Input: [Date] 2 years 35 weeks ago [Title] MSU [Body]

Output: It has to be putting Sparty back in second (in-state) again. I'm from southwest Michigan and there are plenty of quiet ND fans, but the Sparty fans are always more obnoxious and vocal. It's nice to have them quieted. Not silenced; their inferiority complex would never allow that, but quited. Michigan-based ND fans are suddenly coming out of the woodwork again after years of quietly wearing their confused collage of green, gold, blue, yellow, and pink and trying to avoid talking football. They're bemusing at best, and a minor annoyance at worst. Sparties are downright confrontational. After the 2010 game I couldn't handle them Spartying up Ann Arbor again... And it came far too close to happening...


Input: [Date] 2 years 35 weeks ago [Title] Strangely enough... [Body]

Output: It's kind of fitting that this was/will be my last year at the University of Michigan... at least in football terms the season, as a while, feels almost identical to the 2007 season when I started. The losses were distributed very very differently but both seasons started with punches to the gut and ended with something resembling Big 10 contention before falling away to nothing... Both were 8-4 and both see me believing that we have a much better team than our record indicates. Regardless of who we're matched against (NOT ALABAMA) we're going to give them more fight than they're expecting from an 8-4 B1G team in the derpiest of derp BIG TEN!!11! years. 2007 Oregon == 2012 Alabama 2007 Wisconsin == 2012 Nebraska 2007 ohio == 2012 Notre Dame 2012 ohio was it's own thing... that other game in 2007 didn't happen. We were 8-3 that year right? (I know, I know, shut up!) Both years also saw senior QBs injured and highly-touted offenses sputter (though 07' less so when not playing ohio) both in their presence and absence. Hopefully we can get our "Disney movie" ending again. I think we have a pretty decent chance against Georgia, Florida, or South Carolina... less so against A&M or LSU, but who knows? Nobody really thought we had much of chance against Florida after the 2007 season when our often criticized OC broke tendency and unleased RoboHenne and our defense slowed down a Heisman winning Tebow enough that the only thing keeping the game from being a blowout was Mike Hart (of all people) fumbling (twice!). If we end up playing A&M this will honestly feel like a rerun... I think I've seen this movie before!


Input: [Date] 2 years 35 weeks ago [Title] $$$ [Body]

Output: With 750K we might be able to pull great coordinators away from head coaching jobs. Like Paul Chryst (currently at Pitt), or one of Boise's former OCs (they're now at Texas and Florida, which haven't benn great, so idk). A big part of my frusteration with the "Fire Borges" talk is that I don't know who anyone expects to be a better fit, or just better in general... Of the guys we have a snowballs chance in hell of hiring without dropping head coach wages (at lower-level football schools, but still) I can't think of anyone who'd be a better fit. And Hoke's likely to be very defensive of Borges. For better or worse it'd take some heavy leaning on Brandon's part to oust Borges with any speed... Which should be okay since we're starting to accumulate the round pegs for Borges's round hole offense... If he can't win with those it'll be time to find someone who can.


Input: [Date] 2 years 35 weeks ago [Title] I agree [Body]

Output: I don't think anyone is claiming that Borges should be given more time to get his players so much as we don't want to boot the guy and hire a spread zealot OC that won't know what to do with our shiny new monster OL recruites and bowling-ball RBs. Gardner, Morris and Bellomy are all decently mobile, but are definitely pass first, scramble second; not "designed run" guys. And we really don't want to end up with another DeBord or worse (GERG Davis). Borges has huge glaring flaws in that his lizard brain screams for plays that don't make sense and usually don't work with our current roster (I-form on short yardage, bombs down the field, jump balls). When we have the players for those plays it would be a disaster to switch to an OC that wants us to run the QB Oh-Noes without a racecar at QB or sweeps without mountain-goat blocking WRs. 1, 4 & 5: Hellz yeah all around. Mattison and recuiting especially. Skill players are often highly sought after which can cause ego issues, but while we haven't (yet) pulled in the Treadwell and Greens of the world we're still raking in solid 4-stars even at WR and RB. Once the lines become experienced NFL factories it doesn't take super-elite skill players to move the ball. We have elite QBs (Gardner, Morris) and have been pretty good about developing other positions. It's not like 4-starts are automatically "worse" than 5s either, they're just less likely to be elite players at the college level. Hoke + Mattison = win! 2 & 3 are probably related, though I think it's Hoke that controls the time outs and the bigger meta-game decisions (going to it tooth and nail vs play it safe). I felt like the 2-minute drill was less of a problem last year and that we've strangely collapsed this season. I'm not sure who that's on, but they should feel their chair getting a little warmer. The rest of my Borges rant is up top. I'm only for replacing Borges if we can get someone top-notch, but most of those are probably pipe dreams (Paul Chryst for example).


Input: [Date] 2 years 35 weeks ago [Title] 0_o [Body]

Output: While I understand the "fire Borges" talk, and found the second half every bit as agonizing as you guys did, I can't seriously stand behding offing the guy. He's recruiting players who will be able to handle some of those lizard-brain 2nd half calls and turn them into first downs. He didn't have a ton of time to install packages designed to use Denard at "not QB" or get Devin particularly comfortable with run reads... but given the first half it really seemed like he might've known what he was doing and the second half basically proved otherwise. No one is faulting Borges for the turnovers, but the calls when we had the ball were unimaginative, and showed a lack of willingness to maximize the talent available on our side of the ball. This last week should've seen us install the Devin (QB) / Denard (RB) inverted veer and a couple play-action packages off of it. If Devin was struggling with the read they could've run it completely called. We also could've installed the throwback screen on the I-form and had Devin run his bootleg sweep to set it up. Until it was air-raid time we should've had Devin @ QB and Denard at RB / wingback / slot. Why this wasn't the case on most 1st / 2nd downs or even 3rd and managable, I'll never know. And the variant of the throwback we ran on Iowa probably could've worked on 3rd down sometime... eerrrg.... But as frusterated as I am I don't know if I was Borges axed. He's a solid upper-middle tier OC and I'm doubtful that we can get anyone we'd be happier with in 1-3 years... The only name that comes to mind that I would really want is Paul Chryst, but I think Pitt is finally done with the coaching carousel and I doubt we can afford to pay an assistant head coach wages. Considering the situation down at Tennessee we might be able to pull in Jim Chaney? I have no idea how good of an idea that is or isn't but he seems to know his way around a solid mix of pro and spread style concepts. *shrug*


Input: [Date] 2 years 36 weeks ago [Title] *shrug* [Body]

Output: It's a rough and tumble world out there for everyone... I know many students who've recieved degrees in architecture, Chinese, and German from Michigan and Michigan state and they're all either working odd-jobs not related to their degree or back in school for engineering, or pharmacy. Athletes run a higher risk of these kinds of situation since they're generally in less-desirable/employable "easier" degree programs than engineering, business, or medical (which are three that tend to give graduates their pick of job offers, rather than the jobs getting their pick of the graduates). It sounds to me like Chris Floyd was doing just fine before making a less-than-perfect decision to come back to Ann Arbor without an official job offer. None of us know what was said in his interview(s), and they might've pretty much handed him the job on-the-spot for all we know. It doesn't change that his move was a bit premature. From what I've gathered in other articles and the comments of anyone who claims to know the man we're fortunate to have him back in Ann Arbor and I wish him nothing but the best. It sounds like he's passonate about giving back to the University and thought he had the perfect way to do so lined up, only to pull the trigger and discover that he didn't... It's still his fault, but he doesn't seem like someone who's wallowing; he'll dig out. Maybe he'll find a different position in the athletic department; maybe not. Regardless I'm sure he doesn't need the advice or judgement of us to find his niche; though a little support wouldn't hurt. Best of luck to Chris. Go Blue!


Input: [Date] 2 years 36 weeks ago [Title] Strange... [Body]

Output: I have no idea why, and it seems very odd of me, but I like the idea of just devouring an entire conference a lot more than taking a couple mid-tier schools from one... Maryland is fine academically and come-again-go-again good athletically and I'm not as opposed to them as Rutgers. Rutgers was the name of my middle school gym teacher, not a Big 10 university. Seriously. If the B1G must expand I'd rather it was done much more carefully; if/when we can pull quality academic and/or athletic institutions from other conferences. When the B1G announced the addition of Nebraska I wasn't a hater. They're not the greatest academic school, but their a gut-reaction positive name at least. And a traditional football powerhouse, which definitely helps with the culteral fit... *sigh* T_T


Input: [Date] 2 years 36 weeks ago [Title] I'm in the "no expansion" boat [Body]

Output: Am I the only one who thinks Nebraska and Penn State were both good, well thought-out additions to the Big 10 but that most (if not all) further expansion suggestions just seem half-baked and unsuited in at least one or major ways? Rutgers? No thank you. Maryland? meh. no thanks. Georgia Tech? getting warmer, but no. In terms of football, academics, and overall national/international reputation none of these schools suit the Big Ten and the Big Ten does not suit them. Maybe it would be an upgrade from the ACC, but the doesn't make it "the right move". I actually can't think of a school that I'd be excited about the Big 10 grabbing up right now unless I completely disregard geography and/or reality. :-/ Can't we just be happy with 12 teams in the Big 10 and 10 teams in the Big 12? :P


Input: [Date] 2 years 36 weeks ago [Title] Redshirts... [Body]

Output: In some cases (see Pipkins) I'm not sure that "burning the redshirt" is a bad idea at all. He's an extremely smart kid who will probably recieve his degree in four years; an incredible athlete who'll probably be a mid to low-round pick after 4 years, and there's not enough depth to keep him off the field. My guess is that if he was redshirted he may very well see 3 years on the field before heading off the the NFL with his degree, anyway. Much like Taylor Lewan will likely do. In the case of players who are more "development" cases athletically and/or academically it makes sense to redshirt as long as the depth at their position allows for it... The RR coaching staff may have believed BWC to be the kind of player who would be gone in 4 years regardless. Without his change in work ethic over the last couple of years I would be one to disagree, but it's always hard to tell... Now it definitely looks like he could've benefitted from an extra year. As is he'll be a sort-of 'finge' draft prospect... and the draft is highly unpredicable. Regardless of player's talent levels teams must take care of their needs first, and talented players can clog up certain positions in a given year. They always need more linemen though. NFL = Not For Long. Espectially for guys in the trenches. Still it's nice to hear that the big man's hard work is starting to show signs of paying off in life and not just on the field for Michigan. He clearly has elite potential and he's just starting to really furfill it. I could certainly see BWC as one of those guys who outshines their college careers in the NFL.


