Michigan To Play Florida In 2017, In Dallas
![jerry-jones-cowboys[1]](https://mgoblog.com/sites/mgoblog.com/files/images/Michigan-To-Play-Florida-In-2017-In-Dall_908E/jerry-jones-cowboys1.jpg "jerry-jones-cowboys[1]")
Just about all of the luster has gone out of the idea of playing a football game in Dallas after Michigan got pounded by Alabama to not make any money, to the point where actually getting the band there required Dave Brandon to squeeze half of the cost of that out of donors.
So guess what, guys!
Gators will open 2017 season against Michigan in Arlington, Texas. Game scheduled for Sept. 2
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) December 19, 2013 I'd say this further proves that Dave Brandon charged his family for Thanksgiving dinner, but like playing a canned version of the Victors against the #1 basketball team in the country, money isn't actually a good explanation. These games are kind of inexplicable when OSU and MSU are locking down quality home and homes.
This leaves… I don't actually know. With dynamic pricing shoving marquee prices into the stratosphere and Michigan charging extra for premium opponents, a home and home is at least a financial push compared to these one-off neutral site games, and then you have a nice thing to show your season ticket holders instead of a six-game home schedule featuring Cincinnati and Air Force as your nonconference draws. If Florida won't agree to it, maybe someone else would.
The only thing I've got is that this gives Dave Brandon a chance to hang around his idol some more.
FWIW, this completes the unerring accuracy of that list the BTN leaked a few months ago.
December 19th, 2013 at 10:53 AM ^
He scheduled a game in 2017 that most of the fan base is going to be excited about. I certainly am. But that's it. That's the extent of this news.
Home-and-home is preferred, sure. Other people have to agree to those things.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:27 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 11:33 AM ^
I agree. Drinks are on me in Dallas in 2017
December 19th, 2013 at 11:47 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 12:09 PM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 12:28 PM ^
to the Stockyards, I understand Cattleman's will toss in a complimentary order of Lamb Fries with their larger steaks.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:58 AM ^
Agreed. Plus, it's strange to see a lot of the objections to this game being about it not making enough money when the typical Brandon critique is that he's overly concerned about that stuff.
I'm not a Brandon fan, but I think we at least have to be fair and consistent with our criticisms.
December 19th, 2013 at 12:04 PM ^
That was my immediate reaction to the post. DB gets criticized for making a decision that will appeal to a subset of fans that don't normally get to go to games... then DB gets criticized by ... fans.
Last week he was unfavorably compared to Mark Hollis because Hollis (w.r.t. Rose Bowl tix) wasn't making decisions based soley on money...
Some people just can't be pleased.
December 19th, 2013 at 12:36 PM ^
double...
December 19th, 2013 at 12:32 PM ^
I wonder what percentage of at least the "vocal" mgoblog board traffic actually attends home games vs. the fan base as a whole. I have a feeling that many folks have a personal perspective issue with looking at this topic (as well as others) outside of their own reality. Not that this is wrong for each individual to have their own best intrest at heart... it just appears that they are unwilling to find a logical reason why something outside of "best case for me" is an actually chosen option.
I personally would be watching whatever game is being played on this date on a TV regardless of where it is being played... and I think that is true for the vast majority of UM football fans that Mr. Brandon is trying to appeal to while growing the brand... which he is tasked to do as the AD.
I'd much rather it be UM on a National television than say USC vs. LSU or someone else getting the attention of high school recruits on that day.
I do hope we perform well on the big stage and will be excited to watch the game!
Go Blue!
December 19th, 2013 at 2:58 PM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 1:25 PM ^
only at this blog could the news of an opening game versus florida descend into 150+ comments on Dave Brandon's ineffectual marketing skills
December 19th, 2013 at 1:49 PM ^
but by my scientific count -- a/k/a rough guestimate because I couldn't be bothered to confirm this -- the tally of comments for this post is running 112 pro-DB and only 41 against this scheduling move. Folks might want to save their usual "hive-mind" complaints for posts where the majority is actually agreeing with Brian's take . . . .
