Fair points! Actually should have said "Advanced Scouting". And it's true that every media outlet ran with sensational talking points. I used to like Bruce Feldman a lot, but he and Mandel and even the Athletic's Michigan writers were so addicted to anything Thamel had to say about the matter. Just wish some of them would have had to more publicly eat crow.
Thanks for the summary. I respect your commitment to The Athletic, but I cancelled my subscription when they decided to sensationalize Stallions/Sign Stealing as the worst scandal in sports history. Cool that Quinn got this story, though.
Totally agree with this. Sports betting has absolutely exploded on college campuses. At the risk of sounding like a "Sit Down in Front" old guy, I've been uncomfortable with such a dramatic shift in the relationship between sports and gambling. When I was growing up, it was generally agreed that Pete Rose broke the only sacred rule that existed across all major sports...and he paid a significant price. Now Drew Brees is the spokesperson for PointBet and announcers in every game are talking about betting lines and spreads. Feels inconsistent to charge a kid with these crimes, when the state and sporting organizations are generating lots of revenue encouraging people to engage in sports betting.
I've always been a Michigan fan, but became an absolute superfan during Harbaugh's era as coach. I'm thrilled he got to win a National Title, turned the tides against OSU, and won 3 straight conference titles. Saddened and angered that the B1G Commissioner, the NCAA, and some rival coaches likely played a role in making it a less favorable option to stay at Michigan long-term. But also very happy at what Harbaugh leaves behind in terms of possible coaches, players, and the team culture.
Some incredible memories made, especially with Teams 142, 143, and 144!
I think it was Mike Sainristil - but whoever it was that absolutely laid the wood on TreVeyon Henderson at the end of the first half. I think that hit left them with a 4th and short, and that's the 2nd time Ryan Day got skittish on 4th down. To his credit, TreVeyon got up and was even jumping up and down when Ryan Day decided to let the clock bleed all the way down and play for the long field goal. But I think the thunderous hit that Sainristil put on Henderson pushed Day into a tougher decision. And of course...the FG was missed and OSU missed a big chance end the half with points on the board.
Section 12 as well! Going to be screaming by brains out and hoping to storm the field! But I’m in row 75, so I’ll have to step over some of you to get to field level. :)
Bundling up and headed to AA - legacy time for this wonderful group of players. And a chance to send a message to all of Ohio - they are out of excuses!!
The nerves are here, but so is the excitement! This team culture and group of player leaders has been developing for years, and it’s led to this moment. JJ was roaming Ohio’s stadium last year in warmups with a beanie that had 988 on it because he knew they’d win that game. I’m sad/angry/pissed for Harbaugh that he can’t be on the sidelines, but I think this group of young men gets it done. Corum’s first time going into The Game healthy. Kenny G/Mason Graham ready to dominate. Let’s go!!!!
He’s put so much on the line this weekend. This PI-scheme and media campaign, his rant against Lou Holtz, and now going on record saying that his beat downs to Michigan are from advanced scouting. Gosh - really hope we get to see him totally broken after the game Saturday when he’s exposed as being totally SOFT.
My goodness - the prospect of a Harbaugh / Petitti trophy exchange is the only thing that has gotten me remotely calm after the hit-job the B1G has orchestrated against Michigan the last few weeks. Harbaugh is the king of awkward moments, and with Roman Wilson standing next to him in a Free Harbaugh shirt...it will be glorious. Gotta win this weekend, though!
I don't know much about prior locations for sets, but this seems like maybe a subtle message being sent to ESPN. For the 2021 game, I walked down Stadium Drive and could see the GameDay stage in the Pioneer field. Then I walked around the stadium, and I'm 99% sure the Big Noon stage was set up on the stadium grounds (NE corner - near corner of Keech Ave / Kipke Dr). I have no idea if there's a rotational schedule or contractual elements of this decision, but seeing GameDay at Ferry Field made me at least hope we're finding ways to say "Screw You" to the ESPN folks. Seems like Pioneer is a better spot if you want to get a big crowd closer to the stadium?
I went to an OSU vs Wisconsin game in Columbus in 2009 - wore neutral colors because I didn't have the guts to wear a Michigan jersey.
