Aren't all those wins and final four appearance's vacated by the NCAA anyway? Seems weird to hang banners commemorating something that's not even recognized in the books... I would be in favor of recognition for someone like Jalen, who has done a lot for the University, but even more for the Detroit/MI community.
Judge Snyder? He's had it out for me ever since I kinda ran over his dog... only replace the word "kinda" with "repeatedly", and the word "dog" with "son"
Something that keeps coming back to me was something that Coach Hoke said at a postgame press conference in the middle of the season, I'm not sure after which game, but when asked what he liked most about the team, he said "I like how they like each other". If that was present during a blend of Carr/RR/Hoke recruits, I think the camaraderie that is building between these high school guys well over a year before they even hit campus is a key factor in that special something we all feel brewing. This is both due to the atmosphere established by Hoke and staff, as well as recruiting high character, team first kids.
MSU only has one conference loss, Nebraska had two going into the game vs UM. State controlled their own destiny, all that our win meant was that they could lose to NW and still qualify. I wouldn't expect a Spartan fan to cheer for UM against Neb, though I think it would be foolish to root against us, I'd expect indifference. I don't think UM would cheer for OSU if it wasn't absolutely necessary, and for Sparty, our win was not absolutely necessary. I think it was more about the opportunity to clinch the division at home and celebrate on the field in EL, rather than on the road.
Definitely would be a nice feat if they can both get 1000 in the same season. To me, however, they don't really seem like a 1-2 punch at this point. I feel like either one or the other has it going at one time, I don't recall any games when they were alternating long runs or both finished above 100+ unless it was early in the non-conference. Hopefully in these next two games we can capitalize on the emergence of Fitz and force the defense to lock in on both.
To me, it seemed like Denard was waiting for holes (that never opened) in order to burst for 20+ yard gains. I'd prefer him to run harder and make gradual 5-6 yard gains rather than taking no gain four times for every long run. I don't think he's lost a step, as others are saying, but it's a matter of him waiting for blocks when he should just be getting positive yardage.
I came away very impressed with the Ohio run defense, especially their linebackers getting to the outside on some of those tosses/sweeps (unlike Purdue yesterday). They do seem to be pretty vulnerable through the air though, Russell Wilson found some very big holes to take the lead late in the game. They still can't pass on offense, so it says something that they were able to run as well as they did against a Wisconsin defense knowing the run was coming. UM ends the streak if Denard is throwing accurately and our D can shut down the run, especially that Pistol option play. But let's beat Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska first... GO BLUE
Divisional record only matters when there is a tiebreak, there won't be a tiebreak if Nebraska loses to UM, and both UM and MSU win out. Overall Big Ten record is the first measure (which sucks since we play OSU every year and MSU plays Indiana... I was really hoping Gunner Kiel stayed there for that reason). Point being, even if all teams were 4-1 in the division, Nebraska being at 6-2 and UM and MSU at 7-1 overall in B1G means that the three-way tie scenario is not even looked at.
To the first comment, I don't think you sacrifice twice to cut the score to 2-1 in the 8th, you need that second run. As you mentioned, hits were scarce. Plus Oliver is a lefty on the mound, makes it a little tougher to steal anyway.
To the second, I think you have to play to get to the extra innings first. I don't know how a 3-run homer is more likely than a double (which could bring in whoever was running at first to tie). Cabrera also wouldn't get his at-bat until the 11th or 12th. To your point, however, we had already made a few subs so the usual replacements to run wouldn't make sense.
You don't steal when the tying run is at the plate that late in the game. Either way someone had to hit the ball to score him, so taking 2nd wouldn't make a difference (and therefore not worth the risk). Choosing not to pinch run for cabrera at first base as the tying run in the bottom of the 9th, well that's a different story.
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Who could resist the call of the mystery box? It could even be a 'ship, you know how much we've wanted one of those!
But seriously, why would you use all your lotto winnings to buy more tickets?
