I'm back

Sorry for the delay on posts, the past few weeks have been pretty crazy. Nonetheless, a few big sports things have occurred in the past few weeks:

*The Whitworth Pirates men's basketball team swept PLU and UPS on the road for the first time since the Loggers joined the NWC. It was such a huge sweep that head coach Jim Hayford broke down on the air during a post-game interview following Whitworth's win at UPS. As a long-time Pirate fan listening to the game on the radio, I was...well, speechless. To think that the Pirates, the defending NWC champs who lost four starters (including NWC MVP Bryan Williams, sharpshooters Jon Young and James Jones, and the best rebounder on the team in Kevin Hasenfus) could travel to Tacoma, and beat PLU and more importantly UPS (who was ranked No. 7 in the nation before the game) was unreal. Ryan Symes (above, celebrating win at UPS) led all scorers with 24 points in the win. I thought Colin Willemsen's comments in the Spokesman the other day were interesting:

"In the past, I think maybe the seniors told themselves it was a tough place to win and they had to get at least one. So in a way -- with a bunch of new guys -- no one knew the history and just tried to go in and play well. ... The sweep in Tacoma was big, and it gave us a lot of momentum."

A lot of momentum indeed. The Bucs head into the second half of the NWC season in first place at 7-1 in the NWC, and all their tough road games are over. Now if they can hold serve against PLU, UPS and Linfield at home the NWC title should be theirs for the second year in a row. It's great to be a Whitworth Pirate.

*The Patriots and Giants will be meeting for the second time this season in the Super Bowl. The Pats won the first meeting 38-35 in Week 17 to cap off their perfect 16-0 regular season, but the Giants certainly played the Pats tough. I think the Pats will win, but I don't think it will be a blow out. Somewhere around 27-24, as I think both defenses will be better this time around.

*The Sonics ended their 14-game losing streak by beating the San Antonio Spurs 88-85 Tuesday. Good news all around. The Sonics were looking average for a while (which, for this season, I'll take), but that was right before this long losing skid. But I'm glad it's over and it's time to look forward.

*Mike Holmgren is coming back for one last hurrah. And I couldn't be more thrilled. I think next season is the last hurrah for a lot of Seahawks: Holmgren, Shaun Alexander, most of the offensive line, and maybe Matt Hasselbeck. I'm one more disappointing playoff loss away from saying, "screw it, let's blow this team up and start over." Especially on offense. What a terrible effort in Green Bay. The key positions to fill out in the offseason are, in order: Tight End, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Running Back.

*Johan Santana is a Met. That obviously makes the Mets the team to beat in the NL on paper, but we all know how the Mets do in reality. However their Santana-Pedro Martinez one-two punch if they can stay healthy is a scary one--especially facing them each two or three times in a seven game series. Wow how the NL has changed.

*Not to be outdone, the Seattle Mariners finally make a trade. Kind of. The Baltimore Orioles-Mariners trade has not yet been approved by the Orioles' owner Peter Angelos. The trade involved the O's sending 28-year-old pitcher Erik Bedard (2007: 13-5, 3.16) to the M's for potential star prospect Adam Jones (2007: .246, 2 HR, 4 RBI) who would probably be the M's http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifstarter in right field next season, reliever George Sherrill (2007: 2-0, 2.36, 3) and an undetermined number of Seattle minor-leaguers, according the the Seattle Times.

As far as I can tell, this trade would work both ways. The O's get potential help in the bullpen, as well as a few prospects who could pan out. The Mariners get a solid starter who would probably become their No. 2 starter, meaning they'd throw out a rotation of: Hernandez-Bedard-Washburn-Batista-Silva. This would put the Mariners in a position to push the Angels for the AL West crown. The M's were a pitcher short from claiming the crown last year, as the rotation (aka Weaver) broke down in September. This could put them over the edge. Who would replace Jones in RF? Probably Willie Bloomquist or Mike Morse. Though it'd be nice to pick up a free agent to fill that spot. Would it have been nice to sign Jose Guillen? Sure, but that's history now. Shawn Green and Bobby Kielty are still free agents, so are Kenny Lofton, Shannon Stewart, Reggie Sanders and Corey Patterson. My vote is for Patterson, but at this point Lofton will do too. But, knowing the M's, they'll probably settle for Morse. The life of a Seattle fan -- always expecting the worst-case scenario.