Went to an OSU vs. Notre Dame hockey game in Columbus in 2013-14ish - wore a Michigan shirt/hat and got put on the big screen with a computer generated bag over my head.
Then went to the 2016 game JT Was Short game decked out in Michigan gear. I support your decision to go, and the Tate Forcier jersey will get lots of fun & nasty comments. Take it in stride and don't be a jerk about it and you'll be fine.
I have two siblings that are Type 1 diabetics (also had an uncle who was a Type 1) - they are absolute warriors. They ran a marathon together several years ago, and so I feel like I never have an excuse to complain about anything. It's fun to watch Type 1's (like Mark Andrews on the Ravens) succeed at professional sports. And yes - the misunderstanding from people who imply they should just eat better is infuriating. Type 1 ≠ Type 2.
Interesting move. John Wildhack (current Syracuse Athletic Director) also had a nearly exclusively TV network career when he landed at Syracuse in 2016. So we'll how this works out for ND.
I could be wrong, but I think Michigan has a D3 and a D2 club hockey team. They used to have 2 different club teams anyway.
The American Club Hockey Association (ACHA) has D3, D2, and D1 leagues, and some larger universities have teams in multiple leagues. Calvin College (now University) has teams in D3 and D1. Depends on funding and availability of bodies/talent. The ACHA is a pretty competitive level of hockey, though, especially because funding makes it difficult to do NCAA hockey programs at any other levels that D1.
I work at Hope College and played for Hope’s team a while ago. They’ve been on quite a run, but if it had to end to anybody, I’m glad it was Michigan’s D3 club team. I believe Hope’s team is going to play at the D3 level next year, and then is moving up to D1 the following season.
I attended the 2016 game at The Shoe with my OSU-lovin’ father-in-law. His season tickets were in an upper bowl section full of OSU fans. Michigan had switched to Jumpman gear that year, and I had a lot of gear on. I got many, many “F you Jumpman!” comments directed my way. I was standing and cheering for Michigan on big plays, but I made a point of toning down my level of obnoxiousness. The walk to and from the stadium from where we parked was long, and every 5 seconds there was an “F Michigan”-related comment.
I would go again in Michigan gear (and hope to this year), but my encouragement would be remove any bumper stickers or magnets or Michigan stuff from your car. I don’t THINK fans will mess up just any car with a plain Michigan plate, but I guess you never know. Their fans are intense, aggressive, entitled, etc - so if you antagonize them, you’ll get a disproportionate level of hate directed your way and probably wear some of their food and beverages home. I had popcorn poured on me when OSU tied the game late, but I laughed it off and I never felt in danger at the game.
What a huge bummer! To give up a tying goal with less than a minute left, and then lose in the shootout…just a gut punch. Reminds me of the Red Wings vs Penguins in 2008 - I was at Game 5 when the Wings were up by 1 and about to clinch the Cup, only to give up a late goal to tie and then lose in double OT. (At least the Wings put the Penguins to bed in Game 6 that year.)
That’s the downside of the single elimination games - a hot goaltender can steal a game and send you home early. Slovakia’s goalie was amazing. Mann was great too. Definitely felt like the US had a gold-medal contender this year.
As others have said - at least Michigan’s hockey team could have a few key players back as soon as this weekend! Ugh.
Hope alum ('06) and work at the school - interacted with Ross several times and he's a good dude. Echo the comments about Stuursma - he's a great guy and could coach a higher level of football if he wanted to go that route.
The offensive coordinator for the team is a Sparty - Andrew Hawken (former MSU fullback). So it's fun to see the M/MSU rivalry play out between the two of them on Hope's campus.
This has been a fun thread - great to see some Hope fans, and always a good time to poke fun at Calvin for the lack of a football program.
Not just you! They didn’t show many replays and I’m too lazy to look it up, but I was expecting to see an obvious high stick on the 1 replay they showed. It looked like Staal collided with Kampfer behind the net in a fight for the puck, and he fell awkwardly. Definitely wasn’t a normal high stick and seemed like a soft penalty.
