I'm old enough to remember when regionals were hosted at both Yost and Munn. The atmosphere was electric. College Hockey needs that level of excitement back in the playoffs.
I did not grow up in Michigan. I did not grow up a Michigan fan - or even a college football fan. My high school did not have lights at our "stadium", so our games were played on Saturday mornings, and as a band member I was always there. Sometimes I would see a college game on Saturday afternoon if I had nothing else to do - usually Pitt or Penn State on ABC.
Another local high school used The Victors as their fight song (we used On Wisconsin), so I had heard the tune. Once I developed an interest in attending Michigan I started watching Michigan football when I could, but the only game I honestly remember from that time period is the 1990 Rose Bowl. I watched that game, and especially the band, intently. I was looking forward to joining the Michigan Marching Band that fall. Hey - that fight song is a catchy tune!
One of the advantages of being in the MMB is that you get to arrive on campus a week early and check in to the dorms for "band week". I arrived on campus in August 1990 without ever having sung The Victors or playing it in an ensemble. I did not know the words.
Band week is a flurry if activity. So much to learn, so much to do, practice marching, practice playing, practice marching and playing, seatings, tryouts, meeting new people, learn the music, learn the steps, learn the campus. It's all a blur. There is one moment, however, that is permanently seared into by brain like a tattoo - my first time playing The Victors.
As we were preparing to play, a returning MMB seated to my left whispered "Get ready!" Get ready for what?, I wondered. Then the music started.
I had never heard or played anything with the energy of that song in that moment. There was a blast of music from the trumpets that could have knocked down the walls of Jericho. There were cymbals crashing. There were tubas bellowing. There were piccolos chirping a second melody I had never really heard before. The full genius of Louis Elbel's composition washed over me and rewired my brain in a way that words can not describe. I am crying right now as I write this just thinking about it.
After that first time, there was a moment. A brief pause uncharacteristic of the busy band week schedule. Every freshman had just done something so new and mind altering that we needed just a few seconds to regroup before beginning the real work of perfecting the music.
I don't know how many times I have played The Victors since that day - maybe thousands - but there will never be another first time. That night in my dorm room I learned the words. ALL the words. The Victors, The Yellow and the Blue, Varsity - I learned them all.
These days I get out my saxophone once a year for the Ohio State game. Much to the amusement of my wife and kids I put on my band hat (which I stole at the end of the MMB tenure) and honk out a pretty terrible rendition of The Victors when we score. I'm sure I look and sound ridiculous to them. But in my head it is still the greatest fight song ever written. I still hear the piccolos. I still feel the percussion of the cymbals. The tubas are still bellowing. The walls of Jericho are still crumbling. I am still crying - with joy.
Mentioned a couple times in this thread but worth repeating - Aidan Hutchinson's impact on Michigan and T144 specifically can not be ignored.
That man is a freak of nature and born a Wolverine. Wearing 97, beating Ohio, almost winning the Heisman - all create symbolic links back to the 1997 National Champions and put Michigan back on the map.
And let's give a tip of the cap to the man that inspired him - the original 97 Chris Hutchinson. Without the original "Hutch" there is no Aidan. 1993 Rose Bowl Champion over Washington. Played for Bo. Michigan Man. The circle is complete.
On rewatch I also thought Sainristil could/should have been DMVP. Some of his solo tackles were outstanding, and if he whiffs on them Washington is going to have a huge gain.
DE had the two big runs in the first quarter which set the tone for the whole game. Outstanding performance.
It was a team effort on both sides of the ball. They are all legends and champions and I don’t know how you can pick one undeniable MVP on either side of the ball.
Alex you really nailed it here that this was a three year journey. Something broke during covid and this program needed a complete reboot. Somehow Harbaugh executed the best ctrl-alt-delete in football history and cleared the Blue Screen Of Death. It took three years to get here, through all the trials and tribulations you mentioned, but it was one continuous arc from that reboot to today.
Thank you and the rest of the mgoteam for being a part of the journey .
My father was a Villanova alumni. I grew up rooting for Nova and the 1985 National Championship was a big deal in my house.
He passed away about a year ago, and part of my eulogy was a discussion of the Michigan vs Villanova championship game in 2018. I viewed it as a win-win, not a lose-lose scenario. I’m glad my father lived long enough to see Nova win championships in 2016 and 2018.
Now it’s my turn. I’ve been waiting since ‘98 to see Michigan win a Natty in a sport I follow (apologies to gymnastics and swimming and softball). Tonight is the night! GO BLUE
"Jake Thaw muffs a punt, almost leading the the worst way to lose a game in football history"
I've seen Michigan lose games in the worst way possible so many times.
I was in the stands as a freshman when Desmond was tripped in the endzone. It was the worst way possible to lose.
I was there again in 1994 when Kordell Stewart threw a Hail Mary pass to beat us. It was the worst way possible to lose.
By 2001, I had moved back to my hometown of Pittsburgh (watching Kordell every Sunday), where I watched in horror when Spartan Bob manipulated the clock to help MSU beat us on the last play that shouldn't have happened. It was the worst way possible to lose.