Well, that's all I got for now. I'll continue the countdown to signing day which is a week from today (Wednesday). Be on the lookout for the next recruiting classes.

NFL Playoff Scores

Conference Championships (Jan. 20)
AFC
San Diego vs. NEW ENGLAND (12:30 p.m., CBS)

NFC
N.Y. Giants vs. GREEN BAY (3:30 p.m., FOX)

Divisional Playoffs (Jan. 12-13)
AFC
NEW ENGLAND 31, Jacksonville 20
San Diego 28, INDIANAPOLIS 24

NFC
GREEN BAY 42, Seattle 20
N.Y. Giants 21, DALLAS 17

Wild Card Playoffs (Jan. 5-6)
AFC
Jacksonville 31, PITTSBURGH 29
SAN DIEGO 17, Tennessee 6

NFC
SEATTLE 35, Washington 14
N.Y. Giants 24, TAMPA BAY 14

NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend Predictions

Saturday:
GREEN BAY 24, Seattle 21
"We want the ball, and we're going to score." Was it only three years ago that Matt Hasselbeck uttered those words in Green Bay before throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown that advanced the Packers? Well, the times have changed and the Seahawks are now the more playoff experienced team. But I don't think that's enough as the Seahawks are awful on the road. Still, experience will keep the Seahawks close and--with a lucky break--they could pull this one out.

NEW ENGLAND 38, Jacksonville 28
The Patriots know what the stakes are: An undefeated season and a right to the claim of the "best team ever." Jacksonville is everyones favorite sleeper pick this year. But can the Jaguars avoid the mistakes that almost cost them their first round game last weekend? The Pats had a week to rest and rest injuries, and I just can't see the Jags beating the Pats in New England.

Sunday:
INDIANAPOLIS 35, San Diego 17
When they met earlier in the season, in San Diego, everything that could go wrong for the Colts did: Peyton Manning threw six picks and Adam Vinatieri missed field goals inside 40 yards. And the Colts still had a chance to win that game on the road. Things couldn't possibly get worse for the Colts than that, and this time they're at home. The Chargers have an unproven quarterback and their star tight end is out. If the Colts focus on stopping LaDanian Tomlinson and forcing Philip Rivers to beat them, I like the Colts' odds.

DALLAS 28, N.Y. Giants 25
Dallas limped to the playoffs, but a week off to rejuvenate and regroup will help the Cowboys. The Giants on the other hand came into the playoffs after almost knocking the Patriots off in the last week of the season. They beat the Bucs in Tampa Bay, but I'm not fully convinced that Eli Manning is a better quarterback than Tony Romo in the playoffs. I like the Cowboys to squeak one out.

Countdown to Singing Day: Class #9 USC

National signing day is upon us, so I thought I’d break down my view of the Top 10 classes coming in, starting with No. 10 and counting down to No. 1 which I will publish on national signing day (February 6).













No. 9 – USC Trojans
Verbal Commitments (5 *****, 5 ****, 4 ***):
***** (OT) Tyron Smith; (TE) Blake Ayles; (OT) Matt Kalil; (WR) D.J. Shoemate; (OT) Matt Meyer
**** (LB) Maurice Simmons; (WR) Brice Butler; (DT) Armond Armstead; (WR) Joe Adams; (RB) Curtis McNeal
*** (OG) Khaled Holmes; (OG) Daniel Campbell; (S) Drew McAllister; (DE) Wes Horton

Still recruiting (2http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif *****, ****, ***):
***** (DT) Omar Hunter (Medium Interest); (CB) T.J. Bryant (Medium Interest)
**** (LB) Jerrell Harris (Medium Interest); (LB) Marcus Robinson (Low Interest); (DE) Nicholas Perry (Medium Interest); (S) Vaughn Telemaque (High Interest); (OT) Antoine McClain (Low Interest); (LB) Uona Kaveinga (Medium Interest); (DT) Roderick Davis (Low Interest); (WR) Attrail Snipes (High Interest); (DE) Devin Johnson (Medium Interest)
*** (DT) Jurrell Casey (High Interest); (DT) Jacob Feagai (Medium Interest); (OG) Vaughn Dotsy (Medium Interest); (CB) Jamar Taylor (Medium Interest); (WR) Darius Morgan (Medium Interest)

