A while back I wrote about the day Michigan football changed. Today, I'm going to write about the same topic, but with a much different tone. The previous blog covered the day Bo died and how Michigan had never been the same since that day. Things have been on a downhill slide for about the last decade. That all changed today.
Today, Michigan got it's man. In a well orchestrated coaching search conducted by Jim Hackett, an interim Athletic Director, Michigan landed the hottest coach in football.The guy that was the long shot. The guy that no one, No. One. thought they could land. The guy that had NFL dreams and would never "come back down" to college. The guy that was at the prime of his career and could have any job in the country, NFL or college. What people don't understand, is that Jim Harbaugh loves Michigan. He said in his press conference that he's dreamed of this job since he was 9 or 10 years old.
Today, a man gets to live out his life long dream. While standing at the podium delivering his press conference speech; he smiled a lot, spoke of how grateful he was for the opportunity, offered thanks for the faith and trust Jim Hackett has shown him, and gave a pledge that he will uphold the greatness and excellence of Michigan.
Today, Michigan fans are united. The factions that once existed that prevented Michigan from landing him 4 years ago are gone. The argument of spread versus pro-style are a thing of the past. Today everyone is just excited to see how this develops.
Today, bygones were set aside, mistakes were admitted, and forgiveness was given. No doubt things have been rocky these past few years. Things have been said and done that left many hard feelings. Those days are nothing but a memory and all the people that matter are rallying behind the new coach and offering support in anyway they can. Former coaches, players, equipment managers, businessmen, university officials, were in attendance today to show their support.
Today, a wife supported her husband. It had been widely reported that Sarah Harbaugh, Jim's wife, didn't want to move again. She loved the west coast and wasn't interested in coming to the Midwest, much less Michigan in December. But she sat in the front row with their children, attended the after party and supported her husband and his life-long dream.
Today, families were reunited in Ann Arbor. Jack and Jackie Harbaugh, Jim's parents, are reportedly moving back to Michigan. They, along with his sister and her family were in attendance. Clearly they are all supportive of Jim and excited with his new coaching position.
Today, thanks was given to the men of the past. Jim credited past coaches with building a great foundation for over a century. There was an absence in body in the crowd, but everyone knew Bo was there and smiling down on that press conference today. No doubt they could all feel it.
Today, it wasn't about money, it was about love of Michigan. Details of Jim's contract have been released and the reported 6 years for $48 million was inaccurate. His contract was the same he was making at the 49ers, $5 million for 7 years, with incentives. He told Jim Hackett that he didn't want to be the highest paid coach in the NCAA or even the B1G, he wanted to save some money so he could hire awesome assistants and pay them accordingly.
Today, is one of the days I'll tell my kids about. I'll know exactly where I was and what I was doing. I traveled to my parents' house so I could watch the press conference with them, one of my brothers, and my girls. This was a family occasion, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
Today, I wore my maize and blue and wasn't feeling like I needed to be prepared with a comeback for heckling that was sure to be thrown my way. I wore it with a smirk on my face and with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation.
Today, rivalries were renewed and faith was restored.
Today, was a good day. The great days are still ahead.
My Pick 6 quotes from the press conference by Jim:
1. I'm not comfortable with being referred to as the savior of Michigan football.
2. I don't believe this is a turn-around, this is greatness.
3. I want to build one and live in it permanently.
4. Like you know your name, I know Michigan football.
5. I'm standing on a foundation that has been built for over 100 years.
6. I made a decision from the heart.
Go Blue!
~Bekki
A blog written by two women who share a passion and love for college football needing a place to talk, express, discuss, rant and rave about our favorite sport.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
M cubed
As I hinted at in a previous post, this week's blog will focus on The Michigan Man Mantra (M3). In preparation for this blog I Googled "Michigan Man." Much to my surprise there were several hits that offered several different explanations for the meaning of "Michigan Man." I learned that Fielding Yost used the term in several of his speeches. However, I first remember the words being muttered by Bo Schembechler when he was Athletic Director at Michigan. He found out that Bill Frieder, the basketball coach at the time, had signed a contract to coach at Arizona the following season. Bo fired him the day before the NCAA basketball tournament was to begin. He said, "A Michigan Man will coach Michigan."
In light of the press conference yesterday to announce, to no one's surprise, that head football coach Brady Hoke was dismissed from his duties, this question was asked by a reporter. "Will the new coach be a Michigan Man, something we've all heard so much about?" Interim Athletic Director answered this question directly and with great poise and confidence. I couldn't have been more proud of they way he handled it. In fact, I had to hold back," Can I get an Amen!?!?!" when he gave his answer.
I have long held the belief that Bo's words have been misinterpreted by people with personal agendas, misinformation, and people who think they know about Michigan, but really have no clue. So, here's my personal interpretation of what a Michigan Man is....
A Michigan Man is someone who leads their life with integrity, first and foremost. And by this I mean, just as Merriam-Webster defines it, a person who has the quality of being honest and having strong moral principals. That quality is the most important one to me. I don't want a coach that isn't going to play the game, and everything that goes with it, honestly and with strong moral principals.
Secondly, a Michigan Man is someone that has an undying loyalty to Michigan. Someone that will do whatever is humanly possible to represent the university the best way possible, as long as it is done with the first quality I mentioned at the forefront. And yes, this means winning games. That's part of the job of a coach.
Next, a Michigan Man must have compassion. There are so many situations in this world, some of them right at Mott's Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, that need a hero. This has been a long standing tradition at Michigan. Players and coaches go visit, bond, connect, and establish relationships with the patients and families at Mott's. I hope the next coach follows in this tradition. It builds character and brings the student-athletes to an understanding that life does not begin and end with football.
Additionally, a Michigan Man is one who has a bit of an edge to their personality. Someone who is firey; yet calm during adversity, honest; yet compassionate when necessary, and driven; yet focused with eyes wide open.
And lastly, a Michigan Man is one who understands, or is willing to learn, what Michigan is all about. The traditions. The beliefs. The former legendary coaches and players. The history. The winged helmet. The Leaders. The Best. The Song. The Victors.
So you see, a Michigan Man doesn't have to be a male or someone with direct ties to the university (student, player, coach, or otherwise). It just has to be someone that "get's it."
“But do let me reiterate the spirit of Michigan. It is based upon a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways; an enthusiasm that makes it second nature for Michigan men to spread the gospel of their university to the world’s distant outposts; a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours.”
Fielding Yost, 1942
My Pick 6 interview questions if I were on the search committee:
1. What is your equation for success?
2. How will you unite the factions that exist at Michigan?
3. Why do you think our previous coach wasn't able to win?
4. How will you establish leadership on the team?
5. What will be your selling point(s) to potential recruits?
6. Do you value seniority or hard work more?
~Bekki
Go Blue!
In light of the press conference yesterday to announce, to no one's surprise, that head football coach Brady Hoke was dismissed from his duties, this question was asked by a reporter. "Will the new coach be a Michigan Man, something we've all heard so much about?" Interim Athletic Director answered this question directly and with great poise and confidence. I couldn't have been more proud of they way he handled it. In fact, I had to hold back," Can I get an Amen!?!?!" when he gave his answer.
I have long held the belief that Bo's words have been misinterpreted by people with personal agendas, misinformation, and people who think they know about Michigan, but really have no clue. So, here's my personal interpretation of what a Michigan Man is....
A Michigan Man is someone who leads their life with integrity, first and foremost. And by this I mean, just as Merriam-Webster defines it, a person who has the quality of being honest and having strong moral principals. That quality is the most important one to me. I don't want a coach that isn't going to play the game, and everything that goes with it, honestly and with strong moral principals.
Secondly, a Michigan Man is someone that has an undying loyalty to Michigan. Someone that will do whatever is humanly possible to represent the university the best way possible, as long as it is done with the first quality I mentioned at the forefront. And yes, this means winning games. That's part of the job of a coach.
Next, a Michigan Man must have compassion. There are so many situations in this world, some of them right at Mott's Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, that need a hero. This has been a long standing tradition at Michigan. Players and coaches go visit, bond, connect, and establish relationships with the patients and families at Mott's. I hope the next coach follows in this tradition. It builds character and brings the student-athletes to an understanding that life does not begin and end with football.
Additionally, a Michigan Man is one who has a bit of an edge to their personality. Someone who is firey; yet calm during adversity, honest; yet compassionate when necessary, and driven; yet focused with eyes wide open.
And lastly, a Michigan Man is one who understands, or is willing to learn, what Michigan is all about. The traditions. The beliefs. The former legendary coaches and players. The history. The winged helmet. The Leaders. The Best. The Song. The Victors.
So you see, a Michigan Man doesn't have to be a male or someone with direct ties to the university (student, player, coach, or otherwise). It just has to be someone that "get's it."
“But do let me reiterate the spirit of Michigan. It is based upon a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways; an enthusiasm that makes it second nature for Michigan men to spread the gospel of their university to the world’s distant outposts; a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours.”
Fielding Yost, 1942
My Pick 6 interview questions if I were on the search committee:
1. What is your equation for success?
2. How will you unite the factions that exist at Michigan?
3. Why do you think our previous coach wasn't able to win?
4. How will you establish leadership on the team?
5. What will be your selling point(s) to potential recruits?
6. Do you value seniority or hard work more?
~Bekki
Go Blue!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Give me a P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C!
The vision for this blog when it first came to fruition was to be about football from a woman's perspective, with an occasional rant and rave. I never thought my first football season as a blogger would be as tumultuous as it has been. I haven't written in quite some time and I'm not exactly sure why. One day I think it's because there is nothing worthy of writing about, because the team is so bad. Then, the next day I feel like there is so much to write about because there are so many things that need to be fixed, on and off the field
So, in order to focus my thoughts. I guess I'll just stick to writing about the on-field performance, or lack of, for now.
Call me hopelessly optimistic, or maybe I'm just delusional, but I actually thought Michigan had a chance to win the game yesterday. And to some degree, I was right. Had they put all of the pieces together at the same time, they could have had a chance at the end to make a game of it. That, however, didn't happen. I should have expected this, given their past performance. Chris Spielman pegged it when he said, "Michigan is a team of almosts......almost made that tackle, almost broke for a long run, almost made the catch, almost got the sack." Almost, doesn't cut it. Not for me.
The O-line looked as pathetic in the first half as I've ever seen them, but came out in the second half and actually gave Gardner some time.
Gardner looked like, well, Gardner. Scared. He made poor decision after poor decision and turned the ball over like only he can do. I'm not exactly sure what he saw with that shovel pass that resulted in a Pick 6, because I saw nothing. It's pathetic that I watch a game just waiting for the turnover(s).
The receivers: They just plain didn't show up. Dropped pass after dropped pass. Funchess needs to return the coveted #1 jersey to the equipment manager. He doesn't deserve it. He played yesterday like a half-hearted goat. It was awful. Then Darboh got in on the action too.
The defense played average, they gave up some big plays and missed some key tackles, but when you've been on the field as much and as often as they were yesterday, it wears you down. I haven't seen a ToP (Time of Possession) stat yet, but it would be scary, I'm sure. If the offense was even close to average, the defense keeps them in the game enough that it could have been a game at the end.
I'm not sure where they go from here. By all accounts, Hoke will be the coach until the end of the season, so I guess my only hope for them is that no one suffers a career ending injury at the hands of a staff that clearly can't prepare them to play.
Ugh! Just plain, Ugh! Never felt so hopeless about a team in all my years as a fan. It's so difficult to watch and root for a team that has so much undeveloped talent. They are just plain bad with a capital B-A-D.
If I were queen of Michigan football here are my Pick 6 things to fix to get them back:
1. The Athletic Director---because the type of head coach we need, won't come with Brandon at the helm
2. The Head coach---Brady is a nice guy, not a good coach
3. The O-Line coach---no comment needed
4. Attitude---everyone's attitude, from the top down, is not focused
5. The Michigan Man mantra----this may be my next blog
6. Strength and Conditioning---these guys get man-handled in the trenches
Go Blue!
