That would have been very interesting. However - and with all due respect - I still think the press would have had the Buckeyes with their "best roster money can buy" or Georgia - as the #1 team in the country.
I'm not saying that Michigan with JJ and a few key early entries (staying another year) wouldn't deserve that ranking - but, the press / analysts are "who they are" - which isn't going to change.
How much will Colorado football be in the news this season? Yes, they're in the Big 12 now.
They have five "Way too early" Top 25 teams on the schedule:
host Kansas State (20)
at Arizona (11 - which will look different)
host Utah (10)
at Kansas (22)
host Oklahoma State (17)
I'm sure there will be talk about the Buffs record this season - but, I'll wait until later in the summer to comment. Until then, I'll just enjoy supporting the reigning National Champion Michigan Wolverines.
You're on the mark - John Everyman is a great guy - and apparently the cousin of another contributor / commenter on the site.
It's going to be warmer - not sure if I'd describe it as "hot" - with a fair chance of rain this afternoon and evening. As for his missus - it's not only cherry pie - she bakes apple, rhubarb, peach - whatever's in season. She's a very talented lady - and he's a lucky guy. The Everyman family has lived in Anytown almost as long as my family has.
Test optional creates a very challenging landscape. I understand some perspectives about standardized tests - but fail to accept one aspect. That difficult area is Quantitative / Math.
I find it difficult to understand how a Math answer is impacted by a socioeconomic condition. The quality of an education varies through a variety of factors / variables. However - 9x7 = 63 - regardless of language, circumstances, etc.
kye - respectfully, I disagree. I believe there is a benefit by applying early - my children applied Early Action whenever possible. They did not apply Early Decision to any school.
What’s the benefit? What did we realize? The key thing was time - and an opportunity to get to know schools better. First - the accepts from a “safety” school provided a foundation - “You’re already in at these schools.” This provided a degree of assurance - and focus on merit scholarship conversations / offers. Second - the schools that declined - well, you just take them off the list - IIRC, only one school “declined”. Third - for schools that defer - you can get to build a relationship with the Admissions Counselor and have them get to know you better - and to learn more about the school. I also think it provides an opportunity to apply to other schools - via Regular / Standard Decision based on where you’ve been accepted / deferred.
The schools that provide a “Defer” decisions may offer an interview with the student that can help determine the fit - and potential offer of admission.
While I agree the Common and Coalition apps make it easier to apply to college these days, it's not as if you just finish the Common / Coalition apps and apply for Admission.
The schools I would describe as "more / highly selective" - all have their own sets of questions. So, an applicant may use the Common / Coalition app as the foundation - but, also have a set of questions that need to be answered for the specific institution.
To provide some clarity - there is no "early admit" category / classification. My kids applied to during Covid and are juniors in college today. The idea is there - the semantics / vernacular is a bit different. The three types are:
Early Decision (ED) - this is binding. You apply early - and, if you're accepted - you'll attend - and withdraw applications from all other schools.
Early Action (EA) - the university's admissions reviews your application and the three options are: 1) admission is offered, 2) student is NOT offered admission, and 3) the application is deferred - which puts the applicant in the "standard" applicant pool with a "late Spring" date.
Standard - while ED and EA are fall (October) applications - the standard process will accept applications for evaluation until the winter - it might be late January or early February - depending on the school. The three results are: 1) admission is offered, 2) admission is NOT offered, or 3) applicant is Waitlisted - which depends on how many offers of admission have been accepted.
My kids applied Early Action (EA) wherever they could.
Each of my children applied to about 15 schools - half of them were common (where they both applied) and half were individual based on their interests. The university's decisions were identical - accept / decline / waitlist - where they both applied. They just finished their junior year at Michigan.
TRVB - what are you talking about? The O$U schedule? Respectfully, it's a gauntlet - look at the three OOC teams they face. I doubt that any of those three will field ten defenders during critical periods in the game.
Those three OOC opponents - they're filled with tradition and history. They open against the fearless Zips of Akron. Their second contest is against the Broncos of Western Michigan. And, they wrap the OOC up against not just "The Herd" - but - The Thundering Herd of Marshall. This type of schedule really requires they play all three games at home - in the Shoe - which they will do.
