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Date Title Body
Can we volunteer to play…

Can we volunteer to play UConn 3 times a year in non-con?

One of Harbaugh's favorite…

One of Harbaugh's favorite players, Frank Gore, was drafted number 3 overall about 20 years ago. He was a little taller than Corum, but ran a 4.58 at the combine and also had a knee injury in college (of course, later in the pros as well). It's funny how much the game has changed. To me, they both seem to have the instincts and desire to overcome any physical limitations (such as they are) to become great RBs. I'm sure Corum will be fueled by however many teams, however many times, decide to pass on him. On a side note, Gore's son is a draft-eligible RB this year. Will be interesting to see who goes first and what (if any) role Harbaugh plays. 

I don't care how old he is …

I don't care how old he is (61) my first call would be to Few. It's a long shot to get him to leave Gonzaga, but maybe he realizes he's hit his ceiling there and has to move to power 5 to try for NC. UM's NIL might even be a step up from his current situation and that might have moved the needle enough to get him to leave.

Try a  venn diagram.

Try a  venn diagram.

At this point, doesn't that…

At this point, doesn't that have to be a strong consideration? It's arguable that the 3 main tasks of an AD are; to hire the right person, avoid scandal and keep the budget balanced. He's made 2 significant hires since he's been here One, Howard, has exhibited rage issues since year one, and is now in the midst of a consecutive non-tournament season. Until proven otherwise, I will believe that his handling of Howard's medical situation has hurt the team. How do you let the "head coach" be an "assistant coach" while the "assistant coach" functions as the "head coach". That arrangement was insane. Warde (in conjunction with doctors and Howard) should have had a target date at which he would return as the "head coach". There was no reason for him to ease himself back into the role while being an "assistant coach". Two, Naurato, was hired after Warde sat on the Pearson report for months. And, then he waited nearly a season to make him the full time coach. And, don't forget the firing of Rosen after he was signed to a 5 year contract. I don't put blame on Warde for the investigations going on with football (for what they amount to). Although, I do think he bears some brunt for lack of oversight (or HR) in the hiring of Schembechler. So, what exactly has he accomplished? No, not getting into a shoving match with stadium security doesn't count.  

I think you have to factor…

I think you have to factor in that Baker has taken over the ncaa presidency recently, and will likely be much different than past presidents (I hope). I find it hard to believe he took the job with the intent to ride it out until the ncaa died, which basically was its trajectory. The fact that he publicly floated the idea of a tiered system with revenue sharing tells me that he thinks there is a way for the ncaa to not only remain relevant, but to actually lead in change (might be overly optimistic again). If I'm Baker, I'd want like-minded people to stay in college. Not only is Harbaugh like-minded, but he's great for college football as a whole. You've already lost your most famous coach in Saban, your next best coach lets players drink and drive to the death, you hope Coach Prime can take the next 3 steps, but that might be years down the road. I would think Baker wants Harbaugh to stay at UM as much as anybody. I would be disappointed if there was not some contact between he and UM in terms of, not promising UM anything in terms of sanctions to an incomplete investigation yet, but in terms of what could possibly satisfy all parties to get Harbaugh to come back. That's just good business. If nothing else, the ncaa has usually understood good business. 

I think Baker is a pretty…

I think Baker is a pretty pragmatic guy, unlike past ncaa presidents. He's already thrown the idea of a tiered system with revenue sharing out there. For the ncaa that's like landing on Mars while the rest of the world is stuck at Kill Devil Hill. The Covid infractions began before his tenure. If I'm a betting man, I'd bet he didn't know that the NOA was going to be released on national signing day. He's probably had a talk with the infractions side of the house, already. He's had his hands all over the Stalionsgate investigation. I'm not saying there won't be any punishment, for Harbaugh or the University, and it certainly won't involve vacating anything. But, the guy has to realize that Harbaugh is great for college football, in terms of publicity, viewership, and money. Who better to work with for the next 5 to 10 years, on the idea of revenue sharing, than Harbaugh? Baker has to realize that the ncaa, as presently constituted is not going to last, because something like conference realignment, court challenges or incompetence will finally make it irrelevant. In my view, the only play it has is carrying out the tiered system, with revenue sharing. That's probably a vision shared by UM because it would inevitably lead to a level playing field, less power with the Big 10 and other conferences as the ncaa steps in, and a chance to be a leader in the movement. I've thought all along that if Harbaugh stays, it will be with a much broader vision than winning football games. 

