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Bold predictions for the Michigan State Spartans football 2019-20 season

Embed from Getty Images Coming off a dreadful season that saw the Michigan State Spartans struggle on offense, struggle on defense, struggle on special teams and struggle to stay healthy. The Spartans hope a reshuffled coaching staff can help their issues. As usual, predictions are just that, uneducated guesses based on where the team is at right now.

The Spartans will have a 1,000 yard running back. Heading into the 2019 season Michigan State has not had a running back rush for 1,000 since 2014. I think a player who can get it done is freshman, that’s right freshman, Anthony Williams. Williams, should be the Spartans main back by the time Big Ten season rolls around. Big words. But Anthony Williams is a very good back.

Cody White, returns strong. Missing four games last season due to injury that lingered throughout the season, White put up modest numbers for himself. 42 receptions for 555 yards and 2 touchdowns. When healthy Cody White is an All-Big Ten type of player as well as a game breaker. Something that Michigan State sorely missed last season.

Michigan State’s defense will produce at least three All-Americans. Defense is still the Spartans most consistent weapon. Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams and Josiah Scott are three players to watch. All three are capable of carrying the Spartans defense.

Mark Dantonio, is feeling the heat after back-to-back subpar seasons. IF Michigan State can stay healthy they should be in the Big Ten race. Even if the seldom works coaching shuffle fails. The Spartans are talented enough to win games with defense and let the offense grind out the clock.

 

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The Knights of Ren have been confirmed for “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Embed from Getty Images It came as a shock of sorts to see Kylo Ren attack a Knight of Ren in the Episode IX teaser trailer. Fans did not know if it was real time or a flash back. They still do not know. But the Knights of Ren have now officially been confirmed for the hotly anticipated December 20 release.

Introduced in “Star Wars: The Force Awaken,” the Knights of Ren appear to be a mysterious group of fighters. Unsure if they were under the leadership of Supreme Leader Snoke or Kylo Ren himself. There was a build up in the movie that fell apart in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” They were not in the film or mentioned at all.

In a new Vanity Fair article and photo release, they are in the magazine. The Knights are described as wearing mismatched armor with oversized arsenals of weapons. What is unknown is if Kylo Ren took out the Knights so he would become sole leader. Or if Ren is turning to the Light side.

Whatever is the case, it appears the Knights of Ren will have a larger role in this film. No one knows what they look like. Weather they are a clone of Kylo Ren or they are their own fighters, with their own identity.

Fans hope they get to see the Knights in action weather fighting or other form.

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Bold predictions for the 2019 Michigan Wolverines football team

Embed from Getty Images The 2019-20 college football season kicks off in less than 100 days. With that in mind let’s take a look at some bold predictions for the Michigan Wolverines up coming season. Perhaps a prediction or two will hit. Perhaps just one, or none.

Based on production at the end of last season and what he carried over into spring camp. I firmly believe Nico Collins will lead all Michigan wide receivers in total yards. That will be no small feat given Wolverine leader Donavan Peoples-Jones will be back this season. The 6′ 4″ Collins is offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ kind of player. Big, strong and fast. He is a game-changer. This is the type of player Gattis wants to get in space.

On the defensive side of the ball, I really like Khaleke Hudson. Michigan is looking to replace Davin Bush and Hudson has all the tools to do it. Hudson will enter the season with 22.5 tackles for a loss. He looks worthy to step into Bush’s spot at middle linebacker. Khaleke Hudson, is a big, fast player and a sure tackler.

I believe, Jim Harbaugh will enter the 2019 season with kickers splitting time. Quinn Nordin and his strong but somewhat inaccurate leg and Jake Moody will come out of camp dead even. Michigan could see this battle continue into the first part of the Big Ten season until someone claims the job. Still not the ideal way to start a season. It is perhaps the only real question Michigan has.

Michigan will make the College Football Playoffs. Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State all have serious issues and questions. Michigan returns with many starters from last season and a chip of their shoulders. Should they not fold, this team is talented and deep. They will be a tough matchup week in and week out.

