Off We Go, Into the 0.500 Yonder!

Wie Gehts! Coming to you from a bar stool in Germany….Yes, they have bar stools over here and free wifi (They call it “wee-fee”). I think it’s a play on words.  I'm slightly intoxicated (give me credit for spelling that without error) and if there are any oopsies in this week's entry I blame it on the Becks!


Tough Home Opener. I don’t know if those were my exact words, but I said something to that effect when I penned the Pre-Season spectacular. Triple option offense, smart, disciplined defense with a bunch of kids that are collectively smarter than your average football team. Put it all together and you get a game in the Big House that is a whole lot closer than most people would think.

Air Force is a 5 consecutive season bowl team and some of those bowls were “not” of the fleab bag variety. They have a winning record under Calhoun and I KNEW they would give Michigan fits.

And they did. I expected a tight game and that’s exactly what we got. Therefore, I’m not panicking nearly as much as the general public was on Sunday and Monday when it came to reviewing the final stats and outcome of this game. Yeah, we won and we won on DeRob’s running ability that Air Force simply had no defense for. They were disciplined and tried to defend D-Rob the way that everyone else had, but you need the correct speedy personnel and the right scheme in which to defend him. Without that, well, you look like Air Force.

My major concern was that there were times where the defense was still missing tackles and they also looked out of position….that’s unforgivable and needs to get better.

You don’t hand out grades on one game and as Brady Hoke said in the presser, a win is a win. U-Mass is the closest thing to a “cupcake” that we have on the schedule this year and frankly, when it comes to the defense, that sounds really good.

The Rest of the Mess
Sparty – Chippies: Well, again, this was not un-expected by the MMQ or the FMQ. Friday I stated that Sparty would win this walking away and that’s what happened. Sparty coverd sometime late in the first or early in the 2nd and never looked back. This week is “The Game” for Sparty and they more or less want to take the Domers to task.

Domers – Purdue: Danny Hope’s crowd almost spoiled the Domer’s season early and looked incredibly effective against a defense that looked Bama-esque against Navy. Not to mention that Purdue’s defense was in the Domer backfield all day. Gholson get’s yanked for Reese in the last drive and Domer’s win by a field goal….I think they will have their hands full this weekend.

Sec Newcomers vs. SEC ESTABLISHMENT: Neither Mizzou or the Aggies looked very good against their new SEC counterparts. While they hung close for a half, both SEC teams demonstrated that you need to play a full 60 minutes of football in their league if you want to be competitive and in the game at the end.

LMU – Arkansas: And no, that isn’t the MMQ’s nomenclature for Les Miles’ University. That is the Louisiana Monroe University that must get all the SEC Juco recruits that either can’t make the grade in the SEC (meaning, they’re REALLY in need of education) or they are the cast-offs from in state over-recruiting. Whatever the case, Arkansas and John L. Smith opened up several doors for LMU and LMU gladly went through them. Will Arkansas put on the same performance this week? Highly doubtful, but if they do, Alabama will make them look worse than Michigan looked
Beavers vs. Cheeseheads: Not unexpected by the experts and frankly I guessed that the same thing could happen. Something about B1G teams going out to the West Coast presents a problem. Women, weather, and jet lag. I don’t know why the combination of those three present problems, but the B1G can’t play out there….speaking of not being able to play

Cornsuckers vs. Bruins: The Black shirt Defense isn’t anymore and Mora has turned a new page at UCLA. I figured it was only a matter of time at UCLA and perhaps that time has come. That’s a game that the Bruins can build on and the Cornsuckers will scratch their heads on and try to figure out how they lost….

Va-Tech vs. Snooze….They won. Beamer’s boys go 2-0 quietly and look to re-establish their ACC dominance.

Wildcats – Cowboys: Rich Rod finds a way to knock off a top 20 team early in the season….We’ve seen that before (I think) and I’m curious as to whether or not he can keep it up out there in the Pac 12….

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-I wonder if Kovacs will get the Bennie Oosterban jersey?
-I think he exemplifies the heart and desire of a Michigan Man…
-Okay, Jake Ryan is a good choice also…
-Jake – Ryan. Two first names….
-Happens to be the first names of two of the MMQ’s nephews, also.
-One attended Michigan’s Football camp…
-We look good on offense.
-BTW, I REALLY like this Funches Kid….Just a frosh and that size!
-We might see a lot of him in the future.
-With some of these receivers, I wish we had a drop back and chuck it QB….
-You know, a Quality Passer, not a Thrower (Thanks, Joe Namath)
-Jake Ryan had better be pumped up, he’s going to have a long day as the Triple Option lone wolf on defense.
-Assignment football. Every defender takes a man and keys on that guy…
-That leaves one guy that has to make a decision or be REALLY, REALLY fast to defend the ball carrier and the option.
-During the Game:  Calhoun plays with his junk a alot...
-It got embarrassing...they kept putting him on TV with a handful...And he didn't care...
-I guess if you have a full handful, you've got nothing to be concerned about....
-But really....Can you stop touching for a couple of hours on national TV?
-Apparently, Michigan’s Defense practiced all week without a football on demo team’s offense in order to drive the point home.
-Still looked like they didn’t quite get it.
-But it’s an incredibly tough offense to defend when you don’t see it week in and week out.
-Why don’t they use in the NFL?
-Team defense speed negates the advantage, or so we’re told.
-It’s not sexy, but effective.
-Domers are on upset alert…
-So is Michigan.
-LMU looks pretty good.
-Arkansas and John L Smith….Hee-Hee…
-I’m glad I’m not them tonight or this week.
-Actually, that might be the edge that they need against Bama…
-Bama will figure, “Eh, these guys suck.”
-Surprise potential? Maybe….
-Wiscy didn’t look good until the last couple of minutes in the 4th Quarter.
-I thought they got the onside kick, also.
-Bad call from the re-play booth.
-But for a team that averaged 45 points a game last year, they looked miserable…
-Monte Ball was non-existent.
-How many O-line guys did they lose?
-Nebraska looked slow against the Bruins.
-Domers (Kelly) pulls Gholson for Kung-Fu Reese.
-Was it me, or did I hear Kung-Fu fighting come on over the stadium loud speakers?
-What I would have given to have a 5 minutes in the music booth in Domer Stadium when he took the field...to a chorus of boos, by the way.
-Just wishful thinking on the MMQ’s part…
-Don’t look now, but Rich Rod 2-0 and in top 25 after upsetting Okie State.
-But we’ve seen that movie before….
-Of course, the Pac 12 does suit him better with the lack of defensive focus….
-SEC is the SEC.
-When is the NCAA going to look into the over-recruiting/signing issue and decide that there is an unfair advantage when it comes to SEC protocol and over-signing practice?
-Probably never…That’s just the NCAA
-Rather kick a University that’s already reeling and atoning for its own sins in their collective cajones. Even though the current coaches and players had nothing to do with anything….
-Un-intended consequences.