Considering that Baker (the…

Considering that Baker (the ncaa prez) was so willing to publicly declare UM's championship "fair and square", which he didn't have to do, and without precedent, he made the investigation public, it seems to me that he is not on the side of handing significant punishment out to Michigan (or Harbaugh). In fact, if I was the ncaa president, I would WANT Harbaugh coaching in college, for many reasons. I'm sure no guarantees can be made prior to the investigation concluding (burgergate and stalionsgate), but you would think that the parties; Harbaugh, UM (Ono) and Baker, could have a conversation about what it would take to get a contract extension done. I realize that it might not be conventional contract negotiating protocol, but it certainly might be one way of gaining the necessary assurances that everyone needs. I'd hate for a lack of communication, or the reliance on assumptions to be the reason Harbaugh walks. 

If they're equally…

If they're equally considering Giff Smith, Leslie Frasier, Steve Wilks, Brian Callahan, Kellen Moore, Patrick Graham, then they certainly are that stupid. I'll reserve comment on Monken and MacDonald, even though it's still a no-brainer. 

Nobody else was initially…

Nobody else was initially worried that the singer was decked out in all purple and the current star of the movie "The Color Purple"? I thought for sure that was a bad omen. 

Please be honest if this is…

Please be honest if this is too much (which it's not, because it worked!):

Go to the gym. Sweat out bad toxins.

Clean house to avoid any distractions. Do this day before for a noon game. 

Buy Little Ceasar's pizza and crazy bread. 

Shower and don UM shorts and shirt. Short-sleeve through October, Long-sleeve from November, on.

Wash down bag of Cheetohs Crunchy Flamin Hot with sugar free Red Bull.

Mix rum and coke in UM tumbler. Drink and eat pizza and crazy bread through 3rd quarter. 

Switch to beer and Rold Gold pretzels for 4th quarter, making sure to take at least a pretzel and a sip of beer before each play. 

It took years to perfect, but you're welcome. 

Oh yeah, and can a guy get a sponsor, or what?

My expectations for the…

My expectations for the freep aren't that high, but (even in the world of clickbait), how do you publish that without follow-up questions or explanations. The headline should have been "Alabama players drop unsubstantiated, strange and confusing allegations on the University of Michigan, and we just throw it out there without any follow-up or explanation". 

Michigan saying f you to the…

Michigan saying f you to the ncaa has always seemed a more realistic option than doing it to the Big 10. The Big 10 and most other conferences are far more powerful/relevant than the ncaa. They're nearly irrelevant when it comes to football. Their only major trump card in terms of revenue sports is running the basketball tournaments, and that seems mostly an administrative role. I think the ncaa's request to go to tiered revenue sharing is a desperate attempt to maintain any relevance. IF Harbaugh decides to stay at Michigan, I would hope that part of his decision making is a commitment to blast the ncaa into bolivia. Not sure exactly how that would look, but I would be proud if he and the University of Michigan did everything in their power to put the ncaa out of its misery. In the process, it's not unrealistic to think that there might be collateral damage to the Big 10 and other conferences, that mgiht be welcome. 

Interesting that they're…

Interesting that they're right behind Washington, per Rivals. The two programs couldn't be coming off more disparate years, or seem to be on more opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of program stability, and you would figure UW would get a Big 10 recruiting boost (maybe not this year, though). Go figure. Sometimes recruiting is hard to understand. 

