Asking for thoughts on Texas @ Michigan ? Payback or dread?
UM and UT face off September 7, 2024.
Interestingly, Michigan and Texas initially agreed to play each other 2024 and 2027 in Austin then A2. But the locations were swapped recently as part of the drama of Texas and Oklahoma leaving the Big12 and joining SEC (see https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/texas-longhorns-big-12-sec-michigan-wolverines-series-2024 ) to secure Fox's necessary blessing for the realignment.
Yes, that's how big this was projected to be.
And that was BEFORE Sarkisian demonstrably reenergized the long-moribund Texas program.
My family is Maize and Blue forever, both school and team.
But my EXTENDED family hard core Texas Longhorn orange. And they outnumber us to boot. Constantly harping on about Vince Young and UMs loss in our only meeting: 2005 BCS Rose Bowl (see https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/250010130 ...sorry about cut&paste as only one hypertext link allowed per post). Every holiday. Every football weekend.
This despite the tale-of-the-tape of our two programs favoring the good guys. (See https://www.winsipedia.com/texas/vs/michigan ). But they have the ONLY match-up victory. In an infuriating game that we should have won looking at every statistic except the gd score, with Texas getting yards out of a parade of broken plays.
But I digress.
So given how expensive tickets are going to be, I want to make the effort of the families going only if it's going to be competitive. And I REALLY want to go if I think we get to return the favor of 2005. Hence this post to field way-too-early predictions.
On the one hand, Sarkisian's history as coach to date hasn't lived up to his pedigree and seems pretty mediocre.
On the other hand, Texas seems to be turned around quick.
Add to it NIL recruiting advantages from one of the few schools that have a money cannon bigger than ours (see https://247sports.com/longformarticle/college-sports-top-donors-ranking-the-most-generous-athletics-boosters-214986422/ ), at a time when money cannons win the day. Maybe even ESPECIALLY in Texas wherein the state legislators pass law 6/2023 to make it easier to skirt NCAA enforcement for essentially selling tickets to directly acquire NIL money, while Michigan has cheeseburger handcuffs (see https://www.on3.com/teams/texas-longhorns/news/texas-state-law-regarding-nil-finds-itself-in-the-ncaas-crosshairs-likely-setting-up-a-legal-battle/ ).
Texas' unique and potent NIL money train (see https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/05/05/texas-running-back-bijan-robinson-nil-deal-lamborghini-austin for an example) coincides with big recruiting successes, like getting Ewers from Ohio, or hyped QB prospect Arch Manning (see https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34603436/texas-ran-280000-tab-recruiting-visit-arch-manning-8-others ).
Just last week, Texas lured over former Ohio commit 5star OT Baker (see https://www.si.com/college/ohiostate/recruiting/five-star-ohio-state-buckeyes-offensive-tackle-brandon-baker-commits-texas-longhorns#:~:text=September%2024,over%20Ohio%20State%20and%20Nebraska. ).
Meanwhile, Michigan will be one year out from whatever this season holds. Given the senior heavy talent, win-or-lose, next season am I right in expecting moreheavy than usual turnover in starters and that we'll be a young team? Just as the Texas sleeping giant is awakening?
Or are we enough a "reload talent" recruiting level program that that doesn't really matter? That next year we should be fully able to handle Texas? And what of the NIL advantages Texas has (money plus favorable state legislation) giving them a juggernaut by the time we meet in 2017?
I'm a natural pessimist so want to see if smarter fans than i can point out why I'm misreading the tea leaves as i decide whether to sell the car to make the 2024 game.
Regardless, Go Blue Forever!
September 27th, 2023 at 7:41 AM ^
Dear Diary
September 27th, 2023 at 7:50 AM ^
Yeah ain't no way I'm reading all that.
September 27th, 2023 at 7:53 AM ^
I gave up after he digressed. It's a football game. How do we know how it will turn out. That's why we go.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:45 AM ^
This is one of the more ridiculous posts I've read in a long time, and I quit after paragraph 2. This should be moved to Diaries so we can all ignore it.
September 27th, 2023 at 10:14 AM ^
Yesterday X asked should we consider condensing or even removing the snowflake posts after a game. Well imagine about 50 of these types of posts hitting the board about the same time with the same in-depth analysis written by somebody that's probably had too much to drink.
These are what the snowflake threads save us from.
September 27th, 2023 at 12:48 PM ^
i said the snowflake threads are good.
my point was only that fewer and not pinned as long. still going to get some nut job threads about aunt bessie's cow though. blue @ LSU ate it. heartless.
September 27th, 2023 at 11:18 AM ^
Same here. It might be worth discussing come next summer when the 2024 schedule is up front and center. I like to be concise and to the point. As we like to say, we'll cross that bridge when we come it.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:01 AM ^
Steve 17-12 Sarkisian hasn’t verifiably rebirthed Texas. He’s a mediocre coach who managed to beat the worst quarterbackless Alabama team in a generation to get people excited. As he always does, he’ll mess up. And Sark will be going 7-5 in the SEC until they fire him.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:15 AM ^
He and Kiffin have great PR that dates back to their days as assistants at USC. Did Pete Carroll get that started? I have no idea, but I've been hearing about them (in unjustifiably good terms) ever since.
