It's OVER....Except For the Flea Bag Bowls

Where to begin on this Monday of the first ever CFP?

Should we discuss how either Baylor or TCU got screwed?  (They didn’t)

Should we mention that as Michigan Fans, we received the ultimate slap in the face with ohio making it into the Final 4?  After all, Michigan was in that game with 5 minutes left…

Should I mention that the B1G is sending 10 out of its 16 teams to a bowl…And Michigan AIN’T one of them?

Should I talk about the fact that things out of Ann Arbor with a coaching search going on are quiet….Too Quiet for many. 

 

Or should I just sort of start ticking them off the list till I’m done?

Why Not?

The CFP

First, when the CFP was announced and the announcement was “It’s gonna’ be 4 teams”, every football fan said, “How’s THAT going to work?”  Yes, in the past we’ve looked at the winners of two of the “Big 4” bowl games and said, “Gee, wouldn’t it have been great if there could have been ONE MORE GAME between X and Y??  That would be awesome!!!”  So, TPTB decided that 4 teams made logical sense and how hard would it be to pick those 4 teams with a selection committee at the end of the season?

Answer:  A helluva’ a lot hard than anyone suspected. 

College Football is funny.  Teams build momentum throughout the season and some are capable of carrying that into the bowls.  The committee was supposed to pick the 4 teams that had the resume (wins) to back them up and then also decide, subjectively, if there was someone more deserving than someone else.  Well, we got what we wanted.  And it wasn’t too far off what we all suspected:  The Big12 without a Conference Championship game got hosed. 

After watching ohio decimate the “Fraudgers” (Which, btw, How are all the Gophers and cornsuckers feeling right about now after watching the team that decimated you get DESTROYED by ohio’s 3^rd string QB?) the committee, laden with Barry Alvarez and Tom Osborne overtones, according to insider reports, did the only thing they could do:  They took the Big Name Blue Blood from the Biggest MONEY conference there is and gave them the 4^th spot. 

And, frankly….It was the right decision.

When figuring out who the best is between TCU, Baylor and ohio on the following: SOS, Winning Margin, Conference Champs, and OVERALL Wins, what is the answer?

Ohio in all cases. 

I know I was banging the Baylor drum for a long time.  But, even the Big12 and Bowlsby screwed up promoting Baylor so badly that it was a nightmare for the committee.  The committee was subjectively looking at TCU beating baby seals saying they were “the best Big12 team”.  Bowlsby and the Big12 should have been pumping Baylor a lot earlier and a lot harder due to the head to head.   But, Bowlsby weaseled out and announced “Co-Champs” in the hopes that somebody(s) would fall out of the top 4 on Championship Weekend.  Not a bad strategy…until it is a bad strategy. 

I do want everyone to think about this:  Would the Big12 be represented if we were dealing with a usual Big12 season with Texas and Oklahoma tied for the Championship?  Would ohio have weaseled its way in then? 

Think about it!!!

In summary, I love the chaos.  And as soon as the SEC or the B1G or one of the Power 5 that matters doesn’t make the Final 4, the CFP will inch its way up and go to 6 teams, with the 3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5 play in at the home field of the better team.  I’m sticking with my original estimate of 3-4 years and this will happen.  Maybe sooner, but doubtful. 

What will be the outrage then?  Well, the fight for the 6^th slot, obviously. But those play in games will probably happen at the home fields of the 3^rd and 4^th ranked teams.  Generating TONS OF REVENUE.  Both gate and television.  And the 1 and 2 ranked schools are going to say, “WTF!!!!  We’re Numbers 1 and 2 and we’re not seeing a DIME on our home turf!!!!”  And THEN, the CFP number will quickly grow to 8 teams and four additional games on home turf. 

Mark the MMQ’s words….It’ll happen.  Follow the money.  And that will bring about the slow and eventual demise of a bloated, antiquated “tradition” of the Flea Bag Bowls….

The Bowls

39 Bowl Games.  No, I can no longer name them all.  Stopped trying a couple of years ago when my daughters would ask.  What I do ABSOLUTELY LOVE about the CFP is that this nonsense should all come to a slow death at some point in the near future.  The final games of this college sport, that is supposed to be about amateurism, has turned into an 78 team/school money grab for 39 cities all over the USA and the Bahamas.  Yes, the Bahamas has a bowl game.  Why not?  I’d go just because it’s different.  Have Fun Chippewas!!!!

Here’s your bowl lineup guide with dates, times and of course, the MMQ Puke Factor!!!  It’s either feast or famine this season with about a dozen worthwhile games to watch and then….whatever…. (Click to make this BIGGER!!!!) 

I do hate the fact that schools have to pay to go in most cases and most of the schools end up losing money, even with the television deals, due to the fact that housing a D1 football team for 10-12 days over the holidays in an exotic locale requires a fairly large budget.  Not to mention that the schools have to guarantee so many sold tix to the greedy and corrupt bowl promoters, etc, etc, etc.

Playoffs on campus are going to open everyone’s eyes as to what this sport could become.  And the Bowls will go the way of the dodo.  Which, I’m okay with.

And Sparty…Would you just relax?  I’ve never seen so much emotion as to whether or not you play in Miami or Dallas.  No, you didn’t get “snubbed”  Delaney and TPTB saw to it that by moving you over to the Cotton, all 10 B1G Eligible teams got a bowl game.  Get over it.  BYU will probably kick your buts anyway…and you really didn’t want to play Georgia Tech, either. 

Biggest Bowl Snub?  Eh…hard to say.  Again, if you’re not on New Year’s day or New Year’s eve….does it really matter?  And if you are, does it matter anymore which one you play in? 

B1G Chances?  Even to poor to come out better than 0.500.  They don’t match up very well in key games.  Could be another season where everyone is bashing the B1G.  But, again, whatever.