I don't know about making…

I don't know about making staff changes, but I would wager it is highly unusual to keep a staff together for, is this the fourth year? I am willing to chalk last year up to a bad roster of no clutch shooters, a young PG, no wing defense, a team whose best player really didn't fit anymore. I think that's more on Howard, than the assistant coaches. This team seems to have more to work with, but it has struggled..again, a lot down the stretch of games. Maybe new blood would be good. 

But, I've watched some (not all) of the last 2 games with Howard back in charge, and it seems like a different bench. During game action, nobody appears to be talking to him. He stands about 10 feet away from the bench. I know he's always done that, but if I remember correctly the other assistants would frequently consult with him during game action. I can't say that I've seen the assistants even get up from their seats to interact with the players during game action. That seems contrary to how things used to be, as well. I think the impact of Howard's surgery, the uncertainty of him coming back (being an assistant for a handful of games) and now the incident with Sanderson has really put this team (players and staff) in a vulnerable position. I'm not convinced that Howard's leadership is 100% unquestioned. Personally, I'd like to see him take convalescent leave the rest of the year and let Martelli have a go with this roster. It might not be necessary for his long-term health, but it might be best for the team and for his mental well-being. 

I think the entire "Howard…

I think the entire "Howard situation" needs to be clarified before it sinks the season, in multiple ways. I'm not sure the team (or Howard) is dealing particularly well with having two half head coaches. One of the reasons the football team overcame Harbaugh's suspension(s) is because he had to turn over all game day control to someone else. It feels like the opposite is happening with the basketball team. I fear Howard's presence on the bench is sowing confusion during games and, possibly creeping off the court. I'm not sure why UM has basically decided to put this team in an unprecedented position of essentially working a healing full-time head coach back into his role while designating him to a subordinate role. The move might have been medically cleared (and preferred by Howard), but, ultimately might not have been the best decision for leadership to approve. This team has some talent, certainly enough to compete for a tournament berth. I hope the AD leadership, and the coaching staff are as close to 100% as certain as they can be that their chosen path is what gives them the best chance of achieving that goal. 

Late 1900's Miami QBs:…

Late 1900's Miami QBs: Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Jim Kelly, Ken Dorsey, Gino Toretta

Early 2000's Miami QBs: Brock Berlin, Stephen Morris, N'Kosi Perry and whoever is on their roster now. 

 

 

I've seen his jersey pop up…

I've seen his jersey pop up a few times over the course of the year...not on the field as I recall. He's definitely still there. 

They're 98th per Rivals …

They're 98th per Rivals (right behind UConn BTW), with 7 '24 commitments. Even with some moderate success in the portal (not a given), they've got serious ground to make up in recruiting. Chances are, they'll really be scouring the portal depth just to round out their roster next year.  

“It’s one of the questions…

“It’s one of the questions that we do ask. From a coaching standpoint, who do you want to play? Who do you not want to play?” Corrigan said on ESPN, adding that the three former coaches on the committee have “a significant voice in the room.”

This nearly knocked me out of my seat when I heard it, and I'm sure it makes Norvell furious. It almost makes it sounds as if, the committee was going to pick FSU, then did a poll and everyone said they'd rather play FSU, so they switched it to Alabama. Honestly, that might have been how it  played out. 

No matter what was said,…

No matter what was said, especially by the espn crew, it's 99.9% that no one on the committee wanted FSU in the playoff. Chances are, they were only voted #5 out of sympathy. FSU probably would have been voted behind georgia, osu, oregon and psu if it was a real vote. 

"Motorcycle accident scandal…

"Motorcycle accident scandal" is certainly a delicate way of putting it. 

I know it's punter, but…

I know it's punter, but mirco over Doman? 

