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Brian

Ohhhhh. Reader Alton finally reveals the key change in the rules that has caused coaches nationwide to dream about high octane no-huddle attacks:

New NCAA Rule 2-4:
"A dead ball is ready for play when:
a. With the 40-second play clock running, an official places the ball at an inbounds mark or between the inbounds marks and steps away to his position.
b. With the play clock set at 25 seconds, the referee sounds his whistle and either signals to start the game clock or signals that the ball is ready for play"

2-4b is, helpfully, the existing rule and 2-4a is the new rule in effect when the 40-second play clock is. So there is a hypothetical window in which you can snap the ball under the new rule -- ball is down and umpire is moving -- that you couldn't under the old rule. So maybe there is something to the seemingly inexplicable meme. We'll see this fall.

Side note: my main issue with the new clock rules is how confusing they are. The clock's like this unless it's late in the half, at which point it's completely different. Any time you're implementing a rule and feel the need to not implement it at a certain point in the game, you should probably reconsider.

Ehhhhh? The preseason coaches poll just came out and Michigan is #24. Weird, but #24 before the bowls will probably be 8-4 and I kinda think they'll be 8-4, so not too weird. Other teams of note:

  • #3 Ohio State
  • #12 Wisconsin
  • #19 Illinois
  • #22 Penn State
  • Receiving Votes: Utah (#28), Michigan State, Notre Dame

Uhhhhh. Ohio State DT Doug Worthington picked up a DUI a few days ago. Kevin Grady's ability to drive(-ish) at a blood alcohol level that would put most people in a coma prevents the throwing of stones from this particularly glass house, but is this a little fishy?

Police also say Worthington's Cadillac Escalade had license plates that were registered to another vehicle.

I don't want to be one of those guys who goes around calling Ohio State "O$U lol," but there's an obvious parallel to Maurice Clarett and the Exceptionally Generous Columbus Car Dealer here. It could be nothing, but it could be the jenga block that topples Ohio State's nefarious empire! Moooohahahaha!

Or, uh... it could just warrant some followup. Which no doubt the Dispatch will get right on.

Brahhhhh! Yes, the still got me to post this brief video of a Michigan State coed informing us that RICKS WOO RAWKS:

Oops. This video is stuck on autoplay and thus pure evil. Link here.

Remember that when Michigan State fans launch into soliloquies about the totally awesome poon available on campus, this sort of person is what they're talking about. The only thing I'd touch her bits with is a geiger counter.

And we're done with that conceit.

Context, please. There's a big article in The Sporting News about Justin Boren. In it, he makes Rodriguez-like promises that he'll "let it all out" after he's done and blah and blah and blah. I don't care much anymore; it's not like I'm going to be thinking "boy I hope we beat Ohio State" this fall because of some guy on the bench. But they done dragged me into this:

As it stands now, Boren remains a favorite target on Michigan message boards, with threads labeled: "Attn, NFL: Justin Boren Is A Quitter Who Could Not Handle The System" or "Justin Boren deserves doom and unmitigated failure."

The first "thread" on "Michigan message boards" is actually a post from this blog back in March. The very first words of that post: "Not really." They were even bolded. Michael Bradley, the author of the piece, literally did not read two words of the post. The second "thread" is also a blog post from March, this from "The Errant Yachtsman" At press time said blog is averaging four hits per day and has racked up a total of 1,676 visits; this link has a good chance of doubling that number. (Bradley's projected age: 104.)

Bradley's evidence that Boren "remains" a favorite target on Michigan "message boards": two four-month-old blog posts, one read solely by the author's mother, the other specifically disclaiming the sarcastic headline in the first two words.

And for the record, yes, Michigan fans are well within their rights to think the Borens are dicks. Reason: they've been dicks. Boren not only decided to transfer to Ohio State, but launched an unprovoked attack on the program on his way out that every coach from sea to shining sea will use as negative recruiting ammunition until Rich Rodriguez leaves. Rodriguez, for his part, had said nothing except "Justin Boren has decided to leave the program."

Bradley completely glosses over this in his article, choosing instead to focus on the destination of his departure instead of the nature of it.

