Hypothetical Michigan 30 for 30 ideas
While watching Once Brothers last night, I threw out the idea to my friends of "If they came to you and asked you for your best 30 for 30 idea, what would it be?"
Mine was totally MGoBlog inspired:
"You Were Killed By a Bear and I am Sad"--A reflective look at Michigan football from November 12, 2006 to January 2, 2008.
It would encompass the week leading up to the 2006 "Game of the Century", Bo's death, the Game itself, the bickering over the BCS in 2006, USC beating Michigan in the Rose Bowl, The Horror, the Oregon slaughter, the resurrection games against ND and Penn State, the Little Brother game, the Champaign nights, Boom Malletted, Coach Carr's retirement, the coaching search, a new era, and going out on top.
I know it has a very parochial feel and I know that it would be hard for many Michigan fans to watch, but I think it's reflective of a sea change in college football in microcosm.
So, with that in mind, what would be your hypothetical Michigan athletics 30 for 30 idea. It works better if you give your angle.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:22 AM ^
This is the best thread idea since the season began (I would say.) Great question.
Obviously Fab 5 would have to be one; along with the 1997 season. How about last year's hockey season? I know Michigan didn't win, but when you take a look back, what a remarkable run to actually qualify, right?
EDIT: To add, if we were to focus on individuals in Michigan sports - John Navarre (for the abuse he took from fans), Zoltan Mesko (remarkable story) and Juliana Paz (another remarkable story.)
October 13th, 2010 at 8:25 AM ^
30 for 30 has taken a number of different approaches, from the individual, to a pair of people, to a program, to a single event, to a single day, so I think as long as you could explain the angle you're going for, I think it would make sense.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:28 AM ^
Jim Abbot
October 13th, 2010 at 8:29 AM ^
Fab 5 would get my vote, I remember combing every shoe store trying to find black Nike socks because of them.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:33 AM ^
The story of Brian, and how amid the shouting pile of dung that is sports internet, he and his motley band of cohorts started, maintained and run an insightful, well thought-out and enjoyable sports blog that is my heroine laced with crack.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:34 AM ^
October 13th, 2010 at 8:35 AM ^
From the previous season's failures, Lloyd Brady Carr's inspirational readings, the pre-season "dissing" and the opening can-o-whoopass on a third-ranked Colorado team through the near misses against ND and Iowa and the shellings versus Penn State and the hype surrounding OSU.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:39 AM ^
I had a broad view idea of the paths of the four Heisman finalists in 1997, and tracking them through that season and beyond.
- Charles Woodson
- Peyton Manning
- Ryan Leaf
- Randy Moss
You would get the Woodson highlights, you would get the Tennessee conspiracy theories that ESPN stole Peyton's Heisman, Randy Moss breaking out at Marshall, the hype of Manning or Leaf, Leaf of Manning, and take it from there. I think people would watch that.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:48 AM ^
31 for 31 next year. Seriously close the thread. All my mgopoints if anyone can top this.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:13 AM ^
I keep thinking of more
Steve Fisher/ Ed Martin
Colarado hail mary
October 13th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^
In retrospect, on that day, how many people would've predicted that Ryan Leaf would fall the fastest and the furthest? And he was back in the news again recently among the names of college football players on the take during their NCAA days.
Meanwhile Charles Woodson is still at the top of his game, has become one of the most generous athletes with his work with Mott's Children Hospital.
Can't mention this group without showing a pic from that day. Randy Moss wearing shades at the Downtown Athletic Club, during the Heisman Trophy ceremony, where he is a finalist, ranks very high on the unintentional comedy scale.
But still poses no challenge to Jalen who set the bar extremely high...
October 13th, 2010 at 9:40 AM ^
i don't think i knew that Rose was drafted by the Nuggets.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:28 PM ^
My college roommate had a theory which I subscribe to about Randy Moss's sunglasses. He and Woodson were likely hanging out in New York (this part was later confirmed in a story by Chris Fowler, which is its own separate thread) and Moss said something like "You know what would be awesome? We should wear sunglasses to the ceremony. That would be great. I'll do it if you do it." And Woodson probably like said something in the "Sure Randy, sounds good." And never gave it a second thought.
The next day the show up and Moss is wearing the sunglasses and Woodson isn't and Moss asks him what's up and Woodson says "Wait, I thought you were kidding." And Randy goes it alone.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:38 AM ^
I was thinking about this 1997 Heisman story the other day when people were talking about Randy Moss being a hall-of-famer. I realized that Moss, Woodson, and Manning were there in NY for the Heisman decision. That is one heck of a group (I'm purposely leaving out Leaf for obvious reasons).
As far as Michigan goes, the 1997 season was the pinnacle of my college career. Nothing will top this season in my lifetime unless something does.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:46 AM ^
Before the 1997 year ,where they came from. Moss with his checkered past, Manning being bred to play qb since birth. The schools they went to, major schools, Moss maybe leading to the rise of the mid major football programs.