The Hot Seat

Well, I must admit, I think it takes awhile for the MMQ readership to remember that they need to vote or the MMQ mascot or who knows what we will end up with over on the right this year. While I understand the choice between Jenn and Jessica was a no brainer (except for a couple of voters that must prefer blondes), you should still vote. After all, if this presidential election cycle has taught us nothing else besides “Money doesn’t matter to Obama (No Kidding. Michelle, I think most of us knew that already)” and that Romney is ready for the challenge….What platform, exactly, is Romney running on?

Enough, however, about politics and on to this week’s Hot Seat Mascot nominee:  Bar Raefalei!   Yeah, I didn't have a clue as to who she was either until I was at Lady Jane's om M-59 getting my hair cut and picked up the latest issue of Maxim...And the MMQ was like, "Wow!  I'm happy in my pants!"  Not that I know what that means....For the younger crowd reading....But damn....The MMQ is like a little breathless putting this Mascot in place....

 

Unfortunately, while there are new Hot Seats in the NCAA this Monday after several of the upsets, I really see no reason to change the order….But I will add a couple…

1. Kelly, Brian: Until someone, anyone unseats him or he beats Michigan, he has to be number 1.
2. Tedford: Only Hot Seat Coach to lose in Week 1!! But I can’t move him above Kelly.
3. Derek Dooley: No way he survives another bowl-less year…Much less another year of sub 0.500 SEC ball…
4. Mack Brown: I know, I know. But you didn’t think they would fire Joe Pa, either. Believe the MMQ when I say that his retirement or canning is nearer than you think…
5. Randy Edsall: Maryland is going to start thinking that with the ACC as screwed up as it is, why aren’t we winning more football games?
6. Kevin Wilson: But can Indiana really expect much more? Really?
7. Mark Richt: Just because he will lose some game he’s not supposed to and the annual “Fire Mark Richt” bandwagon will get a spit polish and a coat of paint…
8. Dabo Sweeney: Either find a defense or find a new job….
9. Frank Spaziani: BC is a proud school that doesn’t get a lot of attention…
10. Tubberville: Yeah, he’ll have a defense, but those people at Texas Tech are used to FIREWORKS!!!!!

11. Brett Beilema – Wiscy. His fans have expectations now. 200 yards of total offense are NOT their expectations.
12. John L Smith – He’s only on a 10 month contract, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they canned him before then…
13. Bo Pelini – Cornsucker fans expect to beat their non-conference opponents.

The FMQ

Well, not terrible this week, but some surprises and misses none the less….I'm happy that we improved the bank roll, but we could have done better.   Let’s get right to it.

Ball State (+28) @ Clemson:
Take Ball State and the 28 for $30
WIN! Ball State covers the 28….Barely. Bank: $57

Sparty (-20) @ Central:
Take Sparty and lay the 20 for $30
WIN! Sparty had this covered in the 1st Quarter…Bank $57

USC (-26) @ Syracuse:
Take USC and lay the 26 for $50
Okay, had I LOOKED at the weather report, I would have laid off this game…Lose

Vandy (-3) @ Northwestern:
Take Vandy and lay the 3 for $40
WTF…I guess Vandy was more down than I thought and NWU is better than I thought…Lose

Louisiana Monroe (+31) @ Arkansas: Take Louisiana Monroe and the 31 points for $50
WIN! Should have bet more…I had a good feeling about this one: Bank $95

Air Force (+21) @ Michigan:
Take Air Force and the 21 for $30
WIN! What did I tell you? Bank: $57

PARLAY!

3 Team Parlay pays 6 to 1.
Take Vandy – LMU – USC for $18.50
Not even close…Might use the dog Parlay this week.

Starting Bank: $660
Total Win: $266
Bank: $926

Early Monday Picks:

Va Tech (-12) @ Pitt
Gophers (-3) vs. Western
Michigan (-45) vs. UMass
USC (-10) @ Stanford
Sparty (-4) vs. Domers

Air Force Friday

After starting out with a dismal 3-4 week against the spread, the FMQ has found new life in this week’s spreads and some insight gleaned from checking schedules of both teams that might be looking ahead to next week or are falling down this week from a letdown win or loss over Labor Day.

While it’s always good to be humble, I do believe we have a lot of favorable matchups this week that the boys in Vegas either weren’t thinking clearly on or they have just over looked. And without a lot of steam coming in this week due to it being the first week the NFL kicks off, the spreads haven’t move much. Without wasting any more time as to who I like and why I like them, let’s get to it!