The Harbaugh Watch

I normally don’t watch a lot of NFL on Sunday, but I do sit through the Lions and I will occasionally watch the other game as well.  But when I saw that San Fran lost to the lowly Raiders…and Woodson made the final INT, no less…I wondered….yes, I wondered if Bo was sending a message to Jimmy.  I couldn’t help but smile and wondered if Jimmy was smiling just a little inside also. 

The reports are all over the place.  Summary:  College oriented people think Jimmy is going back to Michigan and NFL people are saying “no way”, he’s staying in the NFL, just not San Fran.  Whatever the case, the San Fran days are clearly NUMBERED.  Meaning, for as much as he says he DOESN’T think about his future, Jimmy needs to start noodling on it a little.  And he knows it.

AS far as what I wrote on Friday, again, my apologies.  Cowherd is and will forever remain in the Drew Sharp Ass-Hat Hall of Shame for Reporters that only have a job because they have because no one else will take them. 

But for the record, I think I could live with Kirby Smart as the head coach. 

In the meantime regarding all the other rumors:  I’ve got nothin’…and neither does anyone else.  Webb is less optimistic about Harbaugh, but that could be just issues they need to deal with.  Other rumors are just that, rumors.  And I’m done commenting on rumors. 

For now….

BTN Mt. Rushmore

If you are a watcher of the BTN, you’ve probably seen this.  Go to the BTN and vote.  Here’s my vote for the Michigan Mt. Rush more with, you know, reasons.

I have Woodson over Harmon only because Woodson was the first defensive player to win it.  And everyone remembers who won the Heisman in 1997.  In fact, he’s the top play in the Top 10 Plays as voted on by the Fans….

Obviously, I went the semi-Heisman route, completing my ranking with Anthony (who finished 4^th in his somewhat disappointing senior season) and Desmond who won the trophy, but didn’t stay for his Senior Season.  Why not Des in front of Anthony?  You don’t remember 1979?  Okay…I’ll let the coach ‘splain it to you…

Yes, I know Desmond had “The Pose”.  And this catch, too…..

So I had to flip a coin.  And that’s why Anthony is third….

Go out to theBTN and vote for your own Mt. Rushmore for your team.  Results out on December 12th.

http://btn.com/michigan-footballs-mount-rushmore/

The Rest of the Mess

I’m not sure which team laid the biggest egg over the weekend, but the contenders are:  Arizona, Wiscy and Oklahoma are all in the running.  Rich Rod and the Cheeseheads and the conspiracy theories abound on twitter:  Delaney telling Alvarez to tell Wiscy to throw the game so ohio is in the FF.  Didn’t happen, and whatever.  But the interesting screw up is Oklahoma.  Stoops seat was ALREADY WARM and I’m sure that heated it up more.  Not only that, but the Sooners losing had more to do with ohio getting in the Final 4 than the trouncing ohio put on Wiscy.  Yes, that had an impact, but suddenly, both Baylor and TCU had one less “Top 25” Scalp on their resumes.   That was a disaster of a loss for the Big 12.  And takes the MMQ award.

Slappy Fan Grief will return Next Season!!!!

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-Wow…Rich Rod just not ready for this Defense…

-And Rich Rod teams can usually score.

-So sad….The beginning of chaos didn’t happen…

-Mizzou hanging tough…

-Yes, it was targeting…Tough loss for Mizzou early….

-Bama ground game just too much. 

-God, what is Wiscy doing? 

-At least Georgia Tech giving them a game…

-Wiscy…Are you just laying down?

-Did Barry call in and say don’t even try?

-WTF!!! 

-Well, how bad is the B1G West?

-And how are Nebraska and the Gophers feeling about now?

-That was an embarrassment.

-FSU hangs on.

-Wonder who’s in now?

-TCU beat a baby seal, so big deal.

-Uh-oh….look out.  The Sooners might go down!!!

-Unbelievable!  Stoops is definitely feeling pressure now.

-He may just be fed up there.

-Fans probably are.  

-But who would they get?

-Wonder who Michigan’s going to get?

-Stupid Cowherd.  I will never post another thing that guy says…

-Should have known better.

-But another tweet from different source made it seem so real….

-Anyway…Selection Sunday.

-And Michigan’s worst fears realized:  Urban Legend in FF.

-!@#$%$%@#$%@

-At least they have to play Bama…

-And they lose….

The Hot Seat

And the Hot Seat Bracket for 2014 is HERE!!!  I know I said I was going to get it out last week, but things got busy.  So, here it is.  And the voting times and dates are noted below:

Event                         Ending Vote Date

First Round               Monday, December 15^th

Elite 8                         Friday December 19^th

Final 4                        Tuesday, January 6^th

Final!                          Monday, January 12th

So you have until next Monday to get the vote out for the Elite 8!!!  Looking forward to seeing those results!!!

Coach Watch

Florida and Nebraska have made their bed.  Michigan, for good or bad, as noted above, is still cipherin’.  I’m anxious, but time can be a good and bad thing in these issues.  We’ll see….

FMQ Will Come Out Wednesday!  Need to Noodle on the Bowls!!!

The FMQ - Coaching Prediction TIME!!!

Touchdown Tommy Stealing a Page From Peyton

Not that he needs the money mind you, but I have a feeling that TTB and Peyton must have a little side action going on who can make the most outrageous commercial…Peyton is still way in the lead mind you, but with a couple more like this, Touchdown Tommy Brady could be closing in on the title!

Death Not An Option Voting Closed!

