Even if the odds are against him winning a Super Bowl, I don’t think he made a mistake. Yeah, it’s crazy to think that he’s walking away from an undefeated season and championship team, but it’s not like odds are in favor of a repeat with how much we lose on offense or the direction of college football. Yes, culture is good and morale is high, and defensive scheme is good with many returning, but the total BS JH and Michigan has had to go through leaves a bad taste in the mouth and writing on the wall. I think the target on his back is even bigger. Despite all the hurdles, he took the team to the promised land. It’s not hard to think that this may be the last time all the stars align, especially knowing that the B1G and NCAA and media will turn a blind eye to some of the worst offenders yet come down hard on us, and given our unwillingness (justified as it may be) to play the dirty game of NIL-to-play. As much as I love Michigan, I can totally understand why he would want to get back into the NFL once he achieved his goals at his alma mater. And I don’t think a Super Bowl victory is needed to validate this decision.
Have no fear. To borrow from the Quran: “…They will spend it, then it will become a source of regret for them, and then they will be defeated…” (8:36) 😎
I’m always fascinated by quarterback dynamics. As a fan, I’d love there to be camaraderie. But as individuals, we are selfish. Not many of us would willingly train our replacements if we liked our jobs. 🤷♂️
I have to admit, I was going nuts when I first saw the replay from this angle, thinking this was about to get overturned, and thinking that the penalty is now going to matter, and wondering why OSU would just not die, and how unlucky we’ve been with replays, ... I was floored when they quickly confirmed the call, wondering what they were seeing, thanking God we got a call go our way and no one seems to notice but me!
It wasn’t until the next day that, UFR over and over again, I realized that collegiate footballs have a nice big white stripe on each end, and elbows don’t. 🤣
I wanted them to let JJ throw for the first down on that third down to try to end the game, expecting that we were set on kicking the field goal if we didn’t convert. Yes, that would save OSU a timeout, but with a minute left on the clock, that was plenty of time anyway, as we saw.
Was waiting for someone to mention this. A little more arc on the ball could have avoided an interception. This is not anything new for JJ. It might be the only important thing missing from his game to make him truly elite.
I think the prospect of playing them twice in a row is absolutely THE worse thing that can possibly happen to the Game. Moving the Game up a bit is more palatable to me than that, and even that's revolting.
If it's to stay as the last game of the season (as it should), they need to have a clause that there can't be any rematches in the championship game from the week before. If you lose the Game as one of the top two teams in the B1G, you get to enjoy a bye and then it's onto the playoffs, but the dubious honor of playing in the B1G championship goes to the next best team.
Or better yet, the *winner* of the Game gets the bye :)
Dude, you’re playing on stereotypes. And you’re conflating isolated events with Islamic teachings. By and large, although a woman showing her hair is against Islam, there is no punishment for doing so in almost every Muslim country. Yet here you are pretending like there’s this epidemic of women being stoned to death. That’s laughable.
For the record, Islam is against adultery, and it has a prescribed punishment for it (as does the Bible), but it is extremely rarely implemented because it’s almost impossible to have four independent trustworthy eyewitnesses to direct penetration (sorry to be explicit). This would apply to men and women adulterers just the same. So the notion of Islam “stoning women” is practically a figment of people’s imagination. Try to be more discerning.
Of course, if you bring more of the same, it will say the same thing.
It's funny that you have no problem with Muslims but rather with Islam. As for me, I don't have a problem calling out Muslims for instances of unacceptable behavior, while I see Islam itself as being a positive force in the world, if practiced correctly. If you can identify Islamic teachings that you think are objectively wrong, especially as it pertains to the treatment of women, please tell me. I won't disagree with you that Islam is not "liberal" in the way that Western societies are. Islam has its own set of values, some unique from and some shared with the West (especially if you go back in time a few decades, since Western society is changing in some drastic ways lately).
As for Christians in the Muslims world, say the Middle East, you will get varying perspectives. Some will feel like they are marginalized, while others will feel like they are treated like anyone else. It's the same with Muslims in the US (or for that matter, other ethnic or racial groups). Some will speak glowingly about their experience, while others will cry oppression and persecution (rightfully or wrongly).
