My coffee mugs were similarly packaged -- I'm not sure I could identify the materials, but "thorough" would be an understatement. Took up quite a bit of space in the box, though.
1972 AFC Championship game (Dolphins over Steelers). Game was played in Pittsburgh despite Miami being undefeated, as in those days the host site rotated. Miami did outgain the Steelers but they were very fortunate to win. After attending the Immaculate Reception game the prior week, that was quite a comedown, also in person.
1993 Patrick Division finals, NY Islanders over Pittsburgh in OT of game seven. The Pens were two-time defending champs and had tied game seven with two late goals. In retrospect, they likely were too injury-riddled to have beaten the Patrick Roy-led Canadiens in the next round anyway, but it didn't feel that way at the time.
J.T. was short. I now wonder if Jim would've left sooner if he'd beaten Ohio prior to 2021, but the officiating in that game was way beyond home-town reffing, and not just on that fourth-down play.
How can Michigan have spent "months" rejecting contract terms that were "proposed in late 2023"?
Jim wanted to go back to the NFL for a while (I realize the folly of trusting what's left of the Fourth Estate but there was credible reporting two years ago that indicated he'd thought the Vikings job was his).
My first choice would've been keeping him for another 10 years, but there's something to be said for the final coaching memories consisting of 15-0, hoisting the trophy, the parade, etc.
I think the order was, Vikings (in person) after the first B1G championship season, then phone interviews or at least discussions last year with Denver and Carolina, then of course the Chargers today.
Took three attempts for my flight to DCA to land on Sunday. The “missed approaches” (as described by an attendant) were by far my worst experiences in 30-some years of business travel.
After the second miss, I wondered: If we died, would I immediately know who won the championship game?
I am shocked at how much I cared about this team, and by how badly I wanted them to win (for them, for me, mostly for my UM diehard son). I'm in my late 50s, and mostly have had sports in perspective as "the most important of the unimportant things" for a while.
Further adding to the keep-it-in-perspective outlook, my father passed away October 1. He was in his mid-80s and was very much at peace with the exit, but still. That's the kind of thing that I *thought* would preclude having a heart attack during a muffed punt return.
More than anything, I'm grateful. Got to see two games in person (one in A2, one at Maryland), shared the season with my son, watched an extremely likeable group get it done. 15-0. Life is beautiful.
I think the underrated part of the Jake Thaw recovery is that he maintained possession after taking a massive hit, while holding the ball with one hand/arm.
When he first took the field for warmups, he was limping quite a bit (I managed to get a spot in the front row, just for some of the pre-game activities). To the point where my gut reaction was, "Okay, he gave it a try and there's no way he's playing." And then, a minute later ... he pretty much stopped limping. Mind over matter, I guess, but it certainly was obvious throughout the game that he was far less than 100 percent.
I also join the WTF NFW chorus in response to the initial, partial read of the headline.
Try to lean into it and appreciate that your team is playing for all the marbles.
There's at least a 50-50 chance they'll win.
And when the worst-case scenario is a 14-1 season with wins over Ohio and Alabama, a conference championship, and an all-time gut-check victory at PSU, that's not so bad.
One of the best parts about the upcoming slate is that the remaining teams all have looked vulnerable (or actually lost) in at least one game. Adds potential intrigue throughout.
As long as Michigan is in and Ohio is out, I'll be happy.
I blame Louisville for this thread. Had they beaten Kentucky, we would have been guaranteed at least three conference champions with no more than one loss apiece.
Decades ago, I got a concussion in the second quarter of a very competitive high school football game but stayed in (different era). When we watched the film the next day, at times it was as if I was watching a game on TV, because I truly didn't remember a lot of it.
Was it a near certainty that a decision would've been made in court tomorrow one way or another? Or could the judge have delayed the decision, asked for more information, pushed it to a different court or something along those lines?
The only way the settlement makes sense to me is if UM knew there was a strong chance of no verdict tomorrow. In which case Jim misses the Maryland game anyway and then the court stuff drags on into next week, still with no guarantees.
I'm surprised they didn't either negotiate the suspension down to two games or follow through with the litigation. His absence will make a difference in the finale.
Avoid the Regents Drive Garage. I parked there for the 2019 game and just got out five minutes ago. (Okay, not quite that bad, but we didn't move for at least a half-hour when trying to exit.)
Agree with the suggestion for 200-level seats. The lower section wasn't bad but if you're behind the bench and anywhere in the first 30 or so rows, there are some obstructed views.
Weather currently looks favorable -- high in the mid-60s, only around a 20 percent chance of rain.