I didn’t push it too much because I really wanted to see what would happen.  38 of you voted and it would appear that Florida is the strong favorite (with 18 votes) as the program that Michigan fans would trade its own for, right now.  And PSU was another program (with 12 votes) that had been in the dumpster and looks better than Michigan, right now, at least from the fan’s view point.  Which, wow…I have to take all the baggage with that trade and there are people that would have happily traded all the crap that PSU has been through to get rid of where Michigan stands at this point in time?  That’s severe…and should be given some careful thought.  At least nobody thought Texas would be a good trade…But I could argue that Texas is now in better position than anyone to return to glory. 

So, what is that telling us?  Granted, it’s a small sample size.  But statistically, I’m betting that’s a pretty good cross section of opinions.  And it tells me that the average fan can see good decisions and better promotion of the other institutions’ brands and support for their teams than Michigan has done for the last 5 – 10 years.  That’s saying something about programs that have the same won-loss football record as Michigan.  It’s saying a lot.   

If Florida makes the right hire (That should have been a BIG IF), I believe they can solve quite a few of their offensive woes immediately. The right hire should bring the fans back and voila, problem solved in Gatorland. Penn State got the chance to give an enema to the entire shit-house and flushed it clean, and that seems to be bringing about some positive results in the eyes of some of the fans.  Michigan has gone from one bad coaching hire (or rather, an AD and support staff that didn’t properly support the first coaching hire after Lloyd) to another hire (by a crappier AD) that they supported with the highest paid coordinators in all of college football, and they are still not getting it done on the field.  So I can see the fans concerns…which are the same as mine.  What next?

A SAVIOR is required….but who?

Harbaugh: Enigma Surrounded by Mystery wrapped up in a Riddle

Wojo’s latestDetroit News Column sums up the Harbaugh situation nicely.  I had already written most of mine, but Ifigure I’d link to his as he has a more positive conclusion than the ‘oleMMQ   Angelique Chengelis also tweeted that the one and only Lloyd Carr (Anyone but Les Miles) has verbally thrown his support of bringing Jimmy back to Ann Arbor.  Huh…I really thought Lloyd had left the building a while ago….

All that said:  I’m having some real difficulty seeing Jimmy come back.  But I’m changing my “NEVER” position to “Definite Maybe.”

Why have I been so vehement in my opinion that there was no way Harbaugh was coming back?  For the reasons listed below, mainly, but for many others not mentioned, too.

-The bridge(s) have been burned

-Nasty statements made about the University of Michigan where he once played

-He and Lloyd didn’t/don’t see eye to eye

-His wife “likes San Fran”….whatever…she only spends it, she doesn’t make it…

-And the fact that he was enjoying the NFL life, the time and the luxuries that go with that would keep any sane mind (That was successful in the NFL, mind you) from coming back. 

As far as the first three go….well, maybe time in fact does heal all wounds.  And maybe Michigan LOSING heals them a hell of a lot faster and makes Lloyd Carr’s opinion a non-issue.  So, forget about those for the moment.  I want to address the one that I thought was the real deal breaker:  The NFL lifestyle and the NFL analysts favorite statement:  “Successful Pro-coaches don’t go back to college.”

But when I look at a random list of coaches that have come back from the “Not For Long” organization and see what they did – were they a bust or did they enjoy a level of success in college:

Nick Saban – National Title

Pete Carrol – National Title

Cam Cameron (OC for LSU) – Success….

Charlie Weiss - BUST

Lane Kiffin - ????? (success and bust?)

Steve Spurrier – Success, but no National Title AFTER returning…

Mike Riley –  A little Success….at Oregon State…AND NOW ON TO NEBRASKA!!!

Lou Holtz – I DIDN’T KNOW EITHER!  Coached the Jets in 1976…One Season – National Title

Butch Davis – Success?????

Bobby Petrino - ????  Let’s face it-He doesn’t wreck a motorcycle and he’s still at Arkansas and who knows???

Rich Brooks – Success – Kentucky…

It’s amazing how quickly you could conclude then, without even having to look too closely, that if you were successful in college, went to the NFL, and came back…it gives you an edge.  Charlie Weiss is definitely in the head scratching column of, “Huh…it should have worked”.  But for every rule there’s an exception and Charlie puts a point on it, so to speak.  And I’m not sure Charlie ever coached at the collegiate level before he went to the pros (I’m not looking it up but I don’t think he did)…so he didn’t know what he was doing, which was self-evident.  The only problem with this list:  All of the coaches here sort of sucked in the NFL…Except for Weiss.  Go figure.

So, it would seem then that Harbaugh may find the glory he seeks at the collegiate level a whole lot EASIER than it will be to achieve in the NFL.  I’m convinced that if you put together a good program at the collegiate level, you’ve got a better shot at the “Big One” success.  I’m sure that’s a big part of the reason that Urban Meyer decided, “One more time!” at ohio. 

Don’t let the whole façade of “I don’t think about tomorrow” that Harbaugh’s putting out there fool you, either.  He’s carefully manipulating his way to his next gig because it’s clear even to him that the management at the 49ers is fed up and ready for a change.  But, is it better to walk away, get traded to another NFL franchise (that isn’t of your choosing), or get fired and grab the NFL gig (or college gig) that you really want?  There’s ways to do everything.  Jim’s probably one step away from getting the boot due to a cleverly crafted rant against a game official, or his team’s lousy performance, setting him free.  Depending on the outcome of the Niners regular season, of course.

Based on this and some other evidence, not to mention that I’m sure Jimmy’s ego and over-inflated opinion of himself is getting stroked in all the right ways by everyone who wants him to come back…Well, let’s just say I’m starting to let myself believe…a little.  Wojo is at 40%...I’m not quite that high.  Maybe 20-25%?  Again, I won’t be surprised at all if Jimmy just says no.  Move along.  Michigan and I are done…for the next 10 years at least.

