Before we get going, I just have to say: Anyone who doesn’t watch the 12 week play-off known as College Football is really missing something. Saturday had everything and my remote favorite key must have been punched 1,000 times as I went around the dial watching the slate of games from 3:30 on. With the Domers and Sparty leading the way, not to mention what happened in Seattle and an SEC clash with nearly 100 points scored, how can you not like what happens on Saturday? Unless, of course, you’re team loses…
MICHIGAN vs. EMU: Michigan matches the victories from last season in its first three games. Is it just me, or have things really gone south for Eastern ever since they quickly and without a fight gave up the “Hurons” name and went to the “Eagles”? Can anyone of you Eastern Grads (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) out there provide some data that correlates the two? I mean, I know Eastern will always be Eastern, but they used to field a team occasionally and not just be an easy victory in the MAC.
Upon further review, I (ahem) may have come down a little hard on the Rod last year. I needed to understand that it was a rebuilding year and that he needed to get the players he had in shape – Thanks Lloyd - and also get the right players to play his offense. While he is not yet completely off the hook for 3-9 last year, I am starting to “see” what the hype was all about. Will it all end well this year? Time will tell. And we still need an away game to test the mettle of this team….October 3rd is starting to look like a big date on the calendar.
I don’t want to canonize Tate Forcier yet as so many others seem to want to do.
(Click here for National Player of the Week Honors)
MICHIGAN vs. EMU: Michigan matches the victories from last season in its first three games. Is it just me, or have things really gone south for Eastern ever since they quickly and without a fight gave up the “Hurons” name and went to the “Eagles”? Can anyone of you Eastern Grads (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) out there provide some data that correlates the two? I mean, I know Eastern will always be Eastern, but they used to field a team occasionally and not just be an easy victory in the MAC.
Upon further review, I (ahem) may have come down a little hard on the Rod last year. I needed to understand that it was a rebuilding year and that he needed to get the players he had in shape – Thanks Lloyd - and also get the right players to play his offense. While he is not yet completely off the hook for 3-9 last year, I am starting to “see” what the hype was all about. Will it all end well this year? Time will tell. And we still need an away game to test the mettle of this team….October 3rd is starting to look like a big date on the calendar.
I don’t want to canonize Tate Forcier yet as so many others seem to want to do.
(Click here for National Player of the Week Honors)
However, I do think it’s possible he is in his first year of possibly winning 4 Heisman’s. Just Kidding!!!…A little (OK - NOW who sounds like a Domer Jackass? Yes, your own MMQ – but more on the Jackasses in South Bend in a minute). There is an interesting Heisman Predictor on EPSN.com that looks at the last 6 winners of the award and via empirical data, has synthesized a formula for predicting the Heisman trophy winner. Now, I haven’t looked at it that closely (a lie) but I can see that Tate is in the running for the award…But I digress. If any of you want to see the calculation, click here.
Every Heisman winner has a team around him. Coaches and players that make him better. And Michigan needs to find a defense that will stop other teams and they need to find it quickly. They’re going to need it in the Big 10. But if they can make a run and tally up victories that are close to double digits, well, who knows?
Seeing as how Michigan’s game was the least interesting on Saturday, let’s get on to some that had the intrigue that College Football has become:
THE REST OF THE MESS
Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!)– Sparty: Someone had to lose. Someone had to be 1-2. Hee-hee…HAHAHAHA! That earth moving rumble you heard coming from South Bend? Wuzzle’s Big Butt breathing a sigh of relief as he collapsed into his chair. Yes, this game had everything including a waddling, babbling fool, er genius, on the sidelines wearing Blue and Gold talking about refereeing from last week’s game and complaining about a thrown non-punch that ruined the Domer’s chances of winning multiple National Championships and a Heisman Trophy for his QB in one season.
Dantonio was on the other side looking to right the Green and White Ship that had briefly taken on the distinction of the Greatest Football Program in Michigan. Memo to Sparty: That’s a big load of cargo when it comes right down to it and you aren’t ready for that kind of responsibility after two years of playing decent football. But that distinction lasted right up to the point that Central kicked the game winning field goal – not to mention that it was gone this season for good 3 and ½ hours later when Greg Matthews caught the pass from Tate (for Heisman) Forcier. It would seem Sparty doesn’t have to burden itself with that title anymore and will soon be bowing and kissing the ass, er, ring of Michigan soon enough. (Everyone is free to yell at me for writing this if Sparty upsets the Michigan Juggernaut).
