I know the priority is retaining the great players we already have, but I wonder if any DL talent from Wisconsin would want to follow him over to the good guys? We've seen how valuable a strong DL rotation can be!
A turnover for fumbling through the end zone is way too excessive. There should be a penalty for risking ball security, but something more akin to having the ball pulled back out to the 20 yard line but having the offense retain possession/loss of down.
I don't think there would be a mob mentality if Michigan held the man accountable for his real failings. That's not happening so out come the pitchforks. Laissez-faire leadership is not what you need from your AD, but it seems to be the only arrow in Warde's quiver.
They don't even truly believe the "Signs" crap... It's just a lie that helps them get to sleep... They do, however, arrogantly believe it's their birthright to win The Game. That poison has permeated through the entire program though and I hope they keep believing it :)
We're ok. Sucked to see the team pitter away a commanding first half lead, but the Lions had won 1 playoff game in my 40 years on this planet prior to this post season. The roster is in a healthy spot with roughly $40-45M in cap space and no destructive re-signings this offseason!
Dang, I knew Harbaugh heading to the NFL meant we'd lose some staff but the slow bleed of continuity hurts more than I'd hoped it would. I understand our next men up from within the system will keep some of the continuity we'd hoped for and they won't be looking at a football for the first time, but I see an awful lot of first-time role fillers supporting a first-time HC. Next man up is great when you can pair them with seasoned minds. I believe in the talented coaches we have on staff, but I think we can expect some growing pains. But is there anyone here who would trade Michigan's NC to keep these changes from happening?!?
I'm struggling to find anything to suggest Warde has done even a competent job as AD. Every accomplishment within the program seems to have been in spite of him. His crowning achievement was cutting Harbaugh's salary in half. That appeared to have lit a flame under JH, but at what cost. Aside from that, his notable actions will have been failing to retain every marquee coach in his tenure and nothing else. His complete silence through the entire football season cannot be ignored. The (arguably) greatest coach in Michigan football history was placed on an island without an ounce of support from our AD. The absolute best case is he is either weak or incompetent, neither of which is acceptable. Why does he still have a job???
I'd love to see Michigan continue using NIL to keep veteran contributors and pull in proven commodities through the portal where needed. Michigan is not going to outbid OSU, UGA, Bama, Ole Miss, etc, but if they can maintain the culture they've built and convince players who would otherwise enter the draft to stay, they'll continue to thrive where the mercenaries fail.
I'd add game ready veterans to the list too. Michigan has used the portal to shore up the OL and LB corps with high quality players who are ready to go.
The season was still ongoing after all the accomplishments you mentioned, so it was not a time for reflection.
The advice you're offering works fine for the football program itself, but we as fans have no work to do. Our worrying does absolutely nothing so, yes, I will sit back and enjoy our first NC in 26 years! The other option (worrying over things I can't control) just sounds miserable by comparison. I'll pay attention to the changes going on, but I refuse to rob myself of the gratitude and joy I feel for the team I've rooted for for 40 years. Go Blue!!
This is the first year in as long as I can remember where I am in no rush to get to the next season. National Championships tend to have that effect. I'm sure the summer doldrums will have me wishing for the start of the season, but this feeling is still so glorious and I'm soaking in every minute of it!! Remember through all of this; every other team is leaning into the next season for the mere chance to be where we are now :) The view is nice... Go Blue!!
I usually agree with your takes Chuck, but this isn't your best work. By virtue of @OSU alone, Michigan has an appreciably tougher away schedule than does OSU (that's credit due to the buckeyes). OSU's OOC schedule features three group of five teams who combined for a 12-25 record last year. The only remotely challenging games on their schedule are the two you mentioned and the Michigan game. Michigan's top 6 opponents next year finished this year in the following rankings: 2, 3, 6(t), 10, 31, 34. Compare that to OSU: 1 (you're welcome :), 6(t), 13, 26, 31, 79.
OSU, by every measurable metric, has a favorable schedule and it isn't even close.