Areas of big need: Tight End, Right Tackle, Left Tackle, Defensive End
Areas of moderate need: Outside Linebacker, Cornerback, Defensive Tackle

Pete Carroll knows how to recruit for the positions he is weak in or has players graduating. USC fills their immediate needs with Ayles, Smith, Kalil and Meyer who are four five-star studs who can fill their needs immediately. If Middle Linebacker Rey Maualuga leaves for the NFL early that opens a new hole the Trojans needs to fill. They have Simmons coming in, and are recruiting three more four-star Linebackers. If they can get two of the three they will be just fine.

Their skill positions are fine for now, but they need to be looking in the future as well. Shoemate is a good recruit—probably someone who won’t play much early in his career, but will be the star in a few years. The only “need” position yet to be filled with a star is defensive end where they only have one three-star commit. But they have their eye on a four-star end as well.

Countdown to Singing Day: Class #10 Michigan

National signing day is upon us, so I thought I’d break down my view of the Top 10 classes coming in, starting with No. 10 and counting down to No. 1 which I will publish on national signing day (February 6).









No. 10 – Michigan Wolverines
Verbal Commitments (2 *****, 11 ****, 3 ***):
***** (CB) Boubacar Cissoko; (RB) Sam McGuffie
**** (S) Brandon Smith; (TE) Kevin Koger; (LB) J.B. Fitzgerald; (WR) Daryl Stonum; (DT) Mike Martin; (LB) Marcus Witherspoon; (OG) Kurt Wermers; (OT) Dan O'Neill; (TE) Christian Wilson; (RB) Mike Cox; (OT) Elliott Mealer
*** (LB) Kenny Demens; (TE) Brandon Moore; (OT) Rocko Khoury
** (C) George Morales

Still recruiting (1 *****, 4 ****, 6 ***):
***** (QB) Terrelle Pryor (Medium Interest)
**** (DE) Nicholas Perry (Medium Interest); (S) Vaughn Telemaque (Low Interest); (CB) Jarred Holley (Medium Interest); (S) Herman Davidson (Medium Interest)
*** (S) Keanon Cooper (Medium Interest); (S) J.T. Floyd (Medium Interest); (DT) Jurrell Casey (Medium Interest); (WR) Adrian Bushell (Low Interest); (RB) Glenn Winston (Medium Interest); (WR) Vaughn Carraway (High Interest)

Areas of big need: Quarterback, Left Tackle, Outside Linebacker, Inside Linebacker, Strong Safety, Free Safety
Areas of moderate need: Running Back, Wide Receiver

If the Wolverines can lock up Pryor and Perry, as well as either Holley or Davidson, and this class will be easily one of the Top 10 in the nation. The Wolverines need a quarterback—and bad—as they lost starter Chad Henne to graduation, back-up and No. 2 recruit last year Ryan Mallett and fourth-string QB David Cone to transfer. Michigan did get a four-star transfer in Steven Threet, but the addition Pryor will really make Michigan fans forget all of the transfers if he makes the decision to come to Ann Arbor.

Michigan’s secondary is young, but talented with returning starter sophomore Donovan Warren and freshmen Boubacar Cissoko and Brandon Smith. If Michgan lands Davidson or Holley it will only add to the depth—a secondary that will be one of the best in the nation in two years. They offensive line will also add depth with four-star linemen Kurt Wermers, Dan O'Neill, and Elliott Mealer.

Hawaii's non-conference schedule was WAC

I’m sorry, Western Athletic Conference fans, but you just don’t deserve a bid into the BCS National Championship game. After Hawaii’s dismal showing against the Georgia Bulldogs, it’s just hard to take the WAC seriously.

After completing a perfect 12-0 regular season, the truly untested Hawaii Warriors marched into the Sugar Bowl and promptly got a rude awakening to what playing in a major conference might look like, as the Bulldogs stomped the Warriors 41-10. With their reserves playing for most of the fourth quarter. Ouch.

