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It's Christmas Week Here On MGoBlog Comment Count

Brian

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just a few days until Joe Tiller (RIP) leaves playbooks under the tree

The annual week where we don't type anything unless there's an urgent coaching search or a funny cat video has arrived, a bit early this time because the 30th and 31st are the weekend and we'd rather post our bowl preview stuff Thursday and Friday. The WTKA podcast will go up shortly, but we are otherwise out to Spend More Time With Our Families*.

But there's a basketball game tonight?

There is not. There is a controlled demolition.

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Why we continue scheduling these games is a mystery. Michigan will win by a zillion and nothing will be learned except "Charles Matthews is good at dunking on oompa-loompas." We respectfully decline to #content about this.

But Amani Toomer?

I said good day, sir.

*[LITERALLY. Not in the Hugh Freeze way.]

Comments

ijohnb

December 21st, 2017 at 12:43 PM ^

haven't joined too much in the Beilein schedule bashing, but this one is a really bad look.  Alabama A@M is 0-11 and has lost every game by double digits.  We should not be scheduling this kind of team.  It does no good for anybody involved. 

Joined: 09/21/2009

MGoPoints: 69986

PurpleBeaverEater

December 21st, 2017 at 12:45 PM ^

I've been wondering about the scheduling myself. And not necessarily as it pertains to Michigan, though that is why I care, but in general. It seems like most college basketball programs schedule a few of these games against programs that are 200+ in ranking. Don't get me wrong, there's a huge difference between #200 and #349, but why are schools like us and MSU etc scheduling the likes of Houston Baptist or Coppin State? Is it a charity thing where their program makes a good buck from playing a larger institution, like in football?

Joined: 10/20/2016

MGoPoints: 522

MH20

December 21st, 2017 at 1:04 PM ^

Similar to football, these bottom-feeder teams are getting paid to be destroyed.  Obviously there are more games in basketball so the payout is less (some football buy games reach $1M for the privilege of being eviscerated), but spending most of the non-conference slate on the road is how the Alabama A&M's of the world keep their athletic departments from going belly-up.

Joined: 10/30/2008

MGoPoints: 40612

PurpleBeaverEater

December 21st, 2017 at 1:14 PM ^

Ok, thank you for the info. That's kind of what I figured. Maybe if we replaced a few of these games with some middling programs in that 80-150 range it would benefit us greatly. I understand playing a few Alabama A&Ms a season to help with getting guys PT or working out rotations, but I agree with the majority that we schedule far too many SOS anchors. I've always been of the mindset that if you wanna be the best, you have to beat the best.

Joined: 10/20/2016

MGoPoints: 522

Seth

December 21st, 2017 at 12:48 PM ^

Darn it, and I was just about to post this incisive analysis on the distribution of feelings, takes, and personal standards for recruiting thee-stars.

Joined: 10/14/2008

MGoPoints: 149423

tlo2485

December 21st, 2017 at 12:51 PM ^

We're currently #26 in RPI. Let's see where this goes after the blowout tonight. Add in the fact that the B1G is down this year, and this game sucks for our resume.

Joined: 08/06/2010

MGoPoints: 7429

bronxblue

December 21st, 2017 at 1:23 PM ^

Enjoy your time with your family. Don't hump any sharks. Also, Amani Toomer can shut up. I don't think we need any additional information given to a cranky old player who seems to have some personal animosity toward Harbaugh and is just using the team as cover for it.

Joined: 11/22/2008

MGoPoints: 171810

WolverineHistorian

December 21st, 2017 at 1:32 PM ^

My all time record at Michigan Stadium:  28-4.  

My all time record at Crisler:  1-7. 

I banned myself from Crisler a few years back because the basketball team just can't seem to win if I am present. 

Since the opponent is winless Alabama A&M and since there will probably be about 20 fans at the game tonight (I'm assuming students are on break) do I risk going?

Decisions, decisions. 

Joined: 08/10/2009

MGoPoints: 55466