Coach MacDonald Impressed
Coach Macdonald was interviewed today by the press outside of Schem. He talked glowingly about the atmosphere of the game against Washington this past Saturday. This quote is directly from Macdonald:
“First off, they were feeding off the energy of the crowd. That was… I’ve never seen anything like that. That was crazy. That was just an unbelievable environment… so shout out to our fans. That was incredible.”
September 15th, 2021 at 8:26 PM ^
Have to figure out a way to bring that more frequently...that stadium can be a home field advantage when we want it to be.
Obviously not going to happen this weekend, but we need to be gearing up for the next big home game, even if it's a noon game...figure out how to get people in the stadium on time and make a little noise.
September 15th, 2021 at 8:55 PM ^
Let's be honest, the ample time to "insert booze here" that an 8pm kick off has a lot to do with the atmosphere.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:03 PM ^
100%, that's why I don't think you can replicate Washington.
But if Washington was a 10. Our noon games are like a 3.
All I'm saying is let's do what we can do to make them a 5 or 6. That's not Washington, but that is a big difference.
September 15th, 2021 at 11:35 PM ^
That has been my argument for years. Noon games have never been that atmospheric outside of a season opener and an OSU game when we were competitive with them. Even solid matchups at Noon result in a quiet, opera-like crowd and very little home field advantage outside of being home. As said by many players, fans and opponents alike, it's the quietest 110,000 people in The World.
3:30pm kickoffs are much better while not really being that incredible either. As you said, easily twice as good as a Noon crowd. It's not a night game but it's noticeably better than the Noon games (alcohol).
Since we can't play every game at night - nor should we want to, tbh - we should aim for as many 3:30pm games as possible. Each time you don't do that at Michigan you're giving yourself a disadvantage.
September 16th, 2021 at 7:19 AM ^
This is an thing everywhere. I have been to a lot of ACC and SEC games and noon kicks don't have the same buzz. I think the players like the whole wake up and head to the stadium part, but they are not great for hyped crowds.
3:30 slot is so driven by TV not sure Michigan(or any other teams for that matter) gets a lot of say in kickoff times. The key is to keep winning, winning teams get the adjustable time slots.
September 16th, 2021 at 10:01 AM ^
I'm kind of afraid to see how the student section looks for the Northern Illinois game. It's not hard to forget the epic UTL II night game against Notre Dame in 2013. It was a great and exciting win. Then the next week was a noon home game against Akron and 70% of the student section was empty at kickoff. I've NEVER seen it that empty in my lifetime.
I'm thinking the upper bowl of the student section will be empty at kickoff for this one. Just hopefully not as bad as the Akron game.
September 16th, 2021 at 9:06 AM ^
But... but... but...
Big Nude Saturday!!!!
September 16th, 2021 at 9:49 AM ^
I have never understood how this is a thing. I get that it's real, but I can't wrap my head around people not being excited for some football at noon on Saturday. This is coming from a person who sleeps like a corpse.
September 15th, 2021 at 10:41 PM ^
I think it's that the octogenarian alumni season ticket holders sold their seats to younger fans more willing to go to a game from 8-midnight.
September 16th, 2021 at 12:47 AM ^
Yeah, I think the crowd composition is probably a pretty big factor as well. Fewer older people, fewer kids (and hence fewer parents trying to behave) at night games changes things significantly I would bet.
September 16th, 2021 at 11:17 AM ^
This is definitely some of it. I have a rich, old widow as a former client of mine who still emails me during football season. She was lamenting 8PM starts -- "I'll watch it but I won't be happy about it". Meaning she wasn't even going to go to the game, she sold off her seats and watched at home.
But yeah -- some nights just have a different buzz; let's not forget the weather was absolutely perfect, too. Like Brian said in the write-up afterwards, ain't no way that maize out looks even halfway decent if it's in November.
September 15th, 2021 at 11:56 PM ^
Play OSU at night this year and watch good things happen. Noon is for the birds. Warde needs to take a stand on this one.
September 16th, 2021 at 8:23 AM ^
or people who enjoy the sunshine when it's 35-50 degrees outside.
September 16th, 2021 at 11:05 AM ^
I think Michigan typically does bring it pretty well. I think before 2020, Harbaugh's only losses at home were to Sparty and Ohio - two games where the crowd is far more mixed. In Ohio's case it's particularly regrettable.
