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Date Title Body
Coach Hart will get his head…

Coach Hart will get his head coaching job some day (perhaps soon) and it will be better than IU.  In the meantime, I am excited that he will be coaching for our team.  He is a great coach and individual.

 

23-20 Michigan

23-20 Michigan

A couple of comments to an…

A couple of comments to an interesting post.

First, I ran track at UM.  We had a dual meet in State College in the spring of 1972.  We started at 11 AM and the spring football scrimmage followed at about 1 PM.  So, the fans were streaming in as we finished the last running events.  The stadium had 2, very high metal bleachers on the sides and nothing in the end zones like a huge high school stadium  So, the stadium configuration that you describe was post 1972.

Second, my wife and I rented a VRBO in Annaplolis for a week about a year and a half ago. A lot of people in the neighborhood were PSU alums.  They were all nice folks and were fun to talk with about Big Ten football.   They liked Franklin even while admitting that he is not a good game coach. One thing they appreciated about Franklin was the program's graduation rates.  Otherwise they were hoping he'd start beating us and OSU.

 

Schiano is such a putz!  He…

Schiano is such a putz!  He always wanted to return to Penn State, but never got the chance.  He turned down the Michigan job to stay at Rutgers. He went to the NFL, which was disastrous for his career and ego.  Now back at Rutgers he is so focused upon trying to be relevant by getting a bid to the Pinstripe Bowl, he again shows what a putz he is.  The gulf between Rutgers and the best teams in the East remains vast.  When he gets a chance to prove differently (like last week when he settled for 3 field goals when in the red zone against Ohio State) he opts to try to lose y a small margin but gets his team killed anyway. Why he thought that helping Purdue beat Michigan last year was good for Rutgers would take a twisted mind to figure out.

Now he doesn't have the guts to even answer questions about how he may have violated the same rule he claims that Michigan is alleged to have broken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will be there, for my 55th…

I will be there, for my 55th consecutive U of M v. MSU game (excluding, of course, the COVID year).

I am against any proposed…

I am against any proposed scoreboard which does not provide a section displaying the scores of all BIG TEN and top 20 games constantly.  At present, the display of any scores is entirely composed of the scores of BIG TEN games at halftime and one score of the Slippery Rock game at the time of the display.  In other words, all of the attendees at every Michigan home game.are effectively subject to a score blackout of all other games about which Michigan fans have an interest.  The  Slippery Rock score, a 6-decade joke, only makes it worse (as does the MSU scoreboard which periodically throughout a game shows other relevant scores).  

In the Rich Rod era, I could understand the blackout--U of M wasn't sufficiently competetive to justify showing other scores.  But, on the heels of a Big Ten championship and appearance in the CFP, a full, periodically updated set of scores is entirely justifiable.

Michigan 63-10

 

Michigan 63-10

 

West Quad, South Quad and…

West Quad, South Quad and Law Quad

 

Yesterday I was denied…

Yesterday I was denied admission to the Museum because of (1) higher COVID numbers and (2) the presence on campus of sports camps from pre-college kids.

I would call the Athletic Department to determine whether the Museum is open to the public that day.

 

 

When I was younger, Stan…

When I was younger, Stan Washington was one of my very favorite players.  He was 6' 3" , a ferocious rebounder and fine player.  My deepest sympathy to Saddi and his family.  I am sure that he made his dad proud of him throughtout his playing and coaching careers at Lansing Sexton, Western Michigan, Oakland and U of M.    

 

I took 3 classes from Prof…

I took 3 classes from Prof. Kamisar--criminal law, criminal procedure and constitutional law.  He was challenging, argumentative, animated and never dull.  HIs personal experience in the Miranda case, and in cases involving the separation of church and state set him apart from many of my more academic professors.  He was also the co-author of the leading textbook on criminal procedure.  After law school, he was engaging, interesting and fun to speak with.  For 5 years I was an assistant prosecutor and because of him I was respectul (as some of my colleagues were not) of the criminal rights advances that Kamisar defended.  Rest in peace, Yale, and thanks.

Co-coordinators:  Clinkscale…

Co-coordinators:  Clinkscale and Elston.

 

You are forgetting Jordan…

You are forgetting Jordan Kovacs, defensive analyst for the Bengals.

 

You are forgetting Jordan…

You are forgetting Jordan Kovacs, defensive analyst for the Bengals.

