if you know you're coming, you should buy now (unless you're willing to wait until just before kickoff -- which I presume you don't). A win against Wisconsin will drive up prices substantially, especially for good seats. A loss will cause them to come down a little. Seems like a no-brainer since you know you're coming and apparently need at least 2 tickets together
You must not have been at the game. Crowd noise was a huge advantage Saturday, demonstrated by MSU penalties.
There were a few times, particularly in the 2nd quarter, when there was a lull in fan participation. The lulls came after the team screwed up.
But overall, the crowd was very good. Sure, there's always some people that won't stand, make noise, whatever. But, it was VERY loud from Section 6. Louder than any game I've been to at Notre Dame or MSU (which were Michigan road games). It also seemed louder than the Lions game Sunday.
I'm pretty sure that the biggest components of mr Hernandez issues have nothing to do with football, itself. He was obviously a very competitive and very aggressive human. He had a significant violence problem dating back, at least, to high school. He was clearly drawn to football because of these traits, among others.
He probably used steroids in high school. Those who blame all on cte should spend some time reading up on the effects of substances on the brain. For instance: "In summary, the use of anabolic steroids can cause considerably long-lasting changes in the user’s brain neurotransmitter pathways. The serotonin neurotransmitter system often reacts the strongest to nandrolone administration. This supports the previously observed side effects, such as aggressiveness and mood changes, because decreased serotonin levels in the brain relate to the aggressive and uncontrolled behaviour of both humans and animals."
He was in prison. He was depressed. For good reasons. Many people kill themselves for those reasons who have never played football. Many who have never had a concussion.
Stop with the alarmism. Cte is "real" but like many things it is one of many factors that contribute to a persons health. Frankly, it sounds like Hernandez may have died in a gang fi(got 10 years ago but for football. But that's not the popular narrative right now.
Huge, wow, continuing, and really bad deal. The evidence just keeps stacking up. Some of this stuff is undoubtedly true. I hope it's less than more. A couple of Waco Tribune links here and here.
You are right. The difference I see, here, is that we already know things were VERY bad at Baylor. As a result, this is not quite the leap that the other examples are.
Like ND, PSU enjoyed a prominent position as an independent, and was able to keep all their money. I think they made the right decision to join the B1G. However, by playing better teams on a consistent basis, they have not enjoyed the level of winning they had become accustomed. ND, almost surely, will find it more difficult to compete consistently for a B1G champtionship than they have at making a top tier bowl as an independent over the last several years.
It's my feeling that is likely to change soon as a result of conference realignment. If I'm right, ND needs to decide whether they join the B1G, which is a "no-brainer" from a fit perspective, but at the risk of becoming less significant over time.
Well . . . . the fact that Tim Brando mentioned people "talking" about it probably means there are discussions about ND joining "a" conference. Big 12 has also discussed options recently.A couple things to keep in mind:
1. it's likely that either the ACC or the Big 12 will implode soon. Those two conferences are racing to determine which survives. Last expansion, two or three of the blueblood ACC schools were upset at the disparate treatment in favor of ND, and about adding Louisville. At least two, and possibly three of them have been rumored for slots in the next B1G expansion;
2. The ACC network is likely a nonstarter now that ESPN has no money to contribute to it. Even were it to get off the ground. ND would bring the network closer to fruition than without them, but is the conference really willing to create a Texas type situation for revenue sharing? Would this bring the demise of the ACC one step closer, and sooner than many anticipated?
There's a lot on the line here. If ND can negotiate an "unfair" distribution of cash, cement a channel for distribution of ACC football games, and be assured that UNC, UVA, and GT will stay on board despite that distribution, it seems like a very good option for them. They would also avoid the substantial risk of becoming a Penn State in the B1G. I doubt it does anything for their student athletes outside of money, though. For instance, loss of rivals and long distance and frequent travel for all sports, among others.
I have been to/seen in person, in order from best to last (limited to B1G + ND):
1.Michigan Stadium
2. ND
3. Kinnick
4. Ohio Stadium
5. Camp Randall
6. Ryan Field
7. Maryland
8. Spartan Stadium
I struggled with order from 3-5, which are pretty close. I don't particularly lie the architecture at Ohio, but it's a great venue.