Where does that leave us?  Who knows….All the names are getting bandied about by the usual talking heads.  Gatorland has finally figured out its $7.5M problem with McElwain, which, okay…but that’s a lot to spend for a flash in the pan that has only done it for 2 years…But I guess Foley is a craps player and likes to roll dem bones!!!!

Nebraska took very little risk and went with Mike Riley from OSU, and I’m personally not entirely sure about that hire….And, yes, I will admit that this seems eerily familiar…Solich, a 5 season 9-10 games a year winner gets canned and Nebraska brings in a former pro coach…Callahan.  Who absolutely sucked…and Pelini replaced and now back to Riley, a former pro-coach with an extremely questionable record but a great personality…Isn’t that what they say about someone if you ask them what they look like?

Editor’s Note:  for the record – I can’t stand Colin Cowherd and hate to even put anything out on my blog that he’s opining about. But there’s this (and additional evidence supporting that there may be some truth behind it):

Colin Cowherd is Tweeting on Twitter with a “Source” (one of the coaching vetting - hiring firms) that says Michigan will announce their coach this weekend (And it’s a coach who IS IN FACT COACHING THIS WEEKEND) and it’s not a guy that’s on a board anywhere, but that all the fans will be pleasantly surprised and even excited about.  Soooo excited, that we’ll all say “Of course!  Why didn’t we think of that!”  I’ve got NO IDEA who ANY individual is that would make me think or say that.  Right now, anyone is going to be more of a, “We’ll see!” reaction from me.  IF Cowherd’s source is accurate (And I don’t believe it for a second that he actually has a source that would tell him ANYTHING Legitimate – even if he had one) and IF I had to guess:  Think of Offensive or Defensive Coordinators or possibly….Bedlam?  My “SMART” Money is on a

coordinator and a name that hasn’t been thrown around a lot in this coaching search go around….If in fact we can believe CC….  ”The Nussmeir connection?”  Think about it…..Not saying it would be a terrible hire…But is it the one that gets me to re-new my season tickets?

In any event, Harbaugh, Smart…Whoeva’, IMHO there’s no way Michigan (Hackett) can whiff as badly as Nebraska and they probably won’t gamble as much as Florida….Leaving us with….I dunno’…

Championship Week’s Picks!!!

Arizona vs. Oregon (-15.5):  Interesting spread. I had the Ducks at about two TDs in my head based on their average points/game vs. the Wildcats avg. pts/game.  So, I see what Vegas did.  I just wonder if Rich Rod has made the adjustments he needs to make and if Mariota is going to make a final statement to win the Heisman.  I guess it boils down to what you believe about the Ducks and what they can do to a team in the 4^th quarter…..but it is the Championship….Crap….

Take Arizona and the 15.5 for $40

Wiscy vs. ohio (+4):  Another interesting spread.  Two teams that will try to play ball control.  One team (Wiscy) that can be Jekyll and Hyde when it comes to their QB….But with an awesome RB that may just treat ohio’s D like swiss cheese.  Michigan had it’s 4^th highest point total of the season against ohio.  First start for the 3^rd string QB….If I’m a suckeye….I’m nervous.

Take Wiscy and lay the 4 for $60

Georgia Tech vs. FSU (-4):  Every time Paul Johnson is on the verge of getting canned, he goes and rips off a 10 win season – and beats Georgia.  The Yellow-jackets have a quirky offense capable of putting points on the board and keeping the ball away from Famous Jameis.  My guess is the Seminole’s ride just might be over Saturday….But they could still win a close one!  Therefore:

Take Georgia Tech and the 4 for $60

Mizzou vs. Alabama (-14.5):  This spread surprised me a little…I was actually thinking it would be around the 17-21 mark, but I guess Bama doesn’t kick many field goals.  The question is:  Can Pinkell devise a game plan for Matty Mauk that keeps the ball away from the Bama offense and score enough points to keep it close?  I hate to doubt Gary, as he did let me down last year against Auburn.  But, the pressure is on Bama….

Take Mizzou and the 14.5 for $30

Oklahoma St. @ Oklahoma (-21):  Another surprising spread for a rivalry game.  And I know, it’s not a championship….It’s not even a difference maker in the Big 12…but it’s Bedlam, fergodsakes!!!!

I like OKIE STATE getting 21 for $30

Huh….Have you ever looked at your bet sheet and said to yourself, “Jeez….I want to change my mind on EVERYTHING!!!”  I just had one of those moments….

Parlay: 

Mizzou – GT-Arizona-Wiscy   $30 pays $400

Bank:   $498

Total Bet:  $250

Bank:             $248

Thank You Brady Hoke - Here We Go Again...

Okay – This post is going to cover a lot of topics – and no, the MMQ hasn’t lost his mind…It’s just the way my head works sometimes.

Hopefully you’re having a big lunch at your desk!!!!

Thank You Brady

Let me say this first:  What a breath of fresh air the Hackett Press Conference was.  I really think Hackett is the kind of guy that you “immediately believe” is telling the truth and speaking from the heart.  From the first few minutes of calm nervousness until he started rolling, you got the sense that this guy is going to do what’s right for Michigan and more importantly, he’s going to do it with the Michigan Fan in mind.  And he’s going to do it honestly and above board, in as much as he can do that.

That being said, I believed him when he said that letting Hoke go was an extremely difficult and solemn decision and that Brady was a hero of the program.  Yep, Brady is a hero and if you’ve read any literature, well, you usually know what happens to heroes….He did everything for the program but the one thing that matters:  Win.

One of the more interesting points Hackett made was he wished he would have had more time with Brady and been able to give him the support he needed.  Which, sounded a LOT LIKE a great big ole slap in the face of BranDictator.  Meaning the AD should be somewhat involved in the day to day activities of his coaches, but in a constructive and supportive fashion. 

