Btn tour visits Ann Arbor (YouTube link)
August 15th, 2023 at 10:48 AM ^
I was hoping for more commentary. They had a lot of interviews, which I honestly find boring. But the commentary I had hoped would go deeper. It was pretty generic. No real weaknesses, they could "hear" the hitting, very physical practices, DL pushing our OL around at the goal line, we'll be very good, but no predictions or analysis that I saw. Was hoping for some more practice footage as well so we could see some of what they saw.
Almost seemed like they just did interviews and then followed with analysis of the interview.. rather than analysis of the team.
Either way - I always look forward to it because it means... Footbawwwwwwwww!
August 15th, 2023 at 10:59 AM ^
While I don't disagree, it's a welcome change from the submarine.
August 15th, 2023 at 11:10 AM ^
No commentary on twitter yesterday either. They don't seem to be pushing these visits like they used to.
August 15th, 2023 at 11:12 AM ^
There are different perspectives - in this case - I'm very glad with the submarine - and, don't want to show or reveal anything prior to the opener.
My guess will be - the play calling will be 90+% vanilla in the OOC. Moore may call some "more interesting" things - mostly in the passing game - to work on timing and give future opponents additional things to think about.
So, for us fans - we'll need to just wait until late September and beyond to really see what this squad has under the covers.
August 15th, 2023 at 1:20 PM ^
I actually think we come out guns a blazing from the opening bell. Agreed we gotta stuff out there for our opponents to think about. Also gotta be able to complete the long ball against the Ecu and BGs of football if you wanna have a chance down the road.
August 15th, 2023 at 12:51 PM ^
Definitely agree! In past years and even other camp visits from this year, there seemed to be much more commentary/analysis. Really looked like the crew mailed this one in especially compared to what they said about PSU and OSU.
August 15th, 2023 at 2:16 PM ^
Wonder if that was a matter of access given to BTN vs the other schools? Harbz is cagey sometimes, and maybe he didn't give them much to go off of, so they just threw out platitudes, talked about what guys said, and punted. In years past, it was much more discussion.. this was just interview after interview
August 15th, 2023 at 10:53 AM ^
Off topic but Michigan and Nebraska will be playing at noon on sept 30. Iowa gets msu at 3:30, was hopin for that to be a night game..
August 15th, 2023 at 11:08 AM ^
91 - I may have a different view. My preference is for road games to kickoff at noon EDT. I don't want the energy associated with a night game to give the opponent anything "extra".
Nebraska is an unknown quantity this season. A lot of people are a bit bullish on Nebraska / Ruhle this season - and, the Huskers could be 4-0 when Michigan comes to Lincoln. Nebraska's first four games are - @Minnesota, @ Colorado, hosting Northern Illinois, and hosting Louisiana Tech.
So - that leaves three potential night road games - Minnesota (October 7th), Michigan State (October 21st), and Maryland (November 18th).
P.S. - rereading your comment - it may be that you would have preferred that Iowa vs MSU be a night game. And, if that was your thought - I agree.
August 15th, 2023 at 11:47 AM ^
Yes, I was talking about the msu Iowa game. My apologies
August 15th, 2023 at 12:09 PM ^
I’m on the fence. Crazy shit happens at kinnick at night. Sparty winning would be crazy shit
August 15th, 2023 at 12:16 PM ^
If all goes as we hope/expect, Michigan's biggest challenge for much of the season will be to stay focused on what's in front of them. I'll speculate that more night games might help with that, especially when they are on the road.
August 15th, 2023 at 12:16 PM ^
A night game should be considered an additional home advantage and should only happen if there's a guaranteed night-home & night-home in subsequent schedules.
Playing at MSU at night is worst case scenario for us. Really hope all this realignment pushes them off the schedule at least every other year.
It's a lose-lose game for Michigan.
August 15th, 2023 at 12:18 PM ^
I'm glad that Michigan is not scheduled for a White Out against Penn State in Happy Valley.
August 16th, 2023 at 9:17 AM ^
I was under the assumption our Nov 4th home game vs. Purdue was going to be a night game? Per Brett McMurphy twitter post on the leaked NBC schedule.
August 15th, 2023 at 11:47 AM ^
Hard not to get excited by the vibes coming out of camp. BTN guys don't have a lot of super insightful info or depth chart analysis, but having our OC and DC say the biggest battles in camp are the 2nd or even 3rd or 4th string positions is saying something.
The other biggest thing I took was that the hosts were constantly amazed by the physicality of the practice, repeating that it was easily the hardest hitting practice they've seen in their 9 stops. I think that's a key to why this team wins so much in the trenches. You can only simulate so much, at some point, you've got to get good live reps and it sounds like the OL vs DL is like watching two heavyweight title boxers go at it
August 15th, 2023 at 12:16 PM ^
"it sounds like the OL vs DL is like watching two heavyweight title boxers go at it" - for coaches who believe in fundamentals - this must be music to their ears.
August 15th, 2023 at 1:32 PM ^
Brady Hoke would enjoy...definitely some football being heard.
August 15th, 2023 at 12:16 PM ^
Yep, I'm good with Moore taking over when JH leaves.
August 15th, 2023 at 12:28 PM ^
Much respect for Moore - but, I hope that JH is in A2 for a very, very long time.