Input: [Date] 2 years 36 weeks ago [Title] Indeed [Body]

Output: After the offensive meltdown at Nebraska the fear-level around these parts was definitely high and getting higher. Somehow our QB-turned-WR-turned-QB turned out to be a pretty great option after all. I'm really glad to see him having such success and excited about next year's offense (a thought I was previously dreading). Devin's chemestry with the WRs is also notable. I wonder if playing alongside them at their position has something to do with that. And regardless of all of the "Devin should've been at QB and Denard moved somewhere" talk I've heard (mostly other places) I think the coaching staff here made the best decisions regarding Devin and Denard's position given the information they had at any given time; and a healthy Denard starts at QB. In the spring it was clear that Devin was stuck behind Denard for the starting job and maybe getting pushed by Bellomy for the backup position. On top of that he's an athletic phenom, so getting him on the field looked benificial, if not crucial, to Michigan's success this season. Without injury, or with full recovery, Denard is the starter; though I think our new offense is looking like a potent combination of their strengths and I'm hopeful the enough wrinkles have been installed that the offense doesn't become predicable based on personel/formation. BEAT OHIO!


Input: [Date] 2 years 37 weeks ago [Title] I have a feeling... [Body]

Output: I have a feeling that the simplicity of our current offense is largely due to breaking all of the personal (particularly Gardner) into it was well. We've been running adapted spread principles the last couple years as we transition... I expect that we'll start learning plenty about fancy passing schemes in the coming years as Borges installs his offense with personal recruited to play in it. Cost of transitions. *shrugs*


Input: [Date] 2 years 38 weeks ago [Title] Well goddamn! [Body]

Output: I hope she's having as much fun as she appears to be and she's able to stick with it as she gets older. The best 11 players should see field and there's no reason to think she won't be one of those for many years to come. It doesn't surprise me that Peewee football would run zone reads. Run them "correctly" by leaving the playside end unblocked and reading them? Maybe not but I see no reason why 8 or 9 year olds couldn't manage the snap and the hand off (or called fake).


Input: [Date] 2 years 38 weeks ago [Title] IF [Body]

Output: If, by some very strange twist of fate, Denard, the coaches and the medical staff all think he's good to carry/catch the ball but don't have confidence in him throwing I think agree that I'd like to see him on the field. Even if only for the old deuce sweep package where he shouldn't have to catch at all it'd still be nice to work him into the gameplan a little bit. But I agree that this scenario seems highly unlikely; existing somewhere between nice reality (he's healthy enough to play, therefore QB) and god-awful harsh reality (he's a fumble risk everywhere) which, in the case of a senior starter, I'd imagine almost overlap... IF we see Denard make a position switch in anything other than the deuce package it won't happen until the B1G Championship game (assuming we make it there) or the bowl game. And even then I wouldn't expect to see it happen. If Russel and Denard are both healthy I would expect to see Gardner back at WR and Denard at QB.


Input: [Date] 2 years 38 weeks ago [Title] Correct sir! [Body]

Output: A lot of times Jake Ryan takes a "wrong" step that would usually cause him to give up his leverage on the outside but still makes the tackle in the backfield becaues his next step is so explosive. If anything it's often a better outcome than if he plays 'correctly' but it's a more volitile one, and as a defensive coach you usually prefer consistantly good plays to inconsistant great plays. Better to give up 2 yards than tackle for -3 or let them outside for 8... Last year Mr. Ryan was causing some of those remote-toss inducing plays were he'd give them the outside (particularly in the first half against Northwestern). This year he's gotten pretty good at looking like he's giving them an option when their only option is who will be tackled by Jack Ryan. Mwahahahaha!


Input: [Date] 2 years 38 weeks ago [Title] 6.5 would be a better over/under [Body]

Output: I think Sparty makes it easily. They've got 1.5 wins left on their schedule... I can easily see them finishing up 7-5; which is still brutal with how many close games they've lost this year. Minnesota beats Illinios without a problem and will also make it. They probably lose their other two games hard though. The interesting question becomes the Indiana / Purdue / Iowa mess... Of them Purdue has the best shot of winning at least 2 games, but they need 3. IU has very little chance of beating Wisconsin or PSU, but I would pick them over Purdue at this point (LOL! BIG TENNNNNN). Iowa... might beat Purdue? I think Michigan finally gets past them. I wouldn't be surpirsed if we fashion an ugly 9-3 victory or something, but I just can't see their offense being the slightest bit functional in the Big House. And Nebraska should be able to pin 30+ points on them... Iowa's offense can't match that total if they were playing against wet paper. Honestly I see 6 teams making it pretty much "for sure". A 7th would require one of those obnoxious 'miracle upset' wins or Purdue to go perfect against their roommates in the Big 10 basement. Neither seems particularly likely, or unlikely. 0_o


Input: [Date] 2 years 38 weeks ago [Title] All of the above [Body]

Output: Considering the first, and previous 2nd (probably currently 3rd) option at QB were both injured, the guy you're having start has been playing WR for the last several months, and the line hasn't been blocking all that well... Seems like the IV would've been both risky, and in all probabily, ineffective. I would guess that it wasn't part of the game plan at all since DG doesn't seem to be able to dance through traffic the way DR does. Regardless, the gameplan worked. It's a curious absence of our base running play, but not a terribly surprising one given the circumstances. I would suspect that the Inverted Veer (that isn't really an inverted veer apparently - learn something new every day) will probably dissappear from the playbook fairly soon anyway. If not next year with DG then the year after (or two if Gardner gets that redshirt). I just can't see us running Morris up the middle with our bulldozer line; even if it would/could be effective.


Input: [Date] 2 years 38 weeks ago [Title] While we've all learned better [Body]

Output: While we've all learned better than to fully trust anything Brady Hoke says about injuries I don't really feel deceived in this case. It was well known and documented that Gardner was getting the majority of snaps at QB this week while Denard recovered. Whether or not Russ is actually injured didn't really occur to me as being urgent until Jack Kennedy went in to help run out the clock. At that point I would guess that Bellomy does have a very real injury of some kind becuase I don't see why you wouldn't trust the guy to hand off four times in a row. *shrug* I'm guessing that Denard was okayed to play on Saturday (thus he was dressed, etc) but that the plan was to keep him out unless absolutely necessary. Like most injuries nerve conditions recover more with time and the risk of further injuring Denard's throwing arm when you're going to win either way is silly. My guess is that if the offense remained stagnant or Gardner got hurt, then we might've seen Denard... I would hope that the plan is similar for Northwestern and Iowa as well because a healthy Denard against ohio is a beautiful thing. There's no question in my mind that Denard Robinson remains the #1 QB here. His feet help cover up a lot of our blocking issues and his passing game is on par with Devin's. Minnesota caveats abound and stuff... That being said I think Devin is the heir apparent at QB and will probably make a brilliant 'transition' QB between the spread offense we've run with Dilithium and the vertical passing schemes we'll being installing soon. He's mobile enough to buy time and grab a touchdown here and there. He's tall enough to have great field vision and he's strong enough to heave the ball 50+ yards down field. Defenses don't have to play his legs the way they have Denards, but if our recieving core holds up their end things should be okay in 2013.


Input: [Date] 2 years 39 weeks ago [Title] IF Devin can play QB [Body]

Output: The Notre Dame game was now a full month ago now. I'm uncertain of how long seperated shoulders take to heal up enough to get back to throwing, so I will make no claims on that. But IF Devin is good to go I hope he'll get plenty of snaps at QB this week. The emergence of Funchess and Dileo make me feel okay about our team's overall recieving ability without Devin at wideout and I think we might need him at QB even if Denard is okay for next week. Bellomy simply doesn't look ready for prime-time and our offensive weaknesses are usually covered for by the thread of Denard's legs, which Bellomy can't approximate but Devin certainly can. We're not going to win a lot of games without Denard, but if we can get merely competent QB play I suspect we can still will 2.5/4 remaining games on our schedule. I don't see Minnesota or Iowa putting more than 10-15 points on the board against this D, Northwestern would be a toss-up without Denard, but I still think we can grind that one out at home. I don't see us keeping up with ohio without Denard though, so I hope he's either 100% soon or else is able to rest up for a next few weeks to get healthy before THE GAME.


Input: [Date] 2 years 40 weeks ago [Title] I like the analogy [Body]

Output: But I'm also a car guy, so yeah... If anything it gets even better when you consider that the Camaro has a backseat, which the Porshe completely lacks; much like how our offense have a QB run game that Borges's traditional offenses completely lack. How to use the extra space can be baffling, but he's figuring it out. I think the opposing defense determines the "road" and the Camero is every bit as good (maybe better) than the Porshe when that road is relatively straight and flat, but Alabama and Michigan State presented a narrow, twisty mountain pass. ND gave road through rolling foothills and sweeping turns but Borges put the pedal to the metal like he could in the Porshe and it backfired... Fortunately our defense is getting itself into "twisty mountain pass" territory, so we should be able to overwhelm the rest of our remaining schedule by slowing them down or by out-running them. Even Wiscy doesn't worry me too much... the PAC12 Champ (or runner up) could be trouble though...


Input: [Date] 2 years 40 weeks ago [Title] LOL [Body]

Output: "Until Tom Brady becomes president, Ford's spot as the top athletic dog in the Oval Office is probably safe." And then the top spot would still belong to a Michigan Man. ^_^ Go Blue!


Input: [Date] 2 years 40 weeks ago [Title] Victory, without much luck. [Body]

Output: The more I think about it the more I'm impressed with the way everyone on the team fought through the whole game. Other than (maybe) the Kovacs interception we just didn't have any lucky breaks. There were at least 2-3 passes that could've been touchdowns had things gone slightly different. And there was the fumbles they caused that still stayed with Sparty. In many ways this feels more special because of that. I refuse to make any concessions that Michigan got lucky somewhere; because we didn't. The team fought, the crowd fought, the coaches fought. No one, on either side gave an inch. And in the end the Wolvinerines brought Paul home. :) It feels like the curse has been broken by sheer force of will. How about that defense? How about 160+ yards on the ground against one of the best rush defensives in the country. GRIND IT OUT. It wasn't pretty, but it certainly was Michigan.