~Bekki
So, in order to focus my thoughts. I guess I'll just stick to writing about the on-field performance, or lack of, for now.
Call me hopelessly optimistic, or maybe I'm just delusional, but I actually thought Michigan had a chance to win the game yesterday. And to some degree, I was right. Had they put all of the pieces together at the same time, they could have had a chance at the end to make a game of it. That, however, didn't happen. I should have expected this, given their past performance. Chris Spielman pegged it when he said, "Michigan is a team of almosts......almost made that tackle, almost broke for a long run, almost made the catch, almost got the sack." Almost, doesn't cut it. Not for me.
The O-line looked as pathetic in the first half as I've ever seen them, but came out in the second half and actually gave Gardner some time.
Gardner looked like, well, Gardner. Scared. He made poor decision after poor decision and turned the ball over like only he can do. I'm not exactly sure what he saw with that shovel pass that resulted in a Pick 6, because I saw nothing. It's pathetic that I watch a game just waiting for the turnover(s).
The receivers: They just plain didn't show up. Dropped pass after dropped pass. Funchess needs to return the coveted #1 jersey to the equipment manager. He doesn't deserve it. He played yesterday like a half-hearted goat. It was awful. Then Darboh got in on the action too.
The defense played average, they gave up some big plays and missed some key tackles, but when you've been on the field as much and as often as they were yesterday, it wears you down. I haven't seen a ToP (Time of Possession) stat yet, but it would be scary, I'm sure. If the offense was even close to average, the defense keeps them in the game enough that it could have been a game at the end.
I'm not sure where they go from here. By all accounts, Hoke will be the coach until the end of the season, so I guess my only hope for them is that no one suffers a career ending injury at the hands of a staff that clearly can't prepare them to play.
Ugh! Just plain, Ugh! Never felt so hopeless about a team in all my years as a fan. It's so difficult to watch and root for a team that has so much undeveloped talent. They are just plain bad with a capital B-A-D.
If I were queen of Michigan football here are my Pick 6 things to fix to get them back:
1. The Athletic Director---because the type of head coach we need, won't come with Brandon at the helm
2. The Head coach---Brady is a nice guy, not a good coach
3. The O-Line coach---no comment needed
4. Attitude---everyone's attitude, from the top down, is not focused
5. The Michigan Man mantra----this may be my next blog
6. Strength and Conditioning---these guys get man-handled in the trenches
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
The Day Michigan Football Changed
The day started like any other day for me. I went to work and was going about my day with 12 preschoolers, and then there was a knock on my door. It was a paraeducator from an upstairs classroom. I was a bit confused as to why she was at my door during the mid-morning. I had no idea that what she was about to ask, and then subsequently tell me, would change the course of my day and the following 8 years as dramatically as it did.
Lady from upstairs, "Do you know who Bo Schem...?
"Schembechler? Yes, I know who he is. Why?"
"Well, my husband just told me that he died."
Me, completely in shock with a lump in my throat "What?!?! You've got to be kidding me?"
The Game was only a couple days away and had been built up with as much anticipation as a National Championship game. Michigan and Ohio State were the two top ranked teams in the country, the biggest rivals in all of sports, and now this. How could this be happening?
I immediately went to the phone to call my dad the first moment I had a chance.
"Dad, is it true?" I said with tears rolling down my cheeks.
"Yeah, Bek. It's true. He was doing what he loved. Talking about Michigan. No better way for him to go."
"I'm so sorry Dad. I don't know what to say. I know how much you loved him. I can't believe this is happening right now. He won't be able to see the game."
"Yeah he will. He's gonna have the best seat in the house to watch our guys beat the Buckeyes."
"Ok, Dad. I gotta go. I'll come over after school."
Bo Schembechler was my Dad's idol. He looked up to him for so many reasons. He was firey. He was honest. He was intelligent. He was a motivator. He operated with integrity. He was successful. But most importantly, he loved Michigan. He would do anything and everything to make sure they were successful, the right way. He never compromised that. Never.
November 17, 2006 is the day things changed in Ann Arbor. And they have never been the same since. Michigan didn't win The Game and it has been a downward spiral ever since that day. I realize there will never be another Bo Schembechler. How could there be? But I honestly believe, if he were still alive, things in Ann Arbor, in Schembechler Hall, on State Street, and the surrounding areas, would not be the way they are today. Bo wouldn't have allowed it to get to this point.
It seems inevitable that Michigan, once again, will be conducting a coaching search and possibly an Athletic Director search, too. I hope that the people who control this search, do a little soul searching for themselves. And during this search, the first question they should ask themselves should be, "What would Bo do?"
My Pick 6 criteria for a new coach
1. integrity
2. passion
3. winning record
4. honesty
5. love for student-athletes
6. great motivator
~Bekki
Go Blue!
Lady from upstairs, "Do you know who Bo Schem...?
"Schembechler? Yes, I know who he is. Why?"
"Well, my husband just told me that he died."
Me, completely in shock with a lump in my throat "What?!?! You've got to be kidding me?"
The Game was only a couple days away and had been built up with as much anticipation as a National Championship game. Michigan and Ohio State were the two top ranked teams in the country, the biggest rivals in all of sports, and now this. How could this be happening?
I immediately went to the phone to call my dad the first moment I had a chance.
"Dad, is it true?" I said with tears rolling down my cheeks.
"Yeah, Bek. It's true. He was doing what he loved. Talking about Michigan. No better way for him to go."
"I'm so sorry Dad. I don't know what to say. I know how much you loved him. I can't believe this is happening right now. He won't be able to see the game."
"Yeah he will. He's gonna have the best seat in the house to watch our guys beat the Buckeyes."
"Ok, Dad. I gotta go. I'll come over after school."
Bo Schembechler was my Dad's idol. He looked up to him for so many reasons. He was firey. He was honest. He was intelligent. He was a motivator. He operated with integrity. He was successful. But most importantly, he loved Michigan. He would do anything and everything to make sure they were successful, the right way. He never compromised that. Never.
November 17, 2006 is the day things changed in Ann Arbor. And they have never been the same since. Michigan didn't win The Game and it has been a downward spiral ever since that day. I realize there will never be another Bo Schembechler. How could there be? But I honestly believe, if he were still alive, things in Ann Arbor, in Schembechler Hall, on State Street, and the surrounding areas, would not be the way they are today. Bo wouldn't have allowed it to get to this point.
It seems inevitable that Michigan, once again, will be conducting a coaching search and possibly an Athletic Director search, too. I hope that the people who control this search, do a little soul searching for themselves. And during this search, the first question they should ask themselves should be, "What would Bo do?"
My Pick 6 criteria for a new coach
1. integrity
2. passion
3. winning record
4. honesty
5. love for student-athletes
6. great motivator
~Bekki
Go Blue!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Cue the Circus Music
I had a totally different blog in mind for this week, but given the recent Barnum and Bailey's Big Top Circus that has rolled into Ann Arbor, I'll save it for another time. Instead, this week, I will address the fiasco that is taking place in one of my favorite places in the entire world. Ann Arbor.
In my best circus announcer voice: "In the far left corner of the circus please feast your eyes upon the Offensive and Defensive Coordinators for the University of Michigan, Greg Mattison and Doug Nussmeier. You will notice that they are amazing recruiters that come with a whole resume full of great talent at previous prestigious positions. Watch closely as they under develop players, have only 10 players on the field at times, and call questionable plays time and time again. This is really something magnificent and mind-boggling to see."
Continuing with my circus announcer voice: "In the far right corner of the circus for your viewing pleasure you will see Head Football Coach Brady Hoke be eaten alive by lions, tigers and bears. Oh my! He will be hung by the trapeze with no safety net below him. He will make unfathomable and dangerous decisions without even knowing it. And he will do all of this with absolutely no preparation. Only the Circus Director (aka David Brandon) will know what is really going to happen, but will not tell Brady. This is an example of complete and utter miscommunication at its finest and quite a sight to see."
"In the center of this amazing and crumbling circus you will see David Brandon. He happens to be wearing an invisibility cloak, because now that the shit has hit the fan he doesn't want to be seen or heard from. He'll let the guys to his left and his right take all the attention away from him, while he tries to some way escape the circus like David Copperfield."
This is my best assessment of what has transpired over the last few days. I hope. And pray. And beg. And plead. Just make it stop. Get it right. And let's get back to playing Michigan Football.
Forever and Always, Go Blue!
~Bekki
My Pick 6 Flubs of the week aside from the abysmal game :
1. NO ONE on the sidelines seeing the hit on Shane Morris
2. Russell Bellomy not being able to find his helmet
3. Shane Morris being put back into the game
4. The Monday press conference that Brady was ill prepared for
5. David Brandon knowing on Sunday that Shane had a concussion and not telling anyone
6. The much delayed and suspicious statement from David Brandon released in the wee hours of the morning
In my best circus announcer voice: "In the far left corner of the circus please feast your eyes upon the Offensive and Defensive Coordinators for the University of Michigan, Greg Mattison and Doug Nussmeier. You will notice that they are amazing recruiters that come with a whole resume full of great talent at previous prestigious positions. Watch closely as they under develop players, have only 10 players on the field at times, and call questionable plays time and time again. This is really something magnificent and mind-boggling to see."
Continuing with my circus announcer voice: "In the far right corner of the circus for your viewing pleasure you will see Head Football Coach Brady Hoke be eaten alive by lions, tigers and bears. Oh my! He will be hung by the trapeze with no safety net below him. He will make unfathomable and dangerous decisions without even knowing it. And he will do all of this with absolutely no preparation. Only the Circus Director (aka David Brandon) will know what is really going to happen, but will not tell Brady. This is an example of complete and utter miscommunication at its finest and quite a sight to see."
"In the center of this amazing and crumbling circus you will see David Brandon. He happens to be wearing an invisibility cloak, because now that the shit has hit the fan he doesn't want to be seen or heard from. He'll let the guys to his left and his right take all the attention away from him, while he tries to some way escape the circus like David Copperfield."
This is my best assessment of what has transpired over the last few days. I hope. And pray. And beg. And plead. Just make it stop. Get it right. And let's get back to playing Michigan Football.
Forever and Always, Go Blue!
~Bekki
My Pick 6 Flubs of the week aside from the abysmal game :
1. NO ONE on the sidelines seeing the hit on Shane Morris
2. Russell Bellomy not being able to find his helmet
3. Shane Morris being put back into the game
4. The Monday press conference that Brady was ill prepared for
5. David Brandon knowing on Sunday that Shane had a concussion and not telling anyone
6. The much delayed and suspicious statement from David Brandon released in the wee hours of the morning
Monday, September 22, 2014
The Fall Guy
Many people have asked me why I don't write a blog right away after a game. What takes me so long to collect my thoughts and put them into words? Passion. That's the best way I can describe it. I have so much passion for Michigan Football that I want to make sure what I put in writing are my true feelings and not just half-cocked emotions that I end up regretting.
Outside of my family and co-blogger, no one really knows or understands how I feel about The University of Michigan. Especially football. I can't really explain it very well either. It's almost like an extension of my family. You know, it's like, "I can talk trash about them all day, pick apart every minuscule thing, but if anyone else even thinks of muttering a negative word, I'll bite their head off like a momma bear protecting her young cubs." Yea, that's close to how I feel.
So that's why I take some time to digest, reflect, and analyze my thoughts, feelings, and emotions regarding my team and the week's game before writing. Then I read articles from reputable sources, gather information, read press conference transcripts and put together my final thoughts into words.
If I had written a blog after the debacle that was Saturday's game it would have read something like this.....Fire Brady Hoke! Fire David Brandon! Bench Devin Gardner! Now! The end.
However, after a couple cooling off days, I've come to the following conclusions.....
