August 27th, 2010 at 10:12 AM ^
I like turtles.
August 27th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
i love lamp
August 27th, 2010 at 11:27 AM ^
Do you love a nice pair of slacks?
August 27th, 2010 at 10:14 AM ^
In the past he has taken heat for wanting to preserve tradition at the expense of progress (for example keeping the Rose bowl pac10/b10 getting in the way of a playoff). Why in this case is he so quick to piss on the tradition of The Game, probably one of the best traditions the b10 has going for it? I thought this was a conference all about tradition (hence the "leather helmet 10" nickname given by haters).
August 27th, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^
Keeping Rose Bowl Big/Pac 10 - More $
Big Ten Network - More $
Conference Championship Game - More $
Possibility of 2 UM/OSU games in a year - More $
- These things are about increasing revenue and it seems they will use tradition as an excuse to get them supported.
August 27th, 2010 at 11:13 AM ^
OSU president Gordon Gee, now openly supports moving "The Game" to earlier in the season, telling the Dayton Daily News, "We want to beat [Michigan] twice." By which he means, "We want to see if we can marginally increase the value of the television contract for the Big Ten Championship Game by dangling the possibility of a Buckeye-Wolverine rematch at the expense of the unique dynamic that actually makes it a valuable commodity in the first place."
(Read the whole thing here).
August 27th, 2010 at 11:30 AM ^
better about this if the divisions were Michigan and Nebraska, and we were able to schedule Nebraska as the last game each season and not MSU. I would rather have The Game last, but if it's not gonna be, this would make me feel better, and with the Thanksgiving holiday, it'd make a opportunity for fans of each to travel -- which, frankly, I was really looking forward heading to Columbus for the away Thxgiving weekend games in the future.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:16 AM ^
I heard the ADs are going to face off in a puppy killing contest. The most dead puppies gets second pick for divisions. Pam Ward gets to pick first regardless. They can't fit enough puppies in the room to make up for how many she's put to sleep.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:20 AM ^
Also heard they aren't allowed to use their hands. Only stomped puppies count.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:29 AM ^
August 27th, 2010 at 10:58 AM ^
August 27th, 2010 at 10:17 AM ^
ESPN Bottom line is running headline:
"Ohio State President supports being in different division than Michigan in reorganized Big Ten"
"Gordon Gee also supports a conference championship game because it would give the teams a chance to play twice each season: Gee 'I want to beat them twice' ."
:::hangs head in disgust:::
At least the story is making national headlines. Maybe that will create more outcry. Ugh. This sucks.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:19 AM ^
B/c I couldn't do it twice in the thread where you posted that video you made. Nice work.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:21 AM ^
Thanks. A little too much time on my hands yesterday.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:19 AM ^
I'm not sure how many permutations you can make, 12 teams split into 2 conferences (been way too long since my last engineering class), but it seems most of those permutations have been suggested already.
I just want to know, what is so wrong with a true geographical split that has an East division with UM / OSU / PSU / MSU, and add Indiana / Purdue... and a West division with everyone else -- the geographic rivals Neb / Iowa / Wiscy / Minn, and also U of I and NU. Is that really imbalanced? It makes too much sense to me. But what do I know.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:32 AM ^
I agree, the powerhouse argument is virtually invalid due to the ever-changing nature of teams from year to year. This year alone the West Division would almost definitely be the stronger one (Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin probably being better than the trio of PSU, UM, and OSU overall). It would solve so many problems.
August 27th, 2010 at 11:42 AM ^
I agree with you. It works as long as Iowa and Wisconsin hold up their end and don't go south (no pun) over the next few years. If that is the concern then maybe swap PSU for NU but leave us and OSU together.
August 27th, 2010 at 9:50 PM ^
Chasing "competitive balance" is a fool's errand. These things go in cycles.
The SEC East with FL, TN, and GA was dominant for a time in the 90's when AL and LSU were still down. Now the balance has shifted.
To thier credit, the SEC did not just blow the whole thing up and try to chase "competitive balance" at the expense of their excellent regional rivalries.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:20 AM ^
I just want the season to start - trip preparations officially commencing today
August 27th, 2010 at 10:24 AM ^
If the 12 team conference/Conference Championship is gonna screw up traditional rivalries, then why not make The Game the "Daytona 500" of college football and make it the first game of the new season, played on Labor Day Weekend? Make it a huge extravaganza, sort of like the official start of every new season.