Input: [Date] 2 years 41 weeks ago [Title] OHIO [Body]

Output: Who the hell are these "Ohio" Bobcats you speak of? On topic though... I can understand why Vandy would cancel osu given the reconfiguring of the SEC to accomidate 14 teams and the difficulty of their schedule. osu is pretty much a garenteed loss for the Commodores... Seems a shame for them to walk out on Northwestern though. Those games have been decently competitive, and if you don't think you can beat a mid-tier Big 10 program you're probably not "building" anything. I thought they made for a cool matchup too, given their relative strengths both on the field and in the classroom. Oh well. :(


Input: [Date] 2 years 41 weeks ago [Title] I Believe in 9-3! [Body]

Output: If that loss isn't to Ohio I see this team pulling together in a big way and playing their best game in Columbus and winning that one anyway. I think Notre Dame kinda woke everyone up, whether they'll admit it or not. Offensively we're going to run at oppenents with our QB, slot ninja and RB until you make us do something different; like throw jump balls to our 6' 5" tight end... I expect this will be enough against any team on our schedule since none of them have both a competent defense (Sparty, Iowa) and a competent offense (Ohio, Northwestern). On defense MATTISON WILL BREAK YOU AND JAKE RYAN IN HIS TOOL and YOU CAN'T JUST GO SOMEWHERE ELSE BECAUSE THAT'S COVERED TOO!!! mwhahahahahaha!!!! Actually I don't know if we'll really figure out how good/bad this defense is until Northwestern and/or Ohio... So they'll look like doombringers even if they're merely excellent, but I can live with that. I think 9-3 is the most likely, even though the maths don't agree. 10-2 seems impossibly lucky and I don't see it happening (sadly). 8-4 seems very down, but IF we lose before Columbus I'll probably admit it as likely, rather than merely possible. Go Blue!


Input: [Date] 2 years 42 weeks ago [Title] uh... [Body]

Output: I can't be bothered to check, so I'll just go with a "window licking" mad score. Michigan: 63, Illinois: 6


Input: [Date] 2 years 42 weeks ago [Title] Presser == Pure Gold [Body]

Output: All the loves to Brady. This is easily the most entertaining presser since his inauguration press conference (which won me, and everyone else over). ♥ But as for Toussaint vs Rawls... eh. I'd love to see Rawls more in short yardage situations and once we're in "run out the clock... literally!" mode, but otherwise I'd still rather have Fitz in there. Given his extra time here I'm sure Fitz knows the playbook better and Purdue did sell out to stop him. Borges has added enough wrinkles to the offense since last year to let Denard take advantage of the situation and Denard is easily one of the most electrifying runners in the country and definitely the best rusher under center... I liked the game plan, and I hope that we come out doing similar things for the rest of the year and shift into cuter stuff as is demanded by the opposing defenses. If they stack the box start finding ways to get the ball outside or downfield other ways, but until then there's little reason to not run our whole veer/zone read/end-around package with the occasional screen thrown in and force the defense to react. It also works out nicely because it allows us to keep the majority of our offense under wraps when we're going to win anyway...


Input: [Date] 2 years 42 weeks ago [Title] I've been guessing 9-3 since the preseason [Body]

Output: I expect that we're going to drop a game in Big 10 play. I just hope it's not to the 'Huskers or the Spartans (or if it must be one of them that it's the one that loses to the other and thus has at least two big ten loses). I kinda suspect that it won't be one we're expecting though. Northwestern seems like the biggest "trap" game left... Both Ohio and Nebraska will be tough in their home stadiums. I suspect that we'll escape Lincoln with a shootout win, so that pretty much leaves winning in the 'Shoe. I think we're going to get after Sparty, but I don't think it'll be a blowout so much as a defensive slugfest. I forsee us effectively shutting down their run game and their passing game pretty much limits itself. Similarly I expect that they'll give Denard fits, as they usually do, but that we'll still gind out a couple good drives: 17-6 W. But yeah... The Rose Bowl seems totally doable for us this year. We look like the most complete squad in the Big Ten, let alone our division. All the love the media types are giving Ohio State seems unwarrented to me. I suspect they'd be 3-2 or even 2-3 if they'd had our schedule... We're just discovering the team we've got right now because Alabama was impossible to measure up to, Air Force is an oddball and we litterally threw the game away at ND. As for our opponent, I suspect that it'll be USC, though Stanford is certainly possible, and college football is an unpredicable beast. I see Oregon going the distance and getting to the NC game.


Input: [Date] 2 years 42 weeks ago [Title] I you the time and the will power [Body]

Output: If you write it I will read.


Input: [Date] 2 years 42 weeks ago [Title] Not Original [Body]

Output: Ohio's halftime show wasn't terribly original but it was impressively well executed. It was better than Cal's show, for what it's worth. And I think video game shows are just a good idea in general as they have a lot of memorable tunes that really strike an emotionally resonant chord. Movie shows are similar in that respect actually. Familiar content in a new context. The Oz show is fantastic, but imho spent too much time on in between songs reinacting bits of the movie. The songs are memorable enough on their own... though the script Ohio was a nice educational moment I suppose.


Input: [Date] 2 years 42 weeks ago [Title] Perfect Endings [Body]

Output: Perfect endings never go out of style. I saw it coming, but it's still absolutely right. ^_^


Input: [Date] 2 years 42 weeks ago [Title] Decisiveness mostly [Body]

Output: The biggest issue is that he'll see a linebacker lingering on the other side of the hole and scoot sideways to the next hole hoping for a free lane. There were definitely a couple times yesterday that if he's just gone for it he would've had 3-5 yards. Maybe more if he juked the guy in the hole, which was something Fitz was pretty adept at doing last year and I hope he can get back to asap. Some of it is scheme (veer rather than inside zone) and some of it is also the predicability of when we've been running. But against Purdue I think the playcalling was predicable as a reaction to Notre Dame. Borges decided to stop being so damn cute with his playcalling and just run the ball and Purdue keyed in on Fitz after getting burned keying on Denard last year. The coverage on the outside wasn't as fluffy as it was against ND either so getting the ball ouside on screens wasn't going to be the most useful. Borges called an excellent game, as evidenced by the score and time of possession. Was it predicable? Yes. So what? If we have to get cute to keep moving the chains then I certainly hope that we will. No one wants to see us going 100% Lloydball again, but when that's working there's no reason to shift away from it. We need to figure out the defensive plan by running a little bit of everything at them and seeing what they're up to. If they're keying on taking Denard out set up misdirection that gives the ball to Fitz; if they're shutting down the RB let Robinson run wild. If we're churning out 300 yards on the ground every game you'll never see me complaining.


Input: [Date] 2 years 42 weeks ago [Title] Unlikely... [Body]

Output: Based on Alabama being Alabama and their schedule being dowright fluffy other than @LSU, I see them effortlessly making the SEC Championship game. Once there Florida or SC could give them an interesting run, but I doubt it'd be enough. An undefeated Alabama will make the championship game over and undefeated anyone else (outside of the SEC) because they're coming from the ESS EEE SEE. If Alabama chokes @LSU and LSU goes undefeated the rest of the regular season, but falls in the SEC Champ game in either a rematch with Florida or to South Carolina then I see an SEC east contender possibly making the Championship game, but it would take some crazy upsets in the SEC conference schedule to not have them get a team in at all. Outside of Alabama I agree that Oregon looks like the most complete team. I suppose I need to watch some Kansas state before I can comment much further on the top of the rankings though. They've kinda been off my radar, but based on their scores and everything, they're solid. I don't see WVU running the table. Their defense shows up occasionally at best and while their offense is going to make statements all season they're not quite perfect. Geno Smith almost certainly deserves the Heisman and if they weren't on the same team what I saw from Tavon Austin suggest he should be in that converstation as well. KState or OU will probably get to them... If/When WVU loses it'll be like 31-35 or something; but it can happen. Notre Dama is unlikely to run the table. Both USC and OU look have favorable matchups vs the Irish in their passing game and defenses. They'll fall to one or both. This seems like the year that the Fighting Irish make a return to the BCS bowls and some amount of national relevance, but not a year that they can make it to the big one.


Input: [Date] 2 years 43 weeks ago [Title] Reverse Pass [Body]

Output: Hand off to Toissaint on veer look, who hands off to Gardner headed the other way, who then passes to Denard. It works; all is restored. Michigan will go 9-3 in the regular season with a close loss to Ohio in their "superbowl" the only big-ten downfall. Michigan ends the season at the Rose Bowl against USC and loses in 4th quarter shootout 34-30. This week though, Michigan shakes off the rust and grinds it out on the ground. The score won't be astonishing, but Michigan controls the game from start to finish: 27 - 13


Input: [Date] 2 years 43 weeks ago [Title] No homer effect necessary [Body]

Output: As much as I enjoy the "underdog effect" I don't see how so many sportswriters are calling this in favor of the Boilermakers... I think our defensive line and 'backer core has improved massively and will be extremely stout around the pocket; completely eliminating the run inside or out. They'll also apply enough pressure to prevent any slow-developing downfield pass plays from developing (particularly given Purdue's struggles there anyway). We should see some batted passes out of Clark and/or Ryan when they go to the screens and while they'll get some yards out of those I simply don't see Purdue consistantly sustaining more than 3 drives all game, of which I expect most won't hit endzone. Our defensive strengths matched up against their offense leaves them completely one-dimensional. On the other hand the Michigan offense's strengths match up quite well against the Boilermaker defense. So long as Kawaan Short is always kept bottled up the outside run game should see Michigan put up over 200 yards on the ground with Toissaint finally breaking 100 yards on 20+ carries and Denard keeping a similar pace on another 15-20 himself. The play-action game will open up and Michigan will cruise with the exception of a wince inducing turnover and possibly a blocked kick attempt. I see this going anywhere from a 3 or 4 point victory all the way up to 3+ touchdowns. Either way I think picking Michigan to cover is easy money this weekend.


Input: [Date] 2 years 43 weeks ago [Title] I'd skip the roll outs even... [Body]

Output: Roll outs seem to be getting unblocked corners blitzing into Denard's face half the time; which would be fine if the wideout they vacaded took a hot route to help him out ASAP and he was able to recognize that... I just don't feel comfortable with those sorta things. Personally I don't think we should be in the I-form, or indeed under center at all outside of short (not more than 2.5 yards) yardage. Once there I'd be okay with seeing more 3 step drops or called bootlegs. Sure Denard could throw on a bootleg but if it's called as a run I imagine that he's less likely to force anything. The throwback screen still works fine off the threat of a bootleg or speed option going the other way. Anyway, that's all an aside. I think the blame for our struggles was widespread against ND. Lots of missed blocking assignments on less-than-optimal play calls and Denard tried to force it. Aside from "ARG, Y U NOT PUNISH SOFT OUTSIDE COVERAGE!?!?!?!?!?!" I think the playcalling was mostly fine. A twisted part of me likes the halfback pass even. It's Les Miles level crazy. Just window-licking mad. The only thing I don't like about it is that we ran an "alternative passer" play to start the drive... Seems like tipping our hand a bit...


