I was at the 1998 Rose Bowl with my oldest son and my Dad, and I remember well the interception by Woodson to seal the win. I took my family earlier that year to the Michigan picture day with the team down on the field before the season was set to kick off (August), as I was back for my 20 year high school reunion. The highlight was my daughter sneaking under the roped off area to get Tai Streets autograph. Have to say though I enjoyed this year’s national championship above the 1998 Rose Bowl, but cherish the fact I got to experience both. As for my ultimate Michigan football memory, nothing tops the 1969 upset win that I experienced with my Dad at the stadium as a very young kid - a memory that has lasted a lifetime. Go Blue!
If the shotgun gives the QB more opportunity to view the defensive set up, why not have the QB start out in shotgun, call the explosive run play and then quickly get up under center to run the play? Seems like it solves the reading of the defense with the ability to run the explosive play?
One other observation I noticed. During a timeout in the second half the cameras zoomed in on the OSU sideline huddle and Cade Stover was ripping into his teammates while Day stood to the side. My immediate impression was that Day had lost control of his team. I could envision that scene with Harbaugh or Moore.
Why not place him on administrative leave until the investigation is complete? That would have been the correct thing to do. They had to have known this was going to become public no matter the effort to preserve confidentiality.
I am looking forward to seeing these offensive lines trying to stop Graham, Grant and Benny and Jenkins. I think our LBs will be buying a few steak dinners for those guys!
Great write-up Alex. This game was during my time at Michigan and I remember it very well. The game may have been dull compared to the modern era, but another way of looking at it was that you never knew which possession would lead to touchdown that would cement the win. Michigan (and all the teams of that era) was never going to score 28 points in the final quarter to finish a game with a heroic comeback so most games against the top tier schools were always close. It was all about who would create a 10 or 14 point cushion heading into the final quarter. Every possession had potential to ice the game. I also remember the Ralph Clayton catch from Ricky Leach - that iced the game. In my excitement I kicked the beer held by my college roommate (elementary school buddies) and splashed it in his face - we are still good friends to this day!
Love the format and narrative content Alex. My only suggestion would be a bit more technical detail on Michigan offensive and defensive alignments - I would be interested in how they compare to Harbaugh’s schemes. I was at the game (flew in from LA) and remember the cold very well. I woke up the next day with the worst sore throat I have ever had to this day. The win made the return flight home more tolerable though.
JJ also threw a rope of a pass while facing an all out blitz on a sideline route to Cornelius Johnson that only a rare few QBs can do. That was an elite NFL throw. Look forward to this year’s OSU game!
Alex, I would recommend the Notre Dame games during the Rick Leach era (1977-79) and John Wangler’s season in 1980. Leach and Wangler were the first true passing quarterbacks under Bo (though Rick Leach was dual threat) and that time period reflected the power of what having both a passing game and running game meant in terms of dominating the competition with superior talent. Very similar to the debate in the current day where we want to see JJ unleash his passing prowess.
I see it the same way. One constant during the Dantonio years and continuing under Tuck Comin is the egregious number of personal fouls when they played us. That is coaching and it is intended to hurt players. They sow what they reap - they gave up on character and class a while ago. That is what is special about playing Ohio State. It is always a hard fought game with some after the whistle shenanigans, but there is always mutual respect.
As I see it, this gives Justin Fields one more year before the Bears consider pulling the plug. He is a mobile, fast QB but passing efficiency is sub par. Bears should have options to replace him in next year’s draft given this trade.
I was 10 years old and at the 69 game with my dad. It is still a vivid memory with me, especially when the fans rushed the field. That will always be number 1 in my book due to OSU being number 1 and most giving us no chance. Today’s win was a very close third surpassed only by 69 and last year’s game (which I attended as well). I am now spending time on 11Warriors site to soak in the spoils of victory. Go Blue!!
Excellent breakdown as always Alex. One point of disagreement though. I am not sold at all on CJ as a top ten pick for the reason you kept coming back to in your assessment of his play. He does not handle pressure well and his accuracy declines and he his decision making slows as well. He reminds me of Dwayne Haskins, who also struggled in the NFL but could through a beautiful spiral when having 4-5 seconds to throw at OSU. I would not be surprised to see him slip to second round.
I also think that will be the story on Saturday - make him process confusing defensive alignments and watch our DL (Graham, Smith, Jenkins & co.,) push the pocket into him and I predict good things for the good guys! Go Blue.
Always appreciate the analysis Seth - really educational! One question though. Joel kept harping on how Iowa was successfully executing the zone spread running game by stretching outside the tight end and Iowa picked up some decent gains. Is that a defensive line issue or should the linebackers be filling the gap to shut that down? I see other teams exploiting this when they play us.
