Policy or LD? I was a policy kid. Attended Michigan debate camp the summer of 1996. It was absolutely a one of a kind experience, a cherished memory for sure. As I recall we were housed in West Quad? Maybe South? The only library we weren't allowed access to was Law, though we did find a way in one day. I also recall that some kids were using this thing called "netscape" and "alta vista" to find evidence on "the web". The rest of us were combing through actual books and microfiche, lol. Does that even exist anymore?
Totally agree with you, Andrew, very cool to get to experience these universities in such a way as a high school kid.
My heart stopped for a minute when all I saw was the photo. Thought we were getting a Hello Head Coach Moore post due to a late breaking Harbaugh decision.
As a father to daughters, I agree, that's a special photo.
To this I will add that whichever airline you chose to be loyal to, get their credit card. The way that all of the Legacy (plus Southwest) carriers have restructured their FF programs, it's almost impossible to reach top tiers and/or get max benefits without card spend. And if you have two versions of the same credit card (i.e. both you and your spouse have a Delta card), be sure to maximize use of the card the belongs to the individual doing the traveling.
Also, maybe don't sit in window seats on the Max 9 whenever they return to the air.
I'm not sure it got it's own thread, maybe? It was definitely in multiple threads' comments.
It's still gloriously cringe even after multiple views! This is the most Michael Scott take on coaching a football team. I'm sure Day has a "World's Toughest Coach" mug.
HS Class of 97 here. Constantly thankful that beepers/phones didn't have a camera function to capture my stupidity. There might be an old VHS tape out there with something embarrassing but I don't think you'd be able to find a VCR to play it!
Also in things I don't understand: why do the networks all of a sudden care about this? Per MattLB's note above, he's been doing this for 5 years. He is certainly not the only purveyor of this type of content. Curious why they decided to start pulling the plug on these channel now. Wonder if it is just Fox or are other networks doing the same?
Yes, was thinking Y/C for each game. That might help demonstrate the actual workload by game. You could get extra fancy and break out explosive runs in a double bar graph format, as in Y/C on runs > 20 yards (is that the cutoff for "explosive"?) and Y/C all others. I think that would call out how much wear and tear Corum experienced running into a +1 box for <3 YPC last year, which my memory recalls happening more often than one would want.
Generally, it feels like we're setting less downs on fire this year by running straight into a stacked box. This might help illustrate whether that is accurate.
Great data, thank you for taking the time to compile all of this.
The Corum data is interesting. I realize you're already putting in a ton of work to generate the above, but if you're taking requests, a Corum graph by game that layers in YPC could be enlightening.
Really enjoying all of this work you're putting together. Thank you!
Regarding the question as to how to file missed field goals, shouldn't that always go down as a 4-and-out? From an offensive perspective, isn't a turnover a failure to secure the football by means of a fumble, strip, interception? On fourth down a team is faced with one of three options: go for it, punt or attempt a field goal. Going for it and failing to make the line to gain is considered a turnover on downs, but not filed as a turnover. A punt is a cognitive choice to give the opposing team the ball back, albeit at a (hopefully) materially worse field position, and also not considered a turnover.
The choice to kick a field goal involves the same risk-reward analysis as going for it. As with the decision to go for it on fourth, you're accepting the risk of potentially giving the opposition improved field position should you fail to convert (field goal or first down).
Since we don't consider a punt or failure to pick up the first when going for it on fourth as a "turnover," it seems defensible to keep the kick-and-miss field goal decisions filed as 4-and-out.
I think keeping the missed field goals in the 4-and-out basket better makes the case that Iowa's offense is the very definition of futile. They are actively trying to score points and are unable to do so. I suppose if the volume of missed field goals gets large enough it might earn it's own slice of the pie!
Had that same thought about Edwards. Feels like we were saying the exact same thing about his patience and vision about this time last year. The surprise here is that we didn't expect him to start where he started last year. We can hopefully take some solace knowing he's corrected this part of his game previously.
Frankly, as long as he saves a couple 75+ TD runs for OSU then I don't really care what the rest of the season looks like!
I started using a high heat method a few years ago that has been delivering consistently awesome results. I smoke on a Weber Smokey Mountain, so temp control can be touchy, but overall I am for a smoker temp of ~290 (it can float from 270-310 and be fine). I wrap in foil once I get an internal brisket temp of ~140, usually around the 4 hour mark. I add more rub and several pats of butter before wrapping in foil. From there, you’ve got about another 2ish hours to finish. I like to pull it when the brisket internal temp hits 203 and then wrap it in a towel and let rest in a mini cooler for at least 30 minutes, more if possible. This method surely isn’t for the purest, but delivers remarkably tasty results in half the time.
