football

[Patrick Barron] / [Bryan Fuller]

Full Album Links:



The Rose Bowl 2024 (Patrick Barron)



The Rose Bowl Michigan Football vs Alabama (Bryan Fuller)




Sponsor Note



First, a bear!

It's just trying to re-create the Charles Woodson photo but with a salmon. [Patrick Barron]



There are still a few spots left for Open Sky Expeditions' trip to Katmai National Park in Alaska! Sign up and I will show you how to take photos like the one above. 

I am partnering with Open Sky Expeditions, a team of travel experts that specialize in small-group photography journeys & expeditions to compelling destinations all around the world. They’re not just experts at what they do (and photographers themselves); Open Sky is also co-run by Ann Arbor native, diehard Wolverine, and Michigan grad, Temu Nana (LSA ’03).

Next summer—from August 12-20, 2024—I’ll be joining Temu & an expert bear guide on an expedition to one of my favorite places in the world: Katmai National Park, Alaska. There, amidst stunning landscapes only accessible by boat or float plane (and we’ll use both), you can be up close with coastal brown bears as they fatten up for the winter. And to top it all off, you can learn wildlife photography from yours truly! I will be joining as a photo instructor, seriously excited to share my experience and passion for wildlife photography (and hopefully show some of you that it's not as crazy as it sounds). And of course, I'm happy to talk about all my tales of covering Michigan football as well (Temu, as you’ll also see, is as obsessed a fan as the rest of us). Katmai truly is a magical place and one that I visit every year. To walk amongst the bears there is one of the greatest experiences I've ever had and I'm excited to share that experience. 

Check out their website for more information on the trip: Open Sky Expeditions Katmai Trip

Scroll down that link a bit to see some of the awesome photos (there are also otters).

If Alaska isn't your thing, they also host trips to Machu Picchu, Morocco, Chile, Antarctica, Norway, the Galapagos Islands, and many more. Check out their website, check out their photos, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Penguins and lizards and pelicans living together in THIS economy?? [Temu Nana]

You should also absolutely check out the Galapagos Islands! Stunning wildlife and landscape scenes in one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Dates are September 2-12 so check it out! 



And to check out other opportunities, check out the rest of their website. Open Sky Expeditions, book now for the adventure of a lifetime!



Like A Dream



For as long as I've been a Michigan fan I've wanted to go to The Rose Bowl. Every year on tv I would watch the sunset on the San Gabriel Mountains, the parade, the B-2 flyover, and every year I would think "some day." It bothered me that Illinois had a more recent Rose Bowl appearance than Michigan. It bothered me that my first time going might be for a UCLA game. I would hear stories from my elders about attending The Rose Bowl and it was starting to sound like a tradition from another age, one I would not get to ever really understand.



Now, having gotten the full experience, and having witnessed an instant classic, I can say quite comfortably that it not only met expectations, it blew them out of the water. This was the best sports experience of my life.

 

It was everything I wanted it to be. [Patrick Barron]​​​

The stadium was iconic and beautiful. Sure it needs a bit of repair in places, but it felt like a game from the 70s. As described by others, there was very little piped in music. Mostly you heard just the murmur of the crowd disrupted by the tribal clash of dueling marching bands. I marched to the top of the stadium twice, once for the B-2 flyover, and again for the sunset. As a photographer of national parks and wild things, I know a good sunset when I see one. I've never been more excited for a sunset.



It was magical, it was like a dream.

 

First career touchdown in the Rose Bowl against Alabama, the future at wide receiver might be ok. [Bryan Fuller]

The nice thing about the Rose Bowl is that independent of who is playing in it or what the results are, it's still just as famous. But an instant classic is just a little bit more special. I had made peace with myself while I was up top staring at the red and orange tones coming off the San Gabriel mountains. Alabama was taking control of the game and I told myself "no matter what happens in this game, it's been incredible. I am ok with this."



Then Alabama fumbled and I gave a relatively unprofessional shout. One of my first bosses from the Michigan Daily was also up there with me, I apologized briefly for breaking my impartiality (she laughed and forgave me). 