(Sidenote: the only thing of interest is a confirmation of the internet rumor that Boren skipped stuff to go plow with Dad: "Boren missed only one Columbus "snow event" while he was at Michigan and that was because he was sick." No doubt Rodriguez put an end to that practice, and that's the source of at least some of the animosity.)

And, finally, the last word on 'Bama. Reserve offensive lineman Patrick Crump has left the team because his "heart wasn't in it," and I kind of have to say something again, I guess, even though it's just going to be the same thing again. Fortunately, the WLA's got it covered:

While Alabama fans want to rationalize the size, scope, and masturbatory practicality of this attrition away, the fact remains that there is and should be some skepticism around Overlord Saban. He knowingly over-signed recruits. He needed to lose a significant number of scholarships. On the cusp of fall practice, he loses exactly that number. Boom. I'm not stupid and I'm not a virgin; coincidences like this don't just happen.

Or, at least, they defy probability. It's incredibly convenient that Saban lost just enough players to fit his entire class in, and IMO the likelihood all the departures were voluntary (excepting the Johns/Elder felony departures, of course) hovers around 0%. That's all. You know what I think, you know what Bama bloggers think, and no one's changing their minds. I'll let it lie now.

Etc.: Rambling, gambling, call-blowin' Big Ten referee Steven Pamon is fired; Darius Morris is committing today, and everyone's fired up; there are no CPU sliders in Madden. Someone please fire Tiburon; VB looks at Rodriguez's first, difficult year at West Virginia.

Comments

esipp

August 1st, 2008 at 10:39 AM ^

not a fan of the autoplaying video (at work) hidden far down the post.

Edit: Brian caught it, but i guess that's what I get for constantly refreshing the main page throughout the morning

Wolv54

August 1st, 2008 at 10:53 AM ^

If I have learned one thing from my addiction of reading this blog daily, it's that Brian would so be all over that chick in the video despite whatever he says to the contrary.  You can make clever little comments about geiger counters and the like, but if you had to choose between another night of World of Warcraft and Ms. Drunk MSU, she wins hands down 87% of the time.  Sorry Brah, just needed to out you on that one.

Tim Waymen

August 1st, 2008 at 11:23 AM ^

Another thing about the Boren article is that it mentions reports that Lloyd helped Boren with the transfer and told him that there are "good people" there. Well, had the author done his research then he would have found that Lloyd responded to such reports and said outright that that is a lie.

jamiemac

August 1st, 2008 at 11:37 AM ^

Wow, are we surprised that somebody did an article that was not researched well....is that not the essense of the modern, mainstream media? More interested in forwarding popular opinion than exposing myths and reporting facts. How bad would the reaction be from osu fans if someone tranfered from there to another big 10 school. Probably would not have to lean on four month old blog posts as evidence of a harassing campaign, thats for sure. Hey, at least he can plow with his dad now. Sorry, but thats just gay. You're supposed to seek out new experiences as a collegiate, not fall back on childhood traditions.

imafreak1

August 1st, 2008 at 11:41 AM ^

The TSN article was less of a hit job than I was expecting. Justin comes across as kind of a big baby. He calls all Michigan fans ‘idiots’ because he received some unpleasant text messages. Obviously texting someone you don’t know mean things is a really stupid thing to do but ask Ryan Hamby, who received death threats because he dropped a TD pass against Texas, how OSU fans react to adversity. This isn’t to point a finger at OSU but just to mention this is common behavior. Justin committed what I believe any knowledgeable person, even OSU fans, would call a significant betrayal. People are going to be mad and justifiably so. The TSN article seems to suggest anger is not justified or message board posts are usually reasonable. I think it’s weird that the game in A2 will be ‘the best day of his life’ and he’s jazzed it’s in A2 because that makes me think he doesn’t recognize our right to feel betrayed which is pretty weak. After Carr stated categorically that he did not help Boren get his release papers nor did he recommend OSU, I imagine Carr’s pretty happy that Boren keeps implicating him. If you love your old coach so much then quit dragging him needlessly into your shit.