Touring the Ring of Kerry in Ireland during the day and frequently checking the score on my ESPN app beginning at 5 PM local time. Slianta and Go Blue!
There is definitely a different vibe with the defense this year. At times in the past we would play down to the level of the competition. Not this year - they are flat out against the O line and flying everywhere. I do not see us letting up.
I’m glad you highlighted the 7 yard deep out pass by JJ. That caught my eye as the difference in passing between McNamara and JJ. Even though the pass was slightly behind the receiver, JJ’s deep throws have some real zip which makes it hard for the DBs to lay off or cheat to cut the route. He also displayed a nice touch on the dump pass to Stokes. He is a dynamic QB.
As always, informative and thoughtful analysis. My take is PSU ahead of NB. OSU ahead of MSU. Iowa number 2 and UofM #1. I think Mazi is a beast (certainly better than Slade) and excellent athletes overall on the Michigan line in Jenkins, Morris and crew. I think the BTN guys were duly impressed too (though that should not be the barometer by which we judge).
Really like these write ups, and really looking forward to secondary.
Agree. If you are signing up for the first time they should give you one year at 54.99. You can cancel without penalty after the football season ends. I had Hulu previously and had problems with interrupted streaming. YTTV has worked fine.
I am a Michigan grad, season ticket holder and lived in the LA area for over 30 years. A colleague of mine is former OU Ducks player and doesn’t see the Ducks joining the B1G Ten. I think we are done at USC and UCLA. We capture the LA media market which is a huge value driver for next TV contract. Rest of the Pac 12 schools would be dilutive from a revenue sharing perspective.
Seth, thank you for a sober assessment of the events since the season ended. I have always been a Harbaugh supporter, even through the last few years, and I never doubted his love for the U of M. I have to admit I have been disappointed with how this has played out these past few weeks. I will treasure the 2021 season, but not sure how the next few seasons will unfold. I hope the next head coach wants to create a legacy at our great University - I thought that was JH’s mindset until a few weeks ago.
I am wondering if the next step in adapting to the NIL money is for Universities to offer certain student athletes NIL money with the proviso that in lieu of a scholarship they would have to cover tuition (this would likely apply to high 4* and 5*). Universities would then preserve scholarships for low 4* or 3* that would result in more optimal use of scholarships within the 85 scholarship limit? In essence the high value NIL players become PWOs.
Also keep in mind that his brother John was instrumental in bringing Mike McDonald to Michigan and listed as reasons his love for his brother and Michigan. Much like Aidan, JH wants to leave a great legacy at Michigan and he is well on his way. He was the right hire for Michigan and I have never wavered from that view. Just as he said at his news conference after the beat down of Ohio State, it feels like a beginning….
Hey Justin, my dad took me to the 1969 OSU game and I was 10 years old at the time. I still remember the fans rushing the field as the clock hit zero. I didn’t fully appreciate how big an upset that was at the time, and that it would usher in the 10 year war with Bo and Woody. It was a thrill that has stayed with me since and I hope this Saturday’s game results in similar memories for your sons. Go Blue!
Seth, it seemed on that pop pass TD to Roman Wilson that Cornelius J was running the same route from the opposite side and brought his coverage guy dangerously close to Roman. I thought that was an incorrect route by CJ. Was that actually the way the play was designed?
Very timely as I just had crock pot chuck roast last night. I bet this is just as delicious if you skip the layered sweet roll build up (though it looked mouthwatering as well!) and pack the shredded chuck roast into a French or sourdough roll (with the Havarti cheese of course) and use the braised au jus juices as a French dip option. May save a few calories along the way but who cares. You have come up with some great tailgate recipes this past few weeks - thanks!
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That cover may explain SI’s demise….
I was at the 1998 Rose Bowl with my oldest son and my Dad, and I remember well the interception by Woodson to seal the win. I took my family earlier that year to the Michigan picture day with the team down on the field before the season was set to kick off (August), as I was back for my 20 year high school reunion. The highlight was my daughter sneaking under the roped off area to get Tai Streets autograph. Have to say though I enjoyed this year’s national championship above the 1998 Rose Bowl, but cherish the fact I got to experience both. As for my ultimate Michigan football memory, nothing tops the 1969 upset win that I experienced with my Dad at the stadium as a very young kid - a memory that has lasted a lifetime. Go Blue!
If the shotgun gives…
Seth,
If the shotgun gives the QB more opportunity to view the defensive set up, why not have the QB start out in shotgun, call the explosive run play and then quickly get up under center to run the play? Seems like it solves the reading of the defense with the ability to run the explosive play?
