Jim and John Harbaugh and Mgo members: A Love Story

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January 21st, 2013 at 11:12 AM
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NateVolk
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Jim and John Harbaugh and Mgo members: A Love Story

......because for Michigan fans, the good with these guys far outweighs the bad.

 

Only rules: no buts, ifs, or equivocations. Everybody knows about the unfortunate comment or two, the peacocking behavior, and the career path choices.  This is for admiration and stories we might not have heard only.  Michigan days, pro days, college coaching days, or pro coaching days. 

Jim was probably one of my 3 favorite Michigan players in over 30 years as a fan. He was so different because he could win games with his arm and Bo was evolving in his approach and letting him do it.  Cocky but tough/skilled enough to back it up. A pure winner.

On top of that, the 07 win at USC as a 40 point underdog was the greatest one game coaching job I have ever seen on any level. That USC team planted more defensive players in the NFL draft then there are starting positions.

"because character wins in life and character wins on the football field....."  1-11-11

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January 21st, 2013 at 11:19 AM | We once had a bachelor party (Score:5 Normal)
Laser Wolf
Joined: 07/09/2008
MGoPoints: 1693

We once had a bachelor party for Jim Harbaugh. He ate the entire cake before we could tell him there was a stripper in it.

January 21st, 2013 at 11:38 AM | Poor stripper (Score:3 Normal)
craig_james
Joined: 08/31/2012
MGoPoints: 50

Did he just devour her as well? What a sick man, killing an innocent woman with questionable morals.

January 21st, 2013 at 11:40 AM | Was Graig James there? (Score:5 Normal)
M-Dog
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MGoPoints: 6368

Was Craig James there?

M'Dog

January 21st, 2013 at 11:21 AM | Only admiration stories? (Score:5 Normal)
Njia
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Joined: 09/15/2009
MGoPoints: 6038

This will be a short-lived thread.

"If life is the road, then Ohio is simply a place to stop for gas." -- Scott Burgess, Detroit News, 9/16/2010
January 21st, 2013 at 12:00 PM | Is it just me or is it weird that the OP thinks (Score:4 Normal)
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
MGoPoints: 5150

s/he can impose such criteria on the discussion? Personally, Jim leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I don't think I can comply. Include me out. 

January 21st, 2013 at 11:27 AM | Sorry, what was the question? (Score:3 Normal)
His Dudeness
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Joined: 11/24/2008
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Sorry, what was the question?

or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.

January 21st, 2013 at 11:33 AM | Thank you for telling me I (Score:5 Normal)
Butterfield
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Joined: 01/15/2011
MGoPoints: 1943

Thank you for telling me I have to say nice things about Jim Harbaugh. Really cut down on the length of my response.

The swag is back. 

January 21st, 2013 at 11:48 AM | He didn't say you couldn't (Score:1 Trolling)
GoWings2008
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He didn't say you couldn't create another thread for un-nice things.  You could start a contest for which thread gets the most responses...

My favorite thing about Jim Harbaugh was that he wore the #4.  Always loved that about him...

Just kidding...I would say that, like another poster earlier said, I always appreciated his toughness as a Michigan player.  A QB's toughness is always a little different to me than with other position players.  Jim may have not been the most polished QB, but I did like his hard-nosed style.

The Team, The Team, The Team

January 21st, 2013 at 11:38 AM | He's best know for the '86 (Score:5 Normal)
M-Dog
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Jim Harbaugh is best known at Michigan for the '86 guarantee game against Ohio State, but it was Jamie Morris that bailed him out (and the OSU kicker).  

He was the hero in '85 against Ohio State when he stood in and delivered the game-sealing bomb to Koelsar, then got leveled.  Loudest I ever heard the stadium on that play.

 

M'Dog

January 21st, 2013 at 11:49 AM | You must not have been at ND (Score:5 Normal)
His Dudeness
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You must not have been at ND UTL. The last 3 minutes of that game were insanely loud.

or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.

January 21st, 2013 at 12:23 PM | ^This (Score:3 Normal)
Ty Butterfield
Joined: 09/07/2009
MGoPoints: 892

I have only had season tickets since 1995 but UTL was the loudest I have ever heard the stadium. Coming in second had to be 2003 against Ohio.

"But in the tire fire that was last year's secondary he showed a little spark." - Brian Cook

January 21st, 2013 at 1:59 PM | I have to agree with UTL.  I (Score:1)
bluebyyou
Joined: 09/07/2009
MGoPoints: 2683

I have to agree with UTL.  I have been to most home games for quite a while but the ending of that game was simply insane, not only for how loud it was, but for how long it lasted.  