Their four road games include - traveling to East Lansing, Eugene, State College, and "the Chicago area" (to face Northwestern).
"Grade Inflation"? A friend of mine shared an article with me - in the article, it indicated that over 90% of the grades Yale students received were an "A".
My kids are in Ann Arbor - they work hard and are bright. Finals just ended - and I know how hard they worked and busted their behinds. I can say - in the STEM areas - Grade Inflation doesn't seem to exist at Michigan. And - I'm thankful for that - and exceptionally proud of them.
I believe that one approach the Pac-12 teams took for travel was to schedule / play games in a Thursday / Saturday - Friday / Sunday set when travel was notable.
So - schools would travel to LA for a "two game road trip" - to UCLA and USC - the same thing with Arizona / ASU and Stanford / Cal.
It would make sense for the "new" B1G to schedule trips the same way. It would reduce travel and make it easier on the athletes.
Klatt does seem to be the most knowledgeable and balanced analyst / media type covering college football these days. His passion for the game comes through - IMO, his reporting is pretty level headed, insightful, and balanced.
I have two perspectives about the alleged Advance Scouting - in specific reference to the Buckeyes and the '22 game in the Shoe.
First - if Michigan knew what O$U was calling - why was Sainristil so out of position where he made an incredible recovery to prevent Stover from completing the TD reception?
Second - remember one of the Buckeye punts? O$U called a fake punt - yet, it appeared very few players on the punt unit actually understood it was a fake. IF the Buckeye players don't know their own play calls - how could Michigan possibly figure it out. Unless, of course, it was a triple secret probation type thing.
Perhaps a better question would have been - "What did Michigan's defense do that caused troubles for Bama's offense?"
Or - "Jalen, I know you're on the offensive side of the ball - it seems like Michigan's bringing in plays from a huddle created a challenge for Bama's D. Do you have any perspective on this?"
I think context is important when referring to "run through an mf'er's face". Usually, it's a play by an offensive player (lineman) who pancakes the opposing DL.
Let's be honest - Michigan's been "creating an unlevel playing field" this way for the past three seasons. In '21 - in the snow - Hutchinson plowed through the LT that was there to stop him - and, laid the LT on his back. It was no different on that last play in the Rose Bowl. Technique - leverage - drive - and force. The play was busted the moment the OL got in their stance.
Just think ... it's unlikely the Green & White would be in this predicament if Mark Dantonio hadn't waited until he collected his bonus to leave East Lansing.
IIRC - Dantonio collected his bonus - waved "buh bye" to the Spartan family - and MSU was too late to find another coach because the coaching carousel / window had essentially closed. They found Tucker because of how late the window was - and the rest, as they say, is history.
So - Mark - in the words of the Steve Miller Band, I'd like to thank you for for "Taking the money - and running." Your loyalty to the Green & White is exemplified in your action.
"Summer camp participation" - should be part of any agreement that's reached - though, I highly doubt Petitti will seek alignment / approval of it.
As for the training table - "whole milk" is an interesting question. I'm a fan / believer of two things (regarding milk) - first, RGBH free milk - and second, chocolate milk is great for recovery after a workout. So - RGBH free, chocolate whole milk - though expensive - should be an option for the players. I'm not a nutritionist and am curious what their opinion would be on this topic.
If student athletes become University employees - doesn’t the value of their scholarship become a taxable benefit?
And, if it is taxable - it’s a liability of about $80K / year - since - I believe - Michigan’s policy is to pay the University out of state tuition for all student athletes.
Would the Athletic Department also pick up the tax liability for the scholarship?
What’s the difference between NIL and brown bagging? The answer ….. taxes.
Brown bagging hasn’t gone away, and it won’t. If someone believes that a media revenue sharing agreement will create a level - consistently enforced landscape in college athletics - well, I have a bridge to sell.
Do you remember the play - pass breakup against Stover - in the Shoe in ‘22?
If Michigan knew the play - why did Sainristil have to make an incredible recovery to break it up?
Oh - on a similar note - was there anything in the Advanced Scouting allegation that indicated what Michigan could have done to “spook” the Buckeyes? What I’m referring to is the number of procedural infractions that occurred because of what I thought was stadium / fan noise - or communication issues within the Buckeyes offensive and defensive units.
