Recent Comments

...I am worried about the reason he needed the procedure...whatever that is.

...noticed that Smith looked electric.  He also seemed to get a ton of first team reps.  With such a small practice sample, that could be coincidence.  He is similarly sized to the guy SDSU started last year.  hmm...

I believe it was HIS 365.  It was History of American Suburbia, and the class, professor, discussions, and ideas were awesome.

The implication is that it has something to do with breaking laws or probation.  In the ESPN article Quotes Hoke as saying that Stonum will have to "fulfill all his commitments he has to the legal system and our program."

No guessing game from me, but I'm confident it has nothing to do with failing a class.

...Gallon throw a block early in the "game".  He was out there with the #2 offense and the play ran left.  He had a strong block on that play, but that's my only memory of him.

...anything but objective, but I really think we'll roll MSU this year.  But, I think I said that last year too.

...that it wasn't Hoke, but Mattison's daughter responsible for his return to Ann Arbor.  I'd like to send her a fruit basket or perhaps an Edible Arrangement.

...I was uncomfortable with the grammar nazi tendencies of the board.  The egalitarian nature of the whole thing seemed mean and unnecessary.  I no longer feel that way.  This garbage is becoming too common.  Posts like this are the reason I don't care what any poster on Rivals or MLive has to say.  I don't read that crap because it is nearly impossible to take seriously.  If that is mean, so what.  I love this place, and I really really do not want it to erode into a world where punctuation, capitalization, spelling have no rules.

...I love me some Marvin Robinson.  I can't wait to see him tear heads off this season.  That guy looks like a manimal.

...one the MTTC you're taking.  The Basic Skills Test is so easy it's silly.  The subject tests can be a little harder.  You mentioned PoliSci, and I think that is only a teaching minor.  Would that mean you're taking the Social Studies test? 

I've taken the Basic Skills, Economics, History (major), and Social Studies (RX).  I did fine, and you seem to be quicker and wittier than me.  Plus, you're Hunter S. Thompson...I'm suprised they haven't exempted you.

Seriously...the history test was flush with world history questions, the economics was full of common sense (high school econ BS) questions, and the social studies was super general.  Let us know how you fare.

Good Luck!!

...by the poor turnout in this draft.  I do think Mouton will get drafted, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go a little earlier.  His measurables at the combine are likely to be strong.  That said, this class was bound to struggle in the draft.

http://touchthebanner.blogspot.com/2011/01/eligibility-count-for-2011.html

Check out Magnus' blog and see how well we should fare in next year's draft. 

Hemingway, Molk, VanBergen, Woolfolk, Martin, Koger, Stonum and perhaps others could all very well be drafted.

...a very insightful post.  I appreciate it, and I think you're onto something.  Also, this sort of post coupled with you avatar, makes it even better.

...Nothing good has ever come from prayer and/or quiet reflection.  You nailed it!  Man, isn't insulting the faiths of others AWESOME!?! 

...this quote directly to Hoke.  He should say this verbatim.  It perfectly conveys what he needs to convey...c'mon Hoke...read the damn cue card!

(no sarcasm whatsoever)

...happened to you?   Have you lost your mind?!?

We should strive for intelligent discussion around here.  We should write intelligently so we remain the last bastion of thoughtful discussion on the interwebs (and YES spelling does count).  We should support the University of Michigan...that doesn't mean we always have to agree with what is going on or with who is in charge.  However, you are acting like an Asshat.  That should be beneath this blog, and I hope it's beneath you.

... that "I don't think there are really haters...".  That is unfortunately very incorrect.  I would not venture a guess as to what portion of the anti-RR crowd felt this way, but I heard from more than a few people that they were concerned RR would win enough games to keep his job.  They would rather have UM lose in order to get RR fired.  ...Those people are haters, super-haters! IME they tend to be very old alums or fans who don't really know much about football.

But I think the majority of the fanbase is on the fence.  Good results force them to lean in RR's favor and poor resutls force them to lean the other direction.  It can change week-to-week, or even quarter-to-quarter.  A 31 point win would get a lot of those fans, and they would be firmly behind RR until UM has a bad game, or quarter, or possession in 2011.