However, Spartan Stadium easily takes last place. I've never been to Purdue or Illinois, but can't imagine they are worse. I would have ranked the metrodome last, but Minny now has a first class home, from what I see on the teevee.
Go to the mgoblue.com website. They will have a list of pregame activities, and estimated times.
Depending on the weather, I would encourage you to catch the drumline on Hoover street. From there, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the vendors across the street and have a beer at the new tailate spot near the railroad tracks. You can hang out in this area until the band starts it march into the stadium, which I always recommend to anyone who hasn't done it before. You can walk with the band to the east steps of the stadium and then walk in. The only drawback to this is that you will miss warmups by the teams, but, at least in my opinion, it is worth it for your first experience.
later this year or next (Junior in high school presently). Let us know how it worked out and your impressons. I was to ND recently, but it's been about 12 years since to NU.
There are two and a half conferences that can call their own shots: The B1G, SEC, and half the PAC. It's unlikely that any one of these conferences will become smaller, with the possible exception that Vandy could leave the SEC for the B1G, if the B1G were willing to take them, but that seems very unlikley.
The real question is when a couple teams join the B1G, and whether it will take the form of a straight departure contesting the grant of rights, or a forced collapse, which the ACC and/or Big 12 may be headed for.
I think it's fair to say that B1G is the first choice for any university that is similar to the B1G schools academically. There aren't many left. To me, the intriguing, and most likely candidates are UVA, UNC, NcState, Georgia Tech, and ND.
Of those, UVA and UNC appear clear favorites along with ND. TV eyes and recruiting wise, these are the crown jewels.
ND probably won't want to play football in the B1G. After all, they could have joined by now, and I don't see anything that's happened in the last 6 years to make them believe they can return to glory in the B1G.
Second tier choices are Boston College. Maybe Uconn, Syracuse. I don't see a lot those schools bring, unless there is a concerted effort to woo the Boston TV market. I suppose that's a possibility, particularly if one of those schools would make an odd numbered addition an even four.
Rumored but No Chance, schools are Oklahoma, KState. They don't cut it academically and won't be invited, unless . . . .
Texas is the wildcard. If Texas were ready to jump, that would bring the possiblity of adding Oklahoma for geographic and rivalry purposes. On the other hand, Texas joining the B1G seems to be a pipe dream for the foreseeable future.
They started 5-2 playing mostly cupcakes, and ended 6-6, and then beat New Mexico in a bowl game. He was almost run out of there this year by the fans the last half of the season, and no one showed for their games the last half of the season. They had a great year in 2014, going 10-4, and 7-2 in the PAC. But in 11 and 12 they won onlyk 4 conference games, and in 15 only 3. Their defense was nearly last in total and scoring defense last year. Maybe somebody will offer him a position back home, but I'd guess his long term trajactory there after four years is on a serious downswing.
The best answer is Rich Rodriguez. (I understand he might not have qualified, technically, but since he has proven to be a pretty damn good offensive coordinator, and an epic failure as a head coach anywhere other than West Virginia, I would have nominated him anyway).
Otherwise, I would have voted for every defensive assistant Rodriguez brought with him from West Virginia (though none of them appeared to be very qualified then, we at least believed in RR when he was hired -- or at least I did).
Tuberville, who had previous head coaching stops at Ole Miss, Auburn and Texas Tech, said he remembers when the SEC banned satellite camps and it was because coaches were spending too much time away from their families.
So, don't go. Nothing says you must. Send your assistants. Take your family. You're making $4M/year, put them up in a nice place and have a nice dinner with them after you're done if you go.
I appreciate that Beilein would like a taller player to fill Dawkins position as a first priority, one that can play well on defense. However, unless we can get someone guarenteed to perform well in that role I would really like to see Spike back. Kid has contributed a lot to the program, and is a very nice player, who can fill the one and two very well. Senior leadership and guts go along way to the character of the team, something he would bring, and was sorely lacking this year, in my opinion.
Yeah, but is he saying Sankey is a talented magician?