This Week’s Picks:

Ball State (+28) @ Clemson: Call this a let down game (for Clemson) and a slight look ahead game (for Clemson). Clemson is certainly already getting ready for Florida State in 2 weeks and probably isn’t doing a lot of “Game Planning” for Ball State.
Take Ball State and the 28 for $30

Sparty (-20) @ Central: While I initially used the same logic here due to the fact that Sparty just won an emotional opener at home and plays the Domers next week, I really don’t think Central has any of what it takes to slow down Sparty this year. And Sparty knows not to let down to these guys. They’ve learned their lesson the hard way. So, screw insight and
Take Sparty and lay the 20 for $30

USC (-26) @ Syracuse: Northwestern and Syracuse shouldn’t have been as close as it was. That was a huge emotional loss for Syracuse. USC is going to find a rhythm against the Cuse’s relatively weak defense. It wouldn’t surprise me to see USC hang 50 on the Orange….
Take USC and lay the 26 for $50

Vandy (-3) @ Northwestern: I watched both of these teams last week. One team played much better than the other and got a few extra days rest. Call me silly, but I like the SEC smart guys over the B1G Smart guys in this one…
Take Vandy and lay the 3 for $40

Louisiana Monroe (+31) @ Arkansas: This is THE CLASSIC look ahead game AND you have John L. Smith coaching the Razorbacks. Alabama is up next on the docket and if John L has any chance of making the job permanent, he knows he needs to win that one. I think Arkansas runs the ball against LMU and tries to shorten the game making for fewer points and they are not going to show Alabama ANYTHING.
Take Louisiana Monroe and the 31 points for $50

Air Force (+21) @ Michigan: I am sticking to my guns and saying that Michigan won’t cover against this team. I believed it in the season preview and I believe it now. Of course, this is when Michigan usually kicks me in the ass and does something really stupid… like cover….
Take Air Force and the 21 for $30

PARLAY!

3 Team Parlay pays 6 to 1.
Take Vandy – LMU – USC for $18.50

Starting Bank: $918.50
Total Bet: $258.5
Bank: $660

Bammered....So to Speak

Yikes….I’m Officially Scared.

For those that can’t wait to get to the Hot Seat Mascot spirit lifter, Yost over at the M-Zone has already posted a healing photo for anyone that needs it before reading this…

After watching way too many repeats of last year’s games where Michigan literally made teams look silly (See Nebraska, Northwestern and some of the ohio Game) I was looking forward to this season with a sense of, “Hey, these coaches are smart! They’re pouring over what we did last season that worked, adding a wrinkle or two here and there and getting these kids ready to play.” I never in a million years dreamed I would have to live through the Domer game (again) where Michigan would try all the same crap (on offense) that didn’t work last year.

But alas, they did.

So what, exactly, makes a coach think he can get a workable offense by continuing to try to put square pegs in round holes? That’s what I felt like I was watching. I’m not taking anything away from the SEC and almost started this post with the thought that, “OK, I get it. The SEC is just plain good and the talent level is way above everyone else.” But I didn’t because I don’t believe that the kids on that field Saturday wearing the Maize and Blue were given the best opportunities to showcase their talents and do what they do best.

Maybe that’s sour grapes talking…I dunno. I do know that Michigan can play better than that and they just didn’t look ready. But this is what really keeps me awake at night: What if this is the team we see all season?

I scared you now, didn’t I?

Best takeaways from the game: Only 1 major injury.

Worst takeaways from the game: That injury happened to Blake Countess and he’s done for the season with a torn ACL…

Now I’m really bummed….

But, in all reality, this loss was not unexpected and it will give the coaches an opportunity to coach this group up. But the coaches need to take a long hard look at themselves as well and decide what they want this group to be: a Bowl Team that other teams are scared to play or a team with a great offensive system and lousy results…

The Rest of the Mess

Vandy – Cocks: I really believe Vandy got ripped off in the last two minutes of this game when it was clear that pass interference was not called on the Gamecocks on 4th down. You have to let them play, yes. But you have to let them play somewhat fairly as well….The Ole Ball Coach escapes with a W…

Sparty – Boy’s State: Well, the FMQ called this one and for a minute I really thought Boy’s State had turned a corner and there was a potential for Sparty to suffer a humiliating defeat at home…However, Le’Veon Bell is not only the real deal, he’s 240 pounds of un-recruited real deal that bulldozes the competition. I don’t think I saw the first guy to Bell bring him down all night. That’s scary….
Domers - JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS - One of the Service Academies they Should beat: Okay – so Navy REALLY sucks this year and the Domers won in Ireland where they should win. I think we’ll see a better test of the Domers this week in South Bend.
PSU - Ohio: That’s Ohio U. Now, the Bobcats are pretty good and the pre-season hype on them was that if they somehow managed to beat PSU, they could potentially run the table. So, before we all go throwing another shovel full of dirt on the PSU program, they were beat by a decent team. Here’s to hoping the kids that stayed can win a few more…

Hokies - Bumble Bees: Wow…Great game and a great way to wrap up the weekend. Beamer’s Boys find a way to pull it out and that’s the kind of game that you can build some momentum….I don’t feel like a Michigan repeat with the Hokies right now would be a good thing…

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-I hate Nick Saban…Really, I do.
-Heismann hopes are all but gone for a lot of hopefuls…
-DeRob is one of them…
-Unless he somehow turns into Superman for the rest of the season….
-Last guy to win the Heismann on a team with a losing record: Hornung in 1956 from you know where.
-Okay, in case you didn’t know: The Domers. Season record: 2-8
- Let’s see, Jeremy Gallon played okay.
-I think Gardner is going to catch a lot of passes - in the B1G.
-Against Bama? They are like playing a semi-pro team…
-Thank God for Kovacs….
-Were the officials against us?
-I don’t know when the game lost me, but somewhere when the Bama score said 31 was an approximate, “I give up…”
-But, yes, as was texted, it would have been a great comeback.
-At this rate, we won’t go 0.500.
-The B1G is too good this year.
-And I don’t want a waiver from the NCAA to get to a bowl game.
-Michigan should never do that….
-Obligatory Uniform Comment: Why? I mean, really, WHY?
-Isn’t tradition enough for some people?
-Michigan is giving 21 against Air Force.
-I think I will take the academy and the points this week….
-Maybe opening with a cream puff isn’t such a bad idea….
-One word for that: APP STATE
-Okay, that’s two words…
More Idle Thoughts from the Weekend
-Tigers – Don’t look now! 1 GB first place Chicago….
- I wish the Tigers could score a couple of runs when Verlander is pitching…Sheesh…
-Lions: I going to say 9-7. Jus’ cuz….I can.
-But 10-6 wouldn’t surprise me with their schedule.
-Why bring up the Lions? I dunno…Just thinking they have to be getting close…
The Hot Seat

Here we are! The first 2012 Hot Seat Mascot vote! I really didn’t think the Hot Seat Mascot would be something I would continue to do after Rich Rod got canned…I really thought this was below the reading level of the fans of the MMQ. However, after talking to several fans over the weekend, I was surprised to hear that it’s become one of their favorite parts of the blog! Imagine that…Having to vote on a bunch of scantily clad women in the hopes of seeing her photo adorn the side of our little ole blog and that be a popular thing. Must be the kids that are enjoying it….