Not how I would have scripted it, but I’m thrilled. Really hope Harbaugh can work the next few days to sooth hard feelings with assistant coaches, recruits, and current players. I trust he can. Hope he can ignore the fickle fanbase that was ready to hang him last year, deify him in December, and hated him the last few days. :)
At what point is someone’s shot considered fair/unfair? Have you ever been considered for a job because you had connections that worked at that company or industry? And are you careful to ensure that you don’t introduce your children to any professional opportunities?
It’s just hard for me call Jim hiring - Jay “unfair.” My wife works in medicine, and probably followed that path because her parents work in medicine. Is that unfair, that I didn’t get the same exposure from my parents vocation? Or is that just life - we all leverage our contacts and relationships?
Jim thought Jay was a quality coach - that could have blown up to prove untrue if Jay sucked, and Jim would answer for that. But I can’t understand the unfair narrative.
Thanks XM - great summary of an incredible season! I think Harbaugh and the coaches have a confidence and swagger and will have a great plan tonight. Excited for all the players to get a massive spotlight!
@CincyBlue - true, that Aidan Hutchinson guy from Michigan was a total bust.
edit - I see I was slow on the trigger with my Aidan reply! Feel free to neg. Jourdan Lewis and Donovan Edwards could be added to this list, as well as a LONG list of solid Michigan HS guys.
The quality of football will exceed what some B1G programs put on the field every year, and the lives of service these young men are committed to make it a game worthy of attention.
Love it when this team dominates the 2nd halves! Think Washington, Wisconsin, OSU…and now in the B1G Championship game. Marvelous season…and it’s not done yet!
Not a worthwhile thread, but I’ll bite! At the game on Saturday, I did think it was a stark contrast how the different sidelines were during TV timeouts. Most of OSU’s players were sitting on the bench in their massive red coats to stay warm, and the vast majority of Michigan’s players were jumping around, dancing, and pumping each other up. Didn’t notice anyone other than coaching staff wearing coats.
Not sure it’s a thread-worthy observation, but I did think it exemplified that one team came hyped with a ton of energy, and the other team wasn’t able to match that.
This would be good news about a coaching search that Josh Gattis was possibly linked to - although his name will likely come up in other searches. Just hope we can get through this week with minimal distractions and beat Iowa handily!
Wow - what a contrast to the money-grab that is happening in D1 football coaching ranks right now. Harbaugh is likely due for a contract restructuring in the near future, but it’s incredibly refreshing to have football (and basketball) coaches who adore this institution and it’s people. So happy Jimmy got the OSU monkey off his back!
Bronx - I've lurked on this site for 10+ years, and I have to say your weekly diaries are one of the reasons I spend so much time on the site. I want to commend you on your perspective that you've maintained, particularly over the last several years. I think people get a bit too reactive about Fire Harbaugh, Cade is a Game Manager, Shea Sucks, etc., and you've always had a good perspective backed with stats and facts to try to calm people down a bit.
Thanks for writing this piece and for the advice to cherish the magical season. I was at the game on Saturday and it was incredible! (That was my 2nd OSU game...first was '16 in Columbus. Ugh.) This is a really special team.
Well said - I’ll take another heart stomping if necessary! But these boys have a fight and love for the game that is infectious. From the jump around at Wisconsin, to the comeback(s) against Nebraska, to the spine they showed on the road against Penn State - I believe they can pull it off today.
OSU has played 3 good teams this year - Penn State, MSU, and Oregon. All at home and all in great weather. This will be the toughest game for Stroud and I think we can rattle him!
Longtime lurker here - read probably 90% of board threads for 10+ years! For some reason today felt like the day to make an account.
Live in West MI and driving to the game with my brother. Only other OSU game I attended was 2016 in Columbus. Feeling more confident today than I was that year - maybe it’s the Kool-Aid. Love this team!!
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Love that man! Hope he comes back to AA often. So cool to see the genuine relationships with so many players.
Fair points! Actually should have said "Advanced Scouting". And it's true that every media outlet ran with sensational talking points. I used to like Bruce Feldman a lot, but he and Mandel and even the Athletic's Michigan writers were so addicted to anything Thamel had to say about the matter. Just wish some of them would have had to more publicly eat crow.