I appreciate this information - but, there's one other thing to think about - which is "per game" figures - rather than cumulative totals.
Just looking at defense - yes, O$U's defense gave up fewer points on the season. However, the Buckeyes also played thirteen games - not fifteen games. So, OSU's per game scoring defense was "146 points / 13 game" - or 11.23 points / game. Michigan's per game scoring - "156/15" = 10.4 points per game.
To add to that - think of the quality of teams that were played - three of Michigan's last four opponents were - O$U, Bama, and Washington. Whereas O$U finished the season "0-2" - facing Michigan and Missouri... is that correct - Missouri?
I also think of a game in Columbus when Harbaugh tossed his play sheet and was called out by an official. The official said - "I referee basketball - and, that's an infraction in basketball." Too bad it was a football game.
I'm very supportive of players - for their effort, commitment, representing the university, balancing academics, etc... My view is - "wouldn't it be nice" if NIL was actually being deployed as many of us hope it would be - Name, Image, and Likeness. Someone buys your jersey - there's something in it for the player. A company uses your image / likeness in a game like NCAA Football - there's something in it for the player. The pay for play is what's disappointing - along with the inducements / incentives to sign with a team are what's out of control - as is tampering.
I'd be supportive of media revenue sharing with players - representing all sports - and addressing Title IX as well.
One item that I also believes to be addressed is - the player's commitment to a university. The school makes an offer to the student-athlete, and I also believe the student-athlete needs to commit something to the institution - perhaps that's one year, or two years before transferring. The question is - what's a "fair" commitment for the player to make with the university?
This just leads to a couple of questions and perspectives. First, Harbaugh's enthusiasm is clearly visible - and, as fans - usually seeing him in press conferences - his demeanor changes because of the approach the press can take. My view has always been that Harbaugh followed another "mantra" - which is from Bear Bryant - "If things didn't go well - I did it. If things went ok - we did it. If things turned out great - they did it." I loved the post game interviews when Harbaugh would take one question from the reporter and then said - "This is who you need to talk to" - and, he'd take a player for the post game conversation.
The biggest issue - difference, IMO is - subjectivity vs objectivity. In the NFL - the rules about what you can - and cannot do - are clear. Harbaugh's a rule follower and will leverage his knowledge of both the game and the rules to create differentiators for his team - which could be reflected in a formation, etc. The college game with NCAA enforcement, NIL, etc. - is completely subjective - from identifying what infractions to pursue as well as any enforcement. And - officiating - while the NFL officials are evaluated after every game - the NCAA makes no effort to provide or ensure a level playing field.
There's a lot of "noise" around the college game - and NIL contributes to that. In the NFL, Harbaugh doesn't have to even think about that. If companies want players to be their spokesman - they'll contact the player / agent - and figure out the deal. NIL will be the wild, wild West for the foreseeable future - and tampering will continue in ways we can't even think of.
I'm SO glad Team 144 accomplished what it did - and that Harbaugh resurrected Michigan's football program from a dark period. I wish him well in every adventure and will forever be appreciative for his time as Michigan's head coach.
The "real" question is - What is the average cost SEC schools and O$U spend - "per recruiting star" - for their classes? This includes both "above the table" - NIL contracts and includes "transportation costs" - such as a Lamborghini, as well as traditional "under the table" agreements shared via a Brown Bag delivery program.
Recent Comments
It’s going to be Penn State vs Michigan for the Tourney Championship - in Columbus.
They are playing the B1G Tourney in Columbus.. Michigan defeated O$U in the first round - and defeated Hopkins in the semi finals. Go Blue!
Definitely agree. Hutch was a notable leader - and contributor to the culture - a change agent in the best way possible.
Go Blue!
God Bless America.
Thank you EGJ!
It is... but, please don't tell anyone...
That would have been very interesting. However - and with all due respect - I still think the press would have had the Buckeyes with their "best roster money can buy" or Georgia - as the #1 team in the country.
I'm not saying that Michigan with JJ and a few key early entries (staying another year) wouldn't deserve that ranking - but, the press / analysts are "who they are" - which isn't going to change.
Go Blue!
How much will Colorado football be in the news this season? Yes, they're in the Big 12 now.