Aren't all those wins and final four appearance's vacated by the NCAA anyway? Seems weird to hang banners commemorating something that's not even recognized in the books... I would be in favor of recognition for someone like Jalen, who has done a lot for the University, but even more for the Detroit/MI community.
I'm pretty sure I saw Gottlieb picked Florida to be in the Final Four, so I wouldn't get my panties in a bunch when he picks against Michigan.
Judge Snyder? He's had it out for me ever since I kinda ran over his dog... only replace the word "kinda" with "repeatedly", and the word "dog" with "son"
Something that keeps coming back to me was something that Coach Hoke said at a postgame press conference in the middle of the season, I'm not sure after which game, but when asked what he liked most about the team, he said "I like how they like each other". If that was present during a blend of Carr/RR/Hoke recruits, I think the camaraderie that is building between these high school guys well over a year before they even hit campus is a key factor in that special something we all feel brewing. This is both due to the atmosphere established by Hoke and staff, as well as recruiting high character, team first kids.
"I always had my Michigan on whenever we played Ohio State."
Commence subtext overanalysis...
MSU only has one conference loss, Nebraska had two going into the game vs UM. State controlled their own destiny, all that our win meant was that they could lose to NW and still qualify. I wouldn't expect a Spartan fan to cheer for UM against Neb, though I think it would be foolish to root against us, I'd expect indifference. I don't think UM would cheer for OSU if it wasn't absolutely necessary, and for Sparty, our win was not absolutely necessary. I think it was more about the opportunity to clinch the division at home and celebrate on the field in EL, rather than on the road.
Definitely would be a nice feat if they can both get 1000 in the same season. To me, however, they don't really seem like a 1-2 punch at this point. I feel like either one or the other has it going at one time, I don't recall any games when they were alternating long runs or both finished above 100+ unless it was early in the non-conference. Hopefully in these next two games we can capitalize on the emergence of Fitz and force the defense to lock in on both.
To me, it seemed like Denard was waiting for holes (that never opened) in order to burst for 20+ yard gains. I'd prefer him to run harder and make gradual 5-6 yard gains rather than taking no gain four times for every long run. I don't think he's lost a step, as others are saying, but it's a matter of him waiting for blocks when he should just be getting positive yardage.
I came away very impressed with the Ohio run defense, especially their linebackers getting to the outside on some of those tosses/sweeps (unlike Purdue yesterday). They do seem to be pretty vulnerable through the air though, Russell Wilson found some very big holes to take the lead late in the game. They still can't pass on offense, so it says something that they were able to run as well as they did against a Wisconsin defense knowing the run was coming. UM ends the streak if Denard is throwing accurately and our D can shut down the run, especially that Pistol option play. But let's beat Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska first... GO BLUE
Divisional record only matters when there is a tiebreak, there won't be a tiebreak if Nebraska loses to UM, and both UM and MSU win out. Overall Big Ten record is the first measure (which sucks since we play OSU every year and MSU plays Indiana... I was really hoping Gunner Kiel stayed there for that reason). Point being, even if all teams were 4-1 in the division, Nebraska being at 6-2 and UM and MSU at 7-1 overall in B1G means that the three-way tie scenario is not even looked at.
Let's at least wait until the LOI are signed
I'm just glad MSU didn't let Mario and Devin visit, I'm sure it's one hell of a party out in EL right now
BIGGGGS!!!!
To the first comment, I don't think you sacrifice twice to cut the score to 2-1 in the 8th, you need that second run. As you mentioned, hits were scarce. Plus Oliver is a lefty on the mound, makes it a little tougher to steal anyway.
To the second, I think you have to play to get to the extra innings first. I don't know how a 3-run homer is more likely than a double (which could bring in whoever was running at first to tie). Cabrera also wouldn't get his at-bat until the 11th or 12th. To your point, however, we had already made a few subs so the usual replacements to run wouldn't make sense.
You don't steal when the tying run is at the plate that late in the game. Either way someone had to hit the ball to score him, so taking 2nd wouldn't make a difference (and therefore not worth the risk). Choosing not to pinch run for cabrera at first base as the tying run in the bottom of the 9th, well that's a different story.