Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Ohio FMQ

MMPG

God - I hope you were all able to watch the Villanova-Michigan game last night.  I hate the fact that it started at 10...But what a game if you made it to the end.  I will admit I napped a little - GAMES SHOULD NOT START AT 10:00 PM!!!  But even though the Wolverines lost, it was a valiant and entertaining effort.  Michigan is going to be good this year....Look Out!

This Week's Picks!

Not that any of this matters at this point.  Michigan has NEVER in the life of the recent history of the Game, been a 21 point dog to ohio….In a way I guess it’s fitting…there’s one more “fact” that you can slap on the Brady Hoke list as to why he’s not quite ready for prime time….

I used to wax nostalgic this week.  It was always fun to look back over the years at some of the great games that went down.  As a Wolverine fan, you loved the Cooper years.  Cooper never figured out how to beat Michigan…and he was a great coach!  But they hated him in ohio…just hated him because he couldn’t finish the season.

But, it’s a short week and rivalry week so let’s get on to the picks!

Minnesota @ Wiscy (-10):  I know Wiscy is tough at home…but the Gophers and 10 points is too much to ignore.  I’m not saying they can go into Madison and take the Axe, but there’s a chance!

Take the Gophers and the 10 for $50

Sparty @ PUS (+13): This is a tricky, tricky game.  In Happy Valley, Sparty is trying to play for style points but their hearts are not going to be in it…still, they just romped over a team that PSU had to work pretty hard to beat…

Take Sparty and lay the 13 for $50

Florida @ Florida State (-7.5): Hmmm…Another tricky spread.  I think the game is closer than this…I also like Gatorland to win one for the outgoing Muschamp on a fluke….What’s the money line

Take Florida and the 7.5 for $50

Domers @ USC (-7):  I like USC at home….But do I like them to cover the domers by a touch?  Is this the game that the domers finally wake up or are they just mailing it in at this point?  USC is not as bad as the shellacking they just took from UCLA….Hmmm…

Take the domers and the 7 for $30

Auburn @ Bama (-10):  Auburn getting double digit points in a game where the last several outcomes have been 7 points or less?  Easy peasy…

Take Auburn and the 10 for $30

Michigan @ ohio (-21):  Does Urban turn off the machine or does he run it up?  Is there a chance the Wolverines can catch everything and not drop the ball?  I dunno…but I like 21 points in a rivalry game…don’t care who it is…

Take Michigan and the 21 for $30

Parlay! 

Big Point Spread combo!

Auburn – Gophers – Sparty – Florida

$30 pays $425



Starting Bank:         $521

Total Bet:                  $280


Bank:                         $241

Monday, November 24, 2014

Terra - Pinned

What a difference a week makes…

2 Saturdays ago, I was drinking an icy cold bloody-mary in the late morning to cool off from the sun that had been beating down on me while I had been forming sand into something that was not as pretty as some of the stuff I was seeing.  But it was good “Practice” for next time when I hope to go down with a better plan and some tools for a day of practice before the competition.

This past Saturday I was standing at the tailgate next to the portable grill huddled over a pot of corn chowder I had prepared, trying as best as I could to stay warm. 

And it was a pretty thin tailgate crowd.  In fact, it was just me for a while, but then a couple of people showed up.  And I’m not blaming anyone, believe me, for not going.  I even wondered to myself why I was going as I made the journey down US23 and what I was doing in Ann Arbor after I had arrived.  After all…the season is for the most part, over.  So why go?

I guess it’s the feeling I get when I don’t go (when I could have) that I dis-like more than going and leaving early.  At least I had a chance to see and cheer for the seniors on Senior Day and verify for myself that there is NO WAY there was 101,717 in the stands.  The student section was less than half full.  And I had a row entirely to myself.  I actually think the “Big Chill” was more crowded than this particular game….But some other crazy fools showed up and we got a photo commemorating the, er, idiocy of it all…..


Speaking of the game:  When it’s that bad, I really hate to dissect it.  But I will say this:  Hoke could be fired on the merits of clock and time-out management from this game alone – I’m referencing the 3rd quarter debacle here….  In addition to all the dropped passes and bumbled opportunities, terrible penalties (which, I’m still looking for the illegal block on the Norfleet punt return) and so much chaos that resulted in an overall pathetic display of football in Ann Arbor.  Edsal came into Ann Arbor and beat the Wolverines for the first time ever (personally) and for Maryland. And what’s really funny is again, I can’t blame the players.  This is a coaching loss.  Period.  Add that to several other bone-headed mistakes Hoke has made and the decision on what to do should be obvious.