September 15th, 2021 at 8:30 PM ^
We 100% need to bring it in that same way for Ohio State. I know it's an earlier game, but we need to find a way to have that energy in the stadium that day.
September 15th, 2021 at 8:54 PM ^
We usually have a pretty animated crowd for OSU. We just need more of our fans to keep their tickets.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:22 PM ^
A 3:30 pm start wouldn't hurt either.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:45 PM ^
There must be some kind of incentive the AD can come up with to encourage people not to sell to OSU fans. The stands at that game have been embarrassing for years.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:55 PM ^
Win the game?
/ducks
September 15th, 2021 at 11:28 PM ^
What about docking season ticket holders points if their tickets are used for people wearing OSU colors upon entrance? Take away the financial incentive to sell and/or boot them for others on the wait list.
September 16th, 2021 at 9:07 AM ^
Great idea - that would be SO easy to implement. /s
September 16th, 2021 at 12:49 AM ^
And we need to stay competitive because that animation fades pretty quickly if you get down 2-3 scores.
September 16th, 2021 at 1:54 AM ^
When I went to the 2019 game, I was surprised at how much buckeye red was in our stadium. We need our fans and season ticket holders not to sell their tickets to buckeye fans.
September 16th, 2021 at 4:29 AM ^
Yes, make sure to check the box on Stubhub that says “no buckeye fans”.
September 16th, 2021 at 7:29 AM ^
Ohio State fans buy up the "Buckeye game package" and try to resale or just eat the other two games. I would be surprised If it was not a 60/40 type split this year.
I also think part of the equation is the lack of hostility to visiting fans. Michigan has a reputation for being kind to visiting fans, which is a good thing. I have never been to the horse show, but in speaking to fans who have it does not seem to be as welcoming. Specifically a PSU fan I know in Knoxville that went a couple seasons ago said it was horrible.
I know there are exceptions to and specific stories both pro and con to this narrative, but I do think schools get certain reputations over the years on whether it is a good "road game" trip or not.
September 16th, 2021 at 8:07 AM ^
First off, I’m glad Michigan doesn’t treat opposing fans like garbage.
To answer your question on Ohio State, it is HORRIBLE. You will walk down the street and get jeered (which is fine banter). But then you’ll get a few that actually come up to your face and threaten you. but by far the absolute worst are the instigators. The ones that go, “hey, look, it’s a Michigan fan” and get everyone riled up and they start throwing shit.
I would love someone to wear a body cam one time just to show everyone the shit you go threw while walking around their campus.
September 16th, 2021 at 8:20 AM ^
Idk, I think buckeye fans are suffering apathy and success fatigue. They had 10,000 seats left for the Oregon LOSS... lol, a big game that previously would have been sold out by all season ticket holders or alumni grabbing any left over tickets so they wouldn't even go for public sale.
September 16th, 2021 at 10:59 AM ^
I was really surprised how the stands looked while watching that game - I'm dumbfounded that fans didn't show up for a Top 15 matchup. It really does seem like they care more about The Game than any other game in their season, except for maybe the National Championship.
September 16th, 2021 at 9:14 AM ^
They need to look good enough so that people think they have a chance to win. The game in 2011 was insanity One of the best atmospheres I've been in. It's been "good" many years but that game was nuts.
Of course, not as many osu fans came as they were not great that year and UM fans smelled blood so it makes sense but I do believe if these team sill has this "renewed" feel to them and looks the part the atmosphere will be there.
September 15th, 2021 at 8:42 PM ^
Love this. I don't think UM has a lot of control over it, but the simple response is to have more night games against decent teams.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:50 PM ^
Agreed, this would help to have more big recruiting days and a louder stadium…each SEC teams plays probably 3 night games a year at home. LSU maybe even more. Here in Kentucky they will even play some of their preconference games against FCS or mid-major at night just for the sake of atmosphere, and UK is no major football school at all.
September 16th, 2021 at 7:05 AM ^
It is hotter than hell down there. I'd play at night too.
September 15th, 2021 at 8:45 PM ^
I agree with him.