It also matters because it…

It also matters because it strikes at the heart of the "competitive advantage" argument. The fact, that upon discovery of a potential rules violation, it appears that nobody brought it to the attention of the ncaa or big10, and instead decided to investigate it independently, completely invalidates that anyone thought UM was gaining a competitive advantage. Why? because there was not one, everyone was doing something similar, and any perceived advantage could be countered by using the knowledge to your advantage (fake signs). After the PI investigation failed to find a smoking gun linking Stallion's actions back to the coaching staff, Plan B was to report the violations to the ncaa and begin the negative PR campaign. Don't forget that the report came out after Harbaugh's initial suspension (so that he's already taking negative PR hits) and the release of the first CFP results (to stir up the TV talking heads into the possibility of a "cheating" team making the playoffs). There was never an expectation that the ncaa (or big 10) would  actually find something worthy of disciplining the program (vacate wins, bowl ban, death penalty). The only hope was that enough shit would stick to Harbaugh that he would walk away after a suspension. If a suspension put the team in turmoil, all the better. 

The whole things was…

The whole things was probably a set-up, orchestrated by SharkBoy and LavaGirl (Mike Zordich). They weren't too happy about their time in Ann Arbor. Someone from the consortium of big 10 programs who knew about Stallions and the investigation (including people from msu) approached them and said "hey, we've got this plan to drop a bomb on UM in October. We're pretty sure it'll get Harbaugh fired. We need to try to get a "smoking gun" (since we don't have one yet). We know Stallions has tickets ready to give out to his vast network to 20 or 30 games this season, but we want to get him on the sidelines, himself. You guys both know him. What do you say, you ask him to come to the msu game and help you guys with your signs, and offer him a chance to see msu in person? We'll record him and release the footage after the story breaks. It'll look so damning. BTW, the story's gonna break the week of the msu game, so they're on board, too. A little retribution from "tunnelgate". You guys in?"

It could mean that the Board…

It could mean that the Board of Regents simply don't want UM (or any employee) going to court over, in the end, football. UM does still have their educational institution reputation to protect (it can be argued whether this does that, or not). I think the proof will still be in a contract offer, or lack thereof. Perhaps they came to a deal that everything would be dropped in return for a contract to be signed in the next couple weeks (November 24?). I think, Harbaugh himself, would rather not drag the team (which they will be, in essence) through the court. If he knows he's coming out the other end, he's always been willing to take the slings and arrows coming UM's way. The chances seem pretty low that the Board would simply tell their President, AD, and celebrated and excoriated head coach to just go pound sand after taking it this far. It makes far more sense that they've been doing an internal investigation over the last week to make sure those who are clean, stay and working out the final details of the contract, with an out for any future NCAA action. I am fairly certain that the Board understand this was about the rest of the conference coming after their head coach. They just didn't want their defense to be played out in court (public). . 

I would argue that he was at…

I would argue that he was at least good at it. He essentially hung around the program for 5 years as a volunteer, showing up for game days. He wasn't coaching, he wasn't installing game plans. He was showing up on game days to steal a few signs. After 5 years of husting and ingenuity and sacrificing (and separating from the military), UM decided to reward him with a full time job in 2022. Along with gaining full-time employment, what else happened between 2021 and 2022, when it appears his operation went into over-drive? The beatdown against Georgia. I would venture to say that, watching that disappointment, Stalions figured being able to guess a few plays a game would never bridge the deficit between Michigan and Georgia. So, he decided to recruit a network of sign stealers, figuring by the end of the year, if Michigan made the playoffs, being able to predict 10-20 plays of an opponent could make the difference. Obviously, to do that, you'd have to scout more teams to get a deeper database and you'd have to account for multiple participants in the playoffs. Implementing something that large, so fast, was bound to get noticed. The fact that it never came out, or was reported during the 2022 season further de-legitimizes any argument about a competitive disadvantage for other teams, and reinforces that it was always meant to be used as means to leverage against Harbaugh. 