1. I think the real problem is David Brandon. From what I've read and been able to gather, he is way too involved with the football program. He watches game film. He sits in on team meetings. He attends and stands in the back of the room during press conferences. He's on the field during games. He has made Brady Hoke a puppet. I equate this to my principal attending everyone of my parent/teacher conferences. Sitting with me while I write my lesson plans. Standing in the back of my classroom during every lesson I teach. This doesn't exactly scream, "I have confidence that you can do your job and do it well. I trust that you know what you are doing and will get the job done." On the contrary, it shouts from the roof tops, "I don't think you have a clue what you're doing and I'm going to micromanage every move you make, because I don't trust you to do it the way I think it should be done......which is obviously the right and only way to do it." So, I ask you, "Would you be able to do your best job under those circumstances?" I think not.
2. These players are putting their all into this. They work their tails off. They are pulled in a million different directions. They have the weight of the university riding on their shoulders. So, I ask you, "At 18-22 years old, would you have been able to handle the pressure?" I think not.
3. Yes, Devin Gardner is a 5th year senior, he is not however, a 5th year starter. He is a guy who has had to learn three, yes THREE, different offenses. He's played wide-receiver in one of those systems, back-up quarterback and starting quarterback. He's a smart guy. He's getting his Master's degree in Social Work from Michigan. He deserves the fans' support. So, I ask you, "How would you feel if he was your son? Would you want a fan base as large as Michigan's to be bashing YOUR son?" I think not.
4. Yes, Brady Hoke seems to be in over his head. It appears that he doesn't know how to coach these kids into their greatest potential, but refer back to point one. I think this is part of the reason for Brady not living up to what he was painted out to be. He has become the Fall Guy for David Brandon. If things don't turn around this season and quickly, I believe that Brady will be fired. Which will result in losing recruits, possible transfers of current players, assistant coaches and coordinators leaving, and then we start all over again. A new coaching search. Trying to salvage a recruiting class. A possible change in offensive and/or defensive schemes. And if this all happens, another 3-4 years of the same thing we've been dealing with for the past 7. So I ask you, "Do you really want to start all over.....again?" I think not.
I want this team and this coaching staff to get it right. Turn it around. Turn on some light bulbs and win some damn games.
My Pick 6 things I'd like to see going forward:
1. Devin Gardner get some confidence back
2. Jake Butt get healthy
3. Jabrill Peppers used more effectively
4. Special teams improvement
5. Defense stop giving up big plays
6. Convert on 3rd down
~Bekki
Go Blue!
Outside of my family and co-blogger, no one really knows or understands how I feel about The University of Michigan. Especially football. I can't really explain it very well either. It's almost like an extension of my family. You know, it's like, "I can talk trash about them all day, pick apart every minuscule thing, but if anyone else even thinks of muttering a negative word, I'll bite their head off like a momma bear protecting her young cubs." Yea, that's close to how I feel.
So that's why I take some time to digest, reflect, and analyze my thoughts, feelings, and emotions regarding my team and the week's game before writing. Then I read articles from reputable sources, gather information, read press conference transcripts and put together my final thoughts into words.
If I had written a blog after the debacle that was Saturday's game it would have read something like this.....Fire Brady Hoke! Fire David Brandon! Bench Devin Gardner! Now! The end.
However, after a couple cooling off days, I've come to the following conclusions.....
1. I think the real problem is David Brandon. From what I've read and been able to gather, he is way too involved with the football program. He watches game film. He sits in on team meetings. He attends and stands in the back of the room during press conferences. He's on the field during games. He has made Brady Hoke a puppet. I equate this to my principal attending everyone of my parent/teacher conferences. Sitting with me while I write my lesson plans. Standing in the back of my classroom during every lesson I teach. This doesn't exactly scream, "I have confidence that you can do your job and do it well. I trust that you know what you are doing and will get the job done." On the contrary, it shouts from the roof tops, "I don't think you have a clue what you're doing and I'm going to micromanage every move you make, because I don't trust you to do it the way I think it should be done......which is obviously the right and only way to do it." So, I ask you, "Would you be able to do your best job under those circumstances?" I think not.
2. These players are putting their all into this. They work their tails off. They are pulled in a million different directions. They have the weight of the university riding on their shoulders. So, I ask you, "At 18-22 years old, would you have been able to handle the pressure?" I think not.
3. Yes, Devin Gardner is a 5th year senior, he is not however, a 5th year starter. He is a guy who has had to learn three, yes THREE, different offenses. He's played wide-receiver in one of those systems, back-up quarterback and starting quarterback. He's a smart guy. He's getting his Master's degree in Social Work from Michigan. He deserves the fans' support. So, I ask you, "How would you feel if he was your son? Would you want a fan base as large as Michigan's to be bashing YOUR son?" I think not.
4. Yes, Brady Hoke seems to be in over his head. It appears that he doesn't know how to coach these kids into their greatest potential, but refer back to point one. I think this is part of the reason for Brady not living up to what he was painted out to be. He has become the Fall Guy for David Brandon. If things don't turn around this season and quickly, I believe that Brady will be fired. Which will result in losing recruits, possible transfers of current players, assistant coaches and coordinators leaving, and then we start all over again. A new coaching search. Trying to salvage a recruiting class. A possible change in offensive and/or defensive schemes. And if this all happens, another 3-4 years of the same thing we've been dealing with for the past 7. So I ask you, "Do you really want to start all over.....again?" I think not.
I want this team and this coaching staff to get it right. Turn it around. Turn on some light bulbs and win some damn games.
My Pick 6 things I'd like to see going forward:
1. Devin Gardner get some confidence back
2. Jake Butt get healthy
3. Jabrill Peppers used more effectively
4. Special teams improvement
5. Defense stop giving up big plays
6. Convert on 3rd down
~Bekki
Go Blue!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures
The majority of the Michigan fan base are ready to throw Hoke under the Ohio State bus, send Devin Gardner to the Pee Wee league, and compare the Offensive Line to a Kitchen Aid colander (they make holes, but nothing more than water can fit through them). Me however, I'm not quite that down on the team. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not high on them either. I'm just kinda "meh". Meaning, I have no idea what to expect. I was once given advice, something to the effect of, "If you don't expect things, then you won't be disappointed when they don't happen." This advice was given to me as a newlywed, which I didn't take. But, I will put it to use now, the best I can.
After Saturday's game against a pathetic MAC team that hasn't won a game since my youngest daughter has been in school, Michigan looked pretty good. The run game existed. The offense was semi-in sync. The defense forced their first turnover. We won. And that's about all I have to say about that. This game was certainly not enough to wash the awful taste from my mouth that last weekend left. It certainly didn't give me tons of hope for the future. It didn't redeem the coaching staff. It was merely a win. A higher number in the win column than when the game began.
Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't all doom and gloom. There were some bright spots on Saturday. The weather was beautiful. Perfect fall weather for football. We had a great time tailgating. The stadium celebrated the 200th birthday of The American Flag with a flyover during the Star Spangled Banner. The halftime show consisted of many more flyovers and a compilation of several patriotic songs that make you proud to be an American. And, Michigan won. All in all, it was a great day.
My Pick 6 "musts" for a successful season going forward:
1. get key players healthy
2. ball security
3. create turnovers
4. QB confidence
5. establish a consistent run game
6. leadership
~Bekki
Go Blue!
After Saturday's game against a pathetic MAC team that hasn't won a game since my youngest daughter has been in school, Michigan looked pretty good. The run game existed. The offense was semi-in sync. The defense forced their first turnover. We won. And that's about all I have to say about that. This game was certainly not enough to wash the awful taste from my mouth that last weekend left. It certainly didn't give me tons of hope for the future. It didn't redeem the coaching staff. It was merely a win. A higher number in the win column than when the game began.
Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't all doom and gloom. There were some bright spots on Saturday. The weather was beautiful. Perfect fall weather for football. We had a great time tailgating. The stadium celebrated the 200th birthday of The American Flag with a flyover during the Star Spangled Banner. The halftime show consisted of many more flyovers and a compilation of several patriotic songs that make you proud to be an American. And, Michigan won. All in all, it was a great day.
My Pick 6 "musts" for a successful season going forward:
1. get key players healthy
2. ball security
3. create turnovers
4. QB confidence
5. establish a consistent run game
6. leadership
~Bekki
Go Blue!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Michigan
Being that my co-blogger is the biggest U of M fan in the state of Michigan, I'm choosing my words carefully while writing this post. With that said, way to go Irish!!!!! We will take the win, shut out, last game of this long standing rivalry.
I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the game with my co-blogger and best friend Bekki. We anticipated a very different look to this game. We planned on an all out battle like we have observed in many previous seasons. This game looked surprisingly different. Very different. Again, I observed the up tempo pace (despite a time out being called before the first snap on the first possession in the first quarter). Golson appeared to be in complete control and in my opinion this gave other players confidence as well. I look forward to this comfort level growing throughout the season. I was pleasantly surprised with the way the defense attacked and gave their all for 4 quarters. I also think for the most part Brian Kelly looks calm on the sidelines. This is much improved from several years ago. Let's not forget Brain VanGorder's enthusiastic fist pumps! That kind of excitement is contagious!
My Pick 6 players:
1. Amir Carlisle
2. Jaylon Smith
3. Cody Riggs
4. Kyle Brindza
5. Everett Golson
6. William Fuller
Go Irish! Beat Purdue!
-Gretchen
I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the game with my co-blogger and best friend Bekki. We anticipated a very different look to this game. We planned on an all out battle like we have observed in many previous seasons. This game looked surprisingly different. Very different. Again, I observed the up tempo pace (despite a time out being called before the first snap on the first possession in the first quarter). Golson appeared to be in complete control and in my opinion this gave other players confidence as well. I look forward to this comfort level growing throughout the season. I was pleasantly surprised with the way the defense attacked and gave their all for 4 quarters. I also think for the most part Brian Kelly looks calm on the sidelines. This is much improved from several years ago. Let's not forget Brain VanGorder's enthusiastic fist pumps! That kind of excitement is contagious!
My Pick 6 players:
1. Amir Carlisle
2. Jaylon Smith
3. Cody Riggs
4. Kyle Brindza
5. Everett Golson
6. William Fuller
Go Irish! Beat Purdue!
-Gretchen
Monday, September 8, 2014
Jekyll and Hyde
Today, Monday, I find myself lost in my own thoughts, analysis, predictions, and feelings going forward in regards to this team. I am confused, to put it mildly. Depending on what article I read, person I talk to, or tweet I see, I have two completely different and opposing thoughts and views. Much like that of the famous, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I'll do my best to put my own confusion and split-personality into words.
The Team. Dr Jekyll wants to stand behind them, support them, believe in them, cheer for them, be patient with them, grow with them. I firmly believe that they try their best. I don't think they intentionally take the field thinking, "Hmmmm, how can I embarrass my team, my coaches, my parents, my school, and myself today?" I truly believe that they go out there trying to win and do what their coaches have coached them to do. Do they know they will make mistakes, of course, everyone does. But they will learn from their mistakes and come out better next Saturday.
Mr. Hyde, or should it be Mrs. Hyde, well she's not quite so understanding. She wants to wring their neck, grab them by the face-mask and say, "What in the Sam hell are you doing?!?!? I've never played a down of football in my life and I know what you should do in this instance! Why can't you seem to figure it out? You've been playing this game for as long as you can remember and spend hours upon hours practicing for moments like this. Did you forget all techniques and fundamentals when the coin was tossed?!?!?! You must be an idiot, fergodsakes!" Oooo, I must admit, it felt good to type that. Moving right along, lets flip back to the rational Dr. Jekyll.
The Coaches. Dr. Jekyll wants to believe that it takes time to develop players, change offensive and defensive systems, build leadership, and make connections with the players, and we as fans just have to be patient. These are growing pains and unfortunately, part of the process with coaching changes. Also, several of the key positions and players lack starts and game experience. Yes, they may have 4 or 5 stars, but collegiate football is different than high school football. Of course they are going to make mistakes. Mistakes are the only time when true learning takes place. Be patient, they will come around and make you really proud to be a Michigan fan again. Hang in there.
Mrs. Hyde, well she is much more irate at the pathetic display of player development and is utterly ashamed of being completely out-coached on more than one occasion. She wants to light a fire under the arse of the head coach and punch him in face when she sees him clapping and butt slapping after his players have done, well, NOTHING in the instance of the Notre Dame game. There was simply nothing to celebrate, clap hands, or slap butts about on Saturday. That was a complete and total joke of a football game. Ill-prepared. Embarrassed. Pathetic. Never, not one time, did I clap or feel a shred of excitement. Not once.
