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Posted on Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 6:37 p.m.

Brandon Minor will not play against Ohio State; Michigan names captains

By Dave Birkett

Running back Brandon Minor will not play in Saturday's Michigan-Ohio State game.

Minor was listed as "out" on Michigan's official injury report released Thursday. Minor suffered a shoulder injury in the first half of the Wolverines' Nov. 7 loss to Purdue and played sparingly last week against Wisconsin.

"That's a tough blow," Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said on his radio show. "If there was anyway at all he could go, he would. But he can't. You got to protect the young man and he's got to protect himself, so he's not going to be able to go."

Minor, a senior, leads Michigan in rushing with 502 yards and 8 touchdowns on 96 carries. Either Carlos Brown or Vincent Smith will start against the ninth-ranked Buckeyes (9-2, 6-1).

Safety Mike Williams also is doubtful for the Wolverines (5-6, 1-6) because of an ankle injury, while receiver Martavious Odoms is probable with a sprained knee.

Michigan, which needs a win to become bowl eligible and avoid its first back-to-back losing seasons since 1962-63, also named its season captains Thursday: defensive end Brandon Graham, linebacker Stevie Brown, offensive tackle Mark Ortmann and punter Zoltan Mesko.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

Comments

azwolverine

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:55 p.m.

Michigan v OSU. Enough said. GO BLUE!!!

Jaxon5

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 7:18 p.m.

Yeah, it makes a lot of sense to name season captains on Thursday before the last game of the season. They can really influence the team and help us pull one out. OSU 42, M 10.

MiamiBlue

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 3:38 p.m.

M Fans! Let's STAND UP AND SUPPORT OUR TEAM! Let's have some positivity and unite for tomorrow! Coach Rod will RIGHT THIS SHIP! Let's all hope for a glorious victory tomorrow. If we can't win tomorrow, let it be said that we went down FIGHTING. Then we go to work and rebuild. And should we lose Saturday, the rebuilding for next season starts Sunday! And despite all the naysayers, the rivals who are laughing, the finger pointers, the insulters, and the negative ones, THIS TOO WILL PASS. Because the true test of ones character is how one stands up and fights back against the adversity as opposed to folding up the tent and quitting. Remember, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty!" A final thought: For those who are part of our program, we welcome and salute you! For those that don't want to be here and leave, we don't want you! So Go! Because regardless of whether we win or lose, one thing will always be certain. Michigan may not always win the game, but we will always be WINNERS! So for our Team, our Coach, and our Program, LET'S GO BLUE! PEACE OUT ALL M FANS!

newe82

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 3:36 p.m.

It is the calm before the storm. Michigan is going to get the crap kicked out of them and I think it is going to be worse than last year. This OSU team is not very good. It is sad what has happened to Michigan, and even sadder how far the big ten has fallen. OSU would probably go 6-6 in the SEC. OSU will beat Michigan by 40, but in the Rose Bowl they are going to be proven a fraud. You could give this team the starting offense for the Patriots and they will still lose on Saturday. The defense is a joke and it does not matter at all that Minor is out. Let's hope that Michigan can break another record tommorow. Most points ever given up in a season. One thing you can say about RR is that he is a record breaker at Michigan. Most of you will probably say the same thing after tommorows blow out: Fire RR NOW!!!

pasadenafan

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 1:49 p.m.

seems to me that Vincent Smith would have gotten IN from the 1 yard line against Illinois!

Txmaizenblue

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 1:43 p.m.

disappointing season....even though I predicted a 6-6 record. I'll be shocked if Michigan can pull off a win Saturday - especially without Minor against OSU's front 8. Michigan's only hope is that Tressel will try to throw against this pathetic secondary and Pryor throws a few ducks into maize and blue arms. OSU 31 MICH 20

tulsatom

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 1:06 p.m.

Minor is a good, tough player when he's healthy but he has unfortunately been injury-prone for nearly all of his college career. It probably won't matter much, though. What keeps hope alive for me is that Purdue was able to upset OSU at home this year and Michigan is comparable to Purdue at this stage. My heart says it will be U-M 28-26 in an upset, but my brain points to a woodshed thumping by OSU of something along the lines of 38-14. Here's to hoping that U-M gets a great recruiting class in and dramatically improves next year.

guns4me

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 1:05 p.m.

Win...thats funny.

Papabear151

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 11:52 a.m.

