When I get non-flattering feedback about the Big House Blog, it's mostly around that "I'm too negative". I agree with that assessment. I'm a Michigan Fan that has watched live in the Big House, the Colorado Hail Mary, Rocket Ismail kickoff returns, and the App State debacle. Yes, there are plenty of great memories as well, but it's bad ones that you really remember.
I'm very excited about the 2023 Wolverines and believe they could seriously make a run at a National Title. My biggest concern right now is that the team is over confident and feel they can win games by just showing up. Similar to the #2 ranked Michigan Wolverines in 2007 when App. State came to town.
Bob, come on? That will never happen again! I certainly hope not. I just want to get these points off my chest and we can move on. It's really a therapy session to deal with my past demons of Michigan teams of the past.
Are there any similarities between that 2007 and the 2023 opener?
Tale of the Tape: 2007 vs. 2023
An opener against an under rated team: App. State vs. East Carolina
Michigan Rank: #2 vs. ? (Probably top 5)
Former 5-star and future NFL QB: Chad Henne vs. JJ McCarthy
Big Time RB: Mike Hart vs. Blake Corum
Instate 5-star RB: Kevin Grady vs. Donovan Edwards
Last Game: Loss in the Rose Bowl vs. Loss in the Fiesta Bowl
Premier of Big 10 TV Contract: Big 10 Network vs. Peacock Streaming
Will Johnson's: Defensive Tackle vs. Cornerback
Ok, some of those things I put in for their comedic value. There are some weird similarities between these two openers. For those of you that don't remember that 2007 team, it was loaded with names like Brandon Graham, Mario Manningham, Shawn Crable, Jonas Mouton, Morgan Trent, Donovan Warren, Ryan Mallett, Adrian Arrington, Junior Hemmingway, Troy Woolfolk, Antonio Bass, Zoltan Mesko and many more. The RB room was unbelievable with Hart, Grady, Carlos Brown, Brandon Minor, and Avery Horn.
Yes, things are different now. There wasn't a transfer portal to fill needs and depth concerns like there is today. Lloyd had one foot out the door towards retirement and Jimmy will work hard to keep the team focused. Will this happen again? I don't think so but............
“Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it”- American philosopher George Santayana
3 comments:
Take it from a transplanted Michigander in the south, East Carolina had played some crazy good games against the big boys when they weren't expected too. They look to be down this year, but again....
I heard the 2007 team was smoking Marijuana and partying the night before.
Lloyd Carr, IMO, was a great man but he was too soft on the guys and too loyal to players and coaches.
That 2007 team was a great team that GROSSLY under-performed. The loss to Oregon the next week was FAR more embarrassing than the App State game.
Harbaugh is far more focused than Carr.
I remember the App State game well. That was the was first game I took my wife too. I believe two huge differences. 1. Harbaugh vs Carr. As you stated, Carr had one foot out the door and he just didn't have the team ready. 2. Hart was the heart and sole of the team and when he went down in first quarter and not to return until 4th (I believe) the team was deflated.
I am very ready for this season to go.
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