Like Raj, I will miss the Big Ten West. They are the embodiment of classic college football, and it is fitting in this 'new world' of college athletics that it now becomes a thing of the past.
We salute you, Iowa, for being the B1G-Westiest B1G-West team there ever was or ever will be. I'm sure you're loving your iPhone Xs in the Otterbox, and wonder what all the fuss over the new fangled technology is.
"These accusations are nothing more a fraudulent myth rooted in unconscious fantasies and emerging as a deceitful lie." - Signed, All of Us. Me and My Friends, that is.
I think that site design is befitting a Harbaugh team. All steak no sizzle. Just an old radio button and a Submit blob… does the trick with efficiency and minimum effort. Not Captcha or I Am Not A Robot in sight… ;)
Westerville here, since ‘99. Kid goes to the same high school as Brad Robbins did.
Love going into work on Mondays after a win in The Game. I work very close to campus with lots of OSU grads. It’ll be oh so quiet as they mostly try to avoid me all week. But after years of the smug or pity looks, I don’t care.
With all the talk of bottles, it seems like we should be playing for the Little Brown Jug. Alas, Penn State is not Minnesota.
This game is like finding an unlabeled opaque bottle in the liquor cabinet. You're not sure exactly what it contains, it's probably good, but the only way to find out is to give it a taste.
Here's to hoping it tastes good today, and we go three-for-three this weekend in Happy Valley.
P.S. I could have done without the image of Finebaum. His voice grates like a broken glass bottle in my ears.
Raj's column might be perfect, repeated especially for The Game. We know what the record of the last two decades has been. We've seen the Death Star (that thing's fully operational!) building in Columbus.
And yet, we'll get revved up a bit to hit the bar... again. And watch, and groan, and cheer, and likely ultimately have a sad.
But, you have to admit, what keeps you going back (casino too) is that idea that maybe, just maybe, this is the time it comes up BAR BAR BAR.
Wishing everyone affected the best. Our coaches are top notch and they will help the athletes weather the mental storm/disappointment for not being together for a bit.
Now counting the days til we see a tip off, face off, or the line again. Go blue!
"...just because you scammed your way into this family by getting Lisa pregnant OUT OF WEDLOCK ten years ago doesn’t mean you get to start having opinions at this table." Water spewed out of my nose at this point, well done!
I am just thankful for having these two gentlemen publish this humorous article once a week - it distracts me from everything else going on right now. I really appreciate you both for taking the time to write -- I hope it is as theraputic for you two as it is for me!
A happy Friday to all and especially XM and RobF! Soon, you will not really remember which day of the week it is... so my dad has told me.
We have had HS football for a few weeks here in OH and i was able to go to a game a week ago (my son plays trumpet just like his old man did in the marching band). Sure it was a little different - markings in the stands where you could sit, 3 tix per family, no concessions or student section, masks required. But it felt so good to be outside in the stands, seeing my son perform what he loves doing. And seeing former Michigan-interest but currently commuted-to-PSU junior WR Kayden Saunders torch the opponent for a punt return TD and a long catch-and-run.
Hope you all enjoy your weekend, stay safe and have plenty in your cup (literally and figuratively).
Well, compared to "John Thompson," I'm guessing "Xtramelanin" is much less likely to be confused with someone else. Not sure how many people named "Xtramelanin" there are in the world.
I am mostly a “lurker” but I always enjoy your posts. This one was so good, I couldn’t resist the urge to pop up and post a reply. It’s good to see you back!
I am not much of a drinker (water is in my cup) but I just grilled out some nice tenderloin steaks and some baked potatoes. We celebrate Friday’s here because so many of the days do feel the same.
As for the board, it is what it is. I ignore the obvious political posts, exit the ones that turn that way, but read the really good ones like Sopwith’s notes on the immune system (that was damn good stuff).
All I have to say is: enjoy life with whatever risks you feel are worth taking, and judge no one else. Your stress levels will decrease, meaning your life will be much better for it.
The Big10 network should just spend its Saturdays this fall replaying the 1997 season games. I can think of two fan bases at least that would be happy with that decision.
So this was in my Facebook feed today, one right on top of the other. Notice the difference:
The "OSU" version (from a local station in Columbus, NBC4i) focuses specifically on when OSU plays Michigan.
The "Michigan" version (from MGoBlue.com) focuses on medical protocols. But not the schedule.
It shows you what's important in Columbus: when OSU plays Michigan. That's really all that matters. People here in Columbus are already planning combined Halloween/OSU watch parties for October 24, complete with socially-distanced coolers.
Already has happened. Bexley is sort of like Grosse Pointe, old money, right near the city of Columbus. Westerville Central is at the NE edge of the metro area.