September 28th, 2023 at 10:29 AM ^
Is it me or do teams get better after Sark leaves?
September 27th, 2023 at 8:04 AM ^
Ask Matthew McConaughey. He's good at these dramatic type decisions. I forget where he went to school...oh well...no matter.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:46 AM ^
Sark went to Texas specifically because Matt promised him
September 27th, 2023 at 11:46 AM ^
Was that his Major? Helluva bongo player I hear.
September 27th, 2023 at 7:47 AM ^
I am really looking forward to the Texas game, but not as much as I’m looking forward to the next game we got.
September 27th, 2023 at 7:49 AM ^
Yes, you can only copy one URL onto your computer clipboard at a time. However, you can enter multiple links in one post.
1) Open your MGoBlog post in edit mode.
2) Open a second tab or window on your browser.
3) In the second tab/browser, navigate to your desired URL.
4) Copy/paste from the second tab/browser into your MGoBlog post to your heart's content.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:09 AM ^
How do you enter edit mode on an old post?
September 27th, 2023 at 8:15 AM ^
You have to login to aol through a phone line......once you hear the beeping and strange noises stop, you should be good to go.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:33 AM ^
Will that work if you are using Prodigy?
September 27th, 2023 at 9:15 AM ^
Idk but maybe look in geocities?
September 27th, 2023 at 9:34 AM ^
I had to Ask Jeeves to find my way to this website.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:22 AM ^
You cannot edit OPs. Only the mods can.
You can edit replies. There is an edit button.
September 27th, 2023 at 7:54 AM ^
These are 10,000 words I’m not gonna read.
September 27th, 2023 at 7:56 AM ^
My smart Alec answer is that you need to schedule time with your therapist very soon.
My not so smart take is that you rightly point out that Michigan will probably take at least a small step back in talent. Meanwhile, Texas is in an incredible hotbed of talent, and will probably recruit well despite themselves.
further, as much as it pains me, pains me, pains me to say this I think that Mgrowold is going to be able to keep his two dollars. I think cheeseburger jail is going to be enough for Harbaugh to go to the NFL. That will make a difference, too.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:08 AM ^
The problem is that Jim leaving to avoid pricks in college football won't stop him having to deal with pricks in the NFL. Like current Roger Goodell and future MeLLLLLLLLL Tucker. Don't touch anything MeLLLLLLLLL has touched btw.
September 28th, 2023 at 7:38 AM ^
Harbaugh doesn’t care about dealing with pricks. His fixation with the NFL is because he wants to win a Super Bowl. If you’re talking pricks do you think he’s had a worse time with the NCAA than he did with idiot Baalke and the SF ownership? Who fires a coach with the fifth highest WP in NFL history, who took your 3-13 shitshow to NFC Championship games in his first 3 years. His dad lives next door, his kids go to the schools he went to in AA. He may go, but there are many reasons he may stay.
September 27th, 2023 at 7:56 AM ^
Quit worrying about future games until the future arrives. I mean, good god man, if you're only going to buy tickets for guaranteed wins then enjoy the pre-season cupcakes - because you'll never see anything of consequence.
Just expect both teams to be good, go to the game, and enjoy it wither way. Or, you know, obsess over something you can't control and don't ever enjoy anything.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:11 AM ^
I agree with everything you wrote.
Just that the $ is big with this game with the number of relatives. Ain't looking for a guaranteed win. Just a competitive game for the arrangements. And I have to get working on it soon if I'm going to do this.
(But I'll take a guaranteed win)
September 27th, 2023 at 8:28 AM ^
If it makes you feel any better, the defense should be elite again next year, so there is a chance to Iowa out a win even if the offense takes a step back. And honestly, Iowa-ing a win vs a top five Texas team with a high powered offense would be pretty damn fun to watch.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:50 AM ^
I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for here. Some kind of groupthink prediction on whether or not the game will be competitive? This just in from the future: NO ONE CAN SAY. I mean, so-called experts, gamblers and non-gamblers alike, try to predict the general tenor of upcoming games 1-2 days in advance and do no better than your well-paid financial advisor does in predicting the future of the NASDAQ.
In the meantime if what you're actually wondering is if/when/how to begin making logistical arrangements for a large family trip to the game, that's not very difficult. Tickets won't go on sale for many months and you don't want to buy airline tickets (if needed) this far in advance either. That leaves you with securing a hotel/AirBnB/VRBO type place which would be a good idea way in advance. Just make sure you are clear on their cancellation policy before you push Go.
Other than all that, trust the process. Seriously. I live in Iowa City and one year ago hosted several college buddies and family members for the Michigan game at Kinnick. It took some doing for sure but all worked out. It will for you too.
September 27th, 2023 at 12:02 PM ^
Scared $$$ don't make $$$
September 27th, 2023 at 7:57 AM ^
TODAY'S trends are not favorable for UM in this game; but it's a long ways away and there are a million variables so who knows. It'll play out however it plays out - do you only want to go to games you know UM will win? In 20 years will you wish you had gone if you don't go? Who invented liquid soap, and why?