Lots of first year players: Carvin Johnson, Vinopal, Cam Gordon, Avery, Demens, Rogers, and Thomas Gordon.  Those are all first year players.  It is valuable to discuss freshmen because they are typically smaller than their opponents, however first-year players are also often at an experience disadvantage.  I too am curious about where the program is headed...especially the defense, but I wouldn't use the word "doubts".

We return the following starters on defense next year.  (I'll assume a 3-3-5):  Roh, Martin, VanBergen, Demens, C. Gordon, Kovacs, Johnson, Vinopal, Woolfolk (I count him as a returning starter), and Floyd. 

That is 10 guys who have been starters for us, and will likely be starters for us next year.  There is room for improvement and some guys we aren't counting on may steal a starting job or two from the guys on this list.  I'm optimistic about the future, I'm excited about that list of players, and I do not have "doubts". 

...best logo idea I've seen.  It is bold and strong.  I always like the idea of the crest/shield shape used in the background.  It conveys tradition and power.

...is encouraging, but what about the wolves.  That is MOTIVATION!!

...completely with what you said.  There is no way that he attended the second best academic university in the state.  Either Kalamazoo College or Michigan Tech should easily be considered superior academic institutions.

...I'm an assistant principal, and I'm a delightful fellow.  It would be a treat to spend time with me.  In fact, I am around me constantly, and I'm very happy.  It is almost entirely do to me...you know, being pleasant.

...is pretty clear.  Our offense is better than their offense.  We score more touchdowns.  We are not good at kicking field goals, but we are lucky, because Denard Robinson devours third down yardage like fat kids in red-white checked overalls eat burgers.  That is to say...he eats third down yardage ferociously and he cannot be stopped.

...and great spelling.  This guy is a double threat!

...watched the Denard Robinson postgame interview, and I'm a smitten kitten.  He seems like such a genuine and nice young man.  I'm extremely proud of our newest ambassador.

...signaled immediately.  I think you have to wait for the video review to be ended or for the extra point to be snapped before you can celebrate.

...fantastic.  I hate all that stuff.  That is precisely why I check this site between 4 and 104 times a day.  Plus 1 for you!

...heck of a moment for anyone who is religious.  But, it was probably just about as fantastic for thos who aren't

...the coaches and his teamates both with his work ethic and commitment.  There are numerous quotes to that effect.

He lost some points over the summer, but he owned up to his mistakes and had a very good summer.  Devin went in because they knew Denard's injury wasn't serious.  Had it been serious, and they needed a QB for the rest of the game, Tate was the man.  Instead, when DRob went down, they needed someone to run the same offense and keep the same momentum...DG was the fit for that.  I do not honestly believe that if we needed a starter besided DRob, RR would turn to anyone but Tate.

...am ridiculously invested in Saturday's game.  I can't think about the unimaginable, because...well, it is inimaginable.  But also, if I was able to...I'd curl into the fetal position and rock.

aww let do it!

...owe them anything.  I makes no sense for us to be selfless and give up our traditions.  The other members of the conference, according to you, seem to be looking out for themselves.  They want to make sure the new alignment benefits their school as much as possible...but apparently we should not be so "selfish" or "whiny".  We should not seek our rightful place on top of the conference's pecking order.  That assertion is bonkers. 

Ultimately the conference alignment matters far less than the date of THE GAME. 

You have a right to your opinion.  I find your rationale to be very very flawed, but that is my opinion.  But, complaining that other people's opinions hurt your feelings then insult others for their opinions in the next breath doesn't make sense.

...you have a choad?

...ha ha ha.  Are you kidding me!?!  The kid had a pretty bad shoulder injury last year, and had he been healthy we likely would have won at least one more game, if not two.  He is a player, and from the above picture of Tate-Fresh high steppin' I'd venture to say he's a playa.  He has a lot to offer this team.

That said, if he gets out competed for the starting job, so be it.  It is good for UM to have competition at all positions, especially QB. 

"Is tate going to win us a national championship? Probably not....Why waste his time?"

That is ridiculous.  He'll get playing time this year.  He'll contribute this year. 

Oh, and one more thing...

PLAYING FOOTBALL FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN IS NOT A WASTE OF ANYONE'S TIME!!

