Who doesnt love a good Denard story! I was at the game with my kids and that friggin' opening Sopranos music along with the ridiculous cannon made me never want to go to another one Piscataway. Second half was pure joy though.
Ohio State because they were the most balanced team with top tier offense and defense. ALA was clearly flawed with poor OL play that didnt allow them to be 2-dimensional against us. Washington similarly flawed without a dominant defense and limitations running the ball when not at 100%. PSU...is PSU.
But make no mistake, Michigan was >> than OSU and I dont care what field they play on in 2024. Michigan wins 8 out of 10 times.
I was much crazier after ALA, full of yells and jumping all around. It was like we needed the proof we could compete and finally did it. We had arrived, it seemed. For WA I think it felt more like we HAD to do it because I knew we should. We achieved the expected and if we didnt it would have been a massive blow. Hence more feelings of relief than outright exuberance (which I had at points, for sure!).
I ran on the field in 03 when we beat OSU. Had my kids after. This was the first year I took them to THE GAME because I thought how important and historical it could be. And they ran the field. Priceless.
Can't say I really care that much. If we were to lose to one, I'd probably rather lose to Texas so that might make me prefer Texas. Having to hear how we lost to another B10 team for the next decade will be as annoying as hearing about App State every year. Texas "being back" may also create some competition in the SEC that could cause a bit of parity, which would also be nice.
Of course, assuming we'll win, I'd still rather beat Texas than Washington. More for the name than anything else.
Clearly the right decision going to the NL where his bat is not wasted on pitching days. Not to mention instead of turning left out the driveway, he just goes right. I'm sure he lives much closer to Dodger Stadium than Anaheim.
How far we have come that I dont get nervous about any kick, no matter the distance. The last kick I think I was nervous about was the winner vs. ILL last year. I remember the days not too long ago that the only thing I was more scared of was a punt return in 2008/2009.
The NIL deals will keep getting larger for these types of players. Eventually the NFL arms race might even have to step in to make the NFL even more compelling of an option, particularly for later round talent. The sweet spot does seem to be where NIL and unrealized goals intersect a la Blake Corum and crew as it relates to the Natty. MHJ "would be foolish" to stay, but his means and goals might be a little different than others. Giving Michigan one more shot is not a crazy thought...we should appreciate that more than any other fanbase.
I'd rather have Jaydn and a grad transfer for a 1 year development year. I dont want to lose the bird in the bush for someone that might bail and had what looks to be one of the worst years in the P5.
Wouldn't call Jake a mercenary. He was a pre-NIL grad transfer and got much more name recognition in one year at Michigan than he ever did at Iowa. It was a very good system fit for him at the time, too, I think. But he was alright and probably underappreciated, indeed. Doing what he was able to do in year 1 of Harbaugh and the regime change was a testament to his experience and leadership.
I’m not rooting against him. Hope he does well and resurrects his NBA prospects. But man, some of the hype he’s generating already is a little crazy. Did they not watch him the last few years? He can have great games. His consistency from game to game has historically been an issue. Maybe the change in scenery and different coaching style can help him maximize his potential.
If you want to mountaineer, do Whitney in late spring on the Mountaineers route. Permits are a non issue then.
Ditto Mt Washington in NH. Nothing like climbing up Lions Head in -10 degree weather only to emerge above treeline in 50-60mph winds. My only rule for that mountain: only go when there are no clouds. Ok, second rule: get your ass down before dark.
I do quite a bit of mountaineering and this is a fun challenge I’ve considered. For most peaks in the US, true mountaineering skills aren’t required. I’d knock out local peaks for now and when ready, head to Mt Rainier and do a guided ascent with RMI or IMG. Aside from that mountain and Denali, unless planning to climb in winter, no special skills are required. It’s when dealing with glacier travel, avalanche risk, etc., that you need to know things like crampon travel, self arrest, rope climbing, crevasse rescue, etc.
It's amazing how much faster the game is today and how much more athletic players are. Bollinger's last throw barely crossed mid field on a Hail Mary. Navarre, who I remember being slow, didn't throw nearly as hard as I remember.
It's nice to see that free throw shooting has evolved from "Total Liability" to "Not That Bad." Mid to upper 70s% is something I never thought we'd consistently see while watching some of those early non-conference games. That being said, it would still be nice to have Duncan Robinson here to hit those FTs during the last minute or two of the game, when we inevitably find ourselves in a close game at the end.
What was the average number of plays per game this year versus last/past years? There were more three and outs this year than in any year in recent memory that I recall. I think the real stat should be turnovers per defensive snap and not just turnovers period.
Recent Comments
Who doesnt love a good Denard story! I was at the game with my kids and that friggin' opening Sopranos music along with the ridiculous cannon made me never want to go to another one Piscataway. Second half was pure joy though.
As long as he wasn’t doing a no pants dance then I say 2006 was a long time ago.
Co-signed. Make a natty banner. Celebrate 3 peat and wins over Bama and U Dub.
Ohio State because they were the most balanced team with top tier offense and defense. ALA was clearly flawed with poor OL play that didnt allow them to be 2-dimensional against us. Washington similarly flawed without a dominant defense and limitations running the ball when not at 100%. PSU...is PSU.
