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Also, perhaps a leg up on…

Is this guy known to be a good recruiter?  If so, that would be a plus, assuming he had good relations in Ohio and elsewhere.

The middle logo in the "D2…

The middle logo in the "D2/GLIAC" block ... I think that's Michigan Tech? That one looks really nice.

NFL defenses are -- by…

NFL defenses are -- by definition -- "NFL talent" because every player is in the NFL.  I didn't say every player was top-flight.  But I'm fairly certain it can be said that the worst NFL defense is better than almost any college defense, for two reasons: (1) players in the NFL are the 'best of the best,' or they wouldn't be in the NFL; and (2) the players are more mature and experienced.

Martindale has been around those kinds of players for a long time.  The college game is different because of the disparity of available talent.  I'm not saying Martindale is inflexible, nor am I saying he's a problem, I simply said I hope he's good at working with cases where the talent pieces may not all be there.

My hope is that Martindale,…

My hope is that Martindale, after so many years in the NFL, understands that in the college game he won't have 11 players with NFL talent ... that he'll have some very good players and some good players, and that he has to take that into account.  I've always been impressed with coaches that alter their schemes to the talent they have, rather than expecting the talent to somehow elevate to the scheme.  Martindale may well understand all this ... I don't know ... which is why I say it is my hope.

You have cell service at all…

You have cell service at all?  I'm deep in a 'holler,' and there ain't no cell reception at all.

(Look at the cellular coverage maps, and the blob showing no coverage covers most of West Virginia.  They cover the cities and the interstates ... the hicks up the holler, less so. :-)

Half the year in Arizona,…

Half the year in Arizona, half the year in West Virginia.  But that didn't start until 2016.  I was full-time Arizona when this account was created.

My West Virginia situation…

My West Virginia situation is like yours ... DSL at the distance limit. I get about 5MB download. It's better than the Viasat satellite I had before, but not optimal. I *think* Starlink is finally available in the area. I may have to bite the bullet.

EDIT -- Just checked, and Starlink is available at my WV service address. If I lived 20 miles west, then not yet. $120/month plus the $600 equipment charge. My 5MB is reliable (enough) and is bundled with phone, which I have to keep because there's no cell coverage out there, for $70/month. Still pondering ...

A quote that Sherrone often…

A saying that Sherrone often makes is this: "I'm going to work you hard, but I'm going to love you harder."  Only someone truly sincere about that can make that statement and not have it sound superficial and silly.  By all accounts, he comes across as entirely sincere about that, and because of that his players and others buy into his passion and drive.

That's not a small thing.  That's the source of a team culture, and that's the foundation upon which the rest is built.  The cohesive team culture was probably worth a win or two last season, if not more.

The rest is planning and execution, and Sherrone has shown he's capable of that, if the Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State games are indicators.

I think expectations of the upcoming season should be tempered, but I think we will see good things, and Sherrone will show himself to be a fine HC for the program.

This is the thing that will,…

This is the thing that will, in retrospect in the years to come, be said about J.J. -- his knowledge of the game and the QB role, and his ability to read and understand a defense and know how to react, will set him apart.  His athletic attributes are enough to put him at the table; his football IQ is what makes him a great pick.

My sense is there's been a…

My sense is there's been a fair number of penalties called ... are the refs being particularly aggressive on calls, or are the teams just playing a bit sloppy?  I can't quite tell.

On that SF wide receiver pass to Christian McCaffrey ... McCaffrey has some wheels ... he shot to the endzone like a bullet.

 

Has a HC ever took an OC gig…

Has a HC ever took an OC gig before???

If memory serves, Rich Rodriguez came on as OC at Ole Miss after having been fired from Arizona.  I think he had a season of nothing, then got picked up by Ole Miss, and that lasted one year.

What's interesting about…

What's interesting about this idea is how that might change 2nd down and 3rd down decisions.  Going for it on 4th is a function of where you are on the field, so if you're pinned back in your territory you'd want to avoid that 4th-and-2 scenario if you'll be forced to go for it. So what might that do to 2nd-and-long, or 3rd-and-6 scenarios?  Swing passes, receiver screens, and running plays that come up a yard or two short are then a potential problem.

Plus, what would Iowa do with their 7-deep punter room?

