football

The longest week of the year starts now.

http://www.mgoblue.com/allaccess/?media=189664

I’ve mentioned before that I attended the 1969 Michigan victory over OSU.  Being in the stands that day, getting to rush the field and take down the goal posts, is my personal Wolverine football landmark.  I know.  Who cares?  You are absolutely right.  However, in the stands for that game, in the stands for the first time ever, was a high school senior who did matter.   He was sitting next to his sister.  He’s five foot, nine inches—maybe—and 170 pounds.  Michigan boy.  Decided at that very game he wanted to be a Michigan Wolverine.  Offensive lineman.  Walk on.

“….don’t let anyone talk you out of it.” 

Donnie Warner, who didn’t even know how to pronounce Bo’s last name, had just sprung a trap on Old Blood & Guts.  Quoted a speech Bo gave at his high school about never giving up.   Told him about attending “The Game” last fall.  “He had me, and he knew it.”    Bo was in full retreat.

Donnie sacrificed for the team and switched from offensive guard to defensive tackle.  He was not afraid of Reggie McKenzie and Tom Coyle.  Bo played on the demo team that year and watched him get knocked around like a “volleyball”.   Donnie endeavored to persevere. 

By his junior year Donnie was quickly becoming quite a pest for Bo’s offense and was not shy about celebrating his victories on the field.  Bo fretted over his offensive line.  “For cryin’ out loud, if we can’t stop little Donnie Warner from breaking up our plays, how in the hell are we going to stop Purdue?”

By his senior year Donnie was on full scholarship and starting.  Try as he might, Bo simply couldn’t find anyone to beat him out.  Donnie started calling him “Bo” and advised him how to beat OSU that year—and was right.   The 1973 team is the one that got ganked, so Donnie Warner smelled no Roses in his final year at Michigan, which is a shame.  Bo described him as the greatest player he ever coached.  Wow.  Just think of all the names on THAT list and Donnie Warner is on TOP!
 
And just think, it all started with the last game of the season in 1969 versus OSU.  Just sayin’.  There’s magic in that game.  And, uh, thank you Donnie Warner’s sister.

If you haven’t already read “Bo’s Lasting Lessons”, by John U. Bacon (pg. 142-150), do so now.  That is where this entire story comes from.  Turn off your computer, run to the book store, don’t walk, and get this book.  Why are you still sitting there! Go!

Beyer ripped apart both the Salem offense and defense last night en route to a 48-0 win last night. Tim tweeted these:

Beyer blocks a punt and recovers for a TD. Plymouth leads Salem 14-0 with 8:56 to go in the first half.

Beyer's 2nd TD grab makes it 21-0 Plymouth. Beyer has accounted for 18 points, ND commit Kyle Brindza has 3 extra points.

At the half, Brennen Beyer's Plymouth Wildcats lead Salem 35-0. Beyer has 2 rec for 43 yds and 2 TDs, punt block TD, and 3 QB knockdowns.

And Plymouth Canton sports ran this article late last night... quotes!

Senior Brennen Beyer, who has committed to play football for the University of Michigan beginning next fall, scored three touchdowns in a five-minute span of the second quarter Friday night to lead the Wildcats to a 48-0 triumph over Salem.

"That's why he's going to Michigan," Plymouth head coach Mike Sawchuk said, when asked about Beyer's game-changing exploits. "He worked his butt off during the off-season. He's even better now than he was last year."

Beyer's offensive explosion was ignited 55 seconds into the second quarter when the 6-foot-4, 225-pound wide-out out-jumped Salem defensive back Evian Pardo for a 32-touchdown pass from junior quarterback Shaun Austin.

There should be video up from Tim by Monday, thanks Tim!

Just read an interesting article on Tony Washington on ESPN. I wasn't familiar with the story and thought it was an interesting one. Not the best-written article, but a powerful story of the struggles some athletes face in their personal lives and the mental strength it takes to rise above them. Anyway, just thought a few of you might enjoy this. If nothing else, it will be 15 minutes less of the agonizing wait for UConn.

Hart rushed for 76 yards and a TD. He also had 108 return yards.

2012 QB Patti Jr ran for 2 TD's and passed for another. Patti threw for 106 yards and rushed for 79 more.

They won 42-0

Just got back from vacation and read ToB's final recruiting post The Battle of Michigan (excellent read ToB BTW - I have learned much from you and Sam Webb about the instate recruiting drama.) 

This got me thinking about the battles this year and I have to say...though the recruiting is not done...I'm not happy with Jordan Walsh and Ray Hamilton.  Both had seemingly big time pulls to UofM and went the Ferentz way. Walsh's pull was somewhat anecdotal in that his mother teared up in RR's office  but his academic goals were set high as well...Hamilton's dad played with RR, is a close bud of Jack Miller and is in a position of need for the team going forward.  Both these guys have nice film.  These two hurt.  Not to mention Jeff Heuerman lost to OSU - whose dad I remember well from Crisler arena.

Lots to discuss here - but specifically - my take is twofold - the need to win and the need to involve the TE more in the offense. 

It's not just about RR's future...it's also about the program.  I understand losing Chris Norman to the coaching change and that waterfalling into losing Lawrence Thomas (which was news to me but somewhat consoling.)  All three of the above guys (Walsh-Hamilton-Heuerman) saw the program up close and decided to go elsewhere.  It's been said before - recruits have short memories and Mich needs wins to keep the franchise relevant.  Was there more to these decisions than this?  Mich is a far better school than Iowa - yet Jordan said they had more to offer??? an OL said that???  Beluga was good but not Steve Hutchinson good.

There was some talk last year about involving the TEs more in the passing game.  I'm thinking specifically of the running paly that called for the TE to pull and seal the opposite DE/LB that Brian discussed in detail last year.  We need good TEs even when we don't throw them the ball.  It's hard to pitch these TEs without giving them more of a role.  I'm assuming that is what is up with Hamilton and Heuerman.

Any insight would be appreciated.  Obviously tl;dr worthy material...but the angst is real.  It would be nice to hear my concern is unwarranted (which is not exactly my take on ToB's piece...)

Here's to big and early wins.