Behind Enemy Lines: Oregon State
So, I had a unique experience today visiting an Oregon State booster event where we got to tour the football facilities, watch a game prep practice (for Weber St) and do a Q&A with Gary Anderson and their new AD from UCF.
So first off, I felt like it would be sacrilegious to wear anything but Michigan gear to the event, so I had on khakis, a blue Michigan top and my Michigan hat :P For obvious reasons, I got quite a few death glares at the event and quite a few Michigan zingers that I expected to hear.
Gary Andersen on Harbaugh:
Where the event got interesting was when Gary came out to do a Q&A. Someone asked a question, and he gave a short answer, then he turns to me and stops the Q&A and says (paraphrasing) “Wow, you have a lot of balls, you must really love Michigan” which got tons of laughs, we then conversed a little in front of about a hundred boosters, and he talked about his previous meetings with Michigan which was interesting. He said that he’s very excited for the M game and that he sees it as a great indicator of where his team will go this year. He then applauded our coaching hire saying “I mean geez, you guys hired the coolest coach in football period.. If you don’t believe me, ask Jim” which was kind of a knock on Harbaughs ego, but I thought it was humorous. Overall, he’s a pretty nice guy, and came off pretty classy to me. His prediction: Oregon State wins a close one.
Football Practice Tidbits:
First off, Gary said they will be using a 2 QB system throughout the year, and from what I can see, their QB situation is pretty dismal. Quite a few overthrows and almost interceptions throughout practice.
Also, they will apparently be using their starting WR to kick field goals! I’ve never heard of that happening. I didn’t see any kicking in practice so I’m not sure how good he is. After watching their practice, I think they’ll be a decent opponent, but if we don’t win, I will be mildly depressed haha.
The Oregon helmet upside was humerous to me, and apparently Beaver fans call them TTDS (that team down south).
It was cool to see their heisman trophy up close.
August 28th, 2015 at 7:14 PM ^
Why on earth would you wear head-to-toe Michigan gear to an Oregon State booster event?
August 28th, 2015 at 7:28 PM ^
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August 28th, 2015 at 7:36 PM ^
When you go to an open event like this you ought to respect the host enough not to wear the apparel of an opponent.
August 28th, 2015 at 7:38 PM ^
Especially when it's an event for people who donate to the university. I mean, I'm guessing the OP didn't just go on his own accord--if someone who was an OSU booster invited him and he showed up in Michigan gear...
Sometimes you have to pick your spots. Don't be that guy.
August 28th, 2015 at 9:18 PM ^
OP: Thanks for sharing some of your experience. I think it's a very good contribution to MGoBlog.
I agree with those who feel it was disrespectful to wear Michigan gear to an Oregon State event. Why not something neutral? What was your intent?
August 29th, 2015 at 2:30 AM ^
August 28th, 2015 at 11:52 PM ^
Sounds like a Seinfeld episode.
August 28th, 2015 at 10:30 PM ^
August 28th, 2015 at 8:21 PM ^
August 28th, 2015 at 9:00 PM ^
August 28th, 2015 at 10:34 PM ^
Why not? I wear Michigan gear to Rutgers, OSU and MSU games (against other opponents). People always stop and say something to you and there is a lot of friendly banter.
August 29th, 2015 at 12:06 AM ^
and another to do it at a booster events which is different.
August 28th, 2015 at 7:21 PM ^
Michigan last played Wisconsin in (roughly) the LBJ administration, and I don't think U-M has ever played Utah State. Maybe as an assistant somewhere?
I think Andersen is a pretty good coach, he did very good work at Utah State, which is historically a very tough place to win.
Oregon State won't be easy either, though.
August 28th, 2015 at 7:24 PM ^
He coached at Utah for a bunch of years, including the 2002 and 2008 trips to Ann Arbor.
August 28th, 2015 at 7:28 PM ^
Found what you said about the kicker interesting. Fans don't get to see practice and the media reports are pretty limited, so this was news to me. Are you sure you heard that correctly, about a WR kicking? They have several kickers on the roster.
Would be interested to hear anything else from the event you attended or any pics you'd want to share
August 28th, 2015 at 7:48 PM ^
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August 28th, 2015 at 7:52 PM ^
Welcome to Mgoblog. Thanks for not wearing Oregon State gear.
August 28th, 2015 at 10:36 PM ^
Is this Jay Harbaugh? Lol. I figure he's an OSU guy... might be snooping around MGoBlog!
August 28th, 2015 at 7:56 PM ^
I've been to a college football practice before. They are incredibly boring.
August 28th, 2015 at 8:57 PM ^
August 28th, 2015 at 8:01 PM ^
August 28th, 2015 at 8:06 PM ^
August 28th, 2015 at 11:28 PM ^
August 29th, 2015 at 9:38 PM ^
I grew up in Oregon, and I root for Michigan. Oregonians are cool like that. And yes, the gear got the story. Way to go! I might start wearing my colors around (I live in Kansas) and see if I get any interesting comments.
August 29th, 2015 at 10:32 PM ^
They and BYU are really trap games for us. I hope we're ready for a couple of pretty decent teams after Utah. If we lose out there a 1-2 start is a very distinct possibility.