The FMQ Week #13: The Game - Version #115

HATE… 

Verb – feel intense or passionate dislike for someone or something

Noun – Intense or passionate dislike

(Respect Week)

The University Of Michigan vs. The Ohio State University

is the definition of HATE.

I often wonder about rivalries that go away.  What do the HARDCORE FANS DO WITH ALL THE HATE? 

Texas A&M vs. Texas?

Nebraska vs. Colorado?

Nebraska vs. Oklahoma?

Penn State vs. Pitt?

How do you get satisfaction?

Yes, Michigan fans have a special but small place in their hearts filled with hate for the domers and LNU.  That will always be there.  And there are other times hate will rise up when someone Michigan is playing either beats the Wolverines or wrongs the Wolverines in some way. 

I hate the Cornsuckers for hurting Denard in what was a very promising season.

I hate when the Brown Jug goes off to Minneapolis…

I hate the Purple Kitties from all the way back to 1994-95-96 for ruining great Michigan Seasons…and stealing the play calls from the sidelines…

I hate Purdon’t from the time when Drew Brees defeated another great Michigan squad…

I hate Wiscy for getting better and being an annoying little gnat in both Football and Basketball when they used to be a bunch of pushovers…

I hate the Terps for beating Michigan in the Big House during Hoke’s final days…

I hate that Michigan lost to Rutgers during their first conference clash…

I hate Penn State for a variety of reasons…Too many to list…

I’ve hated Iowa and Kinnick Stadium since 1985 when Chuck Long beat the Wolverines 12-10 ruining a Perfect Season in the process…

I now hate Indiana for reasons cited on Monday…

I’ve hated USC ever since the “Phantom TD” in the ’79 Rose Bowl…

I hate Alabama for getting away with everything that the SEC gets away with…

BUT – BIG BUT – There’s a HATE inside of every Michigan Fan that can’t be matched by anyone, no matter how much you wrong us. 

And this has gone on long enough. 

Enough Embarrassment. 

Enough Frustration. 

Enough Defeat.

Let that Anger regarding all of the above burn into HATE.

That’s the HATE we have for Ohio State.

The Hate’s been dormant for awhile, I know.  It’s been a humbling ride since 2006 when Michigan was last competitive in The Game.  It came back a little 2 years ago when Michigan was a mere 1^st down away from winning in Columbus.  Last year, Michigan held a 20-14 lead going into the 4^th quarter.  But it slipped away. 

It’s been hard to get up for The Game when you knew from the onset that there was probably a loss coming after a valiant 3 and a half hour battle. 

But this year, This REVENGE TOUR, won’t be complete until the last piece of the puzzle is snapped into place. 

That’s with a W in Columbus and a celebration like no other.

When the Buckeyes and their Faithful are weeping after losing to that Team Up North.

We’ll cackle with glee and ride that wave of delight all the way to Indy, where Michigan will have one additional task to complete before going off to the CFP.

But the next game on this Journey is important.  It’s a must Win.  And not just for Harbaugh. 

It’s For everyone.  Players, students, alumni and fans. 

We need this. 

Because we HATE the Buckeyes.

Just Do It.

FINISH!!!

THE FMQ

Last Week was brutal.  But it’s Rivalry Week and you know we’re gonna bet games! 

This week’s picks:

Miss State @ Ole Miss “The Egg Bowl” (+10):  MSU should handle the Ole Miss Rebels quite handily.  But these two team really do hate each other and I’m so tempted to take points.  But I can’t.  Not in this one.  

Take MSU and lay the 10 for $20

Oklahoma @ WVU (+2):  Oklahoma needs to win this game to keep any play-off hopes alive.  WVU just had theirs crushed by Okkie State.  I think the Laters find a way in Morgantown.... 

Take Oklahoma and lay the 2 for $20

Washington @ WSU “The Apple Cup” (-2.5):  The Pirate is “THIS CLOSE” to clinching a berth in the Pac 12 Title game and a little further away from the CFP.  But there’s a chance.  I know history says go with Washington here.  I think history is about to change…

Take WSU and lay the 2.5 for $20

Georgia Tech @ Georgia (-17):  Can Georgia’s defense handle the Triple Option of GT?  I think they will, but I bet the Wramblin’ Wreck from Tech finds a way to keep it closer than 17…

Take GTU and the 17 for $20

Auburn @ Bama “The Iron Bowl” (-24):  What?   This is a rivalry game, fergodsakes!   I just don’t see how I can’t take the points here, but I’ll probably be mad at myself come Monday…  

Take Auburn and the 24 for $20

South Carolina @ Clemson (-26.5):  Again – WHAT?   Still a rivalry game, isn’t it?  I mean we all were thinking South Carolina might be decent this season.  Can’t they hang closer than 26.5??

