Countdown to Showdown (November 16, 2006)

COUNTDOWN TO SHOWDOWN:
54 hours, 54 minutes......

From a scene near the end of the movie, when James J. Braddock is pummeling his opponent:

"What are you doing? You beat this guy easy last time."
"He ain't the same guy."
-- "Cinderella Man," 2005

Heart and Soul - The MMQ said earlier in the year after watching the 2006 Defense pummel a hapless Domer Team at home that something very dramatic happened over the off season......This team took 7-5 and built it into what they are today....When you read inspirational books about people who have achieved great success, they all boil down to one central theme. When the individual writes or is asked: "Looking back on your greatest accomplishment - what was it that helped you get over the top and achieve the success", they inevitably reply or write,

"I failed the last time. Failure taught me more about winning and success than all the successes I have combined."

Pain and failure are great teachers for people with the desire to win. But you have to maintain the desire and have the heart to overlook the pain and humiliation to study where you went wrong and correct those mistakes, or work harder to become better......This Michigan Team has proven that week after week this year. People wonder why I am such a fanatic...Just look back at what the casual fan was saying about this team last year. Carr had lost it, the game has passed Michigan by, etc. Granted, there were some ket Offense and Defense coordinator changes, but it's the team that needs to believe and focus, and ultimately play the games.....That's why when Michigan has an off season, you better look out the following year.....Heart and Soul....


Humor Time:

Death not an Option: - Guys around the office play this game and I was asked the other day:

Michigan loses to OSU every year for the rest of your life
-or-
Your Daughters become Pole Dancers in a strip club - Or worse - They enroll at OSU and become Suckeyes.......

This particular week, this one is a toughy......just kidding - anyone who knows me knows which way I would go.

MMQ

"What the Mind can Conceive and Believe, the Mind can Achieve...
And Those Who Stay Will Be Champions!"
-Bo Schembechler, University of Michigan Locker Room