Minor didn't "Give 4 years of his life for this program" Minor was given one of the best educations in the country at the cost of riding the pine. Say what you want but if this kid wanted to play he'd be on the field. It's his senior year, most likely his last game, the biggest rivalry game in possibly all of sports, and he's going to sit... I'd put money that there are Michigan players with worse injuries than minor who will be out there.

upfromthebighouse

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 11:32 a.m.

See, there is still hope. I can't believe I agree with a chosen1 comment. Chosen1 you are absolutely right, I do hope there is some type of recognition for Stephanie. I had hope for Illinois, Purdue and Wisconsin. I was wrong. I dont have hope for tomorrow. I hope Im wrong.

chosen1

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 11:26 a.m.

Minor's running style is so forceful and violent that injuries are going to happen to him. But this young man gave us a chance to win the Purdue game, til our coaches ignored him later in the game. His Style will be missed as there is currently noone on the roster who can run with the authority and power than BM has. I do hope to see Minor catch on in the nfl and have a solid career. It'd be nice to have a michigan rb in the league do something worthwile.

Dwinschampionships

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 11:13 a.m.

W73 - "He has been next to useless for four years" I can't believe you would say that about a young kid who gave 4 years of his life to this football team. Also, McGuffie's mom died and he went back home to be closer to his family. Wolverine73 do us all a favor and go back to 1973 or better yet go cheer for MSU. They have plenty of room for your ignorance.

blue

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 10:36 a.m.

Thank you Kurt. How can all these people bash the kid for being injured? He seems to be a good kid, he's had some really great moments in a Michigan uniform, and it's a shame he's not going to get a chance to pound the Buckeyes. Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves for talking the way you do about some of these student-athletes.

Kurt Hagemeister

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:59 a.m.

@papabear151: Your comments are completely out of line. You can call Minor injury prone, that's fair. But to question his motivation and say his scholarship was wasted without personally knowing Minor or having any direct vision into his character, is a joke. I'm sure NO ONE is more disappointed of how Minor's career has gone than Brandon himself. Let's show a little class here and thank him for all the touchdowns he's scored, yards he's gained, and blocks he's thrown for Michigan, AND wish him the best in the future.

InRichRodWeTrust

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:58 a.m.

I feel so sorry for Minor. Hopefully he'll get one more game after this one. Michigan OSU video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prbMP34pcsU

azwolverine

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 7:53 a.m.

Great sentiment, chosen1. Chris Spielman also has great respect for both Michigan and the rivalry. He once told a story while braodcasting a game that he had narrowed his college choices down to Michigan and OSU as a high school senior in Ohio. When he asked his dad for input on helping him with his decision, his dad, a rabid OSU fan, said Chris either had to choose OSU or find a new home. Obviously he chose OSU. Besides that, Spielman is an all-time great of our own Detroit Lions. My heart goes out to him and his family.

Man in the Mirror

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 7:47 a.m.

OHIO STATE 56 Michigan 10

Man in the Mirror

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 7:47 a.m.

When a crop of kids transfer or leave for the NFL will you all be saying good riddance, you suck, we didn't want you anyway, you were not a true Michigan player, another of Carr's bare cupboard, no talent recruits, ect. Those players that left knew this is what Rich Rod was about "Those who stayed would NOT be champions", that's why they left. Tate Forcier said that "he never lost so many games before", then you read about him becoming a "problem". Next move....out the door.

chosen1

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 7:26 a.m.

Hopefully our school will show some class and have a moment of silence for Stephanie Spielman, who lost her long fight with cancer, Saturday. Feel however you want about the Buckeyes, but she and her husband were class acts. Let's return the love that OSU fans showed when Bo passed.

GettingBluer

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 7:23 a.m.

Won't affect the outcome. Probably won't even affect the margin of loss.

BlueInBama

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 3:08 a.m.

"Please how many more Carr recruits we must stomach." How many more years of RR must we stomach is a better question.

stevieboy

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 2:38 a.m.

Well there is always the UFL for this guy because that is far as his career is going to go. I liked Minor's potential but if he stays hurt all the time on the collegiate level, he's definitely won't be able to handle the NFL. Good luck to this guy future. Time for RR recruits to step up and get the job done. Please how many more Carr recruits we must stomach.

jskyler

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 1:40 a.m.