Take South Carolina and the 26.5 for $20

Kentucky @ Louisville (+17):  Louisville is a mess…Kentucky wants to thump someone.  There’s hate here….     I shouldn’t but take the Wildcats and lay those points.   

Take Kentucky and lay the 17 for $20

Notre Dame @ USC (-11):  This is more in line with what a Rivalry Spread should be.  The domers are playing the best football they’ve played in a couple of decades.  USC is a mess, but may find a way to hang around in this one.  Still, I think the domers might have a late cover.

Take the domers and lay 11 for $20

Nebraska @ Iowa (-10):  Iowa just boat-raced the Illini scoring 63.  Nebraska hung around to beat LNU in a sloppy mess.  Weather will be a little better and I like the Cornuskers here.  Don’t ask me why.

Take Nebraska and the 10 for $20

The Gophers @ Wiscy “Paul Bunyan’s Axe” (-11):  The Gophers are so friggin’ up and down this season and Wiscy is NOT Wiscy.  Seems like a lot of points in a trophy game.  The Gophers usually surprise…Can they hang around?

Take the Gophers and the 11 for $20

Rutgers @ LNU “LNU’s MAIN RIVAL Game!” (-27):  Am I the only one to notice that LNU hasn’t scored a TD since October?  No?  So, how on earth, in an empty stadium, will LNU score at least 4 TD’s to cover this spread?  I don’t think they will…

Take Rutgers and the 27 for $20

Michigan @ The OSU “The Game” (Open: +1.5  Today:  +4):  I saw this opening line and immediately said, “I’ll take it!”  The other wise guys out there obviously did the same thing.  This should be the year, but it’s still “The Game”.  It makes or breaks your season.  It’s back to the way it used to be.  So let’s get Michigan back on the right side of history.

Take Michigan and lay the 1.5 for $50.

PARLAY!

3 Bet/Team Parlay:   6-1

Domers – Oklahoma - Michigan:  $50

TOTAL BET:  $320

Bank:  -$107.5  (Guido’s coming to break my legs if I don’t win this week!)

Note To Indiana: You Play Dirtier Than Sparty

I’m still trying to calm down…

I wanted this post to be a deep look at why the defense got cut up for the most yards they’ve given up all season.  Higdon’s record breaking day.  Moody stepping in to handle Figgie duty learning only minutes before that he’d be the kicker.  Patterson staying calm and cool even after tossing that INT.  Yep, I wanted to talk about all of that. 

But I can’t.  I’m still One VERY PISSED OFF FAN!!!

Look – I understand that Indiana has been the laughingstock of B1G football for decades – maybe longer.  I get that coaches come in and recruit kids that Michigan or the STU wouldn’t give a second thought or even bother visiting while on the recruiting trail.  And I get that some of these kids are late bloomers and can actually develop and have talent. 

I get all that. 

I get that Indiana and the kids that play for Indiana are tired of being everyone’s bitch.

It sucks.

But that doesn’t give you the right to willfully take the field with the knowledge that

you’re going to play dirty, hit after the whistle and abuse the rules of the game.  Rules that are in place in many cases to protect players against injury. 

That the referees didn’t do more earlier when things began to get chippy should be on the B1G.  The B1G should fire this crew (O’Neil) for the “ball kick” and the explanation that it “wasn’t intentional”.  IT DOESN’T MATTER!   THE BALL WAS KICKED WHILE IT WAS DEAD!  The O’Neil crew has been a problem for Michigan before.  They should NEVER, EVER be let inside the Big House again!  In fact, here’s several links to get rid of the O’Neil crew and why they should never be allowed to referee a Michigan game (The crew in Columbus in 2016 that had blown call after blown call and who called the 4^th and 1 a 1^st down?  The O’Neil Crew):

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/college-referees-are-paid-adults-so-why-cant-the-ncaa-let-them-face-reporters/2016/11/30/cade4a2a-b724-11e6-959c-172c82123976_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.2fc02e67a1ba

https://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/can-we-petition-big-ten-get-john-o%27neill-fired

https://onwardstate.com/2014/10/26/big-ten-referees-respond-to-blown-calls-in-ohio-state-game/

Much like TV Teddy (Who the B1G HAS KICKED OUT) in Hoops, the B1G needs to take action and get RID OF THE O’NEIL CREW!  It’s total BS that this crew is still working B1G games.  Someone needs to step up and do the right thing.  Average fans shouldn’t know your name if you’re an official in any sport.  Just call clean games and keep the kids under control.  When I know your name, it’s over.  You’re DONE. 

