yes plz
Preview 2011: Wrap, Hype, Hope
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It's the day before a Michigan football season, so there's an 80% chance you're about to see Bump, Canham, and Bo. Survey says…
…bingo. Three years ago I posted it up to point out just how long it had been since Michigan had to think about who would be its head coach: forty years. They'd secured an A-list candidate but whenever you're trying something new after doing one thing forever, things can go awry. They did—you may have noticed.
I thought about Bump and Bo over the summer when Ramzy at Eleven Warriors took a brief hiatus from ripping Kirk Herbstreit* to survey the new enemy in Ann Arbor. He used a certain picture, which I'll put next to what seems like the most representative image of Rodriguez on the first three pages of a generic image search. I'm not sure what that will be yet. Let's find out:
Slotting the two coaches** into the image above is left as a bloody obvious exercise for the reader.
Hoke may not have a winning record but he's got bravado. That, the knowledge he's not a Super Genius, and his magical intestines plus Denard Robinson is a pretty good start. When Hoke was hired I said "sometimes having an identity feels like having a ceiling," but thanks to Jim Tressel kindly donating his career and most of the meanest kids in Ohio to the cause that ceiling is a lot vaguer than it was in January. Let's go find it. In Pasadena, preferably.
*[Ramzy : Kirk Herbstreit :: Brian : punting from the 34]
**[In re: selection. For one, this shows up three times. It's not the best but it's far from the worst and it's not plain boring. Seems as good a choice as any.]
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THIS CONCLUDES the 2011 edition of the MGoBlog season preview. Every year I tell myself I'm going to get ahead of the curve and start posting these things two weeks before the season; every year something comes up and I spend this week eating microwaved dinners and staying up until 5 AM. At this point it would feel wrong to do it any other way (but I'm definitely doing it some other way next year).
The Recap
The Story, 2011
OFFENSE
- Offensive line: 4.5. Excellent if allowed to zone block, more than two injuries and it's time to panic
- Receivers: average of 3.5. Good depth, few stars, a lot rides on Hemingway.
- Running backs: 3. Six bullets (for now) instead of two; everyone's older.
- Quarterbacks: 5! Denard.
- Offensive questions: Verdict is basically last year's offense minus 5-10 Denard carries per game.
DEFENSE
- Secondary: average of 2.5. A little depth, no freshmen, look out for Avery.
- Linebackers: average of 3. Demens bustout.
- Defensive line: average of 4. Top end is sexy except for SDE; depth is precarious.
- Defensive questions: tackling how much the GERG effect can help us. Survey says: lots.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Special teams: average of 2. Hold on to the damn ball, and kick it between the posts.
- Ace previews Western.
- Stupid predictions: less horrible turnover margin and 8-4.
I would have bumped some fantastic diaries if doing so wouldn't caused everyone's heads to explode with word overload. If you're just dying for 3:30 tomorrow and need more, the Communist Football Almanack finishes in spectacular style, Jamiemac previews Western with prop bets a-plenty, and Michael Scarn drops a personal essay.
Now it's time for a hype video.
Here's to less drinking during UFRs. Go Blue.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:18 PM | 
So ready for tomorrow. I
So ready for tomorrow. I
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:23 PM |
I've often wondered what the
I've often wondered what the
I've often wondered what the question was at the particular moment that photo was taken. I'd like to think it involved the word "process."
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:24 PM |
Seriously: Can't we get the
Seriously: Can't we get the
Seriously: Can't we get the Cookie Monster back into the hype videos? That was awesome.
Got a quarter?
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:24 PM |
Prediction:
Prediction:
Prediction:
For today, goodbye. For tomorrow, good luck. And forever, Go Blue.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:02 PM |
Whoa, that looks kind of like
Whoa, that looks kind of like
Whoa, that looks kind of like a penis falling out of his ass.
Got a quarter?
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:24 PM |
Wooo!!
Wooo!!
Thanks Brian for front-pagin' my hype vid. Much appreciated. Come on 3:30...
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:38 PM |
iPhone capable link?
iPhone capable link?
Is there version of, or link to, the video in a format that an iPhone can deal with? I'm getting nothing on the app and web versions of the blog. Sorry if my question betrays a lack of tech savvy.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:25 PM |
Unfortunately no...
Unfortunately no...
not sure why but youtube has it restricted from being played on any mobile devices
EDIT: After a bit of research, I found that some videos are deliberately restricted from mobile viewing by their copyright owners. So it's not working because of the song being copyrighted.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:59 PM |
pretty sure it was easy for him
pretty sure it was easy for him
best hype video out there, hands down.
Biz hundert azoi ve tsvantsik
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:31 PM |
Outstanding work
Outstanding work
That hype video is AWESOME.
The only hype video (that I've ever seen) of similar quality was the one Brian had done after the 3-8 year, although that one was quite emo (for obvious reasons). Just great, great work. Thanks.