Absolutely agree, the thermometer probe should give ZERO resistance when testing for final doneness. Let that be your guide more than temp. That said, if your pushing >215 and still getting resistance with the probe you might have pot roast.
I use to not wrap at all. Then starting wrapping with pink butcher paper, per Franklin. With the high heat method, I find foil works best because it allows you to save the juices and add them back when slicing.
I trim according to Franklin’s recommendations. You can find several YouTube videos or check out his Masterclass, very enjoyable.
Salt and pepper is the only way to go.
Best of luck. You’ll be your own worst critic. Everyone will enjoy your finished work. You can ask them to leave if they don’t!
We like to think they're easy to be around....some days! They do excel at hard work away from the home. At home can be a different story.
If you're so inclined to have a conversation with Mrs. XM that starts out "So this guy from the internet asked to come over..." and it actually goes well, let me know: [email protected].
Great to see you're back, XM. Always enjoy the updates. You're comments on your season of life with your sons is heartfelt. We are entering our first season of youth sports and my mind can't help but drift forward to the time you describe. It's quite the emotional journey to watch your kids grow up and out. As a homeschooling family, it's hard to imagine the day they will leave for college.
Do you ever host tours of the farm? The annual family trip to MI is coming up. I volunteer my three youngins as harvest labor for you if needed!
Don't. This change might actually mean fans of Pac 12 schools will be able to watch Pac 12 sports. The only way to watch many of these games has been via the Pac 12 network, which for many years was not even available on some of the largest cable providers servicing the west. I'm sure in the past few years more viewing options have been made available, but I gave up long ago. With the teams being dispersed to conferences with better network contracts I suspect they'll benefit from expanded viewership in their home markets.
I know many of you on eastern time bemoan the late start times, but even for a local the late start times weren't the most ideal for game watching. Hopefully we'll get to see some of these Pac 12 teams actually play in the sunlight. Unless you're coming here to play Arizona State, where you can't play in the sunlight until November or you'll spontaneously combust.
Not all Pac 12 teams have the same long held traditions as those in other conferences, particularly the Big Ten. I think it's possible the tradition disruption is more likely to be felt by those schools who do in fact have a tradition rich history of playing schools in a similar geographical footprint who now have to get used to playing totally new teams no where close to home.
Overall, I think this could be much better for the student athletes in the Pac 12 and those who want to watch their games.
OP is excited and knows this is probably the only place he could turn to that would understand the level of serendipity.
I was leading a small group discussion once, doing intros for new people. Halfway through one guy’s intro I realized he was a just-graduated player for M. Had a fanboy moment. Definitely embarrassing to think back on it. Still, was pretty stoked to have met him. I get it, OP.
That is wild. Thanks for looking it up. Agreed, all eyes on Rhule..
If the current schedule holds, we'll be able to watch Nebraska vs Colorado and then wash that down with a little El Assico! action before feasting on M UNLV. Good times ahead!
I take exception to Michigan not being the last team featured in the write up. While no criteria was given for order of teams listed, it felt like it started with the worst and worked its way up (with the curious exception of Nebraska being slotted in between Wisconson and PSU).
Very much agree with this and MGrow. What is the output/player performance value of a 5-star at 50% effort (or with the case of OSU 5-stars in their last game, <50% effort towards the end?) compared to a 4-star at max, full team buy in effort? Perhaps this closes some of the talent gap. Setting up an NIL platform that promotes on field performance seems like the right motivation to extract maximum potential out of your recruits, regardless of star rating.
Logged in just to +1 Bluey. Also have three young children. Just found Bluey a few weeks ago. The Sleepytime episode might be one of the funniest animated things I've seen.
Is it a Title IX issue that keeps Michigan from promoting Rowing to varsity? Such that they would have to remove men's scholarships from another sport receiving them or add women's scholarships for a sport not currently receiving?
Thank you for this clarification. That is a massive oversite on my part. I agree 100% about not defaulting to men's sports. Great to know about the Women 's team.
As my username may imply, I am starved for open water rowing options here in Phoenix. We have a man made lake in Tempe that does sport a boat house that offers beginner training for adults. I'm very excited to partake and get on the water. I am sure it is exponentially better than the erg!
What an awesome video! I literally had butterflies seeing them open up a full boat length lead early. Netherlands made quite a push to finish in that last 100m, looked like they caught up to the 5/6 by the finish line? Would love to hear what the US cox was shouting for that race. Wonder if there's audio of that somewhere? Great clip!