...that emotion.  plus 1 for your plus 1.

...Ray Vinopal?  I don't even think he is on our depth chart.  ...Okay, he probably is, but nowhere of consequence.  I just have a few concerns

1.  Is he fast enough?

2.  Is he gritty enough with enough heart and have enough football IQ to make it work? 

3.  How's his tackling?

...see any real improvement on their roster from last season to this season.  I agree Kelly is an upgrade, but they should be less talented offensively this year.  I don't see how they improve enought to beat an improved UM team.  That said, road games are always scary.

...once and for all that this blog is the most useful social networking site on the interweb.

...if he comes back healthy, he could definitely be the man.  I agree with Magnus about Cox being a good fit for the zone read, but Smith might be the best fit all around.  He has very good burst, catches balls out of the backfield, and looked good running everything last year.  That said, I do not know the status of his recovery.

If we look to Pat White for the model RR quarterback, perhaps it is fitting to look at Steve Slaton as the model RR running back.  I honestly do not know who in our stable is the best comparison for Slaton.  If Smith were thicker...

I don't know about cost, but Kalamzoo college is excellent.  Also, Alma and Adrian have very good undergrad programs...depending on what the student's grad school interest is.

Look into Kalamazoo College.

I, like so many Wolverines, was looking forward to the "No Fly Zone" being in place for your years at Michigan.  I am saddened by the way the university handled the situation, and wish you the best of luck.  I am further saddened and embarassed by the media's response to your recruitment.  They are sad little men in a dying industry, and they have become very desperate. 

Always keep one eye on the future, and make sure what you do in the short run puts in a position to achieve your long term goals.  Be a young man of character and values.  It seems like you've been doing that lately, and I hope and pray that you have continued growth and boundless success.

-Togaroga

...and you may come from a difficult background, that made academic success something less than a foregone conclusion.  But, I know that getting a 23 on the ACT is very very difficult for some students.  I have seen good students, 3.0-3.5 GPA students, not do better than 21 on the ACT.  I think you're being unrealistic to think "anyone that tries hard" could score a 23.  If he scored a 17, and test score was the hold up, a 19 or 20 would likely get him in, and that may be possible. 

You have added more to the conversation than anyone else.  This clip produces the most appropriate response...silence.  It is the kind of silence that you would expect to hear after witnessing a terrible accident....everyone is in awe, shocked, too scared to speak, and at the same time they are reminded of their own mortality.  While I can't speak, the inner-monologue is moving fast and furious.  I'm thinking...

If I completely lose touch with society and seclude myself within a sanitized environment of people who hold one to the "glory days" long gone by without any reasonable likelihood of ever achieving that past in the future, could I make the same horrifying mistake ND has clearly made?  Could it happen to me?!?!

...this is too scary for words.

That video just made my weekend. AWESOME!

That beer is simply flawless. It isn't as magically delicious as some of Sam's other offerings, but it is scientifically proven to be flawless. I don't remember the research method, but it is conclusive, trust me.

I would also highly recommend Sam's Boston Ale. It is similarly flawless but bolder and bigger, on account of it being an ale.

Gulp-tastic!!

We call the beers either leaded or unleaded around here. I got the reference, but it was new terminology here too.

I think that is an underrated beer among the foam-head communities. Some people drink it because it is the "American Lager," but lots of people give it no credit because it is so mass-produced. But it is a very good hot-summer-day beer.

Everyone knows that punters get all the PUNTang.

haha....get it?!? See what I did there!?! Whooo...I slay me.

The root beer...right?

That is seriously good stuff.

Garage-beer shopping is about as common as pool hopping and/or lawn ornament "redistribution" around these parts.

As for the gist of this article, Dorsey has earned some amount of scrutiny, however nothing remotely like the douchebaggery he's received. He'll take some lumps now because some in the media and populace are immature ass-clowns who are willing to kick sand in the eye of kid...but hopefully this adversity just makes him stronger and more resolved to follow through on the positive changes that he seems committed to making.

You'll get the hang of it. Perhaps you'll eventually get to be as snarky as some of the MGoLegends around here.

Did anyone else do a double-take at that picture of Banks thinking that it was a picture of Woodley?