Whoa, whoah, whoah! Nobody in the Michigan AD is tossing out "J-Bombs"... Seriously though, I think the university has made it abundantly clear just how quickly they will roll over.
What a football season, this has turned out to be!!! Remember it well, because he just never know when something like this will happen again! Go Blue!! Go Lions!!
I'd love to see all our impact players return and run it back, but that's probably just me being a selfish fan. There are compelling reasons for either decision wrt JJ, but we'll show our support either way because he, and every other Wolverine on that team, played their hearts out for the Maize and Blue (yeah, I'm still riding the high lol).
As for the other part; I guess I always just assumed if Harbaugh left he'd take Jesse with him. I'm still hoping JMFH decides to stay, but I'm 100% sure Minter will be an NFL DC next season. Same as above; it's hard to be hateful when you're grateful. Whatever happens in the next couple weeks, they all brought a NC home to Ann Arbor.
I always wear my Michigan socks on gameday... Today, I have to work in my military uniform (but, seriously, how often do you look at a man's socks...). Go Blue!!!
We watched the game from our tailgate spot on the golf course, and all the way out there the most distinguishable thing we could hear was the singing of Mr. Brightside. And we sang along!! What a game!!! Go Blue!!
Best: Most have already picked the 2008 game, so I'll pick the 2015 drubbing of Florida, marking our return from the wilderness of incompetence. It began the healing process we all needed so badly and, while there were certainly more bumps in store for us, we have had so much more to be cheerful about since that season.
Worst: There've been some dark times I'd rather forget, but the lowest low point for me and therefore the most distasteful would be the 2011 Gator Bowl against Mississippi St, which ended (mercifully) in a 52-14 rout that somehow felt even less competitive than that. The Rich Rod era was the genesis of my BPONE and this game was the repugnant cherry on top of my BPONE sundae. Dark times indeed. But not anymore! Go Blue!!
I think Blake Forum spoke to it a bit more intelligently than did I. The information may not have been bad at the time it was given. The situation took a lot of twists and turns. The part of me that still hopes Michigan is playing chess (while others play checkers) is also hoping they wait until after the playoffs to drop meticulously planned bombs. The rest of me is pretty sure Michigan bluffed and got called. Either way, every win since the MSU dismantling has only continued to prove Michigan has been winning because they're just that good. The only people ignoring that fact are media hacks and salty rival fans with nothing else to cling to. I do not give a single crap about either of them and neither should anyone else.
If there is anything, I wouldn't expect it to come out until after the season at a minimum. Why would the program invite more distraction? I had hopes that the Michigan brass would fight tooth and nail when all the TRO stuff was going on but, after that fizzled, I've come to the conclusion that they just want it all to go away. As for the M media, I'm assuming you are referring to the insiders. They live on clicks in a world thirsty for constant updates. Some of their info is inside, I'm sure, but not enough to add any real clarity to any of this stuff...
My wife and I have been on team air fryer for about 5 years now. You won't be cooking up the larger meals you mentioned, but it works great for quick leftover heat-ups, snack foods and the like. We really don't use the microwave or toaster anymore (except for the occasional microwave popcorn). They typically have several useful features in addition to air frying, such as baking and toasting. Count me as a vote in favor of the air fryer. Oh, and Merry Christmas XM!
Having seen the way this coaching staff develops talent, I am much less worried about the star gazing these days. We've had multiple classes full of extremely talented athletes who want the grind. I see a lot of the same in this group! Other teams can pay for the top end freshman talent, but Michigan seems content in bringing them in the fold once they're serious about developing and prepping for the NFL. That seems like a much better ROI to me. Go Blue!!
There are a handful of guys I see across the line from our boys and I think "man, it'd be nice to have him in maize and blue!" Barham was at the top of that list for me this year. Great pick-up! Go Blue!!
I love this data! The transfer portal is not going to do much for the "have nots", but it does mitigate the extreme advantages enjoyed by brown baggers over the years. This is likely why Saban and others have been so outspoken against NIL and the portal.
