken?
On a more serious note...
Looks like Ben Olsen (QB, UCLA) is out indefinitely with a knew injury. This can only bode well for Michigan, as the better ND does, the better Michigan looks (not like they need ND to look good after the depantsing last month).
But in all seriousness, another win by ND makes the UM win all the more impressive. Not to worry - UM will most likely be ranked #2 going into the SHOE this year, and a win by ND against UCLA (their last "tough" opponent before USC) will certainly help UM's Sag ratings.
See, I can get serious sometimes. Although when you are a fan of ND, it takes a lot of rationalization and fake seriousness to offset the otherwise continual disappointment when it counts the most.
Wish we knew more, but the current rumor consensus is a torn meniscus. This is consistent that MM could have been walking on the sidelines at the end of the game, but on crutches today not able to walk.
I had my knee scoped in the late 80's for a torn meniscus as a college wrestler. After the surgery, I was on crutches a couple of days, was constantly in rehab, and wrestled on it 8 days after the surgery.
If this is injury the prognosis would be very good for a return at 100% in a couple of weeks with little impact. The major loss would be in conditioning, but not speed or mobility. If there is any kind of tear found, even partial, that is a different story.
I've also heard the torn meniscus rumor from someone that has contacts so considering what we thought it was earlier today certainly much better than we feared.
Shocker michigan thinks they are gods gift to football
My contact says Mario's probably out for Penn St. but that overall severity injury is overblown, i.e. look for 86 against Iowa (Likely a knee sprain rather than tear of meniscus - or worse).
Are you some sort of Wendy's hack?
Well, I did work there for three years. It was a pretty awesome job, actually. Though I have to wonder how many others from my former crew are now working on engineering PhD's...
On a related note, I've heard that Wendy's is now promoting a "Buckeye Burger" in the Columbus area. Sadly, I lack the willpower to boycott them for this outrage.
YR............Screwed
Kurt,
As to why New Math is eating lunch at Wendy's, the training table is only allowed to serve one meal a day during the season (twice a day during two-a-days).
Word on the street is that he was doing the Wendy's challenge against Antonio Bass.
You guys do know that Dave Thomas of Wendy's fame was one of the biggest contributers to Ohio State, right?
Oops, they are served 3 meals a day during the two-a-days before the season starts. Still only 1 meal during the season though.
Holy Veal Parmesan, Batman. Jeff, thanks for the training table correction. I thought these guys rarely ate outside the training table but I guess I am wrong.
I wonder why the number of meals is limited (which I assume is the reason). Diet would be a much more legitimate concern that many other contols schemes that the NCAA applies. Ooops, there I go using the concept of logic/common sense in the same sentence with the NCAA.
I worked at the athletes dining room (which I'm assuming was the training table) twice during my illustrious 5 shift employment at the South Quad cafeteria in 1999 (not counting 5 shifts missed due to laziness/incompetence). My job was to cut and serve the prime rib. Pros of working at training table: I was allowed to take home as many leftovers as I could carry, which fed my roomates and me until the meat turned green. Cons: Was given the instruction "don't make eye contact with the athletes" by my snooty boss (didn't follow that particular order, particularly since I had had classes with a bunch of them). Not that any of this is relevant.
Oh, and we should still beat Penn St because our defense (remember them?) is pretty damn good and their quarterback throws like a 4 year old girl, I know Mannigham and the deep ball is fun to watch, but this team has won EVERY game with its defense so far.
Son of Jorel,
you sir are a dog amongst men.
go post on a psu blog.
Go blue!
Beat PSU!
zwick>morelli
You people freaking out about a meniscus tear are wearing me out. He could easily be back in 2 weeks and if they decide to play it safe 3. He will be back to play ATLEAST 2 games before tOSU so he can get back in rhythm. Like Cary said if they go in and something else is torn it's a different story.
Janie's Cookie Company is better than both Mrs. Fields and Great American Cookie Co. But maybe that's just a West Michigan thing or that I know Janie.