It’s done. He’s gone. I don’t hold any of this against RR. I think the attempt to paint Justin Boren as a sympathetic figure, unless he starts receiving actual threats or something more than mean text messages, should fail

Jebus

August 1st, 2008 at 11:54 AM ^

I was over it before, but now I want to see a bit of a reenactment of the Warren Sapp/Chad Clifton experience, with Terrence Taylor playing the role of Warren Sapp.

jamiemac

August 1st, 2008 at 12:02 PM ^

On July 1, I would have surprised if told we would in the preseason poll. However, on August 1, I am less so to see it actually happen. I saw earlier in the week the Sporting News preseason mag lists us as #18; in perusing various blogs that vote in the blogpoll, i read a lot of people considering UM on their ballots; and I just get an overall feel that as the season nears people/pundits are recognizing a great D and enough highly rated prospects on offense that our season wont be the total disaster many had claimed it would be during the spring. So, are we surprised by the ranking. Not that it matters, but do you think the AP will have us in the top-25? And, more importantly, seeing us in the poll, does that elevate your expectations for the season? For me it does not, but I have had high expectations all along. Love the early home schedule, and I think it gives us a solid chance at having at least some share of the league crown on the line when we play in Columbus.

jamiemac

August 1st, 2008 at 12:09 PM ^

Yeah, count me in with the group that says Brian is full of chit by saying he would not hit that. I mean she's a bit of a train wreck in that footage, but c'mon after a couple drinks at a tailgate he would forget all about that gieger counter stipulation. I mean I dont know that man personally, but he's a blogger fer gawd's sake and does not get out of the basement that much. Gotta take what's available!

mKzoo

August 1st, 2008 at 4:09 PM ^

That's a pretty fucking moronic statement Jamiemac.  I think you need to try meeting Brian first which I have.  In public.  At a bar.  And - gasp - he socializes on a normal level.

Not everybody would hit any remotely cute drunk chick, myself included.

echoWhiskey

August 1st, 2008 at 12:13 PM ^

In light of the new clock rules, I look forward to many more instances of missing entire plays due to poorly timed replays. Also, it should be fun to see umpires get blasted by offensive linemen when they snap the ball immediately after he sets it down.

Tim Waymen

August 1st, 2008 at 12:27 PM ^

If Boren felt more comfortable with OSU, then fine, even though I still see what he did as blasphemy. Either way, the fact remains that what he did was classless and inexcusable. You don't badmouth a team on the way out, simple as that. He used it as an excuse to weasel his way out of a team with a coach he didn't like, and that's not something that any parent, "Michigan Man" or not, should teach his/her child to do. To make matters worse, he badmouthed the Michigan fans afterwards. In all honesty, I think that the OSU coaching staff is just as appalled by what Boren did. And there is some damage. "Family values" is mentioned in every article about RR adjusting to Michigan, something that might further tarnish his image in the eyes of casual observers; half-truths make up the whole story (similar to the effects of the AAN articles of sports and academics at UM). Look at all of the guys who didn't transfer. So what does it all mean? Boren is spoiled and is the one in need of values. He displayed behavior not unlike that of Michael Vick, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, and a bitter Rick Pitino. It is no wonder that parents and teachers worry about the example that some pro athletes' behavior might have on kids. He threw Michigan under the bus, yet he promises that more will "come out"? It is absolutely classless that he has to blame others for the fact that he didn't like the new coaching style.

chitownblue (not verified)

August 1st, 2008 at 12:44 PM ^

Let's dial back the rhetoric machine for a second. Moss and Owens have complained about their current contracts to get traded - fine, I see the comparison. But Michael Vick? Really? Killing/abusing dogs and laundering money for arms dealers = leaving Michigan for OSU? Also, he didn't "bash" Michigan fans. He said that the people who texted and e-mailed him nasty-grams are idiots. And he's probably right.

Tim Waymen

August 1st, 2008 at 1:45 PM ^

There's no need for the snarky reponse.

I'm not talking about the dog-fighting. I actually wasn't thinking about that at all. I'm talking about him flipping off fans and I think he's made inappropriate public statements about disputes he's had. For that matter, add Manny to the list (nice to fans, but unprofessional during his dealings with BoSox management).