Denard's 2010 was spent redefining what one man can do.
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:24 PM |
Awesome work.
Awesome work.
That thing is really well done. Great stuff, anonymous internet person.
This has nothing to do with Michigan football.
September 3rd, 2011 at 12:24 AM |
Best hype video of the year,
Best hype video of the year,
Best hype video of the year, easily. Really great work, I loved hearing Bo over an Eminem song, got my blood racing.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:31 PM |
unique photo?
unique photo?
Could this be a unique photo?
How often does the departing coach help introduce the new coach with the athletic director and all are (1) convivial, (2) sitting on a sofa and (3) wearing suits and ties?
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:44 PM |
How often do coaches retire?
How often do coaches retire?
Voluntarily I mean. Some percentage of coaches who retire voluntarily would have been available for photos like this one. It would be much more likely for coaches who have the chance to anoint their own successor.
I'm sure there's a similar photo of Bo and Gary Moeller after Moeller took over from Bo. At the time Bo was in the AD role as well, though, so not quite the same.
Where's Charlie Bauman when you need him?
September 3rd, 2011 at 8:26 AM |
Different times....
Different times....
Bump was still a very young guy... for a head coach to step down... he was not that much older than Shembechler. That wouldnt likely happen today... unless you are Urban Meyer and had health issues or something.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:31 PM |
Yep, I'm ready
Yep, I'm ready
That hype video was the final straw. Tonight is going to suck as far as waiting goes.
The only thing left to signal a new season is the first appearance of Michigan's #1 fan, Lloyd Brady.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:45 PM |
Go. Blue.
Go. Blue.
Go. Blue.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:38 PM |
This is why blogs will not go away:
This is why blogs will not go away:
That after dropping all of the knowledge this site has over the previous week - be it good, bad, terrified, optimistic - the proprietor can drop a "Go Blue" at the end and turn himself from detail-oriented, cold-hearted analyst to eight year-old, wide-eyed Michigan fan with a dream of Pasadena.
Go Blue, indeed.
"The Strength of the Wolf is the Pack, and the Strength of the Pack is the Wolf."
September 3rd, 2011 at 12:27 AM |
I'll DEFINITELY echo the
I'll DEFINITELY echo the
I'll DEFINITELY echo the appreciation of all this week's content. There has been great work on the blog this week, and personally I wouldn't want these previews posted two or three weeks prior to the opener. I love the buildup over the course of the week, concluded with a summary post and an awesome fucking hype video. I am now so pumped for the game!
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:40 PM |
I can already hear the Brady
I can already hear the Brady
I can already hear the Brady Hoke chants from section 18.Go blue.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:47 PM |
Thankyouthankyou
Thankyouthankyou
Nice video, good shift at 2:10. Two many fade ins on plays prior to that. So excited to see the Team get it on tomorrow. For a while, Eminem's tune and Schembechler's words seemed to sync really well. Denard = favorite athlete of all time. Hemingway is going to have a great year. A healthy determined Shaw is a damn good back. FtizT is going to break out. The defense will play their asses off and converge on the ball with hunger. Inspring.
Go Blue!
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.
September 2nd, 2011 at 5:52 PM |
Good UFR's
Good UFR's
are actually going to cause MORE drinking for me :P
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:00 PM |
Signing off...
Signing off...
Signing off my computer for the weekend...just wanted to say GO BLUE to everyone!!!
Yaup, not gettin sleep tonight
Go Blue!
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:04 PM |
I probably won't sleep tonight.
I probably won't sleep tonight.
I will stay up all night doing the extra kinesiology homework I have for the holiday weekend, so I can focus on football and football only tomorrow. My wife is already dreading it.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:06 PM |
hype video
hype video
I always feel a little silly watching those hype videos, but in spite of myself it works.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:08 PM |
Thanks for all your work, Mr.
Thanks for all your work, Mr.
Thanks for all your work, Mr. Brian.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:09 PM |
Nice work as always
Nice work as always
I know UFRs are supposed to be the calling card of the blog but the previews and predictions are my favorite things going.
September 3rd, 2011 at 12:29 AM |
No Way
No Way
This blog's calling card is the celebratory muppets.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:22 PM |
Now that was a fuckin hype video..
Now that was a fuckin hype video..
That is all.
“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.”
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:33 PM |
I was wondering were the damn
I was wondering were the damn
I was wondering were the damn hype video was. Now I am ready. The off season is over, Michigan football is here. And here we go!
Go Blue!
"Nobody cares what you think!"
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:33 PM |
Great video!
Great video!
Too pumped for tomorrow!
This could be a special underdog season like 1969.
What if we upset OSU, UW and Neb?
life is like a box of chocolates... and you got the Whizzo Quality Assortment
September 3rd, 2011 at 2:47 PM |
Well, given that we don't
Well, given that we don't
Well, given that we don't play Wisconsin in the regular season, it would mean it is in the B1G Championship Game, so that would mean quite a season indeed!