Speaking of losing to Maryland, here’s another sickening fact:  Only Michigan and Indiana lost to both Rutgers and Maryland, the two newcomers of the B1G, this season.  THAT ALONE should be reason enough to can Hoke. 

So what, exactly, is Hackett waiting for?  Isn’t this all inevitable by now?  Aren’t we at “That point” where we can say that it’s over?  Hoke is gone and the search can begin?  I mean, I get that it’s again

$1M cheaper to fire Brady on January 1st , 2015

(AND WHY DOES MICHIGAN KEEP WRITING THAT INTO THE CONTRACT FERGODSAKES!) and that alone is reason to wait.  But, the lobbying of “desired” coaches needs to begin and soon…And it will be lobbying.  Michigan isn’t the “destination” job it once was….

However, I will say that the latest rumor (which I hate to spread) that was flying around several tailgates is that Harbaugh has already been contacted and wants to come back to Ann Arbor.  Hoke wants to step aside and may do that voluntarily in order to do “what’s best” for Michigan.  This may play out in an entirely different way than anyone sees coming and it could get really interesting in the next couple of weeks.  I have a new source that has stated he would keep us posted on some of this activity, but he stated “Don’t be surprised if Michigan and the actors involved collectively pull a stunner and they do something completely out of right field.”

So, there’s that and it’s out there.  I’m not saying it’s going to happen…but someone is.  I’ll believe it when I see it.

The Rest of the Mess

The domers have gone from “possible Final 4” team to right where I thought they’d be in the pre-season.  I believe (But I should really go back and verify) that I thought the domers would be, at best, a 4 loss team this season.  Based on who they were playing and where they were playing them.  Now, I will say that losses to the Purple Kitties and Bobby Petrino were not on my radar, but never-the-less, the questionable character Petrino going into South Bend and knocking of the “Holier than thou” domers gave me a wonderfully warm feeling of delight on Saturday.  And I know how the domer faithful had to feel when a team (and coach) like that comes in and beat’s “Our Lady’s” team.  Hee-hee!!!

Indiana gave us all some hope, but then ohio started to roll in Columbus.  In the end, it wasn’t pretty and I believe that Michigan may not do as well as said Hoosiers in the Horseshoe on Saturday.  Not looking forward to the beat-down…nope, nope, nope.  But they have to play the game…

The Seminoles barely beat another crappy ACC team.  But they did beat them and that’s all that matters.

Sparty did what a good team is supposed to do to Rutgers….They completely dismantled and destroyed them.  Sparty is right in the “Best 2-loss” team discussion, but that and a nickel still won’t get you a Starbucks coffee or a respectable bowl game at the end of the day.  Unless you feel like the Citrus or Outback are respectable….

The Gophers rolled and the cornsuckers are proving that you can leave the Big 12 and “THINK” you‘re going to own the B1G, but at the end of the day, you’re just another team trying to put it all together wondering how you lost to the team you just lost to….

UCLA has proven who the new power team is in LA and “Seven win Sark” is proving so far to hold true in Rubber-land kind of like it did up in Washington.  Will he turn it around there?  Time will tell….

Ole Miss was completely humiliated by the Hawgs and everyone’s favorite upset team is finally doing what many people thought they would do at the beginning of the season.  Brett B. is going to continue to surprise and may be a factor in the coming years in the SEC West.  The Egg Bowl is now down to spoiler-alert and isn’t for all the marbles…

The Ducks and the Beavers go at it Saturday and Mike Riley may have a trick or two up his sleeve for this game.  Kind of like the Beavers getting points here…

But the Iron Bowl is kinda for a few marbles for one team with the other team in a position to ruin it for Satan’s Warriors.  I know who I’ll be rooting for….

The 5 Stages of Slappy Fan Grief

  1.  Denial and Isolation:  Miss State, hoping against hopes that the 9.5 point dog Auburn can pull the upset…Maybe Alabama will try a long field goal again….
  2. ANGER:  MICHIGAN FAN….Still here…AIN’T LEAVING!!!!  What can I say...We’ve been lied to (attendance), abused as fans (ticket prices, concessions, product on the field) and we’ve had players do dumb, bad things.  And somehow, we’re still fans because what else do we have?  I’m just glad Basketball has started…Can’t actually believe I’m saying and believing that, but yeah…Michigan fans welcome the domers, Ole Miss faithful, cornsuckers and Trojans into the angry section….
  3. Bargaining:  ohio, TCU and Baylor are all still hoping and praying that one of the current Final 4 teams royally screws up in addition to the other two in the group of three screws up so they get the last spot in the Final 4.  I have a funny feeling they may all get their wish…but they may also be victims.
  4. Depression:  domers, dawgs, hawgs (what could have been), Wolverines, Cornsuckers, Gatorland (if they’re still alive and if they even care,) and others….
  5. Acceptance: It is the true release…when you just accept the fact that your team sucks, it’s not your fault…and you just let it go.  There’s peace in it…honestly.