One other observation I noticed. During a timeout in the second half the cameras zoomed in on the OSU sideline huddle and Cade Stover was ripping into his teammates while Day stood to the side. My immediate impression was that Day had lost control of his team. I could envision that scene with Harbaugh or Moore.
OSU will be number 6 by 4 PM eastern on 11/25. More motivation for the good guys and still something to prove. Go Blue!
Marvin Harrison
Time for two tight end sets and passes to our tight ends.
November will be the gauntlet for us so glad to see the rotation.
I think Bredeson is going to do very well under UFR…
And to think DiNardo ranked Michigan 3rd among his top three B1G teams today…at least Howard Griffith knows football…
Wow! NFL throw
Right on cue!
Beautiful route and pinpoint throw. Let’s get another one before the half
He is ranked right about where OSU will be ranked after they lose to ND…
Why not place him on administrative leave until the investigation is complete? That would have been the correct thing to do. They had to have known this was going to become public no matter the effort to preserve confidentiality.
My key takeaway: Our DL is going to have a monster year!
I am looking forward to seeing these offensive lines trying to stop Graham, Grant and Benny and Jenkins. I think our LBs will be buying a few steak dinners for those guys!
Great write-up Alex. This game was during my time at Michigan and I remember it very well. The game may have been dull compared to the modern era, but another way of looking at it was that you never knew which possession would lead to touchdown that would cement the win. Michigan (and all the teams of that era) was never going to score 28 points in the final quarter to finish a game with a heroic comeback so most games against the top tier schools were always close. It was all about who would create a 10 or 14 point cushion heading into the final quarter. Every possession had potential to ice the game. I also remember the Ralph Clayton catch from Ricky Leach - that iced the game. In my excitement I kicked the beer held by my college roommate (elementary school buddies) and splashed it in his face - we are still good friends to this day!
Love the format and narrative content Alex. My only suggestion would be a bit more technical detail on Michigan offensive and defensive alignments - I would be interested in how they compare to Harbaugh’s schemes. I was at the game (flew in from LA) and remember the cold very well. I woke up the next day with the worst sore throat I have ever had to this day. The win made the return flight home more tolerable though.
JJ also threw a rope of a pass while facing an all out blitz on a sideline route to Cornelius Johnson that only a rare few QBs can do. That was an elite NFL throw. Look forward to this year’s OSU game!
Alex, I would recommend the Notre Dame games during the Rick Leach era (1977-79) and John Wangler’s season in 1980. Leach and Wangler were the first true passing quarterbacks under Bo (though Rick Leach was dual threat) and that time period reflected the power of what having both a passing game and running game meant in terms of dominating the competition with superior talent. Very similar to the debate in the current day where we want to see JJ unleash his passing prowess.
I see it the same way. One constant during the Dantonio years and continuing under Tuck Comin is the egregious number of personal fouls when they played us. That is coaching and it is intended to hurt players. They sow what they reap - they gave up on character and class a while ago. That is what is special about playing Ohio State. It is always a hard fought game with some after the whistle shenanigans, but there is always mutual respect.
As I see it, this gives Justin Fields one more year before the Bears consider pulling the plug. He is a mobile, fast QB but passing efficiency is sub par. Bears should have options to replace him in next year’s draft given this trade.
May have been 1989. That was the last blizzard warning issued for SoCal area.
I was 10 years old and at the 69 game with my dad. It is still a vivid memory with me, especially when the fans rushed the field. That will always be number 1 in my book due to OSU being number 1 and most giving us no chance. Today’s win was a very close third surpassed only by 69 and last year’s game (which I attended as well). I am now spending time on 11Warriors site to soak in the spoils of victory. Go Blue!!
Excellent breakdown as always Alex. One point of disagreement though. I am not sold at all on CJ as a top ten pick for the reason you kept coming back to in your assessment of his play. He does not handle pressure well and his accuracy declines and he his decision making slows as well. He reminds me of Dwayne Haskins, who also struggled in the NFL but could through a beautiful spiral when having 4-5 seconds to throw at OSU. I would not be surprised to see him slip to second round.
I also think that will be the story on Saturday - make him process confusing defensive alignments and watch our DL (Graham, Smith, Jenkins & co.,) push the pocket into him and I predict good things for the good guys! Go Blue.
Always appreciate the analysis Seth - really educational! One question though. Joel kept harping on how Iowa was successfully executing the zone spread running game by stretching outside the tight end and Iowa picked up some decent gains. Is that a defensive line issue or should the linebackers be filling the gap to shut that down? I see other teams exploiting this when they play us.