The day was already perfect, but then Blake Corum scored one of the most legendary touchdowns in Michigan football history right in front of me. [Patrick Barron]

The game quickly shifted from It's So Over to Oh Yeah Baby We're So Back. I apologize for saying that the first half of the regular season was boring because a whole season's worth of nerves were hitting all at once. Remember how you felt when Jake Thaw fumbled? When the game officially went into overtime? Imagine that but now imagine also still having to do your job. These players have absolute nerves of steel. I shot OT next to Alejandro who later said I was slightly catatonic (which I don't dispute).



Blake Corum returned to this season with unfinished business. He returned for those legendary touchdown runs against Penn State and Ohio State. He returned for this. It doesn't get more special than that.



The game ended. The team rushed the field in a wave of excitement I've never seen before. The confetti cannons fired. The band played. Bryan Fuller tackled the shit out of me. It was all so beautiful.

 

Congratulations, you just finished an ESPN Instant Classic! Go to my NCAA - Instant Classic to view this game. GameRank #1. Classic Score:  [Patrick Barron]

 

You absolute legend, you. [Bryan Fuller]

And then just like that, we were all celebrating a Rose Bowl win over Alabama. This was not a pity opt-out Rose Bowl. This was a College Football Playoff win against ALABAMA. They did it.

 

Sherrone Moore stepped up when this program needed him. He coached the team during the toughest regular season games. He did everything he was asked. Rose Bowl champion. [Patrick Barron]

 

Who's got it better than us? [Bryan Fuller]

It's been 17 years since Michigan was in the Rose Bowl. 17 years from now we'll still be talking about it. Win one more this season and not only that, but we won't shut up about it.

Coyotes are my favorite animal for reasons I don't have time to explain here. A nearby pack started howling as I came out to get this shot. Perfect end to a perfect day. [Patrick Barron]

There's just one thing left to do.

 

About the Photographers

If you'd like to support us, one of the simplest things you can do is follow us on social media (links just below) where we post way more photos than here. In the offseason I also do a LOT of wildlife/national park photography. While we're not allowed to sell any of our sports photos per our credential agreement (sorry to anyone who reached out asking about one), I sell prints from my adventures which I sell on FineArtAmerica. You can buy prints (or just look at some pretty pictures) here: Patrick Barron Art Collections Or if you'd like, you can simply support me by buying me a coffee!

Social Media Accounts:

Patrick Barron:

Twitter: @BlueBarronPhoto

Instagram: @BlueBarronPhoto

Instagram (BUT WITH BEARS): @BlueBarronPhoto_Wild 

Bryan Fuller

Twitter: I have been informed that Bryan's Twitter was hacked and is currently INOP :(

Instagram: @BryanFullerPhotography



[AHHHHH THE ROSE BOWL after THE JUMP]

Full album links



2023 Big Ten Championship Game vs Iowa (Patrick Barron)



2023 Big Ten Championship Game vs Iowa (Paul Sherman)

(The first album is still being updated with new photos so keep checking in!)



Well, you all want to know how that went down? You know, the one part after the game we were all curious about? Well here's how that went down.

The clock hit zero and Michigan's bench entered the field to celebrate, but it wasn't like the last two years. A few players cheered, jumped up and down, and immediately grabbed their phones for celebration shots. But many of the veterans celebrated like it was an October win, going over to the Iowa players for some hugs and congratulations. Maybe by the time you win three straight Big Ten Championships it feels a bit more routine. Maybe all the emotion was exhausted after the Ohio State game and this was just a formality. Either way, Michigan quietly put the final nail in the Big Ten West division coffin (RIP you glorious mistake) and proceeded to socially mingle amongst themselves.



On the other side of the field, the Big Ten Championship trophy and a single staffer waited.

 

About to get awkward [Patrick Barron]

And then Joel Klatt arrived, along with Tony Petitti himself. The boos from the Michigan fans in the background were among the loudest sounds of the evening. It was then that they waited.



And waited.



And waited.



Michigan was in absolutely no rush to meet him at that stage. I even began to wonder if they'd just go straight to the locker room. This ended up not being the case.

STARTING TO FEEL A BIT AWKWARD [Patrick Barron]

Slowly the players trickled into the area just below the stage. Nobody went up, though. Trente Jones stood guard with a flag, a similar flag to the one paraded around Ohio Stadium.