Thanks for the summary. I respect your commitment to The Athletic, but I cancelled my subscription when they decided to sensationalize Stallions/Sign Stealing as the worst scandal in sports history. Cool that Quinn got this story, though.
Totally agree with this. Sports betting has absolutely exploded on college campuses. At the risk of sounding like a "Sit Down in Front" old guy, I've been uncomfortable with such a dramatic shift in the relationship between sports and gambling. When I was growing up, it was generally agreed that Pete Rose broke the only sacred rule that existed across all major sports...and he paid a significant price. Now Drew Brees is the spokesperson for PointBet and announcers in every game are talking about betting lines and spreads. Feels inconsistent to charge a kid with these crimes, when the state and sporting organizations are generating lots of revenue encouraging people to engage in sports betting.
I've always been a Michigan fan, but became an absolute superfan during Harbaugh's era as coach. I'm thrilled he got to win a National Title, turned the tides against OSU, and won 3 straight conference titles. Saddened and angered that the B1G Commissioner, the NCAA, and some rival coaches likely played a role in making it a less favorable option to stay at Michigan long-term. But also very happy at what Harbaugh leaves behind in terms of possible coaches, players, and the team culture.
Some incredible memories made, especially with Teams 142, 143, and 144!
I think it was Mike Sainristil - but whoever it was that absolutely laid the wood on TreVeyon Henderson at the end of the first half. I think that hit left them with a 4th and short, and that's the 2nd time Ryan Day got skittish on 4th down. To his credit, TreVeyon got up and was even jumping up and down when Ryan Day decided to let the clock bleed all the way down and play for the long field goal. But I think the thunderous hit that Sainristil put on Henderson pushed Day into a tougher decision. And of course...the FG was missed and OSU missed a big chance end the half with points on the board.
Section 12 as well! Going to be screaming by brains out and hoping to storm the field! But I’m in row 75, so I’ll have to step over some of you to get to field level. :)
Bundling up and headed to AA - legacy time for this wonderful group of players. And a chance to send a message to all of Ohio - they are out of excuses!!
The nerves are here, but so is the excitement! This team culture and group of player leaders has been developing for years, and it’s led to this moment. JJ was roaming Ohio’s stadium last year in warmups with a beanie that had 988 on it because he knew they’d win that game. I’m sad/angry/pissed for Harbaugh that he can’t be on the sidelines, but I think this group of young men gets it done. Corum’s first time going into The Game healthy. Kenny G/Mason Graham ready to dominate. Let’s go!!!!
I’m going with a 38 - 17 win for Michigan. Think it’s tight for much of the game and we score a few late in the 4th to separate.
He’s put so much on the line this weekend. This PI-scheme and media campaign, his rant against Lou Holtz, and now going on record saying that his beat downs to Michigan are from advanced scouting. Gosh - really hope we get to see him totally broken after the game Saturday when he’s exposed as being totally SOFT.
My goodness - the prospect of a Harbaugh / Petitti trophy exchange is the only thing that has gotten me remotely calm after the hit-job the B1G has orchestrated against Michigan the last few weeks. Harbaugh is the king of awkward moments, and with Roman Wilson standing next to him in a Free Harbaugh shirt...it will be glorious. Gotta win this weekend, though!
I don't know much about prior locations for sets, but this seems like maybe a subtle message being sent to ESPN. For the 2021 game, I walked down Stadium Drive and could see the GameDay stage in the Pioneer field. Then I walked around the stadium, and I'm 99% sure the Big Noon stage was set up on the stadium grounds (NE corner - near corner of Keech Ave / Kipke Dr). I have no idea if there's a rotational schedule or contractual elements of this decision, but seeing GameDay at Ferry Field made me at least hope we're finding ways to say "Screw You" to the ESPN folks. Seems like Pioneer is a better spot if you want to get a big crowd closer to the stadium?
I went to an OSU vs Wisconsin game in Columbus in 2009 - wore neutral colors because I didn't have the guts to wear a Michigan jersey.
Went to an OSU vs. Notre Dame hockey game in Columbus in 2013-14ish - wore a Michigan shirt/hat and got put on the big screen with a computer generated bag over my head.