The MMQ’s Top 10

I’m thinking that this Final 4 isn’t going to be the Final 4 come December 7th.  Too much football left and too many things can happen. 

  1. Alabama – Fine – I’ll fall in line and put Bama here and make all the Bama people happy for a Monday.  Still gotta’ beat Auburn….
  2. Oregon – Mariota isn’t going to screw this up…but the other Ducks have to play the Beavers, too….
  3. FSU- has to play a motivated Gatorland.  It won’t be easy….Most likely candidate to fall out of the Final 4.
  4. Miss State – Have to hold serve and win the Egg Bowl.  If they don’t, it’s over for them….
  5. Baylor – They are the best one loss team with the best performance Saturday,
  6. TCU – Head to head has to matter…sooner or later.
  7. Ohio – needs a lot of help.  Clubbing Michigan isn’t going to do much for them.  And they still have to get by Wiscy….
  8. UCLA – Do they have a slugger’s chance if there’s chaos up front and they win out?  Meaning they beat Oregon?
  9. Georgia – just cause…..
  10. Sparty – to help ohio….cause, you know.  B1G still matters. 

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-What a difference a week and some latitude change makes….
-I think I like the sand and sun better…
-I used to love the cold Football games in November…
-Especially when I was a student or at least, younger…
-Now, not so much.
-Of course, the rain didn’t help.
-I would have preferred colder and snow…
-Rain at the game sucks…
-Huh- I made a rhyme…I’m a poet and didn’t know it.
-There goes the team….last ride for the seniors…
-Well, at least I’m ROCKIN’ THE CAN GAME!
-Huh…2 hours before game time and I’ve clinched the Can Game Season Title?
-Alan P has not represented this season!
-He’s been the guy to beat in the Can Game for multiple years runnin’!!!!
-But, times change….
-Time for some not-so-Big-Game….
-Cause when the opponent sucks – well, it’s not a Big Game….
-Can Indiana really do this?
-Do I WANT Indiana to do this?
-I mean, if the Hoosiers pull it off and Michigan goes down there and gets humiliated….

-Okay, I don’t have to worry about that any more.
-Jeez, kids in the band get younger looking EVERY SEASON!
-Last walk for the season to the stadium.
-Till next season…
-New Coach, new chapter.
-Wonder who it’ll be…
-Better be someone that can re-inspire the fan base.
-Even the Tailgate crowds are dis-illusioned.
-Man….we suck.
-Hey, gutsy 4th down call.
-Finally.
-Where was the hold on the punt return?

-Still looking…
-Hoke, Hoke, Hoke…what are you doing? 
-You need to be smarter than this….
-For your own sake if you ever want to work in this sport at this level again…
-Whatever…
-It’s over…finally.
-I don’t even want to think about next Saturday. 
-Michigan has not won in ohio since the days of John Navarre…2000
-It makes my stomach hurt.
-Both main rivals doing it better than Michigan ever did is just wrong…
-WTF….It’s not Fantastic…It’s the other one…
-LET’S GET THIS PROGRAM BACK ON TRACK!!!

The Hot Seat

Brittany Palmer was more or less a unanimous pick even though the very hot Nicky Whelan is still garnering that one vote a week.  I have to admit, Nicky is difficult to ignore and may be a bracket front runner when the time comes.  This week, Anastasia Ashley tempts you with her charms and is the HSM for Week #13!
 










Gone List:

  1. Muschamp
  2. Weiss
  3. Jones
  4. Others….


Hot Seat Rank

Brady Hoke – It’s a foregone conclusion…         

  1. Beckman:  He’s got problems….
  2. Hazell:  Purdue beat Illinois….
  3. Norm Chow:  Hawaii. 
  4. Mike London:  Needs wins…
  5. David Shaw – Stanford fans not happy…
  6. Sarkisian – Neither are the Trojans…
  7. The Ole Ball Coach – He may just go golfing…

FMQ

It’s weird…..But I sometimes think the fortunes of the FMQ are somehow linked to the performance of the Wolverines….or maybe it’s vice-versa…Dunno’.  Either way, Michigan and the FMQ are both lousy and we need a miracle in “Rivalry Week” to have any chance at making this season a decent one….