And they waited.

This is my flag. There are others just like it but this one is mine. [Patrick Barron]

Finally, someone must have told them to go onto the stage. Zak Zinter slowly went up first, crutches in hand, followed by Jim Harbaugh. Then a few seniors and starters.



Jim briefly shook Tony's hand. Unknown words were said.

Ok but go ahead and look up the history of why the handshake exists [Patrick Barron]

And while I think Jim was pointing to Zak here, in my opinion this photo overall describes the vibe. One man here wants to celebrate with his team. The other wants the next five minutes to end as soon as possible.

 

Joel, bud, you're doing so great right now. A fight started at Thanksgiving and you just want some dessert, that's ok. [Patrick Barron]

The trophy was handed to Zak Zinter first, who proceeded to give it a kiss, as one does. The Rose Bowl isn't for four weeks so every bacterial and viral strain on it should be naturally immunized by then.



Also Mikey was awarded the game MVP trophy. Media gets two votes (one per team). I voted for Mike Sainristil and Tory Taylor, naturally.

~30 pounds lighter than the Stanley Cup at least [Patrick Barron]

And then Tony Petitti fled. No words into the microphone. He left the stage and fled back into his hole to a chorus of boos and middle fingers from the Michigan fans surrounding the tunnel.

 

And the horse you rode in on [Patrick Barron]

From there, the mood got a bit lighter. Joel Klatt spoke to Harbaugh on stage. Jim asked the crowd "Who's got it better than us" followed by an erupting "NOOOOOBODY".



JJ crowned Jim Harbaugh.

 

IS THAT A SMILE I SEE? [Paul Sherman]

And then some celebrations began with players. There were confetti snowball fights, confetti angels, video shoots, and autographs signed galore. Did it still feel a bit like a formality? Sure.



But was it fun? Absolutely.



And now here we are. Michigan is the #1 team in the country. They are going to the Rose Bowl. I've wanted to go to the Rose Bowl for 20 years. I know a lot of you have. Finally.



Who's got it better than us?



Nobody.

About the Photographers

If you'd like to support us, one of the simplest things you can do is follow us on social media (links just below) where we post way more photos than here. In the offseason I also do a LOT of wildlife/national park photography. While we're not allowed to sell any of our sports photos per our credential agreement (sorry to anyone who reached out asking about one), I sell prints from my adventures which I sell on FineArtAmerica. You can buy prints (or just look at some pretty pictures) here: Patrick Barron Art Collections Or if you'd like, you can simply support me by buying me a coffee!

Social Media Accounts:

Patrick Barron:

Twitter: @BlueBarronPhoto

Instagram: @BlueBarronPhoto

Instagram (BUT WITH BEARS): @BlueBarronPhoto_Wild



Paul Sherman

Twitter: @thedailypsherm

Instagram: @thedailypsherm



[Oh and there was a football game after THE JUMP]



Full Album Links





Michigan vs Ohio State 2023 (Patrick Barron)



Michigan vs Ohio State 2023 (Bryan Fuller)



Sponsor Note

Bears in the wild are assigned numbers by researchers. I have assigned these three cubs as bear 42-27, 45-23, and 30-24 [Patrick Barron]

I recently told you guys about an awesome opportunity to travel with me and Open Sky

Expeditions (OSE) to Katmai National Park in Alaska
, and learn to take incredible wildlife photos

of brown bears—and lots more—in one of the most pristine environments left in the United

States.



You should definitely check that out…but if bears aren’t your thing, OSE have a few spots left on

an upcoming voyage to south India in early 2024. Get off the beaten path, away from the

heavily-touristed areas of northern India, and enjoy the sights, sounds, flavors, and culture of

the south. Slower, friendlier, incredibly rich…a photographer’s dream! Join an experienced

photographic tour leader and a professional photo instructor for an unusual and fascinating

trip.

[Temu Nana / Open Sky Expeditions]

Check out more on India here, and all of Open Sky’s photo journeys here.



No More Excuses

Mikey telling the Ohio State fans to drive home safely. That was a kind gesture. [Patrick Barron]



They did it.



Again.



And again.