December 19th, 2013 at 1:27 PM ^
there is a huge gap with best case scenario and the home games we are being fed; and have been fed in the recent past. i attended UM in the 80s. i just looked up our non-conf opponents. the worst was navy in 81 and long beach state in 87. no MAC. in 86 we had ND(away) with, FlaSt and MD at home. and slates with 3 BCS-type schools like ND, UCLA, Oregon St were the norm. other schools included: SCar, Wash, WashSt, Miami(fla)
December 19th, 2013 at 10:55 AM ^
Screw you to the season ticket holders from Brandon. But when you can pocket $4.7 million from Jerry, why should he care about bringing a big time non-conference opponent to Michigan Stadium?
December 19th, 2013 at 10:55 AM ^
...replace Dave Brandon? I'm not saying it 100% should happen, but he is certainly angering almost everyone except (1) big donors (and perhaps even them if we can't start winning), and (2) Mary Sue Coleman.
It feels awkward to judge an AD based on the success of one sport, because, overall, Brandon can claim that our programs have stayed out of trouble, expanded to D1 lacrosse, secured hundreds of millions from Stephen Ross, rebuilt South Campus, and is funding more scholarships than ever before. On the other hand, he has taken a lot of criticism for increasing prices, squeezing students out, commercializing M sporting events, and failing to find the right people to coach the football team. On the whole, that list of negatives seems silly next to the list of positives, which is probably why his job is safe and we are left being ticked off at some of the silly things he is doing at the expense of fans. When your football team is the #5 most valuable, your athletic department is running in the black, and you have a high finish in the Director's Cup, he has a lot going for him.
When Mary Sue retires, however, I wonder if a new President would want to bring in his or her own AD? Is that the first time we could reasonable see Brandon replaced, and, subsequently, Hoke potentially replaced? This wouldn't be until the 2016 football season, at least, I believe.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:17 AM ^
the more important question is who would replace dave brandon and who is hiring the person to replace dave brandon. all of those things are unclear. it doesn't help to get rid of dave brandon if the new person has the same goals and methods.
December 19th, 2013 at 10:57 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 11:18 AM ^
I feel like the anti-DB circle jerk is bound to reach critical mass soon and consume this website.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:20 AM ^
...I really don't want going around in my head. [Shudders]
December 19th, 2013 at 11:27 AM ^
I probably could have worded that in a less graphic fashion, but the internet forum definition fits pretty well:
"Circle Jerk” is a slang term referring to the positive feedback loop that can occur when ideas and beliefs are reinforced within a group or subculture’s enclosed space. The phenomenon is typically observed on websites that consists of self-contained forums for specific interests or subcultures.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:35 AM ^
...these Circle Jerks to internet forum circle jerks.
December 19th, 2013 at 12:01 PM ^
I hadn't heard that in 20 years, min. Golden Shower of Hits. Sweet.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:37 AM ^
I suggest that a pro-DB version would make for a much more damaging mental image.
December 19th, 2013 at 1:30 PM ^
...would be of several magnitudes less. Also, it would be done in the privacy of the luxury suites, so it would be much more dignified. Your take is invalid.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:33 AM ^
Unfortunately, the realitty is that so much of college football is about marketing. Marketing makes a huge deal in (1) providing funds for the athletic department to do all of these great facility upgrades that help us compete and recruit; (2) making Michigan a hot name (again, really helping recruiting); and (3) creating an excitement around the program for the fanbase.
We on this blog don't realize that we represent a tiny fraction of the Michigan fanbase. Sure, we are perhaps the most ardent and vocal fans, but in terms of numbers, we are but a small slice of the pie. So, while we on this blog see some of the downside of a game like this - and the only one I can think of that the season ticket holders lose out on a game - we may be ignoring the numerous positives. We are guaranteed to be the game of the week on opening weekend. Regardless of how the programs are doing, to the average fan, both are historic power programs from power conferences. Being the opening weekend, prime time game of the week comes with a good 2 weeks of hype commercials from ESPN / ABC, and some good previews on most sports webpages. This does help create program buzz, and it does help put us on the level with the top programs from a recruiting perspective. (To anticipate some responses, yes I agree that winning is the most important thing for building buzz, recruiting, etc., but that is not really something that Brandon can control. This is.)