Minnesota @ Nebraska (-10):  Take the Gophers and the 10 for $60

WIN!  Bank $114

Indiana @ ohio (-34.5):  Take ohio and lay the 34.5 for $30

LOST….

Rutgers @ Sparty (-22):  Take Sparty and lay the 22 for $30

WIN!!!  Bank $57

Colorado @ Oregon (+32.5):  Take the Ducks and lay the 32.5 for $60

WIN!!! Bank $114

Maryland @ Michigan (-5): Take Michigan and lay the 5 for $30

LOSE….

Parlay! 

Big Point Spread combo!

Miami (-5.5) – Oklahoma (-25) – ohio(-34.5) – Oregon (-32.5) $20 pays $270

Wow – what a disaster…Miami destroyed…ohio doesn’t cover…

Starting Bank:         $236

Total Bet:                  $285


Bank:                         $521

Friday, November 21, 2014

FMQ - Maryland

Maryland Tickets

Presented without comment:



Okay – a COUPLE of comments:

1. Do I EVER feel like a Big Ole’ Doofus holding two Maryland tickets valued at $75 each.  Oh wait…..make that $75 PLUS the 1/7th portion of the $150 PSL for each ticket….So, if I’m doing the math right…carry the one…yeah, that’s close enough to $200 for two tix that I could have “enjoyed” for the 90% discounted Stub Hub price of $20.

2.  What really grinds my stones is the 3:30 PM BTN dictated start time.  That makes the whole thing even worse for getting out of Ann Arbor, etc.  Of course, based on what we’re seeing available ticket wise, traffic really shouldn’t be that bad!

3.  Got the PSL renewal notice in the mail this week.  January 31 is the deadline for your PSL’s….My guess is that will get extended – multiple times.  My notice went into the Circular File.    

ACC Commish Say’s “Huh, 8 Teams Makes MORE SENSE.”

I don’t really know what to contribute here except to say, “DUH.” 

Jennifer Lawrence seems to agree (PSA- “The Mockingjay” starts today!  I’ll be dragging a gaggle of girls to that tonight…)

Everyone said that 4 teams wouldn’t work when every year a power conference gets screwed.  The only way it WOULD have worked was for the Play-Off money to be distributed evenly among the Power 5 (Everyone getting an equal share regardless of whether you had a team in the Final 4 or not) with a smaller portion going to the group of 5 2nd tier conferences.  Yes, we’ll be looking at an 8 team play-off soon enough. 

However, this poses several issues.

  1. When and where will you play the 4 “first round” games?  Right now, there’s one weekend left before “Finals” and that has always been dedicated to “Army-Navy”.  Are you going to break that tradition and have games on the 2nd Saturday in December?
  2. If you go to 8 teams, do conferences REALLY NEED to have Conference Championships?  Remember:  Conference Championships were created to generate revenue.  But now the Conference Champions (and possibly the runners-up) would be looking at playing up to 15 games if they make it to the Championship Game!  You’re talking NFL numbers here….
  3. And don’t even THINK that schools are going to sacrifice a regular season “Cup-Cake” revenue generating game and go back to 11 games….Not gonna’ happen.
  4. Where are you going to play those first 4 games?  Neutral sites?  Top ranked teams’ home fields?  (My preference – home field).  But THAT will stir up a bunch of controversy because the conferences will all want a piece of that money as well. 
  5. So, 8 will happen…but it has a lot of hurdles to overcome.

This Week’s Picks!

There was a slight clerical error in the report out last week and you will see that corrected in the BANK numbers below.  Sorry for any confusion to anyone that follows the FMQ this closely.  Hopefully we can get something going here in the last three weeks that matter!

Minnesota @ Nebraska (-10):  Well, The Cornsuckers really screwed me last week.  I thought they would have at least showed up and made it a game…but NOOOOOOO….So, do I take revenge on them this week or do I fade the 10 points?  My guess is Kill’s Heroes are going to learn from what Wiscy did to the Cornsuckers and do more of the same…

Take the Gophers and the 10 for $60

Indiana @ ohio (-34.5):  Isn’t there a law against clubbing baby seals?  There oughta’ be….

Take ohio and lay the 34.5 for $30

Rutgers @ Sparty (-22):  What a weird spread….I mean, I get 21 and I get 23…but 22?  What is Vegas trying to tell me here?  A Safety is coming and that’ll be the difference?  The kitchen in East Lansing is going to get hot with Cook abusing that secondary….

