Recent Comments

Dude has an offer, but I haven't seen anything about this guy.  I'm assuming he is a Buckeye lock and/or hasn't shown much interest?  Thought it was relevant given that he is a 6'3" linebacker out of Ohio, and it seems like a guy the coaches would be pushing hard for.

Lawrence Marshall - WDE (Take THAT, Magnus)

DeShawn Hand - SDE

Malik McDowell - 3T DT (dude is almost 300 lbs)

Bryan Mone - NT

Not only does this work out just fine as listed, Hand, McDowell and Mone offer enough individual versatility that they could rotate positions and offer a lot of different looks.  Taking 4 DL in a small class might be a bit excessive but whateva.

Ugh.  Time is a bitch, man.

...but FUCK yeah.  The Wings dominated all of overtime, and to come away with a loss here would have been the end of it.

You said it better than I could have.  It gives coaches a lot more leeway to recruit guys that might be academic or criminal risks as well.  Trust your scouting, and if you end up with a guy who wasn't as good as you thought, tough cookies.  That's the risk in amateur sports.  Now, if you want to give these kids a salary, the whole ballgame changes. 

But I totally disagree with you here.  If the doctors clear a guy to play, even if the player is likely not going to be 100% afterward, the school should be required to honor the scholarship and allow the player to remain on the team if the player wishes to do so. 

While you are correct that I did only have one data point, I also did not try to make any sweeping accusations of widespread oversigning with this data point either.  I am a random dude on the internet, and therefore I do not have any insider information pertaining to the situation that would suggest wrongdoing.  But that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be discussed, even if it ends up simply being an exercise in reaffirming that there is nothing to see here.  At the very least, the arguments below provide a handy list of reasons why this is a legitimate situation for those who may have cocked a suspicious eyebrow at this story.  I would argue that this is meaningful discussion.  And for the record, I am with you and the others that this situation is 99.9% likely to be legitimate. 

Many of those things may very well be true, and are probably likely.  But, it is a valid topic to at least address if we as a fanbase are going to ride upon the high horse of oversigning immorality.  My tone was not intended to be accusatory, but rather to foster discussion about why this is different as opposed to just ignoring it. 

What is the difference between what just happened, and oversigning?  Clearly the Michigan roster had one too many scholarship players, and as such Michigan was obligated to shed one scholarship before summer practices.  At face value, that fits the definition of oversigning, although obviously not to the extreme that other schools (ahemSECahem) take it to.  Clearly, we don't know many details about the situation, and it's entirely possible that coaches and Ringer both knew about this pending transfer long ago... and it very well could be mutual.  Still, I just... feel a little dirty about it.  Thoughts?      

If Dave Brandon signs Twitter to an advertisement contract?  Would it be allowed?  What if this was Dave Brandon's master plan all along?

I mean... I get the not going public about it thing... but I can't get outraged by this.  Why should the school pay for an extra semester of summer classes when the guy is planning on transferring to play for another team the following semester? 

plus 2010 was a 100% Rich Rod class.  MSU has been owned by Hoke on the recruiting trail since almost the second he stepped foot on campus, and 2010 isn't really relevant to what's happening now. 

Valverde in a non-save situation.  This should be fun.

[EDIT... or not.]

I be like dang.

There are some schools out there that are really annoying to lose kids too, but I can't even get mad when a kid picks Stanford.  Awesome school, awesome location, and now a pretty gosh-darn good football team.  Not a bad combination if you ask me, even if its not quite Ann Arbor.

Figured that hitting 50K would be worthwhile news... unless I missed it somewheres. 

Doesn't it seem like most, if not all, of the top espn150 QBs have underwhelming offer sheets for being supposedly the best QBs in the country? There are defensive lineman with offer sheets a mile long, but none of the QBs seem to.

Real, real nice.

As my username would imply, I live in the beautiful city of Lubbock, TX, where it is currently in the upper 80's outside.  On Saturday, about 45 minutes before tipoff, I realized that I did not own any suitable warm weather Michigan gear.  So, I frantically drove to the mall hoping to find a Hatworld or equivalent that just might have a Michigan hat.  I was not optimistic.  But, I somehow managed to maneuver my way into a prime parking space at the mall, at a time when the mall here is a complete shitshow.  I walked in, and the hat store, by sheer dumb luck, was right next to the entrance I parked at.  As I scanned the racks for a hat, my heart sank as I did not see any Michigan paraphernalia anywhere.  As a last ditch effort, I asked the sales associate if he might have one in the back.  He then reached behind the counter, and pulled out a single, fitted Michigan hat that fit me perfectly.  It was the last one, was on sale previously and was likely going to be shipped back to whatever warehouse it came from.  I wore this hat during the game Saturday, and I plan to wear it during every game from here on out.   

I am very much in favor.  Quite a tasty brew.  As for the IPA, I have yet to find one that I really enjot drinking.  I don't know what it is about them, but I'm just not a big fan. 

But I was overwhelmed with panic and lost it about halfway through.  I mean, Michael Carter-Williams is 6'6"!  SIX FOOT SIX OH SHIT MUST FIND PAPER BAG...  