Then, if we meet again at the conference championship, it'll be 3 months later and (presumably) and highly anticipated rematch.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:28 AM ^
Because there is something fundamentally wrong about going to the U-M/OSU game in shorts and a t-shirt. I think it's a law somewhere.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:33 AM ^
August 27th, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
Bylaw 1.1: Thou shall not step on the "M" until you graduate or be forever haunted by the ghost of Shaky Jake while you study;
Bylaw 1.2: The first guy out of the tunnel must touch the banner;
Bylaw 1.3: The Game shall be played in November when the weather is cold,the sun sets before 6:30pm, there is a good chance of snow or rain, it is normally necessary to have a fire or heater at the tailgate to stay warm and if you don't have a fire or heater you'd better have a lot of beer or whisky to get warmed up.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:35 AM ^
Going into the year you have questions about your team, who is the QB? Which RB is going to step up? Are your freshman ready?
You answer these questions in non-conferense play against lesser teams than OSU. You spend all year working out the bugs, perfecting your game plan and letting your young talent mature so it all comes together that last weekend in November.
There is no other alternative than playing OSU the last weekend of the regular season.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:35 AM ^
I'm not opposed to splitting them up and possibly moving the game back a week or two, but even I'm opposed to putting them at the beginning of the season.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:31 AM ^
So, I had this idea based on a loophole I found in the rule for conference championship games. The rule says that the members of the game essentially need to be the winners of two separate round-robins of 6 teams or more. It doesn't say that when or how the divisions need to be chosen.
My thought is to make 4 groups of 3, with one team from each tier in each group. Michigan would play the two teams in their division (MSU, Minn). Michigan's group and PSU's group would play OSU's group and Nebraska's group, forming somewhat of a square with Michigan on the opposite corner from PSU and OSU on the opposite corner of Nebraska. Now, where the loophole comes in is that because Michigan is essentially playing around robin with OSU's group AND another one with Nebraska's group, we could wait until the end of the season to decide divisions. Imagine dividing the square in half vertically or horizontally.
I'm just going to assume that Michigan, OSU, PSU, and Nebraska win their groups this particular year. In that case, we would look at which two teams have the best record. If it is Michigan and OSU, put them in separate divisions so they play each other in the BTCG. If it is Michigan Nebraska, put Michigan and OSU in the same division. If it is Michigan and PSU, then it doesn't matter how you divide the divisions.
What this does is it makes OSU-Michigan count like a divisional rivalry, because it could be at the end of the season, but it doesn't preclude the possibility of OSU and Michigan meeting in the championship game again if they are both still the two best teams. It also adds some randomness to the last game of the season, much the same way that our current setup does. You almost need to beat your rival and hope someone else loses to go to the championship game.
I'm glad we have this open thread because I've wanted to post this but didn't want to start a new topic for it.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:34 AM ^
Anybody else just get the canned mass email from Mary Sue Coleman via Bruce Madej?
Thank you for your note on the importance of Michigan-Ohio State football game. President Coleman and other university leaders have asked me to respond on their behalf.
I want to assure you that no one understands the tradition of this Big Ten football rivalry more than Athletic Director David Brandon. He has experienced this legendary rivalry first hand as a player, as a fan and supporter of the athletic program and as a U-M regent.
Expansion of the Big Ten is certain to bring some changes. We know there will be a conference championship game in 2011 and we expect to soon learn the details of the divisional alignment. Clearly we would like to have Michigan and Ohio State play the last game of the season for the Conference Championship (as has happened so many times in the past). However, based on a 12 Team - two division conference with a championship game format, in order for this to happen in the future both teams will have to play their way into the championship game. Which, we hope happens many times if this happens to be the final decision-if the decision is to move the game.
Certainly one of the priorities of the Big Ten commissioner and the Big Ten athletic directors is preserving the traditional rivalries, like Michigan-Ohio State and Michigan-Michigan State. This will continue to be a driving principle...as will creating competitive balance between the two divisions.
Just like the renovations to the Big House, we believe the Big Ten can move forward and make improvements while maintaining the traditions that are so important to fans.
Go Blue,
BRUCE MADEJ
August 27th, 2010 at 10:37 AM ^
b/c it screams of them trying to force feed some MSU-UM rivalry shit down our throats the last week of the season. Fuck them.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:40 AM ^
My reply:
You guys just don't get it. And that's shame."
Not even worth elaborating because they're either a) oblivious, or b) boldfaced liars.
August 27th, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
I'm continually amazed at how lousy this university is at public relations. They are doing an absolutely terrible job of selling this to fans--but I suppose that's at least partly because what they're trying to sell reeks so badly.