Take Sparty and lay the 22 for $30

Colorado @ Oregon (+32.5):  Last chance for style points and Marcus Mariota will take it.

Take the Ducks and lay the 32.5 for $60

Maryland @ Michigan (-5):  I have absolutely no feel for this game and should probably NOT be wagering on it….however, it’s Michigan and it’s the last home game – Senior Day, bad weather, playing for their coach’s job…Still, I got nothin’…..I feel like Daffy Duck banging my head against the same wall expecting different results...Heads or tails….and it’s heads…

Take Michigan and lay the 5 for $30

Parlay! 

Big Point Spread combo!

Miami (-5.5) – Oklahoma (-25) – ohio(-34.5) – Oregon (-32.5) $20 pays $270

Starting Bank:         $466

Total Bet:                  $230

Bank:                         $236

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Mid-Week Round Up - Maryland

Weather

Damn….It’s cold.  EVERYWHERE.  Chances are if you’re reading this and you’re not traveling somewhere exotic…Wherever you are, you’re region is setting arecord cold temperature either Tuesday or Wednesday evening.

Apparently, this next particular event has only happened on several occasions in history:  All 50 states will experience sub-freezing temperatures (That includes Hawaii – top of the volcanoes drops below 32 all the time).  The appropriate term at this point in this blog should be well-known at this point:

Well That’s Fantastic….

And I don’t mean that in the good sense…..I’m sure some people will be breaking out the cold weather gear for Saturday’s games…even though we’re supposed to get a slight warm up…..All of the following are probably appropriate attire!

 




(You keep warm what you want to keep warm – I’ll keep warm what I WANT to keep warm!)

Anyway, onto some football related stuff.

CFB Play-Off Final 4

In case you haven’t seen it: 

  1.  Alabama
  2. Oregon
  3. FSU
  4. Miss State
  5. TCU
  6. Ohio
  7. Baylor

Baylor REALLY screwed…their non-conference is really hurting them.  There’s a possibility they can creep in, but not looking good.  I guess the committee is working off the BCS page at this point…Interesting to see how it will all play out…

Frank Clark

Yes – I know that he had to be kicked off the team.  But I was really pulling for this kid.  He grew up on the streets of LA with a non-existent home life and a drug addicted mother.  That he somehow found his way to the University of Michigan was a miracle itself and it made you feel good about the things that a football program can do for a kid like this.  But, he couldn’t shake his street side and had issues with stealing and the final straw, the domestic abuse charge that actually makes you cringe a little if you read the whole thing.  It’s unfortunate because even if he manages to get all this straightened out, I’m not sure the suddenly PR happy NFL will touch this guy.  Maybe the CFL will take a gamble and he can keep himself on the straight and narrow.  Whatever the case, I wish him well and I’m not going to be one of these fans that has the attitude, “Good riddance – hope you rot in hell.”  That’s the easy way out for the fans to feel good about themselves.  Not doing it here….

Not saying it’s right, either.   Just sayin’…..

Pat Forde Agrees with the MMQ

Pat Forde ranked the top 5 Dumpster Fire programs in his weekly round-up on Tuesday and named Michigan as the number one program that is in a world of hurt!  The problem is, he didn’t really provide any solutions, not that anyone can nor is anyone expected to, other than the new interim AD who currently has the weight of the UM athletic department and the rudderless football program on his shoulders.  While I ‘m sure Hackett jumped at the chance, did he understand how bad the situation was when he leapt?  Does it matter if you make good decisions and do the right thing?  I suppose not, but again, he’s not an AD and that’s been the problem at Michigan (not having an AD that knows sports) for like….forever.  I guess if I WAS Hackett, I would immediately find someone outside of the department and outside of Michigan that knows athletics to come in as a “permanent assistant” that would be there to manage the athletic side of things and stay on as a carryover for the permanent AD once that individual is identified.  This way, you’ve got someone that is thinking nothing but sports and he or she might be better qualified to find the right fits and make the day to day decisions better than Hackett ever could.  Again, just sayin’ if I was King for Just a Day….

But, getting back to Forde:  The one issue he didn’t mention was the Schlissel side of this mess.  I’m not yet convinced that old East Coast Mark has the stomach that is required to have to deal with the Football Problem on a daily or weekly basis.  His predecessor(s) should have made him aware of that issue before he took the job.  If footballs doing well, no problem.  If you have any kind of issues going on in Football  - prepare to be time strapped and pressured by a lot of people.  We’ll see how Mark does, but right now, he’s only earned the BranDictator forced resignation points, which after E-MailGate, was a no brainer. 