Input: [Date] 2 years 43 weeks ago [Title] Indeed... [Body]

Output: Our offensive line also seems to finally be clicking in the run game a bit too. Despite having a couple solid defensive tackles I think a mix of inside zone and veer runs to set up play action would be a wise call. Make Denard's legs a threat, get Toussaint 20 carries, then start taking shots to the edges with Gallon if they give you soft coverage, or over-the-top to the Devins if they're rolling up their safeties. I don't think we'll have any trouble with Purdue though. MSU and Nebraska are key. We also can't let our gaurd down against Northwestern or Iowa (Purdue also goes here)... Illinios and Minnesota look like snacks though. We'll be fine as long as long as we keep unblocked defenders out of Denard's face most of the time and tell him to just run for the sideline when it happens (and stop calling rollouts). As for no defense... eh. What'd you expect from WVU and Baylor? Baylor's never really had a great defense; particularly against air-raid offenses, and WVU has injuries/issues that have led to major problems at CB. Makes sense. Texas Vs OSU (ntosu) is a little more inexplicable, but it sounds like it was an off-day for tackling on Texas's part and they still came away with a win. Things will settle down more as the season goes on/more film is available for DCs to build their gameplans around and good teams stop playing cupcakes. It seems crazy right now, but I don't think there's been drastic league-wide changes in the scores...


Input: [Date] 2 years 44 weeks ago [Title] *sigh* [Body]

Output: The recruiting argument against the midwest is complete bullshit. The Big 10 needs to keep a lot of their best players in the region, but the "need" to pull them from the sun-belt states just isn't nearly as pressing as it sounds like. One of the biggest problems for the Big 10 has been that many of it's best players, most notably Mark Ingram, left the area to chase glory down South. Michigan's recent recruiting class success has largely been on locking down the best regional players in Michigan and Ohio. The Buckeye's success under Tressel largely centered around their success bringing in all the top-level talent from Ohio and much of it from Pennsylvania, along with other midwest states. The Big 10 should certainly pull from the national, and international stage as well, but taking care of your own backyard is still the key... The number of highly-rated players in Alabama not leaving the state is pretty good evidence of that.


Input: [Date] 2 years 45 weeks ago [Title] Air Force [Body]

Output: Not to be "that guy" but it was against Air Force that Denard accounted for 101% of Michigan's "team" offensive production. Against UMass Toussaint got something like 85 yards. Not impressive, but okay. Anyway, for ND... I'll guess: Rushing: 19 attemps for 122 yards - 1 TD Passing: 18 / 29 for 271 yards - 3 TD - 1 INT Final: 38 - 34 (W - Michigan) Denard accounts for 4 of 5 Michigan touchdowns, and 90-95% of yardage, but mostly through the air.


Input: [Date] 2 years 45 weeks ago [Title] hmmm [Body]

Output: I'd just like to see us run this play in general. It doesn't require a pitch and the blocking scheme seems similar enough to be adapted to/from other run plays we're already doing so it wouldn't be too hard to install... It'd be great with Norfleet, it would probably work just as well with Toussaint and would still work with Smith. After running it a few times you could have Denard keep on it, which (even if not effective) would probably open it up again later by keeping them over-pursuing him.


Input: [Date] 2 years 45 weeks ago [Title] Meh... [Body]

Output: Everything looked fine. The problems on the lines were still problems, the improvements everywhere else were still improvements and ultimately I can't take much away from it since we were clubbing a baby seal. It's still nice to be "on the other side of the bulldozer" again though. I think the offense is starting to come together really really nicely. The tight ends and reciever core are both vastly better than expected and Denard's rumored improvements throwing seem to be cementing themselves as statistically verifiable fact. The O-line also seems to be pass protecting very well and Denard is improvising well; using his feet in passing situations. The run game needs to come together but as some have said it seems to be an assignment issue rather than a strength/talent issue (for the most part). As the season wears on I expect to see Toussaint get back into his 2011 form. The line isn't giving him much and he looks hesitant as a result. He's proven that he can make things happen on his own before, he just needs to get back into the habit of doing so again. The defense looks kinda soft but I'm having a hard time putting my finger on why. The line seems to get excellent push one play and none at all for the next three. The biggest concern though, is the tackling. They're just not laying the hits down like they were last year. It's better than the GERG era, but still well below last year and Michigan standards. I think a lot of the problems are still working themselves out there as well... In 2011 I don't feel like the team really clicked until Illinios, and to some extent they didn't seem to have the same kind of worried passion that this group does so early in the season. They're hungry for improvement. They're hungry for success. This next week, assuming it's not a loony game like last year, should give us a pretty good gauge of "how far we have to go" vs teams that aren't Alabama, don't run tripple option offenses, and aren't baby seals. Hopefully we'll see continued improvements in the passing game, some more "return to form" in the run game, and our defense "bend not break" and making clean tackles the first time. Even if we lose a close, if all those improvements manifest themselves I'll feel pretty good about the big 10 season. Also seeing Norfleet on offense makes me want to see a reverse to Garder who then passes to Denard. Why? Why not!


Input: [Date] 2 years 46 weeks ago [Title] BWW > Skeeps [Body]

Output: Ashley's, if you can get a place up front or at the bar isn't the worst and you're getting the best beer & bar food in town. Though, if I recall correctly they don't turn the sound over to the game unless it's a Michigan game. I could be wrong about that tho. Bar Louie might have sound on inside their tent expansion... I seem to recall watching part of a Lion's game there, but maybe I was just watching it and not listening... I don't recall... The Arena looks like a good choice, but sadly I've never been so I cannot attest. All the South U bars have screens as well, as does Pizza House, but they'll all be packed after the game. If the weather's nice sitting outside at the 'Jug isn't half bad though. The Heidelberg is a great bar but doesn't have many screens and the likelihood of HEARING the game is slim-to-none. ---- Being completely honest here: I usually have gone to BWW for football games. It's very good at what it does: the place to be if the primary goal is watching the game(s) and everything else is secondary. But again, I have yet to try the Arena, so I'll get back to you on that.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] yeah... [Body]

Output: Looking at it right there the only thing that's even a plausable gain is having Denard keep, Smith turns upfield and chops the first free LB headed at him and Drob turns on the jets to the sideline for a gain of MAYBE 2. The WR there seems to be getting an okay block at least. x_x But yeah, it's Wednesday. Other than the official UFRs I think it's time for even us fans to focus on Air Force and pretend that last week is in the distant past.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] Just from looking at the polls... [Body]

Output: I think we'll land either just inside or just outside the top 10 at the end of the year. LSU, USC, and Alabama are on a different level than everyone else. Florida State and Oklahoma trail them slightly since they seem to have execution issues despite actually having the talent on paper. Georgia is just great all the way around, but less so than the top-flight teams. But after that six... That's it for anything resembling complete teams. West Virgina has an offense, by god, but they're unremarkable everywhere else. South Carolina is just plain ol' overrated, Arkansas is rebuilding their entire defense with an interim head coach, Michigan State has NO passing game, Clemson is just waiting for another West Virgina, and it pretty much comes all the way down to us. Do I think we'll pass all those teams? Certainly not. But I think that as the season shakes out that group is going to reorganize a lot and at least one or two from the top group will fall from grace.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] It's kind of a Pizza town... [Body]

Output: And Pizza House or Original Cottage Inn are the best of those IMHO. You could also try Zingerman's Roadhouse (if you don't mind spending a bundle) or Deli. Both excellent. If you want to grab drinks or general pub fair I'd go with Ashley's honestly. Though the service is usually pretty poor the beer selection is MASSIVE and the Stilton Fries are incredible. Red Hawk Grill is also along State Street near Williams, is a bit more up-scale in atmosphere and has better food (overall) and service, but a limited beer selection. On the cheaper side of things you could go with Blimpy Burger (super busy on game day tho) or The Fleetwood Diner. I doubt either would impress with their facilities but the food is great and their atmospheres are both unique. ALL of these places will be unbarably packed after the game... Plenty of quality places along mainstreet too, though they'll all be busy and expensive. Of those I might recommend Palio though it's not really a "Ann Arbor staple" the way some of these others are. If you're looking to impress Pizza House and Zingerman's probably give you the best chance. *NOTE: I've never been to Zingerman's anything on a weekend, let alone a gameday. Ashley's and Red Hawk both allow those under 21 in before 10pm for dining and will check IDs at the tables for anyone who orders booze.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] This man is a correct man, man! [Body]

Output: I also watched the 2010 Auburn/Alabama game a pretty much came to the same conclusion. I though we should come out in a 2-back 3-wide shotgun set (check), I though we should establish the dink-and-dunk pass (tried, no check) and use that to open up mis-direction heavy runs and QB draws (never got there), which in turn would open up the OH NOES and other deep-threat passing plays. Sadly we got blown up at stage one. We were doing the right thing. Hell, we were even doing it with bubble screens. I'm not really sure why we bothered with an conventional run plays at all. Go second half USC on their asses and never stop passing. I think we failed to use our backs leaking into the flat or on short-posts for gains, but I'm not sure those were really there anyway since our WRs were getting blown up when they tried to block (closing down the flat) and good luck getting Hopkins past the LBs in the middle (though I suppose when one drops you could just have Denard scramble or something). We also pitched on a speed option without fumbling, though it still wasn't pretty... Borges came out trying to do THE ONLY THING that has worked against this defense in the last TWENTY FIVE games. Is it something Denard specializes in? NO. Is it something you want to try when your star WR from last year is in the NFL, another potential star washed out from off-the-field issues, a solid mountain goat graduated, and your best TE is gone? HELLLZ NO. Is it the only thing that stood a chance of working without cloning BAMA's O-Line and having it coached at Wisconsin for the last three seasons? Sadly, it was. Without a dominent front and another legitimate run threat (Fitz) we simply were not going ot be able to run the ball. Even with Fitz I think Michigan would've rushed for maybe 25-30 more yards, tops. As the game went on I saw how sad it was, and I was raging at Herbie et all for all their ESS EEE SEE starry-eyed talk. BUT I was happy Borges, Hoke, and Co, weren't sacrificing Denard's body when we need him so badly to be healthy for the season. He would've done it: for the team. The scoreboard might've read 41-21 instead, and Bellomy would've been stepping in for a different reason. And we wouldn't be fighting right now. We'd be crying.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] "Quick Line" time! [Body]