In short, Michigan has a golden opportunity to reclaim their spot atop the Big Ten. This looks to be the season they pass Ohio State who is struggling to get top defensive recruits.

 

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From TJ Hockenson to Kerryon Johnson, the Detroit Lions season hinges on consistency

Embed from Getty Images The hype has found the Detroit before training camp has started. However, Lions fans are the last to fall for such perceived foolishness. Yet, a quick look at Detroit’s new weapons and fans can at least say “what if?”

First things first games are not won or lost on draft day. Neither are games won or lost on paper or media and fans opinions. If they were every NFL team would have won at least one Super Bowl.

To understand more in depth, let’s take a look at the Detroit Lions top two offensive draft picks. Kerryon Johnson drafted in the second round last year, and this years first round draft pick tight end TJ Hockenson.

Both  are gifted players. Johnson showed last season he can more than handle the running back job. He proved he is a star in the making. Kerryon Johnson is many experts break-out-player this coming season.

TJ Hockenson,  he was brought in to improve the Detroit’s woeful TE position. Hockenson had 49 catches with only 1 dropped pass last season at Iowa. Let that sink in for a moment. he had 49 receptions for over 700 yards and only 1 dropped pass. That is incredible. That is why TJ was a first round draft pick.

Those two players have shown why Detroit is in good shape. Yet, games are not won or with two players. For the Detroit offense to reach the level many believe it can reach, a few things must take place.

The offensive line must be more consistent. In both pass and run blocking. Last seasons they looked good at time, and they looked pitiful other times. The simply will not fly. Quarterback Matthew Stafford , must bounce back from a sup-par season. He will be asked to do less. But when his number is called he must deliver or Detroit will not improve.

Consistency. It is a word coaches and players all say and repeat. No team can have sustained success without it. No mathher how good the players on the roster are or appear to be.

 

 

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“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” in the works

Embed from Getty Images December 20th, fans will see the end of the Skywalker saga as “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” will hit theaters. Disney announced there would be a hiatus after the ninth Episode release, while they sorted through things. Now it looks like hints are being dropped.

“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” started in 2003 as a video game. The game was a smash hit. Leading to books and graphic novels and other games. On a more exciting and ground breaking note  Laeta Kalogridis is said to be working on the script. Big deal you say? It is! You see no female has ever written  a “Star Wars” script solely on there own.

While at this past Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, hinted at the Knights movie or movies saying  “we are developing something to look at.” When she was asked point blank about a Knights fil and or trilogy.

“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” takes place during a war against the Mandalorian. Jedi leave and become Sith. Namely Darth Revan and Darth Malek. Once the war against the legendary Bounty Hunters  is over. Revan and Malek shift their focus to finding and killing Jedi.

The two sides chase each other throughout the galaxy. It is a great Star wars story, one that finds Darth Revan finding redemption. “Knights of the Old Republic” is a much darker story than the Skywalker saga and the two stand alone films to date, “Star Wars Rogue One” and “Solo: a Star Wars Story.’

It is also a war charged story, with a lot of deaths. Yet, it offers some of the greatest Sith in Star wars history. The best most powerful and totally evil Sith-type character ever, Darth Nihilus. Who is held captive by the dark side so much his body begins to breakdown and fail him. So, Nihilus rips his soul from his body and places it in a robe and mask. There is no body in it. Nihilus, is neither Sith or Jedi, just pure evil.

This is a Star Wars story with so much possibilities that all Star Wars fans should be happy.

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Why Solo a Star Wars story 2 should be made

Embed from Getty Images When “Solo: a Star Wars story” came out, it was missed by and large because fans were disappointed with “Star Wars the Last Jedi.” Which lead to Solo doing poor at the box office. Which is a shame. Solo is a much better film than The Last Jedi.

Why should Disney/Lucasfilm invest time, energy and money into a Solo sequel. Let’s dive in. First and foremost Donald Glover was fantastic as Lando Calrissian. As was Emilia Clarke as Qi’ra.

