Who actually cares about this drama? Apparently not poll voters.
So, we are on our second poll cycle since the Stalions news break and I got to thinking about something. Reason would dictate that if this were actually a big deal, like the media headlines and opposing teams are making this out to be, that we would see an impact in Michigan's poll performance, no? Luckily, we have some easily accessible data that shows the impact of all this drama has had on how the media members and coaches view Michigan. Michigan's votes by week (source):
AP
- Preseason: 1490 (2)
- Week 2: 1485 (2)
- Week 3: 1458 (2)
- Week 4: 1481 (2)
- Week 5: 1445 (1)
- Week 6: 1436 (12)
- Week 7: 1489 (11)
- Week 8: 1492 (16)
- Week 9: 1504 (19)
- Week 10: 1494 (9)
Coaches
- Preseason: 1510
- Week 2: 1534 (1)
- Week 3: 1533 (1)
- Week 4: 1514 (1)
- Week 5: 1495
- Week 6: 1503 (1)
- Week 7: 1512
- Week 8: 1516 (4)
- Week 9: 1522 (4)
- Week 10: 1520 (3)
In both polls, since week eight (when this all broke) Michigan is basically exactly the same in total points from pre-"scandal". I look forward to reading thoughts on this because it honestly caught me by surprise.
October 29th, 2023 at 8:12 PM ^
The media loves Selling the Drama
October 29th, 2023 at 8:26 PM ^
And they’re turning Mgoblog into Shit Towne.
October 29th, 2023 at 8:46 PM ^
Now this is a White Discussion
October 29th, 2023 at 9:28 PM ^
come on Ward-e, leave some cash behind
he is our coach, and you don't care
he brought our team back in time
wore a Bo-like hat in his hair
come on Wardy, leave some cash behind
he is our coach, he's good enough
don't make a change
everybody here thinks you should change
October 29th, 2023 at 8:13 PM ^
I havent from the beginning . Its just tons of people speculating because there is nothing else to talk about .
October 29th, 2023 at 8:14 PM ^
The only change I've seen is Michigan lost 10 First Place votes in the AP poll today. It appears they all went to Georgia, so it's likely the result of Georgia smacking Florida while Michigan was on bye.
Just keep kicking ass every week., and it will all work out.
October 29th, 2023 at 9:06 PM ^
Georgia are the defending 2x national champs who have won like 30 straight games and just annihilated their last few opponents including one of their biggest rivals. If I was a Georgia fan I would be pissed if they didn't get all of the first place votes lol
October 29th, 2023 at 10:00 PM ^
And smack Florida they did. My bet was on UF +14 and I was pleased to see them march down the field on their first drive to go up 7-0. I had to leave the game for a bit and when I came back with like 4 minutes left in the 1st quarter UGA was up 17-7. It only got worse from there. Say what you will about Georgia but Kirby Smart is a master at pulling the best from his teams on the bigger stages.
October 30th, 2023 at 8:12 AM ^
LOL Georgia! I said it everywhere it was appropriate Saturday morning before the games started, that UGA was the rock solid lock of the day. As much as they've 'struggled' against lesser teams this season, they beat the living shit out of the only highly regarded team they faced - Kentucky - in the runup to the Cocktail Party. They've been sleep-walking through a lacking schedule, and have absolutely turned it on when needed.
As for them the loss of Brock Bowers - I never saw it as devastating to them. Even at Michigan, the loss of a TE to the offense is going to be run game blocking, not necessarily receiving. And Brock isn't all that as a blocker. Best player in the country? HAAHA!!! No. Best TE? Yeah, maybe, argue between him and AJ Barnet right now, IMO.
The only team that's going to test Georgia until the playoffs is Alabama, who's quietly improving every week. UTenn? LOL - does anyone really think Joe Milton is going to be good enough to beat UGA? I don't...
October 29th, 2023 at 8:21 PM ^
Just win! This team has what it takes to win the National Championship!
October 29th, 2023 at 8:21 PM ^
I've always found it useful to withhold judging/caring about things until I *know* what's really going on. Saves me a lot of Emily Litella moments. 😉
October 29th, 2023 at 8:28 PM ^
October 29th, 2023 at 8:41 PM ^
As long as the Team stays steadfast, focused and keeps kicking ass…I’m all good. Just keep ignoring all the noise and enjoy the rest of the season. Go Blue!
October 29th, 2023 at 8:44 PM ^
It's either sign stealing or Michigan hasn't played anyone yet. But the one's Michigan has played, they have done exactly what they are expected to do. Haven't allowed double digit points to any of them. Haven't struggled for more than a quarter. It's the Alabama syndrome- play someone first. Let's hope this week off has given the team some needed rest and come back and beat the brakes off everyone that is left on the B1G schedule.
Go Blue!!!
October 29th, 2023 at 8:53 PM ^
Ah, if only that were true.
Unfortunately, your tied-for-the-West-leading Golden Gophers of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Greater Mississippi Headwaters Region got a first quarter field goal plus the desperation end-of-half heave to lead all opponents in the clubhouse with the grand total of 10. 😭
October 29th, 2023 at 8:56 PM ^
https://www.foxsports.com/watch/fmc-ydf1wmvsoa7cklw0
Fwiw
At 2:50, RJ Young says the cfb committee has been instructed not to take a pending investigation into consideration when doing rankings.
October 30th, 2023 at 8:16 AM ^
In other words, the committee agrees that having Michigan available for the TV ratin... uhh, playoffs is more important than 'sign stealing'. Yeah, makes sense...