So, you see my inner struggle? The only thing I know for sure, is that I will continue to be a Michigan fan until my dying day. That has never wavered and never will. I won't give up on them. I won't stop going to games. I won't stop watching on my TV. I won't be ashamed to wear my maize and blue. I won't stop singing Hail To The Victors. And I won't stop being passionate about all things Michigan. It's in my blood and it's not going anywhere.
My Pick 6 hopes for the future of Michigan Football:
1. win games
2. develop players
3. make connections
4. find leadership
5. stay passionate
6. don't settle for mediocre
Go Blue!
~Bekki
The Team. Dr Jekyll wants to stand behind them, support them, believe in them, cheer for them, be patient with them, grow with them. I firmly believe that they try their best. I don't think they intentionally take the field thinking, "Hmmmm, how can I embarrass my team, my coaches, my parents, my school, and myself today?" I truly believe that they go out there trying to win and do what their coaches have coached them to do. Do they know they will make mistakes, of course, everyone does. But they will learn from their mistakes and come out better next Saturday.
Mr. Hyde, or should it be Mrs. Hyde, well she's not quite so understanding. She wants to wring their neck, grab them by the face-mask and say, "What in the Sam hell are you doing?!?!? I've never played a down of football in my life and I know what you should do in this instance! Why can't you seem to figure it out? You've been playing this game for as long as you can remember and spend hours upon hours practicing for moments like this. Did you forget all techniques and fundamentals when the coin was tossed?!?!?! You must be an idiot, fergodsakes!" Oooo, I must admit, it felt good to type that. Moving right along, lets flip back to the rational Dr. Jekyll.
The Coaches. Dr. Jekyll wants to believe that it takes time to develop players, change offensive and defensive systems, build leadership, and make connections with the players, and we as fans just have to be patient. These are growing pains and unfortunately, part of the process with coaching changes. Also, several of the key positions and players lack starts and game experience. Yes, they may have 4 or 5 stars, but collegiate football is different than high school football. Of course they are going to make mistakes. Mistakes are the only time when true learning takes place. Be patient, they will come around and make you really proud to be a Michigan fan again. Hang in there.
Mrs. Hyde, well she is much more irate at the pathetic display of player development and is utterly ashamed of being completely out-coached on more than one occasion. She wants to light a fire under the arse of the head coach and punch him in face when she sees him clapping and butt slapping after his players have done, well, NOTHING in the instance of the Notre Dame game. There was simply nothing to celebrate, clap hands, or slap butts about on Saturday. That was a complete and total joke of a football game. Ill-prepared. Embarrassed. Pathetic. Never, not one time, did I clap or feel a shred of excitement. Not once.
So, you see my inner struggle? The only thing I know for sure, is that I will continue to be a Michigan fan until my dying day. That has never wavered and never will. I won't give up on them. I won't stop going to games. I won't stop watching on my TV. I won't be ashamed to wear my maize and blue. I won't stop singing Hail To The Victors. And I won't stop being passionate about all things Michigan. It's in my blood and it's not going anywhere.
My Pick 6 hopes for the future of Michigan Football:
1. win games
2. develop players
3. make connections
4. find leadership
5. stay passionate
6. don't settle for mediocre
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Rice
Woot woot!!! College football is back! I love the hype, the excitement, and the hoopla!
Even better, ND won their first game. They were confident, organized, and prepared to beat Rice. I surprised myself because I can honestly say that I missed the natural grass. While I understand the need for field turf, I missed the mud smears and grass stains on the players.
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this game…the Irish have so much new stuff: new offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator, new field turf, new players, new Under Armor uniforms! Oh, and not too mention the 5 players that are under investigation that are unable to participate in practice or games. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised by the Fighting Irish. ND looked solid with all the new stuff and missing players.
My Pick 6 positives from the game:
1. Everett Golson - just wow!
2. the tempo, pace, cadence - on target
3. clean play - only 2 penalties - 10 yards
4. kick and punt returns - more yards
5. Greg Bryant - he's very exciting to watch
6. Sheldon Day - playmaker
Next week - Michigan! Bekki and I will watch the game together!
Go Irish!
Gretchen
Even better, ND won their first game. They were confident, organized, and prepared to beat Rice. I surprised myself because I can honestly say that I missed the natural grass. While I understand the need for field turf, I missed the mud smears and grass stains on the players.
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this game…the Irish have so much new stuff: new offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator, new field turf, new players, new Under Armor uniforms! Oh, and not too mention the 5 players that are under investigation that are unable to participate in practice or games. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised by the Fighting Irish. ND looked solid with all the new stuff and missing players.
My Pick 6 positives from the game:
1. Everett Golson - just wow!
2. the tempo, pace, cadence - on target
3. clean play - only 2 penalties - 10 yards
4. kick and punt returns - more yards
5. Greg Bryant - he's very exciting to watch
6. Sheldon Day - playmaker
Next week - Michigan! Bekki and I will watch the game together!
Go Irish!
Gretchen
Monday, September 1, 2014
App St.
As I sit here on Sunday morning in my rocking chair, drinking my coffee, and watching SportsCenterU many thoughts are running through my head.
First, I never, not for even one second, thought that App St. had a chance to win this game. Albeit, I thought this 7 years ago as well, but that was not going to happen again. I just couldn't wait to see my team back out on the field, be in that stadium, hear the band, and get the season underway.
Second, I was worried about the OLine, as was every Michigan fan alive. They didn't look great, but I do think they looked better. Yes, I realize this was App. St. and it's hard to get a good read on how they actually will play against more talented opponents, but they did look better. There were some holes made for the backs, they didn't always hit them, but when they did, it was successful. There was also some pass protection and Devin didn't have to scramble for his life and was able to progress through his reads and make some great passes. He was 13/14 for 173 yds and 3 TD. This is progress.
Third, Peppers is going to have a target on his back all year. Guys are going to be gunning for him, trying to take him out of the game. This happened on the first defensive series of the game. I happened to have my eyes glued on him when he was hit by the receiver. He hobbled off the field gingerly favoring his lower leg/ankle. He did return to play, but was held in the locker room for the entire second half of the game. Word on the street is, he is fine and will be back next week, I hope this isn't a smoke screen and there is more to the injury than they are saying. He's a play-maker, game-changer type of guy that we want, and need, out there every Saturday.....healthy.
Fourth, I'm calling all Michigan fans to come up with some creative name for the Devin to Devin combo, because they are going to be a recurring combination that just needs to have a cool name. Some that I saw on my Twitter feed during the game yesterday were, "A2D2, Dsquared, 98-1", but I think we can come up with something better, more creative, than these.
Finally, it's back. It's here. I couldn't be more excited for college football season to finally be back.
My Pick 6 positives from the game:
1. the O-Line
2. D Funch's hands
3. D Gardner's arm
4. the blocked punt for TD
5. aggressive defensive play
6. better cell reception in the stadium
Go Blue!
~Bekki
First, I never, not for even one second, thought that App St. had a chance to win this game. Albeit, I thought this 7 years ago as well, but that was not going to happen again. I just couldn't wait to see my team back out on the field, be in that stadium, hear the band, and get the season underway.
Second, I was worried about the OLine, as was every Michigan fan alive. They didn't look great, but I do think they looked better. Yes, I realize this was App. St. and it's hard to get a good read on how they actually will play against more talented opponents, but they did look better. There were some holes made for the backs, they didn't always hit them, but when they did, it was successful. There was also some pass protection and Devin didn't have to scramble for his life and was able to progress through his reads and make some great passes. He was 13/14 for 173 yds and 3 TD. This is progress.
Third, Peppers is going to have a target on his back all year. Guys are going to be gunning for him, trying to take him out of the game. This happened on the first defensive series of the game. I happened to have my eyes glued on him when he was hit by the receiver. He hobbled off the field gingerly favoring his lower leg/ankle. He did return to play, but was held in the locker room for the entire second half of the game. Word on the street is, he is fine and will be back next week, I hope this isn't a smoke screen and there is more to the injury than they are saying. He's a play-maker, game-changer type of guy that we want, and need, out there every Saturday.....healthy.
Fourth, I'm calling all Michigan fans to come up with some creative name for the Devin to Devin combo, because they are going to be a recurring combination that just needs to have a cool name. Some that I saw on my Twitter feed during the game yesterday were, "A2D2, Dsquared, 98-1", but I think we can come up with something better, more creative, than these.
Finally, it's back. It's here. I couldn't be more excited for college football season to finally be back.
My Pick 6 positives from the game:
1. the O-Line
2. D Funch's hands
3. D Gardner's arm
4. the blocked punt for TD
5. aggressive defensive play
6. better cell reception in the stadium
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Open Scrimmage
Well, things don't always go according to plan, especially when you're a mom. My intention was to take detailed, first-hand notes of the open scrimmage last night at the Big House, and write an awesome blog depicting my take of the team. But, being a responsible, lesson-teaching, frustrated mom prevailed, and I had to forgo my trip to the Big House for disciplining my misbehaving children.
While I wasn't able to attend the open scrimmage, I did receive up-to-date texts via my brother and my twitter feed was better than play-by-play. It was consistent, detailed, honest, and gave me the feeling of being right there in the action. Well, okay not really, but it was the next best thing to being there. I got to read how the team was developing, which players were playing with which line, coaches interacting, and there were even a couple video clips thrown in to spice it up a bit.
My Pick 6 things I learned:
1. The O line is still.......developing, let's say. This is my nice way of saying, they aren't much better than they were last year, and they've lost 2 NFL players. Great! (insert sarcasm)
2. Because of #1, the QBs had to scramble and run for their lives on almost every play, throw it away, and have had to learn how to throw short quick passes in hopes of backing off the D so a run game can be established.
3. The D looked bigger, more aggressive, making better plays, and basically did whatever they wanted.
4. Funchess made a couple of highlight worthy catches that had fans drooling.
5. Gardner is the starter, but Morris looked pretty darn good too.
6. Peppers is what he was advertised to be.....a Stud!
We're down to 13 days until kickoff and I can barely stand it.
Go Blue!
~Bekki
While I wasn't able to attend the open scrimmage, I did receive up-to-date texts via my brother and my twitter feed was better than play-by-play. It was consistent, detailed, honest, and gave me the feeling of being right there in the action. Well, okay not really, but it was the next best thing to being there. I got to read how the team was developing, which players were playing with which line, coaches interacting, and there were even a couple video clips thrown in to spice it up a bit.
My Pick 6 things I learned:
1. The O line is still.......developing, let's say. This is my nice way of saying, they aren't much better than they were last year, and they've lost 2 NFL players. Great! (insert sarcasm)
2. Because of #1, the QBs had to scramble and run for their lives on almost every play, throw it away, and have had to learn how to throw short quick passes in hopes of backing off the D so a run game can be established.
3. The D looked bigger, more aggressive, making better plays, and basically did whatever they wanted.
4. Funchess made a couple of highlight worthy catches that had fans drooling.
5. Gardner is the starter, but Morris looked pretty darn good too.
6. Peppers is what he was advertised to be.....a Stud!
We're down to 13 days until kickoff and I can barely stand it.
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Finally!!!!
And so we have finally arrived. At what, you ask? Why, Game Month, of course. No, it's not quite Game Day or even Game Week, but, it's Game Month. And, since I haven't watched an actual football game in over 6 months, I'll take it.
I was on vacation last week while B1G 10 Media day was taking place. My twitter feed was littered with tweets about what was going down with coach and player interviews. It put an immediate smile on my face. Much like listening to Bob Ufer call a game. Or hearing The Victors on my iPod during a run. Or listening to my children giggle in the next room. It just makes me smile, knowing that soon, very soon, I will be in my happy place. Michigan Stadium.