Started following Michigan…

Started following Michigan in 1973.  I was 14, and my sister had entered U-M.  By 1975 she was bored with the football thing, so she gave her season tickets to me.  I attended every game in 1975 and 1976.  I vividly recall the 1975 Northwestern game, which Michigan won 69-0 ... it was a cold, wet, and glorious day for football.  And Harlan Huckleby rushed for something like 11.7 miles.

I understand it, Jedd Fisch…

As I understand it, Jedd Fisch never played football either.  I think some experience playing the game is helpful, but at the same time, I think people who were unusually successful at playing often make poor coaches.  The reason (my theory) is that they are naturally gifted athletically, and they often can't understand why lesser mortals can't do what they themselves found easy.  Exceptions exist, of course, but in general I think that's true. 

The same may be true of those who didn't play: their learning the game started with a blank sheet of paper (so to speak), and so they had to come to understand a lot early just to get started with the game, and they remember learning the basics, so they are better at teaching the basics.

I don't follow the NFL very…

I don't follow the NFL very closely at all, so I apologize for my ignorance here ... but a question: where's the NFL going in terms of offensive scheme and ideal QB model?  I know Mahomes is a very good QB, but what about him makes him great in today's game? And then: how well does J.J. McCarthy map to that type of QB for today's game?

I take your point, but that…

I take your point, but that got me thinking about the results, so I checked FCS from 2018 - 2023, and of those six years here's what I found (seeds and champion in bold):

2018 - #1 v #3

2019 - #1 v #2

2020 - #1 v #2

2021 - #2 v #8

2022 - #1 v #3

2023 - #1 v #2

So yeah, 16 teams, but at least for those six years, it was mostly the top two that made it through.

That's how I see it ... yeah, we can go to a 12-team playoff, but the hard truth is, beyond the top five or six, the rest don't really match up.

The notable team was Georgia…

The notable teams were Georgia and Ohio State, and this is based on "looks like a good team," rather than conference championship earned.

Sure ... there's nothing…

Sure ... there's nothing terribly unique about the NCAA.  Some kind of regulatory body is needed.  I doubt anyone wants a truly 'wild west' type environment.

A case could be made that the NCAA should be restored so a new organization was not needed.  I doubt the NCAA wants that, which is why we see the first stirrings of a B1G/SEC alignment.  I doubt it's a coincidence this comes shortly after the NCAA issued a notice of allegations against Tennessee.  I think the B1G and the SEC have grown weary of the NCAA.

Yesterday there was the…

Yesterday there was the forum post about the rumor that Ryan Grubb, the OC that followed DeBoer from Washington to Alabama, was going to leave the college ranks for the Seattle Seahawks.  I don't know if the rumor has any validity to it.

But it did make me wonder if we're witnessing a tipping point for college football coaching.  Maybe it's really getting to be a nightmare, and all else equal the good coaches are going to greener pastures ... that is, the NFL?

I would imagine they'd…

I would imagine they'd establish their own governance body, and the member schools would agree to abide by the established rules and defined enforcement policies.

Step by step we're moving to…

Step by step we're moving to a super-conference and the sidelining of the NCAA.

I'm not a lawyer, but my…

I'm not a lawyer, but my guess is a greater degree of separation will be necessary to insulate the university from liability as football (and maybe basketball) takes on a contract relationship between "team" and "player."  I don't see the players being "employees" but rather contracted to the team for the service of their athletic play.  But again ... I'm not a lawyer.

There's a part of me that…

There's a part of me that thinks the end game here is a splitting off of football and basketball from the university, making them separate legal and economic entities, and then forming a league of such entities, with players contracted to play.  Not all universities will do this, but the big-time programs will (eventually), and we'll have the "super-conference" alignment so many have spoken of.

Not alone ... I share some…

Not alone ... I share some of the same sentiments.

In addition, some percentage…

In addition, some percentage of the "conditioning culture" that existed in 2023 was due to players, notably Corum.  Well, now there's an opportunity for other players to step up and be that guy.  I can see Mason Graham and Donovan Edwards being two that could help fill that role.

My strong sense is the S&C aspect of the team is going to be okay.

It's Monday morning, and I'm…

It's Monday morning, and I'm avoiding other things, so I have time to muse and speculate ...

... I have heard that in the NFL it's a practice for some players to have their own trainers, and that the S&C coach on NFL teams is a lesser position.  I wonder if Harbaugh is looking to change the model, and to re-focus S&C so consistency of training and cultural impact can be enhanced?  It might explain Herbert's desire to move to the NFL: he gets to be part of what might become a transformational move in the league. 

