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You are likely to be out of

You are likely to be out of luck as far as watching it on TV locally. ESPN has agreed to sell their UK and Ireland channels (ESPN and ESPN America) to BT Sport after they lost out on the Premier League rights. ESPN will cease broadcasting in the UK and Ireland on 31 July.

As part of the sale agreement, BT Sport has acquired all of the broadcast rights currently in ESPN's UK and Ireland portfolio. BT Sport will also operate one ESPN branded channel but it remains to be seen whether BT Sport will attempt to broadcast the "American" sports in the ESPN portfolio. They may just rely on the French, German, Italian and Russian football rights ESPN has.

I would check the BT Sport website nearer the time of your trip to see if they are broadcasting NCAA football and whether they are showing the game. If so, look for bars that advertise they have BT Sport. You might also want to check Eurosport as they have, in the past, had one B1G game per week.

If other technological solutions aren't available, you can get a one day subscription to ESPN Player (ESPN3 in Europe) for GBP 8.99 (about $14) which, I think, gets you 24 hours access to live and on-demand events.

If BTN have the US broadcast rights, then all bets are off.

Not quite free agents

I think the rule in Spain is you can't sign a professional contract until you are 18 but in England (and possibly other European countries) you can sign a professional contract at the age of 16. This means that clubs like Barcelona sometimes have to compete to keep players that have been training at La Masia for years. In the case of Hector Bellerin and Jon Toral, two Barca academy prospects who turned down Barca to sign with Arsenal this summer, there is a "development fee" paid as compensation by Arsenal to Barca (roughly Eur 1 million for the two of them).

Bergkamp vs Argentina 98

That was Bergkamp's legendary goal vs Argentina in the 98 World Cup. Just for fun, in this video you can compare Dutch commentary against BBC and ABC.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsZkCFoqSBs

Sorry, haven't mastered embedding yet.

For some EPL games, Sky broadcast alternate audio called Fanzone where you get commentary from two commentators (one for each team) who are just regular fans. Some of the banter is hilarious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y56quTJ88O0&feature=related

 

Eligibility

8 does seem low but bear in mind that you have to play enough to win a letter and you can't be a true freshman. According to the roster, 29 out of 116 were not eligible because they were true freshmen. Not sure what proportion of the 87 played enough to win a letter.

RR comment

I watched the postgame presser and RR said that all three had much higher ceilings than where they performed today. Nice to hear but hard to imagine them playing much better as a unit.

Me too

London, as the handle suggests.

Snowflakes

"schadenfreude-laden snowflakes, each expression of agony is unique." Great line. +1

A few caveats

You're right, we gave up 532 yards yesterday. But about 150 of those yards came on the Rudolph TD and ND's last drive when we were in "prevent" mode. Not to say the Rudolph TD doesn't count but I for one am hoping that Cam Gordon has learned his lesson about never letting a receiver get behind him.

We'd all like to see a return game on punts but I for one am happy to have Gallon just fair catch balls back there provided he doesn't fumble.

I think Hagerup will come good. As poorly as he punted yesterday, he averaged 38.3 yards. Let's just hope he doesn't actually kick one of those low line drives directly at someone.

The field goal kicking is another matter and my biggest concern. True freshman holder in Dileo and RS Freshman kicker. 1 of 4 FGs and a botched PAT is not a good start to the season.

If we can maintain our new found focus on holding on to the ball it may help to make up for one or more of our

Sad face

Maybe we can trademark it as sad leprechaun face?

Denard's throwing

Denard seems to be missing "touch" on some of the downfield passes. All the downfield throws seem to be pretty flat and pretty high velocity. I'm sure he'll learn this as he goes along. The throw that is sticking in my mind is when he had the seam route to Roundtree wide open and the ball got knocked down by Teo who was 5+ yards behind Roundtree. A bit of elevation and he would have cleared Teo and had an easy touchdown. But, then again, we wouldn't have had the last second heroics for the second year in a row.

Twitter quotes about Denard

Great page on Mgoblue - http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091110aac.html

A few highlights:

@richeisen: That was absolutely unbelievable. New UM offense: 87 yards and a cloud of dust.

@richeisen: With Michigan up 21-7, it should be noted that Jerome Bettis told me he would wear Lamar Woodley's Michigan jersey for me to tweet out if ND lost

@LaMarrWoodley: Denard Robinson for Heisman.

@OfficialBraylon: DRob is a PROBLEM that boy is balling #GoBlue

One from RichRod

 

@mikerothstein: Great Rodriguez quote: "I've got my shoes untied in honor of Denard."

Love it.