Another great analogy Hackett had was this:

"I believe the head coach of Michigan football is one of the finest jobs in American sports today," Hackett said. "And we will have great options. The University of Michigan remains one of the top programs in the country. Now, it's true the pendulum has swung into a negative. However, one truth of physics is that when a pendulum is in a negative state, it's always building energy for its eventual move back to a positive arc."

Hackett went on to say some other stuff, but then, frankly, caught the ole MMQ off guard when Hackett perked up at a reporter’s question about finding a Michigan Man to coach Michigan, and Hackett replied, and I quote:  “I want to get rid of the term “Michigan Man”…

Uh….Wait a Minute…Hold On There, Jim...What?

The rest (with the MMQ comments thrown in):

"There are three reasons," Hackett said.

1) "One, we live in a world where no business or anyone would talk about just men in it." 

Well – Yeah.  I mean, even a Michigan faithful female can be considered a “Michigan Man”…Ask Softball Coach Hutchins about that…..

2) "Second, the guy who said that, Bo Schembechler, one of my mentors and heroes, did so when he was being challenged about a coach being recruited somewhere else. And he meant he wanted the person who was at Michigan to be the coach."

Understood.  But never the less, Mr. Hackett, I think Bo was speaking about the integrity and heart of the individual that would be coaching Michigan and FRIEDER WASN’T IT!!!!

3) "And third, here's what it means. If you cut open the soul of people that are 'Michigan Men,' so to speak, you'd first find selflessness. This is the point about how we stand for the team. The second thing is the ability to win, to be competitive, the competitive spirit. In my lifetime, we knew we had to work really hard. It wasn't arrogance. We want to continue the legacy of what's been great from a value standpoint. This place does not need to cut corners to win. You come here, you know you're signing up to be the best in the world without any kind of shenanigans."

Okay.  So, we’re on the same page here.  I’m still going to leave the name of my blog as the “MichiganManMMQ” and not try to find another available label out there.  I still think we can use the term, but we can use it to mean what, frankly, I’ve always thought it meant:  Exactly what Hackett described above.  Excellence at Michigan, with heart, soul and keeping the competitive spirit alive.  

#saveMichiganMan – It’s not Arrogance!!!!

So, Hackett handled the presser pretty well.

The things I’m thankful for about Brady:

1.  Letting Denard do what Denard did so well, finally, after finding religion in the 4^th quarter of “Under the Lights I”
2. “I think Notre Dame is just a bunch of Chickens….”
3. “So I told Gibbons to think of Brunettes instead of Blondes….”
4. “There’s one game Michigan needs to win…we need to beat ohio.”
5. “This Michigan, for God’s sake….”

The things I’m not gonna’ miss about the Hoke regime:

1.  “Well….”
2. “This is a Big Boy business…”
3. “I’m here to tell you that we had a really great week of practice…”
4. “What’s a spread punt?”
5. “I was aware…but not fully aware.”
6. “That’s on me.  We need to do a better job of coaching….”
7. “10 men on the field for special teams is unacceptable.  That’s on me.”
8. “I didn’t see the hit.”

A lot of Michigan players weighed in and Angelique Chengelis did a good job of compiling them into a summary. In short, great guy, father figure, did things the right way….Just didn’t win. 

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2014/12/02/brady-hokes-firing-upsets-former-michigan-players/19808475/

Thanks Brady.  I hope you land on your feet wherever you end up.

Editors Note:  The MMQ forgot to mention one for the Greatest Irony Ever Column:  Rich Rod named Pac12 Coach of the Year!!!   So, maybe it is Michigan??? 

MMPG – Michigan Holds On Over The ‘Cuse!!!

If you didn’t see it, you missed a really good one!  This game had the feel of a “Final 4”, perhaps because Michigan played Syracuse in 2013 in the Final 4!!!  And Michigan pre-vailed again in the re-match.  SPIIIIIKE Albrecht was phenomenal and was dishing the ball like a mad man!  Irvin, LeVert and Doyle all contributed to the hard fought (And POORLY REFFED!!!) victory! IF you didn’t see it, do yourself a favor and go to MHoops.com and check out some highlights!  I really enjoy the ACC – B1G Challenge every season and really enjoy it when the B1G takes ownership of the challenge. 

An Open Letter to the CFP Committee:

As an avid fan of College Football, I see the value of “Wins” in big games, especially when the victory goes to the team that may not have been the favorite to win.  However, if the favored team happens to have a bad game on that particular day, that’s simply part of the game.  And that part of the game needs to be recognized and honored. 

To deny a team, with an identical record that BEAT THE BETTER TEAM, as you perceive it, a chance to play for the national title is not only wrong, but I would ask you:  Why even play the games at all?  Why not just let teams run plays at each other for 60 minutes every week, track the stats (and not the score) and then take the 4 best “stats” teams at the end of the year and put them in the play-off?

Committee:  Please do not make the first CFP a comical farce by stating that “TCU is the better team” because they have better statistics, better common team wins, whatever. 

Baylor BEAT TCU. 

And frankly, that should be all that matters.

Thanks for your time,

The MMQ

This isn’t the Conference Championship you’re looking for. 

I had to go back and look up the last time Michigan won a Big Championship outright.  By the way, I know I’ve said it before but it bears repeating:  I love the Bentley Library.  So much stuff out there to just kill an afternoon sifting through…

So, it was 2003….Which I kind of remember as being a weird season and I may be a little fuzzy on the details, but I think that was an off year for ohio and Michigan had locked up the B1G before the Game, if I’m not mistaken.  I would need to look that up to be 100% sure, but I think that was the case.

Since then…nada. Yes, there was the 2006 “Sniffage” but there are no moral victories and Henne and company should have beat ohio that season and played for the MNC.  And since the Horror of 2007…well, the darkness has lingered.  Okay, 2011, which, yeah….I’m glad that happened for that group of kids and I wished they could have clinched a B1G title. 

