Joel Klatt has a great discussion of the contributions that Ben Herbert has made to the culture of the team and the importance of retaining him. (Starts at 4:50, ends 12:25). Klatt includes a great story from Blake Corum about Herbert. Unfortunately, this clip will serve to deepen your depression that for whatever reason, the Athletic Dept couldn’t figure out how to retain him.
A few comments have mentioned that Benny is out. I have searched many places and can’t find out anything definitive about his status. I realize he left the Alabama game not weight bearing on one of his legs, which of course doesn’t look good. But beyond that, do you have any information that he is definitely out?
It seems that the DLine rotation will be critical for this game, with fresh rush pressure being a constant throughout the game. Here’s hoping that somehow Benny can contribute, both for his sake and the team’s.
As I’ve commented in past years, I just want to say how much I appreciate your erudition and insights, especially how you integrate the nuts and bolts with the broader “gestalt” of each game.
Regarding Donovan, I think your observation that “the guy he was last year just isn’t there” relates in part to your previous observations about OL play and key misses here and there.
Exactly, Orji is the perfect Milroe simulator. And in addition, I note that Georgia put a 1-2 spies on Milroe. I think Junior Colson, whose Achilles Heel is “covering grass”, would be a fantastic spy because he has the speed to close. So let’s rep Colson spying on Orji, guys.
This is a great article to send to friends and family who are asking WTF but haven’t followed the details. Very clear, succinct summary of the relevant background and facts. Thanks for finding and linking (correctly).
Yes, Chait is an alum but he does not hide his bias in the article and is upfront with it.
I searched the forum and do not find mention that the Big Ten now requires availability reports several hours before game time. For today’s game, which is where the poster/Alex Zuniga identified today’s hold outs:
I, too am a seasonal Hulu live subscriber and I really like it in terms of navigation. I access via the Hulu channel on Apple Tv which works really well. Just subscribed to Peacock for $5.99 and will cancel after the first game. I have used YTTV in the past but find that Hulu’s non-sports programming and Hulu original content gives it the edge.
Thanks so much for this update, Alex. On the kick returner issue, you no doubt have seen the video clip of Sam Webb interviewing Darrius Clemons. DC says Eamonn Dennis is the fastest player on the team by far, is “stupid fast”, etc. With that being a pretty definitive comment from a respected player, I’m surprised to not see more “hype” about Dennis, at least in the KR role. Is it because speed is just one component of the KR required package? Certainly speed is helpful, though, right?
Interesting that in an interview with Sam Webb https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx7nJvUMWAfRzEwTnchCgtqlafiYgM416g Darius identified Eamonn Dennis as the fastest on the team by far, with a group of players, including Wilson, in that group. I have not heard much about Dennis and believe he is a slot receiver behind Wilson. I wonder how he is doing in Fall Practice.
I have this on my iPad iOS 16.5.1c using Safari, but not Chrome (what I am using now). I do not have this problem on iPhone, Safari, iOS 16.5.1c. Have logged out, cleared cache/history, nada. would love some help with this.
And specifically, is there anything that can be learned from an analysis of Georgia’s blowout of TCU in terms of understanding what game plan/strategy might work against Georgia for next year’s re-match? (Or is the talent gap insurmountable?)
I think MGrowOld’s concise summary is right on but I am definitely inclined to the more positive take on the game. There were lots of super-cringey plays that doomed us, and also many superb plays, on both offense and defense, and the final score with less than a touchdown difference reflects where that all shook out. So why not look forward with WHOPE (White Heights of Positive Expectation) and resist BPONE.
On 11/14 after the Nebraska game, I complimented your “Masterful capture of the ethos and zeitgeist of this game” and that comment doubly applies here. What I have enjoyed most is your narrative ability to capture the gestalt - “the sense of the game” - to go along with the outstanding technical analysis, e.g., the one provided by Alex after the game.
BPONE has been a thing on this site in the past, and I feel the team’s performance during the last 2 years has succeeded in flipping the meme to WHOPE - the White Heights of Positive Expectations. I look forward to your Occasional Columns next year, so “a bientot” rather than “au revoir”. Best wishes to you and your family for the New Year.