The hit on Edwards should get someone either kicked off the team or should result in a monetary fine from the B1G.  Cam Jones should be vilified for what he is.  A thug.  And it wasn’t his first time…

https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1063953457118363648

The fact that Winnovich was on the ground for 5 minutes and the student section started chanting, “Chase!  Chase!  Chase!  Chase!” was a lump in the throat inducing event.  Here’s a good that said no to millions last spring and wanted to come back and lead this Wolverine group to a National Title because he thought they could be that good. 

And Dirty F@#$%ing Play by Indiana nearly destroyed all that…

It shouldn’t be like this against Indiana.  I’m not saying they have to come in and lay down. 

But Don’t Play Dirty!

I heard from a fan near me that Dierdorf was ready to come out of the booth and head to the Indiana sideline to pound someone.  Anyone. 

Dierdorf was mad as hell. 

I think we all were. 

The fact that the entire stadium during what was a way too long review of the targeting call started chanting, “Kick Him Out!  Kick Him Out!” was telling.  The O’Neil crew wouldn’t have gotten out of Ann Arbor alive had they not tossed Jones.

I know Michigan didn’t look great and listening to the presser after the game we learned that the flu had run through the locker room earlier in the week.  That may have been what all the cramping was about.  I’m not making excuses and the Wolverines still won the game. 

But Indiana – You just made the 2019 Revenge Tour.  Your first on the list.  Players and fans alike.  (Several IU fans were kicked out of the Big House for boorish behavior.  They all deserved it.)

I feel sorry for you. 

And THE STU – You’re Next.  And The Wolverines will be READY!

The Rest of the Mess

CUD- Complete Unmitigated Disasters – There Were Several

WVU:  This was not good for WVU.  The Mountaineers are out of any CFP discussion and depending on what happens this Saturday, they may be out of the Big iiX discussion as well.  That loss hurt them in a lot of ways.  Gundy can’t be taken lightly.  Not when there’s nothing to lose.  

LNU:  Nebraska 9 – LNU 6.  SOL – SOL- SOL – SOL!!!  So, let’s see.  Dantonio is 18-17 in his last 35 games.  LNU has one of  the LOWEST SCORING offense in the Power 5 schools, ranked over 111.  Rutgers is right there with LNU, making the game this week a true “Rivalry” for the most inept teams in the B1G!  Should be a good one!   

Syracuse:  Right when you had an opportunity to do some good, you failed on the Big Stage.  I’m not saying you could have beat the domers, but you could have at least shown up.  I’ve watched Syracuse play a couple of times this season and that’s as bad as they’ve looked.  The domers are legit and I don’t believe there’s much a complete and totally inept USC Trojan team can do about it.  Even in a rivalry match-up that has Helton coaching for his job, 2 years removed from a Pac12 Title and Rose Bowl victory.  Sheesh.

Boston College:  HOW?  WHY?  In a season where you’ve got a great team and FSU is a wrambling wreck, you somehow find a way to lose.  Sad.  Probably cost you a New Year’s Day Bowl game…

Come Back Off The Ledge

Cincinnati – UCF is a freight train and you left WAY TOO MANY opportunities sitting on the field on Saturday night.  It was going to require a perfect game to even stay close, but you didn’t bring it.  Still, a 9-2 record isn’t that shabby… 

We Won But…We Should Be Worried

THE STU:  Every STU fan should send a Christmas Card to Matt Canada and the Terps.  That was a gift.  There’s a LOT OF NERVOUS STU fans out there in the social media universe.  They’re all clinging to the “Rivalry Game!” mantra and stating that past performances and records don’t matter!  But you’re 10-1!  Why are you worried?  Because you don’t have a defense?  And your running game is weak?  Yeah, those would all be good reasons to be worried.

The 5 Stages of Slappy Fan Grief

1. Denial and Isolation –THE STU.  “We’re still 10-1!  We’re Still 10-1! With a shot at the B1G Title!”  mmmmmK.     
2. ANGER – Boston College – How’d you lost that game?
3. Bargaining –THE STU  If we just win out…
4. Depression –The Gophers, Iowa State, WVU, USC, Longhorns, Suckeyes, the entire B1G West, excluding Northwestern. 
5.  Acceptance – Colorado, USC

THE MMQ’s “I DON’T NEED A COMMITTEE!”