Oh yeah, Americans are super tough. Hey world, in case you forgot, we're really super tough. Our women win gold medals with serious injuries to their legs, and I suppose that makes them, and by proxy...us, (you guessed) very freakin' super tough.

Stephen Colbert is awfully proud!!

Did you just out yourself as a youtube All Star?

The beginning of your post made my brain hurt. UM has a history of offering full-ride scholarships to kids who are potentially very good football players. I think lots of schools do it.

UM fans with half a brain got "pissy" when McCabe attempts to put words in our mouths, accuses us of being hypocritical while ignoring a MASSIVE hypocrisy at the freep which he now has officially contributed to.

To break this down like Dimitri Martin, we'll play a game called "OK or Asshole"

-Having an opinion = OK
-Denigrating an 18 yo just to sell papers = Asshole
-Doing research to back up your opinion = OK
-Making wild and libelous accusations without research = Asshole
-Making wilde and libelous accusations after doing research to back up your opinion...= still an asshole, but you're ok with me.

You couldn't tackle a division I football player.

If you're looking for loudness, darkness, smelliness, drunkiness, and skanks go to Rick's.

On my birthday, I went to several bars. I had 2-3 drinks at each. However, when we arrived at Rick's I was too pissed to climb the stairs to leave, so we stayed for too many more.

Beware the stop light! They don't taste bad, but three in a row gives zero chance for recovery.

Are you confusing this with a power hour? 60 shots of beer in 60 minutes. I don't think that would kill an average person, but it is a good way to start a good night.

As for the shots...pace yourself. Be wise.

Here's the strategy that worked for me 8+ years ago:
1. Bring a pen with you and tally your drinks on your arm.
2. Count beers, wines, shots (whatev) as a a drink.
3. Cheat as needed and mark extra tallies as you go.
...That will get people off of your back.
5. Have at least two people you really really trust with your life watch your back.
6. Have fun. You won't remember much of it.

I did not take psych at UM, but was that sarcasm? It seems like intro psych should be a fairly easy and fun course.

It is entirely possible that this is an inside joke that I just didn't get, and if so...I sincerely apologize.

That was a great class. We obviously had different professors. I thought that was one of the most interesting economics classes I took at UM.

To finish that semester, I had three exams in the same day, and Game Theory was the last one. My brain was fried, and I failed it...pretty bad, too. I know I could've taken it another day, but I was chuck-full of machismo, bravado, stupidity, etc.

Ahhh, we live and we learn.

As long as it is fairly obvious that the kid is deserving, there should be little to no issue with it. I suspect it won't be until a players junior year, so...if it is Roundtree it'd be 2011, and if it is Miller, it'd be 2012.

I don't really see anyone else with a great shot. Stonum is a great deep threat, but he has not looked like a NFL stud-level player.

So, this just goes to prove that "Those who stay will be champions."

In this case, "champion" means player who dramatically improved his draft status.

The capital letters and exclamation points enhance the perception of your avatar yelling at me. Please, make it stop.

I, for one, would have a hard time turning down that kind of money. If that is not the appeal, it has to be the hostesses. There is a chance that the money their given is to pay for increasingly attractive "hostesses".

I'll see you there, or I will see you on another time.

If it was up to me, I'd choose Pitt. Missouri would be my #2 choice.

It seems that the main advantage to choosing Pitt is that they are good at both major sports and strong in academics. The strength of Missouri is that they bring a new TV market, although they are weak in basketball and academics.

I thought he was under our control for the next two years. Meaning he is arbitration eligible.

As for the contract, we do not want to piss him off, so we can't wait too long or lowball. However, he had a career year last year, and we're going to have to pay for it. I think Verlander is awesome, but if we believe he is a top tier pitcher, we should sign him for more than 5 years. But, we've been burned lately on the back end of long-term deals.

These Tigers are much like last years group. They are the wait and see Tigers. They were counted out by everyone, except Mitch Williams on MLB Network, and they were stronger than anticipated. It is easily within reason to suspect they'll contend for the division. They will not have the best lineup in the division this year, but they may still have the best pitching staff. Our defense will be good, and we'll pitch well. That gives us a great chance.