They have five "Way too early" Top 25 teams on the schedule:
I'm sure there will be talk about the Buffs record this season - but, I'll wait until later in the summer to comment. Until then, I'll just enjoy supporting the reigning National Champion Michigan Wolverines.
First - congratulations to your son - it's a great accomplishment. And - thanks to you for supporting his academic pursuits.
My two just finished their junior year at Michigan and are "on track" to cross the stage next year.
They grow up too quickly.
Go Blue!
You're on the mark - John Everyman is a great guy - and apparently the cousin of another contributor / commenter on the site.
It's going to be warmer - not sure if I'd describe it as "hot" - with a fair chance of rain this afternoon and evening. As for his missus - it's not only cherry pie - she bakes apple, rhubarb, peach - whatever's in season. She's a very talented lady - and he's a lucky guy. The Everyman family has lived in Anytown almost as long as my family has.
Dupe.. deleted
Dupe.. deleted
John’s your cousin? He’s a great guy. I see him all the time at the General Store.
When you talk to him.. tell him John says “hello”.
And, though it might look like a lot of other places - there really isn’t any place like Anytown.
Here’s my info..
John Smith
1234 Main Street
Anytown, State. 11111-2222
My account number is: 987-65-4321
Let me know what else you need…
Will Sayin play meaningful snaps in Columbus this season? It’s impossible to tell right now.
Will Sayin play meaningful snaps in Columbus this season? It’s impossible to tell right now.
Great article - I read it a couple of days ago…
Wishing your child well.. it can be strenuous - and, I hope the “result” is a perfect fit…
It seems the question posed by The Clash has been answered…
Test optional creates a very challenging landscape. I understand some perspectives about standardized tests - but fail to accept one aspect. That difficult area is Quantitative / Math.
I find it difficult to understand how a Math answer is impacted by a socioeconomic condition. The quality of an education varies through a variety of factors / variables. However - 9x7 = 63 - regardless of language, circumstances, etc.
kye - respectfully, I disagree. I believe there is a benefit by applying early - my children applied Early Action whenever possible. They did not apply Early Decision to any school.
What’s the benefit? What did we realize? The key thing was time - and an opportunity to get to know schools better. First - the accepts from a “safety” school provided a foundation - “You’re already in at these schools.” This provided a degree of assurance - and focus on merit scholarship conversations / offers. Second - the schools that declined - well, you just take them off the list - IIRC, only one school “declined”. Third - for schools that defer - you can get to build a relationship with the Admissions Counselor and have them get to know you better - and to learn more about the school. I also think it provides an opportunity to apply to other schools - via Regular / Standard Decision based on where you’ve been accepted / deferred.
The schools that provide a “Defer” decisions may offer an interview with the student that can help determine the fit - and potential offer of admission.
While I agree the Common and Coalition apps make it easier to apply to college these days, it's not as if you just finish the Common / Coalition apps and apply for Admission.
The schools I would describe as "more / highly selective" - all have their own sets of questions. So, an applicant may use the Common / Coalition app as the foundation - but, also have a set of questions that need to be answered for the specific institution.
The collegiate "arms race" has been out of control for at least 25 years.
To provide some clarity - there is no "early admit" category / classification. My kids applied to during Covid and are juniors in college today. The idea is there - the semantics / vernacular is a bit different. The three types are:
My kids applied Early Action (EA) wherever they could.
Each of my children applied to about 15 schools - half of them were common (where they both applied) and half were individual based on their interests. The university's decisions were identical - accept / decline / waitlist - where they both applied. They just finished their junior year at Michigan.
TRVB - what are you talking about? The O$U schedule? Respectfully, it's a gauntlet - look at the three OOC teams they face. I doubt that any of those three will field ten defenders during critical periods in the game.
Those three OOC opponents - they're filled with tradition and history. They open against the fearless Zips of Akron. Their second contest is against the Broncos of Western Michigan. And, they wrap the OOC up against not just "The Herd" - but - The Thundering Herd of Marshall. This type of schedule really requires they play all three games at home - in the Shoe - which they will do.
Their four road games include - traveling to East Lansing, Eugene, State College, and "the Chicago area" (to face Northwestern).
Dupe... deleted
My guess would be - this is student loan forgiveness.
What's a better way to teach "lack of accountability"?