I have no issues with Catholicism or Catholics. I respect religious people, especially those coming from the Abrahamic tradition. I just object to a simplistic comparison where you claim that Catholicism treats women better than Islam does. Please specify what you mean by that. Or if you want me to forget you said that, I'm happy to do that as well. lol
Interesting link. I haven't researched the organizations and foundations behind this data, but my impression thus far is that this "objective data" can be quite subjective. Take for example some of the metrics they use to come up with their "human rights" indices:
Gender marker can be legally changed
Joint adoptions by same-sex partners
Third gender legally recognized
Specifically with respect to the treatment of women, they have:
Women can work in a job deemed dangerous in the same way as men
Share of women who were married by age 18
Spouses have equal legal administrative authority over assets during marriage
Share of firms with a female top manager
This is just a small sampling. Don't you think it's fairly subjective as to what categories one decides should be on the list of "human rights" and "women's rights?" Clearly, certain nations (some of whom ironically may have a track record of running roughshod over other ones through their neo-colonialist and dictator-supporting policies) are judging the world based on their own criteria of how they think society should ideally be shaped, even though other parts of the world may have a different set of values.
Another thing about these kinds of analyses that rub me the wrong way is that they sort of pile it on less privileged people. Imagine a politically repressed people in a dictatorial country being looked down upon and judged for this lack of freedom, especially if their dictator enjoys the support of the same people who are looking down upon them!
If you want to make the case that Islam "objectively" is unkind to women, I think you'll need to demonstrate this lack of kindness in the actual teachings of Islam, not point to statistics--some of which are circumstantial, some irrelevant, and some which beg the question. I'll be the first to tell you that Islam deals with men and women as though they were different in some important ways, but there are no teachings to be unkind to them; in fact, it's quite the contrary. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have taught, to the very end, of the importance of being good to women. But don't expect everyone to regard it as "kindness" to, say, allow women to work dangerous jobs the same way as men.
“Objective data?” Please share whatever you have of that.
I live in the US. People here accept Islam by choice, including women. Not all Muslim converts follow all the rules such as women covering up. But many do so willingly.
It’s not in our human nature to want to follow rules, and some people who are shortsighted or unmotivated tend not to. But the rules of Islam are there for the betterment of society, and unlike man made rules, divine rules give us extra incentive to follow them. Despite the challenges, some people actually love following the rules (or at least love the concept of holding themselves to certain values and principles in a strict way, especially knowing that such commitment and effort will be rewarded by God in the afterlife).
Just as you accused me, you are probably biased by your experience and your exposure. Please do go out and try to talk to committed Muslim women (even converts) and ask them if they feel “mistreated” by the very religion they willingly adopted or adhere to.
I don’t know many Muslim women who opted for Catholicism, but I do know a few who left Catholicism for Islam. You have to get past your stereotypes. Islam has a strong appeal for many people, and women no less. It’s ironic that paintings of the Mother Mary essentially depict a Muslim woman of today in her modest head covering. That’s no knock on Catholicism.
Well said. This is the takeaway for me. I won’t lose sight of the incredible progress made to lift ourselves out of the depths of impotence and hopelessness to success and respectability beyond my expectation.
Having said that, we humans are by nature insatiable creatures, and once we taste victory, we only want more. If the coaching staff wants to reach that final level, they need to up their game. I think this is very possible, and sustained success (especially with returning players) makes this possible, where you don’t have to reinvent the wheel or break in a new approach. You just make tweaks and important additions. We were THAT close to making the championship game and possibly even being competitive in it, and everyone knows we should have. That should fuel a burning fire within the coaches and players to make any and all conceivable improvements to their game. If this is Jim’s feeling (and Michigan at some point decides to “have him” here), then I’m already over the TCU loss.
But maybe they settle more for field goals in the first place? That was their point. Does have some merit. No one would not want an amazing kicker, but their availability DOES influence decisions and strategies.
That’s the sad part. It seemed like the coaching staff had finally figured things out and found a winning formula on both sides of the ball, which we saw most of the season. And then they go pull something like this game (red zone failure, blitzes, etc). It does not inspire confidence for the future.
We no doubt pissed this game away. Worse thing we did was run a bunch of blitzes when we have had solid straight up defense most of the year. That's a complete coaching fail there.
Would have been nice to have a few more horses (at 100%). It's really a shame. We still should have won this game, but the margin becomes thinner without having some (fully healthy) gamebreakers.