August 15th, 2023 at 12:44 PM ^
Let me paint a different scenario.
We win our natty this year... Jim gets to scratch the NFL itch and returns.. Moore takes over and, while you could argue he would be getting born on 3d base, proves better at the hot corner than that other guy. (And by "hot corner" I mean "The Game." And allz the otherz.)
Jim was the sophomore starting QB for my first UM game as a freshman in 1984. I have been rooting for him since literally my first day as a UM fan. So do not disparage my fandom or my support for him when I say... long term, this program might benefit by Jim leaving it in great shape then going back to the NFL. The annual drama he creates, at some point, just has to end, because he is not the type of guy to win year after year after year and NOT have drama (esp of the NFL kind). And way better it ends on an upswing than us crawling out of a crater.
August 15th, 2023 at 1:40 PM ^
The man's just led us to back-to-back Big Ten titles and has us #2 in the country. I'll take a bit of drama in January if he can keep delivering that.
This is a man who took over a bad San Diego team and went 11-1 in year two.
Jim took over a 1-11 Stanford team and had them 12-1 in a few years.
He took over a bad 49ers team and took them to the Super Bowl.
He took over a 5-7 Michigan team and has made us a top 5 program.
Let's enjoy him while we can - and I hope we can do so beyond 2023.
August 15th, 2023 at 2:37 PM ^
While I understand the points you raised - this is where my "bigger" concern lies. The coordinators are great - the position staff is very good - the culture and leadership on the roster seems stronger than it's ever been. Hiring from within really helps keep that going - and, Harbaugh has brought the program back to a level where every Michigan fan is pleased. Yes, I understand there's one more jewel to add - an NC - hopefully, this year brings that opportunity and reward.
Now, what's a concern? It's the Michigan environment - it's dynamic - the university, alumni, athletic department, NCAA, etc. - all bring demands - whether they'll admit to it or not. Navigating and managing these groups isn't easy. Harbaugh is a favorite son - and, as recently as two years ago - the messaging / perspective wasn't as optimistic.
Going back about 30 years - when Schembechler retired - why do you think Moeller was selected as the head coach? One - experience with Michigan - which Moore / Minter possess. A second, IMO, was head coaching experience and dealing with the various contingents - as well as the aspects of running an entire program instead of a unit. That experience is very helpful.
The current environment - transfer portal - NIL - media agreements - changes in society - they all have an influence on the players and the game - which affects fans too.
So, what's a perfect future - I don't know. As mentioned - Harbaugh here for a very, very long time suits me well. I wish nothing but success for every player and member of the staff. Perhaps, Moore and Minter move to head coaching positions elsewhere - and return in the future. Maybe they rotate - Moore to the defense / Minter to the offense - though, I'm not sure how appealing that is because of the specialization at this level. My wish is for Michigan to maintain the quality of execution - the conduct on / off the field - and success on the field - for a very long time.
Go Blue!
August 15th, 2023 at 12:59 PM ^
One thing I've noticed is Hinton running with the 1s at RT in video clips from BTN and UM twitter videos. Also JH said Barnhart has had the best camp of all of the OTs.
August 15th, 2023 at 1:26 PM ^
Hinton is a mountain of a man. I’d be ok with him starting.
August 15th, 2023 at 1:34 PM ^
Would make sense to have Hinton in on goal line or 3rd and short. Lots of depth, but can always use extra weight. Harbaugh will have no problem putting 6 or 7 lineman in on goal line scenarios along with 2 TE.
August 15th, 2023 at 1:07 PM ^
Biggest item of note might be both Moore and the DBs talking up the freshman receivers.
Interesting because its neither the "talking up someone who the teem NEEDS to step up" nor the "coach lighting a fire under the veterans" (Will Johnson brought them up unprompted).
I know we have good reason to be skeptical of freshman receivers around here but...could be legit? If one of those guys has even a modest break out, would be very exciting.
August 15th, 2023 at 2:19 PM ^
The strength of the freshman WRs was the positive takeaway for me too. I'm still a bit worried about the other cornerback position. I don't think I heard McBurrows discussed either. I felt he was the closest to being the second starter and was hoping to hear about good development from him.
August 15th, 2023 at 1:12 PM ^
I'm pretty much over the btn at this point. They are so generic(cut and paste interviews)and will talk a lot and say nothing at the same time. No one has a real opinion. I wish it had more TNT inside the NBA type of vibe.
August 15th, 2023 at 6:31 PM ^
Prior to this last night they aired B1G Moment: 1991 Desmond Howard Heisman Pose. That was awesome to hear his perspective on the season and what led up to the pose.
Also the fact that Tim Williams, the punter and Kicker for OSU had practiced punting out of bounds all week. They were in a hole and he felt he needed a booming punt to flip field position. except he drilled it to D at the 8. The rest is history.
16 year old me was screaming “HEISMAN”!!! after he split their gunners inside the 10 and the next 2 inside the 20. I had a perfect vantage point about 30 rows up near sideline at the OSU 40. Tim Williams launched that punt right in front of me.
August 16th, 2023 at 9:03 AM ^
Watched this last night. Rick Pizzo, Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith all seemed like have stiffies talking about the team. Nothing new, but Harbaugh is a very odd duck when on camera. Impressed with Sherrone Moore, seems very well spoken!