OT: What are the most annoying homer takes?

Everybody has one. 

On the one hand you are absolutely correct — I am certain that most rankings are heavily based on the quality of the graduate programs at the institution rather than the overall undergrad experience.

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However, the relative strength of the incoming undergraduate population at a school like Michigan (I.e.  there were something like 25 National merit finalists on my freshman hall alone) means that the overall level of graduates should be higher and a “top X” in one’s class at M is most likely better than the same from the average MAC school.

It’s like recruiting rankings — not every 5-star is going to hit but you still would rather have as many as you can sign.  The unranked 2-star from SW Missouri State that goes in the first round is the exception not the rule though they probably shine much more brightly and are easier to spot in their relative competition.

True but their is a huge range-  My daughter took almost a year of classes at OSU while she was in high school and she felt the classes were very easy.  She's now at NYU and says the difference in quality of student and difficulty of class is night and day.   

While I agree there are many strong colleges and universities in the US, and - that many things are the same - such as the laws of Thermodynamics, Calculus, Chemistry - the level of knowledge gained during one’s undergraduate years at Michigan can be more rigorous and demanding.  So, the application many not be “repeating” basic formulas - but focused on a deeper, theoretical knowledge of WHY certain rules, laws, etc - are “the way they are”.

I have two children who are students at Michigan - one in LS&A and the other in Engineering.  They are in STEM fields - and, as they compare the academic rigor of Michigan to other B1G or highly regarded schools, where many of their high school friends are students - there IS a difference.

I agree that the graduate experience is different.  And, if you’re a student at an AAU institution - engaging in research early in your collegiate career can be a big difference. But, in Ann Arbor - getting involved in, or approved for, a research project can be much easier said than done.

Teacher quality is hugely important in ability to learn and develop passion for the material. I'm guessing you have only taken undergrad courses at one school. Having taken language classes at both UM and U Chicago, I can say there is a huge difference in quality, at least in that area. Even at the RC, our courses are significantly easier and less rigorous. Granted, my mastery level was higher by the time I took similar level courses here, but that's just my experience. 

You're ignoring something very important that's right in front of you. Let's say that the average student at a Michigan directional is "X." By grades and test scores a Michigan student will be some multiple of X. Fair? I'd think so.

If the average student is smarter, the class will be able to cover more material in greater depth. The Michigan education will be superior even if they're using the same book. As well, students will need to work harder to keep up with their peers.

Focusing on STEM, you'd have something similar when comparing CalTech and Michigan engineering. CalTech students are smarter, so the classes will be richer and more competitive than the ones at Michigan.

You were definitely born after The Phantom Touchdown, but can you recall M-osu 2016?

Putting aside "JT was short", do you happen to know how many penalties were called in that game, for how many yards? 

Look it up, and read a bit about the refs the B10 chose to officiate it before you call "lunacy"!

Honestly this is just smart. Let's move up (insert low B1G school) to game 2 and move (insert cupcake non-con) to the game before OSU. Starters get reps to be locked in but also get rest second half, I don't see the dilemma.

Lunacy, I wish someone  made this point. Michigan, this season, played 12 FBS teams.  They were not all P5 teams - but, they were FBS.  Michigan played nine P5 teams - those were all conference games.

Some SEC schools play nine P5 teams.  That would be eight conference games and one OOC P5 opponent.  Then, look at the three remaining games - most, perhaps all, play at least one FCS school.

No one ever makes this distinction.

I mean...... They are a better Michigan. HOWEVER it's to be determined if they'll be better on a one day sample. I like those odds, hope we get to see it.

What’s a bit weird to me is how they thought just fixing the defense was going to return things to a beat down of Michigan - I want to say, “uhh, you guys know you scored only 27 right?” But somehow hiring a Big 12 defensive coach was going to get them right back to hangin’ a hundred. 

Yes and I think former OSU coach, douchebag, & tv commentator Meyer said that OSU would stop the run-   200+ yards in 2nd half later I didn't see a correction from Urban Liar

That’s like us claiming 500yds on crossing routes was the difference. Which it was. Unfortunately we didn’t have the horses to run that race. 

Whether it’s easier or harder to be successful in the NFL depends on the situation. If you’re Ryan Day and take over a college program that’s already extremely successful and has built-in recruiting advantages, it’s easier to be successful. If you take the Rutgers job, you’re going to a much have tougher time winning, even if you’re an excellent coach, because you’ll always have a recruiting disadvantage. If you take over a losing NFL team, you’ll have a better chance than other teams to pick up talent in the draft to help you build a winner. But then the same draft rules, along with the salary cap, will make it harder to maintain success.

Damn, you beat me to it by 10 minutes, Joe.