I greatly admire all of you “youngsters” who are able to do this graphic wizardry. At 74, I don’t feel I’m a luddite but I certainly can’t compete with these graphics.
I’ve been on the site since 2009 and rarely post, but I find the need to post something to cope with my post-game swirl of emotions that just won’t abate. So I offer W-HOPE: White Heights of Positive Expectations. BPONE is not for me.
The Twitter link in this article shows Corum reacting to the news that the O-Line has won the Joe Moore award. The video is from 12/17 at 2:05 pm. He appears to be in a large tent at an event for kids. He is on crutches - so not looking good.
For Alumni Association Members: I received an e-mail yesterday about the Alumni Association packages. At the bottom of the email was a description of a lottery for alumni living in Southern California.
Game-Day Packages
With 20,000+ U-M alums in Southern California, we want to make sure our local Wolverines have an opportunity to get involved if Michigan advances to the CFP National Championship. As a result, we are offering a lottery for Game-Day Packages for Alumni Association members living in Southern California
Entry for the lottery closes at noon ET on Monday, Dec. 19, after which we will verify eligibility of those who have entered and randomly select those who will have the opportunity to purchase Game-Day Packages at a later date.
At the end of this section is a link to enter the lottery; I believe this is customized to the e-mail recipient so not copying here. The projected cost for the tailgate and a game ticket is $600-$700.
Glad you mentioned the “track meet” concept because I’ve been wondering about how the team maintains conditioning during the down period. The conditioning program has gotten a lot of positive mentions and it seems like especially the DL will need to be in peak conditioning in a track meet and to focus on containing Duggan. I’m confident that the conditioning staff know all this, but the players are probably tired and need a rest - interesting how they will balance the need to maintain conditioning vs. getting much deserved rest.
Thanks for this Seth - great for those of us who are not schooled in the details of line play. I am constantly amazed at how complicated line play really is, on both sides of the ball.
As I read your analysis, I’m thinking that the coaches are aware of these issues and are faced with how to get their young charges to improve. So in terms of OSU, perhaps the outcome hinges on which coaching staff can get their kids to actually internalize this type of analysis and then execute on it during a game.
Masterful capture of the ethos and zeitgeist of this game. Bravo once again. Beyond the passing game issues you’ve ably outlined, pass rush and pass pro still seem wobbly at times, notwithstanding oline injuries/substitutions.
Transfer Portal Question: Apologies if this has been addressed somewhere but when a player enters the Transfer Portal, is this an irreversible decision. Re-posting this question from Ruiz announcement, hoping that Spanellis might change his mind knowing of Cesar’s plans.
Apologies if this has been addressed somewhere but when a player enters the Transfer Portal, is this an irreversible decision. Best of luck to Cesar and hoping the Spanellis might change his mind knowing of Cesar’s plans.
Yes! Brian, I am so grateful to you for capturing the vague sense of ennui I felt prior to this game (and all games?) and that many posters have commented on. A stellar contribution to the M Psychology Literature.
Dr. Ed
Sorry Ace, meant to post in Brian's Brash, Outrageous and Free.
Brian, listened to the entire podcast. May have missed it but I don't believe you discussed Kugler. I've searche the site and there is very little to nothing on him, post "Hello Glow". Any thoughts?
I love Michigan football, but as a pediatrician, I continually worry about the long term effects of the repetitive impacts that my young patients/footballers sustain. This article is alarming about the possibility of permanent brain injury, even in the absence of a concussion.
We are recruiting younger and younger players, and it seems that the intensity of competition is increasing in these younger age groups. Are we as fans contributing to this trend? I worry.
Recent Comments
https://youtu.be/bydQETllSHA?si=mb5YXU9jef63lZJG
Joel Klatt has a great discussion of the contributions that Ben Herbert has made to the culture of the team and the importance of retaining him. (Starts at 4:50, ends 12:25). Klatt includes a great story from Blake Corum about Herbert. Unfortunately, this clip will serve to deepen your depression that for whatever reason, the Athletic Dept couldn’t figure out how to retain him.