The Dukes are 6-0 with what is still a mostly FCS roster, and I can't quite figure out how they're doing it. Full credit to them but they just as easily could be 4-2, and lost to Marshall by double digits last year. Short week (they play Thursday), road game....
I suppose only Jim knows whether he simply changed his mind about not doing this every off-season, didn't mean it in the first place but said it anyway (to protect recruiting/whatever), or is taking advice from the agent ("you hired me to do a job, let me do it, this is how it's done").
Selfishly, I hope he's just angling for a better contract at UM, whatever that might entail. Doesn't feel that way, though, admittedly from a distance.
For anyone interested, NFL Network this Friday night is airing Franco's "A Football Life" episode immediately before a one-hour special on the Immaculate Reception.
My father and I attended that game -- top row, in the end zone where Franco scored. He just bought us T-shirts featuring a diagram of the play. (He's 84 and still an avid fan.)
Colorado State, because it was my first game at Michigan after following the program for 50-plus years, and because my son (also a diehard UM fan) went with me. (Should've set up direct deposit with M-Den, but what the heck.)
I feel the same way. And it's not that I think UM definitely would lose a rematch.
The three 12-0 teams should be locks.
While I agree with others that USC shouldn't be punished for appearing in a title game, there's little doubt they'd be out with a loss.
Which leaves Alabama-OSU. Pundit sentiments seem split (and I've sampled a borderline OCD-level amount). I understand the rationale for both: not wanting a two-loss team, not rewarding a one-loss team that got crushed at home and waited for someone else to lose so they could back in.
I guess there could have still been a case for Tennessee if Hooker hadn't been injured (my understanding is the committee does weigh injuries).
Utah is 9-3 (not 8-4), and USC lost to them by one point, on the road, in the final seconds. We'll have to agree to disagree that OSU wins the "quality of loss" question.
If USC happens to lose, the committee may (in essence) punish them for playing an extra game. And reward OSU or Alabama for being idle. Kinda seems as if there's a flaw in the system.
Happy: Ohio State may well win out but they've been in a few games that were up for grabs in the fourth quarter. They don't look invincible.
Michigan shouldn't be psyched out. Last season's win should give them some confidence.
Unhappy: OSU has the better overall roster (IMO), home field, the revenge factor, and recent series dominance.
Curious: The best case regarding Michigan's injuries these past few weeks is that most or all of the absences were precautionary. If that's the case and everyone is back this week, how long will it take for them to find a rhythm? If that's not the case and they're still missing a few key players ... oof.
I thought the clock would remain stopped even if the penalty was declined. Maybe the coaches made the same mistake? I realize it's their job to actually know the rule, but either way, not a great moment.
HooverStreetRage, the lad got by far the worse of the sunburn, but the real pain was that I'd read about the value/necessity of sunscreen while preparing for the trip. Just flat forgot to pick it up, and didn't realize it's available in the stadium.
And speaking of forgetfulness, I should have included Navy, Maryland and Virginia (though the UVA game was in the early 1980s and wasn't memorable) on the list of college venues I've experienced. That same son and I saw Michigan at Maryland in 2019. We had a great time, but the stadium and atmosphere were ... antiseptic? Generic? The only memorable component was finally seeing the Wolverines in person.
Wolverine 73, I am on the same page regarding a possible return visit. If we go again, it'll be for a specific, likely more-competitive game later in the year, rather than "just here for the experience."
Apologies if this was mentioned and I missed it. Alcoholism is a progressive disease -- no one starts out in the gutter. If you notice changes (your consumption, how it effects you), that's a sign.
Take anything you can use from this and leave the rest:
I'm sober for 25 years and don't miss booze at all. There was a time I truly couldn't imagine my life without alcohol. Now, I wouldn't go back to that life for all the money in the world.
It's okay to quit while you're ahead. I had a high bottom but there's no doubt I'm 100 percent an alcoholic. (My family also includes some heavy drinkers who absolutely are not alcoholics.)
If you decide to stay quit, do whatever works. I sobered up outside of AA but respect the program. Reading about the physiology as well as other people's experiences helped me.
I remain interested in the concurrent realities of, on the one hand, "cunning, baffling, powerful" and on the other, "Doc, it hurts when I go like this."
I don't miss the hangovers or the expense.
Best of luck to you and if you want to brainstorm, I'm happy to try to help.
The best parenting advice I ever received came from my father, who said, "Enjoy every stage."
My sons are 29 and 26 and although my favorite stage was when they were (a) old enough for fun activities but (b) also still young enough that they needed their parents, I'm enjoying the current one as well.
This sets a great tone for the day. So glad you guys put it together.
