Post-game celebration needs to change.
After a great and thrilling overtime win yesterday, a few bad bad things stuck out.
You know the chronology; Demens' superb tackle ends the game; he is then mobbed by teammates, such that the throng sort of drags itself over to the wall at the north end of the Michigan bench; after which the team congregates in front of the student section to sing The Victors. But not just a verse of The Victors; a prolonged celebration to the exclusion of all else.
Meanwhile, the Northwestern team stood at midfield to shake hands with Michigan players and coaches. There may have been two or three players from Michigan who were at midfield; but it was such a plainly awkward show of poor sportsmanship on the part of Michigan that Jordan Kovacs, in a very captain-like act, made a point of running back to midfield to shake hands with Northwestern players. A very nice act by Kovacs; an otherwise complete failure of classlessness and childishness on the team's part. The Northwestern team then walked off the field.
It was a repeat in large part of what happened after the Ohio State game a year ago, and what has become increasingly common after Michigan wins; instead of congratulating opponents like virtually every other team in college football, it's off to a party in the north endzone. And it is different from what two of our rivals do. In Columbus, they shake their opponents' hands before singing Carmen Ohio with the students. In South Bend, they meet opponents before doing their own singing. Both of those traditions are conducted with a lot more class and respect than what Michigan is devolving to.
I expect that I'll get a lot of criticism for this observation. What I know, is that Jordan Kovacs knows exactly what I am talking about.
This was one of two unacceptably failed 'new' traditions in Michigan Stadium on Saturday. The other was the Stadium press box deejay playing Seven Nation Army and similar canned rawk, at maximum volume, as the visiting team set in an offensive formation. The kind of thing that happens at places like East Lansing, and is an affront to sportsmanship.
On a great and thrilling day at Michigan Stadium, these things -- both easily correctable --left a bad aftertaste.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:19 AM ^
Why? Because its D-DOUBLELICIOUS that's why.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:32 AM ^
This insulting, idiotic, trollbait of a question actually has a good answer.
The Victors-in-the-student-corner tradition is one of those things that Rodriguez started. Over much objection, I think it has been conclusively established that the team, as a team, never sang The Victors in the endzone until Rodriguez suggested it. Doubters say there is photographic evidence of players in that corner after games. Naturally, I don't doubt the pictures. But pretty clearly, it became a sanctioned event under Rodriguez. One that he joined in, but not until after he had greeted opponents at midfield. Hoke, to my anecdotal observation, doesn't join in. A pure guess; Hoke probably knows that it isn't something that Carr or Schembechler would have encouraged.
I never liked it, and I never thought that it was a great idea initiated on Rodriguez's part.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:39 AM ^
So if Bo wouldn't have liked it, we can't do it. I see.
If you don't think singing The Victors with the students is cool, you're just a grumpy ass old dude.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:46 AM ^
If you don't think that it is elementary protocol and basic good sportsmanship, at a Pop Warner, level to shake hands with an opponent after a football game, you're just an ignorant punk.
I didn't protest the idea that the team would sing The Victors with the students. I only suggested that they ought to do what virtually every other team in college football does, which is to shake hands after the game. First. Before the party.
November 11th, 2012 at 1:03 PM ^
Re-read your previous post. Last pargraph when you said, "I NEVER LIKED IT", PUNK.
Shaking hands would be great, too. Now get off my lawn.
November 11th, 2012 at 11:15 AM ^
How does anyone as absolutely devoid of intelligence as yourself become so damned arrogant?
You come from money, don't you? Did Daddy buy your way into Michigan? Its nothing to be ashamed of, but it would explain A LOT.
November 11th, 2012 at 11:17 AM ^
Wait...something Rodriguez did was WRONG?!
November 11th, 2012 at 9:54 AM ^
against ohio, ND, and MSU. why didn't you post this after those games? or does it not matter in those cases because it's a rivalry game? this is a total overreaction. 18-22 year old kids are going to be emotionally charged after any exciting victory.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:08 AM ^
I did complain about our conduct after the '11 OSU game. Here at MGoBlog. In the OP just above, and I did so at the time, last year. After the MSU game this year, there was significantly better behavior. Remember Taylor Lewan and Gholston embracing? I was in different seats for the ND-UTL game; without quite as good a view, I couldn't see as well so I don't recall and don't have much comment. But your point that I haven't complained about this previously just fails.
And I don't know why our 18-22 year old kids can't behave as well as -- or better than -- any other school's 18-22 year olds.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:39 AM ^
never would have happened under RR.
November 11th, 2012 at 11:12 AM ^
Yes, because we'd never win against a rival...
November 11th, 2012 at 11:20 AM ^
i agree with your sentiment, but ND would disagree:
November 11th, 2012 at 1:41 PM ^
.... Big Ten rival....
November 11th, 2012 at 9:55 AM ^
before our eyes. But Hoke needs to get on this--make the players look the other team in the eye, shake, let them get off of the field. Then commence the celebrations.
I have no problem with running over to the student section for a minute, but take care of business, too. The handshake means a lot; even after my daughter's soccer games, seeing the kids line up and shake gives everyone a good feeling.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:03 AM ^
It only takes a minute or two to shake hands with the other team. There is plenty of time afterwards for celebration.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:06 AM ^
I do agree that we should shake hands with opposing teams before running to the student section. I've watched and usually more than a few players do that before running over.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:11 AM ^
I did not suggest that Michigan Stadium is "worse." I suggest that I didn't want to see Michigan Stadium go in the direction of other schools and, most importantly, the NFL/NBA/MLB. They don't have marching bands, or 109,000 seats.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:13 AM ^
Or incognito Arizona fans.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:17 AM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 10:25 AM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 10:18 AM ^
It's all Rich Rod's fault.
