Hypothetical Michigan 30 for 30 ideas

Submitted by Yostal on

While watching Once Brothers last night, I threw out the idea to my friends of "If they came to you and asked you for your best 30 for 30 idea, what would it be?"

Mine was totally MGoBlog inspired:

"You Were Killed By a Bear and I am Sad"--A reflective look at Michigan football from November 12, 2006 to January 2, 2008.

It would encompass the week leading up to the 2006 "Game of the Century", Bo's death, the Game itself, the bickering over the BCS in 2006, USC beating Michigan in the Rose Bowl, The Horror, the Oregon slaughter, the resurrection games against ND and Penn State, the Little Brother game, the Champaign nights, Boom Malletted, Coach Carr's retirement, the coaching search, a new era, and going out on top.

I know it has a very parochial feel and I know that it would be hard for many Michigan fans to watch, but I think it's reflective of a sea change in college football in microcosm.

So, with that in mind, what would be your hypothetical Michigan athletics 30 for 30 idea.  It works better if you give your angle.

willywill9

October 13th, 2010 at 8:22 AM ^

This is the best thread idea since the season began (I would say.)  Great question.

Obviously Fab 5 would have to be one; along with the 1997 season.   How about last year's hockey season?  I know Michigan didn't win, but when you take a look back, what a remarkable run to actually qualify, right?

EDIT: To add, if we were to focus on individuals in Michigan sports - John Navarre (for the abuse he took from fans), Zoltan Mesko (remarkable story) and Juliana Paz (another remarkable story.)

TrppWlbrnID

October 13th, 2010 at 8:33 AM ^

The story of Brian, and how amid the shouting pile of dung that is sports internet, he and his motley band of cohorts started, maintained and run an insightful, well thought-out and enjoyable sports blog that is my heroine laced with crack.

Hemlock Philosopher

October 13th, 2010 at 8:35 AM ^

From the previous season's failures, Lloyd Brady Carr's inspirational readings, the pre-season "dissing" and the opening can-o-whoopass on a third-ranked Colorado team through the near misses against ND and Iowa and the shellings versus Penn State and the hype surrounding OSU. 

Yostal

October 13th, 2010 at 8:39 AM ^

I had a broad view idea of the paths of the four Heisman finalists in 1997, and tracking them through that season and beyond.

  • Charles Woodson
  • Peyton Manning
  • Ryan Leaf
  • Randy Moss

You would get the Woodson highlights, you would get the Tennessee conspiracy theories that ESPN stole Peyton's Heisman, Randy Moss breaking out at Marshall, the hype of Manning or Leaf, Leaf of Manning, and take it from there.  I think people would watch that.

 

eth2

October 13th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^

In retrospect, on that day, how many people would've predicted that Ryan Leaf would fall the fastest and the furthest?   And he was back in the news again recently among the names of college football players on the take during their NCAA days.

Meanwhile Charles Woodson is still at the top of his game, has become one of the most generous athletes with his work with Mott's Children Hospital.   

Can't mention this group without showing a pic from that day.   Randy Moss wearing shades at the Downtown Athletic Club, during the Heisman Trophy ceremony, where he is a finalist, ranks very high on the unintentional comedy scale.  

 

 

But still poses no challenge to Jalen who set the bar extremely high...

 

Yostal

October 13th, 2010 at 12:28 PM ^

My college roommate had a theory which I subscribe to about Randy Moss's sunglasses.  He and Woodson were likely hanging out in New York (this part was later confirmed in a story by Chris Fowler, which is its own separate thread) and Moss said something like "You know what would be awesome?  We should wear sunglasses to the ceremony.  That would be great.  I'll do it if you do it."  And Woodson probably like said something in the "Sure Randy, sounds good." And never gave it a second thought.

The next day the show up and Moss is wearing the sunglasses and Woodson isn't and Moss asks him what's up and Woodson says "Wait, I thought you were kidding."  And Randy goes it alone.

profitgoblue

October 13th, 2010 at 9:38 AM ^

I was thinking about this 1997 Heisman story the other day when people were talking about Randy Moss being a hall-of-famer.  I realized that Moss, Woodson, and Manning were there in NY for the Heisman decision.  That is one heck of a group (I'm purposely leaving out Leaf for obvious reasons).

