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Date Title Body
NF - thanks.   My personal…

NF - thanks.   

My personal view is - it’s so unfortunate.  The White Out (TM) creates a significant advantage for PSU - and, you want / need that advantage when you can capitalize on it.   

I’m too idealistic - and - wish for those “days of yore”.  The media dollars drive it all.

I would believe that if Penn…

I would believe that if Penn State "had their choice" - that the November 2nd game - PSU hosting OSU - would be a night game - "White Out" - etc..    But, what say does any team / athletic department have in determing the kickoff time for a game?

It seems like - "very little to none".

You seem pretty good at this…

You seem pretty good at this - anything else you can share some insight about?

It adds up perfectly.   …

It adds up perfectly.   

 Have you ever attended a school in Ohio?   If so - you'd understand this.   

Just look at the spelling... 0 .. High... 0...  Yes - begin with a zero - and end with a zero - and get high in-between.  Is it 4:20?    

One of many reasons why the Michigan Marching Band had to teach the Ohio Band how to perform their signature formation - "Script Ohio".

Here's the home schedule…

Here's the home schedule... let's see...

  • August 31st: Fresno State 
  • September 7th: Texas - Big Noon - already announced
  • September 14th: Arkansas State
  • September 21st: USC - possible night game
  • September 28th: Minnesota
  • October 26th: Michigan State
  • November 2nd: Oregon - possible night game
  • November 23rd: Northwestern
I can say with complete…

I can say with complete sincerity - I applaud Jesse Owens not only for his accomplishment - but for how he conducted himself (in Berlin).

So - recognizing his accomplishment is something I'm glad to do - with much respect.

Now - is there another Buckeye that deserves our respect and admiration?   I can't think of one - can you?

What did Washington retain…

What did Washington retain from last year?

An excellent head coach is - gone.   A very good QB is - gone.   Their receiving corps - lost at least two superb WRs to the draft.

I wonder how long of year it's going to be in Seattle this year.

Nittany - with all due…

Nittany - with all due respect - Do you find some of Franklin's "in game" decisions befuddling?

The call that I found most interesting was against Ohio State - in the Shoe -this past season.  It was a one score game - in the fourth quarter - PSU had the ball - in their own half of the field - with down & distance of about 4th & 4.  I think about six / seven minutes left in the game.   PSU was struggling running the ball.    Franklin decides to go for it.   What happens?   The Buckeyes stop - get the ball on downs - and - a one score games turns into a two score game - late in the fourth quarter.

I realize hindsight is 20/20 - but, in that situation - it seemed like the better call was - "punt the ball - have your D force a three & out - and, see if you can score on your next / last possession."    

What do you think?

The Buckeyes host Akron in…

The Buckeyes host Akron in the Shoe for the opener.   Will history repeat itself?

Last year - the '23 season -…

Last year - the '23 season - the three teams you noted - Georgia, Bama, and Ohio State - were all top four teams - in both the Coaches and AP's pre-season polls.   Michigan was second in both polls.

I have this inkling that…

I have this inkling that there are "more than a few" LSU alumni involved in the energy sector - and what it produces in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico.

I'm wondering whether media…

I'm wondering whether media revenue sharing is part of the scope of her efforts.

Though the B1G schools receive a significant sum for the conference media agreement - it also seems like those funds are committed to infrastructure improvements, coaches salaries, etc.    

The USA today published a list of colleges / universities with the amount of money each athletic department brings in - and, their expenses - the information was updated in March of this year.   Here's a link to the list: https://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/finances.  Private schools did not report their figures - so, there's no data on Northwestern or Southern Cal.

Ohio State leads the list with revenues of $ 251M, and expenses of $ 225M.   Michigan is fourth in country, and second in the B1G with $ 210M in revenue and expenses of $ 193M.  Suprisingly, to me - Indiana is the most profitable Athletic Department in the conference with an estimated $ 34M in profit (if the "Revenue - Expense" approach is used to calculate profit - those are the only two figures available).   Of the current conference members - only Rutgers and Maryland appear to be operating at a loss.

Looking at the Pac-12, data is only available for ten schools (USC and Stanford - private institutions - are not included).   Six of the ten Pac-12 schools are operating at a loss.   Since data for USC is not included - of the three other Pac-12 schools joining the B1G - two are operating at a loss - Washington and UCLA, with Oregon being the lone "money maker".