 

I am an attorney in Ingham…

I am an attorney in Ingham County and former prosecutor.  On the face of it, this is a sweetheart deal that the normal citizen would not get.  Intead, a typical plea deal for a .14 blood alcohol level (the limit is .08) operating while intoxicated (OWI) would be "operating while visibly impaired" and probation. The difference between impaired operation and reckless driving is that a second conviction for OWI or impaired driving brings enhanced penalties and reckless driving.  The more things change in East Lansing the more they stay the same.

 

I am an attorney in Ingham…

I am an attorney in Ingham County and former prosecutor.  On the face of it, this is a sweetheart deal that the normal citizen would not get.  Intead, a typical plea deal for a .14 blood alcohol level (the limit is .08) operating while intoxicated (OWI) would be "operating while visibly impaired" and probation. The difference between impaired operation and reckless driving is that a second conviction for OWI or impaired driving brings enhanced penalties and reckless driving.  The more things change in East Lansing the more they stay the same.

 

I am an attorney in Ingham…

I am an attorney in Ingham County and former prosecutor.  On the face of it, this is a sweetheart deal that the normal citizen would not get.  Intead, a typical plea deal for a .14 blood alcohol level (the limit is .08) operating while intoxicated (OWI) would be "operating while visibly impaired" and probation. The difference between impaired operation and reckless driving is that a second conviction for OWI or impaired driving brings enhanced penalties and reckless driving.  The more things change in East Lansing the more they stay the same.

 

I am an attorney in Ingham…

I am an attorney in Ingham County and former prosecutor.  On the face of it, this is a sweetheart deal that the normal citizen would not get.  Intead, a typical plea deal for a .14 blood alcohol level (the limit is .08) operating while intoxicated (OWI) would be "operating while visibly impaired" and probation. The difference between impaired operation and reckless driving is that a second conviction for OWI or impaired driving brings enhanced penalties and reckless driving.  The more things change in East Lansing the more they stay the same.

 

1987 MSU game in East…

1987 MSU game in East Lansing.  Even though we were totally outplayed  the first half,  we played our way back into the game in the second.  Another Demetrius Brown interception (his 5th?) late in the game sealed our fate as we had a receiver behind the MSU defense on the play.  The Spartan fans were brutal on  the way back to our car.  Several MSU coeds ran up to my wife and I and flipped us the "bird" only inches from our faces, accompanied by "f**k Michigan".  Then, we walked past a fraternity house where, on the roof, a few dozen MSU students rained down expletives on us as we walked by on the sidewalk.  MY wife has refused to attend the game in East Lansing ever since, even though she grew up on 3/4 mile from Spartan Stadium herself.

 

 

1987 MSU game in East…

1987 MSU game in East Lansing.  Even though we were totally outplayed  the first half,  we played our way back into the game in the second.  Another Demetrius Brown interception (his 5th?) late in the game sealed our fate as we had a receiver behind the MSU defense on the play.  The Spartan fans were brutal on  the way back to our car.  Several MSU coeds ran up to my wife and I and flipped us the "bird" only inches from our faces, accompanied by "f**k Michigan".  Then, we walked past a fraternity house where, on the roof, a few dozen MSU students rained down expletives on us as we walked by on the sidewalk.  MY wife has refused to attend the game in East Lansing ever since, even though she grew up on 3/4 mile from Spartan Stadium herself.

 

 

I was 10 years old and a…

I was 10 years old and a fanatic sports fan.  My dad had taken me to a Tigers game and a Red Wings game, but I had never been to a college game in any sport.  Nobody in my family had attended college. But, in the fall of 1960, my father's boss gave him 4 tickets to a U of M football game.  My parents, my brother and I went to the game against Northwestern. The Wildcats were coached by Ara Parseghian and perhaps its best player was Irv Cross.

The game was played in a downpour and the Michigan Stadium field was a sloppy mess.  The Wolverines won the game 14-7 and I still envision just one outstanding play from the game.  In their attempt to catch up to the Wolverines, the Wildcats threw a long pass (I looked it up recently and it was only 27 yards) which Cross caught while laid out.  He hit the ground and slid a few yards.  

Every time I saw Cross as a broadcaster thereafter, I remembered the play.  And I not only appreciated that catch, but the gracious, well-spoken way he spoke for the many years he was a broadcaster.  He was always a class act.

And, my experience at that game caused me to fall in love with the pagentry and skill of college football.  I have attended an additional 414 college football games since then--378 played by Michigan.  I cannot wait for the next one and I will remember Irv Cross' catch all over again when I do.