Damn

Gateway issue

Sorry

Oops

Reactions

They usually list it as a coming event if they're going to have it. Unfortunately it's not listed (though Monday's presser is). I wonder if they'll have one at all since it was a road game? I couldn't find on the ND (I mean NBC) site but then again I also couldn't get the feed due to geographical restrictions.

It's 2:30am my time and I want so badly to see the reactions of our coach and players to an emotional come from behind victory in hostile territory. Unfortunately, I had to watch this on Eurosport 2 in the UK and they showed only the picture with some dumbass providing commentary. I didn't even get to see the emotional post-game interview with RichRod. Now I've got to wait hours for the torrent...

UM vs ND not on TV in Europe

I'm guessing you will struggle to find a bar that will have the game because it is not being broadcast in Europe. ESPN America, which is available for subscription in Europe, is showing Georgia vs South Carolina (5pm BST), Miami vs OSU (8:30pm BST) and Penn State vs Alabama (1:00am BST). ESPN is showing Oregon vs Tennessee (1:00am BST). Your best bet is going to be an internet stream.

Millen

I quite like Millen as a color analyst. He's insightful and sometimes even funny. I love the comment at about 2:38 in the highlights just as Denard is about to reach the 20 yard line en route to his 32 yard touchdown run, interrupting McDonough's commentary:

"That's six"

A bit like the jockstrap comment on Forcier's touchdown run last year on 4th down against Notre Dame.

TOP

I loved the TOP stats today. We beat UConn at their own game. We had the ball for 21 minutes in the second half and damn near ran out the clock on the last drive when we took over at 9:45 in the 4th. M's final drive - 15 plays, 51 yards and 8:24 consumed! As we all know, this offense is dangerous if executed properly.

The D

Jeez, I was nervous all the way through the third quarter. To put it nicely, I thought we were fortunate. But given we've been on the wrong end of the stick so many other times, turn about is fair play. Not only did UConn help M's cause a lot in the first half but they coughed up the ball inside the ten after getting first and goal where a touchdown would have cut the lead to 7.

Having said that there were a few nice plays that were made, particularly early. The Rogers hit on the WR to make him cough it up on a early 3rd and short play. The Floyd hit on Shoemate to produce the fumble. But we also had more than a few missed tackles.

I'm most concerned about our ability to get pressure on the QB. We had a few hurries but no sacks. We had 4 TFLs and they had 11. We will face more accurate passers and better receivers and pressure will be key.

On the ground, for as well as Michigan ran the ball today, we averaged 4.7 ypc on 61 carries against an undersized DL. UConn averaged 4.6 ypc on 30 attempts. Thankfully, they were forced out of their gameplan after falling behind early.

But all in all, I'm just thrilled with a victory and beating them at their own game - rushing. Michigan had the ball a whopping 21 minutes in the second half including a final drive of 15 plays for 51 yards consuming 8:24!

Team player

One of the enduring images for me from last year was the jumping chest bump that Tate and Denard had after Denard scored on his first play as quarterback. Tate was the first person from the sideline to congratulate him. At that point in time it seemed like the two could work together in a tandem partnership. But I guess it only works for Tate when he's the starter...

I really wish that he had the maturity and teamwork skills to congratulate his teammates and do his sulking in private.

How about

Not overly imaginative, but how about

Ann Arbor

Backs

Coach Rod

Previous post said test on Tuesday

I think a previous post from FormerWolv said that Shaw was taking his test today. If so, that would fit with the Sam Webb statement that we should know on Wed/Thurs.

Torrents

Try MGoVideo (now www.bigtentracker.com) or www.tenyardtracker.com (though it looks like they've suspended new account creation after reaching 60,000). Standard definition normally up late Saturday night, HD late Sunday or Monday. You won't find spoilers at either site.

Scrimmage update

I'm certain there would be huge demand for scrimmage updates. Speaking for myself, I would prefer to see one large post with a considered review of how the team looked and individual player performances rather than a stream of thoughts like "That was a nice pass from Denard/Tate/Devin."

European coverage

If you have cable or satellite TV you can subscribe to ESPN America. Check out www.espnamerica.com for how to get it in your country. They normally show 2-4 games live per week. Michigan was on 3 times last year (ND, Indiana and OSU). They show pretty much every bowl game including all of the BCS bowls. They also have NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and college basketball depending on the broadcast rights in your country. Be prepared for infuriating programming decisions from ESPN as the game you really wanted to watch is dropped for a pre-season hockey game or a baseball game. The good news is the broadcast is widescreen HD.

Eurosport, which is part of most cable/satellite packages, had a Big Ten game of the week for part of the season last year. Not sure if they're doing it this year. It was abbreviated and tape delayed. Michigan was on once (MSU). It was broadcast in 4:3 SD, looked pretty crappy and had a highly irritating overdubbed announcer.