I once wrote about what would take longer:  Michigan winning a National Title again in Hoops or sparty vying for a B1G Title in Football.   Sparty won that one even though Michigan made a NCAA Championship Final Game….Here’s another one:  What will happen first.  Michigan wins a B1G Title or the MMQ loses his ever lovin’ mind because of all this? 

I’d say it’s 50-50 at this point….

Speaking of The Coaching Search(es)

Here’s the Coaching Matrix I put together earlier in the season.  I’m finding this to be a very handy reference and will continue to use it.  So, I’ve highlighted the coaches who’ve been canned in red and shifted some colors on some of the Green to yellow, some of the white to yellow, and some of the yellow to Green.

That leaves us with this….Along with everyone else that’s searching for a name to put in those red boxes out there. 

Assuming you’d only gamble on yellow coaches (and also assuming that Green coaches simply AREN’T LEAVING A GOOD THING WHEN THEY HAVE IT!  - Mullen excluded from that statement), it’s kind of a narrow list.  When I pulled up my short list from earlier in the season, it was this:

Cam Cameron (Odds:  75-1)

Scott Schafer (Odds:  150-1)

Jim Harbaugh (Odds:  200-1) This one is weird.  I’m going to have to dedicate an entire post to Harbaugh based on some things I’ve seen on Twitter and some stuff that’s been eavesdropped.  I’ll say this:  The odds on Jimmy being the next Head Coach at Michigan may NOT be as long as I think they are.  Which…okay, don’t get excited yet.

Kevin Wilson (Odds:  300-1  I should raise the odds as IU just re-upped his contract)

Kyle Whittingahm (Odds:  500-1  I’m changing the odds on Kyle  200-1  maybe even 150-1)

Greg Schiano (Odds:  ????-1)  I hate that I have this name on here…but so be it.

I guess you could add some names here and not look like a complete idiot, because I really don’t have a clue as to what this AD is thinking at this point:

Dan Mullen (150-1):  Dan’s nobody’s fool.  He even said it:  10 wins at any other school is a season to remember.   At MSU it’s a season to forget and say what could have been…He’ll probably take the right offer.  But Nebraska is going to be going after someone, also.  Frost?????

Brett Beliema (400-1):  Why?  I dunno….Maybe he’s had enough of the SEC…

Jim Tressel (DON’T LAUGH….Stupider things have happened….500-1)

Jim McElwain (Colorado State – 500-1) Did you know this guy has a $7.5M buyout?  AT CSU????

Butch Jones (300-1):  Maybe the Ferris State grad and Michigan Native’s dream job, even though he didn’t go to Uof M?   Tennessee buyout tricky and they are probably going to bust their butts to keep him there….

Bo Pelini (400-1):  Come on…I know it’s not realistic, hence the odds….But he’s out there….and he’s proven he can win 9 games a season….

Really Stupid Names….

Bob Stoops, Les Miles

There…I put them down, but neither one is happening.

So, where does that leave Michigan?  I’m not sure.  But my guess is they will be getting 2^nd or 3^rd picks after Nebraska (who’s probably looking at Oregon OC Frost) and Florida (Who knows???  I’m surprised they haven’t made a move already – That was yesterday.  McElwain and Foley have spoken.  No puff of white smoke yet from Gatorland’s chimney). 

Here’s something to keep in mind in this search:  Michigan has now brought in commits that are not “spread” guys.  I’m not saying they can’t play the spread or an up-tempo offense, it’s just that Hoke was clearly trying to do something he’d never really been successful at elsewhere- running power football a-la Stanford.  But, Stanford is Stanford.  Now, if you bring in someone that’s more spread oriented, which like all of college football is today, well, it’s not back to the drawing board, but it’s rebuilding time….again.  And when Michigan hired Hoke, I pleaded and begged that he would keep Rich Rod’s offense somewhat intact and just fix the Damn Defense…But no….Hoke immediately told Borges to tear up the play book and start his own offensive scheme…

Sigh….

I don’t know where we’re going….But I sure know where we’ve been….Here we go again….

(I love ‘80s “Hair Bands”….Guilty Pleasure…Sue Me!)

Haven't We All Seen This Before?

Why so late for a Monday???  I was holding out for the press conference that never came.  I was hoping against hope that the news would report that Brady was gone.  I was letting myself believe that I could write great things about the accomplishments that Brady had and how we would miss his “folksy”, Big-Boy style, but at the same time, I wouldn’t miss his clumsiness with words, his stubbornness and complete lack of ability in front of a group of people.   I was waiting….

But it hasn’t happened.  Which means, Michigan might be stuck with this guy for one more year….or more?  Can that even be possible in today’s collegiate football world and in the search for excellence that Michigan is conducting? But I shouldn’t get too far ahead of myself….

I’m gonna’ confess:  I let myself get excited Saturday.  Even after the opening 2^nd play from the line of scrimmage interception, after which I think I could hear the entire state of Michigan mutter the “Queen-Mother of all Swear Words”.

I let myself believe when Funchess made that early catch.  There was a chance.  Michigan could come out swinging, hit them early and hit them hard and there would be a chance.  There was a chance with 5 minutes left…and then the wheels came completely off….

And really, I think we were all expecting that.  Yes, it took until the last 5 minutes of the game…in fact, I had texted that “I think Michigan is going to cover” the 21 points…and suddenly, in the time it took to use the restroom and grab a beer, Michigan was down 21 and NOT COVERING…..This is something we expected…and we’ve seen it before. 

Michigan lost.  But the game was nearly a microcosm of the Brady Hoke Era:  Michigan started out with a bang (Hoke’s first season was 11-2) and then the middle of the game started looking shaky (an 8 win followed by a 7 win season)…to be followed by what can only be described as a completely and inexplicably blown play (this 4^th season should have produced positive results – inexplicably it didn’t resulting in a 5-7 final record) and more bed-crapping by Gardner and others….