Or is he suggesting the magician is prompting the SEC conference chair to talk overtly about protecting SEC recruiting turf on the one hand, while exposing the hypocrisy of the conference's recruiting "incentives" on the other?
It's hard to complain about alleged advantages in recruiting arising from a spring schedule beneficial to Michigan's players when your schools are delivering cash in bags to recruits!
Remember this year the emphasis made on playing The Game later in the day by Woodson. It is VERY likely it will be played at 3:30 regularly in the coming years.
I couldn't get on this morning, and purposefully avoided the site all day (until now). Instead I followed on the livestream, twitter, and victors boards, fyi.
It is illegal as a civil infraction. Moreover it is criminal in the state of michigan, and at the federal level. So, I'd that's what happened, it is illegal. Next, if it did happen, it is a violation of team policy and drug testing rules the kids all know about.
I'm not going to make a stand that pot should or shouldn't be illegal but it is and he knows this, and that it is a violation of team rules and expected conduct. HE knows better. I hope there's no truth, and that he remains with the team next yea because I think he could a heck of a player.
I wonder whether you have ever hired anyone or ever looked for a job. I will tell you from personal experience it matters. A lot. A whole lot. And for athletes even more as the U of M connections available are superior to most, if not all, other schools.
I will nominate myself to speak on behalf of the hundreds of readers and occasional posters that would, seriously, be delighted if your posting were reduced by about 97.4 percent. I see your stuff here incessently. Maybe once out of 30 times is it germane, funny, or interesting. I appreciate that you were given a thousand million points or something for Brandon-gate, but, geez, man, a lot us have grown tired of the schtick.
It's a strange recruitment for sure. Momshon sending out vibes lately that make me think she's either trolling other schools or looking for something. A visit to ole miss followed by glowing words about coaches is almost asking for compensation. Then to usc and what a great academic school (nsfmf) and glowing words about how nice a crappy campus is. We have all lived through the Reggie bush and rojo stuff, and I wouldn't put it past usc to be committed to bringing in top tier talent without regard how they do it. It is true that la could be great living if a booster puts you up in a condo!
I hope this doesn't turn out to be another rojo situation where the kid goes to usc and gets lost in off the field distractions and never makes it. Gary may be more mature, and is more physically gifted due to size. Still, as a parent I'd be skeptical of the promised distractions in LA unless I were living with my son.
Raback,
I have appreciated your input here. In this name and my former.
I have three. From 15 to 6. TWo girls one boy. There are a lot of things to know. A lot to take with a grain of salt. And much to enjoy (until you fave a teenager daughter). Too much to type. If you'd like to have a beer sometime let me know. Happy to share my experiences.
I don't think so. Why would hill go to a rebuilding program for one year. If he transfers he's going to a place which can improve his nfl stock and has a chance to win.
No you don't. I looked at that last night. The only chance I see of adding oklahoma is if the conference adds Kansas and Texas. Oklahoma would then be a no-brainier to retain the red river rivalry and some geographical continuity.
If we're going to expand I'd rather head down the east coast with UVA, unc, ga tech, and Florida or Vanderbilt.
I agree with yo re the aau. I am skeptical about the acc contract, for several reasons. Perhaps most importantly their network,has been delayed again,a Nd may implode altogether.
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/college/acc-channel-launch-facing-dela…
It's just as likely the acc breaks up into the big 12 and big 10 as the big 12 breaks up. Recruitimg and dollars would tend to,favor expansion down the east coast. Potentially, expansion could go all the way from UVA to FLA staying in the aau and taking geographically adjoining states. (Fla is much more like a big 10 school then an sec school academically).
Pitt is not happening. It adds nothing the conference does not already have, it is not a flagship, and it is very different than the other big universities. Notre Dame the only school in the existing footprint that B1G would take.
Recent Comments
if you know you're coming, you should buy now (unless you're willing to wait until just before kickoff -- which I presume you don't). A win against Wisconsin will drive up prices substantially, especially for good seats. A loss will cause them to come down a little. Seems like a no-brainer since you know you're coming and apparently need at least 2 tickets together
I'll take a
You must not have been at the game. Crowd noise was a huge advantage Saturday, demonstrated by MSU penalties.
