The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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4 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2018 A COUPLE OBSERVATIONS Dear The Wolverine, For many of us who have lived through the cycles of ups and downs of the Michigan program, we wait with varying levels of patience for signs that an ongoing "up" cycle will arrive. The beginnings of the Brady Hoke era and of the current Jim Harbaugh era were both welcomed the first year, followed by the inability of the pro- gram to sustain an upward trajectory. To be fair, last year saw the team finish with eight victories, which many pro- grams would consider acceptable. However, we all know that there was a continued failure to defeat the archrivals of MSU and OSU. The MSU game was a study in giveaways, while OSU once again found a way to outlast Michigan in the second half. The thrashing at Penn State is largely attributed to the "white out," which provided a positive effect for PSU and a negative effect for U-M. Camp Ran- dall offers a challenging place to play, and that was the case for Michigan, who lost by two touchdowns. I con- sider the South Carolina loss an em- barrassment and have repressed all recollections of that game. Let me say that I understand that the O-line and quarterback issues are being addressed. But let me introduce a couple of opinions based solely on unscientific observations. Michigan lacks the "chip on their shoulder" attitude of the teams of the winning eras. Michigan State and Ohio State seem to have it. Ohio State has al- ways had it, but it has become a Mark Dantonio-coached team staple. My other observation is that Michi- gan no longer sustains dominance in the second half. I hesitate to indict the coaching for that observation, but, frankly, I must. Are these issues of player leader- ship? Are they issues of coaches failing to breed aggressive attitudes in an ef- With the expected emergence of sophomore Donovan Peoples-Jones and redshirt freshmen Tarik Black among the wide receiving corps, who becomes the No. 3 wide receiver? • Senior Grant Perry, but I have a sneaking suspicion that [sophomore] Nico Collins is going to sneak up on some people and have a good year. BIGBOYD21 • Perry has had his share of ups and downs, and he obviously doesn't have eye-popping stats. But it sure seems like the majority of his catches have come at very important points in various games. He can be a QB's best friend on a third- and-long when you have to get that first down. ericmatt • Perry has had a lot of injury and off- field issues, plus he competed with a few other WRs in his early days. But his 52 receptions for 618 yards are more than all the other WRs on this roster put together. A healthy Perry with his head on straight makes for a logical third WR pick on this team, especially if opposing teams fear getting beat deep by Black or DPJ. detroit.dean • People are so worried about WRs, but look out for the TEs — redshirt junior Zach Gentry, junior Sean McKeon, and I have very high hopes for redshirt soph- omore Nick Eubanks. He can stretch the field, just look back at the Florida game. His injury was big last year along with Black's. You have three tight ends that are matchup problems. Lots of potential weapons on offense, just get them the ball. ssmaverick • It's tough to pick between Perry and Nico because Nico is better suited out- side, while Perry probably has a lock on the No. 1 slot position. But in terms of who is going to make a bigger impact, I'm going to say Nico. I loved what I saw in the bowl game. The only wide receiver all year that I can remember that went up and over a de- fender to make a play on the ball (and come down with it). I think he makes a huge jump, especially if Shea Patterson is a bit of a gunslinger. We need a play- maker like him. O_How_I_Hate • Perry always balls against the rivals and in big games … put some "respeck" [sic] on his name. KyleFields From Our Website September 2018 • Vol. 30, No. 1 ISSN 1048-9940 Editor John Borton The Wolverine.com Editor Chris Balas Football Recruiting Writer Brandon Brown Staff Writer Austin Fox Managing Editor Ryan Tice Contributing Editor Steve Downey Layout And Design Jeanette Blankenship Chris Miller Contributing Photographers Lon Horwedel Per Kjeldsen Pat Gallagher Cover Photo Per Kjeldsen Publisher Stu Coman Business Manager Linda Autry Marketing/Merchandise Manager Beverly Taylor Director Of Advertising Michelle Delee-Hamilton Customer Service Gail Evans The Wolverine is published monthly. A one-year (12 issues) subscription is $52.99. The Wolverine is printed at The Papers in Milford, Ind. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wolverine, P.O. 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