What's my piont in this?   The above figures should be inclusive of media agreements - and - if media monies were to be distributed - what would that mean to the "average" student athlete at a school?   If Michigan's Athletic Department profit (about $ 17M) was to be equally distribruted to all (approximately 800) student athletes - that would equate to just over $ 21K / student athlete.   Certainly nothing to look over - but, not quite the millions in NIL monies certain athletes are reportedly receiving.

St Louis has the Blues and…

St Louis has the Blues and Cardinals.  KC has the Royals and Chiefs.  I believe they both have MLS teams today too.  So - it's not quite as notable as some of those other states.

For football - "in season" - competition - it's the Chiefs - which is a strong franchise - but - on the far western part of the state.

Very fair point.   My "gut"…

Very fair point.   My "gut" says - that Dusty's familiarity with the college landscape is beneficial - he's thought through his approach - and - he has an understanding of how dynamic the college game is these days - with the portal, NIL, etc.

Several years ago - I wished Juwan well - and, I still do.  As a fan and alum - it's good to see the start Dusty has.  And, I hope it results in dividends for the program.

Go Blue!

This will be interesting.  I…

This will be interesting.  I’m thinking of the available markets for advertising and player sponsors.

In several SEC states - there is no competition with professional sports because there are no professional sports teams in the state - such as South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama,  Arkansas, and now - Oklahoma.  I think Missouri doesn’t have much either.

So - can she develop the right degree of confidence & interest with firms that  would find a relationship with current Michigan players to be more leverage-able than the Pistons / Lions / Wings / Tigers?

I hope she’s incredibly successful and effective.

“Attracting players to LSU?…

“Attracting players to LSU?”

Have you checked out the ranking of their College of Engineering?  It’s disappointing that Michigan doesn’t rank higher academically.

Has May done anything thus…

Has May done anything thus far that’s been… “less than ideal”?


It seems like he’s charted a great course - and is following it to a “T.

This is days late.. May the…

This is days late.. May the Force be with Dusty and the squad…

With all due respect - your…

With all due respect - your comment may assume that he’s actually capable to think.   Based on what he’s written - that assumption does not appear to be valid or accurate.

Has Harbaugh ever talked…

Has Harbaugh ever talked about eggs as part of his diet?   

I just thought - with all those chickens - high production - etc. - that eggs must be part of the equation.

Thanks for reminding me (and…

Thanks for reminding me (and perhaps others) of the Dark Years...   The last three years have been so enjoyable - those years found their way to be buried deep in the "forgotten memory".

The last time the Buckeyes…

The last time the Buckeyes lost three (or more) games in a season - it was the year Fickell was head coach.

247's Team Talent composite goes back to 2015.   In the nine seasons of data they have available - OSU's Talent level has been "Top three or better" in 8 of the 9 seasons.  The one season they weren't Top Three, they were ranked fifth.   In those 9 seasons, I believe the Buckeyes have reached the CFP Championship game one time - and, they lost in that lone appearance.   So, do I think they Buckeyes could be "under performing"?   Based on the talent level of their roster - year in and year out - the answer is - "yes".   Now, to be fair - in several seasons - they were third in talent - behind Bama and Georgia - who are two teams that have recruited at an elite level.   FWIW, I would also describe OSU's level of recruiting as elite.   And, I think the issue with OSU's recruiting is - balance.   Is there enough elite level recruiting - complimented by development - across all position groups?

As for Michigan's recruiting - my opinion is - let's see how this recruiting cycle plays out.  In early / mid January - Michigan was preparing for a couple of football games - whereas most coaches in the country weren't - and, those coaches that didn't have a game to play could continue their recruiting efforts.   

I can't speak for what "Top 300" prospects are thinking.   I do believe the landscape has changed - the transfer portal and NIL have influenced that quite a bit.  If you're an OL and in the "Top 300" prospects list - you'd assume that Michigan would be on your radar.   This being said - what's the role of the portal and NIL?   I'd say Michigan has worked the portal effectively - especially on the OL.  If there's one position group where many Michigan fans might feel there's a deficiency - it's WR.   The goal would be that long, fast WR.  NIL is a different story.   