As far as Michigan goes, the 1997 season was the pinnacle of my college career.  Nothing will top this season in my lifetime unless something does.

mbrummer

October 13th, 2010 at 9:46 AM ^

Before the 1997 year ,where they came from.  Moss with his checkered past, Manning being bred to play qb since birth.  The schools they went to, major schools, Moss maybe leading to the rise of the mid major football programs.

Afterwards in the NFL, an all world qb, and all world bust, an HOF CB, and a HOF wr and headcase.  What a fantastic group to juxtapose.

Yostal

October 13th, 2010 at 12:37 PM ^

Moss has one of the most interesting paths of a Heisman finalist ever.  He dreamed of playing for Lou Holtz at Notre Dame and signed his LOI there, only to get involved in a fight at his high school that had racial overtones, which meant that Notre Dame denied his admission and Holtz suggested he try Florida State, given Bobby Bowden's reputation with "troubled" players.  But because he had signed his LOI, he was a "transfer student" so he had to sit out his freshman year.  So he transfers to the Seminoles, has a fake 40 time of 4.25, second in program history only to Deion Sanders 4.23.  While at Florida State, he tests positive for substance use and is dismissed from Florida State, where he then transfers to Marshall.  Because Marshall, at that time, is I-AA, he doesn't lose any time.  Marshall then returns to I-A in 1997 and he has the season worth noticing.

Yeah, that's its own episode right there.

mbrummer

October 13th, 2010 at 8:45 AM ^

Bo's death, the OSU game, the bickering over the BCS title game would deserve its own.

2008-2009 Football, Please god don't add 2010 to this.

The 10 year war obviously.

Mike Legg's goal.

Gary Moeller's parting with the University.

1997 football

The football coach search

1988-89 football/basketball seasons. Rose Bowl and NCAA champs

Fielding Yost

Little Brown Jug

1969 Football

Ellerbe years (wow it was painful typing that name)

Lloyd's last year

Red's first National title

Crisler

Gerg's Hair

NickUmich

October 13th, 2010 at 8:55 AM ^

They, along with my dad having gone to Michigan, were the reason I became a hardcore Michigan fan. I lived and breathed that team. Jalen was my boy! I still remember having to hold back tears after they lost to North Carolina in the champiionship game (I was 11, cut me a break). If I had to pinpoint when I became a true sports fan I would have to say that it was during this time, because of this team...with a assist from Desmond Howard and Michael Jordan, cause who didn't wanna "be like Mike."

In related news, I still have about 50 Chris Webber NBA rookie cards and about 25 Jalen Rose rookie cards as a result of my obsession for the Fab Five if anybody wants them. ;)

profitgoblue

October 13th, 2010 at 9:42 AM ^

Think of how much you loved watching the Fab 5 as a kid and then put yourself on campus during this time as an undergrad!  That is my memory of the Fab 5 era.  It was outstanding seeing Jalen drive down State Street in his Yukon, chewing on the string of his hooded sweatshirt, sitting next to Juwan Howard in class, sleeping out in 30-degree weather all night to get halfcourt seats for the Duke game.  Regardless of what happened years later and the blacklisting, I will always remember the Fab 5 era fondly.

03 Blue 07

October 13th, 2010 at 1:53 PM ^

I am in the same boat- the Fab Five turned me on to Michigan. I was 12 when they lost to Carolina, and I cried. i think the Fab 5 got me started on being a Michigan fan, which ultimately culminated with me attending U of M.

Jalen's suit at the 1994 Draft set the high water mark for draft fashion. Also, call me crazy, but I'd love for Jalen to coach at M someday; he'd be one hell of a recruiter.

lilpenny1316

October 13th, 2010 at 9:10 AM ^

If that accident never happens, the whole Ed Martin investigation may have never begun.  I don't know if Fisher would still be coaching here, but we don't get stuck with Ellerbe and still control hoops in this state.  And we still would have been selling the Fab Five to high school kids.

South Bend Wolverine

October 13th, 2010 at 9:16 AM ^

As a hockey fan, I definitely like "The Legend of Shawn Hunwick" for such a treatment.  Donnie Warner as well would be nice, in the category of "Rudy" stories where the hero actually accomplishes something.  Also, particularly if this season ends up decently, "I Saw a Man Walk Yesterday" (stealing from someone's diary title here) covering the Brock Mealer story could be excellent.