Alden Ehrenreich made us believe he was a young Han Solo. The film was very solid. What needs to be explored more are a few things. Things that would make Solo 2 as enjoyable as the first film.

Enfys Nest, she has a great role in the film. But more is needed in her backstory. He was a great Star Wars character. We also need more from the Han/ Chewbacca  relationship that started in the first film.

Now we get to the real fun. Darth Maul. Who is no longer a Darth. He left the Sith because he did not agree with everything they stood for. Also the fact he was left for dead after Obi-Wan Kenobi sliced him in half. Maul used crime syndicates to take over Mandalore. After he was removed by the Republic, he escaped.

Maul, who did use the Force, started the crime gang Crimson Dawn. More is needed from this aspect of the story. Not to mention Qi’ra. Is she really with Maul and Crimson Dawn? Or is she leaning to following Han Solo and Chewbacca?

Fans of the film, of which I am one. Would love to see a sequel to a film that was missed by so many. If you have not seen “Solo: a Star Wars story,” do yourself a favor and watch it.

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Report Michigan offered Juwan Howard the basketball coaching job

Embed from Getty Images First it was Jim Harbaugh. The former Michigan Wolverines quarterback who returned to Michigan to coach the football team. Now another famous Michigan alum is on the cusp of taking over the basketball program.

He was a member of Michigan’s “Fab Five” in the 1990’s. Then Juwan Howard had a successful NBA career. in 2013 Howard retired from playing, he then immediately transitioned into a coaching position with the Miami Heat.

When Michigan basketball coach John Beilein left the school for the NBA the door was open. Juwan had no shortage of supporters for the Michigan job. Chris Webber, Jalen Rose and Jimmy King who helped make up the legendary “Fab Five” have been very vocal in support of their former teammate and friend Howard.

Then some of his former NBA teammates joined in. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James who won championships in Miami with Juwan Howard also lent their voices in total support. James is an avid Ohio State fan. But he also knows how big the Michigan job is and wants to see his friend get the chance.

While it has been a rumor for some time now. Howard’s wife sent out a not so subtle hint.

 

This is a good move for Michigan. Juwan Howard is well respected inside NBA circles. He was bound to be a coach sooner or later. What he brings to Michigan is huge.

Being in the NBA for many years and building a relationship with players and coaches, Howard can recruit some of the players sons to Michigan. Something other schools can not do.

Make no mistake there will be a step or two backwards at first. Coaching changes generally do that. But Juwan Howard will do a very good job at Michigan.

Howard was  clearly the sentimental favorite among Wolverines fans after helping guide the program to back to back title games in 1992 and 1993.

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Star Wars theory: Anakin is the Skywalker in “Rise of the Skywalker”

Embed from Getty Images Going back before “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” was released creator and director George Lucas said episode’s 1-9 were “Anakin’s story.” Flash forward to what we know heading into “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” All signs point to Anakin being the Skywalker who will rise. Let’s take a look at facts and my own personal theory.

We now know through the teaser trailer, Emperor Palpatine is back in one form or another. Weather he did learn from his former master Darth Plagueis and was able to cheat death. Or if he went an ancient Sith route like Darth Nihilus and was able to separate his soul and transplant it into another form.

 

 

Anakin Skywalker, was the chosen one. The one would would bring balance to the Force. At least that is what many thought. Until he followed his own path and went down a dark path until redemption found him. We do know he became one with the Force after the battle on the second Death Star.

To have Palpatine return (again in some form) would cheapen the death of Anakin. To have the person who’s story is being told not have a role in the final chapter of his own story would be bad story writing.

Think of the possibilities, Palpatine vs Anakin Skwalker. Weather Anakin is a Force ghost or turned the table on his former master and learned how to truly cheat death and come back in human form. It would be perhaps the greatest ta-da’s in movie history.

Rey, who seems ill equipped to be able to handle the Emperor on her own, would yield to Anakin and perhaps Luke Skywalker much like we saw in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” Father and son unite to  defeat the galaxies most feared enemy.