The "competitive advantage"…

The "competitive advantage" argument has always been a red herring meant to stir up public outrage (and it worked). If any of the coaches/schools believed it was a competitive advantage for Michigan, or that many of them weren't doing something similar, they would have immediately brought it to the ncaa or big 10 for investigation/action. Instead they waited until October of this year. 

I also think that it's not a…

I also think that it's not a coincidence that the information leaked out between Harbaugh coming back from his suspension and the release of the first CFP rankings. Most, if not all of this information, was known during the off-season. If it was such a competitive advantage for Michigan, why wait until the season started to turn things over to the ncaa? Because there was no competitive advantage. Why wait until after the Harbaugh suspension? Because he's at his most vulnerable, both to the ncaa and in the court of public opinion. Why right before the release of the playoffs? Because it generates the most buzz throughout the sports world and creates the most outrage. How can you have cheaters in the playoffs? Immediate action has to be taken. 

Yeah, he called Michigan's…

Yeah, he called Michigan's running game "clunky". Has he watched osu's running game? Per Yahoo, they're 181st in the nation:

 

Ohio State Buckeyes

1st BTEN FBS | 7-0

  • Passing Yards

    17th

    304.9 PYPG

  • Rushing Yards

    181st

    127.0 RYPG

  • Total Yards Per Game

    51st

    431.9 YPG

Since it was on his own…

Since it was on his own sideline, I thought he was flipping off his own fans; maybe for booing him for a couple bone-headed plays? Flipping off Michigan fans, I expect. Flipping off your own fans, that's another story. 

Washington's interior d-line…

Washington's interior d-line is terrible and their secondary can't tackle. They're not a number one team, even undefeated. 

Indiana (and Penix) did have…

Indiana (and Penix) did have another noteworthy win in 2020. Can't just ignore it.

Says the man who won't/can't…

Says the man who won't/can't reboot the Pitt rivalry game. 

My money is on them going 11…

My money is on them going 11-1 (losing to psu) and winning west. Their schedule is gold and Cade can probably make up 3 wins. Their average winning score will be 20-10. The Iowa fan base will be split on honoring the contract clause, but no one in the Athletic Department will have the nerve to carry it out. Iowa gets blitzed by UM in Indy, and then gets run by USC in bowl game.

And 2 captains from MA, of…

And 2 captains from MA, of all places, to boot. 

I guess he never made it…

I guess he never made it Africa. 

Maybe that's why the PAC is…

Maybe that's why the PAC is holding their media days in Las Vegas this year? Not sure how long in advance it was planned, but it seems a little strange holding your media days in a city in which you don't actually have a team, granted Vegas can be a destination for most anything. But, after losing the LA teams, it makes sense to put stakes down in Las Vegas, Reno, San Diego, any other possible market in the region. It will be interesting to see what the media deal is. I can't imagine any major playing making a commitment without any plans for additional expansion in place. 

I always recommend going…

I always recommend going into the (I think) Lower Ward 7, at least in that direction. Taking Bourbon St. north through the French Quarter and look for all the great music venues north of Esplanade Ave. Some of them are more crowded than others and some require cover charges, but they're worth it. It's fun to contrast it with the French Quarter. If you head for Washington Square, you'll find just about everything. 

Unless you're winning titles…

Unless you're winning titles, like Saban, I've always put the expiration of a coach at about 10 years, as well. Not saying every situation would end like NU, but I think things do get stale and lead to apathy, which can lead to bad things. I was worried that JH was approaching that milestone. Not that he strikes me as type of coach who would let staleness and apathy seep into a program, but it would be nice for everyone for him to add that championship to his resume before too long. 

The one notable recent exception to the rule, granted wins became a problem at the end, was Ken Niumatalola. If I'm NU, that's the first person to whom I reach out. The parallels between NU and Navy are plenty, and he gets a chance to coach on a bigger stage. There's not a whiff of scandal around him, of which I'm aware. Hell, his current title at UCLA is "Director of Leadership". If that doesn't scream out to a school who needs an actual leader, I don't know what does. Not only do you get a guy who can come in and keep the program afloat, but you also don't have to go through the dance of going through back-door channels getting turned down by every other coach preparing his team for the upcoming season. 