As for "why" Top 300 prospects aren't knocking on Michigan's door?   There are several reasons - NIL is one of them - academics is another (some prospects won't pass Admissions) - it could be climate / distance from home - and, culture could be a fourth.  Realistically - it's probably a combination of the above - and other reasons could add to the list.

I also think it's worth mentioning the impact of having to conduct camps "further away" from parts of the country that have a deep density of talent.   The decision by the NCAA about a decade ago - which I believe favored the ACC and SEC - is ridiculous.  

Perhaps this article should…

Perhaps this article should be forwarded to parents of the OL considering different schools - and, might have Michigan on their radar.

OR - part of a small set of reading material as they fly into DTW for a visit.

Touche!   The Onion -…

Touche!   The Onion - publishing at its best.   Thanks for the link...

The fact that Michigan has…

The fact that Michigan has this number (14) of OL in the NFL is interesting.  Why do I say that?   One reason is - OL, if they stay healthy - can contribute for "a while" in the League - a decade or more.   

ND's number - 11 linemen, doesn't suprise me - since they had (IMO) a very solid OL coach - Harry Hiestand (who a few others on the web site also know) for quite a while.   Harry brought NFL experience - focused on fundamentals - and developed those in the position group well.

The Buckeyes number - 9 OL - is a bit of a surprise.  With the recruiting they've had over the past "decade plus" - I'd expect that figure to be higher.   Perhaps this reflects coaching, S&C, and development.

Regardless - I hope Michigan continues to develop strong offensive lines - players with discipline, technique, and the "right amount of nasty".

Go Blue!

What every mom has on her…

What every mom has on her Mother's Day wish list...

OSU’s numbers tell a story.  

OSU’s numbers tell a story.  

When it comes to public…

When it comes to public universities - the top three consistently are: UCLA, Michigan, and Cal.  The order varies - but those three schools stand out.

And, in the “new” B1G - only two schools are private - Northwestern and USC.

Michigan’s academics are recognized globally.

This doesn’t surprise too…

This doesn’t surprise me too much.

Talent identification and development are part of the equation - so, this includes technique.    Scheme is another key element - and, IMO Michigan runs schemes that resemble what teams that play on Sunday do.

I also give great credit to the players.  Their effort in S&C - along with attention to detail - make a difference.

I don’t think there’s going…

I don’t think there’s going to be a noticeable opportunity to upgrade seats this season.  My assumption is - renewal rates will exceed 99%.

Xichigan - National Chaxpion…

Xichigan - National Chaxpion…

Is that spelled in a manner so Buckeyes can read it?   Of course - my comments assumes Buckeye fans can read.

The Buckeyes are unbeatable …

The Buckeyes are unbeatable - Michigan - no one else has a chance.  Yeah - keep creating press clippings to go to their head.

Shhhhhhh… let them keep…

Shhhhhhh… let them keep thinking it’s an upgrade at QB.   What’s the difference with their OL?

I respect good defense - but, am still drawn to the number of stops - forced punts - that the Buckeye D imposed on Michigan in the second half of the last three Michigan v OSU contests.

I like Klatt’s perspectives…

I like Klatt’s perspectives and rationale - and listen to him regularly.

His “post Spring” Top 25 fills in this gap period and can stimulate discussion during a quieter period in college football.

I don’t have issue with his order, rationale, and perspectives.  

Regarding Michigan’s position - I’m fine with it.  And. hopefully, Team 145 can use it as additional fuel / motivation for contests against those teams ranked above them.

There are questions - most every team has some - but, it’s nice to see how team 146 is developing.

.500 or better at Vandy is…

.500 or better at Vandy is an accomplishment.  At Penn State, it’s not.

What’s your point?Will…

What’s your point?

Will Michigan “take a step back” this season?   Well, they are the National Champions - if they don’t win it all, by definition - they will have taken a step back.

Recruiting?   Should Michigan be recruiting at a “higher level”?   If so, what exactly is the definition of “higher level”?   Based on the average player rating of commits first the ‘25 class - they are Top Ten.  What was Michigan’s 247 Team Talent Composite the last three seasons?  Probably, mid teens on average - and those teams seemed to do “ok” on the field.

How did they win?  It’s combination of effort, commitment, scheme, teamwork, creativity, preparation, and execution.  You could call it culture - or focus - but development and coaching were a big part of it.