Then went to the 2016 game JT Was Short game decked out in Michigan gear. I support your decision to go, and the Tate Forcier jersey will get lots of fun & nasty comments. Take it in stride and don't be a jerk about it and you'll be fine.
I have two siblings that are Type 1 diabetics (also had an uncle who was a Type 1) - they are absolute warriors. They ran a marathon together several years ago, and so I feel like I never have an excuse to complain about anything. It's fun to watch Type 1's (like Mark Andrews on the Ravens) succeed at professional sports. And yes - the misunderstanding from people who imply they should just eat better is infuriating. Type 1 ≠ Type 2.
Interesting move. John Wildhack (current Syracuse Athletic Director) also had a nearly exclusively TV network career when he landed at Syracuse in 2016. So we'll how this works out for ND.
I could be wrong, but I think Michigan has a D3 and a D2 club hockey team. They used to have 2 different club teams anyway.
The American Club Hockey Association (ACHA) has D3, D2, and D1 leagues, and some larger universities have teams in multiple leagues. Calvin College (now University) has teams in D3 and D1. Depends on funding and availability of bodies/talent. The ACHA is a pretty competitive level of hockey, though, especially because funding makes it difficult to do NCAA hockey programs at any other levels that D1.
I work at Hope College and played for Hope’s team a while ago. They’ve been on quite a run, but if it had to end to anybody, I’m glad it was Michigan’s D3 club team. I believe Hope’s team is going to play at the D3 level next year, and then is moving up to D1 the following season.
Let’s go mighty men and women of Michigan football!! Today we end the 22 year drought.
I attended the 2016 game at The Shoe with my OSU-lovin’ father-in-law. His season tickets were in an upper bowl section full of OSU fans. Michigan had switched to Jumpman gear that year, and I had a lot of gear on. I got many, many “F you Jumpman!” comments directed my way. I was standing and cheering for Michigan on big plays, but I made a point of toning down my level of obnoxiousness. The walk to and from the stadium from where we parked was long, and every 5 seconds there was an “F Michigan”-related comment.
I would go again in Michigan gear (and hope to this year), but my encouragement would be remove any bumper stickers or magnets or Michigan stuff from your car. I don’t THINK fans will mess up just any car with a plain Michigan plate, but I guess you never know. Their fans are intense, aggressive, entitled, etc - so if you antagonize them, you’ll get a disproportionate level of hate directed your way and probably wear some of their food and beverages home. I had popcorn poured on me when OSU tied the game late, but I laughed it off and I never felt in danger at the game.
Great win! Wondered what team would show up after the 2nd half breakdown against IU - very cool to see them turn it up a notch in the 2nd half today.
I think it’s time to Pump It Up. Don’t you know?
What a huge bummer! To give up a tying goal with less than a minute left, and then lose in the shootout…just a gut punch. Reminds me of the Red Wings vs Penguins in 2008 - I was at Game 5 when the Wings were up by 1 and about to clinch the Cup, only to give up a late goal to tie and then lose in double OT. (At least the Wings put the Penguins to bed in Game 6 that year.)
That’s the downside of the single elimination games - a hot goaltender can steal a game and send you home early. Slovakia’s goalie was amazing. Mann was great too. Definitely felt like the US had a gold-medal contender this year.
As others have said - at least Michigan’s hockey team could have a few key players back as soon as this weekend! Ugh.
Hope alum ('06) and work at the school - interacted with Ross several times and he's a good dude. Echo the comments about Stuursma - he's a great guy and could coach a higher level of football if he wanted to go that route.
The offensive coordinator for the team is a Sparty - Andrew Hawken (former MSU fullback). So it's fun to see the M/MSU rivalry play out between the two of them on Hope's campus.
This has been a fun thread - great to see some Hope fans, and always a good time to poke fun at Calvin for the lack of a football program.
Not just you! They didn’t show many replays and I’m too lazy to look it up, but I was expecting to see an obvious high stick on the 1 replay they showed. It looked like Staal collided with Kampfer behind the net in a fight for the puck, and he fell awkwardly. Definitely wasn’t a normal high stick and seemed like a soft penalty.