November 11th, 2012 at 11:19 AM ^
And RichRod is all Carr's fault. And really Moeller's at fault for Carr. And Bo's the one who had Moeller with him....
November 11th, 2012 at 12:23 PM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 10:18 AM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 10:43 AM ^
Arggghhhh! My sister in law pisses and moans every time this happens if we are behind at the time. I am tired of hearing "how can they say you suck when we're losing? We suck. I can't believe how stupid this is" and yadda yadda yadda...Enough already...I get it...and a lot of us probably agree...she is preaching to the choir...try changing the students' view instead.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:21 AM ^
Damn you kids!
November 11th, 2012 at 10:29 AM ^
This could be the dumbest thing ever on this board, and that's saying something. Ok kids, you just had a thrilling come from behind win, and your defense just had a huge stop. Instead of celebrating (like you should) in that situation, just act like it isn't a big deal and shake hands first. They deserve to celerbate in any way they want, and don't need idiot's like you to tell them how it should be. Get over yourself.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:33 AM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 10:33 AM ^
November 13th, 2012 at 11:54 AM ^
It did have that kind of tone didn't it.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:35 AM ^
If it was anyone other than Section 1 posting this, most of you would have a different reaction. Give the guy a break.
Remember the 2000 Northwestern game? When they dropped the wide open pass in the endzone that looked to have sealed the game, our guys gave the poor reciever a pat on the head as if to say "don't worry about it man, great game." That's the kind of team I always want us to be, win or lose. Cearly, we didn't get that done this game, and that matters.
November 11th, 2012 at 5:53 PM ^
Michigan lost the 2000 Northwestern game and it was agonizing.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:38 AM ^
Section 1 - I usually agree with you but on your suggestions I have two questions:
1. Do you consider a team handshake after a game, any game, to part of the expected protocol for football? I dont ever remember seeing team's do this on a formal basis, only coaches and random players who seemed to know each other from the past. I would have a problem if Hoke didn't shake hands but players seem to seek out individual players (like your MSU game example) as opposed to sanctioned hand-shaking such as after a playoff hockey series for example.
2. If the NCAA is not going to stop teams from playing loud music during the opposition's huddle do you have a problem if we join in and take the same advantadge? I believe it was considered "poor sportsmanship" at one time to platoon players until everyone who did so started winning more consistenly and teams either joined in or lost. I don't like it any more than you do but if other schools are going to do it to us (see Notre Dame 2012) then we damn well need to do it to our visitors too. I want Michigan to win and I dont have a problem giving as well as recieving until such time that the NCAA decides to do something about it for EVERYONE.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:39 AM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 10:39 AM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 11:39 AM ^
I saw two players (Was Funchess one? Not sure; I think so) at midfield. And when it got plainly awkward -- Northwestern players standing at midfield looking to the northwest corner -- Kovacs, alone, came streaking back.
Someobody could ask Kovacs. I'm not sure if anybody will get a straight answer while he is still a captain. But I think Kovacs is a straight shooter and could well be asked exactly what the situation was.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:39 AM ^
you're right section 1: let's just get rid of football.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:42 AM ^
It would be much better if the team shook hands first, then celebrated with the students. At Michigan, we need to hold ourselves to the highest standards.
As for the canned music, I would also agree the timing and choice of some of them is baffling.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:49 AM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 10:50 AM ^
November 11th, 2012 at 10:50 AM ^
Section 1 is absolutely right about this. At Michigan, winning with class should be a priority, regarless of how close the victory. Again, Kovacs shows he is a true leader, and very worthy of being a captain.
November 11th, 2012 at 10:55 AM ^
God..what else is there to bitch about today....we have bitched about:
Mattison
Borges
OL
CB
Students
Section 1
Helmets
Kovacs wearing 11
Celebration of a dramatic win
Officials of Nebraska games
Fitzgeralds celebration
Denard vs Gardner at QB
Alumni
We are the Michigan Difference
November 11th, 2012 at 11:06 AM ^
And what's the deal with airline food?
November 11th, 2012 at 12:31 PM ^
You open it up, no grapes, no nuts.
November 11th, 2012 at 11:06 AM ^
When I look back on the immediately pre-Hoke era....And not counting things featuring dreads and wearing the number 16...Those two things you mention were absolutely the only positive contributions of the former regime. Everything else was an unmitigated disaster.
When I look at any changes made to Michigan football and basketball, I think about two things.
1. Does it help Michigan win?
and
2. Does it compromise the integrity of Michigan athletics?
There is a balance there, and these things are sometimes mutually exclusive(just ask Ohio State) but they do not have to be.
Playing music before the opposing team's ball is spotted...That is absolutely lowering the inhibitions of people in the stands who WANT to make noise, but do not want to stand out. It is absolutely making it more difficult for the other team to audible and hear the snap count. It is absolutely helping Michigan win. And I'll grant you--it is taking the rule book to the letter of the law...but it is not against the rules. They're doing everything they can to help Michigan win, and they would be stupid not to.
As for celebrating with the student section...Go ahead and ask TomVH how the recruits feel about that. And I'll go ahead and admit it--your precious victim Rodriguez started it, and it's awesome. These days you just dont get to see that much unbridled joy, and I think it is awesome that they want to share it with the student section. It plays pretty well on TV, and the recruits like it...It is helping Michigan win. And maybe it is against some little league convention of manners that 20% of teams do. Its not against the rules. And its helping the team win.