JJ made some mistakes we couldn't afford. Aside from the picks, seems like he could have taken off a few times with only 3 rushing. Disappointed in the pass pro this game.
Either TCU played out of their minds, or we didn't prepare well for their 3-3-5.
And we still can't run a two minute drill with urgency.
However, if you compare the averages of the distance of those >20 yard runs (I haven’t), you will probably see the significant advantage of Edwards. That first breakaway touchdown in the Game, for example, wouldn’t have been a touch down with BC. And possibly not even the second one. Don’t get me wrong, big Blake fan here.
OSU game should generate a good number of memes.
I’m still waiting for the gif of that sad OSU fan who looked like he was about to cry. It looked like an instant classic when I saw it.
If you want the conspiracy theory response, it would be that last year they did so to keep one SEC team from automatically eliminating the other one in the semis. And in this case, they would like it if two B1G teams met up early and one is eliminated, giving Georgia an easier path. There you have it.
Very understated! By beating OSU and getting to the playoffs and getting a promise that Jim’s done flirting with the NFL, one by one, the ammunition for negative recruiting is disappearing. Biggest remaining hurdle might be NIL.
Agreed. Is defender just supposed to absorb that helmet into his chest? Also looked like defender was trying to move his head to the left to avoid head to head. I've seen more significant near-targeting plays overturned.
I’m actually ok with JJ taking shots downfield even if he throws a pick here or there. Play more conservatively and you might end up punting it to the same spot anyway.
Great reading through these comments. But I'm still missing something.
If you "cut the cord" on cable, HOW are you getting internet??? If I only really want internet, how do I avoid paying more than $100 a month for a Comcast subscription?
I has to be. After all, his wikipedia page as of this moment says "Completely revamped every facet of Michigan's offensive play calling. Has also shown Jim Harbaugh how to develop a quarterback. Should be new offensive coordinator after Michigan cooled on Broyles award winner Josh Gattis." lol
It does raise the question, what's the difference between a bowl game and a late season "meaningless" game when it comes to the ability of a player to decide to sit out? Is it just a matter of time before we see more of the latter, or is there something that would prevent players from doing that?
Wow, great piece of journalism. The blog is upping their game even yet.
While reading this I had one of those "pinch me" moments. Although everyone cerebrally recognized that the losing streak couldn't continue FOREVER, to me and to a large segment of the fanbase it really did feel like we just might never beat those losers down south in our lifetime. How sweet is victory when you least expect it, when others write you off. I like to convince myself that one of the reasons I waste so much valuable time following kids running around with a leather object is because of the life lessons that manifest in sports, because they're so easy to forget, especially after many years.
Thrilled about the signing. I love his leadership and playmaking ability. But does anyone think a 58% completion percent at IMG this season is a bit low? Maybe some of you who follow him more closely can weigh in. I'm just waiting for a QB who can hit receivers regularly.
Yes, it is quite depressing. They have an effective system they're been running for a long time, with great athletes, and they can add in some wrinkles on top of that just so they don't get bored...while we're still trying to figure out what the "hurry" part of a hurry-up offense means.
Best years for me, too. And nothing to do with drugs, booze, or sex.
Every stage of life has its appeal, and no I wouldn’t necessarily want to “go back.” But those years of personal growth and making friends are unbeatable. Covid sucks, indeed.
Except he did drop his shoulder to pick up a first down with the game on the line late in the 4th. Try to be fair.
Joe is a game manager, can't throw a good deep ball (yet?), and I doubt he can take over a game. But you can still win with him if you call a good game and play to his strengths, but not against the top teams in the country.
Recent Comments
Even if the odds are against him winning a Super Bowl, I don’t think he made a mistake. Yeah, it’s crazy to think that he’s walking away from an undefeated season and championship team, but it’s not like odds are in favor of a repeat with how much we lose on offense or the direction of college football. Yes, culture is good and morale is high, and defensive scheme is good with many returning, but the total BS JH and Michigan has had to go through leaves a bad taste in the mouth and writing on the wall. I think the target on his back is even bigger. Despite all the hurdles, he took the team to the promised land. It’s not hard to think that this may be the last time all the stars align, especially knowing that the B1G and NCAA and media will turn a blind eye to some of the worst offenders yet come down hard on us, and given our unwillingness (justified as it may be) to play the dirty game of NIL-to-play. As much as I love Michigan, I can totally understand why he would want to get back into the NFL once he achieved his goals at his alma mater. And I don’t think a Super Bowl victory is needed to validate this decision.