Everything I've read and seen about Harbaugh's coaching style suggests he likes to change things down at the foundation level and build up from there.  Maybe that's what we're seeing here.

/end speculation and musing

The kid may have a lot more…

The kid may have a lot more growth left in him ... he may be one of those guys that peaks later. 

(When I was 18 I looked like I was 10 years old.  I was 5'8" in 12th grade.  By sophomore year in college I was 6'1" tall.)

Oh, and Howell is where I graduated back in 1977 ...

I spent 30+ years traveling…

I spent 30+ years traveling on business, and here's my advice to any young person starting a career where air travel is part of the job: move to an airport hub city.  Direct flights reduce the chances of travel problems significantly.

Also: if forced to have an itinerary with a layover and connection, schedule no less than 1.5 hours for that layover, with 2+ hours better still.  There are two exceptions to that rule: (1) if you don't have to be to your destination that day; or (2) you're really frickin' high on the airline's status hierarchy.  I've heard people say, "Oh well, I'll just get on the next flight."  Chances are you won't; chances are you might not even get a seat that day.  I had platinum on American and there were several times I didn't get to my destination until the next day, because there's a crap-ton of executive platinum people out there.  No status? Forget about it.

I seem to recall some talk…

I seem to recall some talk of Kirk Ferentz retiring after this season ... is that still a thing?  If so, any speculation as to who might replace him?

I have but a few things that…

I have but a few things that are so committed to my experiential memory that by merely recalling them I am transported there once more.  My first time in Michigan Stadium, in 1974, is one of those.  Like the author of that piece, I approached the stadium a little underwhelmed, but when I walked in and the stadium opened up like a grand cathedral, I was completely overwhelmed.  Sitting here typing this takes me back to that moment.

Thanks! In many ways, I'm…

Thanks! In many ways, I'm happy to read this.  I say that for two reasons:

  1. As others have noted, a diminished Ohio State program is not good for Michigan; a strong Ohio State compels us to be stronger, and it provides for a great rivalry tradition.
  2. One of the valuable aspects of team sports is the learning of valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, and doing one's best in the fact of obstacles and setbacks.  Harbaugh is a master at teaching this, and I would want every program to instill this in their players because it's good for the young men playing the game.

Sometimes the stars don't align for a victory.  I'm happy to read the young men on OSU fought hard.  It's a good thing.

I did not see the game, so I…

I did not see the game, so I wonder: did the Ohio State players seem motivated?  Or did they appear to view this game as a waste of their time?  It's a serious question because it gets to the underlying culture of the program.  If the OSU players showed up with the attitude of simply going through the motions, then it's an indicator of something amiss at the core of their culture.

How can a football fan look…

How can a football fan look at that chart and not look forward to this game? Stars and shields almost everywhere.  This could turn out to be a helluva game.

My childhood was of leg of…

My childhood was of leg of lamb for either Thanksgiving or Christmas, as my father did not like turkey. I came to love lamb.  I don't have it much, but when I do, it's a treat.

It's just the wife and me,…

It's just the wife and me, so nothing too elaborate ...

... but that said, the other day user "Ray" posted a link to a Butter Chicken recipe (comment link), so I went to an Indian grocery and bought garam masala, curry, and red pepper chili and made it.

Oh my goodness, it's delicious.  I made the stove-top variant, rather than the InstantPot process. 

So tonight it's leftovers, which for me is a very good thing.  I love leftovers, especially for dishes like that because the flavors have had time to really meld.

The culture factor is what…

The culture factor is what intrigues me the most.  They -- coaches and players -- have crafted a camaraderie and work ethic combination unlike any I've seen.  That's a powerfully attractive thing for a certain type of player.

Thanks!!

Thanks!!

I agree! Seriously ... I've…

I agree! Seriously ... I've been impressed with Alex's analysis, writing, and on-air abilities.  He has a rare set of qualities for someone as relatively young as he is.  He has a promising future ahead of himself. 

I also have a great curry…

I also have a great curry recipe that is a big hit with my family.