January 21st, 2013 at 7:24 PM | The '85 game was my freshman year (Score:2)
harmon40
Joined: 05/02/2009
MGoPoints: 466

Pretty nice introduction to the rivalry... 

Harmon40 "When the 'ol season is over, you and I know: it'll be Michigan again...MICHIGAN!"

January 21st, 2013 at 11:42 AM | I like Jim (Score:3 Normal)
Lucky Socks
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I like Jim just fine.  He's a little bit of a prick and like everyone knows, he said some things.  But ultimately he's a damn good coach, and graduated and played for Michigan.  I'll bet that he still considers himself a Michigan guy.

Twin Cities

January 21st, 2013 at 11:42 AM | Bo Bowl or Bro Bowl? (Score:5 Normal)
superstringer
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MGoPoints: 974

Bo's fingerprints are all over this game... in the era of the zone read option, spread formation, "pace" and "hurry up," Bo's coaching is in the head of the guy running that offense.  I heard that the wall of the 49ers' cafeteria has the words "THE TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM" on it.  The hard-hitting nature of his defense and his blockers, etc.  It's like Harbaugh/West took the ideas of RR and Kelly and Ault (who invented the Pistol -- and had Kaepernick run it) and melded them with Bo's philosophies.

And Harbaugh/East's teams have been right out of Bo's books, including the first half last night.  It was like, at halftime, they realized they are living in a QB-driven league, and told Flacco to go out there and win the game for them (and he did).

Jim and John talked about being kids in AA, going to the football practices and stuff with their dad, playing in Bo's office.  That's what formed their views of football and coaching.

So... its the Bo Bowl, not the Bro Bowl.

January 21st, 2013 at 11:58 AM | I think the Ravens revelation (Score:4 Normal)
gbdub
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MGoPoints: 2468

I think the Ravens revelation had more to do with noticing at halftime that Talib was

out and no one on the Pats could cover Boldin.

January 21st, 2013 at 4:38 PM | Harbaugh is very much an innovator (Score:2 Normal)
inthebluelot
Joined: 01/05/2010
MGoPoints: 76

in that he took what Michigan wanted to be with the RR offense and a nasty Defense and melded the two in the NFL.  Aside form that, he is an enormous prick for the things he syas, but hey, most of us are pricks to some extent, especially those who are successful.

January 21st, 2013 at 11:43 AM | Alternate Universe (Score:4 Normal)
BILG
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MGoPoints: 473

While we are happy with Hoke who seems to be a lifer at UM assuming he wins enough, a Harbaugh - Meyer rivalry would have been great.  Jim would have shit on him just like he crapped on Carrol once his system was in place at Stanford.  Jim is an asshole but a hell of a coach.  Meyer would have run away due to "health" reasons just like he did when Saban took over the SEC.

BILG

January 21st, 2013 at 2:35 PM | But JH would be a PR nightmare for a program like (Score:2 Normal)
True Blue Grit
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Michigan.  And Brandon knew that.  Harbaugh has shown a consistent need to shoot his mouth off and not care who he's pissing off.   The HC at Michigan needs to be able to please a lot of constituencies (alumni, students, fans, donors, board of regents, etc.)  all the time.  Harbaugh is in the right situation for him.  He can pretty much be a dick whenever he wants to and get away with it - as long as he wins.  Look at the tantrum he threw last night when the call didn't go his way.  The 49ers owner laughed it off when asked, and I'm sure it was much funnier since the team won the game.  But either way, Harbaugh is still a tremendous pro coach and I hope he wins the SB.   

"You owe it to every man, woman, and child in the State of Michigan to beat the Buckeyes and silence their fans!  Now go out there and make it happen!"

- Bo Schembechler (Result: U-M 22  OSU 0)

January 21st, 2013 at 11:44 AM | I'll just say that Jim (Score:1)
crazyjoedavola
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I'll just say that Jim Harbaugh was a good player and is a good football coach, and leave it at that...

January 21st, 2013 at 12:00 PM | For the record: JH didn't really want to play for UM (Score:5 Normal)
Don
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"I used to stare down at the field when I was stenciling those numbers. I so very badly wanted to go to Stanford and play for the Cardinal," Harbaugh said Tuesday. "That wasn't meant to be. I never played a football game at Stanford. But it's a great honor and privilege to be back here now. This was my number one choice all along."