Have no fear. To borrow from the Quran: “…They will spend it, then it will become a source of regret for them, and then they will be defeated…” (8:36) 😎
I’m always fascinated by quarterback dynamics. As a fan, I’d love there to be camaraderie. But as individuals, we are selfish. Not many of us would willingly train our replacements if we liked our jobs. 🤷♂️
I have to admit, I was going nuts when I first saw the replay from this angle, thinking this was about to get overturned, and thinking that the penalty is now going to matter, and wondering why OSU would just not die, and how unlucky we’ve been with replays, ... I was floored when they quickly confirmed the call, wondering what they were seeing, thanking God we got a call go our way and no one seems to notice but me!
It wasn’t until the next day that, UFR over and over again, I realized that collegiate footballs have a nice big white stripe on each end, and elbows don’t. 🤣
I wanted them to let JJ throw for the first down on that third down to try to end the game, expecting that we were set on kicking the field goal if we didn’t convert. Yes, that would save OSU a timeout, but with a minute left on the clock, that was plenty of time anyway, as we saw.
Was waiting for someone to mention this. A little more arc on the ball could have avoided an interception. This is not anything new for JJ. It might be the only important thing missing from his game to make him truly elite.
Edit: ibid
I think the prospect of playing them twice in a row is absolutely THE worse thing that can possibly happen to the Game. Moving the Game up a bit is more palatable to me than that, and even that's revolting.
If it's to stay as the last game of the season (as it should), they need to have a clause that there can't be any rematches in the championship game from the week before. If you lose the Game as one of the top two teams in the B1G, you get to enjoy a bye and then it's onto the playoffs, but the dubious honor of playing in the B1G championship goes to the next best team.
Or better yet, the *winner* of the Game gets the bye :)
Dude, you’re playing on stereotypes. And you’re conflating isolated events with Islamic teachings. By and large, although a woman showing her hair is against Islam, there is no punishment for doing so in almost every Muslim country. Yet here you are pretending like there’s this epidemic of women being stoned to death. That’s laughable.
For the record, Islam is against adultery, and it has a prescribed punishment for it (as does the Bible), but it is extremely rarely implemented because it’s almost impossible to have four independent trustworthy eyewitnesses to direct penetration (sorry to be explicit). This would apply to men and women adulterers just the same. So the notion of Islam “stoning women” is practically a figment of people’s imagination. Try to be more discerning.
Of course, if you bring more of the same, it will say the same thing.
It's funny that you have no problem with Muslims but rather with Islam. As for me, I don't have a problem calling out Muslims for instances of unacceptable behavior, while I see Islam itself as being a positive force in the world, if practiced correctly. If you can identify Islamic teachings that you think are objectively wrong, especially as it pertains to the treatment of women, please tell me. I won't disagree with you that Islam is not "liberal" in the way that Western societies are. Islam has its own set of values, some unique from and some shared with the West (especially if you go back in time a few decades, since Western society is changing in some drastic ways lately).
As for Christians in the Muslims world, say the Middle East, you will get varying perspectives. Some will feel like they are marginalized, while others will feel like they are treated like anyone else. It's the same with Muslims in the US (or for that matter, other ethnic or racial groups). Some will speak glowingly about their experience, while others will cry oppression and persecution (rightfully or wrongly).
I have no issues with Catholicism or Catholics. I respect religious people, especially those coming from the Abrahamic tradition. I just object to a simplistic comparison where you claim that Catholicism treats women better than Islam does. Please specify what you mean by that. Or if you want me to forget you said that, I'm happy to do that as well. lol
Interesting link. I haven't researched the organizations and foundations behind this data, but my impression thus far is that this "objective data" can be quite subjective. Take for example some of the metrics they use to come up with their "human rights" indices:
Gender marker can be legally changed
Joint adoptions by same-sex partners
Third gender legally recognized
Specifically with respect to the treatment of women, they have:
Women can work in a job deemed dangerous in the same way as men
Share of women who were married by age 18
Spouses have equal legal administrative authority over assets during marriage
Share of firms with a female top manager
This is just a small sampling. Don't you think it's fairly subjective as to what categories one decides should be on the list of "human rights" and "women's rights?" Clearly, certain nations (some of whom ironically may have a track record of running roughshod over other ones through their neo-colonialist and dictator-supporting policies) are judging the world based on their own criteria of how they think society should ideally be shaped, even though other parts of the world may have a different set of values.