But what about Boise State’s 43-42 overtime win over Oklahoma last year?

Well, that’s the exception, not the rule. Every once in a while an Appalachian State beats a Michigan, or a Boise State beats an Oklahoma. But it doesn’t happen on a regular basis that proves the smaller conferences belong with the big ones.

Truth be told, if this previously undefeated Hawaii team represents the best of the WAC—and they claim they do—then a WAC team might never get a chance to play in a BCS game, especially with the parody in major college football. Just look at the national champion: a two-loss team from the SEC.

The only way they can win respect of the voters back it to play a decent non-conference schedule. This year, Hawaii’s consisted of: Northern Colorado, UNLV, Charleston Southern, and University of Washington. Not exactly a hard-hitting non-conference schedule. The only decent game was the Washington one, and the Huskies almost knocked off the Warriors, but Hawaii was bailed out with a terrible call and a Jake Locker interception in the last two minutes.

So until the WAC starts scheduling better non-conference teams, proving their undefeated records mean something, let’s let them enjoy the Independence Bowl.

NFL Playoff Conversation

Just minutes away from the start of the road to the Super Bowl, fellow blogger and sports nut Peter Smelser of For Pete's Sake and I answered some of the burning questions heading into the playoffs. Here's what transpired:

Peter: Can the Redskins continue this run? Will Seattle's monumental homefield advantage be enough to help stop this momentum?

Colin: I think this is the end of the road for the 'Skins. A shaky QB (Collins) on the road in the loudest stadium in football is not a good combination if you're from the District of Columbia. The Seahawks have finally reintroduced a running game (now that Shaun Alexander is healthy) and I like the way the passing game is going. Plus the Seahawks defense is much improved over last year's depleted group that was led by an insurance salesman in the secondary.

The two big things for Washington are momentum and their strength of schedule. Seattle is only 1-1 against playoff teams this season, while the Skins have defeated multiple playoff teams recently. I still like the 'Hawks though. ESPN’s Bill Simmons had some funny things to say about Todd Collins about half way down this column. Thoughts?

Peter: It’s true the Seahawks won the NFC Worst...again. But as much as I love to hate Seattle, I think experts are sleeping on this team. Seattle’s got great defense and teams just don’t win on the road there. Also in Matt Hasselbeck you have a tested veteran quarterback. In short Washington’s run will end, today.

In that link, Simmons brings up a great point about Todd Collins. He’s a 36-year-old backup, who until three weeks ago people didn’t even know he existed. The QB position isn’t everything in football, but it means a lot to have a great one. It really helps during the playoffs. Washington had a great run, good story, but its over.

Colin: Yeah, I agree that the Seahawks defense is quietly becoming one of the best in football...they don't get a ton of recognition but they're solid

Peter: Not just solid, but they are fast. Lofa Tatupu, Julian Peterson and Patrick Kerney are all studs.

Colin: In fact I think they have the best trio of linebackers in the NFL in Tatupu, Peterson and Hill.

Peter: It's a good unit, good enough to carry them a couple rounds. Wow, I can't believe I just said that

Colin: Yeah, can I keep that quote?

-----

Colin: Next question, if the Patriots lose, should they still be considered an undefeated team with the Dolphins?

Peter: That's a good question. Here's the deal, the 1972 Dolphins went 17-0 with a Super Bowl victory. So New England must remain undefeated and bring home another championship to still be considered an “undefeated” team.

No question about it, 16-0 is amazing, but to be in consideration with Shula's Dolphins, the Pats run must continue. Your thoughts?

Colin: Well, I think they should be considered in the same arena as the Dolphins if they lose in the playoffs to some degree. They have joined the 'Phins as the only two teams to go undefeated during the regular season...but, as the '96 bulls said "it don't mean a thing without the ring"

So the Pats deserve to be in the conversation, but without a super bowl they still aren't there. The other thing to keep in mind is that this is a tougher, deeper, faster league and the patriots played a MUCH tougher schedule and more games. I think the '34 and '42 Bears, who both completed perfect regular seasons also deserve to be in the conversation...but they didn't win the Super Bowl.

Me: The Super Bowl seems to be the defining factor then.