BTW my digital edition was available immediately.
Oh, and the cost and availability of paper ... sheesh. I already knew it was bad (work-related insights), but when Britney Spears' memoir is delayed because of a shortage, you know it's a real issue (and arguably a blessing in that instance).
To your mind, do you think what Saul does in the hearing will get Kim out of legal trouble with Cheryl?
"No, I don’t. I think that Kim is on her own journey, and I think he knows that. He does feel bad about what’s happening with Cheryl. But I don’t think Kim would like it if Jimmy pulled some maneuver that protected her from Cheryl. He doesn’t save her; she saves her. They’re done with saving each other by this time. What he sees is that she had the courage to face what she’s done. And she did something that I don’t think Jimmy/Gene ever thought she would do, which is not only to turn herself in, but actually to sit across from Cheryl Hamlin, who they both lied to disgustingly, and be 100 percent truthful."
I loved the series but the ending felt too contrived. Saul was a hardened criminal. He'd have taken the 7.5 years and found another way to at least try to get Kim to stop hating him.
Recent Comments
My coffee mugs were similarly packaged -- I'm not sure I could identify the materials, but "thorough" would be an understatement. Took up quite a bit of space in the box, though.
1972 AFC Championship game (Dolphins over Steelers). Game was played in Pittsburgh despite Miami being undefeated, as in those days the host site rotated. Miami did outgain the Steelers but they were very fortunate to win. After attending the Immaculate Reception game the prior week, that was quite a comedown, also in person.
1993 Patrick Division finals, NY Islanders over Pittsburgh in OT of game seven. The Pens were two-time defending champs and had tied game seven with two late goals. In retrospect, they likely were too injury-riddled to have beaten the Patrick Roy-led Canadiens in the next round anyway, but it didn't feel that way at the time.
J.T. was short. I now wonder if Jim would've left sooner if he'd beaten Ohio prior to 2021, but the officiating in that game was way beyond home-town reffing, and not just on that fourth-down play.
How can Michigan have spent "months" rejecting contract terms that were "proposed in late 2023"?
Jim wanted to go back to the NFL for a while (I realize the folly of trusting what's left of the Fourth Estate but there was credible reporting two years ago that indicated he'd thought the Vikings job was his).
My first choice would've been keeping him for another 10 years, but there's something to be said for the final coaching memories consisting of 15-0, hoisting the trophy, the parade, etc.
I may need an MGoIntervention and/or a 12-step program for the national championship merch.
Oops, I mean a friend of mine may need help.
I think the order was, Vikings (in person) after the first B1G championship season, then phone interviews or at least discussions last year with Denver and Carolina, then of course the Chargers today.
Took three attempts for my flight to DCA to land on Sunday. The “missed approaches” (as described by an attendant) were by far my worst experiences in 30-some years of business travel.
After the second miss, I wondered: If we died, would I immediately know who won the championship game?
I am shocked at how much I cared about this team, and by how badly I wanted them to win (for them, for me, mostly for my UM diehard son). I'm in my late 50s, and mostly have had sports in perspective as "the most important of the unimportant things" for a while.
Further adding to the keep-it-in-perspective outlook, my father passed away October 1. He was in his mid-80s and was very much at peace with the exit, but still. That's the kind of thing that I *thought* would preclude having a heart attack during a muffed punt return.
More than anything, I'm grateful. Got to see two games in person (one in A2, one at Maryland), shared the season with my son, watched an extremely likeable group get it done. 15-0. Life is beautiful.
I think the underrated part of the Jake Thaw recovery is that he maintained possession after taking a massive hit, while holding the ball with one hand/arm.
When he first took the field for warmups, he was limping quite a bit (I managed to get a spot in the front row, just for some of the pre-game activities). To the point where my gut reaction was, "Okay, he gave it a try and there's no way he's playing." And then, a minute later ... he pretty much stopped limping. Mind over matter, I guess, but it certainly was obvious throughout the game that he was far less than 100 percent.
I also join the WTF NFW chorus in response to the initial, partial read of the headline.
Try to lean into it and appreciate that your team is playing for all the marbles.
There's at least a 50-50 chance they'll win.
And when the worst-case scenario is a 14-1 season with wins over Ohio and Alabama, a conference championship, and an all-time gut-check victory at PSU, that's not so bad.
Pass protection was better than expected. Even when the possessions didn't go anywhere, it wasn't because of Alabama's pass rush.
Michigan is as mentally tough as any team (in any sport) I can remember following.
Michigan 23, Alabama 20
Texas 34, Washington 31
No but I'll try to watch at least some of the FCS semifinal between Montana and North Dakota State. Picturesque setting and two very physical teams.