Output: From what I'm seeing there we want to force them outside AND get some penetration to prevent cutbacks, so we don't want to clog up the middle with Qwash and BWC. We'd be better to get Black in at the 3 and run the line they were talking about up until a couple weeks ago: Roh - BWC - Black - Beyer/Clark We'll also see lots of rotation to keep everyone fresh and fast. So I still expect plenty of Qwash, along with Brink, Ash, and Ojemudia. Speed and gap-responsability will be very important in this game. This should give up signifcant enough push to force plays outside and pursue from the back, while also providing a solid pass-rush if they decided to go play-action on us. From the look of that option game we might want to have Ryan flanking one side of the line and roll up Kovacs to flank the other to gaurd against the pitch. The middle should pretty much take care of itself and if it wasn't for Countess being out I'd pretty much assume that our corners can handle their receivers with only 1 safety deep. It's also not the worst since Demens is a boss at dropping down the seam, which keeps the middle relatively safe as long as everyone's reading their keys correctly. I also suspect we might mix in some run-blitzes, but mostly up the middle since we don't want to risk loosing edge integrity.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] Vincent Smith Indeed [Body]

Output: As great as it is to have Fitz to really put defenses on their heals even when the O-line completely botches it Smith just has so much spirit. I know we probably won't seem him play at the next level. In NFL terms he's just not fast enough to make up for his size, but for us he's been wonderful, and will continue to be for the rest of the season. His blocking, be it blitz pick up or run-blocks, are 2nd to none; regardless of physical stature. As a result of such blocking his backfield chemesty with Denard has been wonderful and a source of comfort on tough 2nd and 3rd down passing situations. Even if he never gives us an insane signature moment, we'll always have the throwback screens and the 240 pound linebacks stopped dead in the tracks by a tiny little mountain goat from Pahokee. He warned them with his finger guns, but they just didn't believe him. We believe.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] Knee Injury [Body]

Output: He apparently tore one or more ligaments in his knee. He should be out of the year and even when he's back he might not be quite the same again... That's the sad nature of that kind of knee injury. I hope he shows great patience and grace and recovers fully and gets back up to his full speed or better. It can be done.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] Bellomy > Gardner [Body]

Output: I can deal with that. From what we've seen of both it seems like it's possibly a wise a move. Especially since Borges seems determined to shift us away from running the QB. If we're not calling Gardner's number in the rushing game I'd rather see him at reciever where he has the physical tools to be truly elite. More importantly THANK YOU HOLY BABY JESUS that Lewan is okay. Frank Clark will be nice to have back. Particularly since I think we'll be going to the "fast package" D-line against Air Force, it's good to have someone who can rotate into that without any loss of athleticism. The glorious return of Toussaint combined with not NFL factory defence should see a solid rushing game return to our Wolverines starting Saturday and continuing throughout the season. No more crimes or injuries, please and thank you?


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] Positivies? [Body]

Output: #1. BUBBLE SCREENS!!! WE HAZ THEM! DEY GO FOR 8 YARDS!! This will be particularly good when our running game gets back into gear. I have a theory that the zone reads in this game weren't zone reads, but "called gives" because Borges knew we weren't going to get it done on the ground and didn't want to sacrifice Denard's body with 20 rushing attempts into the meatgrinder. #2. Gallon is legit. Like Woah #3. Denard's injury wasn't serious... I texted a friend saying "I'd rather lose to Bama by 50+ than lose Denard for the season". As bad as everything was, we didn't have to deal with either of those... quite. #4. Hagarup is back to BOOMing punts. Now if he can start coffin-corning them at the 2 yard line that'd be nice. ^_^ #5. Norfleet is faaaaaassssst. If he learns the offense and can block like a mountain goat I expect he'll take Smiths place as the 3rd down back because the threat of him slipping out into the flat or running a draw is legit. Now we're into the realm of adjusted positives. I think our passing offense showed some major improvement on Denard's end and the loss of Hemingway will be moderated by the emergence of Gardner and Gallon. Roundtree will be fine when he's not getting HULK SMASHED by NFL corners every other play. Similarly the O-line pass protected nicely until Lewan went out. Finally the D-line was alright, and adjusted for "strength of opponent O-line" that means excellent things. Big Will Campbell especially looked fo' real. So we'll see. Big question marks: Will Borges call Denards number in the ground game? Do we have a ground game? Can our linebackers and secondary not named Jordan Kovacs tackle? Where in the world was Criag Roh? Can we shutdown recievers on field side without Countess? God I hope Lewan is okay... Until there's word on that I'm still resigned to sulking. :-/ EDIT: Accoring to Hoke's week 2 media stuffs Lewan is fine. Excellent. Panic now ceases (for me anyway).


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] T_T [Body]

Output: NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!! :( All the best wishes to Blake Countess for a total and complete recovery! Team 136 welcomes him aboard for a potential NC run, and team 133 bids him the fondest of fairwells. For now someone else will step up and do their damnest to live up to the expectations of a Michigan corner. We're can only hope they'll have a breakout year similar to BC's run last season. Againt, all the best! Team 133 will make you proud and Team 134 will welcome you back the field! I'm consoled by the good hearsay on Lewan's status as "go" for Air Force. I certainly hope he's 100% and not risking exasperating any lingering injuries to play. We need the as many All American types as we can get for team 133's jouney to Pasadena.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] There was a lot more to be excited about [Body]

Output: than the score suggested. The bubble screens, several stout defensive stops, even the passing game once Drob calmed down. There are at least 2-3 more passes that would've been complete against any other defense (either jarred loose or broken up) and plenty more that probably will go differently because we'll be able to get seperation against weaker secondaries. I just really hope that no one sufferred any severe injuries. We could really use Countess, Lewan, Moore, etc for a run at the Big 10 Championship. I think we'll be alright the next couple weeks without em, but their injuries might not let us walk out of South Bend with a win. But with the bye week and everything there's a good chance they'll be back before the teeth of the Big 10 schedule.


Input: [Date] 2 years 47 weeks ago [Title] I agree that it looks suspicious... [Body]

Output: But I'm not confident in making any derogatory claims about Bama's team other than some (pretty well known) roster management tactics (cutting, medical redshirts, JUCO transfers). They're also not an academic institution of the calibur of our beloved Michigan, but few (if any) traditional power programs are. But the biggest reason I don't want to be Bama is that the win appeared joyless. When you see video of our couching staff during the Nebraska game last year they're joking around with eachother, talking candidly, shrugging, that sorta thing. When you looked at Saban last night he was ice-cold focused when the score was already something like 35-7. Even at the end of the game he seemed unhappy and was still chewing people out at every penalty and Michigan 1st down. You don't want to be too joyful, out of respect, but comeon man...


Input: [Date] 2 years 48 weeks ago [Title] Minnesota Vs UNLV [Body]

Output: is a surprisingly decent game. At least if you don't mind defensive slugfests. I figured that one team or the other would blow up and knock the other one into an irrecoverable position by this point, but no, still a one score game. 0_o I gave up on BYU vs WSU pretty quickly, because watching a good team beat a baby seal just isn't fun unless it was us rolling Minn last year. Even then it wasn't "fun" so much as cathartic and soul-cleansing.


Input: [Date] 2 years 48 weeks ago [Title] 17-13 MSU [Body]

Output: It's not really what I'd like to see but I expect MSU will hammer this one out in a mostly defensive fashion. Boise will initially find some rhythm on offense but will be held short of touchdowns on a couple occasions, and turn it over a couple times. Between those shortcomings and Sparty's offense eating the clock the Broncos will only find paydirt once. On the flip-side Michigan State will find running against the new Boise front surprisingly difficult, but effective enough to keep third downs managable enough that Maxwell can pick em' up on check-downs. Never-the-less he'll still toss an interception or two due to inexperienced recievers breaking off their routes incorrectly the few times the Bronco defense holds the Spartans to 3rd and long. Basically it'll be ugly and defensive. Whichever team turns the ball over less has a decent chance at winning. Since Sparty has themselves an established (if underwhelming) run game and an established defense I suspect it'll be them.


Input: [Date] 2 years 48 weeks ago [Title] Well, if I was calling the plays... [Body]

Output: The first drive would be a 3-reciever 2-back set out of the shotgun with Smith and Hopkins in; no-huddle hurry-up pass spread similar to the "NASCAR" thing we ran against Iowa last year. The first play would obviously be a play-action quick-slant to Gallon for about 5. Obviously we'd still mix in some draws and Zone-reads, but the main focus would be putting the secondary on their heals a bit. Once the drive approaches red zone (30-40 yards on Bama's side of the field) it's time to bust out the good ol' QB "oh noes" and grab a touchdown. The next drive would see our offense resume a more "normal" game plan establishing the run and going back to the huddle between plays. I'd just want to throw Bama' off their game early.


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] 2007... [Body]

Output: 2007 was my first year as a Wolverine. A freshman. All I really knew about football amounted to a few super bowls, some lion games on Thankgiving, and tracking the 2006 Michigan-Ohio State game via radio while my family was out shopping. Even though I'd just sent in my application, I had known for years where I'd be going (my mother pointed this out several times, though I have little memory of it). Regardless I wasn't as enraged as many of my counterparts... In a strange way I had seen who earned it that day. I came in with none of your illusions, and even now having lived the years that followed, having stood through the freezing rain and stinging defeat at the hands of Northwestern in 2008 until the clock read all zeros, I'm kinda proud of App State. Something has always made me love an underdog, and thanks to them Michigan is that underdog. Even when we're expected to win, we must have a chip on our shoulders. Never again. Never again. NEVER AGAIN! The season wasn't a disappointment to me until after the Wisconsin game... until I could feel the Big 10 title fading away... that's when I felt sad. Who cares about some FCS team and some Oregon team, when you're in watching your team on primetime New Years television? Instead I watched them dismantle Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow while I recovered from a hangover. Instead I saw Chad Henne's career day overcome Mike Hart's fumbles and defensive miss-matches. Instead I saw Adrian Arrington make two impossible catches to help seal the game. All for the Team. On that day I understood something that had only started to take hold watching the Illinios game after skydiving with my hallmates: The Team. So maybe it sucked, maybe it's a nightmare. But maybe that was the new beginning. We couldn't have Schembechler without Bump, we can't have Hoke without RR. It's over now. No matter how much the media wants to throw it in our faces. The Horror is over. Let go.