Colin: Yeah. A short answer would be they are in the conversation, but not THE conversation. I guess we agree more or less...16-0 is quite the accomplishment--something only done three times before--but a Super Bowl would seal the deal.

-----

Colin: Next question, can Dallas recover from their end of the season collapse?

Peter: I’ll admit things don’t look great for Dallas. Tony Romo has had terrible December numbers (the past two seasons), then you’ve got the Romo-Simpson saga and TO’s ankle sprain, oh plus Wade Phillips. But, Dallas has homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, a stud tight-end target in Jason Witten and arguably the best back-up running back in the NFL. So what’s that mean for their chances?

Dallas is going to recover. There’s too much talent on that team not to win at least one playoff game. They get a week off to get healthy. Honestly, I think they’ll win two and play for the Super Bowl. Clearly the AFC is the class of the NFL right now, so rings shouldn’t be expected in Big-D.

Colin: I think this is it for the Cowboys. Tony Romo is playing horribly, T.O. is about to erupt and chew out Phillips and Romo (if his ankle allows him to) and they seemed to have peaked too early. But here's the catch: they have the talent to get to the Super Bowl, but can they use that talent and recover from a dreadful end of the season? I say no, but if they do it won't totally surprise me. They might beat whoever wins the Bucs/Giants, but they're not winning the Super Bowl or getting there

Peter: Well then who is? Wait, wait we can get to that in minute. Keep in mind Green Bay and Brett Farve are something like 0-8 in Dallas. I certainly haven't jumped on that bandwagon.

Colin: That is true, but I think this is the year for Favre...but as long as Hasselbeck doesn't guarantee anything ("We’re going to get the ball and score!") in Lambeau next weekend, the Seahawks could march into Dallas and win.

-----

Peter: Jacksonville just marched in Pittsburgh and won. Now, they enter their Wildcard rematch not only with a better record, but also as the favorite to win. Is Vegas off its rocker? Who’s going win?

Colin: I'm taking Jacksonville. On paper, I like Jacksonville in this one, but Heinz Field is the great equalizer (see: Pit 3, Miami 0). Jacksonville beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh last month, 29-22, and thee game wining streak against Pittsburgh.

Can Pittsburgh stop Taylor? Garrard doesn't kill you with picks, but doesn't bring a ton to the table either. Pittsburgh has a great defense (first in the NFL) but bad secondary (last in interceptons), plus Willie Parker is out for the game. The one question mark for Jacksonville…playoff experience. Pittsburgh has a ton of experience and Jacksonville doesn't have any. But I still like Jacksonville in a close game. So, no Vegas isn’t nuts.

Peter: I’m going to have to disagree with you on this one. Jacksonville did beat Pittsburgh in the snow in December, but December isn’t January. Sure Willie Parker is out, but what does he give Pittsburgh? About 100 yards a game, plus some big play potential. Well, Najeh Davenport doesn’t have big play ability, but the yards will be there. Roethlisberger is becoming an elite QB and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu will play a huge boost to the secondary.

The biggest intangible in this game is field. You brought up the 3-0 typhoon-like game against Miami. The grass hasn’t held up well, advantage Pittsburgh. The Steelers like the field, a lot opposing teams don’t. The terrible towels will be out in force. I’m taking Pittsburgh in a close one.

-----

Prediction Time:

Peter:
Wildcard Round:
AFC: San Diego over Tennessee, Pittsburgh over Jacksonville
NFC: Seattle over Washington, Tampa Bay over New York Giants
Divisional Round:
AFC: New England over Pittsburgh, San Diego over Indianapolis
NFC: Dallas over Tampa Bay, Seattle over Green Bay
Conference Championship:
AFC: San Diego over New England
NFC: Dallas over Seattle
Super Bowl:
San Diego over Dallas

Colin:
Wildcard Round:
AFC: San Diego over Tennessee, Jacksonville over Pittsburgh
NFC: Seattle over Washington, New York Giants over Tampa Bay
Divisional Round:
AFC: New England over Jacksonville, Indianapolis over San Diego
NFC: Dallas over New York Giants, Seattle over Green Bay
Conference Championship:
AFC: New England over Indianapolis
NFC: Seattle over Dallas
Super Bowl Champion:
New England over Seattle

Note: Be sure to check out For Pete's Sake for up-to-date commentary on all things sports.