I learned a great deal during Media Day, but the most surprising thing was that the quarterback job "seems" to still be taking auditions. Hoke says that Devin has done everything he's needed to do in the offseason, but that Shane has impressed him as well. We all know Hoke's loyalty to upper classmen, but to say that Shane has a shot seems like it's just lip service. But, maybe, just maybe, Hoke is really considering giving Shane the job if he earns it.
I can see both sides of the argument. I understand why Hoke is loyal to the upperclassman. He's put in the work, done the time, earned the respect, and stayed loyal to the team, so why wouldn't he get the starting job. But then I also see the other side of the coin. The guy that is the best at the position is the guy that gets the job. Afterall, this is much like an interview. The most qualified person, the one that can get the job done, win football games, lead the team, and has proven himself to the coaches is The One.
Regardless of whom gets the starting position, one thing is for sure. He will have the weight of the university on his shoulders. Football is to Michigan like bread is to a sandwich. One is just not the same without the other.
Pick 6 think I'm looking forward to at the season opener:
1. Eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel
2. Walking in to Michigan Stadium
3. Hearing The Victors
4. Finding out whom the starting quarterback will be
5. Watching an improved offensive line
6. Enjoying a Jersey Giant after a Michigan win
~Bekki
Go Blue!
I was on vacation last week while B1G 10 Media day was taking place. My twitter feed was littered with tweets about what was going down with coach and player interviews. It put an immediate smile on my face. Much like listening to Bob Ufer call a game. Or hearing The Victors on my iPod during a run. Or listening to my children giggle in the next room. It just makes me smile, knowing that soon, very soon, I will be in my happy place. Michigan Stadium.
I learned a great deal during Media Day, but the most surprising thing was that the quarterback job "seems" to still be taking auditions. Hoke says that Devin has done everything he's needed to do in the offseason, but that Shane has impressed him as well. We all know Hoke's loyalty to upper classmen, but to say that Shane has a shot seems like it's just lip service. But, maybe, just maybe, Hoke is really considering giving Shane the job if he earns it.
I can see both sides of the argument. I understand why Hoke is loyal to the upperclassman. He's put in the work, done the time, earned the respect, and stayed loyal to the team, so why wouldn't he get the starting job. But then I also see the other side of the coin. The guy that is the best at the position is the guy that gets the job. Afterall, this is much like an interview. The most qualified person, the one that can get the job done, win football games, lead the team, and has proven himself to the coaches is The One.
Regardless of whom gets the starting position, one thing is for sure. He will have the weight of the university on his shoulders. Football is to Michigan like bread is to a sandwich. One is just not the same without the other.
Pick 6 think I'm looking forward to at the season opener:
1. Eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel
2. Walking in to Michigan Stadium
3. Hearing The Victors
4. Finding out whom the starting quarterback will be
5. Watching an improved offensive line
6. Enjoying a Jersey Giant after a Michigan win
~Bekki
Go Blue!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Spring Game 2014
Just as this spring has been slow to arrive for most of the midwest, so are my blog reports on ND spring football. The result of a late spring and a late blog are the same = disappointing.
With that said, I'm moving forward now (hopefully spring is with me!) and sharing my thoughts on ND spring football. I attended the ND Blue and Gold game on April 12 for the first time in my fan history. I was pleasantly surprised with a great crowd turn out and spring weather to go with the game! We sat in several different seats and met many fans that were enjoying the game similarly to us - in a calm and confident manner.
Before the game began, ND announced that the grass will be replaced with turf by the time this upcoming football season begins. I personally was not surprised by this decision and I very much can see both view points - those that prefer a grass field and the turf fans. Good news is that the condition of the field will be more consistent (and it will always look like spring!), however the bad news is that it most definitely goes against ND tradition (which is and always will be of utmost importance to ND fans).
Considering some significant changes to the coaching staff, welcoming new players and saying goodbye to others, I was very curious to see how this Spring 2014 team looked. I was most interested to see how our QB's played, especially Golson. Both Golson and Zaire took the field, in fact, Zaire started. At the end of the first half, Zaire looked….well, like an early spring - crisp, fresh, accurate, and exciting to watch! Golson was no slouch either - should make for an excellent (hopefully winning) combination. The running backs and wide receivers showed many skills and looked very promising.
All in all, new players are budding, returning players are stronger and without a doubt ND fans are in for a fabulous 2014 football season - that is after spring and summer have come and gone.
My Pick 6 Offensive Players for 2014 Season:
1. Malik Zaire
2. Everett Golson
3. Greg Bryant
4. Corey Robinson
5. Torii Hunter Jr.
6. Tarean Folston
My Pick 6 Defensive Players for 2014 Season:
1. Jaylon Smith
2. KeiVarae Russell
3. Devin Butler
4. Sheldon Day
5. Austin Collinsworth
6. Romeo Okwara
Go IRISH!
~ Gretchen
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Don't Give Up
"Don't give up......... Don't. Ever. Give. Up." Those famous words were spoken by the great Jim Valvano at the ESPY awards in 1993 in reference to the motto his V Foundation would have in the fight against cancer. These words ring true to me in my life over and over again, and I'm trying to pass the meaning behind them to my children. I wish more parents would strive to do the same. I'm about to make an analogy that some of you may think is a stretch, but in my mind, they are completely in sync.
My 3rd grade, 9 year old daughter, whom has struggled with reading confidence in her young academic career, has blossomed into an amazing reader this year. About a month ago she came home with a 240 page book at the top of her reading range. She told me she wanted to read it because she and a friend were partner reading this novel. I was hesitant to let her try such a long, difficult book, for fear that she would struggle and then lose her confidence. Then I thought, if she wanted to give it a whirl, whom was I to stand in the way.
Now, try to put yourself in the shoes of Nik Stauskas', Glenn Robinson III's, and Mitch McGary's parents with coach Beilein sitting in your living room. It is no secret to anyone that the University of Michigan is no academic chump. They have high academic standards and expectations, amazing programs, demanding professors and produce some VERY successful people. It seems to me that some parents may shy away from such a demanding school, but don't stand in the way, and want the best education for their child. Even if it means struggling some. Much how I felt when my daughter came home with a difficult book.
My daughter started this book and it wasn't exactly a page-turner for her. She didn't like it at first, and wasn't sure she wanted to keep reading it. But, she decided that since her classmate was depending on her to keep up, she should uphold her end of the deal.
Flip back to those basketball players......You're beginning to see my comparison aren't you?? If not, stick with me, it will become clearer.
Glenn, Mitch, and Nik all came to Michigan in hopes of playing basketball and developing their talents. They did just that. Then, after that first year, some of them began to waiver in their commitment and thought maybe they'd go try out the NBA. However, they collectively decided to stick around and play another year with their teammates. Honor their commitment. Much like my daughter with the book and her classmate.
About half-way through the book, my daughter began to waiver in her commitment to the book. Her friend had quit reading and she was feeling like there was no reason to finish the book if her friend wasn't reading it too. I convinced her to keep going. "Don't give up", I told her. She was half way done and had been working so hard. Afterall, what good is a half completed book? Nothing. It was nothing but a waste of 2 weeks if she quit now. She even told her teacher she didn't want to keep reading it. To which her teacher said, "But you've been working so hard, you don't really want to quit now, do you?" After some thinking, my daughter decided she did want to keep reading.
Similarly, these basketball stars were faced with a decision after completing half of their commitment. Now, it's no secret that two thirds of them have made their decision and have, in fact, abandoned their education to pursue the almighty dollar. Mitch McGary is the only one, for the moment, still upholding his end of the deal. What good is a half completed education? It's nothing but a waste of a couple years of hard work.
I can only hope that Mitch's parents are giving their son, regarding his education, the same advice that I gave my daughter with regards to the book. Because today, she finished the book. It took her a whole month, but she didn't give up. She. Never. Gave. Up.
My Pick 6 reasons to finish college:
1. Education can never be taken away
2. It is the BEST time of your life
3. It's the last time in life to be carefree
4. The money will be there with a completed degree
5. You'll look back on this time with great fondness
6. The memories made will last a lifetime
My 3rd grade, 9 year old daughter, whom has struggled with reading confidence in her young academic career, has blossomed into an amazing reader this year. About a month ago she came home with a 240 page book at the top of her reading range. She told me she wanted to read it because she and a friend were partner reading this novel. I was hesitant to let her try such a long, difficult book, for fear that she would struggle and then lose her confidence. Then I thought, if she wanted to give it a whirl, whom was I to stand in the way.
Now, try to put yourself in the shoes of Nik Stauskas', Glenn Robinson III's, and Mitch McGary's parents with coach Beilein sitting in your living room. It is no secret to anyone that the University of Michigan is no academic chump. They have high academic standards and expectations, amazing programs, demanding professors and produce some VERY successful people. It seems to me that some parents may shy away from such a demanding school, but don't stand in the way, and want the best education for their child. Even if it means struggling some. Much how I felt when my daughter came home with a difficult book.
My daughter started this book and it wasn't exactly a page-turner for her. She didn't like it at first, and wasn't sure she wanted to keep reading it. But, she decided that since her classmate was depending on her to keep up, she should uphold her end of the deal.
Flip back to those basketball players......You're beginning to see my comparison aren't you?? If not, stick with me, it will become clearer.
Glenn, Mitch, and Nik all came to Michigan in hopes of playing basketball and developing their talents. They did just that. Then, after that first year, some of them began to waiver in their commitment and thought maybe they'd go try out the NBA. However, they collectively decided to stick around and play another year with their teammates. Honor their commitment. Much like my daughter with the book and her classmate.
About half-way through the book, my daughter began to waiver in her commitment to the book. Her friend had quit reading and she was feeling like there was no reason to finish the book if her friend wasn't reading it too. I convinced her to keep going. "Don't give up", I told her. She was half way done and had been working so hard. Afterall, what good is a half completed book? Nothing. It was nothing but a waste of 2 weeks if she quit now. She even told her teacher she didn't want to keep reading it. To which her teacher said, "But you've been working so hard, you don't really want to quit now, do you?" After some thinking, my daughter decided she did want to keep reading.
Similarly, these basketball stars were faced with a decision after completing half of their commitment. Now, it's no secret that two thirds of them have made their decision and have, in fact, abandoned their education to pursue the almighty dollar. Mitch McGary is the only one, for the moment, still upholding his end of the deal. What good is a half completed education? It's nothing but a waste of a couple years of hard work.
I can only hope that Mitch's parents are giving their son, regarding his education, the same advice that I gave my daughter with regards to the book. Because today, she finished the book. It took her a whole month, but she didn't give up. She. Never. Gave. Up.
My Pick 6 reasons to finish college:
1. Education can never be taken away
2. It is the BEST time of your life
3. It's the last time in life to be carefree
4. The money will be there with a completed degree
5. You'll look back on this time with great fondness
6. The memories made will last a lifetime
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Hoke, take notes
Yesterday was kind of a big day, in regards to Michigan basketball. Two of the stars of this year's team announced they would forego their remaining two years of collegiate eligibility, and declare for the NBA draft.
Since the loss a few weeks back, this has been on the minds of Michigan fans everywhere. Some of us a little more obsessed than others. I think I share my thoughts with most of those fans, that, had everyone returned, Michigan would have made a long, tough run in the tournament next year. They would have been a dreaded opponent on schedules. A pre-season top 5 team according to the experts, of which I am not. And really, really fun to watch.
But, that didn't happen. These kids have decided to go after their life-long dream of playing in the NBA. So, the fans are left thinking and wondering, "Who is going to fill their shoes?" And what big shoes they wear.
I've made mention of it before, but I'll do so more explicitly now. John Beilein in an amazing coach. He doesn't recruit kids based on stars, or rank, or name, or High School. He recruits kids that he thinks he can help develop and will fit well into his system. He recruits kids that he has a connection with. He recruits kids that have those intangible things. He recruits kids that have "it." And then, he takes "it" and makes "it" better. He not only develops their skills, their play-making, their basketball IQ, but he also develops them into young men.