The Pre-Season Mascot nominee, Ms. Jessica Dorrel is going to have to go up against another Delilah that brought down a notable sports figure: Brett Favre. Jenn Sterger worked in the Jets organization in more than one role, or so it would seem. Long story short, er, well, I guess it was Brett’s long story or something that he “sexted” to Jenn and she went to management. Maybe she had seen better? Whatever the case: Here’s your Week #1 Hot Seat Mascot – Jenn Sterger.

Hot Seat Rank

1. Kelly, Brian: Until someone, anyone unseats him or he beats Michigan, he has to be number 1.

2. Tedford: Only Hot Seat Coach to lose in Week 1!! But I can’t move him above Kelly.

3. Derek Dooley: No way he survives another bowl-less year…Much less another year of sub 0.500 SEC ball…
4. Mack Brown: I know, I know. But you didn’t think they would fire Joe Pa, either. Believe the MMQ when I say that his retirement or canning is nearer than you think…
5. Randy Edsall: Maryland is going to start thinking that with the ACC as screwed up as it is, why aren’t we winning more football games?
6. Kevin Wilson: But can Indiana really expect much more? Really?
7. Mark Richt: Just because he will lose some game he’s not supposed to and the annual “Fire Mark Richt” bandwagon will get a spit polish and a coat of paint…
8. Dabo Sweeney: Either find a defense or find a new job….
9. Frank Spaziani: BC is a proud school that doesn’t get a lot of attention…
10. Tubberville: Yeah, he’ll have a defense, but those people at Texas Tech are used to FIREWORKS!!!!!

FMQ Betting Results:

Well, it wasn’t the best starting week ever, but it CERTAINLY wasn’t the worst ever, either. We’re down after week 1, but it could have been a lot worse. I’ve seen some teams and have a better idea who will and won’t cover this season. A quick review of the action over the weekend:

South Carolina @ Vandy (+7): Take Vandy and the points for $40.
I loved this result even though a Vandy win would have been better.
WIN! Bank $76

Navy (+17) vs. Notre Dame (In IRELAND): Take Navy and the points for $50.
Okay, Domers. Screw me here. But, this doesn’t do anything for Kelly’s Hot Seat: LOSE

Clemson Tigers @ Auburn (+3.5): Take Auburn and the 3.5 for $70
Huh, I really thought Auburn playing in Georgia would be better. LOSE

Arkansas State @ Oregon (-35): Take the Ducks and lay the 35 for $35
I’m done laying points. Seriously.
LOSE

Marshall @ West Virginia (-24): Take WVU and lay the 24 for $35.
Okay, I love laying points when the team does what they are supposed to do.
WIN $66.5

Boy’s State @ MSU (-7): Take Boy’s State and the 7 for $40.
I love getting points…Two things can happen – the team can win or cover and it’s good for me!
Win: Bank $76

Alabama vs. Michigan (+14) (JerryWorld): Take Michigan and the points for $30.
Ugh…I hate having to look at the FMQ when Michigan loses AND they don’t cover. LOSE

Starting BANK: $700
TOTAL WIN: $218.50
NEW BANK: $918.50

Monday Morning Takes (Taking the first team listed):

Ball State (+28) @ Clemson
Sparty (-23.5) @ Central
USC (-27) @ Syracuse
Air Force (+21) @ Michigan

Wagers and other games announced on Friday…

Enjoying the Ride…MMQ

KICK - OFF FRIDAY!!!!! IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!

Here it IS! Finally, after all the hype and pre-season garbage that we have to tolerate, we’re going to finally be able to watch a football game. Footballs in the air, linebackers crushing tailbacks, and just some good old fashioned football that means something…


And, the FMQ has been secretly looking at the first week’s spreads for awhile now, watching the movement very carefully. I honestly believe the first tri-mester of college football is where you can really get ahead and hopefully stay ahead if you pick right and look at the games the way the bookies look at the games. Lots of steam coming in on powerhouses that needs to be offset by big point spreads given to the perceived “Little Guys”….And we all know how that App State Horror thing turned out…

So, as a refresher, we’ll put about 20% of our cash to work on an odd number of games) in an effort to come out on top. 10% vig comes out of the winnings and ties of course, go to the house.

Let’s look at this week’s slate of games:

South Carolina @ Vandy (+7): I’m not sure South Carolina is that good and Vandy isn’t that bad. This was a team last year that gave the SEC headaches. Methinks the Ole’ Ball Coach might have one on Thursday Night!
Take Vandy and the points for $40.

Navy (+17) vs. Notre Dame (In IRELAND): Look, Navy is tough. Notre Dame gave up a home game for this opportunity….I’m thinking the Domers struggle with Navy, but come out victorious…Just not by 17 points.
Take Navy and the points for $50.