NFL Wild Card Weekend Predictions

Saturday:
SEATTLE 28, Washington 17
What do you get when you take the loudest NFL crowd, with a team that is 23-3 at home over the last four years and an opposing quarterback who is shaky? A Seahawks victory. While Washington is riding momentum of winning their last four games to get into the playoffs, and have dedicated the season to fallen teammate Shaun Taylor, I just can't get past the fact that they are on the road with an unproven quarterback. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are starting to find a run game that was absent for most of the season, and their fans are the best in the country.

Jacksonville 24, PITTSBURGH 17
On paper I like the Jaguars because they are one of the hottest teams in football while the Steelers have hit a rough patch. The Steelers defense should keep them in the game, but the Jags beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago (29-22). However, Heinz Field is great equalizer (see: Pittsburgh 3, Miami 0), but I still like the Jags by a touchdown.

Sunday:
Giants 34, BUCCANEERS 31
Tampa Bay took the last two weeks off to basically prepare for this game, but lost any momentum they had. The Giants on the other hand lost a close 38-35 game to the undefeated Patriots in the last game of the year, showing they can play with the best. Eli Manning has a history of not showing up for the playoffs, but I think this is the season he breaks through that reputation.

CHARGERS 31, Titans 6
This is probably the least exciting game, as Tennessee's offensive was offensive all season and is now without their starting quarterback. The Chargers started the season off on a terrible note, but have recovered and look to make a run in the playoffs. San Diego is better in every category except one: Coaching. Jeff Fisher is a much better coach than Norv Turner, but I don't think that will be eough. LaDanian Tomlinson will be tough to stop, so I don't see any problems for the Chargers.

Manningham and Michigan links

First of all, I want to pass along this link to Coach Lloyd Carr's speech in the locker room after a 41-35 win over Florida on Tuesday.

Secondly, I want to answer a question posted by my buddy Peter who asked if Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham is ready to make an impact at the professional level. In my opinion, yes, he is. Though he had a dismal game against Ohio State catching only five passes for 34 yards while dropping at least as many as he caught. But that was the one blemish on his resume.

In all, he caught 72 passes for 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2007 despite only 12 games. In fact, he ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifveraged over 16 yards per catch, and almost 100 yards per game.

But remember he is only a junior, and still has the option of returning for a senior season. As you can imagine, I'm glued to the two leading Michigan football blogs: MGoBlog and Michigan Sports Center. According to a story by Michigan Sports Center, Manningham is reportedly going to stay for his senior year. Generally, it had been accepted that he was going to go pro, but it seems by this story that he is leaning toward staying.

My opinion is that he will stay if Mallett transfers (which, according to the same story, he will) because they reportedly don't have the best relationship. Also, if Michigan gets consensus No. 1 recruit Terrelle Pryor (Vince Young-like quarterback), he'll be posting some big numbers in the spread offense next year. Pryor is expected to announce his future plans this Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, the high school football all-star game, but has said that's false and is expected to visit Michigan in late January.

Pryor has narrowed his choices to Michigan, Duke, Florida, Ohio State, Oregon and Penn St. Pryor reportedly wants to play basketball too. His cousin plays for the Michigan football team, so that along with the hiring of noted spread head coach Rich Rodriguez has made him put Michigan near the top of his list. Also, he and five-star running back who has committed to Michigan Sam McGuffie are now Facebook friends according to MGoBlog.

Here's what Pryor said about Michigan: "(Rich Rodriguez's) excited and so was I. Michigan was on my early list, and now their right up there again. He's a great coach and I like his offense."

Hopefully he picks Michigan.

Long answer short, if Manningham decides to leave, he'll make a great prospect for a mid-to-late first round choice. He does have a tendency to drop easy passes, but makes tough catches look easy. That and he's very, very fast.

Just a few more recruiting notes: Michigan has been assured by top recruits running back Sam McGuffie (who you can see on YouTube many, many times) and cornerback Boubacar Cissoko that they will keep their commitments to Michigan. If Pryor signs, that would bring in three five-star recruits in a combination of Carr's last recruiting class and Rodriguez's first recruiting class. That to go along 10 four-star recruits and three three-star recruits. Michigan is still waiting to hear from an additional five-star recruit, and seven four-star recruits.

