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Michigan Football: Three big questions ahead of Big Ten Media Days

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Michigan Football: Three big questions ahead of Big Ten Media Days


With Big Ten Media Days set to kick off this week, the reigning national champions are almost being viewed as an underdog ahead of the new season. Given all of the significant losses during the off-season on both the coaching staff and the roster, the overwhelming belief is that the Wolverines won’t be able to repeat the success from last year’s National Championship run.

Although some of the doubt is valid, the reality is that Michigan returns more than enough talent to once again be squarely in the championship hunt. The defense is expected to be one of the best in the nation, and the offense has plenty of firepower to pose a significant problem for any opposing defense. But even with all of the things working in Michigan’s favor, there are still some big questions that will need to be answered at key positions.

Here are the three biggest questions surrounding Michigan heading into Big Ten Media Days:

The Quarterback

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Michigan Quarterback

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) runs with the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This has become the biggest topic of conversation among Michigan fans as the 2024 season draws near. Although five guys are technically in the running for that starting spot, it seems like the battle heading into fall camp is primarily between three guys – Alex Orji (junior), Davis Warren (senior), and Jack Tuttle (graduate student). The last time there was a quarterback battle in Ann Arbor, former U-M head coach Jim Harbaugh opted to take that battle into the first two weeks of the season. Will Sherrone Moore take a page out of Harbaugh’s book and allow the battle to carry over into the season, or does he plan to name a starter during fall camp?

The Offensive Line

Michigan offensive line

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Myles Hinton (78) celebrates after defeating the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The majority of the starting spots on the offensive line appear to be set. Myles Hinton (LT), Josh Priebe (G), Greg Crippen (C) and Giovanni El-Hadi (G) are all expected to assume starting roles up front this fall. As of now, the biggest question mark surrounding the offensive line heading into fall camp is at right tackle. The general belief is that the battle for that spot is between Andrew Gentry (junior) and Jeffrey Persi (graduate student), two guys who appeared in 13 combined games on the offensive line in 2023.

The Cornerback

michigan football

Maize Team defensive back Will Johnson (2) warms up during the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan found success in the transfer portal last year by bringing in cornerback Josh Wallace from UMass. Wallace ended up making 11 starts during the 2023 season and proved to be exactly what Michigan needed for that spot opposite Will Johnson. With Wallace now off to the NFL, the Wolverines are once again looking for a starting cornerback opposite of Johnson. Just like last season, Michigan went into the portal during the off-season to supplement the secondary. And just like last season, it looks like they may have found their answer in Amir Hall. The former FCS All-American plays a physical brand of football, loves to make the big hit, and his ball skills are borderline elite.

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– Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI –

Where Michigan football is predicted to finish in B1G by media

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‘It would be a disaster’: What if Michigan beats Ohio State again?



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Dollar General grants fund Michigan literacy programs with $280K

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Dollar General grants fund Michigan literacy programs with 0K


Michigan schools, libraries and nonprofit groups are set to receive more than $280,000 in literacy funding, according to a community announcement issued by Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The money is intended to support reading and education programs across the state.

The grants are part of a nationwide single-day award total of nearly $16 million. The funding supports adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states where Dollar General operates.

In Michigan, the grants are expected to affect more than 9,600 people, according to the announcement.

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The grants are for nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. According to the announcement, eligible groups must be within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center.

The money may be used for new technology, books, materials or software. The grants can help groups start literacy programs or expand existing ones.

Several Michigan organizations received grants of $10,000, the highest amount. Those recipients included:

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  • Adrian Rea Literacy Center in Adrian
  • Arab Community Center For Economic And Social Services (Access) in Dearborn
  • Literacy Center Of West Michigan in Grand Rapids
  • Houghton Lake Community Education in Houghton Lake
  • Livingston County Literacy Coalition in Howell
  • Goodwill Industries Of Southwestern Michigan in Kalamazoo
  • Kalamazoo Literacy Council in Kalamazoo
  • Capital Area Literacy Coalition / The Reading People in Lansing
  • The Global Institute Of Lansing
  • Van Buren Intermediate School District in Lawrence
  • Reading Patch Literacy Foundation Inc. in Niles
  • Grace Centers Of Hope in Pontiac
  • Oakland Literacy Council in Pontiac
  • Literacy And Beyond Inc. in Port Huron
  • Gigi’S Playhouse — Detroit LLC in Southfield
  • Southgate Community Schools in Southgate

Other larger grants included $9,999 for Wayne State University in Detroit, $9,500 for Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency in Tawas City and $8,500 for Plymouth-Canton Community Literacy Council in Plymouth.