Clemson Tigers @ Auburn (+3.5): Please, someone, anyone, ‘splain this to me: A Clemson team that is coming off a humiliating Orange Bowl loss without their leading receiver is giving points to Auburn IN THE OPENING GAME ON THE ROAD? This might be the gimme of the week:
Take Auburn and the 3.5 for $70

Hawaii @ USC (-40): I said I would be laying big points on USC this year, but DAMN….That’s a lot of points. 6 touchdowns of separation in the first game? Do I believe it? I can’t…
Not yet. PASS

Arkansas State @ Oregon (-35): Chip Kelly’s system, on the other hand, cannot be stopped and doesn’t have a neutral gear once a certain score has been achieved. The Ducks just keep coming at you…I hate to not have a favorite pick so early in the season, so
Take the Ducks and lay the 35 for $35

Marshall @ West Virginia (-24): Again, I’m thinking about how WVU just took Clemson to the outhouse and abused the you know what out of them in the Orange Bowl. I’m not saying that WVU can score 70 again, but I think they can beat Marshall by 24.
Take WVU and lay the 24 for $35.

Boy’s State @ MSU (-7): Hmmmm…This game is interesting to me.  At first, I figured with Kellen Moore gone, Sparty would win this walking away.  In fact, I had about a 2 touchdown spread on this one.  But then the line came out.   If Sparty has TRULY arrived, they should beat Boy’s State handily at home…But methinks that Vegas believes that if you give Boy's State enough time to prepare..well, anything is possible. Chris Petersen has had an entire offseason to figure out how to beat these guys. Boy’s State wants to prove themselves all over again. And something tells me they will do it - or at least cover....
Take Boy’s State and the 7 for $40.

Alabama vs. Michigan (+14) (JerryWorld): Well, here we are. On a personal note: Whichever way you lean on Michigan, I think the College Football World would be a much better place if the Wolverines somehow found a way to win this game. After listening to all the talk radio crap and watched everyone anoint Alabama as “Unbeatable – The Best Ever”, I think it’s time somebody righted the ship….Again, that’s the MMQ talking. Clearly, the folks at OSU have no such intention of rooting for the Wolverines..Sadly…As an avid reader pointed out: “There should never be a situation where it’s appropriate to joke about what happened at PSU.”

This line has moved and the steam is coming in on Alabama. I once heard a very famous bookie state, “Who’s everybody betting on? I’ll take the other guy…” Those are the words I’m living by here.  It might be the slappy talking, but I think Michigan keeps this a little closer than most people think…
Take Michigan and the points for $30.

No parlays this week till we see how everyone is doing…..

Starting Bank: $1,000
Total Bet: $300
Bank: $700

Pre-Season Spectacular! A little later than usual....

Here we are again! After the break in the heat, I finally let my mind wander towards the upcoming season and thoughts of another BCS Bowl…Oops…Wait an MMQ minute…I can’t call them that anymore…
I was also thinking about all the conferences and how Syracuse or Pitt might actually rule the Big East with WVU gone…Oops, tack on another MMQ minute…I forgot that Syracuse and Pitt are now (or will be soon) in the ACC….

Then, I started thinking about poor Penn State….and I really don’t know what to think….

Then Fitz Toussaint decided to go on a bender and more than likely got himself tossed off the team….And the MMQ started thinking doom and gloom….But it’s TOO EARLY TO BE THINKING THAT WAY!

With so much happening and so little commenting from your MMQ, I guess it’s time we get the housekeeping in order and get some of the minor things out of the way!

First Things First: The Playoffs!

Well, we are going to have a college football playoff…Sort of. I’m not 100% convinced that everyone will be happy with what is being proposed, and in case you don’t know all the details, they can be found here. In summary: It’s a 12 year deal with 6 bowls that will rotate the semi-finals with a Championship Game (Not a Bowl) going to the highest bidder, kind of like the Super Bowl. In addition, the president’s agreed to form a committee that will more than likely form a selection committee that will choose the favorite sons of each conference to be one of the 4 teams every year.
Pros: Hey, it’s a playoff and I like it. I guess I’m glad to see that the suits that are forever saying that a play-off would interfere with class and the student athlete’s schedule are finally not hiding behind the lie and doing what should have been done 10 years ago.

Another Pro: I guess we’re finally going to get to see the match-ups we’ve all wanted when in years past we said, “Hey, wouldn’t it have been cool if so and so would have played so and so after the Rose and Fiesta (Or Sugar and Orange…Well, maybe not the Orange, but you get my drift.)

Cons: As a Michigan Fan, I kind of like the idea that there will be a committee that takes the best teams without looking at the public sentiment vote. However, having a committee also scares the bejeezus out of me for too many reasons to list…Ah, hell, lets list a few:

1. I can see a committee that ends up taking up to 3 teams from a single conference (cough-cough..ESS-EEE-SEE) based on the fact that there isn’t round robin play. That makes me nervous.
2. Boise State, Utah, and TCU: Your chances of getting in the play-off are slim to none. This is going to be big money and you can bet the big money boys are going to make sure that a 1 loss big conference team gets a shot over an undefeated based on “Strength of Schedule” and “Tradition”.
3. Which means that a 1 loss Domer team would probably NOT get the nod in that type of situation, also. A 1 loss, 11 victory Domer team or a 1 loss, 12 victory B1G, SEC, or PAC12 runner up? Yep, that’s what I thought, too.

Where I see this thing going: Looking back over the last 10 seasons, I don’t see a huge amount of discrepancy in the number 1 or 2 team (a 2 loss LSU in 2007 that won the whole ball of wax is the only issue) and even down to the third ranked team going into the bowls. Where I have an issue is with that 4th slot. That one becomes the “This is who we “THINK” deserves the shot” slot. And with everyone lobbying (think Florida in 2006) for a shot, well…I guess we’ll just have to see how it all works out…

But it’s a far cry from what we had!
Number 2

Future schedules have been announced and frankly, Michigan isn’t doing the season ticket holders any favors…Once again, the odd years are the seasons that everyone wants and the even years are, well…. they are the even years.

Something needs to happen to try and figure out how to get OSU and the Domers off the same home schedule….That would help the even season with respect to one more decent game on the schedule. All I know is with other pressing activities outside of Michigan Football, the even year home games lack some luster…and that should not be the case.
Item 3

Part of what has been holding up the Pre-Season Spectacular is the turmoil that is plaguing The Nittany Lions and their program. I’m shocked at this point, somewhat baffled, and saddened as to what the NCAA handed down with respect to penalties and sanctions.