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] Don't Care [Body]

Output: It's in the past. Can we please stop talking about what Carr allegedly did or didn't do during the RR years?


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] Yale Bowl [Body]

Output: I can get behind the Yale Bowl idea. Seems like it has the right sort college atmosphere to promote the pageantry. It also seats 22,000 more than Rentschler field... Which honestly looks smaller than some Texas high school football stadiums, and doesn't exactly ooz fall tradition. I agree that if it comes down to it, just honor the contract, but if we can tweek it in some way that all parties can agree upon I don't see how that makes us the bad guys. And the obligatory "Silly Bill Martin, home-and-homes are for traditional football powers!"


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] because [Body]

Output: Because he wants to have his hat, and eat it too! But he's wise enough to know these are mutally exclusive!


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] Sometimes When You're On [Body]

Output: That video got me into Rilo Kiley and re-enforeced my faith in this fan community, if not our team, back in 2009. I was into it enough that I actually learned it and covered it with my band a few times. Anyway the point is: I'd buy the "Sometimes When You're On" shirt so hard. Maybe even more than one.


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] Contamination risk [Body]

Output: Due to contamination risks they could get in trouble for placing a flag on the moon. It's the same reason NASA goes to great lengths to sterilize everything they send to Mars (for example). They want to prevent spreading microscopic life forms to other places where we might find them later and believe that we've found life on Mars or the Moon, when all we really found were the carcasses of Earthbound micro-organisms that WE LEFT THERE. Never-the-less I've heard nothing but mixed reports about the flag, but the alumni chapter on the moon is definitely true. The Apollo landing craft carried two of the three astronauts down to the moon and appartly they decided to make that much official I've definitely seen plenty of space-station or shuttle pictures with astronauts proudly flying Michigan flags though. So there's might be something to it...


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] YAY! [Body]

Output: Even though I know Pipkins hospitalization was entirely precautionary it was still freaking me out a bit. Unless Richard Ash or Quinton Washinton have really stepped it up I'm expecting Pipkins to spell BWC... and I expect BWC will need a breather or three against Alambama's boardline-NFL quality offensive line. On a slightly different topic, I think a lot of why "the fort" has been more effective this year is due to construction. The bridges for Statium Drive over State Street and the rail road tracks is currently in the process of being replaced, which makes it dangerous/illegal to wander up there. Ordinarily that bridge overlooks the outdoor practice fields and a simple zoom-lense or pair of binoculars would allow accurate observation of practice. Since the road and sidewalk over the bridges are public property I don't think there's really much of anything that the university can do to stop you unless you hang out long enough to be accused of "loitering".


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] Seems a like solid walk on [Body]

Output: His height is obviously a limiting factor but if he's smart enough to hang around academcially and as fast as his numbers suggest he might not be good to have around for depth at running back, slot, or kick/punt returns. Here's to hoping that he's not forced into service by attrition/injuries/etc, and if he ever sees field it's for his own talents.


Input: [Date] 2 years 49 weeks ago [Title] Just from watching this [Body]

Output: I agree that the passing game seems to be the key to the game, and that the key to the passing game lies in the blocking. If we can keep 'bama's D-line out of our backfield it seems that we should be able to pick apart their coverage to great effect. Sadly, I suspect that we'll come out trying to establish the run, which won't be the most effective. However, from the 2010 Iron Bowl footage we can see that running outside toward the boundary picks up some solid yards now and again. I expect a lot of zone-read looks to that side, and inverted-veer looks that are pretty much always "gives" or play-action passes. An inverted-veer look into a play-action QB oh nooos would be wonderful, and I suspect: The Alabama defensive backs tend to over-pursue, especially when it comes to the run, so the throwback screen should see another solid gain as well. Personally I hope we come out throwing quick, "easy", slants, short posts, etc to force the Alabama defense to roll their safeties back before we try to really establish the run game. It'd also be good to get Denard in a nice rhythm. I think there's a decent chance that the Michigan offense has a surprisingly (to the rest of the country anyway) strong showing. If the turnover bug doesn't bite us, I think we'll put up some solid yards and since Gibbons put it through the uprights with some consistancy last year I suspect we'll even get some points out of it. Probably 20-30 of them. I'm not certain; however, that that amount of offense will be enough to win the game. If the D-line can't keep the linebackers clean of 300+ pound gaurds (without making TFL) we're going to be in for a long day of watching 'Bama run the ball 50+ times. Their offensive line worries me regardless of who's running behind it.


Input: [Date] 2 years 52 weeks ago [Title] And... [Body]

Output: an Indiana Jones movie with goddamn aliens. Regardless I'm sensing a 9-3 season as the likely outcome, but I suspect we'll still make the Big-10 title game, and (please) the Rose Bowl. Alabama is an assumed loss, one of Notre Dame/Nebraska/Ohio St. and a frusterating out-of-the blue heartbreaker, probably on the road (maybe just two out of the afformentioned three). I'm honestly kinda hoping that if we have to lose 2 or more that it's 'Bama and ND, so that the team galvanizes early (see Illinios and Nebraska games 2011) and there's still a good chance that we can make the Big-10 title game for a chance to go to the granddaddy bowl presented by Vizio.


Input: [Date] 3 years 1 week ago [Title] Less bad =/= Good [Body]

Output: At first glance they're almost good. All the 'Maizes' match and I really like the "M" on the shoulders along with the plain blue numbers. But then wtf were they thinking with those gloves, or the socks? And that stripe across the shoulders could've just been LEFT WHITE and it would've been brilliant. Someone clearly started with the right idea this time (unlike the UTL or Bumblebee jerseys), but then they had to go and ruin it... :( And I couldn't give two dumps about my lawn; I'm 23, I rent.


Input: [Date] 3 years 4 weeks ago [Title] As a season pass holder I [Body]

Output: As a season pass holder I tend to scoff at the fast pass, but mostly because I attend the park most on week days early (May/early June) and late (August, Fridays in September) when grade school is in session and average waits for the biggest coasters are 10-15 minutes anyway. On these peak days in mid-summer though, I could totally see it being worth the upcharge. Especially since standing around in crowded lines on hot summer days isn't exactly comfortable... I hightly recommend going in the spring or fall just for the weather. Though Holloweekends Saturday's are generally P A C K E D and worth avoiding; or buying fast passes! :)


Input: [Date] 3 years 6 weeks ago [Title] Dispite the #s [Body]

Output: Regardless of the recruiting rankings I think we're bound to have a pretty good season in 2012. While I agree that last year (2011) was something particularly magical and this year won't necessarily work out so well (especially given the shifts on the D-line) I actually have a better feeling going into this season than going into last. Last year, even when things were going well early I kept waiting for the bottom to drop out. When it did against Michigan State I remember being in a terrible mood because I was quite convinced that the season was going to go into a slide just like 2009 and 2010. When we recovered against Purdue it meant nothing to me; we recovered against Illinios and Purdue in 10' and it didn't make Wisconsin or Ohio any better. The loss at Iowa pretty much confirmed my fears but rather than fold like wet paper team 132 galvanized and put together three incredibly solid performances (on defense against Illinios, on offense against Ohio, with a brilliant complete performance against Nebraska in-between). I was in awe. For the first time since 2007 we were clearly good. For the first time since 2006 we were good, and not injury-prone. I think that a 9-10 win season; and a B1G title, is in reach this time. A loss or two will not shake this team's head-space and I think 2/3 of our toughest games are out of conference: Alabama in Dallas and Notre Dame in South Bend. Ohio in the 'shoe is the last one, but even that could go horribly wrong and still send us to Indianapolis. After 2011, and given their key losses on defense, I expect Nebraska won't go down without a fight; but they'll still go down. Then we have Iowa and Michigan State, the thorns of the 2009-2011 seasons, at home on a down year for both of them; it's time for a lil' pay-back. The best team with any post-season prospects in the Woody division remains Wisconsin, and even they have potential holes on defense, a new QB and a new offensive coordinator. Maybe we'll only see team 133 pick up 8 or 9 wins. But if they're the right 8-9 those wins still smell of roses.


Input: [Date] 3 years 7 weeks ago [Title] From what I've seen [Body]

Output: From what I've seen of the Alabama defense I'll personally be terrified if we come out trying to run it right at them. While our inside run game has been an offensive strength since the emergence of Toussaint and even beforehand by using the RB (usually Smith) as a lead blocker for Robinson, I just don't think it's the first thing we should turn to in this game. I'm not expert but from what I've seen, even out of stocked teams like LSU is that the middle is a killing field for Bama. Especially early in games. I hope we come out passing, but not looking for home-runs unless they're handing them to us. Lots of quick slants, high-lows on the corners, FB and RB passes - leaking out into the flats, and outside run/pass options that allow the offense to get some yards (5-7 hopefully, 3-5 realistially) per play, move the chains, and punish Bama's defensive tendencies. A shotgun play-action pass on the very first play from scrimmage seems incredibly wise. Probably followed by some-kind of quick outside run/pass option, preferably to the boundary side. As the game wears on we should be able to start attacking the middle more and more frequently if we can force Bama to respect the outside game; keeping them to 7 (or less) in the box. The biggest key to winning against Alabama will be keep them away from the inside of our defensive line as much as possible. Keeping their offensive off the field (and ours on it) and striking at key times to get ahead and force them away from the inside run game should give us a solid chance. ^_^ We're underdogs, for sure, but I believe we can pull this one off.


Input: [Date] 3 years 8 weeks ago [Title] I was also at the RHCP show in GR. [Body]

Output: I was also at the RHCP show in GR. It was solid. Far from the best concert I've seen (that honor goes to the Arcade Fire at Lollapalooza 2010) but there were a few killer moments. The jam and start of "Can't Stop" sticks out to me. "Soul To Sqeeze" is always a good time too. I thought the middle of the set dragged on a bit (starting with "Look Around" and recovering with "Higher Ground". I also thought the encore was too jammy for it's own good, but I guess that's probably the product of me being a youngster... I also really wanted "Brendan's Death Song" from the new one, but to no avail. :-/ I'm glad they've been able to stick together despite the departure of their strongest musician without any hard feelings about the whole thing. It's sad that they're not playing "Snow", "Zephyr Song", "Decration Smile", "Tear", etc on this tour, but some of those are very demanding in backing vocal or guitar departments that John used to fill and Josh might not be up to it at this point. Van Andel Arena has truly awful acoustics though. So many hard-surface echos. It was the first show in years that I was forced to use earplugs; which helped a lot. Without some kind of hearing protection the guitar, snare, cymbals, and backing vocals were washing eachother out.


