wtka roundtable
podcasts
2021-22 northwestern

WTKA Roundtable 1/27/2022: Situation Normal: Jim Is Not Comment Count

Seth January 27th, 2022 at 10:47 AM

News Break: During the show it was announced Michigan will play the rescheduled Purdue game at 9pm at Crisler on Thursday, February 10. They play at Penn State on Tuesday the 8th and host Ohio State on Saturday the 12th. They also play at Purdue on the 5th.

Things discussed:

  • What’s going on with Harbaugh? Talk exceeds the substance—tepid interest from Harbaugh, tepid interest from the NFL. Vikings might do something goofy but barring that he’s back.
  • Will we get an announcement? Yeah, there will be a contract.
  • What went down with Macdonald? He seemed like an NFL guy, don’t understand why they dropped Wink, but Wink was a successor to Pees, and maybe John thought Macdonald was the real engine. Everyone agrees he’s a genius.
  • Clink is going to be the co-DC. Not going to find a guy with the same system; just need find someone who can fit the same personnel.
  • Mac brought us a strategy that could beat Ohio State. Gotta have that. You can play man the rest of the year.
  • Also need a LBs coach. Michigan going to ask Larry Foote?
  • Hoops: We let Craig Ross go off. Rob Riley is an abomination, shouldn’t be reffing in the Big Ten. This is the crew that ran off Beilein.
  • Game is different if HD doesn’t get that 3rd foul. Moving screens were on Jones. Moussa got a terrible charge call where the guy was sliding under him.
  • Shout out to Faulds. Support playing him over Johns given how badly Johns was playing (the shoe!)
  • IU game: Woodson got outcoached by Howard, TJD looked tired.
  • MSU has been getting RIDICULOUS officiating the last three games. End of Northwestern game they were actively trying to give MSU chances, Illinois had a huge lead until the officials brought State back, and Wisconsin got doubled up in fouls at home. Doesn’t bode well for Breslin. MSU could not stop Frazier—they have a blow-by problem at guard again. They also can’t decide who to play at center, even if it’s obviously Bingham.
  • Caleb Houstan’s renaissance: The more space you create the better he’s going to be, because he’s a lethal Just a Shooter™ but isn’t great at contested shots and doesn’t get it off quickly.
[Hit the JUMP for the player, and video and stuff]

You can catch the entire episode on Michigan Insider's podcast stream.

Segment two is available here. And you can watch the video here:

The Usual Links:

I gave my little brother my favorite toy and now I want it back.

Comments

Champeen

January 27th, 2022 at 11:27 AM ^

I rarely ever blame refs or do the 'we lost because of the refs' line.  But holy MF shit last nights game had my blood boiling.  There have been some poorly called games, but last nights crew was fucking horrid.  We won by 2 because of the refs.  That was a 10 point win.  It was utter bullshit.

There, i got it out.  I feel better.

Joined: 04/07/2011

MGoPoints: 14975

MGolem

January 27th, 2022 at 11:39 AM ^

We should have called Foote for a position years ago. Seems like he would be an absolute boss in recruiting and on the sidelines. One of my all time favorites. 

There are a few refs that we see all the time that are bad such as Bo Boroksi but the crew yesterday should be investigated for committing hate crimes against basketball. There are no words to accurately describe what took place. 

Joined: 10/14/2010

MGoPoints: 13595

CR

January 27th, 2022 at 1:31 PM ^

I agree, re: Riley, and am not sure about Szelc. The Riley/Szelc combination seems lethal to games. But I think Bo Borowski is a generally above average ref. I never feel like he has his thumb on the scale and I tend to breathe a sigh of relief when I see him. I know others disagree, but I have watched a lot of BT BB, maybe more/as much than anyone on this board (back to the early 60s) and not just UM games. My judgment, at least, is that Borowski is competent. So was Ted Valentine, IMO.  

Joined: 10/23/2009

MGoPoints: 2368

Blue Vet

January 27th, 2022 at 12:12 PM ^

One more thing about the Indiana game. 

I happened to check out video of Woodson’s comments after the game, and Jackson-Davis’s comments, and both seemed honest, direct and respectful. 

Maybe it’s the state: Painter seems like a good guy too, strong competitor but respectful.

Or maybe I’m just worn down by whining from East Lansing and Columbus, but that seems rare. 

Joined: 05/08/2012

MGoPoints: 71318

Ferg0dsakes

January 27th, 2022 at 12:13 PM ^

Two things re: fouls in the IU game.  To Sam's point, Hunter did ball out with three fouls on him.  He gave up a couple bunnies, in which he was already beat on position.  Previous editions of him would have picked up a ticky-tack much earlier than he did.

Likewise, I think Jones only committed one offensive foul.  'Early season Jones' would have had 2-3.

Joined: 10/10/2012

MGoPoints: 2404

Blue Vet

January 27th, 2022 at 12:17 PM ^

Normally I’d shrug off complaints about refs as an innate part of being a fan. I believe most refs try hard to be fair and do a good job.

However, #1, refs are human, subject to subtle and unconscious biases like all of us, AND

#2, most Big Ten people outside the UM consider UM programs and fans to be arrogant, which necessarily includes ref people.

#1 + #2 = a plausible case that refs lean against Michigan.

Joined: 05/08/2012

MGoPoints: 71318