Westerville Central just shuts down for 14 days. Not only football players, but girls soccer, volleyball, and a member of the cheerleading squad (from another source). It's not clear how they got it, or why they were tested - it's just as likely they got it from home or a party, and it's not clear yet whether it spread to any other members of the team. For all we know, the five kids are all friends and hang out together. Interesting thing was, this was reported on July 27, but the dates are retroactive back to when they last had contact... almost a week ago. So the clock has already started.
BTW I got to watch one of Michigan's WR targets at Westerville South last year. Saunders. Kid is smooth, clearly a superior athlete to others, but I'm no football scout. Was just cool seeing him play, thinking maybe one day I'd see him on Saturdays suiting up for my favorite team.
"What about marching band?"
On the marching band front in Ohio, the competitions are all canceled already for the fall. We don't know if/when we'll be able to see our son march with his high school band - they're in the second week of practice right now -- because we don't know how football games will work yet (if they happen) and the competitions are canceled, of course. But the band director is trying to find creative ways to do shows.
They've already reconfigured all the movements so the kids are always at least 7.5 feet apart, and making sure wind instruments that aim forward (think: trumpets and trombones, but not clarinets or flutes) are in front, etc. I'm not saying by any means it's 100% safe -- what is in this world -- but given all practices and performances are outside, the kids bring their own water, they eat lunches in shifts, the food is either brought from home or individual-served bags... they're doing the best they can to make it safe.
This discussion between Sopwith and Njia just cemented for me that these things are WAY over my head, and I have a Ph.D. in Physics (which means nothing here). I've never felt this stupid in my life.
Oh wait, yes I have, when I decided that moving to Columbus in 1999 would be okay.
That is an amazing picture, sir! Reminds me of my family's place in Northern Michigan just NW of Cadillac. Serene, peaceful... thanks for sharing. Really starting my day off right.
As for today: Steaks and grilled potatoes and onions later in the day.
It’s so nice to see a Michigan athletic team win some games that it’s not favored to do so, on the road, against quality opponents. That’s all we’re asking for once in a while in football and basketball right? A couple of wins where we are underdogs, have a great game and topple the giant (at least for one day)?
That was what was toughest about the loss to Iowa in BBall. M had a chance to win a game they really weren’t expected to, and came up a little short. Keep trying guys! The hockey team did it, you can too!
No man has ever been "air-drummed" more. I remember several concerts where 1/3 - 1/2 of the people were sitting/standing with their eyes closed, simply air-drumming his part.
He suffered through numerous tragedies, too, in the 90s when his wife and daughter died. Simply took off on a motorcycle and rode across North America one day, if I recall correctly. Rejoined Rush after, put his life back together.
Wherever he ends up, they need to ensure there is contract language regarding that poor man’s health. Seems like every few years he is tragically stricken with some unusual malady that causes him to step away from his role.
When Mark says, “Next question,” I want a reporter to ask: “Where’s the threat?”
I’m with you, Internet Raj. Because we want it, he finds a way for it not to happen. We will truly know the end credits are about to roll if he’s lost that magic.
Recent Comments
Given the result, maybe just do lineup cards more often. :)
JJ threw for 221, 3 TDs, 63% completion percentage. Somehow didn't feel like it with the struggles in Q3... but he played well.
Star players Corum and Wilson shined when we needed them the most. Big game, big players, making big time plays.
On to Houston.
Like Raj, I will miss the Big Ten West. They are the embodiment of classic college football, and it is fitting in this 'new world' of college athletics that it now becomes a thing of the past.
We salute you, Iowa, for being the B1G-Westiest B1G-West team there ever was or ever will be. I'm sure you're loving your iPhone Xs in the Otterbox, and wonder what all the fuss over the new fangled technology is.
See lots of high scores… I’m gonna go with a slugfest.
16-12 M
Tuesday at noon, I believe.
"These accusations are nothing more a fraudulent myth rooted in unconscious fantasies and emerging as a deceitful lie." - Signed, All of Us. Me and My Friends, that is.
I think that site…
#voted
I think that site design is befitting a Harbaugh team. All steak no sizzle. Just an old radio button and a Submit blob… does the trick with efficiency and minimum effort. Not Captcha or I Am Not A Robot in sight… ;)
Westerville here, since ‘99. Kid goes to the same high school as Brad Robbins did.
Love going into work on Mondays after a win in The Game. I work very close to campus with lots of OSU grads. It’ll be oh so quiet as they mostly try to avoid me all week. But after years of the smug or pity looks, I don’t care.
Go Blue!
https:/…
Confirmed.
https://mgoblue.com/news/2022/1/8/mens-basketball-wolverines-game-with-michigan-state-postponed.aspx
With all the talk of bottles, it seems like we should be playing for the Little Brown Jug. Alas, Penn State is not Minnesota.
This game is like finding an unlabeled opaque bottle in the liquor cabinet. You're not sure exactly what it contains, it's probably good, but the only way to find out is to give it a taste.