Input: [Date] 3 years 12 weeks ago [Title] Stadium Music... [Body]

Output: Interesting selections. If not a universal improvement on Special-Ks Ace's list would at least be more original and unique to Michigan Stadium rather than a multitude of other venues around the B1G and the country at large. However, if you're going to do Beasty Boys "Sabotage" is probably right line of thinking. "Bulls On Parade" hits much harder than "Renagades of Funk" as well. I'd LOVE hearing "Kick Out The Jams" in the stadium but I'm afraid there isn't a clean enough varient (recording quality or content) out there. I'd stand by Superstition, Baba O' Riley any day, and I'd love "Ain't To Proud To Beg" to be played instead of "Sweet Caroline". A different White Stripes song, be it Iggy Thump, Blue Orchid, or Black Math would be a good call. ------------------------------------------- I have a few suggestions as well, but of course. I'll admit to being rather poorly versed in Hip Hop and Funk, so I'll leave those suggestions to others. "E-Pro" by Beck - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIrG6xBW5Wk&ob=av2e "The Hand That Feeds" by NIN - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwhBRJStz7w&ob=av2n "Clint Eastwood" by Gorillaz - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoQYw49saqc&ob=av2e (ignore the weird video intro, the song strarts with the cymbals) "Brain Stew" by Green Day - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNq9gmY_Oz4 "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chili Peppers (alternatively, just about any of their hits, I just thought this one hand the best build-up, Zephyr Song would probably be my second choice) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfOdWSiyWoc&ob=av2n "Panic Switch" by Silversun Pickups - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG8fugqFn9Q "No One Knows" by Queens Of The Stone Age - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE&ob=av2e ------------------------------------------------ Stuff that might be problematic due to recording quality: "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IF2lXqcEqs "Detriot Rock City" by Kiss (also fits in the too obvious catigory) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S4-f3w-ALQ -------------------------------------------------- Too Obvious? "Kids" by MGMT (I've never heard it at any stadiums, but it's been at every party for the last several years) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7JthgTMHDU "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnDF3TNYiBM "Starlight" by Muse (alternatively Time Is Running Out, probably early in the 4th Quarter) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgum6OT_VH8&ob=av2n - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JLfCCGOers "Born To Run" by Bruce Springsteen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxuThNgl3YA&ob=av3e ------------------------------------------------ Too Obscure? "Grounds For Divorce" by Elbow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNIXPQoz0s0 "The Underdog" by Spoon (only when we're the lower-ranked team, this will be rare in the coming years) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1hZVDLkJDc WAY TOO OBSCURE? "Atlas" by Battles - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGp-22t0lU "Machine Gun" by Portishead (if you want to terrify the kids, there you go) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00PdHIPjaWQ


Input: [Date] 3 years 16 weeks ago [Title] Clever Ruse [Body]

Output: Clearly this is all a clever ruse to cover up the DG bubble screen we're saving for Alabama in the second half (assuming we're behind, if we're ahead we'll save it for Norte Dame, then Michigan State, and so on). Also, 11:11, make a wish!


Input: [Date] 3 years 18 weeks ago [Title] I went to Lolla in '07, '08, and Sunday only in '10 [Body]

Output: I haven't really been blown away with the lineups since 2008... The 2007 line up was incredible top to bottom. Started out with The Fratelli's, finished with Pearl Jam with dozens of great performances in between (Electric Six, The Rapture, Daft Punk, The Roots, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Muse, Iggy and the Stooges, Modest Mouse)... If I remember right only Sunday sold out in 2007 because it was Pearl Jam's only official live appearance all year. I really loved the atmosphere in 2007 as well, more so that later years anyway. 2008's lineup with pretty top heavy (Radiohead, NIN, RATM, Kanye West, Wilco) but I had a special place in my heart for a lot of the band further down in the line up. Namely Gnarls Barkley, Bloc Party, The National, Okkervil River, and Battles. Yeasayer put on a pretty great performance too, if I remember right. I spent all of Friday stage-camping for Radiohead so I was on the rail just to the right of the stage for that (house right, Jonny's side). 2010 did a nice job of piling most of the people I wanted to see (The Antlers, The National, MGMT and the Arcade Fire) into one side of the park on the same day. This was another stage-camp and the Arcade Fire's set was by far the best I've seen. Absolutely transcendent. Missed The National (other than a louder bits) to keep the spot, but man... worth it. I wanted to catch The Strokes as well, but it wasn't worth another day's ticket. I hope I catch them sooner or later. I haven't kept track of the rumor boards this time around so I haven't a clue as to who is or isn't going to be there, but I have my doubts that they'll be able to draw me in this summer. I already have tickets to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers with my family in Grand Rapids, The Shins in Detriot, and Radiohead at the Palace. I've seen Metallica before and don't really feel that big of an obligation to see them again and Beyonce, The Killers, Goyte, Skrillex, and Chromeo just don't have much pull on me. I'd be down for The Killers if they happen to cap a day with The Arctic Monkeys, Cloud Nothings, St.Vincent, Metric and Beach House without more than a conflict (1). Then I might have to get ticks for that day... :P


Input: [Date] 3 years 19 weeks ago [Title] I have my doubts... [Body]

Output: But not about Devin playing at WR. That'd be awesome, I love the idea. His presence as a 6'5" true athlete would be imposing enough to draw double teams, especially after he's proven himself with a couple big plays. And based on that little bit of video, he's going to make plenty of those if given a few oportunities. I have my doubts about whether or not Borges really gave us any indication one way or the other. He was clearly extremely surprised by the question: he look like he'd just been slapped. Which implies that he definitely has strong feelings about the possibility. He did kinda act like a kid who'd just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, but that doesn't mean anything for certain. He might just be angry that we doubt our other recievers abilities, and his judgement. Maybe he just hadn't thought of it and thought it was a great idea, who knows? Coach-speak can't really let him tip his hand too much. Personally I hope that they at least reverse Devin and D.Rob's roles in the offensive formations where they're both in; keeping Robinson at QB. I don't think we want/need to run Devin at WR always, but we could certainly put him in on certain plays designed for him and/or four-wide sets.


Input: [Date] 3 years 19 weeks ago [Title] That would be my guess as [Body]

Output: That would be my guess as well, but I'm not incredibly well versed in the subject either. Considering our current TE depth (puddle) I imagine we'll be sticking with 3-wides anytime we're not in I-form, and even then we'll probably have two out there. Glad to here we'll be in shotgun a lot of the time this season, and based on his "athlete" comments, we might be staying there for Gardner's run and possibly beyond (Shane isn't a slow kid either). Hearing Borges speak highly of Roundtree, Gallon, and J-Robinson really helps quell my fears about 'replacing' Jr. Megatron. Roundtree made some killer plays last year (as did Gallon) but it seems like most of the big memorable bombs went to either Junior or Tay Odoms. I might also be a moron, but I had no idea that J-Rob was a bigger reciever; so that's good news as well.


Input: [Date] 3 years 19 weeks ago [Title] Exciting! Or worrisome... or exiting! [Body]

Output: With Demond Morgan at WILL this gave me some pause. For a second there I was confused and thought Jake Ryan was WILL and got absurdly happy about weakside pursuits involving mr. Ryan chasing otherwise reputable RBs 20 yards backwards. But all things considered this is a swarming defense. All the first person to the ball has to do is slow the carrier down. Stalling them for even a fraction of a second might be enough, particularly if the D-linemen are fast and weren't simultaneously pancaked / blocked beyond repair. The prospect of having Demens (or whomever outplays him for the spot) or Kovacs (or... hahahaha. no. give me Kovacs dammit!) there to clean up seems just fine as well. I'm worried about the defensive line as much as any other fan, but if schemes exists to maximize fast (if undersized) D-line's opportunities, I'm of the belief that better Greg knows them and will implement them to great effect.


Input: [Date] 55 min 4 sec ago [Title] The son of my mom's best [Body]

Output: The son of my mom's best friend since college (and maid of honor from my parents' wedding) got married in October during an MSU game one year (I think it was 2007?). I didn't know them too well so it was easy for me to decline, but my dad was pissed as hell and refused to miss the game, so he attended the wedding because it didn't interfere but he did not go to the reception. Pretty funny, actually.


Input: [Date] 55 min 24 sec ago [Title] Same here [Body]

Output: I get genuinely mad at people, and I don't mean "haha lol I'm mad JK" I mean seriously angry when people do that. It's probably not healthy.


Input: [Date] 1 day 20 min ago [Title] Thankfully Michigan hasn't [Body]

Output: Thankfully Michigan hasn't lost 50 scholarship players to attrition this year.


Input: [Date] 1 day 24 min ago [Title] The Chronicles of Narnia [Body]

Output: The Chronicles of Narnia


Input: [Date] 1 day 3 hours ago [Title] That shows his bias against [Body]

Output: That shows his bias against Rodriguez. It is not uncommon for up and coming teams to get smoked in bowl games because that's the nature of it. The coach gets his team to overachieve and they get paired up with a more talented and better team in the bowl game.


Input: [Date] 1 day 3 hours ago [Title] "Not a great analyst" is just [Body]

Output: "Not a great analyst" is just about the kindest way you could have said it.


Input: [Date] 1 day 5 hours ago [Title] Serious question [Body]

Output: Are gambling sites legal?


Input: [Date] 1 day 21 hours ago [Title] Hopefully Rudock will play so [Body]

Output: Hopefully Rudock will play so well that everyone learns to spell his name correctly.


Input: [Date] 2 days 17 hours ago [Title] Mathematically speaking one [Body]

Output: Mathematically speaking one team HAS to play 8 games, I think. How is this team determined?


Input: [Date] 2 days 17 hours ago [Title] Mainly July baseball. Too far [Body]

Output: Mainly July baseball. Too far from the start of the season to be interesting and too far from the end of the season to be tense. Just plain boring.


Input: [Date] 2 days 18 hours ago [Title] July is the worst month for [Body]

Output: July is the worst month for sports and it's not even close. So glad to almost be through with it.


Input: [Date] 2 days 23 hours ago [Title] While that is entirely [Body]

Output: While that is entirely possible it is hard to imagine what kind of news involving a hospital could possibly cause a marketing director to think "oh man I need to tell my social media team to tone it down on this subject before it comes out."


Input: [Date] 3 days 3 min ago [Title] Oic. I skimmed through too [Body]

Output: Oic. I skimmed through too quickly. That is odd. Otoh it is so odd that it seems like you can't make it up.