Another thing about these kinds of analyses that rub me the wrong way is that they sort of pile it on less privileged people. Imagine a politically repressed people in a dictatorial country being looked down upon and judged for this lack of freedom, especially if their dictator enjoys the support of the same people who are looking down upon them!
If you want to make the case that Islam "objectively" is unkind to women, I think you'll need to demonstrate this lack of kindness in the actual teachings of Islam, not point to statistics--some of which are circumstantial, some irrelevant, and some which beg the question. I'll be the first to tell you that Islam deals with men and women as though they were different in some important ways, but there are no teachings to be unkind to them; in fact, it's quite the contrary. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have taught, to the very end, of the importance of being good to women. But don't expect everyone to regard it as "kindness" to, say, allow women to work dangerous jobs the same way as men.
“Objective data?” Please share whatever you have of that.
I live in the US. People here accept Islam by choice, including women. Not all Muslim converts follow all the rules such as women covering up. But many do so willingly.
It’s not in our human nature to want to follow rules, and some people who are shortsighted or unmotivated tend not to. But the rules of Islam are there for the betterment of society, and unlike man made rules, divine rules give us extra incentive to follow them. Despite the challenges, some people actually love following the rules (or at least love the concept of holding themselves to certain values and principles in a strict way, especially knowing that such commitment and effort will be rewarded by God in the afterlife).
Just as you accused me, you are probably biased by your experience and your exposure. Please do go out and try to talk to committed Muslim women (even converts) and ask them if they feel “mistreated” by the very religion they willingly adopted or adhere to.
I don’t know many Muslim women who opted for Catholicism, but I do know a few who left Catholicism for Islam. You have to get past your stereotypes. Islam has a strong appeal for many people, and women no less. It’s ironic that paintings of the Mother Mary essentially depict a Muslim woman of today in her modest head covering. That’s no knock on Catholicism.
I agree. Desecrating the religious symbols of others is not a way to make any meaningful point. All it does is inflame anger.
noob question: for someone with no programming knowlege or experience, is python a good place to start? Is it better than other languages?
And then immediately declare that it will be legal from that point on.
Well said. This is the takeaway for me. I won’t lose sight of the incredible progress made to lift ourselves out of the depths of impotence and hopelessness to success and respectability beyond my expectation.
Having said that, we humans are by nature insatiable creatures, and once we taste victory, we only want more. If the coaching staff wants to reach that final level, they need to up their game. I think this is very possible, and sustained success (especially with returning players) makes this possible, where you don’t have to reinvent the wheel or break in a new approach. You just make tweaks and important additions. We were THAT close to making the championship game and possibly even being competitive in it, and everyone knows we should have. That should fuel a burning fire within the coaches and players to make any and all conceivable improvements to their game. If this is Jim’s feeling (and Michigan at some point decides to “have him” here), then I’m already over the TCU loss.
Probably our mindset going in.
But maybe they settle more for field goals in the first place? That was their point. Does have some merit. No one would not want an amazing kicker, but their availability DOES influence decisions and strategies.
That’s the sad part. It seemed like the coaching staff had finally figured things out and found a winning formula on both sides of the ball, which we saw most of the season. And then they go pull something like this game (red zone failure, blitzes, etc). It does not inspire confidence for the future.
…
Wow, completely OT here.
For the record, no one would thank Muhammad (a prophet); they would thank God.
And yes, we thank Him in defeat as well.
And your other top RB whose strength is bringing the pass receiving dimension has to wear a cast on his hand.
You're right. He had to make adjustments to his OWN failed strategy, many points later.
We regressed back to earlier in the season when we sucked in the redzone.
We no doubt pissed this game away. Worse thing we did was run a bunch of blitzes when we have had solid straight up defense most of the year. That's a complete coaching fail there.
Would have been nice to have a few more horses (at 100%). It's really a shame. We still should have won this game, but the margin becomes thinner without having some (fully healthy) gamebreakers.
