Appreciating Alex Drain (and MGoBlog)

Submitted by JMo on January 9th, 2024 at 12:30 PM

During this morning of diaries and general everyone loves everything love fest, I want to take a quick moment to shoutout Alex Drain.

The vast vast majority of people who frequent this board found it and appreciate it because of some content that Brian wrote or created. As Seth has taken a more active role, I think most of us long-timers have really grown to appreciate his yin to Brian's yang, and how their 1-2 dynamic really does create a nice balance. (Let's call it the best version of this site's different personality 'blends' over the years)

That said, your addition to the site, Alex, and your contribution to the efforts here has been nothing short of outstanding.

I don't have a great memory for these things but did you start here the season this all started?  Is Michigan 40-3 during the time Alex Drain has been contributing to MGoBlog? If so... well thanks for being a human rabbit's foot!

But nonsense aside, in a time where too often writers/creators are more interested in being opinionists and personalities (especially the ones who are young like you), you march in an opposite direction. You write. You create thoughtful logic-based arguments with foundations established by the work and research you do to formulate them. Your contributions on the audio content are some of my favorite things here on the site.

In short, you make this site a better place. Thank you for your thoughtful writeups and all the work you've done, and contributions you've made here over the past few years.

And that goes for everyone, Brian and Seth of course, all of the contributing writers, the mods (except for that dastardly handsome bastard RobF!), you all do such great work to make this the best fan space (for any team) on the internet. Thank you.

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Blake Forum

January 9th, 2024 at 12:35 PM ^

In an era when quality independent sports blogs have nearly gone extinct, MGoBlog remains a shining example to all and an indispensable resource and community for Michigan fans. Thank you Brian, Seth, Alex, and the rest of the crew. The leaders and best!

Joined: 07/20/2020

MGoPoints: 22172

The Homie J

January 9th, 2024 at 12:42 PM ^

The analysis and football breakdowns here are second to none.  I've looked and looked for other team related blogs to find similar levels of content and not once has anybody come close.  This site is world class and I can't thank the staff behind this operation enough.  We appreciate you guys!

Joined: 01/11/2018

MGoPoints: 17408

Preacher Mike

January 9th, 2024 at 12:44 PM ^

Hear! Hear! And his scouting and breakdowns of opponents is always spot on. I am amazed every game when his assessment of the opposing team's and player's strengths and weaknesses bears out precisely as he has evaluated.

Joined: 04/06/2014

MGoPoints: 4231

abertain

January 9th, 2024 at 12:51 PM ^

I want to thank Alex for also losing his mind about the lack of PAP, QB run and intermediate passing. I was losing my mind for a solid 1.2 hours. On a rewatch, it wasn't as bad as my brain was telling me. But during the game, glad to know I wasn't the only one going insane. I appreciate a wild, fire all the offensive coaches, lolz. 

Joined: 10/24/2009

MGoPoints: 4912

WrestlingCoach

January 9th, 2024 at 12:51 PM ^

Logged in to upvote and post that I love Alex, his analysis, and his ability to break down film and opposing teams. He's a kid genius. Brian is definitely my favorite writer/analyst but Alex is 1b!

Give Alex Drain a raise!!!

Joined: 04/07/2023

MGoPoints: 3804

LSAClassOf2000

January 9th, 2024 at 12:57 PM ^

I'll be honest - when we were trudging through less glorious times, this blog and my role as a moderator came up in numerous therapy sessions. Then, for probably a good six months at the beginning of 2020, primarily for reasons of physical rather than psychological health, as I had what was my final reckoning with addiction, I left it. 

Then I came back, just in time for 2-4 and that angst, then it seemed like the football version of the "Aneurysm Of Leadership", an event we probably didn't see, took place somewhere out of view.

Then, we embark on a 40-3 run that ends on top of the college football world. Weirdly, I thank this place for restoring a joy that this place also zapped from me, if that makes sense.  

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130627

sdogg1m

January 9th, 2024 at 12:59 PM ^

Alex Drain is young and I appreciate his maturity and enjoy listening to his input on the podcasts. He is professional in his speech and conduct.

Joined: 09/13/2008

MGoPoints: 5790

Blue69

January 9th, 2024 at 2:04 PM ^

Maybe it was Alex, and not Connor Stalions responsible for our success. We know it wasn't JJ or Blake or Harbaugh or Minter or a football culture previously unknown to mankind. In any event, we are so fortunate to have a site we want to check in on 5 times a day replete with smart, thoughtful writers who are passionate about Michigan football. It was therapeutic to read the rebuttals to all the bullshit.

 

Joined: 04/23/2013

MGoPoints: 230

MgerBlerg

January 9th, 2024 at 2:31 PM ^

I don't remember FFFF being so useful and accurate as the last couple of seasons since Alex took over (no offense intended to writers of seasons past but I'm sure plenty given).

Joined: 11/16/2009

MGoPoints: 5364

97 Over Jimmys

January 9th, 2024 at 2:45 PM ^

I know UFR was the early site's calling card, but now I swear that the FFFF is the current comparative advantage over all other blogs. Alex writes these fantastic summaries, Brian uses them in his preview, and week after week, the game basically goes the way they predict. This blog's advance scouting is peerless.

Joined: 11/17/2011

MGoPoints: 553

M-Dog

January 9th, 2024 at 9:35 PM ^

I don't remember much of a formal introduction of Alex to the blog.  Maybe there was and I missed it. 

He was just a name that started showing up as author to some articles.  I didn't know if he was an MGoBlog employee or a guest writer or whatever.

But he has been producing some great content.  Especially before the Rose Bowl and the NC, his FFFF was the content I waited for most.

Tip of the hat to you, sir.

 

Joined: 07/06/2008

MGoPoints: 257507

brose

January 10th, 2024 at 10:44 AM ^

This blog is the best - thank you to all the owners/writers/contibutors/moms and posters.

 

What a magical trip these last 3 years have been (I joined in '08), so I know what the other side of the coin is like, and I much prefer this side.

Joined: 02/19/2009

MGoPoints: 5768