Afterwards in the NFL, an all world qb, and all world bust, an HOF CB, and a HOF wr and headcase. What a fantastic group to juxtapose.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:37 PM ^
Moss has one of the most interesting paths of a Heisman finalist ever. He dreamed of playing for Lou Holtz at Notre Dame and signed his LOI there, only to get involved in a fight at his high school that had racial overtones, which meant that Notre Dame denied his admission and Holtz suggested he try Florida State, given Bobby Bowden's reputation with "troubled" players. But because he had signed his LOI, he was a "transfer student" so he had to sit out his freshman year. So he transfers to the Seminoles, has a fake 40 time of 4.25, second in program history only to Deion Sanders 4.23. While at Florida State, he tests positive for substance use and is dismissed from Florida State, where he then transfers to Marshall. Because Marshall, at that time, is I-AA, he doesn't lose any time. Marshall then returns to I-A in 1997 and he has the season worth noticing.
Yeah, that's its own episode right there.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:45 AM ^
Bo's death, the OSU game, the bickering over the BCS title game would deserve its own.
2008-2009 Football, Please god don't add 2010 to this.
The 10 year war obviously.
Mike Legg's goal.
Gary Moeller's parting with the University.
1997 football
The football coach search
1988-89 football/basketball seasons. Rose Bowl and NCAA champs
Fielding Yost
Little Brown Jug
1969 Football
Ellerbe years (wow it was painful typing that name)
Lloyd's last year
Red's first National title
Crisler
Gerg's Hair
October 13th, 2010 at 9:02 AM ^
...goal is a great idea, especially as it's already gotten the WWL treatment in a wondrous ESPN Page 2 article as discussed here.
And your 1988-89 season idea? Yes, obviously.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:42 AM ^
Interesting to see how crisler was built
the story of michigan stadium would be another good one
bob ufer
October 13th, 2010 at 8:43 AM ^
The Kelly Baraka Story
October 13th, 2010 at 8:55 AM ^
They, along with my dad having gone to Michigan, were the reason I became a hardcore Michigan fan. I lived and breathed that team. Jalen was my boy! I still remember having to hold back tears after they lost to North Carolina in the champiionship game (I was 11, cut me a break). If I had to pinpoint when I became a true sports fan I would have to say that it was during this time, because of this team...with a assist from Desmond Howard and Michael Jordan, cause who didn't wanna "be like Mike."
In related news, I still have about 50 Chris Webber NBA rookie cards and about 25 Jalen Rose rookie cards as a result of my obsession for the Fab Five if anybody wants them. ;)
October 13th, 2010 at 9:42 AM ^
Think of how much you loved watching the Fab 5 as a kid and then put yourself on campus during this time as an undergrad! That is my memory of the Fab 5 era. It was outstanding seeing Jalen drive down State Street in his Yukon, chewing on the string of his hooded sweatshirt, sitting next to Juwan Howard in class, sleeping out in 30-degree weather all night to get halfcourt seats for the Duke game. Regardless of what happened years later and the blacklisting, I will always remember the Fab 5 era fondly.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:53 PM ^
I am in the same boat- the Fab Five turned me on to Michigan. I was 12 when they lost to Carolina, and I cried. i think the Fab 5 got me started on being a Michigan fan, which ultimately culminated with me attending U of M.
Jalen's suit at the 1994 Draft set the high water mark for draft fashion. Also, call me crazy, but I'd love for Jalen to coach at M someday; he'd be one hell of a recruiter.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:10 AM ^
If that accident never happens, the whole Ed Martin investigation may have never begun. I don't know if Fisher would still be coaching here, but we don't get stuck with Ellerbe and still control hoops in this state. And we still would have been selling the Fab Five to high school kids.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:16 AM ^
As a hockey fan, I definitely like "The Legend of Shawn Hunwick" for such a treatment. Donnie Warner as well would be nice, in the category of "Rudy" stories where the hero actually accomplishes something. Also, particularly if this season ends up decently, "I Saw a Man Walk Yesterday" (stealing from someone's diary title here) covering the Brock Mealer story could be excellent.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:20 AM ^
I think one focusing on Dave Brandon and his playing days and then the path he followed to become the AD. I think that would make a really interesting story.
I also agree doing one on Red would be cool. He is an interesting character and definitely a legend.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^
The Rise and (eventual) fall of Lloyd Brady, the man, the myth, the legend....
October 13th, 2010 at 4:58 PM ^
I was just about to type that.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:45 AM ^
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the 1969 Ohio State vs Michigan game. How that game would redefine the rivalry for the next 40 years. It started a legacy, or heck , the 10 year war would be a great 30 for 30 for people to realize how much Woody hated Michigan and its inhabitants.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:50 AM ^
mbrummer has 1969 football mentioned in a post way up the page...