You know I'm reasonable. This wasn't rhetoric. I'm not yelling and screaming (in typing), "how dare he or his father call himself a Michigan Man!!" I didn't call him a pussy who couldn't handle workouts, and I said that I understand if he's more comfortable at OSU. I know how you are characterizing me and my post, and you're wrong and have not carefully read it.

This is about a kid who did something wrong. I mean, isn't what he did unprofessional? And fine, maybe he was talking about Michigan fans who emailed him and not all Michigan fans or whatever. That isn't right and is certainly not a good way of getting him to reconsider. But he could have said something like, "they don't know the whole story" or "it's none of their business" and just call it a day. Yes, he's just a kid and an amateur athlete and this does seem like nitpicking, but he doesn't know anything about know how to conduct himself. Most college athletes do a pretty good job of speaking in public, and those who don't usually don't go as far as Boren did. This is more of an indictment of his parents and his values, ironically.

Ms. Wolverine

August 1st, 2008 at 1:02 PM ^

Thanks for pointing out the hilarious aspects of that article's lack of proper research Brian. I love when people who don't know what they're doing try to tap into the "blogosphere" and end up punching themselves in the face instead.

imafreak1

August 1st, 2008 at 1:04 PM ^

Look, I’m a big family values guy but what part does family values play in Justin Boren skipping out of his school commitments to work as slave labor for his dad? In a similar circumstance, if I were a big time business owner entrepreneur, I would not allow my son to welch (interesting that I can say this but not call Boren a Shylock cheapskate, crazy world, how ‘bout them fightin’ Irish?) on his commitments to drive several hours in a ‘snow event’ to then work for days straight only to drive several more hours back through the ‘snow event’ and then skip class because he’s exhausted. If I were a big time millionaire community leader type guy, I’d PAY an EMPLOYEE (there's always some dudes looking for work in the Home Depot parking lot--just bring tacos [wink, wink]) to plow for me rather than get my son in hot water with his school because that’s how businesses work. I’ll tell you what, if I found out that my son’s indentured servitude to me was causing problems for him at school, that would be it for the magical plowing Borens! But see, I’m old school family values. Then again, if the alleged interview with Bo had any basis in reality, as the father, I probably would have concluded it quickly with a “thanks for the input Bo—always welcome your opinion. Call me (imagine finger phone to ear and mouth).”

redwhiteandMGOBLUE

August 1st, 2008 at 1:05 PM ^

regarding Ohio State DT Doug Worthington's DUI - "Instead of buying young DTs an old Escalade, the boosters could begin paying off the journalists in Cleveland to shut the hell up…" dave - July 30th, 2008 at 7:45 pm - # http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2008/07/does-it-matter-what-worthington-w… "Dave" is referring to a blog by Doug Lesmerises in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. http://blog.cleveland.com/lesmerises/2008/07/ohio_state_football_does_i…

the_enemy

August 1st, 2008 at 2:03 PM ^

maybe you'd also like to point out that the PD link explains the plate confusion.  

"It's also true the plates on Worthington's vehicle did not match his registration. This is a fact that escaped me in my original story, but has since caused some chatter. What exactly does that mean?

Not that much, according to Richard Morman, the deputy chief of police for the OSU campus police. He said that Worthington had recently purchased the Escalade (which goes for about $20,000 to $24,000 according to the Kelley Blue Book). According to Morman, the dealer put his old plates, from what Morman said was a GMC sports utility vehicle, on the Escalade and told Worthington to make sure the plates were properly transferred. He did not do that, so he was cited for it, along with speeding and drunken driving."

wow, research instead of unfounded speculation!

hat

August 1st, 2008 at 1:19 PM ^

Michael Bradley (who actually went to UM - what is with our alums in the press?) wrote an article in the 1997 TSN preview mag, which I still have somewhere, talking about how our program was crumbling to pieces. He's basically the TSN Drew Sharp.

jamiemac

August 1st, 2008 at 1:25 PM ^

I remember that article, it was entitled 'Why is Michigan so Mediocre.'