Michigan is still going to put up one hell of a fight against OSU. The players, coaches, and students are all EXTREMELY pumped for this game. A win this Saturday could completely change the moral of this team going into next year. With that being said, Rich Rod knows that an embarrassment at home against OSU will get all of the alumni fired up, and possibly put his job on the line. In my mind, this is a HUGE game for Michigan football. A win sends the team to a bowl game and ends the season on a VERY high note. An embarrassing loss possibly causes some key players to transfer, Rich Rod could potentially be fired, and Michigan football slowly loses its' reputation as a football school. Just as it has been mentioned in the Michigan Daily, UofM is slowly shifting towards becoming a basketball school. As much as I love the basketball team here in Ann Arbor, Michigan football holds a special place in my heart and in my mind, this Saturday is D-Day for Michigan football. There is no doubt the students and fans will show up ready for this game, but the question is: will the football team?

BlueInBama

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 12:35 a.m.

AC, great summary. This sums up Michigan football over the past 2 years very nicely. I wouldn't be surprised if Tate Forcier transfered, which will KILL RRod's beloved "system."

AC

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 12:06 a.m.

This team had so much injuries all year makes you wonder about the conditioning of the "GREAT" Barwis. Whether Minor was in or out, it doesn't matter. This team never established rhythm or consistency all year. They benefited from a weak schedule early and got exposed when the competition got better. Players should progress as the season goes on but not Michigan, they regressed every week. Terrible coaching period. We r sick and tired of hearing about youth, depth, cupboard bare...blah, blah... Does any remember a DivisonII coach by the name of Jim Tressel? Like him or hate, u have to respect his ability to coach. The players attitude are reflection of their coach. Has anyone watched RR on the sideline vs. other coaches??? Makes you wonder how many players are really loyal to RR. Don't be surprised with more transfers next year. I'm not a LC sympathizer but you remember 2008 season after the early embarrassments and injuries to Henne and Hart, this team refused to quit and beat a heavily favored Florida at home in a bowl game. BTW, UM 4-0 in bowl games against SEC since 97. Im wont be watching this Sat. cause I refuse to watch the OSU fans celebrate another win against BIG BLUE esp. in BIG HOUSE. I hope the nightmare ends soon. GOOD LUCK TEAM. Always GO BLUE

jwgoblue

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 11:12 p.m.

W73 your a loser and a fraud of a fan.... Go Blue Fight till the fight is over un-like this waffling band of losers who post here.

wolverine73

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 10:50 p.m.

Minor is ALWAYS hurt! Always. He has been next to useless for four years. You have to be on the field to make a difference and he never is for long. When you can't get in the endzone from the 1 against Illinois - please, that tells me all I need to know. It doesn't matter who is or isn't on the field against OSU, Michigan is going to get stomped. Bad coaching, ( although Rodriguez thinks they're all just fine ) no defense, and an inept offense don't add up to victory. Wonder how many players will transfer after this year just like McGuffie did last year? Get out now - we're on the way down for a long time. I've been a fan, a true fan, since the OSU-Michigan game of 1973 and this is the lowest I've seen the state of Michigan ball.

Furious in MI

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 10:47 p.m.

doesn't matter who's carrying the ball Saturday...unless his last name is Biakabutuka :) Painful end to a painful season, 35-10.

Fresh121

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 9:50 p.m.

That hurts but hes been hurt for 2 years and when he did play when mikeH was here he fumbled 1 of them kids 1 of them with a lot of talent but whatever reason it never all came together vincent smith is the truth i like that kid alot.

A2D2

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 9:04 p.m.

wow, can we red-shirt him now?

Papabear151

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 8:01 p.m.

Brandon Minor doesn't want to play football here. I saw it all through high school sports and all through the military. The guys that were too injured to do stuff were the guys that didn't WANT to do stuff. The guys that wanted to do stuff played through their injuries. This is the final game of the year, I can't imagine much keeping me out of this game if I was on that field, Minor has been a wasted scholarship as far as I'm concerned. I called this before the year ever started, everyone was predicted he'd be IT for the RB's on this team, I called that he'd be injured all season and everyone called me a naysayer.

tomhagan

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:58 p.m.

Not good. They need Brandon's heart and smash mouth style. Anyway...if anyone knows Brandon wish him luck at the next level if possible and thank him for 4 good years at Michigan.

guns4me

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:45 p.m.

Like it matters, assume the position OSU 42 mich 10

Maize&Believe

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:09 p.m.

wow...this hurts.