I read somewhere, that he makes a commitment to parents, while sitting in their living rooms, that he will not only coach their sons in basketball, but he will also coach them in life. I watched this team go from a they'll-probably-not-make-it-to-the-tournament team, to a they-were-seconds-away-from-making-it-to-the-Final-Four team this year. Yes, they worked hard in the off season. Yes, they were a year older. Yes, they were a year stronger. Yes, they had some lucky shots fall. But none of that would have been possible without the guy at the center of it all. John Beilein.
If I was David Brandon, I would arrange a meeting between Beilein and Hoke. I would give Hoke and Co. assignments. I would require him to spend quality time with Beilein and expect him to master his craft like Beilein has. Hoke clearly needs some help in developing players and young men. There is no denying that the football team has struggled in both of these arenas. Hoke, take notes. Beilein knows what he is doing. And he's really good at it. He's sending 4 potential first round draft picks to the NBA in the last two years.
Since the loss a few weeks back, this has been on the minds of Michigan fans everywhere. Some of us a little more obsessed than others. I think I share my thoughts with most of those fans, that, had everyone returned, Michigan would have made a long, tough run in the tournament next year. They would have been a dreaded opponent on schedules. A pre-season top 5 team according to the experts, of which I am not. And really, really fun to watch.
But, that didn't happen. These kids have decided to go after their life-long dream of playing in the NBA. So, the fans are left thinking and wondering, "Who is going to fill their shoes?" And what big shoes they wear.
I've made mention of it before, but I'll do so more explicitly now. John Beilein in an amazing coach. He doesn't recruit kids based on stars, or rank, or name, or High School. He recruits kids that he thinks he can help develop and will fit well into his system. He recruits kids that he has a connection with. He recruits kids that have those intangible things. He recruits kids that have "it." And then, he takes "it" and makes "it" better. He not only develops their skills, their play-making, their basketball IQ, but he also develops them into young men.
I read somewhere, that he makes a commitment to parents, while sitting in their living rooms, that he will not only coach their sons in basketball, but he will also coach them in life. I watched this team go from a they'll-probably-not-make-it-to-the-tournament team, to a they-were-seconds-away-from-making-it-to-the-Final-Four team this year. Yes, they worked hard in the off season. Yes, they were a year older. Yes, they were a year stronger. Yes, they had some lucky shots fall. But none of that would have been possible without the guy at the center of it all. John Beilein.
If I was David Brandon, I would arrange a meeting between Beilein and Hoke. I would give Hoke and Co. assignments. I would require him to spend quality time with Beilein and expect him to master his craft like Beilein has. Hoke clearly needs some help in developing players and young men. There is no denying that the football team has struggled in both of these arenas. Hoke, take notes. Beilein knows what he is doing. And he's really good at it. He's sending 4 potential first round draft picks to the NBA in the last two years.
My Pick 6 top players for next year:
1. Mitch McGary----if he stays
2. Caris Levert
3. Derrick Walton Jr.
4. Zack Irvin
5. Spike Albrecht
6. Any one of the freshman
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Sunday, April 6, 2014
My Heart Will Go On
Yes, my heart is still aching a bit from the loss of the basketball team last week, but I was back in my happy place yesterday. The Big House. There is no place like it on earth. There is no place like home. I walk in and instantly I feel the buzz of excitement. The memories come flooding back. I traveled with my husband and one of my brothers down to Ann Arbor for the Spring Game, to tour the newly renovated Schembechler Hall, and to fill our bellies with the best sandwiches Michigan has to offer.
Was the Spring Game an entertaining, well-refined display of Michigan football? No, it was anything but. It exposed that this team still has a long way to go. It showed that Nussmeier doesn't have this offense converted to an "Alabamaesque" type offense......yet. It showed that Gardner may not be the Heisman hopeful that we all dream he will be. Or Shane Morris for that matter. But what it did show, is that these kids have only been playing together for a few weeks. It showed that some of them are technically, age-speaking, still in high school. It showed that, while some of us fans are sick of the excuse, they are still young. There are 40+ freshman and sophomores on the roster. And not just on the roster, but listed on the depth chart. It also showed that while Michigan football may not quite be "back" yet, they are on their way. They've got the talent. Now it just needs to be developed.
While many of us are hoping for a breakout season and competing for a B1G Title, or a National Championship, we need to be realistic. This very well may be a coupla years out still. For now, we need to rally around these kids and coaches and with each other, to embrace where we are as a football team and not set ourselves up for disappointment and cliff-jumping.
Was the Spring Game an entertaining, well-refined display of Michigan football? No, it was anything but. It exposed that this team still has a long way to go. It showed that Nussmeier doesn't have this offense converted to an "Alabamaesque" type offense......yet. It showed that Gardner may not be the Heisman hopeful that we all dream he will be. Or Shane Morris for that matter. But what it did show, is that these kids have only been playing together for a few weeks. It showed that some of them are technically, age-speaking, still in high school. It showed that, while some of us fans are sick of the excuse, they are still young. There are 40+ freshman and sophomores on the roster. And not just on the roster, but listed on the depth chart. It also showed that while Michigan football may not quite be "back" yet, they are on their way. They've got the talent. Now it just needs to be developed.
While many of us are hoping for a breakout season and competing for a B1G Title, or a National Championship, we need to be realistic. This very well may be a coupla years out still. For now, we need to rally around these kids and coaches and with each other, to embrace where we are as a football team and not set ourselves up for disappointment and cliff-jumping.
I'm sure, before long, there will be those cliff-jumpers. Contemplating selling their season tickets. Asking for Hoke's head. Blaming Rich Rod for the current state of Michigan football. Berating Brandon for the money he spends and the business he is running. Degrading Gardner's effort, or lack of, and saying he doesn't play with heart. Thinking Morris and Peppers are the answers and all we need to be National Champs. I say, relax. Take a step back. Loosen the noose, heck even slip it off your neck and over your head. Be passionate. Be outspoken. Be a fanatic. But, be patient. Sing The Victors. Pump the fist. This is Michigan.
My Pick 6 pics from yesterday:
1. 
Inside Crisler Center
Inside Crisler Center
2. 
That beautiful winged helmet
3.
This is Michigan
4.
Wistert's jersey, which is a onesie.
5.
Us with the new Bo statue.
6.
Ahhhhh, a view from the student section
Go Blue!
~ Bekki
That beautiful winged helmet3.
This is Michigan4.
Wistert's jersey, which is a onesie.5.
Us with the new Bo statue.6.
Ahhhhh, a view from the student sectionGo Blue!
~ Bekki
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Agony
ag-o-ny: noun \ˈa-gə-nē\ 1. great pain or anguish: intense physical pain or mental anguish 2. intense emotion: a consuming emotion
This about sums it up for me today. My team lost a heartbreaker in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. In the last 36 hours I've experienced both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. After the clock read zero and the game was over, there was this feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, and disbelief. I was so sure they were going to "Win the Game." Then that damn freshman hit a 3-pointer and leaves Michigan with only 2.6 seconds to tie the game. I knew the ball was going to be in Nik's hands, and I honestly could see the ball going in and them heading to overtime.
Not 2 minutes before when the game was tied, my 9 year old said, "No, not overtime, it takes so long." After the shot was made by Kentucky she quickly said, "I guess I do want them to go into overtime." Sorry, honey. No overtime tonight. No game next weekend. No Final Four appearance. No banner. No more time. No shining moment. Nothing. Done. Over. Silence.
I always go through a mini withdrawal when a season ends, but especially when it ends so abruptly like it did tonight. I'm proud of how far this team went in the tournament and the type of game they played. NO ONE gave them a chance when McGary went out, let alone losing Burke and Hardaway Jr. I have to admit, I was a little concerned as well., but never gave up hope or believed what they said. I wasn't sure they would fill the voids, get bigger and stronger, and be able to make another run at it. But they did, because of the guy with the nervous tick that leads this team.
Those naysayers forgot about the ace in the hole, that is John Beilein. He is one hell of a coach and pulled these kids together to make a run that no one predicted. I hope he can convince them all to stay and play together for another year. If not, I'm confident that he will compose team 99 and we'll be back in this position next year. But for now, I'm just in agony.
Forever and always. Win or lose.
Go Blue!
~Bekki
This about sums it up for me today. My team lost a heartbreaker in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. In the last 36 hours I've experienced both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. After the clock read zero and the game was over, there was this feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, and disbelief. I was so sure they were going to "Win the Game." Then that damn freshman hit a 3-pointer and leaves Michigan with only 2.6 seconds to tie the game. I knew the ball was going to be in Nik's hands, and I honestly could see the ball going in and them heading to overtime.
Not 2 minutes before when the game was tied, my 9 year old said, "No, not overtime, it takes so long." After the shot was made by Kentucky she quickly said, "I guess I do want them to go into overtime." Sorry, honey. No overtime tonight. No game next weekend. No Final Four appearance. No banner. No more time. No shining moment. Nothing. Done. Over. Silence.
I always go through a mini withdrawal when a season ends, but especially when it ends so abruptly like it did tonight. I'm proud of how far this team went in the tournament and the type of game they played. NO ONE gave them a chance when McGary went out, let alone losing Burke and Hardaway Jr. I have to admit, I was a little concerned as well., but never gave up hope or believed what they said. I wasn't sure they would fill the voids, get bigger and stronger, and be able to make another run at it. But they did, because of the guy with the nervous tick that leads this team.
Those naysayers forgot about the ace in the hole, that is John Beilein. He is one hell of a coach and pulled these kids together to make a run that no one predicted. I hope he can convince them all to stay and play together for another year. If not, I'm confident that he will compose team 99 and we'll be back in this position next year. But for now, I'm just in agony.
Forever and always. Win or lose.
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Monday, February 24, 2014
Feels So Good
My last post was a rant about the lack of passion that I saw on the court last weekend. Yesterday was the exact opposite. Those kids showed up to play. They played with passion, fight, grit, edginess and undying commitment. Which resulted in a victory. And what a great win it was.
Today's post may come off a little braggy, rub-it-in-your-face, poor winner, arrogant, classless, whatever name you want to give, I don't care. You play the game to WIN! And winning feels so good. Especially when it is against an in-state rival with a fan base that never misses an opportunity to point out a Michigan loss.
Today it was my turn. I did it in my own way. I wore my maize and blue proudly to work (as did both of my daughters). I silently sang The Victors all day in my head. I never said a word about the game, unless a rival mentioned it first. And not surprisingly, I wasn't presented with many opportunities to talk about the game. For you see, this is how the majority of them are. When their team beats Michigan, they can't wait to walk into my classroom and rub it in my face. I've even had them ask me if I watched the game. To which my response was, "Do you know me? Of course I watched the game. I never miss a game." Or when Michigan lost the heartbreaker to Penn State this year in eleventy hundred overtimes, a Sparty asked me "But, wasn't it exciting to watch?" Ummm, no!
I couldn't have been more proud of the way Michigan bounced back yesterday from the terrible loss they had last weekend. Things didn't go their way for the first half of the first half, but thank God for Caris LeVert. He isn't always pretty to watch, he doesn't have the natural athleticism that GR3 exudes, but there is no denying that kid works hard. Every game. Every minute. Every play. I loved his 3 pointer that he hit to end the first half. He turned and started heading toward the locker room before it was even 1/2 way to the basket. In a post game interview, he said he knew it was going in as soon as it left his hands. I think that basket was the turning point in the game.
The second half looked nothing like the first for Michigan.....in a good way. A really good way. And it just kept going from there. The 3s started falling for Stauskas, GR3 had a sweet behind-the-back catch alley-oop, the hustle on defense from all of the guys was awesome. That's the way I want them to play. Like it's the last game they'll ever play.
There has been a question all year about whom the best team was in the B1G. I don't think there is question anymore. It's Michigan. Michigan.
My Pick 6 favorite quotes from post-game interviews yesterday:
1. "I knew it was going in as soon as it left my hands." Caris LeVert
2. "The better team won today." Tom Izzo
3. "It feels good, but we're not satisified." Jordan Morgan
4. "We came out with the right mentality today." Glenn Robinson III
5. "When you're making tough shots, it takes a lot out of teams." Nik Stauskas
6. "Michigan's back in so many ways." John Beilein
Go Blue!