I hope Michigan beats them next year on a bad call that isn't reviewable.
One of the best parts about the upcoming slate is that the remaining teams all have looked vulnerable (or actually lost) in at least one game. Adds potential intrigue throughout.
As long as Michigan is in and Ohio is out, I'll be happy.
Shook hands and patted each other on the shoulders. Brief but cordial.
I blame Louisville for this thread. Had they beaten Kentucky, we would have been guaranteed at least three conference champions with no more than one loss apiece.
My biggest concerns are J.J.'s health and OSU's defense. Second year in Knowles' system and they've clearly improved.
The players seemed to appreciate us.
Had a great time in section 206, other than the heart attacks in the fourth quarter.
Scary and sobering subject matter.
Decades ago, I got a concussion in the second quarter of a very competitive high school football game but stayed in (different era). When we watched the film the next day, at times it was as if I was watching a game on TV, because I truly didn't remember a lot of it.
Anyway, we won.
At some point this has got to be exhausting for the players. Not great for the coaches either, of course. But sheesh.
Was it a near certainty that a decision would've been made in court tomorrow one way or another? Or could the judge have delayed the decision, asked for more information, pushed it to a different court or something along those lines?
The only way the settlement makes sense to me is if UM knew there was a strong chance of no verdict tomorrow. In which case Jim misses the Maryland game anyway and then the court stuff drags on into next week, still with no guarantees.
I'm surprised they didn't either negotiate the suspension down to two games or follow through with the litigation. His absence will make a difference in the finale.
But this…
Too close to call.
But this is the first time in a long time Michigan enters The Game with the better QB.
Avoid the Regents Drive Garage. I parked there for the 2019 game and just got out five minutes ago. (Okay, not quite that bad, but we didn't move for at least a half-hour when trying to exit.)
Agree with the suggestion for 200-level seats. The lower section wasn't bad but if you're behind the bench and anywhere in the first 30 or so rows, there are some obstructed views.
Weather currently looks favorable -- high in the mid-60s, only around a 20 percent chance of rain.
The line seems less than the sum of its parts.
Grateful for a fantastic season thus far.
In J.J. I trust.
That was a drive-by with extra acceleration.
If the Fourth Estate wasn't already dead to me, it is now. The amount of irresponsible reporting on this saga has been ... vast.
Can't believe they didn't go for 2
:-)
JMU alum (and lifelong UM fan) here.
The Dukes are 6-0 with what is still a mostly FCS roster, and I can't quite figure out how they're doing it. Full credit to them but they just as easily could be 4-2, and lost to Marshall by double digits last year. Short week (they play Thursday), road game....
Didn't want to deal with Peacock or a sports bar, didn't want to miss the game. So I booked a trip to attend the opener. Saved $4.99.
Be true to yourself, and remember that sports is the most important of the unimportant things.
When you feel like consuming, dive in. If you need a break, take one.
I'm looking forward to next season.
I suppose only Jim knows whether he simply changed his mind about not doing this every off-season, didn't mean it in the first place but said it anyway (to protect recruiting/whatever), or is taking advice from the agent ("you hired me to do a job, let me do it, this is how it's done").
Selfishly, I hope he's just angling for a better contract at UM, whatever that might entail. Doesn't feel that way, though, admittedly from a distance.
The timing feels like an awful joke.
For anyone interested, NFL Network this Friday night is airing Franco's "A Football Life" episode immediately before a one-hour special on the Immaculate Reception.
My father and I attended that game -- top row, in the end zone where Franco scored. He just bought us T-shirts featuring a diagram of the play. (He's 84 and still an avid fan.)
Colorado State, because it was my first game at Michigan after following the program for 50-plus years, and because my son (also a diehard UM fan) went with me. (Should've set up direct deposit with M-Den, but what the heck.)
I feel the same way. And it's not that I think UM definitely would lose a rematch.
The three 12-0 teams should be locks.
While I agree with others that USC shouldn't be punished for appearing in a title game, there's little doubt they'd be out with a loss.
Which leaves Alabama-OSU. Pundit sentiments seem split (and I've sampled a borderline OCD-level amount). I understand the rationale for both: not wanting a two-loss team, not rewarding a one-loss team that got crushed at home and waited for someone else to lose so they could back in.
I guess there could have still been a case for Tennessee if Hooker hadn't been injured (my understanding is the committee does weigh injuries).
Roll Tide ... all the way to No. 5.
Utah is 9-3 (not 8-4), and USC lost to them by one point, on the road, in the final seconds. We'll have to agree to disagree that OSU wins the "quality of loss" question.