Whew.  Almost lost it again.

SYRACUSE RUNS A 2-3 ZONE!  ZONE ZONE ZONEY ZONE LENGTH ZONE LENGTHITTY LENGTHITTY LENGTH CODY ZELLER OHNOES ZONE 2-3 OMGZZZZZZZ.

...

Well.  I feel better now.

1.  Glenn Robinson III

2.  Nik Stauskas

3.  Mitch McGary

4.  Spike Albrecht

5.  Caris LeVert

6-100.  LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

I thought this was real, and I was getting ready to revel in sweet, sweet victory.  GODDAMN YOU JIMMY KIMMEL.

I will get on it ASAP !!  Happy Easter to you !! Go <redacted... just can't bring myself to type it> !! jt

Not calling you a liar, but I would seriously doubt any report that the Gophers would pony up $7 million/yr for a basketball coach.  That's $1.7 million more than Saban makes at 'Bama. 

that I really, really, really dislike living in Texas. 

Fail on that account.  As for the weights, I'm not jumping off the ledge, but I was a little surprised to see barely any movement at all.  I was hardly "freaking out," as you said.

But holy hell what a disaster that would be.  I would just assume run to the middle of the field and wait it out than attempt to actually exit the stadium.

Unfortunately it will likely be hard for me to find in West Texas.  I will search, though.

Pretty delicious, I might add.  Any other good porters/stouts I am missing out on?

Did you get a lot of icing where you are?  Storm of the century seems a little dramatic for this one unless you live in Amarillo, where it was pretty nasty 2 days ago. 

I am an meteorologist... and this makes me smile inside. 

But, I find that most folks that dry it out are paranoid about undercooking pork.  It is perfectly safe (and delicious) to eat pork that isn't completely well done. 

Shiner Bock?  You must be in Texas.

I am not sold on Kugler coming in and being ready to play right away, not only because he probably isn't physically ready as a true freshman OL, but because he is switching positions himself.  The coaches may have brought him in as a center, but he didn't play much of it in high school.  Given that Kalis has a year in the weightroom, and that both players will likely face similar learning curves switching positions, I'd give the nod to Kalis by the slimmest of margins if Miller isn't ready. 

None of us really know how well Kalis would be there, and Miller definitely has the experience advantage.  On the other hand, It could be that since Michigan had non-freshman bodies at center last season, albeit not very good ones, coaches didn't really give Kalis an extended look there.  Now that the depth there is thinner, he may get a longer look. 

I would agree that, long-term, putting Kalis at center is probably a waste.  But, in the short term, assuming he can pick up the mental aspects of the position, I don't think putting him at center for one season while Kugler gets himself ready is a terrible idea.  I don't think anyone would bat an eye at the conclusion that Kalis is most likely a better offensive lineman than Miller, and that Kalis has a big size advantage.  Plus, would it really set Kalis that far back to switch to guard after one season, with 3 more years of eligibility left?  I think the five OL that the OP listed are most likely the best on the team, and unless there is some reason why Kalis just can't pick up the center spot, the OP's lineup is a good one.  Certainly not deserving of all the HALOL criticism it is currently garnering.   

You seem like you've thought this through.  In a completely unrelated matter, I may have a business deal to discuss with you.  We will need a fleet of mini coopers and a team of savants with highly specialized skill sets.  

They want bigger, more physical players at just about every position, including running back.  Lesser of two evils?

On a day when a potentially earth-changing asteroid narrowly (by space perspective, anyway) misses the planet, another smaller one, that is supposedly completely unrelated and with a totally different trajectory path, comes screaming into Russia.  The Mayans man.  Mayans.   

I count 5 packaged shirts.  We have 3 commits.  

?

Should have known it was an errant punt.  Silly Space Emporer (of space).

Is anyone else not the least bit surprised that Rob Parker now writes for a website called "The Shadow League?."  I am also picking up a bit of irony that he would report on this particular story.  Did I use irony correctly there?  This board makes me so paranoid sometimes. 

You lead an exotic life.

Basketball preview day, and now he's got to get a Hello post done before the game starts.  Then he will need to write a recap post afterward.  Somebody get this man some coffee.

Magnus, I hope you're right about this dude. 

Oh man, he's gunna be pissed.  Real pissed.

Penn State kind of has an excuse.  It's their own fault, but an excuse nonetheless.

25-30 min per game... and starting.  I think he brings a lot of energy off the bench, but I think that energy is just as useful at the start of a game as it is later. 

Did I miss anything? 

Instead of getting rid of field goals, why don't we get rid of self-righteous reactionary sports commentators?

think we should take two QB's in this class? 

You must have done a very thorough and exhaustive search.  I would highly recommend cleaning your browser history.

represent.

Think about this hypothetical scenario for a minute.  It will require going deep into fairytale land, because it will never happen ever ever, but allow yourself to momentarily indulge in the awesomeness that would occur if this happened.  Michigan has enough scholarships available for every single non-senior to return next season, in addition to the three incoming freshman.  Say Trey Burke decides that the NBA can wait.  If you do not look like Homer Simpson after stumbling upon a mountain of Hot and Fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts right now, something is seriously wrong with you. 