 

Great to see Shawn doing a…

Great to see Shawn doing a great job this recruiting season.  I have always believed that he blossom into a great recruiter and coach.

I think that Jay Harbaugh…

I think that Jay Harbaugh deserves a lot of credit for his coaching of the running backs and his willingness to step aside to accommodate a new RB coach going forward.  I think Jay will do a great job with special teams.

As for Mike Hart, he is one of my favorite Michigan players of all-time (the others are Charles and Jim) due to his tenacious determination to succeed.  That, and his success with less talented players at Indiana, makes this a great choice for me.

I think that Jay Harbaugh…

I think that Jay Harbaugh deserves a lot of credit for his coaching of the running backs and his willingness to step aside to accommodate a new RB coach going forward.  I think Jay will do a great job with special teams.

As for Mike Hart, he is one of my favorite Michigan players of all-time (the others are Charles and Jim) due to his tenacious determination to succeed.  That, and his success with less talented players at Indiana, makes this a great choice for me.

I think that Jay Harbaugh…

I think that Jay Harbaugh deserves a lot of credit for his coaching of the running backs and his willingness to step aside to accommodate a new RB coach going forward.  I think Jay will do a great job with special teams.

As for Mike Hart, he is one of my favorite Michigan players of all-time (the others are Charles and Jim) due to his tenacious determination to succeed.  That, and his success with less talented players at Indiana, makes this a great choice for me.

Indiana 34-23. Ugh!

Indiana 34-23. Ugh!

 

I couldn'st agree more…

 

I couldn'st agree more. Remember when Wilto Speight's first pass was intercepted.  When he went to the sidline, Jim told him a joke.  The next snap Michigan had in the game, Wilton took it.  

 

 

I couldn'st agree more…

 

I couldn'st agree more. Remember when Wilto Speight's first pass was intercepted.  When he went to the sidline, Jim told him a joke.  The next snap Michigan had in the game, Wilton took it.  

 

The Huskers should be…

The Huskers should be immediately terminated as a member of the Big 10.  You can either be a member of an organization or not.  Once the Huskers make such a decision, their rights to their $50 million per year share of the Big Ten Network revenue should immediately cease.  And, more importantly for the worst academically rated university in the conference, all academic ties between Nebraska and the other Big 10 schools should be severed. 

There are other schools in this country that might be a good fit, and are academically and athletically adequate to be members of the Big 10.  If not, the Big 10 can survive with only 13 schools sharing the profits of the Big Ten Network.

 

I have seen Andrel play live…

I have seen Andrel play live about 6 times beginning in his sophomore year.  I have been impressed with his ability to get open, his yards after catch and his ability to make big plays in big situations.  He comes from a good family and he wanted to come to Ann Arbor.  These are all indicators that he will be a good contributor.  Living in East Lansing, as I do, this is a big loss for MSU which seems to be struggling mightily.  That is what happens when your long-time head coach is caught cheating and lying, and then holds on so he can get a bonus no matter how he harms the program.  

 

Without a doubt I would…

Without a doubt I would attend the game.  I have attended the past 52 home openers.

 

Without a doubt I would…

Without a doubt I would attend the game.  I have attended the past 52 home openers.

 

I was 6 years old when my…

I was 6 years old when my Dad took my brother and me to Briggs Stadium for the first time to see the Tigers. It was September and the Tigers were playing the White Sox.  Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox and Minnie Minoso played for the Sox.  Like every other kid in the Detroit area, Al Kaline was my favorite.

I got a big surprise when we walked from underneath the stadium toward our seats in the upper deck down the third base line--the game was in color.  I had only seen games on our small black and white television.  The grass was so green that I can still remember how it looked.

The game was tied, 2-2 in the top of the ninth inning.  Minnie Minosa was on second with 2 outs.  The Sox hitter hit a line drive into left center field, and the fleet-footed Minoso rounded third and headed home.  The Tiger left fielder fielded the ball cleanly and threw a strike to the plate.  Minoso made a great hook slide, and it appeared that he had avoided the tag and touched home plate.  After a few moments, the home plate umpire called Minoso out.  Minoso and the White Sox manager surrounded the umpire, arguing vociferously that Minoso had scored to give the White Sox the lead.  But, the ump then walked over to home and pointed to the ground.  In the dirt on the dugout side of the plate the path of Minoso's slide was clearly marked.  It showed without much doubt that Minoso's foot had missed home plate by inches and the seemingly late tag on Minoso's arm had ended that half of the inning.