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2006-12-19-...

Oddly enough, this certainly wasn't what Jim was saying when he was playing for Bo:

"People ask me how I happened to come to Michigan," Harbaugh said in an interview at the Industry Hills & Sheraton resort, where the team is staying. "I say, 'When Bo called, that was it. I couldn't say no to Bo.' "

http://articles.latimes.com/1986-12-28/sports/sp-1029_1_jim-harbaugh

I think Harbaugh is one of the top five coaches in football, college and pro, but he's shown an inclination to say very different things to different audiences, depending on what his PR goals are.


January 21st, 2013 at 4:07 PM | I don't think these two (Score:2)
DY
Joined: 07/01/2008
MGoPoints: 150

I don't think these two statements are necessarily at odds with one another.

January 21st, 2013 at 4:08 PM | True, but (Score:2)
DY
Joined: 07/01/2008
MGoPoints: 150

I don't think these two statements are necessarily at odds with one another.

January 21st, 2013 at 11:48 AM | I'm still too angry about Tom (Score:5 Normal)
DefenseWins
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MGoPoints: 275

I'm still too angry about Tom losing last night. Don't know how many chances are left. It will take time to be able to root for SF.

Denied by UM multiple times, nonetheless lifelong M fan.

January 21st, 2013 at 11:59 AM | Finally some sanity here (Score:-1 Normal)
January 21st, 2013 at 12:08 PM | You keep saying this (Score:5 Normal)
M-Wolverine
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MGoPoints: 38826

But most people didn't really consider Bo a prick.

He could be gruff, and short with the media, but he charmed the hell out of a lot of people too, depending on the situation. I'm don't really hate Harbaugh, but you'd never see Bo doing things like the "what's your deal" or Lions debacle that gives Harbaugh his rep. And you'd never see him say something bad about his old school. Michigan or Miami. Frankly, the fact that Harbaugh waited till Bo was dead to say anything like that says all you need to know about how much Bo would have liked Harbaugh's "prick statements."

If he was here, we'd win a lot, and he'd be our Spurrier. Says the things you'd hate in another coach, but backs it up so you love it. I think at base he wouldn't cut corners and cheat, so we'd forgive the less classy stuff, because we'd like the winning more. But he's where he wanted to be, and is succeeding big time at it. So he's probably going to be there awhile. He might be the next young Bill Belichick, and if his QB isn't a one year wonder, could be winning there a long time. He moved on, we moved on, no hard feelings.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

January 21st, 2013 at 12:27 PM | MOAR ellipses...! (Score:4 Normal)
eamus_caeruli
Joined: 11/29/2010
MGoPoints: 547

MOAR ellipses...!

"Everybody thinks of changing humanity, but nobody thinks of changing himself."                  - Leo Tolstoy

January 21st, 2013 at 12:39 PM | this is trolling? (Score:2 Normal)
Glen Masons Hot Wife
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MGoPoints: 1115

God forbid somebody say they rather would have had harbaugh in here than hoke.

If you prefer hoke as coach, you are probably lying to yourself, or value having a likeable guy over an asshole that wins.

Bo was an asshole. Maybe not to the extent harbaugh was, but i dont see anyone shitting on him. Harbaugh wears his heart on his sleeve and sometimes runs his mouth too much. But id take the good with the bad there.

A little birdie told me that harbaugh was locked in to coach at M when his wife, deep into pregnancy with twins at the time said hell no. Im not one to be mr. Family man myself, but i can understand his predicament.

It is painful to see all these 49er lovers worshipping him out here after that lucky sperm club shmo jed york had him fall into his lap... nonetheless i am happy for jim.

Wish him the best. Go blue.

January 21st, 2013 at 12:59 PM | You Could Not Be More Wrong (Score:5 Normal)
big john lives on 67
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Bo was the antithesis of asshole.  Bottome line.  If you cannot tell the difference between Jim Harbaugh and Bo, then you need to do a lot more studying.

As for Hoke, he is not a better coach than JH, that is true.  But a far better man, instead.  For Michigan right now, he is the better coach.  JH and his ego would have bolted before getting the job done anyway.

 

"Gentlemen, This is Michigan," Glenn E. "Bo" Schembechler

January 21st, 2013 at 4:03 PM | sorry wasnt aware the all-knowing expert on bo was present (Score:2 Normal)
Glen Masons Hot Wife
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MGoPoints: 1115

You could make the argument bo was a better person yes... and i already said harbaugh was more of an asshole.