Your comments so amazingly captured mine over the past week. If I can outline and paraphrase a bit:
Go Blue!
A few comments have mentioned that Benny is out. I have searched many places and can’t find out anything definitive about his status. I realize he left the Alabama game not weight bearing on one of his legs, which of course doesn’t look good. But beyond that, do you have any information that he is definitely out?
It seems that the DLine rotation will be critical for this game, with fresh rush pressure being a constant throughout the game. Here’s hoping that somehow Benny can contribute, both for his sake and the team’s.
As I’ve commented in past years, I just want to say how much I appreciate your erudition and insights, especially how you integrate the nuts and bolts with the broader “gestalt” of each game.
Regarding Donovan, I think your observation that “the guy he was last year just isn’t there” relates in part to your previous observations about OL play and key misses here and there.
Exactly, Orji is the perfect Milroe simulator. And in addition, I note that Georgia put a 1-2 spies on Milroe. I think Junior Colson, whose Achilles Heel is “covering grass”, would be a fantastic spy because he has the speed to close. So let’s rep Colson spying on Orji, guys.
Klatt just said “He’s not 100% but good enough to play”?
This is a great article to send to friends and family who are asking WTF but haven’t followed the details. Very clear, succinct summary of the relevant background and facts. Thanks for finding and linking (correctly).
Yes, Chait is an alum but he does not hide his bias in the article and is upfront with it.
I searched the forum and do not find mention that the Big Ten now requires availability reports several hours before game time. For today’s game, which is where the poster/Alex Zuniga identified today’s hold outs:
https://bigten.org/documents/2023/9/16//FB_Reporting_Week_3_MICH.pdf?id=8245
This is the link to the article referenced in my OP: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/michigans-jim-harbaugh-to-serve-self-imposed-suspension-as-ncaa-case-seeks-resolution/amp/
There are some differences in some of the language used. After reading the various posts, my impression is that CBS must have made some stuff up.
I, too am a seasonal Hulu live subscriber and I really like it in terms of navigation. I access via the Hulu channel on Apple Tv which works really well. Just subscribed to Peacock for $5.99 and will cancel after the first game. I have used YTTV in the past but find that Hulu’s non-sports programming and Hulu original content gives it the edge.
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx7nJvUMWAfRzEwTnchCgtqlafiYgM416g
Thanks so much for this update, Alex. On the kick returner issue, you no doubt have seen the video clip of Sam Webb interviewing Darrius Clemons. DC says Eamonn Dennis is the fastest player on the team by far, is “stupid fast”, etc. With that being a pretty definitive comment from a respected player, I’m surprised to not see more “hype” about Dennis, at least in the KR role. Is it because speed is just one component of the KR required package? Certainly speed is helpful, though, right?
Interesting that in an interview with Sam Webb https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx7nJvUMWAfRzEwTnchCgtqlafiYgM416g Darius identified Eamonn Dennis as the fastest on the team by far, with a group of players, including Wilson, in that group. I have not heard much about Dennis and believe he is a slot receiver behind Wilson. I wonder how he is doing in Fall Practice.
I have this on my iPad iOS 16.5.1c using Safari, but not Chrome (what I am using now). I do not have this problem on iPhone, Safari, iOS 16.5.1c. Have logged out, cleared cache/history, nada. would love some help with this.
[Note: miraculously cured as of 7/21. Hail!]
And specifically, is there anything that can be learned from an analysis of Georgia’s blowout of TCU in terms of understanding what game plan/strategy might work against Georgia for next year’s re-match? (Or is the talent gap insurmountable?)
I think MGrowOld’s concise summary is right on but I am definitely inclined to the more positive take on the game. There were lots of super-cringey plays that doomed us, and also many superb plays, on both offense and defense, and the final score with less than a touchdown difference reflects where that all shook out. So why not look forward with WHOPE (White Heights of Positive Expectation) and resist BPONE.