The Tigers did not score in the bottom of the ninth. The White Sox failed to score in the top of the tenth, too.  Leading off the bottom of the tenth was Kaline.  What happened then was everything I could have hoped for.  Kaline sent a line drive to left center which cleared the wire above the wall by just a few feet.  Game over, Tigers win 3-2.  And, I will have never forget that moment.

When Bilas mentioned that…

When Bilas mentioned that the Terrapins were in trouble because State players were slapping the floor, I never thought the magic karma Michigan always got when the Spartans did that in our games would reappear today.  But, the Spartans proved me wrong and I really enjoyed the last 3 minutes of the game.

 

DPJ could use a complete…

DPJ could use a complete game where he doesn't drop an important pass.  Tariq needs a season where he is healthy and can show his talent.  Neither should think about going in the draft this year.

 

The underdog in these games,…

The underdog in these games, especially when it is State, often covers. Michigan 27-10 in my 52nd consecutive Michigan-MSU game. 

Let's make sure we give him…

Let's make sure we give him a standing ovation when he is introduced.

Let's hope not.  

Let's hope not.  

Why is Tim Tebow's opinion…

Why is Tim Tebow's opinion at all pertinent?  Beside that, we have no idea today what the final agreement will be before the California law takes effect. 

Further, while in the minority of programs which really do allow their athletes to pursue worthwhile degrees and give those athletes all the assistance necessary so that those athletes get such degrees, most programs force their athletes to take worthless classes just so that they can remain eligible.  When the careers of the latter athletes are finished (and 95+% do not have professional careers), many have largely worthless degrees.  The colleges and the NCAA executives have, on the other hand benefited substantially from the efforts of those athletes.

One example of the latter point: In one  XFL game a former Tennesse wide receiver was having a tremendous night. He had approximately 13-15 receptions.  The color man on the telecast was none other than Gov. Jesse Ventura.  Ventura complemented the XFL for giving the player a chance.  But, Ventura then blasted Tennessee by noting that the player's degree had earned him a wonderful job as a school custodian where he worked before being signed to play in the XFL.  The player was unable to make the NFL after the XFL folded.  

Michigan 24 Iowa 20

 

Michigan 24 Iowa 20

 

Season 2 starts today:  What…

Season 2 starts today:  What is past is past.  This team now starts to define itself, its character, its legacy.  

I was there as a sophomore…

I was there as a sophomore student.  There was a lot of  positive pre-game talk from the players in the dorm. Glenn Doughty had an 80-yard touchdown run in the second.  Michigan broke open a tight 14-7 game by outscoring Vandy 28-7 in the 4th quarter for a 42-14 victory.  

 

I had to leave the game at…

I had to leave the game at half last night and listened to the Michigan broadcast with Brandy and Dierdorf.  Although I like both of those guys, and it really hurts me to say this, their coverage last night was awful.  In addition to their usual shortcomings, they simply could not keep up with the pace of the offense.  They were still giving commentary on the previous play when a new play had started--and finished.  It was anybody's guess on what yard line the ball was on.  On McCaffrey's fumble near the goal line, I heard that he had fumbled, but whether he recovered it or MTSU had was not promptly mentioned. Then, Brandy said the ball went out of bounds at the 5.  Only after the next play was run did Doug Karsch mention the controversy caused by the fact that the ball had been spotted at the 7 yard line and not the 5 where Karsch, Brandy and Dierdorf all said it went out.  Let's hope they pick up the pace for the Army game.  In the meantime, you should probably not expect to rely on their play-by-play in lieu of the television broadcast.

Get a grip, folks.  Only…

Get a grip, folks.  Only cramps.  

41-7 Michigan.

41-7 Michigan.

Good.  For some time the…

Good.  For some time the benefits of this "series" have been one-sided in Notre Dame's favor.  

 

 

DPJ on a  pass from Shea to…

DPJ on a  pass from Shea to cap a 76 yard scoring drive in 5 plays.

 

Definitely a position player…

Definitely a position player who can hit for average and some power.  The minor league system is full of position players that cannot hit a lick.  It is incredible that the Tigers have such a bad minor league system.

 

Glad to hear that he has…

Glad to hear that he has recovered.  However, there is no reason that he should be a commentator for BTN.  

This is great news!!!  …

This is great news!!!   Sanderson is an elite member of the team. And, Juwan  was my favorite member of the Fab Five and I am excited for he and his family to come to Ann Arbor.