How different the game would have been had Cousins only hit Caper with the pitch and catch pass one play earlier. I mean, he was wide open – I am pretty sure the MMQ could have made that pass. This had to have the Domer fans feeling a little Deja-Vu from last week when Savoy bobbled the pass from Tate. And then, unfortunately, Cousins won the Domer MVP with his oops of a pass that was picked off. Let’s not forget that missed extra point. If Sparty makes that, he can run the ball and kick the field goal and win the game.
But, somebody had to lose and go 1-2. Now, I will say this: That 1-2 team is the best 1-2 team in the nation, and I do think the rest of the season will bear this out. It just tickles me to death that one of our most hated rivals – after hearing the proclamations of Big Ten Title contenders is now 1-2 and looking for a reason to keep fighting and will be on the Road in Cheesehead land looking to get even for the season.
Is Domer fan really happy with this win? What price victory? Floyd’s out for the season. And Charlie’s off the hot seat, right? I know you have mixed feelings out there because you know that you’re stuck with him now until at least USC. For more complete coverage of the Domers and why they’re so much fun to hate, they have earned a spot in the side bar with links to blogs that look at the good and the bad associated with being a Domer.
GATORLAND – CREMESICLES: Yes, you knew that with the 9 month plus war of words that had erupted out of Kiffin’s mouth that there would be hell to pay in the swamp…This is the SEC after all where there is no mercy shown, you call time out in order to run up the score, and mother’s inform on their sons – only not necessarily in that order.
I thought Touchdown Tim was a nice fellow, but apparently he has a mean streak. However, he didn’t improve his Heisman status as much as you would have thought. And Tennessee, if the had any offense, was in a position to win this game relatively late via the Defense allowing them to hang around. Kiffin may win one of these games sooner rather than later.
#1 GatorFan Caryl brought up the idea that the Gators could run the table this year. Not so fast, Caryl. There’s a lot of football left to be played in the SEC and that’s a mighty tall order. I am not changing my position that they will play in the National Title game, but running the table? They don’t have the receiver speed they used to have and if anyone gets on top of the Gators early…Well, let’s get within reasonable sight of that goal before we start talking crazy....
CROOKS – BUMBLE BEES: Thursday Night Lights! Tech couldn’t last against the Canes and the Gangstas are starting to look for real. But can they run the ACC? We’ll see.
CORNSUCKERS – HOAKIES: Pelini vs. Beamer. New vs. Old. Youth vs. Wisdom. What else can you say? This game had everything and went down to the wire with a last second pass that edges the Hoakies past the Cornsuckers…Someone had to lose.
THE SUCKEYES vs. Rockettes: Well, if this OSU team had played USC, they would have won walking away. And speaking of the RUBBERS,
RUBBERS vs. Huskies: As predicted last week in the MMQ Upset Alert, the Huskies dethrone Pete Carrol and the Rubbers from the Top 5 – should have been out of the top 10 - I suppose they are #12 in the ESPN poll...I had a feeling that the O-coordinator might know a thing or two about how to stop the Rubbers on Defense and also how to move the ball against the Rubbers’ D….Sure enough, Student defeats Master and Master appears...
RAZORBACKS vs. Puppy Dogs: This game had more offense and so little defense it almost made me wonder if the two teams met early and said, “Let’s just pad our stats in the 3rd quarter and play for real in the 4th quarter.” Puppy Dogs came out on top, but Richy Rich needs a Defense. And former Michigan QB Mallet looked impressive for the Razors in Petrino’s offense.
SHORTHORNS vs. Tech: McCoy stayed the course on his run for the Heisman, but looked shaky in the first half.
Oregon Ducks vs. Utah: Thanks Oregon! One MWAC team down...
Every Heisman winner has a team around him. Coaches and players that make him better. And Michigan needs to find a defense that will stop other teams and they need to find it quickly. They’re going to need it in the Big 10. But if they can make a run and tally up victories that are close to double digits, well, who knows?