You're absolutely correct. I'm sure MSU was hyper-focused on beating Michigan this year and they still suffered the worst loss in their stadium's history... Georgia barely beat a 3-win GT team who lost to BGSU. The SEC had a 7-9 record against OOC P5 schools. In a vacuum, each of these SEC failings can be explained. Put together?? Not so much. Maybe, just maybe, the SEC is just an ok conference this year (gasp).
I figure it's a whole host of reasons, but a couple stick out. I forget which years I actually dug up the info, but in years, B1G bowl teams played a majority of their bowls in the backyard of their opponents. In fact, I remember one year having 7 of our 9 B1G teams playing in the home state of their opponent. The only exceptions being the small bowls like the Pinstripe or some other nonsense. Having all the major bowls in destination locations often puts northern teams at a geographic disadvantage. Of course, not much stink is made of this because fans of cold weather teams relish the chance to vacation for the bowl games. Our fanbase travels well, but not as well as teams whose fans only need to drive 2 hours to the stadium.
Am I crazy in thinking the Bama/UGA Alabama was not particularly impressive?? Bowers and McConkey represent the lion's share of UGA's offense and both were noticeably limited in that game, making UGA essentially one-dimensional in the second half.
Jim Stapleton is a cancer to Michigan football... He either needs a Christmas Carol level change of heart regarding our program or he needs to be removed from any and all influence.
Recent Comments
FUBU...
Nothing but love and support for Coach Hart during this difficult time. We hope whatever you are battling resolves quickly and well coach!
"...this was a witch hunt..." FIFY The inquisition already carried out its sentence.
I know the priority is retaining the great players we already have, but I wonder if any DL talent from Wisconsin would want to follow him over to the good guys? We've seen how valuable a strong DL rotation can be!
A turnover for fumbling through the end zone is way too excessive. There should be a penalty for risking ball security, but something more akin to having the ball pulled back out to the 20 yard line but having the offense retain possession/loss of down.
Homeruns? At this point I'd be ecstatic if he just swung the bat.
I don't think there would be a mob mentality if Michigan held the man accountable for his real failings. That's not happening so out come the pitchforks. Laissez-faire leadership is not what you need from your AD, but it seems to be the only arrow in Warde's quiver.
They don't even truly believe the "Signs" crap... It's just a lie that helps them get to sleep... They do, however, arrogantly believe it's their birthright to win The Game. That poison has permeated through the entire program though and I hope they keep believing it :)
I'd say "where there's smoke there's fire", but, at this point, we can pretty plainly see the flames on this sum b!tch...
We're ok. Sucked to see the team pitter away a commanding first half lead, but the Lions had won 1 playoff game in my 40 years on this planet prior to this post season. The roster is in a healthy spot with roughly $40-45M in cap space and no destructive re-signings this offseason!
Dang, I knew Harbaugh heading to the NFL meant we'd lose some staff but the slow bleed of continuity hurts more than I'd hoped it would. I understand our next men up from within the system will keep some of the continuity we'd hoped for and they won't be looking at a football for the first time, but I see an awful lot of first-time role fillers supporting a first-time HC. Next man up is great when you can pair them with seasoned minds. I believe in the talented coaches we have on staff, but I think we can expect some growing pains. But is there anyone here who would trade Michigan's NC to keep these changes from happening?!?
Okay, "absolute silence" was incorrect. He was great at following up on President Ono's public statements, as long as he was protected in doing so.
Sooooooo, the HC is responsible, right? Asking for a friend.
I'm struggling to find anything to suggest Warde has done even a competent job as AD. Every accomplishment within the program seems to have been in spite of him. His crowning achievement was cutting Harbaugh's salary in half. That appeared to have lit a flame under JH, but at what cost. Aside from that, his notable actions will have been failing to retain every marquee coach in his tenure and nothing else. His complete silence through the entire football season cannot be ignored. The (arguably) greatest coach in Michigan football history was placed on an island without an ounce of support from our AD. The absolute best case is he is either weak or incompetent, neither of which is acceptable. Why does he still have a job???