"Grade Inflation"? A friend of mine shared an article with me - in the article, it indicated that over 90% of the grades Yale students received were an "A".
My kids are in Ann Arbor - they work hard and are bright. Finals just ended - and I know how hard they worked and busted their behinds. I can say - in the STEM areas - Grade Inflation doesn't seem to exist at Michigan. And - I'm thankful for that - and exceptionally proud of them.
I believe that one approach the Pac-12 teams took for travel was to schedule / play games in a Thursday / Saturday - Friday / Sunday set when travel was notable.
So - schools would travel to LA for a "two game road trip" - to UCLA and USC - the same thing with Arizona / ASU and Stanford / Cal.
It would make sense for the "new" B1G to schedule trips the same way. It would reduce travel and make it easier on the athletes.
I'm sure that NIL had nothing to do with his decision / commitment...
/s
Klatt does seem to be the most knowledgeable and balanced analyst / media type covering college football these days. His passion for the game comes through - IMO, his reporting is pretty level headed, insightful, and balanced.
It’s not bad… it’s good, very very good.
I have two perspectives about the alleged Advance Scouting - in specific reference to the Buckeyes and the '22 game in the Shoe.
First - if Michigan knew what O$U was calling - why was Sainristil so out of position where he made an incredible recovery to prevent Stover from completing the TD reception?
Second - remember one of the Buckeye punts? O$U called a fake punt - yet, it appeared very few players on the punt unit actually understood it was a fake. IF the Buckeye players don't know their own play calls - how could Michigan possibly figure it out. Unless, of course, it was a triple secret probation type thing.
Perhaps a better question would have been - "What did Michigan's defense do that caused troubles for Bama's offense?"
Or - "Jalen, I know you're on the offensive side of the ball - it seems like Michigan's bringing in plays from a huddle created a challenge for Bama's D. Do you have any perspective on this?"
Not to be a "downer" - or to go off on a tangent - but, it sounds like "He's coming out of his cage and has been doing just fine"...
I think context is important when referring to "run through an mf'er's face". Usually, it's a play by an offensive player (lineman) who pancakes the opposing DL.
Let's be honest - Michigan's been "creating an unlevel playing field" this way for the past three seasons. In '21 - in the snow - Hutchinson plowed through the LT that was there to stop him - and, laid the LT on his back. It was no different on that last play in the Rose Bowl. Technique - leverage - drive - and force. The play was busted the moment the OL got in their stance.
Just think ... it's unlikely the Green & White would be in this predicament if Mark Dantonio hadn't waited until he collected his bonus to leave East Lansing.
IIRC - Dantonio collected his bonus - waved "buh bye" to the Spartan family - and MSU was too late to find another coach because the coaching carousel / window had essentially closed. They found Tucker because of how late the window was - and the rest, as they say, is history.
So - Mark - in the words of the Steve Miller Band, I'd like to thank you for for "Taking the money - and running." Your loyalty to the Green & White is exemplified in your action.
I wonder if he's trying to hide in this fine ride..
My apologies for not being able to link Mel and his "SD4L" Polaris..
"Summer camp participation" - should be part of any agreement that's reached - though, I highly doubt Petitti will seek alignment / approval of it.
As for the training table - "whole milk" is an interesting question. I'm a fan / believer of two things (regarding milk) - first, RGBH free milk - and second, chocolate milk is great for recovery after a workout. So - RGBH free, chocolate whole milk - though expensive - should be an option for the players. I'm not a nutritionist and am curious what their opinion would be on this topic.
If student athletes become University employees - doesn’t the value of their scholarship become a taxable benefit?
And, if it is taxable - it’s a liability of about $80K / year - since - I believe - Michigan’s policy is to pay the University out of state tuition for all student athletes.
Would the Athletic Department also pick up the tax liability for the scholarship?
I think you’ve described the current B1G Commissioner accurately.
I agree.
What’s the difference between NIL and brown bagging? The answer ….. taxes.
Brown bagging hasn’t gone away, and it won’t. If someone believes that a media revenue sharing agreement will create a level - consistently enforced landscape in college athletics - well, I have a bridge to sell.
Do you remember the play - pass breakup against Stover - in the Shoe in ‘22?