Kurt is probably going into the HOF. Brady is too. The thing that makes Warner so endearing to people is the fact the he was out of football, he was in the Arena League, he was a normalish guy with seemingly no chance. The truth of the matter is that he was a man with unbelievably high ability that needed to be honed or discovered, or whatever.

He is an everyman. He is going into the hall, and he will be remembered very very fondly for decades to come.

Time of possession typically matters. Not because it, in and of itself, is a determining factor in the win, but because it correlates to other stats that do determine win or loss, i.e. yards, plays, points, etc.

Another major impact that time of possession can have on the defense. I know that the clock stops in many situations and the offense can actually move pretty quickly, but in general teams with low TOP give their defenses less time to rest before having to return to the field. That makes a difference.

As for Michigan, we are a quick strike offense, and we will be even more so when DR gets the ball in space more often this year. That is why Barwis and RR focus so much on having quick and athletic players at every position. RR knows what sort of team he has, and he's studied all of the pros and cons of that sort of team. So, he builds a defense to fit his team.

As far as wins and losses are concerned, the team will have a low TOP this year. It will likely be higher than last year's, because The Force will have less turnovers, but it will still be lower than most other good teams. And we will be good!

I interpret everything you post as yelling. I am certain that it has everything to do with your avatar. Just an observation.

Does anyone else have that reaction to BlockM's posts?

I spent K-3th grade living in Cincinnati, and my best friend's uncle played for OSU. Suffice it to say, I was introduced to flaming stupidity at a young age. My dad is an alumnus so I can only imagine how that made his stomach churn...as an expectant father, the thought my child behaving that way makes me sick and angry...it makes me sickgry!

When we moved back, I started watching UM football, because that is what was on TV. It didn't even take a month until I was outside at recess initiating games of "Desmond" with my classmates. That was a game I invented where the players attempted to make the most fully-extended and impressive diving catches possible.

The story has a happy ending in that I continued in my UM fandom, matriculated to AA and graduated a 3rd generation Wolverine in 2003. I owe my conversion and to some extent football salvation to Desmond and his abounding awesomeness.

My apologies. Twice in one night...I need to go to bed. This is ridiculous.

I am very sorry for wasting your time. This has never happened to me before. I've never really had a problem in that "department". I know that this happens to guys, but it never happens to me, and I'm not OK with it. I'm going to get a prescription. They make pills for this, right?

You're not sure who GOB is? C'mon. I've made a terrible mistake.

I can't wait for the movie.

There is never an appropriate way or time to bring the real housewives of anywhere into this sacred space. No matter the intention, that is unacceptable.

I've taken classes at Delta, and I'm pretty familiar with their school paper, "The Collegiate".

That is a dangerous and silly cartoon to print. Regardless of the crime statistics, I can't see the strip being anything less than insulting. It certainly wasn't about being informative, and its a really poor attempt at being cheeky.

We need to land Parker, Baxter, or another highly rated player like Rashad Knight. I know he's smallish, but so is Bob Sanders. Give me kids with speed, smarts, strength, and athleticism.

We'll finish well, and be better for it this year. We'll be starting some freshmen again this year, but it probably won't be at QB, so I'm fine with that. What's more, I think every player who sees substantial playing time will be, get this, on scholarship. That will definitely make a difference.

Go Blue!!

You hit the nail on the head in terms of his popularity being linked to his outward expressions of faith.

In my experience, divisiveness comes from an "US vs. THEM" distinction. To some extent it is human nature to do that sort of thing. I've seen it with pre-schoolers and even toddlers. However, when that distinction goes as far as to make one group (emphasis on the group) wrong or worse than another group, it is divisive. The way the detractors do that is painfully evident. I don't see the supporters work quite as clearly.

To apply this to the conversation at hand, I'd ask if you think TT himself is divisive, or if his supporters and detractors are the ones who inflame the argument through him? (Real question. No sarcastic or leading tone implied.)

While proselytizing doesn't change the world for the better in and of itself, that is not what TT does. He is extremely charitable, visits sick kids in hospitals, goes to schools to promote the value of education, does mission trips to 3rd world countries, and works to improve the world.