That was a five star throw!
Touring the Ring of Kerry in Ireland during the day and frequently checking the score on my ESPN app beginning at 5 PM local time. Slianta and Go Blue!
There is definitely a different vibe with the defense this year. At times in the past we would play down to the level of the competition. Not this year - they are flat out against the O line and flying everywhere. I do not see us letting up.
Rick Leach. Started as a freshman and excelled at running the option and passing.
I’m glad you highlighted the 7 yard deep out pass by JJ. That caught my eye as the difference in passing between McNamara and JJ. Even though the pass was slightly behind the receiver, JJ’s deep throws have some real zip which makes it hard for the DBs to lay off or cheat to cut the route. He also displayed a nice touch on the dump pass to Stokes. He is a dynamic QB.
Good call on the SonicCare toothbrush. I love mine though I spent all of 5 minutes deciding. Agree with your call on the score. Go Blue!
As always, informative and thoughtful analysis. My take is PSU ahead of NB. OSU ahead of MSU. Iowa number 2 and UofM #1. I think Mazi is a beast (certainly better than Slade) and excellent athletes overall on the Michigan line in Jenkins, Morris and crew. I think the BTN guys were duly impressed too (though that should not be the barometer by which we judge).
Really like these write ups, and really looking forward to secondary.
Agree. If you are signing up for the first time they should give you one year at 54.99. You can cancel without penalty after the football season ends. I had Hulu previously and had problems with interrupted streaming. YTTV has worked fine.
I would rank Clifford over Thorne. Thorne benefitted from Walker at RB last year. I think his production drops this year
I am a Michigan grad, season ticket holder and lived in the LA area for over 30 years. A colleague of mine is former OU Ducks player and doesn’t see the Ducks joining the B1G Ten. I think we are done at USC and UCLA. We capture the LA media market which is a huge value driver for next TV contract. Rest of the Pac 12 schools would be dilutive from a revenue sharing perspective.
Seth, thank you for a sober assessment of the events since the season ended. I have always been a Harbaugh supporter, even through the last few years, and I never doubted his love for the U of M. I have to admit I have been disappointed with how this has played out these past few weeks. I will treasure the 2021 season, but not sure how the next few seasons will unfold. I hope the next head coach wants to create a legacy at our great University - I thought that was JH’s mindset until a few weeks ago.
I am wondering if the next step in adapting to the NIL money is for Universities to offer certain student athletes NIL money with the proviso that in lieu of a scholarship they would have to cover tuition (this would likely apply to high 4* and 5*). Universities would then preserve scholarships for low 4* or 3* that would result in more optimal use of scholarships within the 85 scholarship limit? In essence the high value NIL players become PWOs.
Didn’t Craig Krentzel, OSUs 2002 national championship QB have a brief stint with the Bears?
Also keep in mind that his brother John was instrumental in bringing Mike McDonald to Michigan and listed as reasons his love for his brother and Michigan. Much like Aidan, JH wants to leave a great legacy at Michigan and he is well on his way. He was the right hire for Michigan and I have never wavered from that view. Just as he said at his news conference after the beat down of Ohio State, it feels like a beginning….
Hey Justin, my dad took me to the 1969 OSU game and I was 10 years old at the time. I still remember the fans rushing the field as the clock hit zero. I didn’t fully appreciate how big an upset that was at the time, and that it would usher in the 10 year war with Bo and Woody. It was a thrill that has stayed with me since and I hope this Saturday’s game results in similar memories for your sons. Go Blue!
Seth, it seemed on that pop pass TD to Roman Wilson that Cornelius J was running the same route from the opposite side and brought his coverage guy dangerously close to Roman. I thought that was an incorrect route by CJ. Was that actually the way the play was designed?
Very timely as I just had crock pot chuck roast last night. I bet this is just as delicious if you skip the layered sweet roll build up (though it looked mouthwatering as well!) and pack the shredded chuck roast into a French or sourdough roll (with the Havarti cheese of course) and use the braised au jus juices as a French dip option. May save a few calories along the way but who cares. You have come up with some great tailgate recipes this past few weeks - thanks!
I think they drop behind MSU who basically won with a defensive score today.
Whew, that just sneaked in between posts. Good kicks under pressure so far
Whew, that just sneaked in between posts. Good kicks under pressure so far
Whew, that just sneaked in between posts. Good kicks under pressure so far
Whew, that just sneaked in between posts. Good kicks under pressure so far
Whew, that just sneaked in between posts. Good kicks under pressure so far