Seeing as how Michigan’s game was the least interesting on Saturday, let’s get on to some that had the intrigue that College Football has become:
THE REST OF THE MESS
Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!)– Sparty: Someone had to lose. Someone had to be 1-2. Hee-hee…HAHAHAHA! That earth moving rumble you heard coming from South Bend? Wuzzle’s Big Butt breathing a sigh of relief as he collapsed into his chair. Yes, this game had everything including a waddling, babbling fool, er genius, on the sidelines wearing Blue and Gold talking about refereeing from last week’s game and complaining about a thrown non-punch that ruined the Domer’s chances of winning multiple National Championships and a Heisman Trophy for his QB in one season.
Dantonio was on the other side looking to right the Green and White Ship that had briefly taken on the distinction of the Greatest Football Program in Michigan. Memo to Sparty: That’s a big load of cargo when it comes right down to it and you aren’t ready for that kind of responsibility after two years of playing decent football. But that distinction lasted right up to the point that Central kicked the game winning field goal – not to mention that it was gone this season for good 3 and ½ hours later when Greg Matthews caught the pass from Tate (for Heisman) Forcier. It would seem Sparty doesn’t have to burden itself with that title anymore and will soon be bowing and kissing the ass, er, ring of Michigan soon enough. (Everyone is free to yell at me for writing this if Sparty upsets the Michigan Juggernaut).
How different the game would have been had Cousins only hit Caper with the pitch and catch pass one play earlier. I mean, he was wide open – I am pretty sure the MMQ could have made that pass. This had to have the Domer fans feeling a little Deja-Vu from last week when Savoy bobbled the pass from Tate. And then, unfortunately, Cousins won the Domer MVP with his oops of a pass that was picked off. Let’s not forget that missed extra point. If Sparty makes that, he can run the ball and kick the field goal and win the game.
But, somebody had to lose and go 1-2. Now, I will say this: That 1-2 team is the best 1-2 team in the nation, and I do think the rest of the season will bear this out. It just tickles me to death that one of our most hated rivals – after hearing the proclamations of Big Ten Title contenders is now 1-2 and looking for a reason to keep fighting and will be on the Road in Cheesehead land looking to get even for the season.
Is Domer fan really happy with this win? What price victory? Floyd’s out for the season. And Charlie’s off the hot seat, right? I know you have mixed feelings out there because you know that you’re stuck with him now until at least USC. For more complete coverage of the Domers and why they’re so much fun to hate, they have earned a spot in the side bar with links to blogs that look at the good and the bad associated with being a Domer.
GATORLAND – CREMESICLES: Yes, you knew that with the 9 month plus war of words that had erupted out of Kiffin’s mouth that there would be hell to pay in the swamp…This is the SEC after all where there is no mercy shown, you call time out in order to run up the score, and mother’s inform on their sons – only not necessarily in that order.
I thought Touchdown Tim was a nice fellow, but apparently he has a mean streak. However, he didn’t improve his Heisman status as much as you would have thought. And Tennessee, if the had any offense, was in a position to win this game relatively late via the Defense allowing them to hang around. Kiffin may win one of these games sooner rather than later.
#1 GatorFan Caryl brought up the idea that the Gators could run the table this year. Not so fast, Caryl. There’s a lot of football left to be played in the SEC and that’s a mighty tall order. I am not changing my position that they will play in the National Title game, but running the table? They don’t have the receiver speed they used to have and if anyone gets on top of the Gators early…Well, let’s get within reasonable sight of that goal before we start talking crazy....
CROOKS – BUMBLE BEES: Thursday Night Lights! Tech couldn’t last against the Canes and the Gangstas are starting to look for real. But can they run the ACC? We’ll see.
CORNSUCKERS – HOAKIES: Pelini vs. Beamer. New vs. Old. Youth vs. Wisdom. What else can you say? This game had everything and went down to the wire with a last second pass that edges the Hoakies past the Cornsuckers…Someone had to lose.
THE SUCKEYES vs. Rockettes: Well, if this OSU team had played USC, they would have won walking away. And speaking of the RUBBERS,
RUBBERS vs. Huskies: As predicted last week in the MMQ Upset Alert, the Huskies dethrone Pete Carrol and the Rubbers from the Top 5 – should have been out of the top 10 - I suppose they are #12 in the ESPN poll...I had a feeling that the O-coordinator might know a thing or two about how to stop the Rubbers on Defense and also how to move the ball against the Rubbers’ D….Sure enough, Student defeats Master and Master appears...