This guy is not a self-indulgent jerk. I can't defend all people who have ever done, said, or thought ridiculous and indefensible things in the name of religion. However, that doesn't mean all believers are phony evil-doers. More people should do as much good work as TT does...regardless of what they believe. TT is someone who makes the world a better place, and simply gives God credit for it.

People, yourself included, attack him and discredit him because of his beliefs. Does that make you intolerant? Isn't your "religion is the scourge of modern society" belief system dogmatic? You seem awfully committed to an "US vs. THEM" position, how could that be anything but divisive?

Great picture, and nice work. I've enjoyed your artwork all day. At that size, he might be the most unstoppable RB ever, or a soul crushing linebacker.

Will he be allowed to wear those rocket shoes in games, or is that forbidden? Ah, I hope he can get away with it.

enough said.

Color me unsurprised that someone with a picture like yours is very high on Cox. I prefer Toussaint.

...well done Dr. Gupta. The best of us makes the rest of us look better. Keep up the good work!

Never even considering MSU is the best way to deal with them. I don't fret about anything, and I barely consider them. I don't think of them as a rival, and I certainly don't bother giving them the satisfaction of letting anything they do upset me. The only satisfaction I take from pwning MSU in any way shape or form is knowing at all times that we are better than them.

Tate is our best chance to compete this year, and compete this year we will. Four Big 10 teams in the top 12, but UM will make some noise in the conference this year.

Top reasons for thinking positive thoughts...

1-Tate's reasonably assumed progress

2-LB's reasonably assumed progress

3-Mike Martin's well timed aggression

4-Barwiscizing

5-Having scholarship athletes playing the middle of our defense

6-We, the fans, deserve it!

You win...+1 for you.

This is the absolute truth. We should all be hoping for Tate to take a huge step forward. Our offense was borderline explosive last year, and a reasonable improvement is expected. Tate did OK when he was injured. If he gets better, we'll be great.

I am very pumped for Devin, but I'm most excited for him to redshirt, absorb the offense, and Barwiscize (did anyone claim that term, yet?) In 2011 and 2012 he'll play regular snaps and claim a real piece of our NC.

...the moral also contains a message to Dantonio that if he forced his team through a de-thugging machine they would, in turn, be better off for it. But, I'm glad he doesn't know Dr. Suess or how to make that machine.

+1 for you negging me for my mistake. That is unacceptable, and I appreciate your reprimand, for it will only make me stronger.

where/wear...

gee whiz, what the hell was that about!?! I'll teach me a lesson.

I like Daly. I always have. I like that he's honest, human, sadly a little tortured, and true to himself. He's great for the game, and fun for the fans.

That said, where do you where pants like that. If not as a joke, or to be the quirky alcoholic on the PGA TOUR.

I don't think I know a single person between the ages of 18 and 70 who could wear those pants as anything other than a joke.

I interpret your comment two ways, and I'll respond to both.

1. I suppose the house parties I go to nowadays do have free beer, but I'd call them dinner parties. And, it would not be acceptable to drink 15-20 beers and do keg stands anymore. Besides, I can't drink 15-20 Sam Adams.

2. I realize the OP was discussing what had changed, but I got nostalgic half way through and started thinking about all the things I missed. My bad.

I too miss the $1 pitchers at TD's and the Beer Pong tourneys that began in my junior year.

I miss the Korean Restaurant (name?) near the corner of S. University and Forest across from the Village Corner.

I miss the general state of dehydrated drunkenness that existed for my final two years on campus. I miss pick-up games at Crisler. I miss house parties with free drinks, and Bell's cheese fries at 3am. I miss ordering Pizza House on my walk home and meeting the delivery guy in my driveway.

My life is good, and I'm glad to be where I am, but I wouldn't trade those years.

No changes necessary. Keep it classy San Diego (Whale's Vagina). If you must change it, I'd probably rather see the endzone go yellow with MICHIGAN written in blue. It would contrast better with the rest of the field.

... but, RR is too smart to go around laying verbal landmines for himself to step on. It is good strategy to not allow people to get carried away or expect too much. I think his statements did sound like a coach who wasn't really sure what he had. But, I think lots of coaches always sound that way on purpose.