JJ made some mistakes we couldn't afford. Aside from the picks, seems like he could have taken off a few times with only 3 rushing. Disappointed in the pass pro this game.
Either TCU played out of their minds, or we didn't prepare well for their 3-3-5.
And we still can't run a two minute drill with urgency.
He clearly overreacted (bad look). But the other guy was being needlessly handsy, have to say.
However, if you compare the averages of the distance of those >20 yard runs (I haven’t), you will probably see the significant advantage of Edwards. That first breakaway touchdown in the Game, for example, wouldn’t have been a touch down with BC. And possibly not even the second one. Don’t get me wrong, big Blake fan here.
OSU game should generate a good number of memes.
I’m still waiting for the gif of that sad OSU fan who looked like he was about to cry. It looked like an instant classic when I saw it.
If you want the conspiracy theory response, it would be that last year they did so to keep one SEC team from automatically eliminating the other one in the semis. And in this case, they would like it if two B1G teams met up early and one is eliminated, giving Georgia an easier path. There you have it.
Very understated! By beating OSU and getting to the playoffs and getting a promise that Jim’s done flirting with the NFL, one by one, the ammunition for negative recruiting is disappearing. Biggest remaining hurdle might be NIL.
Agreed. Is defender just supposed to absorb that helmet into his chest? Also looked like defender was trying to move his head to the left to avoid head to head. I've seen more significant near-targeting plays overturned.
Either that or because they want to infilatrate the deep state and take over the country! Isn't that what all minority religious groups do? :D
This play has been wildly successful in the clickbait thumbnail department. It deserves credit for at least that!
I’m actually ok with JJ taking shots downfield even if he throws a pick here or there. Play more conservatively and you might end up punting it to the same spot anyway.
No thanks. Too high of a societal cost.
But I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. Too much money to be had.
I wouldn't worry about it. It looked like a clear PI as it is.
Great reading through these comments. But I'm still missing something.
If you "cut the cord" on cable, HOW are you getting internet??? If I only really want internet, how do I avoid paying more than $100 a month for a Comcast subscription?
I has to be. After all, his wikipedia page as of this moment says "Completely revamped every facet of Michigan's offensive play calling. Has also shown Jim Harbaugh how to develop a quarterback. Should be new offensive coordinator after Michigan cooled on Broyles award winner Josh Gattis." lol
Does BPONE…
What a season!
Does BPONE relapse and remit, or are we cured?
It does raise the question, what's the difference between a bowl game and a late season "meaningless" game when it comes to the ability of a player to decide to sit out? Is it just a matter of time before we see more of the latter, or is there something that would prevent players from doing that?
Wow, great piece of journalism. The blog is upping their game even yet.
While reading this I had one of those "pinch me" moments. Although everyone cerebrally recognized that the losing streak couldn't continue FOREVER, to me and to a large segment of the fanbase it really did feel like we just might never beat those losers down south in our lifetime. How sweet is victory when you least expect it, when others write you off. I like to convince myself that one of the reasons I waste so much valuable time following kids running around with a leather object is because of the life lessons that manifest in sports, because they're so easy to forget, especially after many years.
Thrilled about the signing. I love his leadership and playmaking ability. But does anyone think a 58% completion percent at IMG this season is a bit low? Maybe some of you who follow him more closely can weigh in. I'm just waiting for a QB who can hit receivers regularly.
Yes, it is quite depressing. They have an effective system they're been running for a long time, with great athletes, and they can add in some wrinkles on top of that just so they don't get bored...while we're still trying to figure out what the "hurry" part of a hurry-up offense means.
Best offense against us: 3rd and long.
Best years for me, too. And nothing to do with drugs, booze, or sex.
Every stage of life has its appeal, and no I wouldn’t necessarily want to “go back.” But those years of personal growth and making friends are unbeatable. Covid sucks, indeed.
But can it play DT?
I think you meant, inshallah and the creek don't rise.
Except he did drop his shoulder to pick up a first down with the game on the line late in the 4th. Try to be fair.
Joe is a game manager, can't throw a good deep ball (yet?), and I doubt he can take over a game. But you can still win with him if you call a good game and play to his strengths, but not against the top teams in the country.
Despite the…
Eid Mubarak!
Despite the turn our lives have taken, there's still much to be grateful for and happy about.