The Curious Case of Dymonte Thomas

In what might not be so curious after all, early enrollee, and potential stud freshman, Dymonte Thomas will be placed under the microscope in the coming months to see where exactly he will see playing time this fall.

By all accounts, it appears that Thomas could see quite a bit of playing time this fall thanks to his impressive play in spring practices. Granted spring practices and fall games are two completely different beasts, seeing this type of competitiveness coming from Thomas is a good sign early on.

Now, where exactly will Thomas play? There is need for him on the defense, but where will he make his mark?

Realistically, we are looking at either nickelback or competing with Jarrod Wilson for strong safety. Let's break them both down.

Nickelback:

- Depth: Courtney Avery, Dymonte Thomas, Delano Hill (?)

Has Avery done enough to secure a spot? Probably not. Avery has had every opportunity to secure a starting corner position and has failed to do so. Which might not be 100 percent his fault, he just lost out to better talent. When Raymon Taylor took over for Countess, J.T Floyd was Michigan's other corner. Avery was shuffled in and out of the lineup.

Will Hill compete for a spot? It is entirely possible that Hill could push Avery to compete harder for the starting job or the backup spot pending Thomas winning the battle. Should Michigan waste an eligibility year on Hill if other depth is there? Probably not. But, you never know what will happen come summer and fall camps.

Strong Safety:

- Depth: Jarrod Wilson ... ?

Does losing Marvin Robinson hurt? Yes, the loss of Marvin Robinson hurts quite a bit because he was expected to compete for the strong safety position. Robinson's Michigan career has been a disappointment to many Michigan fans, as he was a highly touted recruit coming in that didn't quite live up to expectations. Now, with him gone, Michigan loses a considerable amount of depth there. Even though he would be competing for a starting spot, Jarrod Wilson appears to have emerged as the leader.

Could Thomas split time between safety and cornerback? Yes, it is possible that could happen, but it's very unlikely. They'll either have him in one spot or the other. It all depends on how he adapts throughout the season. If Thomas can perform elsewhere better than where he originally place, it makes total sense to move him elsewhere. But, for now, it's either or. Michigan will find someone to back-up their starting corners and strong safety.

My Verdict? Dymonte Thomas will be your starting nickelback this season. There is a possibility that he COULD see playing time at strong safety, playing for an injured player for example, but it doesn't make sense to shuffle him around. Once Thomas gets comfortable with the pace of college football and learns the defense, then it will make sense to move him to safety once Thomas Gordon graduates. Until then, I really think Michigan fans will be seeing something special with Thomas.

If it Looks like a Chicken...

One of my favorite scenes from Bull Durham is when Crash Davis instructs Ebby LaLoosh on what to say during interviews.  Not having anything other than generic sound-bytes to deliver to readers and viewers is one of the most frustrating aspects about being a fan, or a pseudo reporter, much like myself.  That's why people like Brady Hoke, and, dare I say, Mark Dantonio, are two of the most entertaining interviews in the business.

Coach Hoke (yes, I know, he's overweight) made headlines by saying that Notre Dame "chickened out" of one of the best rivalries in all of sports. He is right, and Notre Dame fans, alumni, and even some in the media are upset about it. 

The Golden Domers' contract to play the less-than schools in the ACC, coupled with its decision to keep Purdue and Michigan State on the schedule, make Brady Hoke's comments accurate.  Whether you choose to believe Michigan State is a weaker opponent than Michigan is irrelevant, but what even the biggest fanboys of Notre Dame cannot ignore is that their schedule just got less difficult by one game.  Swapping a date with Michigan for a date with either Wake Forrest or Virginia is the equivalent  to walking Miguel Cabrera with the bases empty.  Notre Dame can posture all they want and say that they still play teams like Stanford and USC, but keeping Purdue to trounce every year, while handpicking the academic and basketball schools in the A.C.C. to play in football looks like chickening out to anyone who doesn't have Rudy on top of his Netflix cue. 