See: history of college…

See: history of college football. 

ISU summer session began on…

ISU summer session began on May 22. So, unless he's already enrolled there and taking classes (probably on his own dime, since he won't be on scholarship or able to use NIL), being a graduate transfer in the fall is probably out of the question. He's been in school for 4 years, just pulled out of the draft. I have to imagine if he's going back to school (whatever school it is), he'd like to finish his degree while he's there. Even if he got in at Michigan, most schools prefer students graduate with more than half their credits from the degree-conferring school. I imagine that will be a reeeeeach with Reeves. It would be great to add a 35% 3-pt shooter to the roster, but it's pretty unlikely. Hope I eat my words. 

OT: kudos for Brown for…

OT: kudos for Brown for getting another HC job at UMass. I hadn't known that. A 1-11 start, not that promising, though. 

Milton really seems to be…

Milton really seems to be following in Hendan Hooker's footsteps. An under the radar recruit, not very polished. Probably wasn't ready to start when he was thrown into the position at his original school. Transfer to a more comfortable program. Find a perfect fit in Heupel. Flourish in a system that takes advantage of your strengths. Become a Heisman candidate and get drafted. We'll see if all that happens for Milton. I think he'll be great in the system. He's certainly not as mobile as Hooker, but Heupel will find a way to use his arm strength. Yes, Tennessee should have some new receivers who will test the DBs downfield. Milton will have plenty of opportunities to show off his arm. Will he be able to work underneath the coverage? We'll see. Good luck.

Bo Nix: class of 2019

Joe…

Bo Nix: class of 2019

Joe Milton: class of 2018

Are you sure men's…

Are you sure men's gymnastics is being pre-empted by corn hole? There's a strong possibility it's axe throwing or the game where people stand around and bounce a ball off a mini-trampoline. 

In the file under "Timing is…

In the file under "Timing is everything" category, here is a list of the Alabama QBs who won the NC under Saban: Greg McElroy, AJ McCarron (twice), Jake Coker, Hurts/Tua, and Mac Jones. Not exactly world-beaters, but those teams had far more talent (as measured by NFL picks) than the teams for which Young played. Chances are he won't have a HOF NFL career, but in every game I watched him at Alabama, he was the best player on the field and never did I ever fail to say "Wow, what a play!" I'd rather be the NFL GM that drafts Young and curses the NFL gods for his injury, or whatever it is that keeps him off the field, than be the GM that passes on him. 

I believe I read that…

I believe I read that Dickinson was on pace to graduate this spring (3 years). If your player graduates in 3 years, earns All-American honors, multiple all-conference honors and helps you get to back-to-back sweet 16s, there is a lot of sweet to celebrate. After his freshman year, most UM fans would have signed up for 3 years in a heartbeat. It's hard to begrudge him wanting to look for greener (at least different) pastures. In a way, he lived up to (probably exceeded) his original commitment. Good for him for wanting a new challenge; on the court, in the class room and, socially. 

Holy crap. So, he will…

Holy crap. So, he will redshirt during the national championship year, gain 20 pounds of muscle, THEN turn 18. Sounds like a plan.

Is the Naurato situation a…

Is the Naurato situation a microcosm of the Athletic Department (Director)? What other AD would leave an interim coach in place for an entire season, especially if that team has Frozen 4 potential? Who benefits from not naming Naurato the permanent coach? Not Naurato, not the players, not the team, not the fans. Just because you screw up the ouster of Pearson doesn't mean you shouldn't make an attempt at fixing the situation. Is Naurato's standard the Frozen 4, does he have to reach it be named permanent coach? Are we going to have a surprise hire to take over as permanent coach, come playoffs? Do you let the team play a full year with Naurato, allow him to bond with the recruits, and then just decide not to bring him back next year?