On 11/14 after the Nebraska game, I complimented your “Masterful capture of the ethos and zeitgeist of this game” and that comment doubly applies here. What I have enjoyed most is your narrative ability to capture the gestalt - “the sense of the game” - to go along with the outstanding technical analysis, e.g., the one provided by Alex after the game.
BPONE has been a thing on this site in the past, and I feel the team’s performance during the last 2 years has succeeded in flipping the meme to WHOPE - the White Heights of Positive Expectations. I look forward to your Occasional Columns next year, so “a bientot” rather than “au revoir”. Best wishes to you and your family for the New Year.
I greatly admire all of you “youngsters” who are able to do this graphic wizardry. At 74, I don’t feel I’m a luddite but I certainly can’t compete with these graphics.
I’ve been on the site since 2009 and rarely post, but I find the need to post something to cope with my post-game swirl of emotions that just won’t abate. So I offer W-HOPE: White Heights of Positive Expectations. BPONE is not for me.
Best wishes to all for the New Year!
https://www.on3.com/college/michigan-wolverines/news/blake-corum-shares-reaction-to-michigan-winning-joe-moore-award/
The Twitter link in this article shows Corum reacting to the news that the O-Line has won the Joe Moore award. The video is from 12/17 at 2:05 pm. He appears to be in a large tent at an event for kids. He is on crutches - so not looking good.
For Alumni Association Members: I received an e-mail yesterday about the Alumni Association packages. At the bottom of the email was a description of a lottery for alumni living in Southern California.
At the end of this section is a link to enter the lottery; I believe this is customized to the e-mail recipient so not copying here. The projected cost for the tailgate and a game ticket is $600-$700.
Glad you mentioned the “track meet” concept because I’ve been wondering about how the team maintains conditioning during the down period. The conditioning program has gotten a lot of positive mentions and it seems like especially the DL will need to be in peak conditioning in a track meet and to focus on containing Duggan. I’m confident that the conditioning staff know all this, but the players are probably tired and need a rest - interesting how they will balance the need to maintain conditioning vs. getting much deserved rest.
Cade is out, post surgery.
Thanks for this Seth - great for those of us who are not schooled in the details of line play. I am constantly amazed at how complicated line play really is, on both sides of the ball.
As I read your analysis, I’m thinking that the coaches are aware of these issues and are faced with how to get their young charges to improve. So in terms of OSU, perhaps the outcome hinges on which coaching staff can get their kids to actually internalize this type of analysis and then execute on it during a game.
Masterful capture of the ethos and zeitgeist of this game. Bravo once again. Beyond the passing game issues you’ve ably outlined, pass rush and pass pro still seem wobbly at times, notwithstanding oline injuries/substitutions.
Totally agree. The narrative completely captures both the emotions of the game flow as well great analysis of game phases. Please keep it going!
Bowman had the interception.
Bowman had the interception.
Transfer Portal Question: Apologies if this has been addressed somewhere but when a player enters the Transfer Portal, is this an irreversible decision. Re-posting this question from Ruiz announcement, hoping that Spanellis might change his mind knowing of Cesar’s plans.
Apologies if this has been addressed somewhere but when a player enters the Transfer Portal, is this an irreversible decision. Best of luck to Cesar and hoping the Spanellis might change his mind knowing of Cesar’s plans.
We need shark muppets!
And thank you for speaking up for the quiet voices - perfect post.
Yes! Brian, I am so grateful to you for capturing the vague sense of ennui I felt prior to this game (and all games?) and that many posters have commented on. A stellar contribution to the M Psychology Literature.
Dr. Ed
Sorry Ace, meant to post in Brian's Brash, Outrageous and Free.
http://consumer.healthday.com/cognitive-health-information-26/concussio…
I love Michigan football, but as a pediatrician, I continually worry about the long term effects of the repetitive impacts that my young patients/footballers sustain. This article is alarming about the possibility of permanent brain injury, even in the absence of a concussion.
We are recruiting younger and younger players, and it seems that the intensity of competition is increasing in these younger age groups. Are we as fans contributing to this trend? I worry.
Up at 6 am and watched this - a smile will be on my face the entire day. Awesome, and thanks for brightening my day!