Notre Dame has a history of inventing myths about its football program in order to line its own coffers.  When will those who openly weep at NBC's wide-angle shot of Touchdown Jesus realize that the Fighting Irish do not belong in the same group of elite football programs in the United States?  Having a wonderful past that is filled with tradition is wonderful (ahem, Michigan), but Knute Rockne's speeches aren't winning any championships.  It's not 1927 anymore.  Either force Notre Dame to join a conference or take away the BCS "Notre Dame Exception," and force them to play teams other than Pittsburgh, Purdue, Virginia, and Duke, for a shot at a BCS Championship.  It may have been unkind and an unpopular thing to say, but Coach Hoke was right.

Five Fond Moments of the Notre Dame Rivalry

As we bid adieu to our rivals from Indiana in 2014, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will move on to greener pastures, where losing to Michigan often will be replaced by vicious victories over Michigan State and Purdue. Michigan currently holds a 23-16-1 overall record against the Fighting Irish and are looking to beat them one last time in their house as they prepare for Under the Lights II coming in just a few short months.

Me, a typical Wolverine fan who focuses on nothing but history,  will take a look at five memorable moments from the rivalry that is no more.

Number Five: "His shoelaces flapping in the wind.."


What makes this moment so great is that this run happened to be longest run in Notre Dame Stadium history, all 87 yards of it. What also made this day so great is that he also capped a 28-24 victory over the Irish in the waning seconds, scoring his second rushing touchdown of the day. Not to mention, Rich Rodriguez owned Notre Dame. So it's always just a little bit more hilarious to see one of very few Rodriguez victories.

Number Four: THIS PICTURE

Shawn Crable was a beast for Michigan. Never afraid to make the big tackle, Crable lays the smackdown (first clip out of the five) on Brady Quinn. Even though Michigan went on to win this game, it was always fun seeing how awesome Michigan's defense truly was.

Number Three: "Caught, Greg Matthews!"


For Michigan fans across the nation, how amazing was this victory? An unranked and, quite frankly, not a very good Michigan squad upsets a Jimmy Clausen led Irish squad with mere seconds to go on the clock. This game created the legend for Tate Forcier -- oh, what could have been -- who then seems to go and ruin it for himself later in the season. This win was a giant milestone for Rich Rodriguez and his Michigan team. Unfortunately, the success didn't carry over for much longer. But Michigan fans can forever bask in this victory.

Number Two: "I can't believe this, Roy Roundtree!"



This game was special for many reasons. New Michigan head coach Brady Hoke had his first crack against Notre Dame, Michigan honored legendary receiver Desmond Howard, and also appeared in the first night game in Michigan Stadium history. You just knew that night would be special. After being dominated for most of the game, Michigan came back from behind and Denard Robinson delivered a ball to Roy Roundtree who would go on to make one of the greatest moments in Michigan history.

All of these moments are great in their own right. But, to me, the number one moment signifies the rivalry. This singular play is what the old-school Michigan fans will remember the most. But, it's one of the most amazing plays ever.

Number One: Fourth and Inches.. "Holy Cow! Would you believe this?"


In what was probably the gutsiest playcalls in Michigan football history, head coach Gary Moeller calls for a pass play in a fourth and inches situation. Elvis Grbac drops back and delivers a ball that was well overthrown to Desmond Howard, who made a spectacular diving catch for the touchdown and would help Michigan secure a 24-14 victory against the Irish. This catch also put Howard to the forefront of the Heisman race. And, as you are all aware, the rest is history.

Some may be happy to see Notre Dame go, others don't want to see them leave. But, at the end of the day, Michigan vs. Notre Dame brought fans excitement that will forever be remembered.

For now, goodbye Notre Dame. But, forever Go Blue.