No CHAOS this past Saturday, but there’s plenty in store for T-Day Weekend! 

SEC:  Bama – Already locked up the SEC West.  But wants to stay perfect against Auburn.  In case you haven’t heard:  Tammy, age 52, one of P. Finebaums loyal listeners and frequent caller, was killed in a car crash on Friday along with her 3-year old granddaughter.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/25296176/auburn-tigers-superfan-tammy-renae-bullard-52-dies-auto-crash

I’m not an everyday listener to Finebaum, but I think everyone has heard Tammy get on Paul’s program and talk about her beloved Auburn Tigers.  Whether or not that’s motivation for the Tigers remains to be seen, but Auburn nation just got a shot in the arm and handed something to be fired up about.  Look out for possible CHAOS! 

B1G:  Michigan is IN if they WIN!  CHAOS avoided in Ann Arbor.  Now, it’s pretty clear what needs to happen in Columbus and also in Indy.  As stated earlier, I like Michigan’s chances this weekend.  Indy will unfortunately be a test.  And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous.  Will Winnovich play Saturday is a big question mark.  

ACC:  Clemson is IN if they win.  South Carolina this weekend may pose a small test and then Pitt in the ACC Championship will welcome the re-match.  Still, this road looks pretty easy.    

The domers:  IN.  I know USC is the domers “biggest” rivalry, but the rubbers just lost to cross town rival UCLA who only had 3 wins on the season.  I just don’t see the domers slipping this year in that game.  . 

Big iiX:  IN – Nobody.  The Laters are the only team with any hope of getting into the CFP and they need a lot of help.  A LOT OF HELP.  Bama, Georgia, the domers and Michigan all losing would be that help.    

The Hot Seat

  ZAPPED List

We’ll keep track of who’s gone as the season progresses….

1.     Durkin – Maryland

2.     Mike Jinks – Bowling Green.  

3.     Beatty – KANSAS.  

4.     Petrino – Louisville.  Petrino's show aired news of Petrino being fired while it was on Sunday morning!  Classic...

5.     McEntire – Colorado.  2 seasons after playing in the Pac12 Title Game, Jim gets the ax.  Another good coach that probably should have been given the benefit of the doubt. Mac will get $10.3M as a result of his ouster.

Electric Chair of Death Seat!

Fedora – North Carolina.  Fewer wins in each season he’s been at UNC

The Hot Seat

The Hot Seat Traditionally heats up in November, and this season is no different.  As fans stop showing up and donations from alumni dry up, AD’s all over the country are evaluating their Head Coach and what can be done about him.

1. Helton – USC.  Clay Helton was not Lynn Swann’s choice, but he did give Clay the extension to 2023. 
2. Snyder – K State.  The Octogenarian needs to go.  I would point to institutions like PSU and FSU that hold on to old guys way too long.  Probably should have already happened, but the stadium is named after the guy.
3. Smith – Oregon State.  Yeah, they’ve had a couple close games…but the seat is hot
4. Interim Canada – Maryland.  I don’t expect Maryland to keep Canada as he’s part of the “culture” that was a problem under Durkin. 
5. Ash – Rutgers:   Off the ECOD simply because if they haven’t fired him yet, they probably aren’t going to.
6. Sanford – WKU   Sanford took a very successful program and literally flew it into the ground.  I would be surprised if he’s still around come January. 
7. Kiffin – FAU  Lane has been out of the news lately because he’s LOSING.  Not saying FAU will pull the trigger, but Lane’s potential days are number if he has another lousy season. 
8. Ruhle – Baylor.  Again, took over a heaping pile of warm dog-doo-doo after Briles left.  Will probably get another 2 years before job is really threatened.
9. Malzhan – Losing to Tennessee is a fireable offense in Auburn.  Not being competitive against Georgia and eventually Alabama will become an issue as well
10. MEYER – THE STU.  No, I haven’t been drinking.  Meyer’s seat is getting warm after not being able to improve the defense after a month of poor outings.  Maryland may have been another straw on the Camel’s back and losing to TUN could be the Waterloo for a guy that looks like he’d rather not be on the field. 

HIRED!

1.     Les Miles – KANSAS.  I’m not entirely sure what to think about this yet, but Jeff Long made a good hire here, at least on paper.  Les will need to recruit his ass off, but maybe there’s a chance he can get some decent kids to attend Kansas.  Biggest issue the MMQ sees:  Miles was a grind it out on offense and build a stellar defense.  The Big iiX doesn’t play that way and to compete, Miles may have to get a “spread” OC and a decent DC in order to just compete.