~ Bekki
Today's post may come off a little braggy, rub-it-in-your-face, poor winner, arrogant, classless, whatever name you want to give, I don't care. You play the game to WIN! And winning feels so good. Especially when it is against an in-state rival with a fan base that never misses an opportunity to point out a Michigan loss.
Today it was my turn. I did it in my own way. I wore my maize and blue proudly to work (as did both of my daughters). I silently sang The Victors all day in my head. I never said a word about the game, unless a rival mentioned it first. And not surprisingly, I wasn't presented with many opportunities to talk about the game. For you see, this is how the majority of them are. When their team beats Michigan, they can't wait to walk into my classroom and rub it in my face. I've even had them ask me if I watched the game. To which my response was, "Do you know me? Of course I watched the game. I never miss a game." Or when Michigan lost the heartbreaker to Penn State this year in eleventy hundred overtimes, a Sparty asked me "But, wasn't it exciting to watch?" Ummm, no!
I couldn't have been more proud of the way Michigan bounced back yesterday from the terrible loss they had last weekend. Things didn't go their way for the first half of the first half, but thank God for Caris LeVert. He isn't always pretty to watch, he doesn't have the natural athleticism that GR3 exudes, but there is no denying that kid works hard. Every game. Every minute. Every play. I loved his 3 pointer that he hit to end the first half. He turned and started heading toward the locker room before it was even 1/2 way to the basket. In a post game interview, he said he knew it was going in as soon as it left his hands. I think that basket was the turning point in the game.
The second half looked nothing like the first for Michigan.....in a good way. A really good way. And it just kept going from there. The 3s started falling for Stauskas, GR3 had a sweet behind-the-back catch alley-oop, the hustle on defense from all of the guys was awesome. That's the way I want them to play. Like it's the last game they'll ever play.
There has been a question all year about whom the best team was in the B1G. I don't think there is question anymore. It's Michigan. Michigan.
My Pick 6 favorite quotes from post-game interviews yesterday:
1. "I knew it was going in as soon as it left my hands." Caris LeVert
2. "The better team won today." Tom Izzo
3. "It feels good, but we're not satisified." Jordan Morgan
4. "We came out with the right mentality today." Glenn Robinson III
5. "When you're making tough shots, it takes a lot out of teams." Nik Stauskas
6. "Michigan's back in so many ways." John Beilein
Go Blue!
~ Bekki
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Where's the passion???
Nothing irritates me more when I'm watching a game than to see no passion in the play and faces of the players. This happens time and time again in both football and, more recently, basketball.
It happened today in the game against Wisconsin. They trot up and down the court like a 4-H pleasure horse, perch themselves in the corner as if Beilein has put them in "time-out", rebound like it's a fall afternoon and they're reaching for an apple at the top of the tree, and their passing looks like they're pitching to t-ballers. It. Drives. Me. Crazy.
I feel like I have more passion and drive in my living room, than they do out there on the court. If you don't want to play and play to win, there are several other guys that work hard that would love to be out on the court in your place. And at times, I wish Beilein would do it. Just to teach them a lesson. Just to show them that everyone is replaceable. Just to let them know that he notices. Just to reward the guys that rarely see playing time.
And it doesn't really do much good when you're down 10 with 1:30 left to decide that now might be the time to get your heads out of your, well you know where, and play with some passion. I understand that it is a long season and it's hard to stay "up" for every game, but for heaven's sake, could you at least try to convince us that you want to win??
Maybe next week you will.
My Pick 6 things I look for when watching a game:
1. aggressive play
2. celebrating with teammates
3. communication
4. looking to the coach
5. fundamentals
6. hustle
Go Blue!
~Bekki
It happened today in the game against Wisconsin. They trot up and down the court like a 4-H pleasure horse, perch themselves in the corner as if Beilein has put them in "time-out", rebound like it's a fall afternoon and they're reaching for an apple at the top of the tree, and their passing looks like they're pitching to t-ballers. It. Drives. Me. Crazy.
I feel like I have more passion and drive in my living room, than they do out there on the court. If you don't want to play and play to win, there are several other guys that work hard that would love to be out on the court in your place. And at times, I wish Beilein would do it. Just to teach them a lesson. Just to show them that everyone is replaceable. Just to let them know that he notices. Just to reward the guys that rarely see playing time.
And it doesn't really do much good when you're down 10 with 1:30 left to decide that now might be the time to get your heads out of your, well you know where, and play with some passion. I understand that it is a long season and it's hard to stay "up" for every game, but for heaven's sake, could you at least try to convince us that you want to win??
Maybe next week you will.
My Pick 6 things I look for when watching a game:
1. aggressive play
2. celebrating with teammates
3. communication
4. looking to the coach
5. fundamentals
6. hustle
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
In with the new
Today was the day and what a day it was. Like a flurry of slapshots during warm-up, my phone was receiving notifications starting at 7 o'clock this morning.
First in were the early enrollees, Freddy Canteen (WR), Mason Cole (OT), Michael Ferns (LB), Drake Harris (WR), Bryan Mone (DT), Wilton Speight (QB) and Brandon Watson (DB).
Then, just like clock work, the next couple came in, Chase Winovich (LB) and Brady Pallante (DT).
Then, we got the big gun, Jabrill Peppers! We got Peppers! This LOI (Letter of Intent) was followed by a few more rapid notifications on my phone. Texts from my brothers and my dad. "Did you hear, Peppers' is in." "Whew" was all I could muster for a response. There had been rumors, as of late, that he may be swaying in his decision due to some dirty recruiting. No doubt it was a relief to all who care about Michigan Football to know that Peppers had faxed in his LOI.
Then came in the next few, Noah Furbush (LB), Maurice Ways (WR), Juwann Bushell-Beatty(OT), Jared Wangler (LB), Ian Bunting (TE), and last but not least, Lawrence Marshall (DE). All in all, we got 16 amazing recruits that can't wait to step foot in The Big House and play football for Michigan. And I can't wait to watch them.
As I was discussing the upcoming day with my husband last night, our 6 year old daughter heard us talking. The conversation went something like this:
Me: "Tomorrow is National Signing Day, I'm pretty excited."
Husband: "Yep, it is. Hope there aren't any unexpected surprises that don't go our way."
Me: "Yea, me either."
6 year old: "Mom, what does that mean?"
Me: "Well honey, it's when Michigan finds out which new players want to come to Michigan to play football with them."
6 year old: "I don't really get what that means, I just hope they get better players."
I couldn't help but chuckle. She may not understand all the inner workings yet, but she definitely gets the basics. Gotta have good players. In my opinion, we do.
Now I look forward to spring practice, the Spring Game and watching these players develop and become college athletes.
My Pick 6 recruits that may have an immediate impact:
1. Jabril Peppers
2. Freddy Canteen
3. Drake Harris
4. Noah Furbush
5. Maurice Ways
6. Juwann Bushell-Beatty
Go Blue!
~Bekki
First in were the early enrollees, Freddy Canteen (WR), Mason Cole (OT), Michael Ferns (LB), Drake Harris (WR), Bryan Mone (DT), Wilton Speight (QB) and Brandon Watson (DB).
Then, just like clock work, the next couple came in, Chase Winovich (LB) and Brady Pallante (DT).
Then, we got the big gun, Jabrill Peppers! We got Peppers! This LOI (Letter of Intent) was followed by a few more rapid notifications on my phone. Texts from my brothers and my dad. "Did you hear, Peppers' is in." "Whew" was all I could muster for a response. There had been rumors, as of late, that he may be swaying in his decision due to some dirty recruiting. No doubt it was a relief to all who care about Michigan Football to know that Peppers had faxed in his LOI.
Then came in the next few, Noah Furbush (LB), Maurice Ways (WR), Juwann Bushell-Beatty(OT), Jared Wangler (LB), Ian Bunting (TE), and last but not least, Lawrence Marshall (DE). All in all, we got 16 amazing recruits that can't wait to step foot in The Big House and play football for Michigan. And I can't wait to watch them.
As I was discussing the upcoming day with my husband last night, our 6 year old daughter heard us talking. The conversation went something like this:
Me: "Tomorrow is National Signing Day, I'm pretty excited."
Husband: "Yep, it is. Hope there aren't any unexpected surprises that don't go our way."
Me: "Yea, me either."
6 year old: "Mom, what does that mean?"
Me: "Well honey, it's when Michigan finds out which new players want to come to Michigan to play football with them."
6 year old: "I don't really get what that means, I just hope they get better players."
I couldn't help but chuckle. She may not understand all the inner workings yet, but she definitely gets the basics. Gotta have good players. In my opinion, we do.
Now I look forward to spring practice, the Spring Game and watching these players develop and become college athletes.
My Pick 6 recruits that may have an immediate impact:
1. Jabril Peppers
2. Freddy Canteen
3. Drake Harris
4. Noah Furbush
5. Maurice Ways
6. Juwann Bushell-Beatty
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Pre-Game Warm Up
Well folks, here it is! Our first blog post. Many blogs out there are meant to inform, educate, inspire, entertain or motivate. This is not that kind of blog.
This blog was born because of two best friends and their undying love for college football, needing an outlet for their celebrations, frustrations and rants. We wanted to share our passion with other football fans. With that being said, we welcome feedback and rebuttal as long as it is done in a respectful manner. We are not experts and certainly don't know everything there is to know about football, so mistakes are sure to happen along the way.
What we do know is that we have been through many ups and downs with our respective teams (we'll get to which teams we root for later). We go to games whenever possible. We sit on the edge of our seats (or couches) every Saturday until the clock reads 0:00. We watch Sportscenter and read message boards. It takes us a couple days to get over a loss. We know the players and their positions. We know the coaches and sing the fight songs for our teams. We follow recruiting, have favorite players and are teaching our children to love our teams too.
Yes, we are moms. If we had to Pick the 6 best things in our lives we would choose:
1. Faith
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Freedom
5. Fine wine and, of course
6. FOOTBALL
This blog was born because of two best friends and their undying love for college football, needing an outlet for their celebrations, frustrations and rants. We wanted to share our passion with other football fans. With that being said, we welcome feedback and rebuttal as long as it is done in a respectful manner. We are not experts and certainly don't know everything there is to know about football, so mistakes are sure to happen along the way.
What we do know is that we have been through many ups and downs with our respective teams (we'll get to which teams we root for later). We go to games whenever possible. We sit on the edge of our seats (or couches) every Saturday until the clock reads 0:00. We watch Sportscenter and read message boards. It takes us a couple days to get over a loss. We know the players and their positions. We know the coaches and sing the fight songs for our teams. We follow recruiting, have favorite players and are teaching our children to love our teams too.
Yes, we are moms. If we had to Pick the 6 best things in our lives we would choose:
1. Faith
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Freedom
5. Fine wine and, of course
6. FOOTBALL
Band, take the field
The Band. What an important role they "play" in the Game Day experience. They do so much more than play the fight song, the National Anthem and do half-time performances. They get the crowd involved in the game, have percussion skits during time-outs, taunt the other team when they make a bad play or don't get the first down.
We would argue that our teams have the best fight songs in the country, and many people agree with us. For those of you that may not know the words, here they are:
We would argue that our teams have the best fight songs in the country, and many people agree with us. For those of you that may not know the words, here they are:
The Victors
by Louis Elbel 1898
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan
The leaders and best!
Hail! to the victors valiant
- Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes
- Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
- The champions of the West!
- The Victory March
- by Michael and John Shea 1920s
- Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,Wake up the echoes cheering her name,Send a volley cheer on high,Shake down the thunder from the sky.What though the odds be great or smallOld Notre Dame will win over all,While her loyal sons are marchingOnward to victory.
Our Pick 6 quirky things about the bands:
1. Louis Elbel was a track star for Michigan
2. 1846 - The University of Notre Dame Band is "The Oldest Band in the Land."
3. 1972---the year women were admitted to the Michigan Marching Band
4. Knute Rockne, legendary Notre Dame football coach, played flute for ND.
5. 1932---Michigan Marching Band wrote the first "script Ohio" at The Game.