RAZORBACKS vs. Puppy Dogs: This game had more offense and so little defense it almost made me wonder if the two teams met early and said, “Let’s just pad our stats in the 3rd quarter and play for real in the 4th quarter.” Puppy Dogs came out on top, but Richy Rich needs a Defense. And former Michigan QB Mallet looked impressive for the Razors in Petrino’s offense.
SHORTHORNS vs. Tech: McCoy stayed the course on his run for the Heisman, but looked shaky in the first half.
Oregon Ducks vs. Utah: Thanks Oregon! One MWAC team down...
FSU vs. BYU: Same to you Bobby B! You're officially off the Hot Seat this Week!
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!: Boise ST. vs. Fresno St: Wow – another offensive battle that unfortunately ended with Boise St. looking like they can run the table. But talk about a back and forth affair.
IDLE THOUGHTS FROM SATURDAY
1. Trivia Time! Quick: Who was the last freshman to win the Heisman Trophy? Answer Below.
2. Get up Tate…Get Up Tate…Get Up Tate…
3. Thank God he’s up.
4. How does Michigan go from no QB to a dual threat in one season? System and recruiting, anyone?
5. Is Terelle Pryor really upset he chose THE Suckeyes over Michigan?
6. I hope everyone caught last Wednesday’s post. If you didn’t, you have to check out the LSU Freak submission with the Monty Python clip. It’s a classic…
7. Speaking of Classics – Michigan 38-Domers 34. Most points scored in a single game in the series.
8. Can the Gators run the table? In the SEC? Really? Last undefeated in the SEC – Auburn, 2004 – and they did it with DEFENSE. LAST YEAR’S ALABAMA DOESN’T COUNT – Satan’s Warrior’s lost to Florida in the Title Game…Sorry. Undefeated is undefeated – no blemishes. O in the Losses column.
9. Economic Indicator: Khaki Pant and Blue material sales in Indiana are up due to Wuzzles needing an entire new sideline wardrobe this year.
10. Okay – I didn’t really think that last one on Saturday – what I actually thought was “Jeez, His Ass IS Fat!” and I tried to find a funny way to communicate the thought.
11. In all honesty, I will miss Charlie when he’s gone…Just like I miss JLS, Super-Cooper, Willingham, Bobby “This is my Team?” Williams, Satan and a host of others that Michigan owned…
12. Ergo, I won’t miss THE Vest.
13. Nor would I miss Pete Carrol. Dammit…He’s a good coach.
14. Is it right to assume that THE Suckeyes and USC are better than Michigan and the Domers, respectively? They each play the other this year, right? I guess we’ll see, won’t we…
15. Trivia Answer: No one. A True Frosh has never won the award. The Only True Sophomore to win it was Tebow. Bradford won it as a Sophomore also, but he was a red-shirted as a Frosh, so he doesn’t count.
16. Since Michigan and Woodson represented the first time a primarily defensive player won and “stole” it from Peyton Manning, is another first time and “Grand Theft Heisman” in store?
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!: Boise ST. vs. Fresno St: Wow – another offensive battle that unfortunately ended with Boise St. looking like they can run the table. But talk about a back and forth affair.
IDLE THOUGHTS FROM SATURDAY
1. Trivia Time! Quick: Who was the last freshman to win the Heisman Trophy? Answer Below.
2. Get up Tate…Get Up Tate…Get Up Tate…
3. Thank God he’s up.
4. How does Michigan go from no QB to a dual threat in one season? System and recruiting, anyone?
5. Is Terelle Pryor really upset he chose THE Suckeyes over Michigan?
6. I hope everyone caught last Wednesday’s post. If you didn’t, you have to check out the LSU Freak submission with the Monty Python clip. It’s a classic…
7. Speaking of Classics – Michigan 38-Domers 34. Most points scored in a single game in the series.
8. Can the Gators run the table? In the SEC? Really? Last undefeated in the SEC – Auburn, 2004 – and they did it with DEFENSE. LAST YEAR’S ALABAMA DOESN’T COUNT – Satan’s Warrior’s lost to Florida in the Title Game…Sorry. Undefeated is undefeated – no blemishes. O in the Losses column.
9. Economic Indicator: Khaki Pant and Blue material sales in Indiana are up due to Wuzzles needing an entire new sideline wardrobe this year.
10. Okay – I didn’t really think that last one on Saturday – what I actually thought was “Jeez, His Ass IS Fat!” and I tried to find a funny way to communicate the thought.