Let's start the Wednesday Morning Drinking Thread here then, shall we?! I still remember my first visit, years ago, to a relatively new, little heard of craft brewery called Stone. I wasn't well versed in IPAs at the time (I don't think many were). My how things have changed. Some great beer is brewed in that county.
This is an insult to Alex’s hard work in watching hours of game tape to provide the FFFF analysis. It’s not a re-do. OSU just got their asses whooped by a superior team. In fact, the FFFF analysis pointed out many of the areas to exploit, which M did with excellence.
I always appreciate your participation on this here blog, BC. Good content to comb through, both here and the prior post. You even got the direction of the cackle-if/worry-if correct. We’ll done. Thanks for being here.
Alex, thanks for your continued effort with these write ups. You're doing a great job. One request: When you're clipping a play and calling out a specific player within the formation, could you move that caption above the video clip? Seth does this in the UFRs and it is immensely helpful for lazy people such as myself who can't handle looking past the video for the viewing instructions before re-watching the clip.
Thanks for all the great football content this season. Looking forward to your basketball content!
Recent Comments
Between two pillows...
Policy or LD? I was a policy kid. Attended Michigan debate camp the summer of 1996. It was absolutely a one of a kind experience, a cherished memory for sure. As I recall we were housed in West Quad? Maybe South? The only library we weren't allowed access to was Law, though we did find a way in one day. I also recall that some kids were using this thing called "netscape" and "alta vista" to find evidence on "the web". The rest of us were combing through actual books and microfiche, lol. Does that even exist anymore?
Totally agree with you, Andrew, very cool to get to experience these universities in such a way as a high school kid.
Clear eyes, full hearts. Can't lose.
My heart stopped for a minute when all I saw was the photo. Thought we were getting a Hello Head Coach Moore post due to a late breaking Harbaugh decision.
As a father to daughters, I agree, that's a special photo.
Sorry, Alex, going to have to go back to the "basketball on grass" phrasing after all.
Couldn't agree more, Don and Andrew.
To this I will add that whichever airline you chose to be loyal to, get their credit card. The way that all of the Legacy (plus Southwest) carriers have restructured their FF programs, it's almost impossible to reach top tiers and/or get max benefits without card spend. And if you have two versions of the same credit card (i.e. both you and your spouse have a Delta card), be sure to maximize use of the card the belongs to the individual doing the traveling.
Also, maybe don't sit in window seats on the Max 9 whenever they return to the air.
Love the data and analysis. I appreciate the time and effort you and others put into these posts. It’s why I come here. Keep up the good work!
I'm not sure it got it's own thread, maybe? It was definitely in multiple threads' comments.
It's still gloriously cringe even after multiple views! This is the most Michael Scott take on coaching a football team. I'm sure Day has a "World's Toughest Coach" mug.
HS Class of 97 here. Constantly thankful that beepers/phones didn't have a camera function to capture my stupidity. There might be an old VHS tape out there with something embarrassing but I don't think you'd be able to find a VCR to play it!
Also in things I don't understand: why do the networks all of a sudden care about this? Per MattLB's note above, he's been doing this for 5 years. He is certainly not the only purveyor of this type of content. Curious why they decided to start pulling the plug on these channel now. Wonder if it is just Fox or are other networks doing the same?
Same. I thought there was always at least an "MgoBlog" button visible at the top of the page as you scrolled down.
I am able to access the site via iPhone 11 max pro safari, 16.6.1. No problems there.
Did I really need the /s? It’s the wrong sport, man. Of course I’m not implying this is actually an Iowa scout.
Just funny to see a bright Iowa shirt during the World Series.
Of course. Seems like the most appropriate way to honor their former coach.
Yes, was thinking Y/C for each game. That might help demonstrate the actual workload by game. You could get extra fancy and break out explosive runs in a double bar graph format, as in Y/C on runs > 20 yards (is that the cutoff for "explosive"?) and Y/C all others. I think that would call out how much wear and tear Corum experienced running into a +1 box for <3 YPC last year, which my memory recalls happening more often than one would want.
Generally, it feels like we're setting less downs on fire this year by running straight into a stacked box. This might help illustrate whether that is accurate.
Thanks again!
Great data, thank you for taking the time to compile all of this.
The Corum data is interesting. I realize you're already putting in a ton of work to generate the above, but if you're taking requests, a Corum graph by game that layers in YPC could be enlightening.
Thanks again!
Really enjoying all of this work you're putting together. Thank you!