Input: [Date] 3 days 10 min ago [Title] Last night at 11:30pm would [Body]

Output: Last night at 11:30pm would have been about 12 hrs after the suspensions were announced.


Input: [Date] 3 days 13 min ago [Title] Probably because there are [Body]

Output: Probably because there are MSU and OSU fans who are patients if the UM health system? That part makes sense. I think the weird part is that this seems like a strange source for a news story like this to first come out.


Input: [Date] 3 days 1 hour ago [Title] We can keep joking about it [Body]

Output: We can keep joking about it but you know that in three years when they fire Del Rio Harbaugh's name will be all over the NFL media as the top candidate for the position.


Input: [Date] 3 days 1 hour ago [Title] Is it even worth it to ask [Body]

Output: Is it even worth it to ask about player/position competition, etc? They haven't even practiced yet with the coaches. How could that possibly have changed since the spring?


Input: [Date] 3 days 2 hours ago [Title] AFAIK those examples you [Body]

Output: AFAIK those examples you cited were trademarked by the individual, not their employer. This seems totally different.


Input: [Date] 3 days 2 hours ago [Title] Still seems like down the [Body]

Output: Still seems like down the road he could sue them on the basis of coercion or something if things fall apart (as has happened with every OSU coach in the last century or so).


Input: [Date] 3 days 2 hours ago [Title] We need a lawyer to weigh in [Body]

Output: We need a lawyer to weigh in on this. This seems unconstitutional.


Input: [Date] 3 days 2 hours ago [Title] Whiney underdog is Michigan [Body]

Output: Whiney underdog is Michigan State's entire identity. If they were to lose that identity they would be lost in the wilderness. He recognizes that and pushes it. The unfortunate thing for MSU is that this makes it difficult for them to recruit truly elite talent, and you can't sustain a program for decades on that philosophy. They are good right now but this won't last forever.


Input: [Date] 3 days 3 hours ago [Title] Does that mean no Bacon today [Body]

Output: Does that mean no Bacon today on 1050?


Input: [Date] 3 days 5 hours ago [Title] I believe it is only open [Body]

Output: I believe it is only open May-September or something.


Input: [Date] 3 days 13 hours ago [Title] What a coincidence that movie [Body]

Output: What a coincidence that movie is playing right now on AMC.


Input: [Date] 3 days 14 hours ago [Title] Now that's what I call a [Body]

Output: Now that's what I call a close encounter.


Input: [Date] 3 days 17 hours ago [Title] I kind of understand the line [Body]

Output: I kind of understand the line of thinking that basically says "you can only improve so much in one year." The thing is, we were all saying that after Hoke/Mattison took over for Rrod/GERG, I believe the rhetoric around here was "Mattison would be a genius savant if they can improve into the top 50 on defense." They finished 16th. We also said that about Urban at OSU, a team that had gone 6-7 in 2011 and was ranked around 110 in total offense, and look how that turned out. I'm not predicting an undefeated season but elite coaches can turn things around very quickly.


Input: [Date] 3 days 19 hours ago [Title] It's funny how Buckeye fans [Body]

Output: It's funny how Buckeye fans accuse US of worshipping our coach like he's a deity.


Input: [Date] 3 days 19 hours ago [Title] Beaver. But strangely it [Body]

Output: Beaver. But strangely it smelled like fish.


Input: [Date] 3 days 19 hours ago [Title] I can't stand listening to [Body]

Output: I can't stand listening to Huge most of the time, but somehow he seems to do very good interviews.


Input: [Date] 3 days 19 hours ago [Title] Okay but if you put a "solid" [Body]

Output: Okay but if you put a "solid" QB on last year's team who has a very good TO ratio, does that make a difference in our record? There is also the fact that the position coaches were massively upgraded at almost every spot. Also, more importantly, in any other season preview if you were to say "mostly the same football team" (i.e. tons of returning starters) it would foreshadow a HUGE improvement in overall performance, but for some reason for many this is somehow a bad thing. I will add, many seem to think there is no talent on this team. Look at the offer lists of the guys in the 2 deep. Most of them, if they had not come here, would have gone to places like Ohio State, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, MSU among other schools who seem to do a great job finding talent. It will take some molding but talent is definitely there.


Input: [Year] Rushing [2005] 73rd [2007] 43rd [2006]

Output: 50th


Input: [Year] Passing [2005] 75th [2007] 67th [2006]

Output: 26th


Input: [Year] Pass Eff [2005] 78th [2007] 59th [2006]

Output: 21st


Input: [Year] Total [2005] 73rd [2007] 48th [2006]

Output: 30th


Input: [Year] Scoring [2005] 33rd(!) [2007] 41st [2006]

Output: 28th


Input: [Year] Sacks [2005] 34th [2007] 49th [2006]

Output: 81th


Input: [Date] 5 days 5 hours ago [Title] Sam Webb has been out of the [Body]

Output: Sam Webb has been out of the loop for the last six months and is quickly losing value as an insider. Everyone else seems to be in agreement that Nuata is more or less done to Georgia and Upshur just canceled his announcement so he can go visit FSU again. This is all bad for Michigan.


Input: [Date] 5 days 5 hours ago [Title] Hope he is good. In video [Body]

Output: Hope he is good. In video posted his handles don't look great and quality of competition seems lacking but if Beilien likes him then hopefully that is good enough.


Input: [Date] 5 days 22 hours ago [Title] The list of successful [Body]

Output: The list of successful players who are also successful coaches is pretty short. Being a good player doesn't mean being a good coach.


Input: [Date] 6 days 4 hours ago [Title] luckily for michigan the big [Body]

Output: luckily for michigan the big ten is a pretty easy conference. So starting 2-2 doesn't kill the season.


Input: [Date] 1 week 2 days ago [Title] Said on missing out on Hill. [Body]

Output: Said on missing out on Hill.


Input: [Date] 1 week 3 days ago [Title] One of the greats and [Body]

Output: One of the greats and greatest of all time is two completely different statements. Brady is one of the greats but isn't the greatest of all time. Both are true statements. But of the QB's listed Brady might have had the most help of any of those guys for most of his career. Elite defenses for the first half of his career, one of the best coaches of all time, his best year included maybe the most physically gifted wr of all time, etc.


Input: [Date] 1 week 3 days ago [Title] Last time I checked Brady [Body]

Output: Last time I checked Brady didn't win any super bowls playing for Michigan and the Patriots don't play in Detroit. I get liking Brady but he didn't cement his legacy as a great qb while at michigan.


Input: [Date] 1 week 3 days ago [Title] Always a great way to land a [Body]

Output: Always a great way to land a recruit when it is because osu doesn't care because they think they can get better players but whatever he seems good so I'll be happy if he ends up here. Peoples-Jones is about as close to a must get as any recruit could ever be. In-state 5 star who is probably a top 10 player in the country with two parents who went to Michigan at a position of extreme need where early playing time isn't a bad sign. If he goes anywhere else it is a problem.


Input: [Date] 1 week 3 days ago [Title] Montana was better, Marino [Body]

Output: Montana was better, Marino was better, Manning was better.He may be tied for the most accomplished quarterback but he isn't the best. If you had the oporutnity to draft every qb at their prime brady wouldn't be the first one taken. It is that simple.


Input: [Date] 1 week 3 days ago [Title] lol at Brady being the [Body]

Output: lol at Brady being the greatest of all time.


Input: [Date] 1 week 3 days ago [Title] I'm saying we also do shady [Body]

Output: I'm saying we also do shady shit. Clemson has had a clearly better last decade of football.


Input: [Date] 1 week 3 days ago [Title] Hey guys, hate to burst your [Body]

Output: Hey guys, hate to burst your bubble but so does Michigan.


Input: [Date] 1 week 4 days ago [Title] Biefeldt is gone because if [Body]

Output: Biefeldt is gone because if he is getting more than 5 minutes a game we are not beating good teams. It is that simple. The bar is set higher than what he can provide.


Input: [Date] 1 week 5 days ago [Title] Shocking that the pre-season [Body]

Output: Shocking that the pre-season national championship favorite would be the most talented team in an otherwise shitty conference. OSU might take like 5 players from the rest of the conference combined as starters. They probably have the most talented player at every position on the field in the big ten. Doesn't mean we can't beat them, but they are the better team on paper and most likely in reality also.


Input: [Date] 2 weeks 3 days ago [Title] Man people are getting so [Body]

Output: Man people are getting so salty about this. They had hundreds of things on sale over the course of the day including some desirable stuff over 50% off. Sure things sold out but that is because they had a lot of people interested. They sold more stuff than black friday so clearly enough people found things they liked. It also caused walmart and bestbuy to also put things on sale, between those 3 places you could get most items on sale for most of the day. How is that bad? Amazon never has and never will do a 20% off everything sale and anyone expecting that was bound to be disspaointed. Prime is an amazing deal between the free movies and free 2 day shipping plus random deals throughout the year. Not sure why people are so upset at Amazon for including things like diapers in their sale rather than just putting up fun toys. If you were stocking a kitchen or had a baby yesterday was great. Not every sale is about getting a new tv.


Input: [Date] 2 weeks 4 days ago [Title] That tweet is a stupid [Body]

Output: That tweet is a stupid response. No way is saying UA is a threat to Nike next year. UA barely existed when current high school seniors were born so Nike still being liked better isn't shocking. But UA's growth has been pretty big and they are just entering the shoe market now and have Steph Curry to market it. They also have Spieth signed to a 10 year contract in golf as well and a bunch of baseball players including Bryce Harper. They've done a really good job of getting in on big young stars for marketing purposes and that will pay dividends. Plus with Notre Dame, Auburn, South Carolina, Maryland, Northwestern, etc they have a pretty good toe hold in college athletics for being a still young company.


Input: [Date] 2 weeks 4 days ago [Title] While we are at it other [Body]

Output: While we are at it other annoying things from uva. Wearing ties to football games and pretending to ignore that the University of Maryland has the largest mall in the country, not UVA.


Input: [Date] 2 weeks 4 days ago [Title] Stop saying grounds. Its a [Body]

Output: Stop saying grounds. Its a fucking campus. Also when I was there for a model un conference in high school we went to the white spot and it was pretty good. Plus as the only predominatley black school at the conference we found it funny in a "uva frats have been known to make their pledges but on black face and pick cotton and they have a restaurant called the white spot" sort of way."


Input: [Date] 2 weeks 6 days ago [Title] If you can get it do FIOS [Body]

Output: If you can get it do FIOS build your own package and do the sports packages, that is what I do. If not anything but comcast is the way to go.