11. In all honesty, I will miss Charlie when he’s gone…Just like I miss JLS, Super-Cooper, Willingham, Bobby “This is my Team?” Williams, Satan and a host of others that Michigan owned…
12. Ergo, I won’t miss THE Vest.
13. Nor would I miss Pete Carrol. Dammit…He’s a good coach.
14. Is it right to assume that THE Suckeyes and USC are better than Michigan and the Domers, respectively? They each play the other this year, right? I guess we’ll see, won’t we…
15. Trivia Answer: No one. A True Frosh has never won the award. The Only True Sophomore to win it was Tebow. Bradford won it as a Sophomore also, but he was a red-shirted as a Frosh, so he doesn’t count.
16. Since Michigan and Woodson represented the first time a primarily defensive player won and “stole” it from Peyton Manning, is another first time and “Grand Theft Heisman” in store?
17. Maybe? Reasons: Tebow already won it, Bradford is out and McCoy’s numbers might not match last season’s. That leaves the pre-season favorites pretty wide open to a newcomer or a surprise player that didn’t get any pre-season hype….
18. And let’s not forget the X-Factor - Who is the most exciting guy to watch? Will the Michigan Love and the soft spot the press and voting public has for The Forcier continue? And can he keep winning? Time and 9 more games will tell.
THE HOT SEAT
With so much love forth-coming for Michigan this year, I think it’s only appropriate that we feature a “Chorus Line” of Michigan Cheerleaders as this week’s Mascot:
THE HOT SEAT
With so much love forth-coming for Michigan this year, I think it’s only appropriate that we feature a “Chorus Line” of Michigan Cheerleaders as this week’s Mascot:
HOT SEAT
1. Wuzzles – Training table is supposed to be for the PLAYERS!
2. Al Groh – Virginia’s woes, and therefore Groh’s, continue...
3. Zookie – Tubberville for Illini Head Coach, anyone?
4. Richy Rich – needs a defense
5. The Vest – he needs to win a big game - not just paste the patsies on the schedule..
GETTING COOLER
Rich Rod - Could be 4-0 going to East Lansing for In State Showdown...
THIS WEEK
1. Hoosiers at Michigan: Is Indiana capable of playing on the same field as the Wolverines?
2. Sparty at the Cheeseheads – will Sparty get caught looking ahead to a Wolverine at home next week?
3. Cal at Oregon – where great teams go to die
4. Gangstas at the Hoakies: Can the Hoakies bounce back?
5. Illini at THE Suckeyes – Look for Zook to make a statement
6. Razorbacks at Alabama – Same for Petrino…
UPSET ALERT
1. Purdue over Domers – Too many emotional games in a row for the Domers. They might get caught sleeping
2. Cal at Oregon - I am not sure how good Cal is at this point...
3. Maybe Upset Possible - Razors at Bama - good game to watch none the less.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Ernie Harwell is announcing his final chapter. Last Wednesday night I was getting all choked up, tears running down my face, getting chicken pimples and goose bumps as I drove home, listening ON THE RADIO – as you all should have been – to the tribute the Tiger’s Fans gave him at Comerica Park. As Ernie spoke and thanked the crowd – only the way Ernie could - I thought about the announcers who inspired and made listening to the radio or watching games on the tube that much more enjoyable. Hence, the update on the side bar in honor of the UFE! He will always be the one and only…But Harwell is truly a class act...We’ll miss you Ernie. God Bless.
Ernie Harwell is announcing his final chapter. Last Wednesday night I was getting all choked up, tears running down my face, getting chicken pimples and goose bumps as I drove home, listening ON THE RADIO – as you all should have been – to the tribute the Tiger’s Fans gave him at Comerica Park. As Ernie spoke and thanked the crowd – only the way Ernie could - I thought about the announcers who inspired and made listening to the radio or watching games on the tube that much more enjoyable. Hence, the update on the side bar in honor of the UFE! He will always be the one and only…But Harwell is truly a class act...We’ll miss you Ernie. God Bless.
Hey, I am one of the university of Michigan cheerleaders. I couldn't help but notice that there have been pictures posted with descriptions that say the people in the picture are the Michigan cheerleaders. I know a majority of the girls in the pictures and they are from the Michigan Dance team. The dance team is completely separate from the cheerleaders.
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