And Speaking of Hackett

And if you like those “Feel good kind of thingies that corporate people are supposed to do and say and write”, here’s Hackett’s attempt to calm the turbulent waters. 


Again, in my opinion, actions always speak louder than words and the new AD search is probably a backseat to the most glaring issue:  The removal of the current head coach and the search and hiring of a new head coach.  Yes, it’s wasteful and it will take the new guy time to re-build or fix whatever is wrong now.  But Hoke has demonstrated he can’t do it at this level and he needs to go. And Hackett needs to make a list of candidates…quickly.

Speaking of New Coaches

Did I say something about new a new coach?  Oh, no….Everyone else did.  I vaguely remember seeing all the stuff regarding who Michigan would get after the Rich Rod dismissal, but to me, anyway, I felt BranDictator’s choice was obvious – He was taking the guy that people thought could bring this program back together which was Hoke when it was clear that Harbaugh and Miles were non-options.  So, there wasn’t as much speculation.  This time…Wow, the list is as long as a line at 3:00 AM outside of Walmart the day after Thanksgiving….

First – Don’t believe anything that’s being said or written unless it has the initials “Sam Webb” after them.  I wanted to get excerptsfrom the article, but couldn’t get it to open. Here’s the link….

Sam seems to know someone inside and right now, the oracle is saying that Hoke is PROBABLY gone, but that decision is still being evaluated and a search for someone to replace him still needs to happen. 

This makes me ill…We’re going to get to watch and see how Gatorland handles their situation at the same time as Michigan is handling theirs.  My feeling is Florida is in the lead right now due to the fact they’ve fired Muschamp, but are letting him coach his last two games.  Gee, what a novel and innovative idea!  Get the kids to rally around the coach and maybe pull an upset off down in Columbus with a spirited try….Otherwise, it’s all elementary.  I guess if we lose to Maryland there will still be time for the pre-rivalry firing???  Michigan is somehow a 5 point favorite in the 3:30 start on Saturday….I hate 3:30 November start times against non-rivalry opponents….they suck.

Florida probably, and I’m guessing here, has already spoken through the back channels to SOMEONE regarding the head coaching position.  That’s how Foley did it before with Urban Legend Meyer, if you can recall back that far.  When the Domers came knocking on Urban’s door at Utah, Florida had just decided to can Ron Zook.  There was no “official” word that Florida had spoken to Meyer, but when the domers called, Urban Legend had to explain that he’d “made another commitment.”  It was a comical affair with the domers coming out of it with “timing and no back channel contact” egg on their face.  I’m sure Foley has a target in mind and that individual is either coaching right now and won’t “leave” his position for Florida until his responsibilities are complete.  Just the way class guys handle it.  Not like Petrino or Graham that leave a note on the door saying, “Thanks, it was great.  I’m outta’ here!”

So, yes, Michigan is once again is probably behind…unless they are way ahead and no one knows it.  Which, I’m guessing is extremely doubtful.

Speaking of Maryland

Last home game of the season and quite possibly, the last home game for many season ticket holders, at least some of the ones that I’ve spoken with, that are all thinking the same thing:  I can get a way better deal through the aftermarket and go to the games I want to go to if I choose to give up my season tickets.   They just aren’t that hard to get and juggling games in the fall is difficult.  Michigan will continue to put fannies in the seats, just not as many as usual.  And wrapping up a season with a home game to Maryland just isn’t a great idea.  That needs to be studied and a better final home game opponent will be necessary in the future schedules. 

Of course, Season Ticket Holders received this (Hackett already at work or other forces that had been telling BranDictator this the entire time?). 



Which now tells us that the cost for the programs is at or below $2 and the cost of a coke and a dog or popcorn is below $5.  Which, duh.  In addition, for anyone that hasn’t “Been on the Field”, Michigan is allowing season ticket holders 30 minutes of field access after the game.  I’m not sure if this is too little too late or if people will actually change their mind and go. 


Come to think of it, the field access is kind of dumb.  Depending on how many fans decide to “Take the field”, it could take 30 minutes just to get them out there.  Hackett’s trying.  I’ll give him credit for that.  But, I dunno…..

Monday, November 17, 2014

It Was a Bye - But So Much Action!