Regarding the question as to how to file missed field goals, shouldn't that always go down as a 4-and-out? From an offensive perspective, isn't a turnover a failure to secure the football by means of a fumble, strip, interception? On fourth down a team is faced with one of three options: go for it, punt or attempt a field goal. Going for it and failing to make the line to gain is considered a turnover on downs, but not filed as a turnover. A punt is a cognitive choice to give the opposing team the ball back, albeit at a (hopefully) materially worse field position, and also not considered a turnover.
The choice to kick a field goal involves the same risk-reward analysis as going for it. As with the decision to go for it on fourth, you're accepting the risk of potentially giving the opposition improved field position should you fail to convert (field goal or first down).
Since we don't consider a punt or failure to pick up the first when going for it on fourth as a "turnover," it seems defensible to keep the kick-and-miss field goal decisions filed as 4-and-out.
I think keeping the missed field goals in the 4-and-out basket better makes the case that Iowa's offense is the very definition of futile. They are actively trying to score points and are unable to do so. I suppose if the volume of missed field goals gets large enough it might earn it's own slice of the pie!
Does this mean we get Johnson and Klatt? Always enjoy those two.
"They said the kid couldn't throw the deep ball..."
Could watch/listen to that one over and over. Actually, I do in fact watch/listen to that one over and over.
"It is decidedly unprofessional and unethical to flirt, make sexual comments, and masturbate while on the phone with a University vendor."
Shocking that this actually has to be communicated in writing for Mel to understand.
I would vote for a single snowflake thread.
Question for LSA - would a single snowflake thread make your "status of open threads" analysis more or less difficult?
Had that same thought about Edwards. Feels like we were saying the exact same thing about his patience and vision about this time last year. The surprise here is that we didn't expect him to start where he started last year. We can hopefully take some solace knowing he's corrected this part of his game previously.
Frankly, as long as he saves a couple 75+ TD runs for OSU then I don't really care what the rest of the season looks like!
Thanks for post, Bronx, always appreciated.
A Brazillion Spread. It's going to be even more painful for Rutgers than I thought!
Was that the last time Nebraska beat Michigan?
Was going to ask for the same thing. I know the totals are shown in the Henne Chart, but it would be great to see them in the Receiver Chart as well.
I started using a high heat method a few years ago that has been delivering consistently awesome results. I smoke on a Weber Smokey Mountain, so temp control can be touchy, but overall I am for a smoker temp of ~290 (it can float from 270-310 and be fine). I wrap in foil once I get an internal brisket temp of ~140, usually around the 4 hour mark. I add more rub and several pats of butter before wrapping in foil. From there, you’ve got about another 2ish hours to finish. I like to pull it when the brisket internal temp hits 203 and then wrap it in a towel and let rest in a mini cooler for at least 30 minutes, more if possible. This method surely isn’t for the purest, but delivers remarkably tasty results in half the time.
Absolutely agree, the thermometer probe should give ZERO resistance when testing for final doneness. Let that be your guide more than temp. That said, if your pushing >215 and still getting resistance with the probe you might have pot roast.
I use to not wrap at all. Then starting wrapping with pink butcher paper, per Franklin. With the high heat method, I find foil works best because it allows you to save the juices and add them back when slicing.
I trim according to Franklin’s recommendations. You can find several YouTube videos or check out his Masterclass, very enjoyable.
Salt and pepper is the only way to go.
Best of luck. You’ll be your own worst critic. Everyone will enjoy your finished work. You can ask them to leave if they don’t!
We like to think they're easy to be around....some days! They do excel at hard work away from the home. At home can be a different story.
If you're so inclined to have a conversation with Mrs. XM that starts out "So this guy from the internet asked to come over..." and it actually goes well, let me know: [email protected].
Great to see you're back, XM. Always enjoy the updates. You're comments on your season of life with your sons is heartfelt. We are entering our first season of youth sports and my mind can't help but drift forward to the time you describe. It's quite the emotional journey to watch your kids grow up and out. As a homeschooling family, it's hard to imagine the day they will leave for college.
Do you ever host tours of the farm? The annual family trip to MI is coming up. I volunteer my three youngins as harvest labor for you if needed!
Don't. This change might actually mean fans of Pac 12 schools will be able to watch Pac 12 sports. The only way to watch many of these games has been via the Pac 12 network, which for many years was not even available on some of the largest cable providers servicing the west. I'm sure in the past few years more viewing options have been made available, but I gave up long ago. With the teams being dispersed to conferences with better network contracts I suspect they'll benefit from expanded viewership in their home markets.