I'd love to see Michigan continue using NIL to keep veteran contributors and pull in proven commodities through the portal where needed. Michigan is not going to outbid OSU, UGA, Bama, Ole Miss, etc, but if they can maintain the culture they've built and convince players who would otherwise enter the draft to stay, they'll continue to thrive where the mercenaries fail.
I'd add game ready veterans to the list too. Michigan has used the portal to shore up the OL and LB corps with high quality players who are ready to go.
The season was still ongoing after all the accomplishments you mentioned, so it was not a time for reflection.
The advice you're offering works fine for the football program itself, but we as fans have no work to do. Our worrying does absolutely nothing so, yes, I will sit back and enjoy our first NC in 26 years! The other option (worrying over things I can't control) just sounds miserable by comparison. I'll pay attention to the changes going on, but I refuse to rob myself of the gratitude and joy I feel for the team I've rooted for for 40 years. Go Blue!!
This is the first year in as long as I can remember where I am in no rush to get to the next season. National Championships tend to have that effect. I'm sure the summer doldrums will have me wishing for the start of the season, but this feeling is still so glorious and I'm soaking in every minute of it!! Remember through all of this; every other team is leaning into the next season for the mere chance to be where we are now :) The view is nice... Go Blue!!
I usually agree with your takes Chuck, but this isn't your best work. By virtue of @OSU alone, Michigan has an appreciably tougher away schedule than does OSU (that's credit due to the buckeyes). OSU's OOC schedule features three group of five teams who combined for a 12-25 record last year. The only remotely challenging games on their schedule are the two you mentioned and the Michigan game. Michigan's top 6 opponents next year finished this year in the following rankings: 2, 3, 6(t), 10, 31, 34. Compare that to OSU: 1 (you're welcome :), 6(t), 13, 26, 31, 79.
OSU, by every measurable metric, has a favorable schedule and it isn't even close.
Yesterday was pretty nasty with flooding on quite a few roadways, but aside from heavy fog this morning today has been pretty beautiful.
Whoa, whoah, whoah! Nobody in the Michigan AD is tossing out "J-Bombs"... Seriously though, I think the university has made it abundantly clear just how quickly they will roll over.
Herman…
What a football season, this has turned out to be!!! Remember it well, because he just never know when something like this will happen again! Go Blue!! Go Lions!!
I'd love to see all our impact players return and run it back, but that's probably just me being a selfish fan. There are compelling reasons for either decision wrt JJ, but we'll show our support either way because he, and every other Wolverine on that team, played their hearts out for the Maize and Blue (yeah, I'm still riding the high lol).
As for the other part; I guess I always just assumed if Harbaugh left he'd take Jesse with him. I'm still hoping JMFH decides to stay, but I'm 100% sure Minter will be an NFL DC next season. Same as above; it's hard to be hateful when you're grateful. Whatever happens in the next couple weeks, they all brought a NC home to Ann Arbor.
They had a very good defense, but I'm not convinced any D in the nation was on par with Michigan.
Who’s got it better than us???? Noooobody!!! Go Blue!!!
Best possible start to the game!! Go Blue!!!
Go Blue!!! Win the whole F'ing thing!!
I always wear my Michigan socks on gameday... Today, I have to work in my military uniform (but, seriously, how often do you look at a man's socks...). Go Blue!!!
We watched the game from our tailgate spot on the golf course, and all the way out there the most distinguishable thing we could hear was the singing of Mr. Brightside. And we sang along!! What a game!!! Go Blue!!
Best: Most have already picked the 2008 game, so I'll pick the 2015 drubbing of Florida, marking our return from the wilderness of incompetence. It began the healing process we all needed so badly and, while there were certainly more bumps in store for us, we have had so much more to be cheerful about since that season.
Worst: There've been some dark times I'd rather forget, but the lowest low point for me and therefore the most distasteful would be the 2011 Gator Bowl against Mississippi St, which ended (mercifully) in a 52-14 rout that somehow felt even less competitive than that. The Rich Rod era was the genesis of my BPONE and this game was the repugnant cherry on top of my BPONE sundae. Dark times indeed. But not anymore! Go Blue!!
Last game of the year... Can't hold anything back...
