[GKblue]

I am ambivalent about having his record sealed under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act after he completes his sentence. The judge imposes jail time because of the violence even though he plead down from domestic assault.

I know the arguments are I don’t know all the facts, and this would go on his record otherwise. If that was my daughter I don’t think I could be this generous.

[GKblue]

Higdon isn’t a power back as in a FB, this is not what I intended to say. But he runs with aggression and power and thus far has shown he has stepped up his game.

[GKblue]

All those penalties sure didn’t help. And our offense was one dimensional, 58 yards passing?

[GKblue]

I’m wondering if Higdon isn’t more of a second and third down back, ie. quick to the hole and a bit more power to gain that single yard or two. Maybe he has improved in pass pro?

[GKblue]

Has Mone reached his recuperative ceiling? Is he injured again? Or is our DL going to be so competitive that with the possible exception of Gary, first among equals will be high praise?

Too many people have been singing Solomon’s praises as though he has accomplished much against College level talent. Potential is there if he works for it.

[GKblue]

You would know better than I, but I wonder if oversight of MSU’s program outside the AD will result in both behavioral and academic changes. Won’t be painless for Dantonio.

[GKblue]

Lank this just proves to me we don’t have all the facts when we attempt to divine the truth in these situations.

I know I never anticipated Braden would be in this situation with regard to the NFL. I liked Pipkins as a recruit, but over time I (probably unfairly) began to question his commitment, and wondered if that’s what made his injuries of a retire-able quantity in the eyes of our new coaches.

I know one thing everybody is pulling for Grant Newsome especially because of his great character and commitment, beyond what he offers as a LT.

It would be a tragedy if he comes back too soon or otherwise severely re-injures his leg. I think Harbaugh will give him all the encouragement and incentive to get back to as close to normal as he can. And just as importantly he and the doctors will give Grant and his family good advice should it be not in his best interest to continue competing.

[GKblue]

I give you credit for the thought that you put into your analysis and your willingness to stick your neck out with predictions.

On the D I tend to think of maturation and wear and tear over the season. The LB and DB groups are just going to have to learn on the field this year. We have recruited the athletes and have superior coaching staffs, I am looking forward to a positive slope in performance over the year that can meet or exceed your grades.

The DL without enough depth to rotate personnel is a recipe for disaster should injuries occur just like the year before last. We want to rush the edge relentlessly and have to replace Taco etc. Can Mone hold up? Is Dwumfour healthy? Solomon get the job done? These guys have to learn on the job too. So, I agree that this unit is the strength of the D and will have to protect our LBs early on. I hope it grades high in Sept and can hold up for an entire season to grade out well in November and December.

[GKblue]

@ ragingbull – Yes sir I agree with you that good coaching and player development must occur every year. I thought it to be intrinsic to good football and only intended to bring out the importance this season for emphasis because of our roster turnover.

[GKblue]

I agree most of all with the first and last paragraphs of your “Big picture”.

If the premise is that a C grade represents an average B1G program then I see QB as B, RB as B- limited by the OL, WR as a wildcard B limited by QB and receiver experience with routes and timing, FB/TE as B, and the OL as a C or C- improving over the season.

In other words, good coaching and player development over the season will have to happen. I am concerned, but not ready to jump off a bridge.

[GKblue]

Not a presidential biography, but I would recommend a book called The Arsenal of Democracy by A.J. Baime.

It is the history of Detroit during WW2 and especially Edsel Ford’s unbelievable efforts to build a bomber a day. There is a ton of history in it; some that was new to me and some that explained a lot about the makeup of the city and SE Michigan afterwords. Roosevelt, Henry Ford and his henchman Harry Bennett, Edsel Ford and even Lindburgh are prominent.

It is absolutley unbelievable the difference in the world we live in today.

[GKblue]

“(I like sarcastic/sardonic if not warped humor)” Sometimes INTJohn I wonder if you are practicing Dudeism.

On the other hand your geothermal fracking discussion was first class.

[GKblue]

I thought Minor was under appreciated even when healthy. I would love to see a Brandon Minor/Carlos Brown tandem in a Wheatley/Harbaugh offense.

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