SOTS Reactions

Submitted by SBo on
I personally thought the SOTS was awesome and made signing day a lot more fun... Or that could just be Gary. However, some of the moments were very, very cringey. Sometimes it felt like the presenters didn't know anything about the recruits, even their name. But overall it was a great event for Michigan.

What do you guys think? Should we continue this?

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Zarniwoop

February 3rd, 2016 at 3:04 PM ^

Totally agree on Holtz.

It started really badly with the commentators and then Holtz just started telling a story and BAM it was no different than ESPN. Much of the best of the show included Lou Holtz.  Let us now agree that its time to stop making fun of him (at least making fun of him and meaning it).

Joined: 09/10/2013

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Ray

February 3rd, 2016 at 1:59 PM ^

Thought it was a great showcase of both our great tradition and the future.  Will be watching it again tonight with the MGoBride.

Joined: 07/05/2008

MGoPoints: 7044

Ann Harbaugh

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:00 PM ^

I think this is very telling that Dytarius Johnson won't be in the class. He was the only committed recruit that wasn't talked about or shown footage. I guess that leaves more open spots.

Joined: 01/07/2016

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WichitanWolverine

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:01 PM ^

Overall, it was great. It had a few bugs that will need to get worked out, but I'm sure it's here to stay. Two comments:

Why did Harbaugh yell "DUTCH OVEN" halfway through?

Lou Holtz killed it. He was funny and charismatic. Can't believe I'm saying this, but he was the best guest.

Joined: 09/30/2009

MGoPoints: 34351

buddhafrog

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:05 PM ^

  1. It was a little like a UM/Harbaugh cult gathering, but I'm a member of that cult, so that's OK.
  2. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I completely enjoyed myself. Loved every minute and felt very connected to UM football.
  3. Did not want Holtz there and thought it was a terrible idea. He turned into the star of the show. Funny, on point, smart comments. Lots of spitting.
  4. Devin Gardner will still be famous even without the NFL. He'll go into broadcasting. Most natural presenter all night. Remarkable stage presence.
  5. I got the impression that Rick Flair wasn't sure what the event was for and mistakely thought he was there to accept some kind of reward. He was fantastic.
  6. Jeter, Brady, Harbaugh, Desmond all chilling on the couch together was a little surreal.
  7. All the Hollywood video spots were a mix of uncomfortable and curious. What the hell is going on? Still liked it.
  8. Camera needed to show highlights of players instead of showing the people talking about the highlights.
  9. It was crazy, everyone must have been eating subs backstage.

Joined: 09/28/2009

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BoFan

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:07 PM ^

Holtz won me over. Hated the guy when he coached ND. Someone post a video of him doing the Desmond Heisman pose right after the dab. Can't believe he did that.

Joined: 03/09/2012

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One Armed Bandit

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:08 PM ^

they gave the hardest names to Ric Flair and Jim Leyland, two 70 year old men. I agree they need to prep the presenters next time with the names. But it was all good fun. Lou had a zinger every time he spoke.

Joined: 12/23/2010

MGoPoints: 5016

michgoblue

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:09 PM ^

I absolutely loved it.  Sure, the audio needed some improvement, and some of the presenters could use a bit more prep time, but overall, the concept and execution were 100% awesome.  In our media-driven recruiting world, having buzz is essential - like it or not, this event created soem buzz around our class. 

A few observations:

Jeter and Brady sitting on one couch was just amazing.  What school can match that star power (someone please respond with a pic of The Situation on the MSU sideline);

Lou Holtz is one likeable guy, and he really did steal the show.  He MUST be invited back next year.

There needs to be more media events where Jim is around John - he is totally different; instantly more relaxed and just more "normal"; their interplay really shows the more normal side of Jim;

The Chad Carr portion was just beyond moving; I have no hesitation in admitting that I had tears running down my face when I wached that part - just heart breaking, but what a great way to bring exposure to the charity.

 

Joined: 11/16/2009

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Feel The Strength

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:13 PM ^

From a production standpoint there were some areas where SOTS was done poorly. But from an entertainment standpoint I thought it was great. If they continue to do this in the future it might be better if it wasn't as long. If they trim the fat it can be an excellent tool to use for future recruiting. What JH is doing is creating a buzz. Good or bad, people are talking about Michigan on a national scale. From a marketing perspective, SOTS is a hit. While I was watching it I couldn't help but envision watching a 30 for 30 twenty five years from now about the antics JH used to win. Today is a great day for Michigan!