In 2007 I was here in Tampa watching with the local Michigan Alumni Club, stunned as App State opened up a 28-17 lead. Eventually Michigan clawed back and could have won the game with a last second field goal. We all know what happened. It was the worst way possible to lose.
In 2015, Michigan was back. We had vanquished the Spartans. Then we had "trouble with the snap". It was the worst way possible to lose.
In 2016 JT was short. It was the worst way possible to lose.
When Thaw muffed that punt time stopped. All of those losses suddenly happened again in my mind all at the same time. I could see the two points on the board. I could hear the crowd and the call from the Chris Fowler. But then a miracle happened - Thaw recovered, there was no safety, there was no score, there was no smirking Kirk Herbstreit. There was an exorcism. Michigan didn't lose in the worst way possible. Maybe all of those demons were banished in that moment, and we found a way to win in the best way possible.
IMO that's an argument to continue the base "OSU" defense. Don't put anything on film for the actually good offenses that we are going to face in the playoffs.
If only there were an NFL team coached by a known friend and trusted ally that ran a very similar defensive scheme. Then we could pull a LB coach from that organization….
It’s amazing what they can do with software these days. “Back in my day” (God I sound old) all of the band shows were already planned out before the season started, and it would have been a huge task to come up with a new show from scratch during the season on a couple weeks notice.
Props to the MMB for an another great show. Go Blue!
Recent Comments
Watched it several times. I think it’s a good goal. The stick is “high”, but not above the crossbar. Refs got it right.
BC and Quinny going to OT
I'm old enough to remember when regionals were hosted at both Yost and Munn. The atmosphere was electric. College Hockey needs that level of excitement back in the playoffs.
Too much time left for Mahomes….
[edit] LOL they missed the FG anyway!
Sounds worthy of a poster. Or at least lamination :)
....dusty in here....
Let’s hope so. Lots of talking heads think it is a forgone conclusion that he is coaching the Chargers next year.
This is amazing - thank you!
I did not grow up in Michigan. I did not grow up a Michigan fan - or even a college football fan. My high school did not have lights at our "stadium", so our games were played on Saturday mornings, and as a band member I was always there. Sometimes I would see a college game on Saturday afternoon if I had nothing else to do - usually Pitt or Penn State on ABC.
Another local high school used The Victors as their fight song (we used On Wisconsin), so I had heard the tune. Once I developed an interest in attending Michigan I started watching Michigan football when I could, but the only game I honestly remember from that time period is the 1990 Rose Bowl. I watched that game, and especially the band, intently. I was looking forward to joining the Michigan Marching Band that fall. Hey - that fight song is a catchy tune!
One of the advantages of being in the MMB is that you get to arrive on campus a week early and check in to the dorms for "band week". I arrived on campus in August 1990 without ever having sung The Victors or playing it in an ensemble. I did not know the words.
Band week is a flurry if activity. So much to learn, so much to do, practice marching, practice playing, practice marching and playing, seatings, tryouts, meeting new people, learn the music, learn the steps, learn the campus. It's all a blur. There is one moment, however, that is permanently seared into by brain like a tattoo - my first time playing The Victors.
As we were preparing to play, a returning MMB seated to my left whispered "Get ready!" Get ready for what?, I wondered. Then the music started.
I had never heard or played anything with the energy of that song in that moment. There was a blast of music from the trumpets that could have knocked down the walls of Jericho. There were cymbals crashing. There were tubas bellowing. There were piccolos chirping a second melody I had never really heard before. The full genius of Louis Elbel's composition washed over me and rewired my brain in a way that words can not describe. I am crying right now as I write this just thinking about it.
After that first time, there was a moment. A brief pause uncharacteristic of the busy band week schedule. Every freshman had just done something so new and mind altering that we needed just a few seconds to regroup before beginning the real work of perfecting the music.
I don't know how many times I have played The Victors since that day - maybe thousands - but there will never be another first time. That night in my dorm room I learned the words. ALL the words. The Victors, The Yellow and the Blue, Varsity - I learned them all.
These days I get out my saxophone once a year for the Ohio State game. Much to the amusement of my wife and kids I put on my band hat (which I stole at the end of the MMB tenure) and honk out a pretty terrible rendition of The Victors when we score. I'm sure I look and sound ridiculous to them. But in my head it is still the greatest fight song ever written. I still hear the piccolos. I still feel the percussion of the cymbals. The tubas are still bellowing. The walls of Jericho are still crumbling. I am still crying - with joy.
Mentioned a couple times in this thread but worth repeating - Aidan Hutchinson's impact on Michigan and T144 specifically can not be ignored.
That man is a freak of nature and born a Wolverine. Wearing 97, beating Ohio, almost winning the Heisman - all create symbolic links back to the 1997 National Champions and put Michigan back on the map.
And let's give a tip of the cap to the man that inspired him - the original 97 Chris Hutchinson. Without the original "Hutch" there is no Aidan. 1993 Rose Bowl Champion over Washington. Played for Bo. Michigan Man. The circle is complete.