But make no mistake, Michigan was >> than OSU and I dont care what field they play on in 2024. Michigan wins 8 out of 10 times.
I was much crazier after ALA, full of yells and jumping all around. It was like we needed the proof we could compete and finally did it. We had arrived, it seemed. For WA I think it felt more like we HAD to do it because I knew we should. We achieved the expected and if we didnt it would have been a massive blow. Hence more feelings of relief than outright exuberance (which I had at points, for sure!).
I ran on the field in 03 when we beat OSU. Had my kids after. This was the first year I took them to THE GAME because I thought how important and historical it could be. And they ran the field. Priceless.
Can't say I really care that much. If we were to lose to one, I'd probably rather lose to Texas so that might make me prefer Texas. Having to hear how we lost to another B10 team for the next decade will be as annoying as hearing about App State every year. Texas "being back" may also create some competition in the SEC that could cause a bit of parity, which would also be nice.
Of course, assuming we'll win, I'd still rather beat Texas than Washington. More for the name than anything else.
Clearly the right decision going to the NL where his bat is not wasted on pitching days. Not to mention instead of turning left out the driveway, he just goes right. I'm sure he lives much closer to Dodger Stadium than Anaheim.
How far we have come that I dont get nervous about any kick, no matter the distance. The last kick I think I was nervous about was the winner vs. ILL last year. I remember the days not too long ago that the only thing I was more scared of was a punt return in 2008/2009.
The NIL deals will keep getting larger for these types of players. Eventually the NFL arms race might even have to step in to make the NFL even more compelling of an option, particularly for later round talent. The sweet spot does seem to be where NIL and unrealized goals intersect a la Blake Corum and crew as it relates to the Natty. MHJ "would be foolish" to stay, but his means and goals might be a little different than others. Giving Michigan one more shot is not a crazy thought...we should appreciate that more than any other fanbase.
Clearly referring to passes :-)
I'd rather have Jaydn and a grad transfer for a 1 year development year. I dont want to lose the bird in the bush for someone that might bail and had what looks to be one of the worst years in the P5.
Wouldn't call Jake a mercenary. He was a pre-NIL grad transfer and got much more name recognition in one year at Michigan than he ever did at Iowa. It was a very good system fit for him at the time, too, I think. But he was alright and probably underappreciated, indeed. Doing what he was able to do in year 1 of Harbaugh and the regime change was a testament to his experience and leadership.
No spring battle loser for me please.
I’m not rooting against him. Hope he does well and resurrects his NBA prospects. But man, some of the hype he’s generating already is a little crazy. Did they not watch him the last few years? He can have great games. His consistency from game to game has historically been an issue. Maybe the change in scenery and different coaching style can help him maximize his potential.
Start the super league now with Michigan, ND, USC, WA, Oregon, Texas, Oklahoma, Clemson, and FSU. Throw Colorado in for fun. Consider Utah and UNC.
Would love for one of those chaos weekends and to see Texas, OSU, and Georgia lose.
Headed to Wake Forest as we speak. Checking MgoBlog while sitting at Boston Logan :-). First one. 3 to go!
If you want to mountaineer, do Whitney in late spring on the Mountaineers route. Permits are a non issue then.
Ditto Mt Washington in NH. Nothing like climbing up Lions Head in -10 degree weather only to emerge above treeline in 50-60mph winds. My only rule for that mountain: only go when there are no clouds. Ok, second rule: get your ass down before dark.
I do quite a bit of mountaineering and this is a fun challenge I’ve considered. For most peaks in the US, true mountaineering skills aren’t required. I’d knock out local peaks for now and when ready, head to Mt Rainier and do a guided ascent with RMI or IMG. Aside from that mountain and Denali, unless planning to climb in winter, no special skills are required. It’s when dealing with glacier travel, avalanche risk, etc., that you need to know things like crampon travel, self arrest, rope climbing, crevasse rescue, etc.
Happy to discuss further if of interest
My wife and I did this and our little ice cube just turned 5.
He writes an informative treatise and you want to be the grammar police? Congratulations.
He must take after his mom.
As an alum of DeMatha, UofM, and UVA, I’m triple excited!
It's amazing how much faster the game is today and how much more athletic players are. Bollinger's last throw barely crossed mid field on a Hail Mary. Navarre, who I remember being slow, didn't throw nearly as hard as I remember.
Frank Gore, Jr is #34. He nearly could have played an NFL game with his dad if good enough.
I am old.
I only post to say, Great Post! This was an awesome history and I had no idea. Thanks for sharing!
Real men watch Bravo.
It's nice to see that free throw shooting has evolved from "Total Liability" to "Not That Bad." Mid to upper 70s% is something I never thought we'd consistently see while watching some of those early non-conference games. That being said, it would still be nice to have Duncan Robinson here to hit those FTs during the last minute or two of the game, when we inevitably find ourselves in a close game at the end.
If Michigan was #1 before Gonzaga lost, does that make Michigan #0 now? And if so, do they exist? Do any of us exist?
Michigan 38 - Domers 0