The Game 2014 was, frankly, the perfect ending…to a movie we’ve all seen before.

Brandon was a relatively new AD at the time when Rich Rod was crapping the bed…But the Rod made a bowl game giving Brandon the excuse to wait on the firing and saving the University a cool $1M clams…Hackett, on the other hand, doesn’t have the luxury of that excuse.  Still, there’s no word out of Ann Arbor.  I was kind of waiting to post this and hoping that Monday’s presser would reveal some information or insight as to what can be expected.

I’ve been saying that Hoke’s firing is a foregone conclusion….Butttt…..And that’s not a Jake Butt….

With plenty of time to look at what’s happened, why hasn’t a decision been made?  I don’t like it….not one little bit.

Florida has acted.

NEBRASKA has acted.

Hell, Even ILLINOIS and INDIANA ACTED BY SAYING BECKMAN and WILSON are STAYING!!!!

Recruits and more importantly, fans that support your program and buy tickets, see that.  And right now, there hasn’t been much of anything to see at Michigan.  That’s a problem.  And it needs to be fixed….right now.

I’m starting to sense that Schlissel may not have the stomach to be a Big Time Athletics University President.  He should have had the wherewithal to understand that taking this position at Michigan was going to require athletics time commitment and making sure that was handled in a proper fashion.  If he didn’t know that or isn’t going to work on it…I’m not sure where Michigan goes from here.

The fact that Hackett’s title may change from interim to permanent also brings me absolutely no comfort whatsoever.  We’ve been down the CEO-AD path too many times…Sailboat Bill, BranDictator….Haven’t we seen this movie before?

And there’s good ‘ole Rich Rod out there fighting for a Pac12 Championship at Arizona…The guy Michigan canned because he didn’t know what defense was (and…the Josh Groban thing , among other issues, was unforgivable) is now about to vie for the first Final 4 in the CFP.  Yep, he figured out he needs some defense….   And the guy were gonna’ keep is swirling downward in a whirlpool of old style “power” football that has such a miserable chance of success in today’s college game that even Satan realized he needed to change and evolve….I dunno’ what the deal with Michigan is…The search for excellence seems to be all words at this point.

This Literally Just In (10:10AM):  Drake Johnson did tear his ACL….Drake had become the one bright spot in an otherwise dismal season….and now he’s going to miss Spring Practice…

I think I’ve said before that life would be so much easier if I wasn’t a fan and didn’t care so much.  That I could walk around and not care about the calendar in the fall…not care about who was going where…But, I can’t.  I’ve accepted that fact.  But I’ve also accepted the fact that I don’t have to love it with all my heart anymore.  I’ve finally learned that Michigan Football, to steal a well-used phrase, is never going to love me back.  I’ve learned that winning is a gift and you need to cherish the times when your team is doing well.  And get through the rest….Through the rest of the times when your team is abusing you like this….

Yes, you just try and survive the on-slaught of hate….

Yes, a sad entry for the last regular season Monday, but what else did you expect?

The Rest of the Mess

The domers …hee-hee!  Misery LOVES company and this team has just completed the worst slide of ANY domer team ever in history.  And they dotted the I with an embarrassing loss to their “Arch Rival” that had just crapped the bed the week before.  B. Kelly may not have a job that much longer, depending on how the domers do in their bowl game.  But it wouldn’t surprise me if $warbuck$ decided to make a change due to the every growing hate that the fan-base has for Kelly.   Just sayin’…..

The Gophers were not expected to be that great this season…but Kill is for real and he has them playing over their heads.  Had it not been for a couple of plays in Madison, Wiscy would not be going to the B1G Championship- The Gophers would be.  Don’t be surprised if Kill is recruited to another University in the near future….

Iowa and Nebraska went to OT on Friday and I had to follow the end of that game on my phone….Family time, you know.  But the win didn’t save Pelini, which, I don’t get.  The Cornsuckers did the same thing (yes, we’ve seen this before) when they canned Solich after five 9 win seasons.  Callahan was brought in for the “3 and out” stretch and Bo has been a decent coach.  Yes, he’s brash and says crap the fans don’t like.  He’s also a bit of a sideline hot head….But my guess is he lands on his feet…somewhere. 

Sparty won….congrats on 10 wins and the Peach Bowl bid….I’m guessing here…just makes sense as I’m sure you guys are tired of Florida and Minnesota hasn’t been to Florida in years….Besides, you can drive Atlanta in a day and you don’t have to worry about all the warm weather issues you get in Florida this time of year!

The Iron Bowl gave us all a little hope, but in the end, Satan’s Warriors were simply too much for the Tigers.  And the Tide did it with offense.  Is Lane Kiffin really a bad guy?  My guess is there’s a team or two out there that’s willing to take another chance on that guy…Gatorland?

Speaking of Gatorland, they couldn’t slay the giant, either, making the Seminoles the ONLY TEAM in the ACC to have two consecutive undefeated seasons….Love them or hate them…That’s impressive.

The Ducks made quick work out of Mike Riley’s Beavers….and don’t be surprised if a lot of teams come knocking on Riley’s door for their open head coaching positions. 

The Egg Bowl was, I’m hoping, a good thing for Michigan (or somebody else) as Mullen is now just an afterthought and praying for a New Year’s Day Bowl…somewhere….But Mullen will be getting lots of looks, you can bet on that. 