August 27th, 2010 at 11:30 AM ^
I can't really blame them for not being able to sell it. I'd have a hard time selling you a pile of sloppy shit on a dinner plate.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:55 AM ^
If Michigan-Ohio State is moved from the last week of the season, I'll still support the team, I'll still watch. I'll still donate my money to the University. But I will not donate a dime to the athletic department otherwise until it's moved back. I'll buy maize shirts from hanes, I'll go to away games instead of ones held in the new stadium. And no, MSU does not mean anywhere near as much to me as OSU. The fact that you guys don't get that is more than a shame.
August 27th, 2010 at 11:09 AM ^
Clearly we would like to have Michigan and Ohio State play the last game of the season for the Conference Championship (as has happened so many times in the past). However, based on a 12 Team - two division conference with a championship game format, in order for this to happen in the future both teams will have to play their way into the championship game. Which, we hope happens many times if this happens to be the final decision-if the decision is to move the game.
No, that's totally wrong and it's the wrong message for them to be sending out. Coleman, Brandon, and Madej are on the Michigan staff. Their goal should be to see Michigan in the championship game as often as possible. Whether or not OSU makes it is entirely secondary.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:42 AM ^
Putting Official(!) in your title does not make the thread anything distinctive if there are ten berjillion other threads about it in the past three days.
August 27th, 2010 at 11:04 AM ^
True, but putting "Official" in the title gives him an excuse to delete any of the other 1723 forum topics/diaries that get started on the same topic today.
August 27th, 2010 at 11:46 AM ^
I acquiesce to your logic sir
August 27th, 2010 at 10:44 AM ^
Any truth to the rumor that only games played within the divsion will count towards going to the Big Ten Championship game? The crossover games will not count towards you winning your division.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:47 AM ^
it makes the schedule more balanced toward a conference championship. However, if OSU and UM are separated, it makes the game that much less important, which sucks. So in conclusion, I support this if we're in the same division as OSU.
August 28th, 2010 at 12:30 AM ^
I don't think there are words in the English language to describe how idiotic that would be. Then you don't have a conference with two divsions, you have two conferences with a screwy scheduling agreement.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:56 AM ^
That there are going to be 6 divisions. All the division winners plus 2 wild-cards will advance to the 8 team Big Ten playoff, which will keep the Big Ten playing right up until the bowls start. Delany reported to have said, when asked about the traditional time off for exams: "You want a break for exams? Go play in some pussy conference like the SEC".
August 27th, 2010 at 10:56 AM ^
I have been reading MGoBlog daily for the past several years, but this is my first post.
The situation with The Game, combined with hearing a band cover Don McLean's "American Pie" the other night, got this spinning around in my head (apologies to Don McLean in advance):
“The Game” Lyrics (Sung to the tune of the great song “American Pie” by Don McLean)
A long, long time ago...
We can all remember
How that special day used to make us smile.
And when Howard and Griffin had the chance
They could really make us dance
And, maybe, we’d be happy for a while
But August came and made us quiver
With every statement they delivered.
Bad news on the doorstep;
We couldn’t believe they’d take one more step.
I do remember that I cried
When I read that Delany had decided,
The memories had touched me deep inside
The day The Game died.
Delany said, “I’m gonna buy, buy me some college football pie”.
I drove my Chevy to the tailgate,
But the tailgate was dry .
And we loyal fans have tears in our eyes.
Knowin’ this’ll be the day The Game dies.
this’ll be the day The Game dies.
Delany do you understand tradition?
And do you understand the true mission?
Didn’t the ACC teach you so?
Do you even know about the Snow Bowl?
And what Smith and Woodson did for the mortal soul?
Did you hear that Woody went for two?
Well, we know Delany you’re gonna sin
`cause we hear you mumbling in the din.
Let The Game remain pure and true!
Don’t touch the Scarlet or the Blue!
The Game is not about the almighty buck!
It’s Michigan and Ohio love and luck!
It’s not for sale to some AFLAC duck!
Don’t let The Game die!
Delany started singin’,
"I’m gonna buy, buy me some college football pie."
I drove my Chevy to the tailgate,
But the tailgate was dry.
And we loyal fans have tears in our eyes
Knowin’ this’ll be the day The Game dies.
this’ll be the day The Game dies.
For over a hundred years The Game has been on its own
The Big House and The Shoe are its cornerstones,
And that’s how it should always be!
When Delaney sang for the A.D.s,
In a coat he borrowed from the president of ABC
Without a voice from you and me.
And while the A.D.s were looking down,
Delany stole the Big Ten’s crown!