Here's to hoping it tastes good today, and we go three-for-three this weekend in Happy Valley.
P.S. I could have done without the image of Finebaum. His voice grates like a broken glass bottle in my ears.
Raj's column…
Nicely done!
Raj's column might be perfect, repeated especially for The Game. We know what the record of the last two decades has been. We've seen the Death Star (that thing's fully operational!) building in Columbus.
And yet, we'll get revved up a bit to hit the bar... again. And watch, and groan, and cheer, and likely ultimately have a sad.
But, you have to admit, what keeps you going back (casino too) is that idea that maybe, just maybe, this is the time it comes up BAR BAR BAR.
Is the rat dead yet?
Well OP username checks out: Malarkey indeed.
Wishing everyone affected the best. Our coaches are top notch and they will help the athletes weather the mental storm/disappointment for not being together for a bit.
Now counting the days til we see a tip off, face off, or the line again. Go blue!
Paging Bryan MacKenzie and Internet Raj!
Punt/Counterpunt vs New York Times. I’d argue Bryan and Raj are not on the decline at all! ;)
"...just because you scammed your way into this family by getting Lisa pregnant OUT OF WEDLOCK ten years ago doesn’t mean you get to start having opinions at this table." Water spewed out of my nose at this point, well done!
I am just thankful for having these two gentlemen publish this humorous article once a week - it distracts me from everything else going on right now. I really appreciate you both for taking the time to write -- I hope it is as theraputic for you two as it is for me!
Logged in just to upvote the OP. Nice writeup, GO BLUE!
(BTN+ sucks)
Would be something if the hockey team outscored the football team today... but we’re our way.
Somewhere, maybe up there, maybe down there... this man is smiling upon Internet Raj.
Hopefully the counts of such words are down in the game thread, though: their use is generally inversely proportional to the team's performance.
Welcome back, Punt/Counterpunt.
I wonder if the Athletic Director got it again too. That would make three people in the US who have gotten it twice! ;)
There are times when I am sad I have but one upvote to give. This is one of them.
Could buy these instead and fill the Shoe with Michigan fans...
https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/fan-cutouts/
but then you’d be giving them $50 at least. Not sure that is worth it. Maybe a few pics that are coolers so the cutouts can use the restroom?
The rest of Big Ten just pawn in game of OSU's life, Mongo? ;)
A happy Friday to all and especially XM and RobF! Soon, you will not really remember which day of the week it is... so my dad has told me.
We have had HS football for a few weeks here in OH and i was able to go to a game a week ago (my son plays trumpet just like his old man did in the marching band). Sure it was a little different - markings in the stands where you could sit, 3 tix per family, no concessions or student section, masks required. But it felt so good to be outside in the stands, seeing my son perform what he loves doing. And seeing former Michigan-interest but currently commuted-to-PSU junior WR Kayden Saunders torch the opponent for a punt return TD and a long catch-and-run.
Hope you all enjoy your weekend, stay safe and have plenty in your cup (literally and figuratively).
Q
"gave him my real name (xtramelanin)"
Well, compared to "John Thompson," I'm guessing "Xtramelanin" is much less likely to be confused with someone else. Not sure how many people named "Xtramelanin" there are in the world.
Kind of wish there were a few more, though.
I am mostly a “lurker”…
XM:
I am mostly a “lurker” but I always enjoy your posts. This one was so good, I couldn’t resist the urge to pop up and post a reply. It’s good to see you back!
I am not much of a drinker (water is in my cup) but I just grilled out some nice tenderloin steaks and some baked potatoes. We celebrate Friday’s here because so many of the days do feel the same.
As for the board, it is what it is. I ignore the obvious political posts, exit the ones that turn that way, but read the really good ones like Sopwith’s notes on the immune system (that was damn good stuff).
All I have to say is: enjoy life with whatever risks you feel are worth taking, and judge no one else. Your stress levels will decrease, meaning your life will be much better for it.
Peace and stay well, today and tomorrow.
Q
The Big10 network should just spend its Saturdays this fall replaying the 1997 season games. I can think of two fan bases at least that would be happy with that decision.
So this was in my Facebook feed today, one right on top of the other. Notice the difference:
It shows you what's important in Columbus: when OSU plays Michigan. That's really all that matters. People here in Columbus are already planning combined Halloween/OSU watch parties for October 24, complete with socially-distanced coolers.
…
"Until kids get sick..."
https://www.nbc4i.com/community/health/coronavirus/bexley-suspends-football-workouts-after-athlete-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
Already has happened. Bexley is sort of like Grosse Pointe, old money, right near the city of Columbus. Westerville Central is at the NE edge of the metro area.