Would have been nice to have him, but this beats the alternatives.

This is an A+ quote.  So true on so many levels. 

Putting this game on the tube here at work. I have given up all hope of productivity today.

He used the phrase when he got word of Kyle Kalis' potential committment, and it stuck. Probably overused but good luck getting rid of it.

Please do not show him tape of the Outback bowl. 

I don't think he's as nuts as you think.  Manny put up points and got boards but he was very inconsistent and inefficient.  You might be able to make a case for starting him over Hardaway, especially last year's version, but I don't think I would given his improved shooting.  Plus, if you start him for Stauskas you lose that deadly outside threat.  I think he would come off the bench.

As for Sims, you might be able to make a case for starting him at the 5, but that's quite a logjam and its not his natural spot.  Or, you start him over GR3, which might not be a bad move, but I don't think it's necessarily that cut and dry. 

It would be real nice, though, to have any of the above options.   

For your efforts will not be forgotten.  I hereby award you three Mad Respeck points.  The other guy gets four, but, I mean, yeah.

Announcer 1:  SECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSEC.  In addition, SECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSEC.

Announcer 2:  That is a very insightful and outstanding point.  On the contrary, SECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSECSEC.

Accouncer 1:  Touche.  SEC.

THE MAYANS WERE RIGHT

Your/You're.  I am trying really hard not to break my keyboard as I finish this sentence. 

Sort of funny story.  Last night I bought a ticket for Django, and mistakenly stood in the line for Les Mis for about 10 minutes before I realized it was the wrong line.  Thank Jesus I asked somebody if I was in the correct line, because that would have been an unwelcome surprise once I walked in the theater. 

I sure do wish that guy was on my team.  WAIT HE IS HAHAHAHA /faint

He kind of did.  Went 5-2 from there on out with 14 TDs and 3 INTs.  I could tell he was better even though I was about eight years old.  I still remember him getting sacked at the end of that playoff game against the Packers... although that doesn't exactly help my point.     

I'm in the "win by 30" camp.  They could use a good ol' fashioned shellacking.

28. I iz good at teh maths.

I can see the theory behind this, but unless a player has an obviously high number over a long period of time, it seems that there are so many other factors involved to really put much stock in it.  But, assists are completely dependent on the receiving player to make the shot too, and that's a pretty universally accepted stat.  It will be interesting to see where this goes, and it would be interesting to see these numbers calculated for M opponents (or everyone) so we have a frame of reference. 

Don't bring Escanaba into this. Lubbock is far worse. As a current resident of Lubbock, I get it Tubbs.

Not unless he can play CB.  Or offensive tackle. 

TELL IT TO THE PEOPLE

And in my opinion, it isn't close.  He had a phenomenal season, and frankly I don't get the lukewarm reaction that many people have about him.  If he doesn't win, its because A) he is a freshman, and B) he is a freshman.  And that is really dumb. 

This is ridiculous.  Do all commissioners grow up asipiring to be this guy?

but are we really the third best team in the country? I may be a cantankerous mid 20s alum who has been beaten down by a decade of crap to mediocre basketball... but even trying to put that aside I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. Do you guys really believe that ranking? I want to believe. MAKE ME BELIEVE MGOBLOG.

Do you guys remember how good Miami was in 2000/2001/2002?  Or the fact that they won 34 consecutive games in that stretch?  Remember how many current NFL players were on that roster?  Despite all the ridiculous stuff that has gone on in that program, it's hard to believe that they could fall so far. 

Especially when you factor in all of the nonrevenue sports.  They can probably get away with bussing their kids to most of the MWC campuses, but probably not in the Big East.  And, if the monetary incentives are now essentially equal in both conferences, assuming the Big East even survives, staying there to play against teams that you have no rivalries or historical ties with makes no sense.

And to make sure that game never happens, please Iowa, beat Nebraska. 

No.  No?  No.

That could very well be true, but I don't think it's worth it.  The rest of the Big 10 won't suck this bad forever, and I have a hard time seeing Rutgers being relevant in the long run. 

He goes and TOTALLY REDEEMS HIMSELF!

steals lunch money from kids on their way to school.  And he doesn't even feel bad about it, either. 

Our athletes are way cooler than other team's athletes.  It is a proven fact. 

This is just ridiculous. 

They make me depressed.

And I can't stop laughing at it.  Well played.

This is the same dude that BROKE A BACKBOARD.  Finger-roll layup?  C'mon man!

but that defensive alignment seemed like a straight up dare from Mattison.  It's almost like he was trying to force the offense into handing off to the dive back by giving them a look they couldn't pass up... then LOL Demens. 

beets

Since I'm too lazy to research it myself... does anyone know when we last scored 100 pts?

AIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Aww, hell. 102-49

If any of the freshman play in this game, could they hypothetically preserve their redshirts since it is an exhibition?  coughcoughalbrechtlevertcoughcough.  <-----  !! subtle coughing technique which cleverly disguises a hidden message !!