I know many of you on eastern time bemoan the late start times, but even for a local the late start times weren't the most ideal for game watching. Hopefully we'll get to see some of these Pac 12 teams actually play in the sunlight. Unless you're coming here to play Arizona State, where you can't play in the sunlight until November or you'll spontaneously combust.
Not all Pac 12 teams have the same long held traditions as those in other conferences, particularly the Big Ten. I think it's possible the tradition disruption is more likely to be felt by those schools who do in fact have a tradition rich history of playing schools in a similar geographical footprint who now have to get used to playing totally new teams no where close to home.
Overall, I think this could be much better for the student athletes in the Pac 12 and those who want to watch their games.
Is that at the same unicorn to leprechaun conversion ratio?
Can we say the inverse? Number of days since OSU’s sorry ass found a way to beat THE Michigan Wolverines.
OP is excited and knows this is probably the only place he could turn to that would understand the level of serendipity.
I was leading a small group discussion once, doing intros for new people. Halfway through one guy’s intro I realized he was a just-graduated player for M. Had a fanboy moment. Definitely embarrassing to think back on it. Still, was pretty stoked to have met him. I get it, OP.
XM - You really a preacher? I would love to hear you teach, would definitely come to your church!
That is wild. Thanks for looking it up. Agreed, all eyes on Rhule..
If the current schedule holds, we'll be able to watch Nebraska vs Colorado and then wash that down with a little El Assico! action before feasting on M UNLV. Good times ahead!
I take exception to Michigan not being the last team featured in the write up. While no criteria was given for order of teams listed, it felt like it started with the worst and worked its way up (with the curious exception of Nebraska being slotted in between Wisconson and PSU).
Still a good read, thank you for sharing.
Very much agree with this and MGrow. What is the output/player performance value of a 5-star at 50% effort (or with the case of OSU 5-stars in their last game, <50% effort towards the end?) compared to a 4-star at max, full team buy in effort? Perhaps this closes some of the talent gap. Setting up an NIL platform that promotes on field performance seems like the right motivation to extract maximum potential out of your recruits, regardless of star rating.
What was Eddie Robinson doing to that poor goat?! Or maybe the goat was doing something to him? Either way… weird graphic placement.
This was great. Curious if All and Williams were present at the same time when this was shot, and if so, what that interaction was like.
That QB... he gets knocked down, but he gets up again. Never gonna keep him down.
My God did that smell good...
Logged in just to +1 Bluey. Also have three young children. Just found Bluey a few weeks ago. The Sleepytime episode might be one of the funniest animated things I've seen.
Is it a Title IX issue that keeps Michigan from promoting Rowing to varsity? Such that they would have to remove men's scholarships from another sport receiving them or add women's scholarships for a sport not currently receiving?
Thank you for this clarification. That is a massive oversite on my part. I agree 100% about not defaulting to men's sports. Great to know about the Women 's team.
My first post and I did commit the posting sin of no OT label. You're right to call me out. Apologies.
As my username may imply, I am starved for open water rowing options here in Phoenix. We have a man made lake in Tempe that does sport a boat house that offers beginner training for adults. I'm very excited to partake and get on the water. I am sure it is exponentially better than the erg!
What an awesome video! I literally had butterflies seeing them open up a full boat length lead early. Netherlands made quite a push to finish in that last 100m, looked like they caught up to the 5/6 by the finish line? Would love to hear what the US cox was shouting for that race. Wonder if there's audio of that somewhere? Great clip!
Let's start the Wednesday Morning Drinking Thread here then, shall we?! I still remember my first visit, years ago, to a relatively new, little heard of craft brewery called Stone. I wasn't well versed in IPAs at the time (I don't think many were). My how things have changed. Some great beer is brewed in that county.
This is an insult to Alex’s hard work in watching hours of game tape to provide the FFFF analysis. It’s not a re-do. OSU just got their asses whooped by a superior team. In fact, the FFFF analysis pointed out many of the areas to exploit, which M did with excellence.
I always appreciate your participation on this here blog, BC. Good content to comb through, both here and the prior post. You even got the direction of the cackle-if/worry-if correct. We’ll done. Thanks for being here.
You know what you don't see enough of? GK Chesterton quotes. Great one here. Love his "do it again" quote from Orthodoxy.
Alex, thanks for your continued effort with these write ups. You're doing a great job. One request: When you're clipping a play and calling out a specific player within the formation, could you move that caption above the video clip? Seth does this in the UFRs and it is immensely helpful for lazy people such as myself who can't handle looking past the video for the viewing instructions before re-watching the clip.
Thanks for all the great football content this season. Looking forward to your basketball content!