September 27th, 2023 at 7:58 AM ^
TL;DR
FIFY
September 27th, 2023 at 8:02 AM ^
I'm not reading all of that. But I'm happy for you. Or sorry that happened.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:05 AM ^
A lot of teams have been discovering that it isn't 2005 today. Sounds like they have a lot in common with sparty.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:08 AM ^
It should be a great football game. Get tickets and go!
September 27th, 2023 at 8:08 AM ^
We will lose a lot of talent from this team, but we should have good to great returning players on the offensive and defensive lines which is the foundation of the team. The hope would be that we can have another successful year in the portal to fill in gaps.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:11 AM ^
There is no way around the fact that this is going to be a tough game, but below are some reasons for optimism:
DEFENSE:
- Our D-Line should not skip a beat from this year to next year with 3rd year Graham, Grant and Benny all coming back.
- Not sure what Colson will be doing after this year, but Hausman has shown some promise and Hood is a rising star so I think our LBs will be equal or maybe even slightly improved next year.
- Johnson will be in his 3rd year at CB and will be an All American next year
- I believe we will get all our DEs back next year except maybe Harrell, so there should be an improvement there especially with D Moore as a 3rd year guy
- Finding a replacement for Sainristil is going to be near impossible, but we have gotten a lot of guys reps in the secondary so I am hopeful someone will rise to be an above average Nickel. Sainristil will never be replaced in my book. That Due will be a living legend for a longtime at UofM
OFFENSE:
- To me it comes down to if JJ comes back or not. If he comes back, our team has the potential to be better next year than we are this year. An elite QB can overcome holes in an offense and a 4th year JJ would have to be considered a Heisman contender. If he does not come back, I think we will heavily pursue a transfer that would allow us to groom J Davis
- Losing Corum will be a big blow, but I think we have a pretty good stable of RBs waiting in the wing and our offense is built for RBs to shine. I think we will be fine here. Also, if Edwards does happen to come back (I don't think he will), he would provide a huge boost to what we can do on offense.
- O-Line will take a step back but I don't think it will be as drastic as one would think. We have had so many good o-lineman throughout the Harbaugh era and every time I think we are going to fall back, our new O-line seem to be just fine. I wouldn't expect anything different next year
- WRs are definitely going to be a downgrade. I think R Wilson is one of the best WRs we have had in a long time and Johnson provides some steady production. Having Colson in his 3rd year will be huge for our QB next year, but replacing Wilson is not going to be easy
Texas is going to be tough mainly because they will have Ewers and Worthy back for a 3rd year together. They are a lethal combination. I am not sold on Sarkisian though and think he kind of reminds me of Lane Kiffin in that he has had some success, but he will never reach a big time level with any of his teams
Keep in mind, my opinion is worth what you paid for it, so I am sure everything I have stated above can be picked apart. Go Blue!
September 27th, 2023 at 8:16 AM ^
Ewers is almost certainly gone after this season. Its his third season in college football so unless he has some massive regression throughout the rest of the season, my money is on him declaring after the season is over, and the Arch Manning hype goes into full ludicrous speed overdrive.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:35 AM ^
That's a good point and I think this would be a positive for Michigan for next year. First career start for whoever their QB is at night at the Big House. That is a tough task for any QB let alone a brand new one.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:12 AM ^
If you need a guaranteed win to buy tickets, don't buy tickets.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:13 AM ^
Good morning,
No. Do not sell your car to buy football tickets.
You have some worries and doubts about spending what will be a hefty sum. However, you are trying to know the unknowable. Instead, enjoy the build up, the anticipation, the entire spectacle, and hope for a victory so you can enjoy the aftermath where you can say "I was there." If there isn't a victory, the pain will fade into the morass of other disappointments, but you can still say "I was there."
You will have a great time or a great story. But spend only money you can afford on tickets.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:14 AM ^
Neither. That was a great Rose Bowl, and I don't mind taking an L when a transcendent college player does his thing.
Hope we win, but agree with XM that I think Harbaugh's gone after this year.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:31 AM ^
It was a great game despite the ribbing it got me over the years!
September 27th, 2023 at 8:15 AM ^
My assistant just walked by and asked, "Are you pretending to be a cop today?"
"No," I said, "why do you ask?"
"Because your eyes are glazed," she retorted.
"Sorry," I said, ignoring her lame attempt at humor, "I was reading a post about something...Texas...something...rabble rabble...links don't work."
It's hard to find good help these days.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:25 AM ^
Ill worry about next year, next year.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:26 AM ^
I suspect Michigan will buy their way out of this home-and-home, citing the increased competition of having USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington in the conference.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:36 AM ^
September 27th, 2023 at 8:43 AM ^
I hope you're right—playing in Austin would be awesome, as would seeing the Longhorns in Michigan Stadium—but I'll remain skeptical until there's confirmation closer to the '24 season.
September 27th, 2023 at 8:27 AM ^
I had a dream that Michigan left the B1G in protest and joined the SEC.
And we did so well it discredited the strength of the SEC and so they got absorbed by the B1G.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.