Monday, December 3, 2018

Michigan Monday: It's Like Deja Vu, All Over Again

That quote comes from the famous poet Yogi Berra.   It's also a summary of the Michigan Football program the last two weeks.   A devastating loss to Ohio State, watching the Big Ten Championship from home, and playing Florida in a Bowl Game.

I don't understand the CF Committee having the Florida - Michigan game for the 3rd time in 4 years.  If you wanted more interest, higher attendance, and more TV viewers.   The better bet was UCF vs. Florida and LSU vs. Michigan.  Even "Champion" the clothing manufacture agreed:


This was on the MDen site last night.

Who do I blame?  

The Peach Bowl and Warde Manuel.   Nether of these two had the final decision as that comes from the committee.   But both could have voiced their opinion to the committee which match-up they preferred and their non-support for the Florida-Michigan game.   It was clear all over social media that they where making a mistake all weekend and nobody cared.

Warde Manuel needs to start standing a bit taller as Michigan's AD.  If he kept Michigan - Arkansas game this year, the Wolverines would be 11-1.   He also should of been in everyone's ear that the Michigan - Florida game V3 was un-acceptable.

The Big Ten also holds some responsibility here after being kept out of the Playoffs for the second year in a row.

How do I feel about the match-up?

I hate it!  I have been attending bowl games for awhile now.  I will not be going to Atlanta.   These games have become the basketball equivalent of the NIT Tournament.   The only upside is, if Michigan plays a team they normally don't play.   They are expensive (tickets through Michigan are $160 per) and I watched Michigan quit during the Outback Bowl last year.   The viewing experience is not that great in an NFL Stadium either.   I would have preferred to have watched the Orange Bowl two years ago from home.

What about players that elect not to play?

After watching Jake Butt lose millions with one play in the Orange Bowl, I will never question a player skipping a (non-playoff) bowl game.  Gary told Jimmy he wouldn't be playing in the Peach and I don't question that decision for a minute.  He has millions to make in the NFL and participating in a exhibition game it's worth the risk.  As they say, "the juice isn't worth the squeeze"

Isn't it Ironic, Don't you think?

Hours before the Peach Bowl is announced, Jim McElwain former Florida head coach and Michigan WR Coach is named the head coach at Central Michigan.   Which I think is a great fit.

Patriots OC Josh McDaniels little brother, Ben will be the WR coach for the Bowl Game.  Ben has been on Michigan's staff this season.


What's Next?

The Michigan coaches need to focus on the 12/20 early signing period and get the best class signed as possible.  There are plenty of big fish out there and Michigan needs to land at least two of them.

Spend the two weeks of Bowl Practice getting the young players more experience.
----

The Michigan Basketball's Team continues to impress and beat a ranked Purdue team at Crisler on Saturday.  Their defense is incredible and will need to travel to Chicago to face Northwestern on Tuesday at 9:00.   After that game, Michigan has South Carolina, Western, Air Force, and Binghamton before the Big Ten season resumes.

  • Drew Singleton, former Michigan LB picked hometown Rutgers to transfer to 

  • James Hudson, former Michigan OT picked Cincinnati to transfer to 

  • Mo Wagner got his first NBA points by scoring 10 in a Lakers blowout

  • Former Michigan, Ball State, and San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke was fired from the Carolina Panthers this morning.  He was the DL coach. 

24 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you bob for the many years of your great info and takes, I respect your decision not to go to the bowl game this year... I cannot even imagine how we are all going to get up for this game... Is it worth watching?

EzmoB said...

I'm not Bob :) ..... However for me it is worth watching. I love watching Michigan football, that stems from the love and passion I have for Michigan. Playing against LSU would have been great but if Florida is on the menu, so be it. I believe Florida is ranked 10. let's beat a top 10 ranked SEC team and focus on next year. Go blue,

Tim said...

Thanks Bob.

I agree regarding Gary. Wish him the best in the NFL.

His Michigan career reminds me a bit of Peppers. Very highly rated out of HS and high expectations. Did great things at Michigan, showed off amazing athleticism, but at times I forgot he was on the field and I don't remember sitting back after a win thinking "wow, without Gary/Peppers we don't win that game.".

Again - wish him well in NFL.

szanreno said...

Tim, good comment. The one time I wish we had Peppers in the game was in the Orange Bowl a couple years back. Might have won that game with him there?!?

Bob's comment on the NFL stadium reminds me of the night in the Orange Bowl. Not a great memory.

Cervantes18 said...

Lsu would have been very interesting.... too similar teams and great fans bases

Cervantes18 said...

Still tough to watch a exhibition though... love the passion Ezmo! Made me feel a little better to feel that drive is still in someone i have been on life support... thanks again!

GuyTellTruth said...

What would be better if they increase one more conference game and take away all the bowl games.... and have a team playoffs.... another great idea would be if Jim Harbaugh leaves for the Packers.... so we don't have to endure his conservative play calls

GuyTellTruth said...

8

GuyTellTruth said...

8

Goose said...

Ugh, you again. Can't u be an alabama fan or something.

Goblu said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Goblu said...

Funny, Goose. Alex-Abu quits this blog every 5 minutes. And then he posts again seconds later. Crazy dude.

szanreno said...

Isn't Alex-Abu the one posted over the weekend that wanted Mike McCarthy who just got fired from Green Bay after guiding them to a 4-7 record to be the next Michigan coach. Yeah let's trade a 10-2 coach for a 4-7 coach. Sounds like even swap to me.

GuyTellTruth said...

No Steve I did not say that it only tells me one thing you do not know how to read

GuyTellTruth said...

Who do you guys have in the playoffs... I have Oklahoma beating Alabama Clemson beating Notre Dame

GuyTellTruth said...

Goose you funny man....

GuyTellTruth said...

Zach Harrison five star D line won't be coming to Michigan guys... if he's smart and wants to play in the playoffs and win the national title go to Ohio State

szanreno said...

Yes it was Mr unknown email man.

EzmoB said...

Alex is a tool and a troll. Ignore him and he will leave.

Cervantes18 said...

I said mcarthy... you think harbaugh is a better coach than a guy that won a super bowl? Maybe your right mike is lousy with defense... but oh wait ole donnie boy has that covered right?

Cervantes18 said...

Email man... hmm has a ring to it i suppose.... teddy was my favorite president... long winded and prideful... guess i will just chalk it up to his influence

Goose said...

Urban announced his retirement

GuyTellTruth said...

Guys listen Jim Harbaugh's boss is retiring that means he might win something at the end of the year Zach Harrison probably will come to Michigan now

GuyTellTruth said...

You heard the guarantee from me the first one to say Michigan is back in the playoffs next year assuming Shea Patterson is coming back