Mitch Cumstein

October 13th, 2010 at 9:20 AM ^

I think one focusing on Dave Brandon and his playing days and then the path he followed to become the AD.  I think that would make a really interesting story.

 

I also agree doing one on Red would be cool.  He is an interesting character and definitely a legend.

dothepose

October 13th, 2010 at 9:45 AM ^

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the 1969 Ohio State vs Michigan game. How that game would redefine the rivalry for the next 40 years. It started a legacy, or heck , the 10 year war would be a great 30 for 30 for people to realize how much Woody hated Michigan and its inhabitants.

eganrut

October 13th, 2010 at 10:10 AM ^

The habit of Michigan to come up short in big games in seasons with National Championship hopes.  Also known as why every Michigan Game on ESPN Classic is a Michigan loss.

Wolverine In Exile

October 13th, 2010 at 10:23 AM ^

1) The Resurection of Michigan Hockey-- fits within the timeframe ESPN was around... start at the history of Michigan hockey (how we WERE college hockey for a number of years), the decline showing Yost nearly empty and derelict, the hiring of Red, the slow building of a program while Mason was winning at MSU and then the apex would be the run from Steve Shields (almost there....) to Turco to Blackburn and the full return of Michigan hockey as the pre-eminant college hockey program in the nation. End with 3 minutes of game footage with the student section taunting, maybe even the Molly/UDenver Yost regional or the take over of Munn last year

2) Outside the timeline of the 30 for 30 series, but a documentary on either Tom Harmon or the winged  helmet would be very very cool

 

BTW-- "Once Brothers" was my second fav 30 for 30 yet... My tops is still the USFL one.

UMQuadz05

October 13th, 2010 at 10:33 AM ^

WIth a twist- we have to wait for the football team to be "back", all the way.  I'm not watching this thing until it ends with us finally beating OSU again.  Actually, who needs 30 for 30?  We just need Brian to package some columns up, "Now I Can Die in Peace" style, and publish a book.  Don't tell me you wouldn't buy this.

tk47

October 13th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^

The Les Miles debacle.  What the hell really happened, is Bill Martin really as stupid as we think he is, was Herbstreit really trying to screw our pooch, etc.

EZMIKEP

October 13th, 2010 at 12:19 PM ^

for months about a 30 for 30 about the 2006 team. In my personal opinion I really think that 2006 team is the greatest college football team ever that didn't win a National Championship let alone its conference. 

JBE

October 13th, 2010 at 2:30 PM ^

Lloyd Carr reading poems for two hours in front of a fire with Mozart playing in the background.  Entitled, "A Dream Within A Dream."

oc michigan fan

October 13th, 2010 at 2:33 PM ^

Fab 5/Bill Martin for sure.

Maybe A.C. being homesick and wanting to go back to Florida.

 

The coaching search, from Martin to Miles and his relationship to Carr + Herbie on Gameday to WV losing to Pitt. It could even go into Pryor's recruitment....

 

The week of The Game 2006. Bo died at a time when The Game could be no bigger, and will never be with the Big 10 title game next year.

BleedingBlue

October 13th, 2010 at 2:55 PM ^

Angle - Importance of Athletic Directors:  How Tom Goss ran the athletic department into the ground in two years.  Facing the Ed Martin Scandal, the Halo Fiasco, and a department in the Red, Bill Martin rebuilt the whole effing place and left with the Department making money hand over fist and new facilities almost across the board.

"  The department also has suffered financial woes, with a $2.8 million deficit recorded for FY 1999."

New Carr

October 13th, 2010 at 3:21 PM ^

Most relevant on the national scale.  Everyone cared about the Fab 5...They were college basketball for those two years.  The story has everything....drama, talent, a rebellious nature, and the tragedy of scandal.  No doubt it would be the most compelling for the masses....Michigan fan or not.

New Carr

October 13th, 2010 at 3:21 PM ^

Most relevant on the national scale.  Everyone cared about the Fab 5...They were college basketball for those two years.  The story has everything....drama, talent, a rebellious nature, and the tragedy of scandal.  No doubt it would be the most compelling for the masses....Michigan fan or not.