There were a few times, particularly in the 2nd quarter, when there was a lull in fan participation. The lulls came after the team screwed up.
But overall, the crowd was very good. Sure, there's always some people that won't stand, make noise, whatever. But, it was VERY loud from Section 6. Louder than any game I've been to at Notre Dame or MSU (which were Michigan road games). It also seemed louder than the Lions game Sunday.
Huge, wow, continuing, and really bad deal. The evidence just keeps stacking up. Some of this stuff is undoubtedly true. I hope it's less than more. A couple of Waco Tribune links here and here.
You are right. The difference I see, here, is that we already know things were VERY bad at Baylor. As a result, this is not quite the leap that the other examples are.
Like ND, PSU enjoyed a prominent position as an independent, and was able to keep all their money. I think they made the right decision to join the B1G. However, by playing better teams on a consistent basis, they have not enjoyed the level of winning they had become accustomed. ND, almost surely, will find it more difficult to compete consistently for a B1G champtionship than they have at making a top tier bowl as an independent over the last several years.
It's my feeling that is likely to change soon as a result of conference realignment. If I'm right, ND needs to decide whether they join the B1G, which is a "no-brainer" from a fit perspective, but at the risk of becoming less significant over time.
Well . . . . the fact that Tim Brando mentioned people "talking" about it probably means there are discussions about ND joining "a" conference. Big 12 has also discussed options recently.A couple things to keep in mind:
1. it's likely that either the ACC or the Big 12 will implode soon. Those two conferences are racing to determine which survives. Last expansion, two or three of the blueblood ACC schools were upset at the disparate treatment in favor of ND, and about adding Louisville. At least two, and possibly three of them have been rumored for slots in the next B1G expansion;
2. The ACC network is likely a nonstarter now that ESPN has no money to contribute to it. Even were it to get off the ground. ND would bring the network closer to fruition than without them, but is the conference really willing to create a Texas type situation for revenue sharing? Would this bring the demise of the ACC one step closer, and sooner than many anticipated?
There's a lot on the line here. If ND can negotiate an "unfair" distribution of cash, cement a channel for distribution of ACC football games, and be assured that UNC, UVA, and GT will stay on board despite that distribution, it seems like a very good option for them. They would also avoid the substantial risk of becoming a Penn State in the B1G. I doubt it does anything for their student athletes outside of money, though. For instance, loss of rivals and long distance and frequent travel for all sports, among others.
I have been to/seen in person, in order from best to last (limited to B1G + ND):
1.Michigan Stadium
2. ND
3. Kinnick
4. Ohio Stadium
5. Camp Randall
6. Ryan Field
7. Maryland
8. Spartan Stadium
I struggled with order from 3-5, which are pretty close. I don't particularly lie the architecture at Ohio, but it's a great venue.
However, Spartan Stadium easily takes last place. I've never been to Purdue or Illinois, but can't imagine they are worse. I would have ranked the metrodome last, but Minny now has a first class home, from what I see on the teevee.
Go to the mgoblue.com website. They will have a list of pregame activities, and estimated times.
Depending on the weather, I would encourage you to catch the drumline on Hoover street. From there, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the vendors across the street and have a beer at the new tailate spot near the railroad tracks. You can hang out in this area until the band starts it march into the stadium, which I always recommend to anyone who hasn't done it before. You can walk with the band to the east steps of the stadium and then walk in. The only drawback to this is that you will miss warmups by the teams, but, at least in my opinion, it is worth it for your first experience.
Go Blue and have a great time.
RIP, Mr. Sharp, and Go Blue!
Would not have been booted for one failed test.
later this year or next (Junior in high school presently). Let us know how it worked out and your impressons. I was to ND recently, but it's been about 12 years since to NU.
There are two and a half conferences that can call their own shots: The B1G, SEC, and half the PAC. It's unlikely that any one of these conferences will become smaller, with the possible exception that Vandy could leave the SEC for the B1G, if the B1G were willing to take them, but that seems very unlikley.
The real question is when a couple teams join the B1G, and whether it will take the form of a straight departure contesting the grant of rights, or a forced collapse, which the ACC and/or Big 12 may be headed for.