The recipient list also included many grants of $3,000. Those went to:

  • Allendale Public Schools
  • Boys And Girls Club Of Alpena
  • Cedar Springs Public Library
  • Clinton Community Schools
  • Coloma Public Library
  • Mason County Eastern Elementary in Custer
  • North Dickinson County School in Felch
  • Wilson School Parent Advisory Committee in Herron
  • Hillman Community Schools
  • Ida Public Schools
  • Lawton Public Library
  • Luther Area Public Library
  • Saginaw African Cultural Festival Inc.
  • Sebewaing Township Library
  • Tekonsha Community Schools
  • Columbia Township Library in Unionville
  • Wakefield Public Library
  • Whitmore Lake Public Schools

Other awards listed were $2,000 for Taymouth Township Library in Burt; $2,100 for Clinton-Macomb Public Library in Clinton Township; and $2,500 for Friends Of Cadillac Wexfod Public Library in Cadillac, Teamer Dreams Foundation in Eastpointe, Michigan Adult, Community & Alternative Education Association in Lansing and Palomino Hope Equine Experience in Tawas City.

The list also showed a $1,000 grant for Townline Elementary in Grand Rapids and a $4,500 grant for D House Of Angels in Pontiac.

Also receiving grants were Houghton Lake Community Education and Reading Patch Literacy Foundation in Niles.

A full list of grant recipients is available at dgliteracy.org.

“Since the foundation’s inception in 1993, our focus has remained on making meaningful investments in students, teachers and the organizations that support literacy and learning at every stage of life,” Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, said in the announcement. “These funds will help educators enhance their instruction and create opportunities that help empower students to reach their full potential.”

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This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.



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Michigan groom sentenced for killing his best friend on his wedding night

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Michigan groom sentenced for killing his best friend on his wedding night


FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A man in Michigan who got married and then ran over his best friend that same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to least 30 years in prison.

“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah said in Genesee County court.

Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a house.

James Shirah is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison during a hearing, Monday, May 11, 2026 in Flint, Mich. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)

Shirah’s attorney had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, MLive.com reported.

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“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible said.

In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.

“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.

Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.

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SW Michigan show returns as growing destination for vinyl collectors

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SW Michigan show returns as growing destination for vinyl collectors


BENTON HARBOR — Vinyl collectors and music fans are invited to dig through thousands of records and music collectibles at the Southwest Michigan Record Show.

The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Grand Upton Hall inside Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, according to a press release.

Now in its fourth season, the show features 25 vendors from five states, offering 70 tables filled with vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, record supplies and music memorabilia.

Free admission begins at 10 a.m.

General admission is free starting at 10 a.m., while early entry is available at 8:30 a.m. for $5. Door prize drawings are planned for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including $25 shopping certificates and record supplies from BCW Supplies. The first 75 attendees will receive free tote bags.

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A food truck will be on site, and cash is preferred for purchases. Some vendors may accept cards, PayPal, Venmo and other payment methods, but there is no ATM on site.

Vendors from across the Midwest and beyond

The show is expected to feature a wide selection of music genres, including classic rock, pop, ’80s, metal, punk, jazz, blues, R&B, country and soundtracks.

“This show is still being discovered, and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” event organizer Jeremy D. Bonfiglio said in the release. “We’ve built a strong group of experienced vendors, so whether you’re just getting into vinyl or digging for something rare, there’s a real opportunity here to find something unexpected.”

Free parking is available near the entrance of Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Ave.

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Future dates planned

The Southwest Michigan Record Show is also scheduled to return Sept. 19.

For more information, visit southwestmichiganrecordshow.com or follow the event on Facebook.

This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, with the assistance of artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing.



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