September 15th, 2021 at 8:52 PM ^
they should try to play maybe 3 night games per year, especially the big ones. late fall/winter night kicks with michigan temps can be rough and im sure some fans oppose the idea however (a) most athletes enjoy it (b) offers greater competitive advantage, without a doubt (c) id guess on average later starts draw more views.
most players prefer night atmosphere, certainly in my experience (though its a bitch to wait all day to play). id love to see coach and warde pursue it. not sure how it works with tv contracts, big ten, etc but i think majority would appreciate more night games and the program could benefit
September 15th, 2021 at 9:01 PM ^
In large part, TV dictates what time we play...it's not as easy as saying 3 night games a year.
Especially with the SEC dominating the evening ESPN slot.
That means if you're not on ABC, you may get stuck on like BTN or something. Maybe you can get a late FS1 slot, but that's money you might be leaving on the table.
Trying to recreate Washington for a noon kick is impossible, but I do feel like there is room for growth for those noon kicks to at least get people there by kick and making some kind noise.
I don't know the answer, maybe doing a better job of engaging the student body, but we have to create an atmosphere for the average conference matchup.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:42 PM ^
If you live in Michigan you can take off at 8 or 9 Am and make a noon game and be home by 8 or 9 PM at night. A night game gets you home at 1 AM. Old alumni do not like.
September 15th, 2021 at 11:50 PM ^
Not if you live on the west side, 230 am or later for every night game. This year we got out of pioneer quick and easy drive to 94 with traffic. But still takes 2 hrs 15 min of drive time but my 72 year old dad and I drive it every year for the night games
September 16th, 2021 at 8:46 AM ^
"...i'd love to see coach and warde pursue it."
LOL!!! Both Coach and Warde prefer noon kicks to anything else, by a wide margin. Why? Because that's what Schembechler liked during his day (when TV only showed 2 games/week).
There is no originality in this view. No acknowledgement that TV reality has changed and everything is broadcast now. No perception of gameday atmosphere other than the internalized 'noon kicks are the best'. No attempt to lead the program for today, only to follow what someone else did. No thoughts of modernizing traditions so they appeal to more of the fanbase than blue haired alumni with a handful of pearls.
We'll stick with our administrators sour views on 1-2 night games per year, and like it. Even though they will never include rivals like MSU or OSU.
Noon kicks suck. (I've been watching since 1971, so spare me stories of your lawn!!!)
September 16th, 2021 at 11:09 AM ^
Sparty was a home night game in 2017. In a tsunami. With JOK sludgefarting all over the field.
It... didn't go well.
September 16th, 2021 at 2:26 PM ^
Too soon...
September 15th, 2021 at 9:32 PM ^
Rattle off a few B1G championships in a row, and you'll get that atmosphere every weekend.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:40 PM ^
I disagree. Night games or early evening games with lights are the way to go.
September 16th, 2021 at 11:05 AM ^
The OSU-Oregon atmosphere was just not good - the shoe looked 10% empty. Could be that OSU just doesn't care about any regular season game except The Game, but I really thought they'd have a big turnout for a Top 15 matchup. Maybe OSU fans just don't have a reason to live without a competitive game, like a villain with no hero to fight against.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:32 PM ^
I don't know how many fans will travel to Camp Randall. But it would help.
September 15th, 2021 at 9:39 PM ^
It's why we need three night games a year. Players want to play at night on primetime. Big advantage. Noon games are not, despite tradition. Just as long as it's not MSU at night. Can't give them exposure for their super bowl
September 15th, 2021 at 9:45 PM ^
MacDonald was a star hire. Mark my words, we will rue the day he goes back to NFL, and he will be considered to be our head coach in the future. The guy has it.
September 16th, 2021 at 7:08 AM ^
We know this after two games? Just asking............
September 15th, 2021 at 10:04 PM ^
Fuck tradition. Play osu at night. Do something to raise the intensity on our side. Put stroud in the pressure cooker.
September 16th, 2021 at 12:54 AM ^
I wonder if the poms have something to do with it. Keeps fans more into the game and less on their phones?
September 16th, 2021 at 1:06 AM ^
I've been to a few Michigan night games over the years of course, all of them away until the ND game in 2011. There is just something special about a big night game.
The first one I saw was 1990 at Notre Dame. We lost that game 28-24 but it was still an awesome experience.