I’m just curious - with the high level of recruiting the Buckeyes have had for a decade or more - do you think “under-achievers” is a fair and accurate description?  If not, why not?

But, isn’t Allan a 5* ?

But, isn’t Allar a 5* ?

Oh yeah.. I forgot about development and coaching…

Am I “stitious”?   You bet…

Am I “stitious”?   You bet.

My maize Nike “Jumpman” 1/4 zip - has been the staple of my home game day / tailgate attire for three seasons.  It’s washed after every game.

I begin setting up our tailgate by 6:04 am (for noon / 3:30 pm kickoffs) - and, play “Freebird” as I pull into the lot.

If it’s working - don’t change a thing.

Congratulations on your academic accomplishments.  Go Blue!

Everything bagel is the…

Everything bagel is the correct answer.

LOL - thanks for catching…

LOL - thanks for catching that - which, I've edited in my original email.  Cost and Cross - what a combination - both are noteworthy - though, based on what my children are getting from their Michigan experience - there's a difference - they're loving it - and, to quote my daughter - "Daddy, Michigan's the best effing school in the world."

Michigan began the tourney…

Michigan began the tourney by defeating OSU - in their house.   Then took care of Hopkins and PSU.  That was a very nice Trifecta…

Go Blue!

Does this mean an “auto-bid”…

Does this mean an “auto-bid” into the NCAA tourney?

Go Blue!

Congratulations!   I’m one…

Congratulations!   I’m one year away from my two crossing (oops - not costing as noted in my original comment - though, cost is noticeable too) the stage in cap & gown.

Go Blue!

Go Blue!

Go Blue!

Is the number of Wolverines…

Is the number of Wolverines that have been “tamed” or domesticated still zero?

Interesting scenario.  …

Interesting scenario.   Hypothetically - if Michigan loses three- to Texas, Oregon, and OSU - and ND loses three - I’m not implying Michigan is “in” the 12 team CFP - but, Michigan would have to be perceived more positively than a three loss ND team.  Does ND even have three strong opponents on their schedule?   FSU, Miami (Ohio), and who else - oh A&M.

Culture.. the definition of…

Culture.. the definition of leadership - begin at the top.

I wonder how many SEC teams would have honored the academic aspect of a scholarship if this situation had arisen with one of their prospects.

These analysts amuse me. …

These analysts amuse me.  They’ll look at unique scenarios / issues to denigrate JJ and Michigan football.

The often heard example is - number of pass attempts.  JJ only played in - and mostly started - 28 games over his past two seasons.  How many pass attempts does it take to evaluate his arm “in game”?   It would seem there were enough attempts / completions for a fair evaluation.

The other that really irks me is the TD pass to Roman Wilson in the second quarter of the OSU game this past season.  The “knock” by analysts was - an NFL DB would have intercepted that throw.  In the post game interview with JJ, he referenced two things - first - that he’s not reluctant to take risks.  And second, which I feel is the key point is, JJ studied a lot of film that week - his assessment was - when OSU #25 - the DB on the play - turns his back - he follows the receiver and doesn’t turn to play the ball.  So, when #25 turned - JJ’s prep / knowledge said - I’ve got a window - he took it advantage of it - and delivered.    I don’t understand how an analyst could have an issue with this approach and play.   It reminds me of Walsh, Rice, and the 49ers.  Walsh was so detail oriented - and - he was talking about an upcoming opponent with Rice.  The point Walsh was making was “route and tendencies” - at which point Walsh told Rice - “When you do this (move) - he’ll  react like this - and then you’ll do this - which will create separation and you’ll  be open.

I wonder how “open” receiver targets were for the top six drafted QBs during their college careers.  Specifically, what’s a tougher throw - a deep route where the WR has four or more yards of separation - or - an 8 yard pass to a TE who’s covered?

So, is the ability to be “creative and improvise” good?   For sure, it is.   Is it good to study your opponent and recognize tendencies that you can identify and capitalize on?  Absolutely.  IMO, JJ can do both.

I can’t predict the future - but, I do believe JJ will surprise the naysayers over the course of his career.

Wolverine vs Buffalo….  Who…

Wolverine vs Buffalo….  Who would you wager will win?

Which is better?  I select …

Which is better?  I select “B”.. a lot of history and tradition.