If Michigan knew the play - why did Sainristil have to make an incredible recovery to break it up?
Oh - on a similar note - was there anything in the Advanced Scouting allegation that indicated what Michigan could have done to “spook” the Buckeyes? What I’m referring to is the number of procedural infractions that occurred because of what I thought was stadium / fan noise - or communication issues within the Buckeyes offensive and defensive units.
I appreciate this information - but, there's one other thing to think about - which is "per game" figures - rather than cumulative totals.
Just looking at defense - yes, O$U's defense gave up fewer points on the season. However, the Buckeyes also played thirteen games - not fifteen games. So, OSU's per game scoring defense was "146 points / 13 game" - or 11.23 points / game. Michigan's per game scoring - "156/15" = 10.4 points per game.
To add to that - think of the quality of teams that were played - three of Michigan's last four opponents were - O$U, Bama, and Washington. Whereas O$U finished the season "0-2" - facing Michigan and Missouri... is that correct - Missouri?
Agreed. And - for those teams on Sundays - I believe it will be interesting to see Williams and the Bears - when Caleb is facing NFL defenses.
^^^ Exactly.
I also think of a game in Columbus when Harbaugh tossed his play sheet and was called out by an official. The official said - "I referee basketball - and, that's an infraction in basketball." Too bad it was a football game.
This is the link from Harbaugh at Michigan's Pro Day. It's three minutes long and gives a perspective of how Jim and the team got along. Enjoy.
https://www.chargers.com/video/jim-harbaugh-wired-for-sound-during-michigans-pro-day-2024
Yes.
I'm very supportive of players - for their effort, commitment, representing the university, balancing academics, etc... My view is - "wouldn't it be nice" if NIL was actually being deployed as many of us hope it would be - Name, Image, and Likeness. Someone buys your jersey - there's something in it for the player. A company uses your image / likeness in a game like NCAA Football - there's something in it for the player. The pay for play is what's disappointing - along with the inducements / incentives to sign with a team are what's out of control - as is tampering.
I'd be supportive of media revenue sharing with players - representing all sports - and addressing Title IX as well.
One item that I also believes to be addressed is - the player's commitment to a university. The school makes an offer to the student-athlete, and I also believe the student-athlete needs to commit something to the institution - perhaps that's one year, or two years before transferring. The question is - what's a "fair" commitment for the player to make with the university?
Great link - thanks for posting.
This just leads to a couple of questions and perspectives. First, Harbaugh's enthusiasm is clearly visible - and, as fans - usually seeing him in press conferences - his demeanor changes because of the approach the press can take. My view has always been that Harbaugh followed another "mantra" - which is from Bear Bryant - "If things didn't go well - I did it. If things went ok - we did it. If things turned out great - they did it." I loved the post game interviews when Harbaugh would take one question from the reporter and then said - "This is who you need to talk to" - and, he'd take a player for the post game conversation.
The biggest issue - difference, IMO is - subjectivity vs objectivity. In the NFL - the rules about what you can - and cannot do - are clear. Harbaugh's a rule follower and will leverage his knowledge of both the game and the rules to create differentiators for his team - which could be reflected in a formation, etc. The college game with NCAA enforcement, NIL, etc. - is completely subjective - from identifying what infractions to pursue as well as any enforcement. And - officiating - while the NFL officials are evaluated after every game - the NCAA makes no effort to provide or ensure a level playing field.
There's a lot of "noise" around the college game - and NIL contributes to that. In the NFL, Harbaugh doesn't have to even think about that. If companies want players to be their spokesman - they'll contact the player / agent - and figure out the deal. NIL will be the wild, wild West for the foreseeable future - and tampering will continue in ways we can't even think of.
I'm SO glad Team 144 accomplished what it did - and that Harbaugh resurrected Michigan's football program from a dark period. I wish him well in every adventure and will forever be appreciative for his time as Michigan's head coach.
Faith - Family - Football. Go Blue!
And - how that relationship extends to the family / parents.
The "real" question is - What is the average cost SEC schools and O$U spend - "per recruiting star" - for their classes? This includes both "above the table" - NIL contracts and includes "transportation costs" - such as a Lamborghini, as well as traditional "under the table" agreements shared via a Brown Bag delivery program.