Your mindset (as a fan) going into today's game: today vs. last year
Since I'm losing my mind waiting for our game and quickly lsoing patience watching UConn's disgusting brand of basketball, here's another post to talk about the fan experience of this run compared to last year's:
I'm not used to sustained success from the basketball program, let alone acute success. I can't stop thinking about how much different this year's team is than last year's team, and how much different our tournament run feels.
Last year, every game seemed like a gift. We were seeded underdogs in almost every game. Going into the Elite Eight, after that miracle against Kansas, I was in a state of Fandom Nirvana. It was one of the only times where I really truly think I would have felt very minimal pain from losing. I was also terrified of Florida, and had little faith we would win.
This year? I don't know how to feel. It seems like last game we were Kansas and Tennessee couldn't quite pull out the dagger against us. At the same time, we've been disrespected and largely ignored. It makes me doubt the knowledge I've gained about the team from watching them all season, and makes me be overly cynical. But I am not as scared of Kentucky, even if I should be. I also think I will be much more upset if we lose. Mostly, I am impatient.
There's my pregame thoughts. What say you all?
HNNNNNNNGGGGGGG
This year feels so so much different than last year. Every single game was a harrowing victory where no one predicted us to win. Now we're kind of a popular upset pick but we've still be the favorite (on paper) in every game, we still are today. It's very strange to sort of be in the giant position instead of the giant-killer. I feel weird
It's hard for the media to give us a storyline...it's pretty much "they thrive on threes"...
the storyline should be coach Beleins offensive genius - he's gotten the most out of the players he has to work with ... the opposite of, say, Hoke deciding to employ a power game despite not having the right personnel.
The media has been an absolute chore to watch/read this tournament. I know it's cliche for a sports fan to whine that their team doesn't get its due, but I really feel that way right now. It makes me want to get to a place where I can follow sports without knowing their input, which is very difficult.
yes, the media sucks...it's all about dumbed down story lines of their creation -- at least we've got Mgoblog!
Every game was a harrowing victory last year?
To get to the Final Four, we beat South Dakota State by 15, VCU by 25, Kansas by 2 (yes, that one was harrowing) and Florida by 20.
Pretty much nobody gives us a chance is any game, and I'm not sure why. Big Ten champs outright and every game we are not the focus of the pregame. But that's fine. The team seems to relish in that aspect (especially J Mo) and it keeps producing W's. I feel confident in today's game and think experience trumps their youth. Just my opinion.
After the miracle victory over Kansas I was perfectly content with a competitve game vs Florida; a win would be great, a loss would sting but I'd be happy with the season. This year basically all I have to say about today is: WIN THE GAME.
we've been ignored by the media because we were there last year...the media likes a new story
I believe our experience and decision making should earn us the victory over Kentucky.
Really? Because I remeber the media drooling over Louisville despite them being there last year too. Also, that explanation doesn't explain Dook. I think more so than us being in the finals last year, the issue is that our team goes against the "model" of what good prgorams are supposed to be: great big men, a slashing/driving guard, and good to great D. The great programs are not supposed to be built around three point shooting, which isn't supposed to be consistent enough to sustain a good program. Therefore, the pundits simply brush Michigan off as a team that can easily be beaten by a more traditionally built team, because they can't reconcile Beilein's offense with their preconceptions.
true, the media drools for the Pitino's of the world...Belein's don't do much for them...screw 'em
Im still just as nervous. The difference is I was less concerned about cuse than I am about bucky. I think the media hype surrounding UK only magnifies my nerves.
We have a good program. I expected to get to the 16 this year and we got to the 8. Let's relax and enjoy the show.
The thing that worries me the most about this team are our droughts. We are absolutely unstoppable when were on. We go through these periods of sleepwalking through games. Rather than twisting the knife and putting the game away, we allow teams back in. Off the top of my head I can think of a few games where that happened, Tenn, Texas, ohio, and illinois just in the last three weeks.
I wanted the game more last year. Mainly because it had been so long since they were in a final four and they were loaded with talent playing at a high level I thought it was their best chance to make it for a long time. This year I'm so amazed at how they have performed despite all the personnel losses that everything they get at this point is gravy to me. It also reinforces that Beilein can get these guys here even when on the face it's not his best team so a loss here doesn't convince me that they can't make a run to the title again in the future.
Last year: Scared and excited
This year: Scared and excited
Same mindset of every tournament game.
I'm just stoked that I get to watch this team at least one more time. I'm not gonna be butthurt if we lose today, I've had so much fun watching these guys this year, its been amazing.
Tbh I felt the same exact way last year.
Michigan Basketball has replaced Michigan Football as my favorite rooting interest. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that would happen.
If I didn't have a ton of homework to do later I'd drink right now. Nervous as fuck but excited as well.
Last year we were the hot blonde with big tata's. This year we're a volley ball chick with a cute face and tight bubble butt.
hahaLOL...thankfully all UM grads aren't libtard politically correct! LOL
Me too.
Last year: Joy and wonderment.
This year: Scared shitless.
Care less about what other people, especially Sparties, think of you and you're teams. It will help your health.
But this team did not cave. It came back from the dead and won its conference by three whole games. It kept finding ways to win, and got better each time it stepped on the court. Would I love to see them go to another Final Four? Yes. Would I love seeing them cut down nets and win a national title? You bet your sweet ass I would. But even if they lose tonight, I will still be proud of this team and everything it's accomplished.
Go Blue.
I find myself doing the same thing I was last year actually - sipping on beer before the game and making dinner while watching TV to keep my mind occupied and not obsessing about it for now. I find that if I keep myself busy in that respect, at least until our game is on, I am in a better frame of mind at least temporarily.
In other words, like last year, because I have rather a lot of emotion invested now, I am nervous but excited to see my alma mater making this sort of deep run...again even.
I wish I could upvote this even more
Exactly the same
I'm not going to lie, there's a good chance I don't even watch and just check the score every now and then on the computer. I can't handle the anxiety. Plus, it seems that when I've watched over the last month, things start to go badly. So I'm staying away.
I was about to tell you to stop being a pussy, then I read your last 2 sentences and want you to be locked in a room where there are no tvs. With all due respect.