Game 9: Purdue:

• Michigan football secured a 41-13 victory over Purdue after the post-bye week matchup.
• The game had moments of competition, but Michigan's offense eventually regained momentum with big plays.
• Five key takeaways from the game:
  • The offense can thrive as a pass-first team, with J.J. McCarthy leading the way with 335 passing yards.
  • Roman Wilson had a standout performance, catching nine passes for 143 yards, positioning himself for a strong draft.
  • The tackles on Michigan's offensive line appear to be a weakness, and opponents like Penn State and Ohio State could exploit this.
  • Blake Corum is closing in on the career rushing touchdown record, with 47 touchdowns and a good chance to break the record.
  • Will Johnson, the sophomore cornerback, showed his potential as a Michigan legend with his second interception of the season and an ability to disrupt opponents' plays. Expect him to go early in the first round of the NFL draft after next season.

Sign Stealing Update:

• A Michigan investigation is currently in motion, and it's all about how the alleged sign-stealing operation came to light and reached the NCAA. Interestingly, it appears that family members of Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, are involved in this storyline.
• The Washington Post recently reported that an "outside firm" spilled the beans to the NCAA. Now, here's where it gets intriguing. It seems that Timothy Day, who is Ryan Day's brother, and someone connected to another of his brothers, Christopher Day, are right in the middle of how this information got out. One of them is reportedly associated with a private investigation firm in Manchester, New Hampshire, which happens to be Day's hometown.
• Michigan insiders have suggested that the evidence passed on to The Washington Post might have been taken from the computer of Connor Stalions, a key figure in the investigation. The plot thickens.
• As for the future, we're all wondering what will happen with this Michigan sign-stealing scandal. The NCAA is still investigating, and many are calling for the Big Ten conference to step in.
• ESPN's Stephen A. Smith recently weighed in on the situation. He stressed the importance of resolving this issue before the end of the regular season. Smith raised concerns about what could happen if Michigan were to make it to the Big Ten title or the College Football Playoff with this cloud of uncertainty hanging over them. It could potentially create some serious controversy.
• Smith also pointed out the challenges that might arise for other teams ranked at No. 5 and No. 6 in the final College Football Playoff rankings. They could rightfully be frustrated if Michigan were to sit ahead of them in the rankings and make it into the CFP field without this matter being properly addressed. It's a legitimate concern for college football fans and enthusiasts.

Takeaways from a Michigan Student on the East Lansing Experience:

1. Everything MSU does is a more mid version of Michigan
2. No tradition, lame hype video only showing clips of random tackles made against michigan in 2010s with very low speaker volume
3. Worse trivia questions than M (I’m not gonna mention the incident), worse in-game music, worse helmet shuffle game.
4. We have a dog that runs 50 yards and catches a frisbee with 90% success. Their frisbee dog runs 5 yards and consistently drops the frisbee. Victor FTW.
5. All of their in game “highlights” consist of tackles MSU made after Michigan gained 5 yards prior. Tough scene.

On Sign Stealing:

1. There is no evidence (yet) that Jim Harbaugh knew about the sign-stealing operation.There is evidence that AD interns were involved in the sign-stealing operation.
2. The sign-stealing operation cost ~ $15,000

for the season, including tickets, travel, and other misc. costs.

1. Sign-stealing materials were uploaded to a drive that other UM coaches had access to (but unclear whether they viewed or edited the materials).
2. Someone hired an "investigative firm" to recover this evidence. The hiring party, source of funds, and identity of the investigative firm are unknown. The sources and methods employed by the investigative firm are similarly unknown.
3. Honestly, I think a very likely outcome here is that we are spectacularly guilty of what we are accused of, HC knew, and we skate by on a level 2 or 3 because of a very poorly written rule by some low-level associate working at Cravath in the early 90’s.
4. Go win the chip and make everyone forget about this.

Postgame thoughts:

• 1. First off, poor Nebraska. Their fans are too nice, I almost feel bad for caving their skulls in the way we did. Almost.
• 2. How often do you think about the Roman (Wilson) Empire? Michigan wide receivers aren’t exactly known for leading the country in stats… Roman is having a truly special season. If we expect to play 15 games this year (12 regular season, 1 B10 title, 2 CFP) and Roman keeps up this pace… he will SHATTER the single season receiving TD record set by the one and only Desmond Howard in 1991 (19). He’s on pace for 24 touchdowns in that scenario… truly mind-boggling numbers for this school.
• 3. That catch: Yeah, I’m gonna give Roman another bullet here. The helmet catch was one of the craziest plays I have ever witnessed. I’m not sure it even happened, I think I hallucinated it. Move over, David Tyree… there’s a new sheriff in town.
• 4. Shoutout to Christian Boivin: Nothing like a walk-on making an impact on special teams. My ribs hurt just watching that tackle, good to see him making an impact.
• 5. This defense is for real: We have let up 30 (30!!!!!!) points total through 5 games. #1 scoring defense in the nation. Let’s enjoy this while we can, the NFL draft is surely taking notice.
• 6. Kalel Mullings: Donovan clearly hasn’t been himself this year, but let’s give a shoutout to the bruiser Kalel Mullings for stepping up when we need him. If it’s 4th and 1 and we need a yard with a game on the line, I feel confident with him (I forgive you for the fiesta bowl).
• 7. Stellar O-Line play: Other than that one crunch on JJ, the o-line played exceptionally well, especially in the run game. Nebraska somehow led the country in run D coming into the game, but we shut that false confidence up real fast.
• 8. Weather: Like Herb said, it really didn’t matter what the weather was. 95 degrees, 30 mph winds, and we’re playing like it’s a 65 degree fall day with clear skies. Love to see it.
• 9. Matt Rhule: Oh boy. I’m actually a fan of Rhule, and he has usually found success at every stop other than Carolina. I think he will get Nebraska to hover around 10 wins at some point in his tenure, but they clearly have a long way to go before they are able to be on our tier.
• 10. Bussin’ Bowl: Gimme that trophy. I like Will Compton as much as the next guy, but after Saturday, he shouldn’t be allowed back on the bus. 

Game 5: Nebraska

A few quick pregame thoughts:

• This Nebraska team is underwhelming but don’t underestimate the tough environment that Memorial Stadium is
• Rhule is a solid coach, he has always figured it out at every stop (other than Carolina but that’s a different story). Don’t let this be the game where he takes advantage of us sleepwalking and motivates the team
• Weather: Oh boy. 92 degrees and 30 mile an hour winds. I don’t like to blame weather for any games since both teams have to play in the same conditions (hi Ryan Day ;)), but this could get ugly. Nebraska is going to need to hope the wind takes out our passing game and the run game doesn’t work. That’s their best shot.
• Kickoff time: Why on earth do teams refuse to schedule us at night? From Nebraska’s (and Penn State’s for that matter) POV, they’re a lot more likely to take us down if we play at night. I’ll take the 3:30 kick.
• Ernie’s Revenge Game?: Don’t know if there was any bad blood relating to Hausmann’s transfer here, but you know what, it’s fun to make narratives. So let’s go with that!
• Road Kits: White jersey, maize pants, white accessories. By far the best road combo we have. When was the last time we wore that combo? If anyone knows, let me know.
• Let’s make it a bad day to be corn.