I love bo and what he stood for but stop felating him. He had his moments. And yes i have heard more than enough of how unpopular harbaugh is with his players. Wouldnt be the first time a successful coach was a dick with his players... and even the popular ones arent loved by everybody. Just the way it works in a locker room with 60-110 guys.... not everyone is going to be all-aboard in love with the decision makers.

Be happy with the guy we have in charge. Together you can continue to worship bo. But sorry, no way you could know that it would have blown up or blown over with harbaugh

January 21st, 2013 at 6:40 PM | Not the All Knowing Expert (Score:4 Normal)
big john lives on 67
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Joined: 02/15/2009
MGoPoints: 316

I am not the all-knowing expert, nor claim to be.

On the contrary, it is a very simple concept to understand.  You do not really need to know much:

1) The man who has the opportunity to throw his obviously flawed mentor under the bus for his own gain, yet does not is NOT the asshole.

2) The man who waits for his mentor to die and then throws him under the bus for his own gain, and does so with a blatantly incorrect statement IS the asshole.

To clear up another possible stumbling block, being tough on your players, challenging them constantly to be their best, yelling at officials who mess up, calling out the idiot brass of the Big Ten who are ripping off your players, and running up the score on shady programs all do not make you an asshole.

 

"Gentlemen, This is Michigan," Glenn E. "Bo" Schembechler

January 21st, 2013 at 4:51 PM | Bo not a prick?   Of course (Score:-1 Trolling)
January 21st, 2013 at 8:50 PM | Takes one to know one (Score:2 Normal)
M-Wolverine
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MGoPoints: 38826

Is not accurate in this case.

And if firing a guy when your owner says fire him and offering him a farewell tour makes one a prick, I have a feeling you only understand what you see in the mirror.

I'm guessing you think John Beilein is a prick too. Tony Dungy. That asshole Chuck Daly. Lots of people succeed without being a douchebag. You should try it sometime.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

January 21st, 2013 at 5:40 PM | I'm torn on your last point (Score:2)
Hello_Heisman
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MGoPoints: 129

I believe that overall, Hoke is the more "natural" fit for everything the Michigan fan base, AD and PR folks would want in the HC role.  And overall, I'm happy with what he's done so far.  But with Ohio's hiring of Meyer last year, I do feel that JH would have given Michigan the necessary "IT" factor to go head to head with Meyer for the elite 5 star recruits. 

Hoke may well succeed over time against Meyer, but he doesn't yet have the instant credibility on the national scene that Meyer has from his days at Florida.  Had Ohio hired someone of a lower profile (e.g. Tressel, Bruce, Cooper, Carr, Moeller, etc), I'd have absolutely no concerns about Hoke going head to head with the guy. 

But for kids playing or getting ready to play college ball right now, there are a handful of coaching names who jump right out at them as being the "best of the best."  Saban, Meyer and JH (even though he's now in the NFL) are all likely on that list.  Hopefully Hoke will get there at some point over the next 3-4 years, but he's probably not on it yet.

"60 percent of the time.....it works every time."

January 21st, 2013 at 6:49 PM | Agree on Talent (Score:3 Normal)
big john lives on 67
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MGoPoints: 316

I agree that Harbaugh is the better coach when compared to Hoke.  I was not enamored with Hoke when hired, but admit he has won me over.

However, for Michigan at this time, I think Hoke is the better man.  The last thing we need is another transition at this time.  I just could not see Harbaugh settling down for a long tenure at Michigan.  His ego would have quickly pushed him toward the pros.  Plus, I think Hoke is much closer to the Bo mindset than Harbaugh.

 

"Gentlemen, This is Michigan," Glenn E. "Bo" Schembechler

January 21st, 2013 at 2:50 PM | Seriously? (Score:5 Normal)
True Blue Grit
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MGoPoints: 1217

"we NEED a prick in the AD dept, either as AD or coach... like Bo"

That's probably one of the stupidest, most illogical comments I've seen on this blog in a long time.  Michigan needs to stand for class, ethics, integrity, and honestly among other positive attributes.  And having a coach or AD who is a "prick" as you put it, undermines everything that this university stands for.  We never have and never will need a "prick" to be a success on or off the field. 

"You owe it to every man, woman, and child in the State of Michigan to beat the Buckeyes and silence their fans!  Now go out there and make it happen!"