I think we'll be better this year, and RR knows that. What that translates to in the W-L record depends.

I am most worried about the QB situation. I wish he spoke more glowingly about TF's work ethic, understanding of the offense, commitment to learning and leading. But, I wouldn't want him to lie either. I think he's not sold on TF, and I'd be more comfortable if he was.

Twice the burn, and none of the fire. Well done!

+1 for you, sir.

He came to UM camp out of shape and slow. At the camp he did not impress the coaches. He was pissed, went home, worked hard, trimmed down, and had an outstanding season. He ended up being good enough to join our team, but he's going to another program.

We'll never know if he would have worked as hard, got in the same kind of shape, and had the same kind of season if we gave him the early offer he wanted. My guess is not. By not offering early, we provided him the motivation to improve. I'll trust the coaches judgment at the time, but I'd still like to have him now.

Ernie was a great announcer, but it is no doubt his character, passion, and integrity that makes him so beloved. People around here love Ernie in a different way than people love, for example, Harry Carey. He was a fine announcer too, but people looked up to an respected Ernie so much. He will always be one of the finest patches on our regional quilt.

The reason that the freep writes such ridiculous anti-UM stories and headlines is simple. It is worth mentioning that the headlines are often more ridiculous than the stories/articles, and that serves as greater evidence to my point. People don't care about MSU. UM fans, like us, care about it now, but that is only because we want to prove something, and we've sucked lately. The truth is that nobody cares about MSU football.

The newspaper is trying to make money. They need money badly, and that takes precedence over ethics and integrity. So they write ridiculous things about UM because people will click on it. I think it is silly to assume their anti-UM agenda, which does exist, has any motivation other than survival/greed. If people cared about MSU football, they'd write more negative stories about them too.

...are always overrated. The Mets prospects are always overrated too. Remember when Phil Hughes was the best starting pitching prospect in the minor leagues? Several years later they learned he was finally good enough to remain in the big leagues as a setup man. Mike Pelfrey was the best pitching prospect in the national league, and he became...decent. The national media always exaggerates the prospects of NY teams because they get talked about so much by the NY media.

Austin Jackson may end up being a good player, but he is not better than Granderson or E-Jack. As a Tigs fan, I don't hate the trade, but I really am annoyed by NY fans who underestimate the value of Granderson. He is instantly your best outfielder...by a mile. You played Nick Swisher and Melky in CF last year. Are you kidding me? Granderson is one of the top defensive CF in all of baseball. He will hit 30-35 HR next year when he gets to play half of his game in the wind-tunnel-band-box that is Yankee Stadium. Scherzer is filthy, but so is E-Jack. Given the choice, I'll take the youth in that scenario.

Also, the Yankees just added Grandy and the best human being on their roster. That is saying something, because there are some real professionals and quality men on that team, but Granderson is easily among the best human beings in baseball. That absolutely is worth something, even if it is something immeasurable.

The two players you mentioned made major contributions, and as you stated the injuries to arguably our two most significant returning starters (Molk and Minor) played a role in the offensive struggles, comparatively minor as they were.

Do we have any reason to assume that the addition of two players on the defensive side of the ball will not lead to similar improvement?

It is not right to downplay the overall talent/experience deficit we had on the defensive side of the ball in 2009. We will miss Graham next year, but Roh, VanBergen, and Campbell will likely improve going into next year, and that will help. The strength of next year's defense will again be the D-Line. The Linebackers and D-backs will improve with an influx of talent and another year of experience.

1. good talent + experience = best

2. good talent + no experience = ???

3. little talent + experience = ???

4. little talent + no experience = worst

UM's entire team will move closer to #1 next year. The defense in 2009 was made up almost entirely 2, 3, and 4 type players. Michigan should never ever have to play #4 type players, and they did this year. I am not foolish enough to think that will become the norm.

This is one of the best things I've ever read on this site. Great prose. I get lost in the equations sometimes, but I know graphs. =)

This is rational, even-handed, and much-needed perspective. You don't fawn over RR, and you don't attack him. I think a +2 could save his job depending on the circumstances.

The Kipling poem is powerful, and I haven't read it since high school. I'm a teacher and I'm going to share it with some students. THANKS!