I think Blake Forum spoke to it a bit more intelligently than did I. The information may not have been bad at the time it was given. The situation took a lot of twists and turns. The part of me that still hopes Michigan is playing chess (while others play checkers) is also hoping they wait until after the playoffs to drop meticulously planned bombs. The rest of me is pretty sure Michigan bluffed and got called. Either way, every win since the MSU dismantling has only continued to prove Michigan has been winning because they're just that good. The only people ignoring that fact are media hacks and salty rival fans with nothing else to cling to. I do not give a single crap about either of them and neither should anyone else.
If there is anything, I wouldn't expect it to come out until after the season at a minimum. Why would the program invite more distraction? I had hopes that the Michigan brass would fight tooth and nail when all the TRO stuff was going on but, after that fizzled, I've come to the conclusion that they just want it all to go away. As for the M media, I'm assuming you are referring to the insiders. They live on clicks in a world thirsty for constant updates. Some of their info is inside, I'm sure, but not enough to add any real clarity to any of this stuff...
Merry Christmas MGoFamily!
Low hanging fruit :P
My wife and I have been on team air fryer for about 5 years now. You won't be cooking up the larger meals you mentioned, but it works great for quick leftover heat-ups, snack foods and the like. We really don't use the microwave or toaster anymore (except for the occasional microwave popcorn). They typically have several useful features in addition to air frying, such as baking and toasting. Count me as a vote in favor of the air fryer. Oh, and Merry Christmas XM!
Head coach assumes all responsibility for the conduct of his team's players and employees... /s (sort of)
You are correct. Most (all?) noise has more to do with $ than anything else.
Having seen the way this coaching staff develops talent, I am much less worried about the star gazing these days. We've had multiple classes full of extremely talented athletes who want the grind. I see a lot of the same in this group! Other teams can pay for the top end freshman talent, but Michigan seems content in bringing them in the fold once they're serious about developing and prepping for the NFL. That seems like a much better ROI to me. Go Blue!!
There are a handful of guys I see across the line from our boys and I think "man, it'd be nice to have him in maize and blue!" Barham was at the top of that list for me this year. Great pick-up! Go Blue!!
I like that his only knock in FFFF was his coverage ability... Then he was responsible for one of JJ's 4(!) ints on the season. Great pickup!
Nope... That card has already been played...
Quick, somebody put this on the Drake meme so we can send it out to social media pronto!
So, basically, it's the same rule wizard wands use to establish allegiance in Harry Potter...
I love this data! The transfer portal is not going to do much for the "have nots", but it does mitigate the extreme advantages enjoyed by brown baggers over the years. This is likely why Saban and others have been so outspoken against NIL and the portal.
You're absolutely correct. I'm sure MSU was hyper-focused on beating Michigan this year and they still suffered the worst loss in their stadium's history... Georgia barely beat a 3-win GT team who lost to BGSU. The SEC had a 7-9 record against OOC P5 schools. In a vacuum, each of these SEC failings can be explained. Put together?? Not so much. Maybe, just maybe, the SEC is just an ok conference this year (gasp).
I figure it's a whole host of reasons, but a couple stick out. I forget which years I actually dug up the info, but in years, B1G bowl teams played a majority of their bowls in the backyard of their opponents. In fact, I remember one year having 7 of our 9 B1G teams playing in the home state of their opponent. The only exceptions being the small bowls like the Pinstripe or some other nonsense. Having all the major bowls in destination locations often puts northern teams at a geographic disadvantage. Of course, not much stink is made of this because fans of cold weather teams relish the chance to vacation for the bowl games. Our fanbase travels well, but not as well as teams whose fans only need to drive 2 hours to the stadium.
Am I crazy in thinking the Bama/UGA Alabama was not particularly impressive?? Bowers and McConkey represent the lion's share of UGA's offense and both were noticeably limited in that game, making UGA essentially one-dimensional in the second half.
Jim Stapleton is a cancer to Michigan football... He either needs a Christmas Carol level change of heart regarding our program or he needs to be removed from any and all influence.