- Bo Schembechler (Result: U-M 22  OSU 0)

January 21st, 2013 at 6:51 PM | Absolutely (Score:2)
big john lives on 67
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Thank you very much.  I could not have said it better myself.  1000 upvotes to you (though I have no authority to do so).

"Gentlemen, This is Michigan," Glenn E. "Bo" Schembechler

January 21st, 2013 at 12:00 PM | So where the love story for John? (Score:1)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 38826

That's what the subject lines says. I feel cheated.

Would have liked to see the father-brother-Mattison gymnastics to make the connection.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

January 21st, 2013 at 12:08 PM | 1985 (Score:2 Normal)
saveferris
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MGoPoints: 3089

Michigan vs. Ohio. Harbaugh to Kolesar. That is all.

 

"...what do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?"

"Fix the cigarette lighter."

January 21st, 2013 at 12:25 PM | That is when I became a (Score:2 Normal)
eamus_caeruli
Joined: 11/29/2010
MGoPoints: 547

That is when I became a Michigan at the tender age of five. First memory of my now beloved alma mater

"Everybody thinks of changing humanity, but nobody thinks of changing himself."                  - Leo Tolstoy

January 21st, 2013 at 12:15 PM | I admire Jim for taking the job with San Fran instead ... (Score:5 Normal)
acs236
Joined: 01/27/2009
MGoPoints: 305

This way, I don't have to root for him.

January 21st, 2013 at 12:16 PM | Quick John Harbaugh / (Score:5 Normal)
Hank Scorpio
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Joined: 09/07/2009
MGoPoints: 293

Quick John Harbaugh / Ravens story...

My stepdad was the equipment manager for the Ravens since they moved here in '96 (with with the Browns for 12 years before that.) Last year my sister passed away after a year's battle with cancer - Coach Harbaugh, Ray Rice, OJ Brigance, Dick Cass, Harry Swayne, Matt Stover, Kyle Richardson, and a slew of other front office personnel came to the viewing & funeral a day prior to having to fly to New England for the AFC Championship game. They were there to comfort us and let us know that they were playing (and praying) for her & for the family.

My stepdad never really got along all that well with Harbaugh prior, as he had run things significantly different than Billick used to... but his attendance and sincerety in our time of need spoke loud volumes to me.

He will always be a good man in my book.

Live from the Hammock District.

January 21st, 2013 at 4:02 PM | Dang ol' onions! (Score:2 Normal)
Louie C
Joined: 11/16/2009
MGoPoints: 2012

That's awesome. My condolences to you and your family.

"It's the only place to get the inside story on Wolverine football, so blee bluhh tahh!" - Bo

January 21st, 2013 at 12:23 PM | * (Score:5 Normal)
yossarians tree
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Joined: 08/19/2010
MGoPoints: 893

My buddy took a swing at him in South Quad when we were freshmen in 1982. He was a dick then and he's a dick now but I would have him as my quarterback or my coach in two seconds.

"That's some catch, that Catch-22," he observed.

"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.

January 21st, 2013 at 12:41 PM | michigan fans are idiots (Score:0 Flamebait)
January 21st, 2013 at 12:56 PM | AMEN.....  though I have to (Score:0 Trolling)
January 21st, 2013 at 12:43 PM | I like that Jim and John's wives dress like Huggy Bear (Score:5 Normal)
MadMonkey
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Joined: 04/08/2010
MGoPoints: 1674

 

Your opinion has no value.

January 21st, 2013 at 12:50 PM | http://mgoblog.com/content/de (Score:2 Normal)
elaydin
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Joined: 04/17/2010
MGoPoints: 2197

http://mgoblog.com/content/destroy-harbaugh

January 21st, 2013 at 1:07 PM | 1986 M vs. Minny (Score:1)
big john lives on 67
big john lives on 67's picture
Joined: 02/15/2009
MGoPoints: 316

My favorite was watching Rickey Foggie outplay him, M lose the #1 ranking and the Brown Jug, and contract pneumonia in the horrible weather.

Awesome.

 

"Gentlemen, This is Michigan," Glenn E. "Bo" Schembechler

January 21st, 2013 at 5:14 PM | Considering (Score:1)
DemetriusBrown
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Joined: 01/01/2013
MGoPoints: 661

How many times Minny beat Michigan for the jug your choices are quite limited. That team was also coached by the drooling, leather like moron who is employed at espn.

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