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:48 PM |
Brian, thank you for all of
Brian, thank you for all of
Brian, thank you for all of the hard work that feeds my addiction.
Go Blue!
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:49 PM |
Thanks Brian
Thanks Brian
It's hard to articulate why, but I especially enjoyed this year's season preview. Excellent work and thanks for it. Go Blue.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:55 PM |
Great Week of Material
Great Week of Material
Everyone have fun tomorrow.and do not do anything stupid. We have 12 games to get through in the next 13 weeks.
Brady Hoke - High quality recruits one or two at a time.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:00 PM |
Boom, Hoke'd
Boom, Hoke'd
Brian I know how you feel. I.too fell I'm love with the intricacies of the spread-n-shred....to the point that I thought I would not "enjoy" Michigan football as much as I have over the last few years. Even though M was loosing, I was entranced by the strategery and excitement of it all. I honestly thought that my addiction to mgoblog would subside. Then Mattison, then Borges turned into a guy loves Denard as much as I do, now I am a card carrying Hokemaniac, and I read the blog and follow M football as close as ever. I love the kids on this team and I really hope they can stay healthy, as a group, and show us all what that can do.
Go Blue.
HAIL TO THE VICTORS.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:13 PM |
Thanks Brian!
Thanks Brian!
I appreciate all the hard work...and the humor combined.
I trust this was one of your 5 am late nights because the secondary does have freshmen - Countess & Taylor - freshmen that will likely play.
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:24 PM |
Go Blue!
Go Blue!
I dont know why but its nice to hear/read Cook say Go Blue.
I'm kind of a big deal in Bolivia.
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:05 PM |
Wow. Major props to whoever
Wow. Major props to whoever
Wow. Major props to whoever made that video. One of the best hype videos I've seen in a while.
Excellently done. Here's to having Muppets tomorrow!
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:06 PM |
Great work Brian.
Great work Brian.
I have really enjoyed warding over the past week or so as Brian has gone from angry and disapproving of all things Hoke and Borges, to still grumpy but a not less critical, to neutral to finally seeming to be, dare i say, optimistic about the direction of the team.
I suppose that as the season approaches, Brian's true love of Michigan has overshadowed his dedication to he spread and his defensiveness about RR.
Welcome back fearless leader
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:19 PM |
I hate 3:30 kick offs.
I hate 3:30 kick offs.
Bo had it right, toe meets leather at 1:00.
"I hate losing more than I like winning." - Zack
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:58 PM |
12:00
12:00
I'm guessing you meant noon.
September 3rd, 2011 at 12:35 AM |
Nope. Michigan Football used
Nope. Michigan Football used
Nope. Michigan Football used to be a 1PM kickoff each and every week.
September 3rd, 2011 at 7:44 AM |
Almost all were at 1:00
Almost all were at 1:00
Almost all games were at 1:00. Few games were on TV, and whichever one was on, it was on at 1 (except for west coast games that obviously were 3 hours later). It really was the best time for a game.
It was also great to have to hang on the words of the PA announcer for the scores of all the other Big Ten games going on simultaneously. "At the half in Madison, . . . ."
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:24 PM |
A big Go Blue to all the
A big Go Blue to all the
A big Go Blue to all the faithful out there. This night is just dragging on and on, and only having MSU and TCU's respective games on TV for entertainment isn't helping much. All will be well, and to everyone who is physically at the game: I hate you.
"To hell with Notre Dame" ~ Bo Schembechler
God bless your cotton-pickin' maize 'n blue Meechigan hearts!
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:04 PM |
Thanks Brian
Thanks Brian
You have set us up for the season perfectly. Especially this week.
Kudos for hiring Ace + Heiko - they are doing a fantastic job.
GO BLUE!
All In Worldwide
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:15 PM |
excellent preview
excellent preview
and now, for an excellent season.
GO BLUE!
I am not really Coach Schiano. -Coach Schiano on Mgoblog
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:53 PM |
That touching the banner
That touching the banner
That touching the banner photo looks pretty good and familiar....
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:09 PM |
Love the hype video! #needmoreband?
Love the hype video! #needmoreband?
I love that hype video, to get even more hype, I decided to listen to Temptation and some of these band songs.
ENJOY!
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~balazer/mmb_media/spirit/
“True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise — the other, loyalty.”
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:11 PM |
"Here's to less drinking
"Here's to less drinking
"Here's to less drinking during UFRs. Go Blue."
Amen, but if the last few years have taught us anything it's that we can't have nice things (hopefully that changes with Mattison). This will be the first home game since 2006 that I won't be in the Big House for...depressing, but I'll be doing my fair share of yelling at home. For all those that are going, BE LOUD.
So ready for tomorrow. I think I'm going to freeze myself right now so I don't have to wait for tomorrow.