I have no idea what director JJ Abrams is going to do. But, to leave out THE central character in the entire saga would cheapen the story and  leave fans feeling empty. Abrams is a better writer and director than to just leave the story unfulfilled. It is known that JJ sought help from George Lucas as to how to wrap Episode’s 1-9 up. That is a good thing.

 

 

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The Detroit Tigers are proving rebuilds are no fun

Embed from Getty Images Having good prospects is well and all, however when the current Detroit Tigers are in a seven game losing streak the prospects seem a long way off. Rebuilds are no fun.

It was never going to be a good season for the Detroit Tigers. But on paper it should not be or have been this bad. The Tigers are getting decent pitching, not great mind you but decent. The Tigers can not hit this season.

When they are hitting no one is on base to knock in. It has not been pretty as of late in Motown. The Tigers currently sit 9 games under .500 and 12.5 back in the standing, good for second to last in the American League Central.

Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer were brought in as free agents. The hope was that both former All-Star players would add stability both in the field and in the batting lineup. Mercer is hitting .206, with 1 home run and 3 R.B.I.’s. While Harrison is hitting .161, with 1 home run and 8 R.B.I.’s.

It is not on those two players only. But that is just a microcosm highlight of what is taking place this spring heading into summer at Comerica Park. Not good, not fun. Growing pains were going to take place. But this was not the predicted level of pains.

While it is good for the organization top prospects are performing well. Some are also struggling, which is to be expected as they figure things out at a new baseball level.

Yet, fans in Detroit do not care about what is going on in Grand Rapids Michigan, Lakeland Florida, Erie P.A., or Toledo Ohio. It is hard to root for prospects to develop when players that should be developed and are getting paid very well are failing on such a large scale.

But that should be the fans focus. It is the Detroit Tigers front office focus as well. It is all about prospects. Most Detroit area media members want to talk about Casey Mize or Matt Manning or another prized prospect. That is what this season is in Detroit.

Next season will see the arrival of some of those prospects and the sun will shine again. Right now it is dark.

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Who could stay and who could go on the Detroit Red Wings roster

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Red Wings, new general manager Steve Yzerman, with solid prospects and a lot of salary cap room  likely will be looking to make some moves to improve his roster.

Yzerman said at his introductory press conference to not expect any big, splashy moves early in his tenure, he wants to let his young players continue to develop. Yzerman thinks the bigger moves might be in a year or two, when the youngsters are closer to being ready to contend.  It wouldn’t be surprising to see Yzerman do some tweaking this offseason, in an effort to strengthen the roster.

Forwards Andreas Athanasiou and Anthony Mantha would net big returns if Yzerman goes the trade rout. So before any trade is rumored let’s see who could stay and who could go.

Jonathan Bernier, goalie,

His season would probably leave many to wonder why Bernier is in this category. But with two more years left on his contract, and no Wings prospect close to the NHL, Bernier will return. Bernier is a proven NHL goaltender, though he’ll have to be better next season. He’s staying

Tyler Bertuzzi, Forward,

Bertuzzi does not excel with jaw-dropping plays. He accomplishes things in a “greasy” style that makes him capable of blending with any line coach Jeff Blashill puts him on. Bertuzzi is a long-term presence on this roster.  He’s staying

Trevor Daley, Defense,

 Daley could not stay healthy last season and with only one year left on his contract, he is not likely to remain in the organization beyond that. He could be a nice acquisition for a contender at the deadline. He leaves at the trade deadline.

Also staying for sure will be:

Madison Bowey, D, Danny DeKeyser, D, Christoffer Ehn, F, Darren Helm, F, Taro Hirose, F, Michael Rasmussen, F, Filip Hronek, D, Dylan Larkin, F, Frans Nielsen, F, Andreas Athanasiou, F, Luke Glendening, F, Anthony Mantha, F, Evgeny Svechnikov, F.

Should be gone one way or another but may not be:

Justin Abdelkader, F

Gone at least by the trade deadline:

Jonathan Ericsson, D, Mike Green, D

Gone because likely retiring:

Niklas Kronwall, D