Other than that, you're down to streaming. The most reliable source of streams seems to be www.myp2p.eu where you can access pretty much anything.

Leverage

The original prenup was apparently a sliding scale and the $20 million was after 10 years of marriage. They were married in 2004. If the $750 million is correct, she must have some serious leverage on him.

In relation to 1)

I note that Dave Brandon pre-briefed the Detroit News and Annarbor.com in relation to the self-imposed sanctions. I can't imagine the Freep getting any exclusive access to anyone at Michigan. They can attend forums open to the press at large and that's about it.

Additional sanctions from NCAA

 The University hasn't disputed any allegations. The punishment for practice hours seems to be well established. The reduction in QCs seems measured. I think the only battleground for the NCAA to come back at Michigan is whether a competitive advantage arose as a result of the infractions.

Allegations

Having read through both the UM and RR responses, I'm glad they have this all out in the open for anyone to read. If people do read the entirety of the responses, they'll see exactly how borderline some of these allegations really are (RR's response is more enlightening because he disputes allegations when, from memory, the University didn't dispute anything). Unfortunately, most will just read the headlines.

Personally, I found it hard not to read through the whole thing and not just laugh at some of the things considered violations by the NCAA:

- QC staff providing "coaching" because they responded when one of the QBs asked on the sideline what defense did you see on the last play rather than picking up the headset and asking Rod Smith

- Use of a foam football on a stick to simulate a snap during offseason voluntary skill development

- Qbs holding a taped towel in their hands when running footwork drills

It's also enlightening (and extremely frustrating) to read how these violations actually arose:

- the Sunday 1 hour mandatory lift was left off the detailed weekly schedule reviewed and agreed at the pre-season coaching offsite (attended by Labadie and compliance) because there were two shifts of lifting but then Labadie forgot to put it on the CARA form and compliance didn't call him on it

- the non-inclusion of the stretching on the CARA forms was agreed by compliance but only because they didn't know that (and didn't ask whether) part-time S&C staff not available to the entirety of the athletic department (ie the QCs) might be in attendance because they declined Barwis' invitation to observe an off-season S&C session

It seems awfully hard to put some of these things on RRs doorstep. I can't see the NCAA making the failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance charge against RR stick.

Leverage

Unfortunately, the only way to get the attention of companies who rely on millions of customers contributing a small amount is to create leverage.

My brother got bumped by United returning to Germany after Christmas during his year abroad. He was offered another United flight 8 days later with no compensation and they refused to interline him with another carrier. He ended up paying $1250 for a one way ticket on another carrier.

I photocopied my United frequent flyer card and 10 other co-workers who had elite status. In my letter to the CEO, I told them that if they didn't refund my brother $1250 each of these people had agreed to fly another airline for business trips until the total lost revenue to United was $25,000.

My brother ended up getting the $1250 refunded plus a $600 United travel voucher and a written apology.

EPL games

try myp2p.eu. It normally has a reliable listing of all the streams (including format and language) broadcasting the game you are looking for.

Best bet

Your best bet is the internet through some combination of justin.tv, myp2p.eu, Veetle, SOPcast, ESPN 360 etc. Myp2p.eu has a reliable listing of locations close to game time.

ESPN America (the old NASN) broadcast 3 Michigan games last year - ND, Indiana and OSU. Eurosport had a Big Ten game of the week some weeks last year. They broadcast one Michigan game (MSU?). The game of the week is tape delayed by a few hours, edited to fit into 2 hours and has a moronic commentary dubbed over the live feed.

Through a combination of the above, I was able to watch all of the games though I had my fair share of frustrations with the feed being blocked, connection speeds, broadcaster switching channels etc.

You can rewatch games with torrents from MGoVideo or tenyardtorrents.

TV coverage

The TV coverage is a bit weird. Even living in the UK, 30%ish of the Arsenal matches are not televised in the UK despite having both Sky and ESPN UK. All the 3pm (local time) Saturday matches are blacked out in the UK (but not elsewhere). So, the game can be on FSC but not on in the UK.

EPL

I support Arsenal. Did an internship here way back when and was hooked by Dennis Bergkamp and Arsenal. Love the Wenger's philosophy and the way they play. There are even a few comparisons to Michigan - young team, great offense when it clicks, so-so defense.

The FA Cup is a great competition. It involves teams from throughout the system (Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two and the Conferences). It's unseeded so you need a little luck of the draw. It's normally good for a few surprises eg Man U lost at home this year to League One Leeds United.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that the top four teams in the Premier League qualify for Champions League. The top 3 automatically qualify for the group stage and the fourth place team has to play in a qualifying round.