 Where to begin?  How about this:



 






Here’s my entry as an Amateur into the “Siesta Key Sand Castle Crystal Classic!”  You could have up to two people on your sand castle team and up to 5 hours to complete your entry.  Unfortunately, Eann wanted to walk and do a little shopping and told me to “Have Fun!” which, I did.  But these people had no idea that alcohol and football was on at noon.  I did give up a morning of “Game Day” to play in the Sugar Sand of Siesta Key…My entry “Fantasy” was supposed to be a mythical sea creature that roams the ocean with a kingdom of other mystical inhabitants on his back…Looked great in my mind’s eye…not so much in the actual sand.

The winners for the amateurs were right next to me….I shoulda’ done a mermaid…always a crowd pleaser…






Next year, I have to say, if you’re looking for a nice weekend in Florida, this event was a lot of fun to hang out and and just be a beach bum – Great food, music, sun and sand….Again…Just sayin’…




Michigan?

No Michigan stuff to report…Except that Clark Domesitc Abuse Thing…And he’s probably off the team.  Oh, and that Schlissel comment on the football players not meeting academic standards that he later took back after getting the right information.  And the fact that Hackett still hasn’t made a move yet on Brady.  Which, after the Gators canned Muschamp, the Clark stuff….

How can Hoke still be the coach of Michigan? 

Can anyone riddle me that?  Please?

Sigh….I guess we’re in the “Wait and see what happens in these last two games.  But that’s not going to change any of the fans minds or the data and statistics that show a coaching regime that has steadily regressed from the Rich Rod days in terms of offensive performance.  The wins and losses aren’t any better, either.  Yes, defense.  But when you are trying to run a TOP type of offense, well, defense is always going to benefit from that.  But, enough. Let’s get to

The Rest of the Mess

I have to start out with Wiscy’s SUPREME DOMINATION of their newest “Arch Rival” for the “Freedom Trophy” and the fact that the Cornsuckers just didn’t show up.  I mean, Melvin Gordon is a name we all know and rolls off the tips our our collective tongues when it comes to the all_time dominant running backs of the B1G and all of NCAA football….NOT!  But what he did on Saturday (408 yards in only 3 quarters) was a NCAA record!  Ladanian Tomlinson held the prior record at 406 yards….Cornsuckers more or less never knew what hit them….I wonder if Wiscy fans are a little more than pissed that Gordon only got the ball for one carry in the LSU 2nd half?

The Gophers tried to take care of the suckeyes…but it wasn’t meant to be.  I do believe Minnesota gives some other teams fits in the West however….

Penn State – Congrats!  They are Bowl Eligible which is great for that school and Franklin in particular.  I’m happy that the Lions are finally turning a corner on one of the darker periods of that institutions history.  With a rag-tag and scholarship depleted team, no less!

Northwestern…seems like they played somebody that was supposed to kick their butts by like 3 TD’s…Who was that?  Oh, Yesss…..the domers laid the proverbial “Egg” at home in what can only be considered the worst home loss under the B. Kelly coaching regime!  I’m looking for other candidates for “Most embarrassing loss at Domer Stadium under Kelly” and if you have any you want to send in, please do so.  How absolutely wonderful this loss was to watch…in OT no less and with two fumbles to seal the domers fate!!!!

Miss State couldn’t deliver the goods in Tuscaloosa…But no one really expected them to.  Again, this loss was necessary for the great “Everyone has two losses” SEC West master plan…so, that’s okay.  I still think Bama struggles with Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

If you stayed up for FSU and Miami, well, you saw that FSU did it again.  Down early, stayed in the game, and came back and won.  Say what you want about Famous Jameis, but the kid wins.  Wonder who’ll be lucky enough to grab him if he falls in the NFL draft?

And right after beating up on the dick-tripping domers, the Arizona State Sun devils promptly go up and lose as double digit favorites to Oregon State up in Corvalis….It’s the whacky world of college football which eventually leads all fans to

The 5 Stages of Slappy Fan Grief

  1.  Denial and Isolation:  Well…Arizona State has to be here.  After looking like a pretty good candidate to sew up the Pac 12 South Bid…You know those fans are thinking they still have a shot.  Miss State fan is here as well.
  2. ANGER:  MICHIGAN FAN….Still here…AIN’T LEAVING!!!!  The Clark fiasco really needs to reflect on Hoke here to a certain extent.  I mean, we just can’t let that slide.  Cornsuckers HAVE to be here after giving up that many yards on the ground.  Black shirt…What’s that even mean?  Domers are in the angry section in FORCE.  I trolled over to ndnation on Saturday night and the “Fire Kelly” haters were all alive and well.  The domers that can’t stand Kelly want him gone…and they want Harbaugh!  Or Stoops! Or anyone that’s “proven” they can do it at this level…..I just don’t see the Irish paying for Three coaches at once.  Let’s not forget they are still paying Charlie…. 
  3. Bargaining:  I wanna’ say that if your TCU or Baylor, you know you’ve got more than a fair chance of making the Final 4.  And frankly, I still think it should be based on the head to head match-up.  Not some other game against some common opponent.  That’s just dumb…..
  4. Depression:  Michigan would like to welcome the domers, Auburn tigers and unfortunately..the Georgia dawgs with the loss of Gurley….ACL – out for the season.
  5. Acceptance: Everyone STILL sitting at 5 wins figuring out whether or not their team can win 6. 
The MMQ’s Top 10