Joined: 06/29/2015

MGoPoints: 463

ywc2003

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:13 PM ^

Wonderful event. Brought great exposure to the incoming class, University, and the team overall. Agree that Holtz was excellent and to see so much support coming from so many different angles was amazing.

It's just too bad the Gary commitment (more likely signing confirmation) didn't make it in time to officially announce at the end.

Joined: 08/11/2010

MGoPoints: 228

LSAClassOf2000

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:13 PM ^

I caught parts of it as I was trying to deal with a few things at work.

I will say this - the moment that Jim Leyland as well as Migos came on stage was the moment that it dawned on me that the whole thing was so bizarre that it was positively brilliant in its own way. Needless to say, I found myself entertained by it for that reason alone. 

Holtz surprised me - as much as we make fun of him here sometimes, he did a pretty good job and carried certain moments during the show. The moment the showed the clip reel with Dick Enberg and a host of others is when it officially ran out of evens for me, but felt OK about being in "I can't even" territory here. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

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BlueMan80

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:15 PM ^

Beats a boring press conference rundown on the recruits.  Every kid got a chance to shine and get some love.

Lots of Michigan star power on display.  Brandon Peters probably enjoyed getting face time with Tom Brady.  Ric Flair was pretty funny.

Lou Holtz was very good.  Probably won't be welcome in South Bend after this.  Too bad they didn't get Holtz on camera attempting to sing the Victors.

Joined: 01/21/2011

MGoPoints: 13097

socalwolverine1

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:17 PM ^

Loved that it was at Hill Auditorium, one of my favorite venues anywhere.  Thought it was very professionally staged, reminded me of NFL draft day!  All the celebrities blew me away, just wasn't expecting that at all, other than the UM ones.  Loved the way they brought in as many recruits as could attend, so they could be introduced and feel the love.  Good agenda, yeah, some awkward moments, but hey guys, most people on that stage aren't accustomed to being there!  

But the star of the show is Jim Harbaugh.  The guy is amazing, the way he carries himself, the relentless personality.  Was fun watching the new recruits watch him, assessing him, thinking about the WORK and GLORY ahead.  

Joined: 10/08/2012

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ih8losing

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:17 PM ^

Clunky for sure. At times it felt it was put together at last minute. Coach Shanahan looked bored after a few enrollees were announced. Coach Houltz is hilarious but would have been better if there was some background given for their presence. It will be even better next year. My favorite part was for sure the crowd answering in unison to coach's "who's got it better than us? NOOOOOOBODY!



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Pepper Brooks

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:27 PM ^

I streamed the whole show through my Roku 3.  I really enjoyed it, much better than I expected.  The entire production was well throught out and nearly flawlessly done.  I especially liked the McShay, Shanahan and Holtz panel breaking down the highlight reels.

The EEs looked like they were really enjoying it.  The reaction from Walker and Mitchell when they got word that Gary had committed was priceless!

This really made up for last nights IU game.  I made a donation to ChadTough.org

 

 

Joined: 12/13/2013

MGoPoints: 10761

Heptarch

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:28 PM ^

It was wonderfully quirky, much like our coach.

THere were parts of it that were really cool and fun.  THere were parts that were absolutely cringeworthy.  The great part, though, is that it was an enjoyable watch overall and people will be talking about it.

I hope they do it next year, but with a little better production value.

Finally, I can't believe I'm saying this... but Lou Holtz was fantastic.  Jim was right, he carried the show.

Joined: 12/29/2014

MGoPoints: 7061

SD Larry

February 3rd, 2016 at 4:42 PM ^

Agree want to feature the kids more, and there were a few moments of awkwardness, but you get that on every live sports show like the draft.  Another innovation from Coach Harbaugh and staff and for a first time effort, very well done,  genuine, and authentic.  Hope they do it again.

Joined: 10/05/2014

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kbchex

February 3rd, 2016 at 2:33 PM ^

...but, I ended up watching AND enjoying it. Lou Holtz summed it up when he said that this was the only thing like it happening today...but it won't be the only one next year. Everyone is chasing Harbaugh from satelite camps to SOTS. 

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