Don’t get me wrong: Penn State needed to be punished and woken up to what “Institutional Control” really means and I believe this will have an overall positive effect on the sport of college football. I’m just appalled that there are still some staunch supporters that are upset with the current Powers That Be for agreeing to the sanctions and penalties. There is a lone Trustee Board member announcing that he’s ticked that PSU agreed to all of this. Look, dude: PSU did WRONG. Wrap your little pea brain around that and noodle on it for a while.

In my mind, all of this is somewhat academic. PSU enjoyed financial gain for the 12 years when Joe Pa, and everyone else, knew about Jerry Sandusky’s actions of evil on small boys/young men. For that, they need to be punished. The statue should have come down the day after the Freeh Report was released. Why that took as much time as it did is beyond me... In case you haven’t read it (I have not read in its entirety, but I’ve read the most damning parts) Freeh and his staff conclude that there is “absolutely no way Joe Pa and others didn’t know what was going down in 1998 with Sandusky and the victims.” And then Jo Pa lied about it to the Grand Jury under oath.

As much as it pains me to say, Shame on you Joe Pa…Shame.

Does this hurt the B1G much in the same way that SMU’s Death Penalty brought about the demise of the SWC as some pundits (mostly PSU supporters hoping to drag everyone else down with them – see Black Shoe Diaries Blog for all the B1G ramifications….) would like you to believe? I think not. The B1G is going to be just fine, thank you, and doesn’t have the same external pressures on it that the SWC had. It’ll hurt the overall performance of the B1G, but it might actually help the other Big 4 (Michigan, OSU, Wisconsin, and some mix of MSU-Northwestern-Iowa) get the recruits that were going to PSU…

Still, my heart goes out to all those kids (victims), the current administration and players, and the fans that did nothing but root for their team and their alma mater…Try to picture your school going through this. Frankly, it sucks. The fans didn’t do anything wrong…The players didn’t do anything wrong. But they are paying a HUGE price. Is that morally right? Or any more morally correct than what Sandusky and Joe Pa did? I dunno….I think there was a penalty out there that would have been just as harsh (monetary) and would have pained PSU the “institution” but not brought on the destruction of the program long term. PSU recruiting is in the potty for the next 4 years…No one is going to want to go there if they can’t be in a bowl game. You could have left the scholarships and taken the bowls away and had the same affect. In addition, by taking those scholarships, the NCAA (which – REMEMBER!- is about the STUDENT athlete) just deprived 10 to 20 kids annually of a compensated education at PSU…Does any of that make sense? In what world? As you know, whatever the NCAA does when it comes to handing out punishment rarely makes sense to the MMQ, but this one absolutely takes the cake….No one can give back to the victims what was taken from them. This is about showboating and trying to one up everybody else in the due process area of resolution.

And frankly this exercise by the NCAA is just that: A way for the NCAA to say, “Look at me. I matter.”

Mr. Emmert, I hope in the coming years you can live with the results of your actions and understand that two wrongs do not make any rights…..and destruction for destruction’s sake in the long term helps no one….What if one of the “student athletes” you denied an education becomes something ugly themselves? The butterfly affect and potential for unintended consequences abound with your decision……

One Last Fun Little Thing….

An avid reader and brother in law sent me this link. It’s the writer’s opinion of what the top 25 Touchdowns are in Michigan History. He didn’t rank them in any particular order, but it certainly got me to thinking about it. Check the link and see what you think about the ranking and order of these touchdowns and we will vote on them up to the first game of the year! I hadn’t ever thought about it, but this is definitely something that I can kill some dead time with any day of the week…..

My Top 10

Instead of a pre-season Top 10, you all know I try to figure out who’s going to be in the top 10 at the END of the season. Who I like, without rhyme or reason. Okay, maybe a little reason:

1. USC – Look out for this team….Could be an FMQ FAVORITE week in and week out….
2. Alabama - Bowl game loss in the National Championship Game…
3. LSU – I’m done doubting Miles…Seriously….
4. Oregon – Process, program, speed and execution…REPEAT
5. Michigan – Surprise Big 10 Champions! Well, maybe not a surprise, but the National Title will be out of reach with two or more undefeated teams above….
6. FSU – breakout year finally for the Seminoles with an Orange Bowl Win…
7. Wisconsin – look for the Cheeseheads against Michigan in the B1G Championship
8. Georgia – I don’t know what I like about Georgia except for their schedule.
9. Arkansas – I really wanted to put this team higher based on returning players…But John L Smith keeps me from doing that…
10. SPARTY! – Never let it be said that I can’t or won’t rank a rival. I just hope we beat you this year….

Perspective….Trying to find that in this year’s team is tough. Michigan lost a lot of key players but has many returning key players as well, 13. Of course, it looks like we just lost Fitz Toussaint to a DUI and that’s going to be a huge problem, especially against Alabama, but I believe Hoke will find a way. In fact, if you believe the hype and you believe everything Fred Jackson (Michigan’s running backs coach) says about Thomas Rawls, that we aren’t even looking at a drop off…It’s going to be a step up in power and speed…so, I dunno…

That being said, I’ve said earlier that this team faces incredibly difficult road challenges and I’m not sure the maturity and poise is there to come out of those with a 0.500 out where Michigan ends up.