Allegations

Having read through the notice, there are 5 allegations (not all of them directed at UM)

1. QC staff doing things they shouldn't have
2. Exceeding practice hours
3. Alex Herron provided false and misleading information to NCAA staff
4. That as a result of 1. and 2. RR failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance within the football program
5. That as a result of 1. and 2. the Athletics Department failed to adequately monitor its football program to assure compliance.

Having read through the allegations, 4. and 5. in particular sure sounds more serious than implied by Brandon.

ESPN says knee injury

No commentary on how serious.

"Old Mill's Josh Furman went down with a knee injury on Old Mill's first possession in the game and after returning for one play in the second quarter did not come back again."

http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/football/news/story?id=4713056

Washington Post says left knee.

"After touted recruit Josh Furman went down with a left knee injury on the game's opening drive..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/04/AR20091…

I wasn't kidding

but it's now slipped to 93rd. Google and F5 everyone...

Lots of interest on Google

Apparently Cullen Christian is the 56th most popular Google search term in the last hour...

I like RR's game captain approach

If I'm not mistaken, each of the seniors has had an opportunity to be a game captain this year and some of them multiple times. While they may have all dreamed of making a difference on the field, not everyone gets a lot of playing time. For those that stick with the program for four or five years, leading the team through the tunnel and onto the field and representing them in the middle of the field for the coin toss is, I think, a fitting way to reward them for the sacrifices they have made and their dedication to the program. I can only imagine the pride their parents and friends would have in seeing this.

Carvin snippet on video

sorry - double post

Carvin snippet on video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4pDAQyDPns

Ran across the above on youtube which features a teammate of his from last year. He draws a few "oohs" from the crowd around 0:50 for his hit on the opposing QB. He wears jersey number 1 according to MaxPreps.

USFL episode

Damn. I really want to see this episode but 30 for 30 hasn't made it to the UK.

I had the best job ever in high school. I worked for the guy who had the contract to provide pre-, post-game and halftime entertainment for the Memphis Showboats. I, along with a handful of carefully selected friends, got to spend every home game on the sidelines (next to the Dreamboats) of the Liberty Bowl and run the occasional riser with microphone to the middle of the field for the national anthem or the ever popular Ol Man River. Before and after the game, we hung out in the pressbox and occasionally raided the owner's suite for a beer.

I managed to get a sweatband from Anthony Carter once and got to say hi to Reggie White every game. Oh the memories.

Yes

There's a link in the upper left hand corner here. Click on Rich Rodriguez Audio Quotes.

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100309aac.html

Bright side?

We were outgained 418 to 251, had 28 net rushing yards, had 14 first downs to their 21 and had 23 mins of possession vs. 40 for them. We also gifted them turnovers deep in their territory and a silly fake punt deep in our territory. Given the above, we probably had no right to win this game. But with a gritty performance from the D with a couple of timely turnovers and a remarkable 4th quarter comeback led by Tate we were able to push it into overtime with a shot at winning. I still like the team character and fight back. Just wish it would have started a little sooner...

Live streaming

You can check http://atdhe.net/index.html or http://www.channelsurfing.net . If you check back here at game time, there are direct links up in the cover it live box. There was also a recent post about myp2p but I'm not advanced enough to link to the post. Maybe try searching for myp2p.

I'm indifferent, sort of

In my case, I will be relying on an internet stream and the mgoblog cover it live for my viewing enjoyment. Other than the broadcast team, it doesn't make a difference to me.

Unfortunately, ESPN America which normally broadcasts 4 live games per week (Thursday night and 12, 3:30 and primetime on Saturday) and a few others on a tape delayed basis has decided to focus on baseball and hockey this weekend. So, the home of college football has no college football! I have however had the benefit of watching UM vs ND and UM vs Indiana live on my TV (albeit without HD).

A few memories

None of them are recent since I have not lived in the US for 10 years.

1998 Orange Bowl - Nebraska vs Tennessee
Picked up a ticket for $5 from a friendly TN fan and hoped that Peyton could work some magic for UM to have an undisputed national championship.

1996 Rose Bowl - NU vs USC
As an NU grad, it was great to see the Rose Bowl 60% filled with purple pom-pons. If only Keyshawn Johnson didn't play for USC.

1996 Florida State at Miami
Awesome atmosphere. You could feel the hatred.

Post-game press conference

I was able to access it here

http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=mich&media=136370

Quick comments from Minor, Matthews and Forcier followed by RRod. Nice opening line from Coach Rod - "Boy, that was was fun."