Henschke's Wednesday Rants Talks Timelines

Joshua Henschke
Editor, TheBigHouseReport.com

At Michigan, the expectation for a successful season is always competing for the Big Ten Championship, participate in Rose Bowls (and winning them, hopefully), and beating Ohio State. Some unreasonable Michigan fans expect Michigan to go 12-0 every season, running the likes of Alabama out of the stadium, and dominate Ohio State every year. Though these thoughts make them all warm and fuzzy inside, especially beating Ohio State, it's not just realistic.

So, with the foundation that Brady Hoke is laying, when does everything combine to make Michigan yearly contenders for National Championships, no-brainer selections to be conference champs, and victors over Ohio State more than every once in awhile? When does it all mesh?

This isn't an open blast to Hoke and what he has done so far at Michigan. After experiencing the Rich Rodriguez experiment go awry, Hoke has done a wonderful job picking up the pieces and changing the public mindset of laughing stock, to recovering powerhouse. Michigan football is what it is, you can't deny it.

When does the proverbial "Honeymoon Period" end? Or does it ever end? Sure, beating Ohio State your first year as head coach en route to a 11-2 season and BCS victory surely cements your place amongst the good graces of your superiors, but when does the success of conference championships and beyond start to become a necessity to keep those good graces?

Personally, I give Hoke one more offseason to pull together another stellar recruiting class (which, by all means, sure looks like it will happen) and get "his guys" into the fold before I can really judge the Michigan football product Hoke and his excellent staff of coaches will bring to the table. It's obvious that Ohio State will be a huge roadblock and damper on these big plans each year. But, no matter how much they reload, Michigan needs to beat them. Even if it seems impossible, find a way. Urban Meyer will have his Buckeyes ready every year, and I expect them to compete amongst the juggernauts in college football every season, much like Michigan will. No matter how lofty the chances may be, Michigan needs to start pulling together some wins against Ohio State.

Now, don't get me wrong, this is not a plea for Michigan fans to start judging Hoke's performance. I'm also not calling for Hoke's head if he does not succeed. I am merely discussing timelines as to when Michigan fans should expect Big Ten Championships (realistically) and see them win it like years of old.

Eight or nine win seasons won't cut it. The days of Lloyd ball are long gone, and I expect big things to come for the Wolverines. Only time will tell if Michigan pulls it all together and returns to it's rightful place as a football powerhouse, just like Ohio State already has. Michigan and Ohio State together again fighting for national prominence, like the good old days. Just how it should be, and how it always should be until the end of time.

Henschke's Wednesday Rants is Not a Fan of Long Offseasons

Joshua Henschke
Editor, TheBigHouseReport.com

I get that a college football season is so short because the academic calendar says it should be this way. After all, school comes before sports, but I've never been a fan of the wait from January to September.

For being a huge football buff, the wait is excruciating. You get teased with spring practices, news of big football commitments, and players who are making strides in the offseason. But, when it comes down to it: "We want more, we want more. Like, you really like it. We want more."

Well said, little girl.

For me, a college football season feels entirely too short. Considering the Big Ten hadn't played a conference championship game in quite some time before being introduced two seasons ago. Back then, the wait between the Ohio State game and Michigan's bowl game seemed excruciatingly long. But, also looking back, I'm sure we needed the break to recover ourselves from the loss.

Nowadays, a conference championship will suffice for an extra filler week of college football. It won't mean that much to me until Michigan starts participating in these games, though.

The college football season comes and goes in a blur. You don't truly appreciate what it means to you until it's gone for another year. We get used to seeing Michigan on TV every Saturday and it becomes habit. The first weekend without it is tough. Eventually it becomes easier to handle until the urge for football starts to come back with the change of the season.

An offseason is not a fun time for anyone. Who really thinks, "you know, I think I'll take a 8-9 month break from watching football." Nobody. Granted, the players DESERVE that break for sacrificing their bodies for our entertainment, but I wish football was around much longer.

Even though offseasons are necessary, I'll never be a fan of the wait. Until then, I'll be counting down the days until the first snap of the season.