You can watch many recruits this weekend, including six players who have committed to Michigan and another four who are currently being recruited.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl:
West
Sam McGuffie (RB) Committed (5 Star, #6 RB, #50 Overall)
Nick Perry (DE) Recruit (4 Star, #7 DE, #61 Overall)

East
Boubacar Cissoko (CB) Committed (5 Star, #3 CB, #28 Overall)
Terrelle Pryor (QB) Recruit (5 Star, #1 QB, #2 Overall)
Shayne Hale (DE) Recruit (5 Star, #3 DE, #37 Overall)
Brandon Smith (DB) Recruit (committed at All-Star game) (4 Star, #5 S, #70 Overall)

Under Armour All-American Game:
Team Red
Darryl Stonum (WR) Committed (4 Star, #9 WR, #52 Overall)
Dann O'Neill (OG) Committed (4 Star, #15 OT)
Christian Wilson (OLB/FB) Committed (4 Star, #19 TE)
Brandon Moore (TE) Committed (3 Star, #45 TE)

In more local recruiting news, Washington is bringing in one of their best--if not the best--recruiting class ever. Right now, I think keeping Tyrone Willingham has been one of their best decisions. Behind Jake Locker who just finished his freshman year, the Huskies look poised to challenge USC in the coming years.

Before we get Rich, let's take the Carr for one more spin

It's almost ironic that the one player who carried Michigan throughout the season, almost cost them their bowl game.

But at the end of the day, it was senior Chad Henne's career-high 373 yards passing that offset the two Mike Hart fumbles inside the one-yard line to lead the unranked Michigan Wolverines (9-4) to a 41-35 victory over the No. 9 Florida Gators (9-4).

Henne came out on fire to start the game, completing his first six passes, and even though he threw two interceptions, he still connected on 25 of 39 passes for three touchdowns. His favorite target was Adrian Arrington who caught nine passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns.

"Adrian's been making so many plays this years. I couldn't ask for a better performance from him," Henne said.

Michigan got out to an early 7-0 lead after an impressive 93-yard opening drive, but lost a total of 15 yards on the next two possessions. Florida meanwhile missed a field goal on their opening drive, but scored touchdowns on their next two possessions to take a 14-7 lead.

But the Wolverines responded as Hart ran for the first of his two touchdowns on the day.

Florida struggled on their next few possessions, as did Michigan.

First Hart, a senior, fumbled the ball inside the one-yard line after a 72-yard drive, his first fumble in 1,005 touches. Then Henne threw an interception in the inside the one-yard line the next time Michigan had the ball.

The third time was a charm though, as Michigan took a 21-14 lead into halftime thanks in part to a long hook-up between Henne and Arrington that put Michigan inside the one-yard line.

The Wolverines opened up the second half with another Hart touchdown, extending their lead to 28-14. Florida responded with a 56-yard drive of their own resulting in a touchdown and 28-21 deficit.

After another Hart fumble inside the one-yard line, the third Michigan turnover with less than one-yard to the end zone and only Hart's second fumble since his freshman year (both in this game), the Gators drove 80 yards to punch in another touchdown and even the score at 28-28.

Michigan answered with a field goal, but Florida took a 35-31 lead half-way through the fourth quarter.

But behind Henne's leadership, the Wolverines took a 38-35 lead, then extended the lead to 41-35 after a field goal.

Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow threw four-straight incomplete passes that gave Michigan the ball back to run out the clock, as Michigan's head coach Lloyd Carr got an ice bath in his final game at the helm and carried off the field (left).

"I'm proud of players to deal with things we've had happen," Carr said. "This team could have folded but never did. We stuck together and I give the seniors a lot of credit."

Hart carried the ball 32 times for 129 yards and two touchdowns in his final game. In addition to Hart and Carr, it was also the final game for Henne, All-America offensive lineman Jake Long, Arrington, safety Jamar Adams, and many other Michigan players.

But in the players' minds, the day was about Carr.

"It was an amazing feeling to send Coach Carr out in the right way," Henne said. "He deserves so much."