The three 12-0 teams are pretty much locks, IMO.
If USC happens to lose, the committee may (in essence) punish them for playing an extra game. And reward OSU or Alabama for being idle. Kinda seems as if there's a flaw in the system.
Happy: Ohio State may well win out but they've been in a few games that were up for grabs in the fourth quarter. They don't look invincible.
Michigan shouldn't be psyched out. Last season's win should give them some confidence.
Unhappy: OSU has the better overall roster (IMO), home field, the revenge factor, and recent series dominance.
Curious: The best case regarding Michigan's injuries these past few weeks is that most or all of the absences were precautionary. If that's the case and everyone is back this week, how long will it take for them to find a rhythm? If that's not the case and they're still missing a few key players ... oof.
I reminded mine that it's 30 compressions for every two breaths. Sheesh.
I thought the clock would remain stopped even if the penalty was declined. Maybe the coaches made the same mistake? I realize it's their job to actually know the rule, but either way, not a great moment.
Depends on how many Buckeyes come down with the flu.
Thanks, all, for the kind feedback.
HooverStreetRage, the lad got by far the worse of the sunburn, but the real pain was that I'd read about the value/necessity of sunscreen while preparing for the trip. Just flat forgot to pick it up, and didn't realize it's available in the stadium.
And speaking of forgetfulness, I should have included Navy, Maryland and Virginia (though the UVA game was in the early 1980s and wasn't memorable) on the list of college venues I've experienced. That same son and I saw Michigan at Maryland in 2019. We had a great time, but the stadium and atmosphere were ... antiseptic? Generic? The only memorable component was finally seeing the Wolverines in person.
Wolverine 73, I am on the same page regarding a possible return visit. If we go again, it'll be for a specific, likely more-competitive game later in the year, rather than "just here for the experience."
My sample size is exactly one, but it's recent. I stayed at the Ann Arbor Bed & Breakfast this past weekend and definitely recommend it.
Apologies if this was mentioned and I missed it. Alcoholism is a progressive disease -- no one starts out in the gutter. If you notice changes (your consumption, how it effects you), that's a sign.
Take anything you can use from this and leave the rest:
I'm sober for 25 years and don't miss booze at all. There was a time I truly couldn't imagine my life without alcohol. Now, I wouldn't go back to that life for all the money in the world.
It's okay to quit while you're ahead. I had a high bottom but there's no doubt I'm 100 percent an alcoholic. (My family also includes some heavy drinkers who absolutely are not alcoholics.)
If you decide to stay quit, do whatever works. I sobered up outside of AA but respect the program. Reading about the physiology as well as other people's experiences helped me.
I remain interested in the concurrent realities of, on the one hand, "cunning, baffling, powerful" and on the other, "Doc, it hurts when I go like this."
I don't miss the hangovers or the expense.
Best of luck to you and if you want to brainstorm, I'm happy to try to help.
The best parenting advice I ever received came from my father, who said, "Enjoy every stage."
My sons are 29 and 26 and although my favorite stage was when they were (a) old enough for fun activities but (b) also still young enough that they needed their parents, I'm enjoying the current one as well.
Parenting is the best part of life.
Being empty nesters is also fun, though.
ESPN+ (signed…
The Athletic
ESPN+ (signed up for NHL access but am enjoying lots of other content there)
HTTV
I usually buy at least two of the CFB preview magazines, too, sometimes three (Athlon, Lindy's, Phil Steele).
Congrats and find the water-main shutoff. Trust me.
This sets a great tone for the day. So glad you guys put it together.
BTW my digital edition was available immediately.
Oh, and the cost and availability of paper ... sheesh. I already knew it was bad (work-related insights), but when Britney Spears' memoir is delayed because of a shortage, you know it's a real issue (and arguably a blessing in that instance).
From a Rolling Stone interview with Peter Gould:
To your mind, do you think what Saul does in the hearing will get Kim out of legal trouble with Cheryl?
"No, I don’t. I think that Kim is on her own journey, and I think he knows that. He does feel bad about what’s happening with Cheryl. But I don’t think Kim would like it if Jimmy pulled some maneuver that protected her from Cheryl. He doesn’t save her; she saves her. They’re done with saving each other by this time. What he sees is that she had the courage to face what she’s done. And she did something that I don’t think Jimmy/Gene ever thought she would do, which is not only to turn herself in, but actually to sit across from Cheryl Hamlin, who they both lied to disgustingly, and be 100 percent truthful."
I loved the series but the ending felt too contrived. Saul was a hardened criminal. He'd have taken the 7.5 years and found another way to at least try to get Kim to stop hating him.