I think it's fair to say that B1G is the first choice for any university that is similar to the B1G schools academically. There aren't many left. To me, the intriguing, and most likely candidates are UVA, UNC, NcState, Georgia Tech, and ND.
Of those, UVA and UNC appear clear favorites along with ND. TV eyes and recruiting wise, these are the crown jewels.
ND probably won't want to play football in the B1G. After all, they could have joined by now, and I don't see anything that's happened in the last 6 years to make them believe they can return to glory in the B1G.
Second tier choices are Boston College. Maybe Uconn, Syracuse. I don't see a lot those schools bring, unless there is a concerted effort to woo the Boston TV market. I suppose that's a possibility, particularly if one of those schools would make an odd numbered addition an even four.
Rumored but No Chance, schools are Oklahoma, KState. They don't cut it academically and won't be invited, unless . . . .
Texas is the wildcard. If Texas were ready to jump, that would bring the possiblity of adding Oklahoma for geographic and rivalry purposes. On the other hand, Texas joining the B1G seems to be a pipe dream for the foreseeable future.
I'm not trying to defend Brady, but have wondered many times how much of that kind of stuff was forced onto him the current toysrus ceo.
They started 5-2 playing mostly cupcakes, and ended 6-6, and then beat New Mexico in a bowl game. He was almost run out of there this year by the fans the last half of the season, and no one showed for their games the last half of the season. They had a great year in 2014, going 10-4, and 7-2 in the PAC. But in 11 and 12 they won onlyk 4 conference games, and in 15 only 3. Their defense was nearly last in total and scoring defense last year. Maybe somebody will offer him a position back home, but I'd guess his long term trajactory there after four years is on a serious downswing.
The best answer is Rich Rodriguez. (I understand he might not have qualified, technically, but since he has proven to be a pretty damn good offensive coordinator, and an epic failure as a head coach anywhere other than West Virginia, I would have nominated him anyway).
Otherwise, I would have voted for every defensive assistant Rodriguez brought with him from West Virginia (though none of them appeared to be very qualified then, we at least believed in RR when he was hired -- or at least I did).
Here's the money quote:
Tuberville, who had previous head coaching stops at Ole Miss, Auburn and Texas Tech, said he remembers when the SEC banned satellite camps and it was because coaches were spending too much time away from their families.
So, don't go. Nothing says you must. Send your assistants. Take your family. You're making $4M/year, put them up in a nice place and have a nice dinner with them after you're done if you go.
I appreciate that Beilein would like a taller player to fill Dawkins position as a first priority, one that can play well on defense. However, unless we can get someone guarenteed to perform well in that role I would really like to see Spike back. Kid has contributed a lot to the program, and is a very nice player, who can fill the one and two very well. Senior leadership and guts go along way to the character of the team, something he would bring, and was sorely lacking this year, in my opinion.
Yeah, but is he saying Sankey is a talented magician?
Or is he suggesting the magician is prompting the SEC conference chair to talk overtly about protecting SEC recruiting turf on the one hand, while exposing the hypocrisy of the conference's recruiting "incentives" on the other?
It's hard to complain about alleged advantages in recruiting arising from a spring schedule beneficial to Michigan's players when your schools are delivering cash in bags to recruits!
Remember this year the emphasis made on playing The Game later in the day by Woodson. It is VERY likely it will be played at 3:30 regularly in the coming years.
Who is that, Funk's wife?
Signed, James Franklin.
I couldn't get on this morning, and purposefully avoided the site all day (until now). Instead I followed on the livestream, twitter, and victors boards, fyi.
I wonder how many recruits that have committed to Ole Miss will be reevaluating in light of the recent violations uncovered involving David Saunders?
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/10/12/wayne-…
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/10/12/wayne-…
if the students had both sides of lower bowl, they would come.
I will nominate myself to speak on behalf of the hundreds of readers and occasional posters that would, seriously, be delighted if your posting were reduced by about 97.4 percent. I see your stuff here incessently. Maybe once out of 30 times is it germane, funny, or interesting. I appreciate that you were given a thousand million points or something for Brandon-gate, but, geez, man, a lot us have grown tired of the schtick.
Marsupial Monday is most definitely not useless.
I have appreciated