About that Pre-game 'walk' by Sparty

Submitted by xtramelanin on October 21st, 2018 at 9:42 AM

Mates,
I finally saw a good view of that whole pre-game walk thing.  I will try to embed it here.  A few things of note. 

1.  Any of us who have played college sports will tell you that schedules for warm-ups and game are printed and posted.  Sparty knew what it was doing when it came out late. 

2.  Dantini is actually IN FRONT of the walk at the start.  Remember what he's seeing, about 5 Michigan guys doing their warm-ups right where he wants to go full prison league football.

3.  They are wearing helmets.  Now, maybe they do that every time (mgoblog sleuths, please investigate), but my gut tells me the helmets are in anticipation of a fight, a fight they wanted to start before the game. 

Anyway, here's the link (I think).  What do you all say?

XM

 

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=25036608

umaz1

October 21st, 2018 at 9:45 AM ^

Remember that Dantonio called it BS that he was behind the line smiling. Someone needs to make a screen shot of his stupid smug smiling face standing behind the line and title it “BS”.

TheDirtyD

October 21st, 2018 at 2:25 PM ^

They came out late on purpose. Dantonio is most likely the one responsible for it. They’ll find some excuse that’s a lie why they came out late. They came out late to send a message. They think they’re intimidating and they think they’re in Michigan’s head. Perhaps in years past but Michigan was focused from the time they left AA for this game. The players last week were fairly quiet on social media and they were dialed in from the opening kick. 

State wanted to disrupt Michigan’s rhythm and flow to its warm up. I know there’s only a few players out there but hoping it would cause enough problems to distract Michigan from the task at hand. By doing this Dantonio is basically admitting he has to use any tactic nessecary to win. He couldn’t line up and win. He has to use gimmicks and distractions. It failed. It only helped inspire Michigan to bully the pathetic attempt to play offense in football. 

UMxWolverines

October 21st, 2018 at 1:50 PM ^

They knew exactly what they were doing. They thought they could start some shit then blame it on Michigan for DISRESPEKTING them.

Never been a fan of the little brother thing, but that's exactly what that was yesterday. So whine, cry, and bitch all you want Sparty, you are in fact what we thought you were. 

Mitch Cumstein

October 21st, 2018 at 9:51 AM ^

This pre-game controversy is dumb. It’s a Sparty narrative to play the victim card and claim a moral victory. Let’s focus on the complete domination that took place on the field.

if we’re going to criticize Sparty’s off-the-field behavior, let’s focus on the stuff that actually matters. We all know what a trash institution that is.

UMfan21

October 21st, 2018 at 12:46 PM ^

Exactly.  And when there is video proof Dantonio lied, it deserved a giant spotlight shined on it.  National writers should be calling him out and asking him about it again in this weeks interviews.

"Coach D, you said Harbaughs comments about you being 5 yards behind your players smiling as 'BS'.  Since then video has surfaced showing you exactly 5 yards behind your players.  Please elaborate".

sirnack

October 21st, 2018 at 9:52 AM ^

Just to answer your question, they do typically wear the helmets when they do the walk, or at least they did when I was at a game there a few years back 

Baba Booey

October 21st, 2018 at 9:53 AM ^

Funny they could break ranks to allow Dantonio to go through and get behind them but couldn't break the chain for the UM players. Bush league is pretty much spot on 

bluepalooza

October 21st, 2018 at 9:54 AM ^

Anybody still waiting for the Harbaugh team to arrive, need not wait any longer. This is the team we have been waiting for. Biggest difference? QB.  A QB to go along with a stellar defense is a lethal combination.  That Harbaugh "edge and chippiness" is now on full display with his players. This team is special.

ijohnb

October 21st, 2018 at 9:54 AM ^

I don’t think there is any question that this was deliberate.  I think the scuffle is part of a bigger issue.  Looking back on this past week, the pregame, the fan posting, the coach comments, the player comments and actions, I think that the M v. MSU game has gone to an unhealthy place.  I’m not sure these kids should hate each other to the personal extent that they do.  Players yesterday weren’t just trying to win, they were trying to hurt each other.   Part of me was happy about Harbaugh’s post game comments because they are bush league and Dantonio’s a dick.  Another part of me is not sure that this fire needs anymore gasoline.

Maximinus Thrax

October 21st, 2018 at 10:34 AM ^

Exactly.  There has been an imbalance in the intensity that surrounds this game since Rich Rod was here.  How else do you explain even shitty Hoke teams playing OSU down to the wire, but getting pushed around the field by MSU.  The intra-state hate is intense, as every person living in Michigan knows.  Sparty have been bold lately, with occasional strangers calling me out in public for my M gear, Sparty flags popping up on houses everywhere, Sparty gear on the backs of the majority of kids in the schools.  It's time we matched the hate.  I'm all on board.

EGD

October 21st, 2018 at 11:00 AM ^

I think that’s ijohnb’s point.  The football team has no choice but to “match the hate” but it’s unhealthy.  I have good friends who went to State and every year they act like complete assholes this week, as do some of my UM friends.  College football is supposed to be fun and this isn’t.