Also, take a look at out ream and let's project out a few years - if Hoke can keep up his recruiting, and can continue to build solid depth, we should have a very good team in the future, building of of several years of program stability. See Michigan State's recent success once Mork and his merry band of coaches had been there for several years. Florida, by contrast, is one season away from a potential coaching change. If that happens, they could be in full-on rebuilding mode (year three of whomever their new coach is) in 2017. Perhaps Brandon took some of these points into consideration, as well?
December 19th, 2013 at 10:57 AM ^
isn't there supposed to be some "national brand" cachet to participating in a game like this?
December 19th, 2013 at 10:58 AM ^
instead of a quality home and home that doesn't put us in the red? brandon went to business school......really? where? bolivia?
smh
December 19th, 2013 at 10:59 AM ^
attractive home and homes. They've scheduled Oregon, and that's it. How did Oregon work out for Michigan last time we tried it?
We have home and homes scheduled with Arkansas, Va Tech (which is one of Ohio's "attractive home and homes) and UCLA. Who knows what any of these teams will look like by 2020?
Finally, in what world are you expecting Florida, which hasn't played a non-con game outside of their own state since 1991, to jump at the chance to play in Michigan? In what world are you expecting Michigan to play two SEC teams in the same season?
December 19th, 2013 at 10:59 AM ^
If all goes according to plan, we would be breaking in a new QB that year, unless of course Shane gets redshirted next year or something wacky happens.
I hate that we might start another season off against a power and that it will be with a new QB. However that might be an ideal time to play Florida. Assuming they continue to be a dumpster fire next year, they may be looking at a new coach again. That means more rebuilding and an even shakier roster for them.
Meanwhile, we will have a roster of MANBALL, and Borges will have tons more experience with tackle over which means atleast -25 yards rushing instead of -27.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:01 AM ^
I went to the Bama game, and aside from the game itself it was the epitomy of stale, corporate, etc. that's sucking the fun out of going to games.
Pregame there was tailgating in giant ass parking lots if you could get there/find a spot. Leaving was brutal. Considering how far that stadium is from ANYTHING you'd be amazed how horribly set up the traffic grid is.
In game there was zero fun sir. Touchdowns were met with a big scrolling Word Art across the jumbotron with fake explosion noises. There were no coordinated cheers. Nothing that would invite crowd participation like a home game. If there is no financial draw, why do this???
December 19th, 2013 at 11:11 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 12:02 PM ^
I went too, and actually really enjoyed myself for the most part. The atmosphere obviously wasn't the same as a regular college game, but it was still lively and a lot of fun. It was more of an NFL feel than a college one, though. But honestly, I think if we hadn't gotten slaughtered against Bama, people would have been a LOT more positive about this game.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:02 AM ^
UM has true home and homes with Arkansas, Va Tech and UCLA on the docket from 2018-2023. They have one scheduling hole from 2014-2018 left to fill from the demise of the ND series. As a season ticket holder, I am way more excited about a 2017 game vs Florida in Dallas than a tomato can home game vs Eastern or something. Those games, especially on Labor Day weekend, suck all around. My brother and I had a blast in Dallas for the Bama game, despite the outcome. We will have another blast, hopefully with better results in 2017. I crack on Brandon a lot on my twitter feed, but this is a better good scheduling get, and gives UM a great shot at a pretty good resume if they're in playoff contention that season.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:20 AM ^
This. I'd prefer a quatlity home-and-home, but that was supposed to be ND (a series Brian never wanted to end) and they bailed and now Brandon has to scramble to fill in a quality opponent. Pretty much anything besides The Horror Part III gets a pass from me.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:05 AM ^
That's great we're playing Florida...but is either fanbase really happy with playing in Dallas? I'ts not convenient for either team and playing there is significantly less exciting than playing at either teams home stadium.