SATAN’S WARRIORS: Yikes. I was much more confident in this game when Fitz was going to play. Now I think our chances of hanging within two touchdowns is in jeopardy - maybe. I just don’t want to see a PSU egg laying and Saban calling the dogs off to keep it “respectful”. I’m not following any of the local hype…Not that there’s a lot. Just slappy believers that say, “You’ve gotta’ play the game! Michigan just isn’t going to hand it to them…” Well, no, I don’t think anyone thinks that Michigan is going to hand them the game. And Michigan used to win big games like this where they were huge underdogs…We’ve all just seen what well coached CHEATERS can do with extra players and kids that don’t need to make grades…
Michigan 27- Satan’s Warriors 36
The MMQ Slappy Prediction: DeRob 35 – Satan’s Boobs 31

AIR FORCE: I never say that any team is a push over any more. And coming off what will most likely be a trouncing against Bama, well, I’m nervous that bouncing back may be difficult. Not only that, but it’s an early game (time wise) in September and the Big House field gets hot – not to mention that the Air Force offense will have been prepping for this game and setting up to give Michigan fits. But, I want to believe that we can get to 500 with a win, so
Michigan 42 – Air Force 28



U MASS: Again, after App-State-Gate, take no on lightly. But here’s a team that simply should NOT be on the schedule. Take your pay day and lay down for Michigan, UMASS
Michigan 35 – UMASS 14

Domers: It would appear that even the most loyal of Domer fans have had it with this institution…Rick Reilly lambasted them nicely and you can read it here…

Reilly: Notre Dame Irish have relegated themselves to insignificance

Can you say, “Must win game for Brian Kelly?” He has to beat Michigan for no other reason than the fans will get him fired long before $warbuck$’s end of season evaluation will take place. Kelly is 0-2 against the Wolverines and 0-2 against USC. That’s not good. After stealing the last 3 out of 4 from the Domers, I can’t help but think that the big ‘ole revolving door of Karma is down there waiting for us…OR is there still Reggie Ho and other sins of Domer game’s past that still need to be atoned for? I think DeRob is going to have a “Big Game” and Michigan might pull off 4 in a row down in Domerland!
Michigan 42 – Domers 38 (Double OT)

Purdue: Again, it’s a B1G Game and anything can happen, but Danny Hope may be on the Hot Seat and I don’t think the Wolverines are going to help his cause….
Michigan 31 – Purdon’t 17

ILLINOIS: How Ron Zook keeps his job at Illinois – almost…. Tim Beckman is the new man on the sidelines at Illinois! Some of you may remember some of the close games he had Toledo in and who Toledo beat under his tenure….I don’t like to go there as Beckman is 1-0 against Michigan lifetime…Can anyone say REVENGE?
Michigan 37 – Illinois 14

SPARTY: Jeez…..I almost hate these guys as much as those other clowns. Somehow, the balance is going to start swinging back to the good side, I just can’t seem to figure out how…But I don’t see DeRob losing all 4 years to the Jolly Green Giants….I just hate the Back To Back games this sets up…
Michigan 42 – Sparty 35

Nebraska: After the shellacking that the Wolverines put on the Corn Huskers last year, I gotta’ believe Bo Pelini has a couple of motivational scores up in the locker room in Nebraska this year. Last year’s blow out at the Big House has to be one of them. I’ve heard that Lincoln can be a tough place to play and Michigan is going to find out…
Michigan 28 – Nebraska 31 (OT)

Minnesota: Kill is back and I don’t think he has the Gophers quite ready for B1G play…And I know he doesn’t have a defense that can contain a mid-season Denard…
Michigan 45 – Gophers 23

NORTHWESTERN: Who let Northwestern get good? I mean, I should have to worry about a team like this but I guarantee you that Hoke and company will be looking ahead to the following week with the Children of the Corn coming to town. And that’s a revenge game as I recall…..This one will be closer than you think.
Michigan 27 – Kitty Kats 24

IOWA: Can you tell me who the longest tenured coach in the B1G is? I’ll give you a hint: He’ll be in Ann Arbor coaching his team against the Wolverines this Saturday….I can’t believe it, either….
Michigan 51 – Iowa 37

At ohio: Once again, Michigan will be looking at beating a B1G opponent hoping to represent the Legends division in the B1G Championship game. Based on the tea leaves and the fact that we will hold the tie breaker against Sparty (yes, this means we’ll beat Sparty), we can still lose this one and make the Championship…I think. And I have this sick feeling that Urban Legend will start his chapter of this series out on the right foot….
Michigan 20 – Suckeyes 27

Big 10 Championship: Michigan looks to take on their Cheesehead foes for the right to represent the Big 10 in the Rose Bowl. Wisconsin will have earned their way into the game by default and the fact that there is no way that OSU or PSU can go….Who else is left in the Leader’s Division?
Michigan 35 – Wisconsin 23

So, while I don’t believe the pre-season hype and Michigan being the 4th, 6th, 8th or whatever best overall team in the nation, I do believe that they can win the B1G and face the Pac 12 Champion (or the runner up) and maybe exact a little revenge on Oregon….Buy we’ll see….
Idle Thoughts From the Pre-Season

-PSU….PSU…PSU
-Did anyone talk about anything else?
-Well, there was the whole FSU and Clemson to the Big 12 that lasted about a minute before those two universities came to their collective senses.
-It was actually after the president’s at both respective universities more or less told everyone else, “What, are you out of you @#$!%$#$ing minds?”
-Remember: The ACC is an AAU conference with ties to huge government money.
-You’d be an idiot to leave…And an even bigger idiot not to join (See Syracuse and Pitt)
-Is there still a Beast? I mean, who’s left?
-We are going to have a Playoff!
-Or, is this just a fancy way to keep the Boise States and Utahs out of the club?
-The MMQ has an opinion…And if you’re Boise or Utah, you aren’t going to like it.
-The Domers might win 10 games this year…
-There, I said it. But I did say, “MIGHT”!
-And they can’t beat USC …and I believe they won’t beat Michigan.
-Has any Head Coach ever won 10 games and still gotten the Ax?
-Earl Bruce won 9 and got the Ax for not beating you know who….
-Petrino doesn’t count…well, technically I guess he does.
-I could see the same fate awaiting Kelly if he lost those two games and a BCS game…
-Just saying…
-What friggin’ page is Fitz on? I mean, come on guys…I know kids will be kids.
-Can’t they at least figure out how to do it and not drive?
-Lock ‘em in Ann Arbor and take away the keys.
-David Brandon is sort of getting on my nerves….I think I liked it better when the Michigan AD wasn’t ACTUALLY INVOLVED in athletics.
-Looking forward to this year’s defense. I don’t think last year happened by accident.