October 13th, 2010 at 9:57 AM ^
I apologize then for being that guy. I am at work and only skimmed through them and thought I didnt see it mentioned.
October 13th, 2010 at 9:53 AM ^
The process that led to Slippery Rock vs Shippensburg St. at the big house in 1979 and the game itself which drew over 60,000 in attendance.
October 13th, 2010 at 10:07 AM ^
didn't know they drew so well
October 13th, 2010 at 10:10 AM ^
The habit of Michigan to come up short in big games in seasons with National Championship hopes. Also known as why every Michigan Game on ESPN Classic is a Michigan loss.
October 13th, 2010 at 10:23 AM ^
1) The Resurection of Michigan Hockey-- fits within the timeframe ESPN was around... start at the history of Michigan hockey (how we WERE college hockey for a number of years), the decline showing Yost nearly empty and derelict, the hiring of Red, the slow building of a program while Mason was winning at MSU and then the apex would be the run from Steve Shields (almost there....) to Turco to Blackburn and the full return of Michigan hockey as the pre-eminant college hockey program in the nation. End with 3 minutes of game footage with the student section taunting, maybe even the Molly/UDenver Yost regional or the take over of Munn last year
2) Outside the timeline of the 30 for 30 series, but a documentary on either Tom Harmon or the winged helmet would be very very cool
BTW-- "Once Brothers" was my second fav 30 for 30 yet... My tops is still the USFL one.
October 13th, 2010 at 1:54 PM ^
Agree, it was awesome, but my fave was "The Two Escobars," which I thought was outstanding. I also thought "The U" was HIGHLY entertaining.
October 13th, 2010 at 10:31 AM ^
It would be about Bo.
October 13th, 2010 at 10:33 AM ^
WIth a twist- we have to wait for the football team to be "back", all the way. I'm not watching this thing until it ends with us finally beating OSU again. Actually, who needs 30 for 30? We just need Brian to package some columns up, "Now I Can Die in Peace" style, and publish a book. Don't tell me you wouldn't buy this.
October 13th, 2010 at 11:26 AM ^
And all the gold medalists that have attended?
October 13th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
The Les Miles debacle. What the hell really happened, is Bill Martin really as stupid as we think he is, was Herbstreit really trying to screw our pooch, etc.
October 13th, 2010 at 2:25 PM ^
Perfect blend of sports, comedy, tragedy, ironic twists... kind of begging for a Coen Brothers like treatment, or they guys at HBO that did the "Barbarians at the Gate" movie from back in the 90's.
Title: "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Hatters World". Special cameo by Abe Vigoda.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:19 PM ^
for months about a 30 for 30 about the 2006 team. In my personal opinion I really think that 2006 team is the greatest college football team ever that didn't win a National Championship let alone its conference.
October 13th, 2010 at 12:30 PM ^
Cool topic.
I'd like at least one where it was an overarching view of michigan football and how it had changed to stay relevant (and winning) in different eras over the past 100+ years.
October 13th, 2010 at 2:30 PM ^
Lloyd Carr reading poems for two hours in front of a fire with Mozart playing in the background. Entitled, "A Dream Within A Dream."
October 13th, 2010 at 1:12 PM ^
I'm not sure how you wrap up the story, but Nick Sheridan waking up to find he's suddenly QB at Michigan is definitely the making of a story.
October 13th, 2010 at 2:16 PM ^
It would have to be the Wings cup win in 1997, only to be followed by the devastating Limo accident.
October 13th, 2010 at 2:33 PM ^
Fab 5/Bill Martin for sure.
Maybe A.C. being homesick and wanting to go back to Florida.
The coaching search, from Martin to Miles and his relationship to Carr + Herbie on Gameday to WV losing to Pitt. It could even go into Pryor's recruitment....
The week of The Game 2006. Bo died at a time when The Game could be no bigger, and will never be with the Big 10 title game next year.
October 13th, 2010 at 2:55 PM ^
Angle - Importance of Athletic Directors: How Tom Goss ran the athletic department into the ground in two years. Facing the Ed Martin Scandal, the Halo Fiasco, and a department in the Red, Bill Martin rebuilt the whole effing place and left with the Department making money hand over fist and new facilities almost across the board.
" The department also has suffered financial woes, with a $2.8 million deficit recorded for FY 1999."
October 13th, 2010 at 3:21 PM ^
Most relevant on the national scale. Everyone cared about the Fab 5...They were college basketball for those two years. The story has everything....drama, talent, a rebellious nature, and the tragedy of scandal. No doubt it would be the most compelling for the masses....Michigan fan or not.
October 13th, 2010 at 3:21 PM ^
Most relevant on the national scale. Everyone cared about the Fab 5...They were college basketball for those two years. The story has everything....drama, talent, a rebellious nature, and the tragedy of scandal. No doubt it would be the most compelling for the masses....Michigan fan or not.