The meeting was adjourned;
A terrible verdict was returned.
And while Gordon read the Dayton Daily News,
Mary Sue didn’t want to hear us sing the blues,
So we just dropped tears on our shoes.
The day The Game died.
Delany was singing,
"I’m gonna buy, buy me some college football pie."
I drove my Chevy to the tailgate,
But the tailgate was dry.
And we loyal fans have tears in our eyes
Knowin’ this’ll be the day The Game dies.
this’ll be the day The Game dies.
Helter skelter in a summer swelter.
The news drove us in to a fallout shelter,
100 years of tradition is falling fast.
It landed so foul on the grass.
The players just want this all to pass,
With Delany in Chicago in a cast.
Now the half-time air was sweet perfume
While the marching bands played Across The Field and The Victors tune.
We all got up to dance,
Oh, but we never got the chance!
When the players tried to take the field;
The Big Ten Conference refused to yield.
Do you recall what was revealed
The day The Game died?
Delany started singing,
"I’m gonna buy, buy me some college football pie."
I drove my Chevy to the tailgate,
But the tailgate was dry.
And we loyal fans have tears in our eyes.
Knowin’ this’ll be the day The Game dies.
this’ll be the day The Game dies.
Buckeyes and Wolverines are all in one place,
Millions of fans lost in space
The Game just can’t be started again.
So come on Dave be nimble, Gene be quick!
Delany has sat on a candlestick
You should know that fire is the devil’s only friend.
And as we watched him on the stage
Our hands were clenched in fists of rage.
No angel born in hell,
Could break that Tar Heel’s spell.
And as the flames climbed high into the Columbus night
To light the sacrificial rite,
We saw Delany laughing with delight
The day The Game died
He was singing,
"I’m gonna buy, buy me some college football pie."
I drove my Chevy to the tailgate,
But the tailgate was dry.
And we loyal fans have tears in our eyes.
Knowin’ this’ll be the day The Game dies.
this’ll be the day The Game dies.
I met a fan who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news,
But she just frowned and turned away.
I went down to the sacred stadium
Where I’d seen The Game so many times before,
But the man there said The Game would not be played.
And on the campuses the students screamed,
The players cried, and the coaches dreamed.
The Big Ten had just spoken;
The spirit of The Game had been broken.
And the four men who made The Game the most:
Bo and Woody, Schmidt and Yost,
Forever Delany will be haunted by their ghosts.
The day The Game died.
And Delany kept singing,
"I’m gonna buy, buy me some college football pie."
I drove my Chevy to the tailgate,
But the tailgate was dry.
And we loyal fans have tears in our eyes.
Knowin’ this’ll be the day The Game dies.
this’ll be the day The Game dies.
Then the loyal fans started singing:
"Bye, bye, Mr. Delany goodbye!"
We don’t accept this fate, we’re not Miami and Florida State!
Buckeyes and Wolverines stand together up on high,
Singin’, "We’re not gonna let The Game die!”
August 27th, 2010 at 1:21 PM ^
This should be stickied, you did a great job!
August 27th, 2010 at 2:14 PM ^
and though I have been reading MGoBlog for years, I don't know how to "stickie"...!
How about an assist?
Thanks!
August 27th, 2010 at 9:59 PM ^
This should be bumped to the front.
Better yet, if you know someone who has a little bit of talent, have them sing it and post it on YT.
It will go viral in the Big 10 footprint.
August 28th, 2010 at 1:59 AM ^
but I don't know how to bump it to the front. Can you help?
Great idea about having someone sing it and post it on YT. I am on the other side of the world, so I don't have a lot of candidates here. I might be able to find someone back there....
Any ideas?
Thanks!
August 27th, 2010 at 11:01 AM ^
There are two options available:
1. Permanently move the UM-OSU game to Halloween week and play it at a neutral site, preferably an indoor stadium- I think they should rotate between Ford Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Metrodome, but that would be up to the people in charge to decide- and name the game "The Spooky Bowl."
2. Reorganize the B10 as follows:
Bo Division- Michigan
Woody Division- Ohio State
Crap Division- the other ten teams
No regular-season games will be played between Michigan and Ohio State. Conference championship is played third weekend of November, the game rotates annually between Ann Arbor and Columbus, and it pits the winner of the Bo Division and the Woody Division.
LOCK THE THREAD
August 27th, 2010 at 10:09 PM ^
Your ideas intrigue me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
August 27th, 2010 at 12:18 PM ^
August 27th, 2010 at 12:25 PM ^
That was some funny shit right there!