Would you consider posting it here? Please? :-)

I'm a bit surprised the…

I'm a bit surprised the InstantPot was banished.  I get not having it on the countertop full time, because it does take up countertop real estate.  Mine moves into the kitchen and back to the garage on a frequent basis.  I use it for soups and stews, and I find the pressure/heat really makes herbs and spices "open up" in those recipes.  Stew meat reduces to fork-tender in about 40 minutes.  Also: it's really handy for making rice (pot-in-pot, which reduces cleanup), and hard-boiled eggs (7 minutes and shells come off easily). 

There are no rules, and I…

There are no rules, and I suspect everyone is afraid to try to codify things for three reasons: (1) lawsuits; (2) no matter what's written down, it won't cover everything; and (3) if you close a loophole, the money will just flow underground like it was before.  The NCAA will try to maintain an appearance of authority by punishing schools they think will allow it, but the handwriting is on the wall: within a decade the NCAA will be gone, and a super-conference with its own ruling body will be in force.

And then to that point, it…

And then to that point, it raises the question how much of this NIL (and related) money is visible, and how much is hidden?  For example, a 5-star might be said to have a $1M NIL deal, but that's only what's made public; there's another $2M in other flows in various forms that are carefully kept from view.

Related: I have to believe the IRS is looking at this space with some interest.  I don't think a scholarship is "taxable income," but I'm willing to bet NIL money is.  From that flows two questions:

  1. Do the recipients of NIL money understand this, and are they setting aside money to pay the eventual tax liability? And,
  2. If $1M nominal NIL is really only worth $600K due to taxes, how much pressure will there be to flow hidden money through channels hidden from the IRS?

So when I hear of some calling for "paying players but eliminating NIL," I have to believe they know full well that won't stop the money flowing to attract the top talent.  It'll just go underground, as it was before.

This makes me wonder how the…

This makes me wonder how the NIL system actually works ...

  • Is there a written contract involved?
  • When is money actually paid? Does any flow prior to enrollment?
  • What percent of total money flowing today is structured NIL vs. under-the-table cash?
  • Will we ever see 'breach of contract' suits brought, by either player or NIL group?

It's a "wild west" scenario, but I wonder how truly wild it is?

This is, in my opinion, the…

This is, in my opinion, the reason why FSU was pushed out: to make sure an SEC team was in.

Had Georgia beat Alabama, then the field would have been: (1) Georgia, (2) Michigan, (3) Washington, (4) FSU.

But because Alabama beat Georgia, then:

  • An SEC team must get in (the committee had that mandate, I'd be willing to bet)
  • Alabama beat Georgia by too wide a margin to justify Georgia even though they lost, so Alabama must go in
  • Michigan and Washington were in, then Alabama, which left one slot
  • Since Alabama lost to Texas, then Texas must be in to justify Alabama being in
  • Therefore, FSU had to go

And from there all the discussion was around how to spin that decision.

I guess time will tell, but…

I guess time will tell, but Davis' strengths -- game-management, football IQ, decision-making, accuracy -- seem to be exactly the kind of thing Harbaugh values.  What he lacks in arm strength can be offset by accuracy, and by IQ that manifests by not throwing where he shouldn't. 

Imagine you're the OC for…

Imagine you're the OC for Michigan with the QB room Michigan will have next year.

Imagine further you have this unique ability to instantly craft a different offensive scheme around each QB with the wave of a hand ... this QB has one schematic emphasis; this other QB a different one, etc.

Question: what primary offensive structure would you wrap around each of Michigan's QBs, given what you know about that QB's strengths and weaknesses?

I've long wondered if there…

I've long wondered if there's something about the longer layoff that affects Michigan more than other teams.  Why that might be is what I don't know.  Perhaps it has to do with the style of Michigan play, which may be more heavily dependent on rhythm and repetition?  I'm thinking back to this season where Michigan came off its bye week and, while winning by a handy score, there was talk of "knocking the rust off." 

Here's a question: given…

Here's a question: given what he brings to the table, what kind of offensive scheme changes might be needed to best utilize the talent?  Or would he slot in as a straight-up J.J. replacement?

(I know almost nothing about what Dante Moore brings to the table ...)

I'm of the opinion the…

I'm of the opinion the committee forced FSU out because they had the mandate to have at least one SEC school in the playoff.  Period. The mandate: accomplish that any way you have to, but make it happen.  From there, all the discussions were around how to plausibly justify it.

It's been drifting towards…

It's been drifting towards this for a few years. Next stop: join forces into a super-conference, discard the bad teams from each conference, cut a lucrative media deal, and leave 80% of college football left behind and left out. It's coming.