Okay – Miss State losing makes for an interesting 4th team in….And I’m going to use some of the same logic that the committee is using just to show THEM how screwed up what they’re trying to do with Baylor and TCU is!!!!

  1. Oregon – Mariota for Heismann…Just cause…
  2. FSU- Until they lose…I don’t care how they win.  They’re in the Final 4.
  3. Baylor – They are the best one loss team with the best performance Saturday,
  4. Miss State – Yep – They are still in because they have the better record over tougher opponents.  Bama still not there until they beat Auburn!
  5. Alabama – First team Screwed – even though they won the head to head…If you’re not putting Baylor in, I don’t have to put Bama in….Not convinced they can win out…If they do, they’re in.  Relax Bama Fan….
  6. TCU – Not seeing how they get in….just not seeing it…
  7. Ole Miss – Best 2 loss team out there.
  8. Ohio – Really don’t see how as a 1-loss team from the B1G can make Final 4…lost to Va-Tech hurts…bad
  9. Auburn – Wanted to rank lower….
  10.  

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-You can't Drink All Day....
-Unless you start in the Morning...

-Sand is nicer than snow…
-I mean, yeah, it gets everywhere, but Siesta Key sand is like Powdered Sugar…
-Voted one of the world’s 10 best beaches.
-Hard to argue.
-Unless you like sea shells….
-Not a lot of those here.
-But great sunsets…
-And views.  The views are awesome.
-And, well, you know….Other views…
-Oh wait – I’m supposed to be idle thinking football.
-Yeah, that’s not going to happen right now.
-Nice tiki bar with a view of the ocean…
-Cold Margarita…
-On the rocks…None of that frozen crap….
-Jimmy Buffett would be proud.
-Okay – It’s now snowing in Minnesota
-And they keep showing a Gopher Coach eating a Dilly Bar.
-That’s ice cream…and Gophers for you.

-I really am finding it more and more difficult to not find an excuse at some point and just say, “Screw it.  I’m moving.”
-And looking at the temps and weather in Michigan do that to me…
-I mean, the holidays with snow are nice and all…
-I just want winter to be over on March 1.
-I mean…OVER.
-Okay….Am I really going to watch football here?
-Aren’t there better things to do?
-There’s a party with Sand Castles…
-Yes – That’s better.

The Hot Seat

Barbara Palvin was in a contested battle this week and tied with Emily Ratajkowski.  They had three votes each….so Barbara will still be on the ballot or will need to win another week when she’s not the nominee….And it’s going to be tough this week as the MMQ is rolling out a slightly oldie, but a goodie….UFC Ring Girl Brittany Palmer!!!










Gone List:

  1. Muschamp
  2. Weiss
  3. Jones
  4. Others….


Hot Seat Rank

Brady Hoke – It’s a foregone conclusion…         

  1. Beckman:  He’s got problems….
  2. Hazell:  Purdue beat Illinois….
  3. Norm Chow:  Hawaii. 
  4. Mike London:  Needs wins…

FMQ

Man….I was this close to making some money this past weekend…And again, it just didn’t work out perfect.  Oh well….That’s life in the Big City…

Nebraska @ Wisconsin (-6):  Take Nebraska and the 6 for $50

OUCH!!!!!   LOSE BAD……

Ohio @ Minnesota (+12):  Take ohio and lay the 12 for $50

DOUBLE OUCH!!!! I should have taken the Gophers….LOSE….

Miss State @ Bama (-7):  Take Miss State and the 7 for $50

WIN!  Bank $95

FSU @ Miami (+2.5):  Take FSU and lay the 2.5 for $50

WIN!!! Bank $95

Parlay ALL (4 way Parlay pays 12-1)

FSU-Nebraska-Ohio-Miss State   - $30

LOSE!!!

Starting Bank:           $306
Total win:                   $190

Bank:                          $496

BONUS SAND CASTLE PHOTOS!!!