On rewatch I also thought Sainristil could/should have been DMVP. Some of his solo tackles were outstanding, and if he whiffs on them Washington is going to have a huge gain.
DE had the two big runs in the first quarter which set the tone for the whole game. Outstanding performance.
It was a team effort on both sides of the ball. They are all legends and champions and I don’t know how you can pick one undeniable MVP on either side of the ball.
..to be...
Alex you really nailed it here that this was a three year journey. Something broke during covid and this program needed a complete reboot. Somehow Harbaugh executed the best ctrl-alt-delete in football history and cleared the Blue Screen Of Death. It took three years to get here, through all the trials and tribulations you mentioned, but it was one continuous arc from that reboot to today.
Thank you and the rest of the mgoteam for being a part of the journey .
There is no debate
I’m not crying. It’s just dusty in here.
Yes, Yes, Field Hockey too. Once I left Michigan I really only had time to follow football, hockey, and hoops.
My father was a Villanova alumni. I grew up rooting for Nova and the 1985 National Championship was a big deal in my house.
He passed away about a year ago, and part of my eulogy was a discussion of the Michigan vs Villanova championship game in 2018. I viewed it as a win-win, not a lose-lose scenario. I’m glad my father lived long enough to see Nova win championships in 2016 and 2018.
Now it’s my turn. I’ve been waiting since ‘98 to see Michigan win a Natty in a sport I follow (apologies to gymnastics and swimming and softball). Tonight is the night! GO BLUE
"Jake Thaw muffs a punt, almost leading the the worst way to lose a game in football history"
I've seen Michigan lose games in the worst way possible so many times.
I was in the stands as a freshman when Desmond was tripped in the endzone. It was the worst way possible to lose.
I was there again in 1994 when Kordell Stewart threw a Hail Mary pass to beat us. It was the worst way possible to lose.
By 2001, I had moved back to my hometown of Pittsburgh (watching Kordell every Sunday), where I watched in horror when Spartan Bob manipulated the clock to help MSU beat us on the last play that shouldn't have happened. It was the worst way possible to lose.
In 2007 I was here in Tampa watching with the local Michigan Alumni Club, stunned as App State opened up a 28-17 lead. Eventually Michigan clawed back and could have won the game with a last second field goal. We all know what happened. It was the worst way possible to lose.
In 2015, Michigan was back. We had vanquished the Spartans. Then we had "trouble with the snap". It was the worst way possible to lose.
In 2016 JT was short. It was the worst way possible to lose.
When Thaw muffed that punt time stopped. All of those losses suddenly happened again in my mind all at the same time. I could see the two points on the board. I could hear the crowd and the call from the Chris Fowler. But then a miracle happened - Thaw recovered, there was no safety, there was no score, there was no smirking Kirk Herbstreit. There was an exorcism. Michigan didn't lose in the worst way possible. Maybe all of those demons were banished in that moment, and we found a way to win in the best way possible.
If Texas wins, tickets are going to be very expensive. I think the best time to buy is either tomorrow or at the last minute.
What a great game. Terrifying and wonderful and soooo sweet.
We want MOOOOOOORE Muppets!
I don’t understand UNLV punting down three scores with 8 minutes left. Total Ryan Day move.
OSU isn't dead yet....
That was a great arm punt from OSU
Texas is putting on a show.
Fleaflicker. 14-0 Texas. Game over already.
Good start for Texas!
That was a Hell of a series from Oregon before halftime, but I don’t see them coming back in this game.
Getting OT, but I saw this sweet plate at a local restaurant recently and I am so jealous....
Sad news. O'Conner spoke at my graduation from Michigan.
Maybe just "injury or illness".
IMO that's an argument to continue the base "OSU" defense. Don't put anything on film for the actually good offenses that we are going to face in the playoffs.
If only there were an NFL team coached by a known friend and trusted ally that ran a very similar defensive scheme. Then we could pull a LB coach from that organization….
It’s amazing what they can do with software these days. “Back in my day” (God I sound old) all of the band shows were already planned out before the season started, and it would have been a huge task to come up with a new show from scratch during the season on a couple weeks notice.
Props to the MMB for an another great show. Go Blue!
Orji was a great wrinkle that OSU seemed unprepared for. Great coaching and great execution. I hope we see more of him in the next three games :)
Apparently NOT punting is winning
I don't see them leaving out an undefeated FSU team.
Who?
https://x…
Playing along….
https://x.com/mrpoge/status/1728514356114030704?s=61&t=nDlqHeHvuo-GTTf52CYnDA
We need to answer with another TD. Kill their spirit.
Fuck we needed a TD there to ice this. Don't like that play to Morgan at all.
Fuck. That's a big hole in the O line. Hope Zinter is able to go for the bowl game.
Fox isn't going to show us WHY Loveland is spitting up blood
Next time. Nobody believes we would let him throw in this game.
It's not if, it's when, and under what circumstances ....
Buckeyes might start to pucker here. They haven't been in a real game all year.
Glad to see the refs aren't calling holding on either team
Good call!!
Your…
Sad sad buckeye fans
Your team will not win today
Ryan Day is toast