Dix: how did you GAIN weight eating at Subway?!?
That's unpossible!
Dr. Evil here.
I just finished scoping Mr. Manningham's knee and I am happy to report that I have never seen an injury like it! Torn medial meniscus, torn anterior cruciate ligament, and torn posterior cruciate ligament. It's the terrible triad! MuHaHaHa, MuHaHaHa, MuHaHaHa.
Now I feel bad for contributing to the hysterics. Brian, you could make a fortune off of paper MGoBags™, now with more hyperventilation prevention power, owing to its reinforced brown paper corners!
So Manninghan has a torn or partially torn MCL in his knee. Luckily and MCL tear is not as a bad as tearing the ACL so it is likely he come back for the bowl game. He is having surgery on Tuesday. However, fucking up any ligament in the knee is not good and usually end a player's season.
I was hanging out at the University of Michigan Medical Center, and I saw Super Mario himself (in a wheelchair!). He had a full cast on both legs and a metal halo stabilizing his neck. He told me he'll be back in 3 weeks. I'm not a doctor, but man that seems like they're rushing it a bit, don't you think? Usually cervical neck fractures are bad news, and as Dan says, f'ing up a knee ligament is not good. Any thoughts guys? I also heard that Ryan Mallett is injured until 2010 (broke his pinky). Not a good day for us.
Thoughts: just heard that North Korea has detonated a 3rd nuke...and it landed on Mario Manningham's knee!
Zoltan is threatening retribution.
Anyone know the actual play on which he got hurt? Was it obvious?
pray for MM. Really, stop reading for 5 seconds, say a quickie.. then continue.
did you do it yet?
Shocker michigan thinks they are gods gift to football
Anonymous | 10.09.06 - 9:34 pm | #
Dude, where have you been. EVERYONE knows that NOTRE DAME thinks they are God's gift to football.
Sheesh! Get it right!
On a related note, I've heard that Wendy's is now promoting a "Buckeye Burger" in the Columbus area. Sadly, I lack the willpower to boycott them for this outrage.
WolverBean | 10.09.06 - 9:52 pm | #
Columbus area? Hah. Try the whole frickin state! I am pretty sure we have it up here in Medina, too. Although I don't go to Wendy's very often, so I am not sure. But what can you expect from the most famous person (Dave Thomas) from Dublin.
Oops...actually, Brady Quinn, Heisman candidate (winner!), brother-in-law to A.J. Hawk, and all-around BEST QB IN THE LAND is the most famous person from Dublin.
That's Dublin, Ohio for those of you in Rio Linde and Ann Arbor.
Oh, and in case you all forgot, PSU is gonna kick your asses this weekend. You heard it here first! No Manningham = TACOPANT'S REVENGE!
Ha...the beligerant one has returned! Suck on those lemons, skunkbears!
Detroit News has a story up saying it is a torn meniscus and possible torn MCL, with surgery happening today:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.../610100370/
1131
It sounds like he'll be out several weeks at the least.
Mario will go under the knife only to wake up with two double D breasts that will end his career as we know it due to it being a hinderance when he puts on shoulder pads. Mario will then sue the doctors for damages and demand their licenses be confiscated.
Plaintiff V Defendants
Mario Manningham vs McNamara/Troy associates-State of Michigan....
Any chance at all he's back for OSU?
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/ne...tory?
id=2618546
This is definitely Tacopants' revenge. He hasn't been getting very many passes in his direction this year, and decided to go Jeff Gilloli on Manningham. For shame, Tacopants. You're better than that.
So, if its a torn meniscus, it could be a lot worse. I tore a lateral meniscus in high school playing baseball. They scoped it and cleaned everything out and I was back on my feet in 3-4 days with some soreness, and running like normal in 7-10. Plus, I wasn't much of an athlete so I suspect that Manningham will recover more rapidly than I did.
As was already pointed out in a previous post, menicus tears can be funny and would be a good explanation for him moving around just fine on the sideline but then being on crutches the following day (the same thing happened to me, although the crutches were at least part precautionary while they figured out that nothing else was wrong).
