A complete run-down of the Michigan-based or Michigan tied athletes, compliments of the Free Press here. Most have some affiliation with U-M, a couple have ties to Northern and Central Michigan. No Spartans? There was a lot of build up for wrestler Andy Hrovat but it didn’t work out: ‘Lost to Reineris Salas of Cuba in the opening round of the 185-pound freestyle event.’

More from the tireless ESPN.com blogger Adam Rittenberg. Here is a small piece from his interview with Spartan coach Mark Dantonio: AR: You’re focused on Cal, but you and the players haven’t been shy about talking about the Michigan game and building that up. How important was that when you came in, stressing that game? MD: Any time you’re in a program, I don’t care what program it is, a high school program, a college program, there are certain teams that are rivals. They become rivals through the years. You have to recognize that fact. History demands that you recognize that fact because of the players who have played that game in the past. Wherever I’ve been as a head coach, at Cincinnati and now at Michigan State, we’ve done that. We did that at Ohio State, we did that at Youngstown [State] when I was there. We did that at Michigan State when I was here before, we did it at Kansas when I was at Kansas. The history of who I’ve been with as an assistant coach and then my time as a head coach has been about taking one game and making it a little bit more special, providing a little bit more of a sense of urgency for. Right now, we focus on the task at…

The Ann Arbor News blasted out a bunch of season coverage this morning. Check out John Heuser’s piece on Rodriguez including his impressions on a trip to Grant Town, West Virginia – Rich Rod’s hometown. He includes a shot of the sign that used to hang outside the town. The slightly modified version now chills on Rich Rod’s parents’ barn: Other articles: Big Ten Preview (Carty) Projected Depth Chart Elsewhere: Bill Simonson of The Huge Show interviews Threet, Sheridan, Rich Rod, Barwis, Taylor, and Shafer. All the audio is here.

Check out Jim Carty’s review of the Detroit Free Press columnist Michael Rosenberg’s new book, “War as They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a Time of Unrest.” I’m reading it right now – it’s excellent – recommend you pick up a copy. I’ll have much more on this book soon.

Just heard on the radio that due to Drew Stanton’s injury, the Detroit Lions signed former M QB Drew Henson to a contract. Last I heard Henson was cut by the Vikings and I figured that would end his playing days. Update: Per the Detroit Free Press: The Lions closed the locker room to the media Friday, and Henson was unavailable for comment. He is not expected to seriously contend for a roster spot, just to help the Lions get through their final two exhibitions. Agree with the Freep take. But if he’s taking this position he thinks he can still play (it’s not about the small paycheck). So, perhaps Loeffler can work some magic with the Brighton prodigy.

Thanks to all the contestants who sent or posted haikus, limericks or other posts for the Bo Schembechler DVD. The contest was pretty much over once Michael Hacker of Washington, DC typed these words: I caught up with the winner late last night who offered, “I am honored and I am humbled. Thank you!”. When asked what inspired this brilliant haiku, Hacker pointed to Columbus, “What can I say? The Bucktards bring out the best/worst in me.” They were all very good, some incredibly clever and even a few anti-Michigan beauties snuck in, including this limerick from Jeff: There once was a coach from Vir-ginny Who liked players short, fast and skinny. He jumped to the Blue, And brought his spread too, But was fired with nary a win-nie. Brian delivered a few great lines, here’s my favorite: Coaches Rodriguez, Barwis and team Made them faster, stronger and more lean After weeding out the cowards They made a team of Desmond Howards Soon another Heisman pose might be seen. And this late entry from ‘Nash’ almost propelled him to glory: Our QB’s throw darts Our O Line can’t be breached This Kool-Aid is good You can order your copy here from Amazon.com. Still want to win? Maize and Blue Nation has a contest of its own, asking for the total…

Michigan football beat writers Angelique Chengelis and Bob Wojnowski hosted on WDFN this afternoon and talked a lot of Michigan football. Here’s one of the segments: [display_podcast]