Westerville Central just shuts down for 14 days. Not only football players, but girls soccer, volleyball, and a member of the cheerleading squad (from another source). It's not clear how they got it, or why they were tested - it's just as likely they got it from home or a party, and it's not clear yet whether it spread to any other members of the team. For all we know, the five kids are all friends and hang out together. Interesting thing was, this was reported on July 27, but the dates are retroactive back to when they last had contact... almost a week ago. So the clock has already started.
BTW I got to watch one of Michigan's WR targets at Westerville South last year. Saunders. Kid is smooth, clearly a superior athlete to others, but I'm no football scout. Was just cool seeing him play, thinking maybe one day I'd see him on Saturdays suiting up for my favorite team.
"What about marching band?"
On the marching band front in Ohio, the competitions are all canceled already for the fall. We don't know if/when we'll be able to see our son march with his high school band - they're in the second week of practice right now -- because we don't know how football games will work yet (if they happen) and the competitions are canceled, of course. But the band director is trying to find creative ways to do shows.
They've already reconfigured all the movements so the kids are always at least 7.5 feet apart, and making sure wind instruments that aim forward (think: trumpets and trombones, but not clarinets or flutes) are in front, etc. I'm not saying by any means it's 100% safe -- what is in this world -- but given all practices and performances are outside, the kids bring their own water, they eat lunches in shifts, the food is either brought from home or individual-served bags... they're doing the best they can to make it safe.
Q
I am sad that I have only one upvote to give.
Hope she gets well soon, and that all stays well with you and your family.
This discussion between Sopwith and Njia just cemented for me that these things are WAY over my head, and I have a Ph.D. in Physics (which means nothing here). I've never felt this stupid in my life.
Oh wait, yes I have, when I decided that moving to Columbus in 1999 would be okay.
Brooks is 3 back, but a crowded board. Should be a great day to watch some high quality golf!
That is an amazing picture, sir! Reminds me of my family's place in Northern Michigan just NW of Cadillac. Serene, peaceful... thanks for sharing. Really starting my day off right.
As for today: Steaks and grilled potatoes and onions later in the day.
Bleh double post is so easy when still waking up. :P
Glad your kid’s going to be ok and you all will be home soon. It is never a good feeling when someone you love is in pain.
Drive careful and safe, brighter days are ahead.
Always nice to win a game as an underdog (+2) at home. At best, this game was a toss-up on the schedule, and M comes out with a win.
We say it (win ones you shouldn't) rarely happens, so enjoying this one to the utmost!
Again? That poor kid has been through a lot! :)
https://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/osu%27s-dj-carton-stepping-away-b-ball-mental-health
Perfect start to Groundhog Day. Bill Murray approves.
(Seriously though wishing DJ the best.)
It’s so nice to see a Michigan athletic team win some games that it’s not favored to do so, on the road, against quality opponents. That’s all we’re asking for once in a while in football and basketball right? A couple of wins where we are underdogs, have a great game and topple the giant (at least for one day)?
That was what was toughest about the loss to Iowa in BBall. M had a chance to win a game they really weren’t expected to, and came up a little short. Keep trying guys! The hockey team did it, you can too!
No man has ever been "air-drummed" more. I remember several concerts where 1/3 - 1/2 of the people were sitting/standing with their eyes closed, simply air-drumming his part.
He suffered through numerous tragedies, too, in the 90s when his wife and daughter died. Simply took off on a motorcycle and rode across North America one day, if I recall correctly. Rejoined Rush after, put his life back together.
Canada might be closed this weekend.
Amazing man. Rest in peace.
weather is crappy, great weekend to get a few things done and wind down with a little win-or-go-home NFL action.
Wherever he ends up, they need to ensure there is contract language regarding that poor man’s health. Seems like every few years he is tragically stricken with some unusual malady that causes him to step away from his role.
That’s really too bad. A home loss no less, and they were so close to being #1, too.
I live in Columbus, for the first time in a while I wish I was working tomorrow just to see their sad little faces.
Here’s to the start of the bowl season and some college football to watch again!
Go Blue, beat Bama!
Do you speaka my language?
MGrowOld is right. I enjoyed reading this reply, even more than the original post. Wish I could upvote it more than once!
These polls are so predictable: it's just like them to have Michigan at 9-2, ranked above two 9-2 teams that defeated them (Wisconsin and Penn State).
Gents, your column is as usual, just perfect.
I was going to add a PURE GOLD gif from Seinfeld, but instead I found this, and it was too damn good not to share...
I have no idea who that dude is, but he slows up before he hits that golden pilon, and then the TD pose... HA!
Again?
Shea Patterson... there’s the threat, Mark.
Next question.
When Mark says, “Next question,” I want a reporter to ask: “Where’s the threat?”
I’m with you, Internet Raj. Because we want it, he finds a way for it not to happen. We will truly know the end credits are about to roll if he’s lost that magic.