Here's wishing Mario a speedy recovery and that nothing else is wrong in there.
I heard that Penn State's offense is so excited about this injury that it is guaranteed to throw for almost 150 yards, and rush for 100 more. They're pumped up, guys; we better watch out. After all, this is a team that knocked of the mighty Gophers IN THE METRODOME!!1! Their crowd will be so loud that Michigan players will intentionally lodge disturbing foreign objects in their ears, causing infections, injuries, and death. The atmosphere there is so tough that Michigan has only been able to win three straight games there. That's tough! Only teams like the magical 2000 Toledo Rockets or the mighty 2004 Northwestern Wildcats can win in a place like State College.
Ryan - we'll have to see what they find when they do the surgery. That will be the most important thing to find out going forward. If it's just a partial tear of the meniscus and NO MCL damage, then I would image Mario will miss 1, maybe 2 games before returning to the field. If he has MCL damage, that could cause him to miss time that might put the OSU game in danger, but he should still be back for a bowl game either way.
This was on The Diag:
According to Angelique Chengelis, Mario Manningham is undergoing surgery for a partially torn MCL today. In a morning interview on Sports Radio 1130 Detroit, Chengelis believes Manningham could return by the Ohio State game.
So it appears they did find MCL damage, which isn't the best case scenario. Depending on the damage MCL surgery, IIRC, usually takes 3-6 weeks to recover from. The OSU game is 5 weeks away.
I saw MM last night at Taco Bell. In addition to casts on both legs and the metal halo stabilizing his neck, he seemed to have gained 10 lbs due to all the #5 extra value meals he's been eating.
The good news is that he's full.
This is insane. Mlive.com has one article that says Manningham is undergoing surgery for a partial tear of his MCL. Then a more recent article states that he is undergoing surgery for a partial tear of his meniscus (a completely different time table). Another article on Mlive.com says that none of this stuff is confirmed and that Manningham's Grandpa said that he was "fine" on Monday. What is going on? This is crazy.
http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/...5520.xml&
coll=2
I am new to mgoblogspot, so you can take this with a grain of salt, if you like, but my friend who works at the UM Hospital here in Ann Arbor and has access to Manningham's file told me that the MRI showed a tear of the meniscus, and that arthroscopic surgery was, in fact, ordered. As of right now, there is no record of what happened in surgery and it doesn't look like he was admitted. (I think this is a result of a delay in hospital record keeping)...
wow mikegoblue, good work but that is totally illegal
Well, no worried mikegoblue, what you did isn't illegal, but your friend might be breaking some laws by disclosing that information to you. However, keep the updates coming, none of us will tell ;)
I got word from a friend who is a part of the Pentavirate, turns out they're hell bent on seeing Michigan lose one crucial game before the mediagasm OSU-UM game, due in part to the lack of sales in the addictive chemical laced fast food chicken sandwiches which we crave fortnightly. It just so happened that a few of them read the internets and found out that UM once lost to PSU, so they have figured that this week's game was the best time to strike.
Knowing Mario's weakness for chicken sandwiches, the Vatican asked North Korea to detonate a nuclear test inside Mario's knee. This has caused not only Mario to limp around a bit, but has also set back the Zoltan-N.Korea cease-fire treaty six weeks. With Mario now enticed by spicy chicken, people hope that the zombie army of PSU will eat the brains of Henne. And what about Hart? Turns out Notre Dame zealots are owed a favor by the Queen, so a crate full of snakes will be released on the UM plane halfway between the Detroit and Philedelphia, and will eat Hart's legs, because Hart's calfs are crack to a snake.
However, there is only one thing wrong with this inside information.
Zombies only win in movies.
UM 33 - PSU 20
walrus-
Outstanding!
I will visit this site frequently. Hope there will be more and more resources provided. phentramine seroquel prevacid napro pack lasix overdose
Commenting by HaloScan