Every year going into the Ohio State game I tell people something along the lines of "this is the biggest game I've ever covered" and this year it was, once again, and without hyperbole, the biggest game I've ever covered. With the scope of college football changing next year, rivalries dying, regional conferences going extinct, and everything surrounding the Michigan football program in the last six weeks, the stakes have never been higher.



It was an incredible experience, once again. Mostly because my favorite sports team won, of course.



The student section was nearly full 60 minutes to kickoff. Big Noon Saturday and College Gameday were both set up on the field. The weather was perfect. I was living off of four hours of bad sleep and felt as awake as possible. I know many of you were in the same boat since many of you were tweeting at 2am the night before alongside me.

You can just keep them, man [Bryan Fuller]

On January 9 of this year, Blake Corum announced that he would return for his senior season, citing "unfinished business."



With everything, all of it, the whole damn program on the line, Blake scored on a 22 yard touchdown run after Zak Zinter broke one of the most painful bones to break.



Then he pounded the hell out of Ohio State on what would be a seven minute field goal drive that almost ended the game.



He came back for this game. For this touchdown. For that drive. For Zak. For Frodo.

Funny, I took a similar photo with Donovan Edwards last year [Patrick Barron]

And he still has unfinished business.



This team has the tools to win the whole damn thing and they will not be denied. This team feels like what my life as a fan has been building up to. What their lives have been building up to.

Looks fine to me [Patrick Barron]

I've been in several crowd rushes and this one felt almost... polite by comparison? The 2016 Iowa game crowd rush was incredible because I didn't know a football field could smell like booze within seconds. 2016 and 2018 Ohio State were quite rowdy. I foolishly wasn't expecting a crowd rush after the 2021 game and that one got to be a bit aggressive. Crowd rushes make me nervous because I know someone is going to get seriously injured eventually and ruin it for everyone.



But this game, fans seemed to jog onto the field and just stood around like it was a fun, routine gathering. I didn't experience much pushing and shoving, no body compression, no acts of aggression. I said "excuse me" and people just kinda shuffled out of the way. There were a lot of people who did this like they've done it before. Because they have.



Even Carl Grapentine was polite about telling everyone to exit the field.



(That being said, getting off the field sucked but that's mostly due to volume).

And now Ryan Day has a losing record to two Michigan head coaches [Bryan Fuller]



I've never met Big Nut in person. From all accounts, I've heard he's a really nice guy who does a lot of charity work.



So in taking this photo... again. It truly is nothing personal. It's just sports. None of it is truly real. My first rule of sports is "none of it really matters."



BUT.

I think you and I are destined to do this forever. [Patrick Barron]

See you in Indy. My phone automatically connects to the WiFi at Lucas Oil Stadium now.



Three games to go.

 

About the Photographers

If you'd like to support us, one of the simplest things you can do is follow us on social media (links just below) where we post way more photos than here. In the offseason I also do a LOT of wildlife/national park photography. While we're not allowed to sell any of our sports photos per our credential agreement (sorry to anyone who reached out asking about one), I sell prints from my adventures which I sell on FineArtAmerica. You can buy prints (or just look at some pretty pictures) here: Patrick Barron Art Collections Or if you'd like, you can simply support me by buying me a coffee!

Social Media Accounts:

Patrick Barron:

Twitter: @BlueBarronPhoto

Instagram: @BlueBarronPhoto

Instagram (BUT WITH BEARS): @BlueBarronPhoto_Wild 

Bryan Fuller

Twitter: I have been informed that Bryan's Twitter was hacked and is currently INOP :(

Instagram: @BryanFullerPhotography



[Mikey and Quinten have strong opinions about you and footballs after THE JUMP]

 

Only 699 wins away from the Men's basketball team.

You know what else is a player safety issue?. AN ANGRY KENNETH GRANT.

I'm done being human, I wanna be a train.

Not just any train, a train with a brain.

Rolling 'round the track, metal wheels for arms.
Copy paste my face to a steel box car.

Uh oh it's a "Jim's Mad" game.

By order of the King, the city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep.

The Jug has run out of space.

At least both fanbases can agree that Iowa has bad corn.

We welcome Michigan football's 5th head coach this season.

This week we don't see Kris Jenkins three times in a row.

=) #47