Not how I would have scripted it, but I’m thrilled. Really hope Harbaugh can work the next few days to sooth hard feelings with assistant coaches, recruits, and current players. I trust he can. Hope he can ignore the fickle fanbase that was ready to hang him last year, deify him in December, and hated him the last few days. :)
At what point is someone’s shot considered fair/unfair? Have you ever been considered for a job because you had connections that worked at that company or industry? And are you careful to ensure that you don’t introduce your children to any professional opportunities?
It’s just hard for me call Jim hiring - Jay “unfair.” My wife works in medicine, and probably followed that path because her parents work in medicine. Is that unfair, that I didn’t get the same exposure from my parents vocation? Or is that just life - we all leverage our contacts and relationships?
Jim thought Jay was a quality coach - that could have blown up to prove untrue if Jay sucked, and Jim would answer for that. But I can’t understand the unfair narrative.
Daxton Hill breaks some ribs - crystal ball is unclear if the ribs belong to Stetson or Bowers.
Not seeing any on my phone either. But I can see them in my mind!
Thanks XM - great summary of an incredible season! I think Harbaugh and the coaches have a confidence and swagger and will have a great plan tonight. Excited for all the players to get a massive spotlight!
27-21 for the good guys!
Making breakfast for my 3 young boys - blaring Pump It Up and trying to get them hyped for game day. Go Blue!!
@CincyBlue - true, that Aidan Hutchinson guy from Michigan was a total bust.
edit - I see I was slow on the trigger with my Aidan reply! Feel free to neg. Jourdan Lewis and Donovan Edwards could be added to this list, as well as a LONG list of solid Michigan HS guys.
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The quality of football will exceed what some B1G programs put on the field every year, and the lives of service these young men are committed to make it a game worthy of attention.
9. Mineral King
Love it when this team dominates the 2nd halves! Think Washington, Wisconsin, OSU…and now in the B1G Championship game. Marvelous season…and it’s not done yet!
Not a worthwhile thread, but I’ll bite! At the game on Saturday, I did think it was a stark contrast how the different sidelines were during TV timeouts. Most of OSU’s players were sitting on the bench in their massive red coats to stay warm, and the vast majority of Michigan’s players were jumping around, dancing, and pumping each other up. Didn’t notice anyone other than coaching staff wearing coats.
Not sure it’s a thread-worthy observation, but I did think it exemplified that one team came hyped with a ton of energy, and the other team wasn’t able to match that.
This would be good news about a coaching search that Josh Gattis was possibly linked to - although his name will likely come up in other searches. Just hope we can get through this week with minimal distractions and beat Iowa handily!
Wow - what a contrast to the money-grab that is happening in D1 football coaching ranks right now. Harbaugh is likely due for a contract restructuring in the near future, but it’s incredibly refreshing to have football (and basketball) coaches who adore this institution and it’s people. So happy Jimmy got the OSU monkey off his back!
Bronx - I've lurked on this site for 10+ years, and I have to say your weekly diaries are one of the reasons I spend so much time on the site. I want to commend you on your perspective that you've maintained, particularly over the last several years. I think people get a bit too reactive about Fire Harbaugh, Cade is a Game Manager, Shea Sucks, etc., and you've always had a good perspective backed with stats and facts to try to calm people down a bit.
Thanks for writing this piece and for the advice to cherish the magical season. I was at the game on Saturday and it was incredible! (That was my 2nd OSU game...first was '16 in Columbus. Ugh.) This is a really special team.
Well said - I’ll take another heart stomping if necessary! But these boys have a fight and love for the game that is infectious. From the jump around at Wisconsin, to the comeback(s) against Nebraska, to the spine they showed on the road against Penn State - I believe they can pull it off today.
OSU has played 3 good teams this year - Penn State, MSU, and Oregon. All at home and all in great weather. This will be the toughest game for Stroud and I think we can rattle him!
Longtime lurker here - read probably 90% of board threads for 10+ years! For some reason today felt like the day to make an account.
Live in West MI and driving to the game with my brother. Only other OSU game I attended was 2016 in Columbus. Feeling more confident today than I was that year - maybe it’s the Kool-Aid. Love this team!!