 He said the block M stood for mediocre. It was the big story in their annual preview mag for 1997. I probably still have it in a dusty box somewhere. The same mag had CU preseason #1 and Manning winning the Heisman.

Oops!

chitownblue (not verified)

August 1st, 2008 at 3:14 PM ^

I apologize for leaping to the wrong conclusion - Vick's bird-flipping barely registered for me at the time, so it's far from the first thing in my head when people reference some sort of malfeasance. My objection to the STILL rolling ball of shit that is the Boren story is this: It's done. It's over. Shit like team/school allegiance/loyalty matter FAR more to the fanbase than it does to these kids. For Boren, obviously, it was more important to play for a coach who he liked. For whatever reason, he disliked Rodriguez. I don't know what that reason was, nor do you, nor does anyone. Kids transer every year for the same reason (hello Steve Threet!) and we don't harp on them for "abandoning their commitment". Boren committed to Carr, and Carr is gone. At the end of the day the person who is effected the most by this, Justin Boren, is happy. So why should I give a shit? Because he doesn't want to play for my favorite team? If I think someone is a dick for that reason, doesn't that say far more about me than them? Also, we're pointing out his willingness to go home and help his father's business as a character flaw? I agree, when he transferred, he should have kept his mouth shut. The comment was classless. But haven't all of us said something stupid we wish we could take back? I just did it to you in the first paragraph. This story is deader than dead, was idiotic to begin with, but the MSM, and yahoos on message boards (I'm not calling you a yahoo, Tim) won't let it die.

In reply to by chitownblue (not verified)

turbo cool

August 1st, 2008 at 4:10 PM ^

by repeatedly responding to comments and posts about Boren, ya aren't letting it die either. but regardless, this kid is a moron, plain and simple.

caup

August 1st, 2008 at 3:47 PM ^

This is about a coaching style. When asked why he prefers the Ohio State staff, Boren provides some insight into his disaffection for the new Michigan coaches. "(Tressel and his staff) coach with class and emphasize education," he says. "They put what's most important first. Each player is important. There's no bashing of players. You're not going to be belittled. Each player has feelings. They treat each person with respect." So Boren CONTINUES to bash RR and his staff. And excuse me but at what point does Mike chime in and tell his kid that Bo coached EXACTLY the same way as RR, with heavy doses of profanity and belittling? No, sorry, the Borens are a bunch of fuckheads.

caup

August 1st, 2008 at 4:00 PM ^

#1. Mike, who OMG LOVED! Bo is a raging hyprocrite for not supporting the new coach, who by all indications (most notably Brandstatter's) is "eerily similar" to Bo. I really really don't like hypocrites. #2. That whole family is being fundamentally disingenuous with this whole "family values" bullshit. That BS is aimed to protect their own pride instead of just swallowing the fact that Zack isn't good enough to warrant a Michigan scholarship. So they slander RR and his staff with horseshit allegations just to save face. What scumbags.

chitownblue (not verified)

August 1st, 2008 at 4:12 PM ^

gjp, I'm about 125% sure that jamiemac was making the hacky "mother's basement" jokes ironically. I think this because Jamiemac has been a reader, and a member of our little commenting community for more than a few years.

mKzoo

August 1st, 2008 at 4:14 PM ^

I know he has been which was why I was a little put-off that he'd write that shit. If my sarcasm meter is off then by all means, jamiemac, I apologize.

jamiemac

August 1st, 2008 at 4:41 PM ^

And, yes, I was kidding. I had hoped it was obvious, but sometimes it is hard to tell in emails and posts and the like, so dont worry about it. For future refence, when I include a 'fer gawd's sake' its a tell tale sign that I am kdding, or ranting with a comedic effect.

Anyway, gjp, I hope to meet you, Brian and all the usual suspects who comment here sometime during the upcoming season.......and we will all compare in person who we would hit and who we would not hit.

 

 

Jim Harbaugh S…

August 1st, 2008 at 4:28 PM ^

1. Skip the next trip to the tanning salon, no one in Michigan needs to be that dark. Hulk Hogan thinks your tan is over the line. 2. Avoid the money shot to the face, because I'm guessing that is the cause of that lazy/nervous twitchy eye thing you got going on.