Jurrah-werld bros. Cash cash monee $$$
December 19th, 2013 at 11:37 AM ^
You have to realize that for national programs like Florida and Michigan, where so many alums do not live close to the school after graduation, the majority of the "fanbase" does not attend the games, but instead watches on TV. For those of us watching on TV, this is actually a pretty exciting thing. The gameday experience is the same for me - same comfy couch, same big screen TV, same beer, same delicious gameday food that my wife will cook - but the hype surrounding a game like this is pretty cool.
December 19th, 2013 at 12:10 PM ^
Since I graduated and moved away I'm also just a couch-watcher now and I still think it's way more exciting to play at home venues. Playing at Jerryworld has lost its luster and it just seems like a boring corporate event put on by the Athletic Departments and Jerry Jones now. Playing in the Big House or in the Swamp just adds that much more energy to the game. There's no traditional entrances or student sections or home field advantages in Jerryworld, its a boring sterile NFL stadium almost 1000 miles from the nearest school
December 19th, 2013 at 11:09 AM ^
The blog has been infected by a constant attitude of discension. We critique every move of the coaches, administration, and eachother. Like any organization, it starts at the top. Is this game really that bad Brian? We got boned by ND and need to find quality non-conference opponents in short order. I feel like this isn't an easy task.
Lighten up.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:09 AM ^
Rather have a home and home, but if we don't have a slot open for a return date, this is probably the next best thing.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:11 AM ^
I was ok with the Alabama game, but I'm not as ok with this. With a horrendous home schedule in 2014 (and presumably lost season ticket holders?), a marquee game like this at home in 2017 and away another year would have been awesome. Hell, even if we played AWAY in 2018 or 2020 or something, I would start getting excited about going to Gainesville for it now. But going to Dallas again? I probably won't do it unless we are looking like a top 10 team going into that year. The Alabama game was costly overall and I wasted part of a nice weekend in Chicago to go get drubbed after falsely thinking we had a chance. This is just "meh." I would love to see a big-time SEC program home-away. That'd be awesome. Not gonna happen apparently.
On the flip-side, my guess is Brandon probably is going to get more money out of this 2017 game than he got for the Alabama game, so financially it'll probably be a + instead of a break-even.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:12 AM ^
At least it's not like last time where we played a team that's only an 8 hours drive away! (It's about 14 hours).
And, not so secretly, I love being able to see Michigan play in my backyard as they'll never be awful enough to play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl and even if they were I'm not sure I'd want to watch that team...
December 19th, 2013 at 11:12 AM ^
Part of our "brand" is the Big House. We have T-shirts that say, "The Big House," or something like that. So why are we diluting our brand to go play a big game in some other stadium? The whole point of games in Jerry World is to glorify Jerry World. In effect, we are diminishing our brand to help someone else's. Even from a marketing standpoint, I don't get this, and yeah, it's a huge FU to the season ticket holders.
I long for the days when we can just sell a dominant football team and forget about the "wow factor."
December 20th, 2013 at 2:34 AM ^
All I can say is, it's a good thing we have an AD that does know a thing or two about marketing. This game isn't diminishing Michigan's brand; it's enhancing it, especially when the alternative is a one-off home game against a team without a national name / following. As others have pointed out, the alternative to this game in Dallas is not a home game against Florida; it's a home game against an almost certain no-name team.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:14 AM ^
...is what will TEH UNI4MZ look like?
December 19th, 2013 at 11:22 AM ^
It's crazy that Michigan has only played UF twice but it sure is nice knowing they're 2-0 against the Gators.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:24 AM ^
Works for me. I live in Dallas and love spending a grand to take my family of four to watch UM play a game in the Death Star.
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