The Hot Seat

Jenn Brown made a comment on ESPN that she was “Honored to receive the Annual Hot Seat Mascot award and that the picture we’re using to represent her this season is one of her more flattering ones.” I’m not sure I got that quote exactly right, but she said something about something and that seemed like enough of an endorsement…

And I got to thinking about the origin of the Hot Seat and how many coaches, players and men in general have been put in the ole hot seat by women in their lives? You know, Samson, Clinton, Petrino….And I thought, “Hey, MMQ, what a great idea for a Hot Seat Mascot Theme for 2012!”

And while I won’t guarantee that EVERY Hot Seat Mascot nominee will be one that got a man in trouble, I figure we could give the honorary first week slot to Jessica Dorrell, the woman that brought down Bobby Petrino!

Off Season Coaches canned:

1. Bobby Petrino – Jessica sucked him down like a golf ball through 20 feet of garden hose….

Hot Seat Rank

1. Kelly, Brian: Until someone, anyone unseats him or he beats Michigan, he has to be number 1.

2. Derek Dooley: No way he survives another bowl-less year…Much less another year of sub 0.500 SEC ball…

3. Tedford: Cal seems so good early and then it all goes to hell…Why? And do they care enough to can him?
4. Mack Brown: I know, I know. But you didn’t think they would fire Joe Pa, either. Believe the MMQ when I say that his retirement or canning is nearer than you think…
5. Randy Edsall: Maryland is going to start thinking that with the ACC as screwed up as it is, why aren’t we winning more football games?
6. Kevin Wilson: But can Indiana really expect much more? Really?
7. Mark Richt: Just because he will lose some game he’s not supposed to and the annual “Fire Mark Richt” bandwagon will get a spit polish and a coat of paint…
8. Dabo Sweeney: Either find a defense or find a new job….
9. Frank Spaziani: BC is a proud school that doesn’t get a lot of attention…
10. Tubberville: Yeah, he’ll have a defense, but those people at Texas Tech are used to FIREWORKS!!!!!

FMQ

The FMQ was in the green last year, but the bowl season did NOT do us any favors. That and some bad picks near the end of the season made of an up and down rollercoaster of a season….

STARTING BANK: $1,000

FINAL BANK: $1,247

The Bank looked like this for the Season and much of it (in fact A LOT of it) had to do with the Andrew Luck Freight Train that was 8-0 ATS for the first 8 games of the season…When Andrew stopped beating the spread…well, that hurt me. However, I won’t make the same mistake twice. (Yes, we peaked at close to $1,800…sad how quickly a couple of losses and the vig can get you…)

We’ll start the year out with $1,000 cool American Clams with the goal in mind to double it (or better) or lose it all…and maybe re-load from prior year’s winnings, even though we’ve NEVER had to do that…(knock on wood).

Sneaking a peek at the schedules ahead, I like (ahem) Michigan to cover in Dallas (the early line is 12 and I have a hunch it’ll move higher, so I’m waiting. I also like USC to be this year’s Mr. Lucky in Waiting team…I most likely will be taking a lot of points and this team….I will need to study some other games more closely as the time approaches, but I’m looking forward to padding the FMQ bankroll a little more!

There you have it! Look forward to updates on Mondays or whenever pressing news presents itself!

Michigan Seals? The Leaders and the Best Learn to "Embrace the Suck!"

I have sort of had a moratorium on reading anything on ESPN....Call it a permanent case of, "You've pissed me off so many times that I'm just not going to visit your site anymore."  Problem is, everyone once in awhile something actually good does come from it...

For example, Mark Schalbach's article on the Michigan Football Seniors at Navy Seal Leadership Training is actually pretty good.  It's a longer than usual read and you'll probably want to set aside a full lunch hour, but it will give you a glimpse into how ole Coach Hoke is using the USA finest to shape and mold this year's seniors.

One of my favorite statements from Special Warfare Operator Stella was that the team needed to learn how to "Embrace the Suck!" when the going gets tough....



Stella then told the Wolverines the only thing they really need to know about the next three hours of training. It's what he likes to call "Embrace the suck."



"It doesn't matter who can run the fastest, who can shoot the best or who can throw it the farthest," Stella said. "What it all comes down to is how do you perform when you're stressed and under pressure? We're going to take you places where you've never been before. Be prepared for that. You're going to get a snapshot of yourself today and your teammates are going to get a snapshot of you today."

I kind of think that's always a good test of character.  What do people do and how do they react in the face of adversity?  When the chips are down?  After life kicks you in the nuts?  Are you going to get up?  Rally?  Find that inner self and move on?  You need a big suck in life every once in awhile to remind you that you're human, the race ISN'T over, and that you can always do better.

It'll be interesting to see how the Wolverines use this in what is shaping up to be a challenging season.

As I Projected: Michigan's 2012 Schedule Among the Toughest

Bruce Feldman over at CBS Sports came up with a scheduling strength valuation system that you can read about in detail here.   Suffice it to say, Top 20 and top 40 caliber opponents, Road Games, and the occasional "extra half point" for back to back nightmare scenarios put Michigan at #4 on his list. 

The Top 10:

1.  Domers - I'll give the Domers credit for not playing an FCS school.
2.  Washington - Hard to believe, but the Pac12 and the non-con schedule look arduous.
3.  Oregon State - ditto
4.  Michigan - Alabama followed by a quirky Air Force offense, not to mention road games at Nebraska, Domers, and OSU and you have a bad mix for repeating 11 wins...Of course, 1997 was also one of the most difficult schedules Michigan ever faced!
5.  Kansas...It's Chuckles Weis...
6.  Ole Miss - SEC West
7.  Auburn
8.  Iowa State
9.  Cal
10. South Carolina - It seems like Steve always gets the toughest opponents on the road...

So, there you have it.  Michigan's schedule is tough.  And it will be difficult to navigate if the plan is to go undefeated.