The 5 Stages of Slappy Fan Grief

1.  Denial and Isolation:  It’s either TCU or Baylor fans sitting anxiously and glued to the TV awaiting Tuesday’s big reveal.  Sorry, ohio fans are going to hear that the injury to Barrett is a bad thing for them and they are completely out of the Final 4 discussion, regardless of what happens in Indy on Saturday. 
2. ANGER:  MICHIGAN FAN….Still here…AIN’T LEAVING!!!!  So, Florida acts.  Nebraska acts.  Illinois and Indiana act….What’s a guy gotta’ do around Ann Arbor to get canned?  Like I said, I have a very sick feeling right now that will probably get worse the longer the silence from 1000 SSS remains….
3. Bargaining:  Not sure there’s really anyone left to Bargain at this point.  The season’s over and you are what you are.  Meaning most fans have probably fallen to the
4. Depression:  stage.  Cornsuckers, bulldogs of all kinds, Tigers, domers, you name it, they’re all here and wondering why they are fans…and wondering what flea-bag bowl their team is heading to?
5. Acceptance: This is actually not a bad thing.  Accept and move on…accept and move on.

The MMQ’s Top 10

Well, with games still to be played, things are firming up.  Don’t be surprised to see Wiscy in the top 10 this week. 

1. Alabama – They’re in the final four, win or lose Saturday.
2. Oregon – Ditto.  A loss to Arizona I don’t think changes much here…
3. FSU- Definitely won’t change for the Seminoles….
4. Baylor – HEAD TO HEAD….THIS HAS TO BE!!!!
5. TCU – Head to head has to matter…
6. Ohio – needs a lot of help.  I’m not sure they can beat Wiscy, anyway….
7. Wiscy – Whoever wins the B1G will get the 6 slot….but no nod to the Final 4….
8. Arizona….If they do pull off the upset….I dunno…..
9. K-State – Just cause….
10. Miss State – Have to hold serve and win the Egg Bowl.  If they don’t, it’s over for them….

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-WTF is Devin doing….

-Are we just going to hand these guys the damn game?

-If you’re going to do that Devin, just do it. 

-Hand them the ball….

-Okay….defense is looking good.

-They don’t want to hand this away…

-Nice catch Funchess!!!

-Why not do that a whole bunch?

-Hey!  Can we possibly pull this off?

-14-7….Never would have guessed that…

-Bad ending to the first half

-And a bad start to the 2^nd half…

-Okay – good score…

-What’s the matter with Drake?

-Okay – he’s up.

-But that didn’t look good….

-They took his helmet away…Damn…

-Ouch – Barrett just got bent over….

-Oh man…that had to hurt.

-And he’s done. 

-I’m trying to not let myself feel good about that…

-But I’m a fan for the other side and I’ll take whatever I can get…

-Of course, the 3^rd string QB could be waiting for  this and kill us…

-Please don’t.

-Hey, class move be Gardner.

-Yes, he’s another nice guy….

-But that stuff doesn’t count on the scoreboard.

-This game much closer than the experts expected…

-And closer than I expected.

-Why doesn’t Michigan play with this effort every week?

-Again – goes back to the head Cat Herder….

-I like Hoke…but he’s in over his head…

-Okay – let’s stop them here.

-They’re loading up the right side….

-Don’t let him through there!

-I thought Jake Ryan had him….

-Nuts….

-Well, if De-Rob was still here…I’d say there’s a chance…

-Now, not so much.

-And thank you Devin….That kind of punctuates the season.

-We couldn’t just lose the game, we had to let the final suckeye score be a defensive TD…

-Nice….

-Canteen – where have you been all season?

-It’s over….

-At least some good games on this afternoon and this evening…

-I can just sit back and enjoy and not think for a while….

The Hot Seat

Anastasia Ashley was an extremely popular pick…but Nicky Whelan keeps getting that one vote!  This week, we have to start our bracket and that will be posted tomorrow!!!  Be on the look-out and be prepared to do a lot of voting between now and the National Championship!!!  Some pics as a warm up!!!!

Gone List:

1. Muschamp
2. Weiss
3. Jones
4. Pelini – wasn’t even on the watch list….
5. Others….

Hot Seat Rank

Brady Hoke – Why….WHY IS THIS TAKING SO LONG!???? 

1. Norm Chow:  Hawaii. 
2. Mike London:  Needs wins…
3. David Shaw – Stanford fans not happy…
4. Sarkisian – Neither are the Trojans…
5. The Ole Ball Coach – He may just go golfing…
6. Kelly – Irish fans are pissed….

Coach Watch

Under the category of “He ain’t coming”, here’s Schefter’s interview from Mike and Mike this AM.  Summarizing:  Harbaugh loves the pros.  Oakland makes sense if he doesn’t stay on at San Fran.  Which, I believe your own MMQ said quite some time ago….And Oakland Raider fan and players would probably love Jimmy….

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2014/12/01/espns-schefter-thinks-harbaugh-prefers-nfl-um/19733359/

FMQ

Well, once again the FMQ picked a game that “posted” or hit the spread on the nose….unbelievable.   I can’t get over how many times that has happened in games that I picked this season.   I should track that…has to be a record of some sort….

Minnesota @ Wiscy (-10):  Take the Gophers and the 10 for $50

POSTED!!!  Lose…..Damn….

Sparty @ PUS (+13): Take Sparty and lay the 13 for $50

WIN!! Bank $95

Florida @ Florida State (-7.5): Take Florida and the 7.5 for $50

WIN!  Bank $95

Domers @ USC (-7):  Take the domers and the 7 for $30

LOSE….I can’t believe I took the domers…

Auburn @ Bama (-10):  Take Auburn and the 10 for $30

LOSE….

Michigan @ ohio (-21):  Take Michigan and the 21 for $30

Win!  Bank $57

Parlay! 

Big Point Spread combo!

Auburn – Gophers – Sparty – Florida  - LOSE

Starting Bank:         $251

Total Win:                 $247

Bank:                         $498