6. 1887 - first ND band performance at a football game, against Michigan. The band hasn't missed a game since. This was the first meeting between the teams. Score: Michigan - 8 ND - 0.
Coin Toss
Many people often ask "Why are you so passionate about a team when you didn't even go to that school?" As if, we're not justified in being a fan if we didn't earn our degrees from there.
For me, it all started with the maize and blue. And my dad. He was invited by a friend to go to the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game in the mid 50s (he was 10) in East Lansing. His friend was rooting for the Spartans and my dad just didn't understand why everyone was rooting for them, since both schools were in Michigan. He decided to be different and root for the other Michigan team. He followed them thru his teenage years. And then, along came Bo. And that ever-recognizable winged helmet of the Wolverines. The rest, as they say, is history. 6 fanatics were born and now I am raising the next generation of fanatics.
I have been passionate about Michigan Football, (and all things Michigan) honestly, since I can remember. I remember crying in 1989 when Rumeal Robinson, Terry Mills, Glenn Rice and gang won the NCAA National Championship in basketball. I remember when Keith Jackson and his famed quote "Hello Heisman" accompanied the pose given by Desmond Howard in the endzone. I remember listening to games on the radio and wanting to be there so badly, just once. My wish has been granted 30+ times. I was at The Big House for some of the most memorable games in recent times for Michigan fans. Some good. Some not so good. App. State, Under the Lights I and II, the dreaded 3-9 season, watching Brock Mealer lead the team onto the field, and so many more. Each and every time I walk toward that stadium and see that enormous Block M, the Michigan Stadium gate, hear the band, see the banner, smell the popped maize, I thank my Mom and Dad, because they raised me right. Without them, I wouldn't have the amazing memories with friends and family that are forever burned into my soul.
~Bekki
Go Blue!
For me, it started when I was young (I think around 10). When I was growing up I spent every Sunday at my grandparent's house. My grandpa and my mom followed sports regularly. In the spring and summer, talk was about the lovable losing Chicago Cubs. In the winter, it was the "luv-a-bulls," Michael Jordan and the rest of the Chicago Bulls. In the fall, "Da Bears" and the Irish were topics of choice. For me personally, the Irish always intrigued me the most. As I got older and had the opportunity to attend a couple of games, walk around campus and take in all the sights that the University of Notre Dame has to offer I became more and more enchanted. I began reading more, not missing games, following the players, learning about ND football history and it has turned into a passion and a hobby of sorts.
For me, it all started with the maize and blue. And my dad. He was invited by a friend to go to the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game in the mid 50s (he was 10) in East Lansing. His friend was rooting for the Spartans and my dad just didn't understand why everyone was rooting for them, since both schools were in Michigan. He decided to be different and root for the other Michigan team. He followed them thru his teenage years. And then, along came Bo. And that ever-recognizable winged helmet of the Wolverines. The rest, as they say, is history. 6 fanatics were born and now I am raising the next generation of fanatics.I have been passionate about Michigan Football, (and all things Michigan) honestly, since I can remember. I remember crying in 1989 when Rumeal Robinson, Terry Mills, Glenn Rice and gang won the NCAA National Championship in basketball. I remember when Keith Jackson and his famed quote "Hello Heisman" accompanied the pose given by Desmond Howard in the endzone. I remember listening to games on the radio and wanting to be there so badly, just once. My wish has been granted 30+ times. I was at The Big House for some of the most memorable games in recent times for Michigan fans. Some good. Some not so good. App. State, Under the Lights I and II, the dreaded 3-9 season, watching Brock Mealer lead the team onto the field, and so many more. Each and every time I walk toward that stadium and see that enormous Block M, the Michigan Stadium gate, hear the band, see the banner, smell the popped maize, I thank my Mom and Dad, because they raised me right. Without them, I wouldn't have the amazing memories with friends and family that are forever burned into my soul.
~Bekki
Go Blue!
For me, it started when I was young (I think around 10). When I was growing up I spent every Sunday at my grandparent's house. My grandpa and my mom followed sports regularly. In the spring and summer, talk was about the lovable losing Chicago Cubs. In the winter, it was the "luv-a-bulls," Michael Jordan and the rest of the Chicago Bulls. In the fall, "Da Bears" and the Irish were topics of choice. For me personally, the Irish always intrigued me the most. As I got older and had the opportunity to attend a couple of games, walk around campus and take in all the sights that the University of Notre Dame has to offer I became more and more enchanted. I began reading more, not missing games, following the players, learning about ND football history and it has turned into a passion and a hobby of sorts.
Following this team has become a part of my family now. We plan our weekends around ND football games. I've experienced emotions that I could never have predicted through watching and following the Irish. I realize I'm not alone and that there are people that have football fever worse than myself. Through thick and thin, wins and losses, good health and injuries, I love this team!
~Gretchen
Go Irish!
Our Pick 6 favorite things about our teams:
1. The traditions
2. The rivalries
3. The stadiums
4. The fight songs
5. The high academic and athletic expectations
6. They're the 2 winningiest programs in all of college football.
In with the old
The old saying goes, "all good things must come to an end." For some of Michigan's greatest and most memorable players, they just couldn't quite cut the ties that bind. The ties that bind them to former teammates, their former coaches, their former field and their former university are just too strong for them to completely let go.
In light of National Signing Day quickly approaching, and an outstanding recruiting class set to make it official on Wednesday, February 5th, I've been reflecting on all the Michigan greats from years past. I'm sure the connections that former players keep with their school is not unique to Michigan, but it warms my heart to know the bond goes much beyond the player's eligibility years. What follows are just a few that came to mind:
“The essence of Michigan football lies not in the bodies of those magnificent players who bravely take the field each Saturday in the fall. It lives proudly, rather in the spirit of all the players, all the coaches, all the cheerleaders, all the band, all the students, all the alumni and all the fans.” − Coach Schembechler.
My Pick 6 favorite former players:
1. Jordan Kovacs----I named my dog after him
2. Ernest Shazor
3. Charles Woodson
4. Brandon Graham
5. Tshimanga "Tim" Biakabutuka
6. Tai Streets
Go Blue!
~Bekki
In light of National Signing Day quickly approaching, and an outstanding recruiting class set to make it official on Wednesday, February 5th, I've been reflecting on all the Michigan greats from years past. I'm sure the connections that former players keep with their school is not unique to Michigan, but it warms my heart to know the bond goes much beyond the player's eligibility years. What follows are just a few that came to mind:
- The long-haired, 80's-hair-band-looking guy that can often be seen behind the coach during post-game on-field interviews is Steve Everitt. He played center for Michigan in the early 90's and has become a favorite among students and fans because of his photobombing and love for Michigan. Might I add, he is also a very talented artist, with drawing being his favorite.
- Tom Brady returned this past year to give an inspirational speech to the current players. Now, it's no secret that Tom hasn't maintained that relationship with Michigan since he left, but it has been restored and for that, I am thankful, and inspired, by his love for Michigan.
- Brian Griese, Steve Hutchinson and Charles Woodson host an annual golf outing full of weekend-long festivities called "Champions for Children's Hearts", to raise money for C.S. Mott Children's hospital.
- David Brandon, former player for Bo Schembechler, is the current Athletic Director.
- Jim Brandstatter now hosts Inside Michigan Football and is a color-commentator for Michigan football on the radio.
“The essence of Michigan football lies not in the bodies of those magnificent players who bravely take the field each Saturday in the fall. It lives proudly, rather in the spirit of all the players, all the coaches, all the cheerleaders, all the band, all the students, all the alumni and all the fans.” − Coach Schembechler.
My Pick 6 favorite former players:
1. Jordan Kovacs----I named my dog after him
2. Ernest Shazor
3. Charles Woodson
4. Brandon Graham
5. Tshimanga "Tim" Biakabutuka
6. Tai Streets
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Friday, January 31, 2014
Renovations - Campus Crossroads Project
A full renovation plan was uncovered this week for Notre Dame's stadium. There's been "talk" of this after Brian Kelly's first season as head coach.
I read an article that laid out the plans and what the new facilities have to offer. The plans look amazing! I think the new establishment will have a lot to offer to the athletes of the university, not just the football players and staff. The upper and lower bowls are not changing and an addition of 4,000 premium seats is planned.
Probably the most interesting points that were not included in the plans are the most controversial: 1. JumboTrons and 2. Field surface
There is opposition to JumboTrons as the president of the university stated that they present a "circus" feel at professional games and it takes away from the tradition of ND stadium. Personally, I'd like the see the field remain the same.
My Pick 6 Important points to Campus Croassroads Project:
1. 750,000 square feet of additions
2. Project will start in a year or two
3. New press box
4. Option of ND stadium hosting concerts
5. Other departments gaining new space
6. Preservation to ND's campus and current stadium
~Gretchen
Go Irish!
I read an article that laid out the plans and what the new facilities have to offer. The plans look amazing! I think the new establishment will have a lot to offer to the athletes of the university, not just the football players and staff. The upper and lower bowls are not changing and an addition of 4,000 premium seats is planned.
Probably the most interesting points that were not included in the plans are the most controversial: 1. JumboTrons and 2. Field surface
There is opposition to JumboTrons as the president of the university stated that they present a "circus" feel at professional games and it takes away from the tradition of ND stadium. Personally, I'd like the see the field remain the same.
My Pick 6 Important points to Campus Croassroads Project:
1. 750,000 square feet of additions
2. Project will start in a year or two
3. New press box
4. Option of ND stadium hosting concerts
5. Other departments gaining new space
6. Preservation to ND's campus and current stadium
~Gretchen
Go Irish!
Monday, January 20, 2014
Stars and Stripes
No flag flies higher. No symbol more recognizable. No one thing can emit more emotion, more patriotism more pride in us all, than the American Flag and the song that accompanies it at all sporting events in this country.
It gives me moosebumps (as my children call them) each and every time I step foot in The Big House and witness 110,000+ people around me saluting the flag and singing the National Anthem. At that moment in time we are all united. We all have that feeling of pride. We are all cheering for the same team. USA. And then, if we're really lucky, there'll be a flyover of some sort, just in case the adrenaline isn't pumping quite enough yet. I've seen many a flyover in my afternoons and evenings at The Big House and they are all chill-provoking experiences in their own way.
When I see that flag and hear that song, it's more than that for me. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the soldiers, but I also reflect on their families. The moms and dads. The brothers and sisters. The husbands and wives. The sons and the daughters. I cannot fathom how incredibly difficult it must be to say that kind of goodbye, yet still feel an indescribable amount of pride. I don't have to look too far to find people in my life that know that kind of goodbye. My mom and dad did it, more than once. Both sets of my grandparents did it too. One of my grandfathers I never met and the other just couldn't bring himself to talk about his experiences. At least not to me.
When my mom said goodbye to my dad, she wouldn't hear his voice again until he was back on U.S. soil. She didn't have instant communication to know where he was and if he was okay. There was no Skype or Snapchat or Vine. No email or Facebook or Twitter or text messages. Only hand written letters that took months to get to her. She still has these letters. I snooped when I was a child and found them. I read them and cried. She doesn't know I did that. (she does now) For my mom, life went on while he was away. It had to. She worked and spent time with her friends. Most of them were dealing with the same thing she was, in their own way. My dad, well, let's just say he had his own ways of making the time pass while he was away.
The grandfather that I never met was in the Navy. My grandma has a picture of him in his formal dress uniform. Every time she shows me that picture she says, "Wasn't he so good lookin?" I know she feels a deep sense of pride and looks forward to the day they meet again. I hope he's wearing that uniform.
The grandfather that never talked to me about his experiences was in the Army. He arrived on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Just like in the movie Saving Private Ryan. Only this wasn't a movie, this was his life. He never spoke about that day or the days, months and years that followed. I'm glad he didn't. I would have looked at him so differently. Like a soldier and not just my grandpa. I learned more about his military experiences after he died. If I could say one more thing to him it would be a simple, "Thank you."
I make it a point to say thank you to any military personnel I see. I am thankful for so many things, but here is my Pick 6 list:
1. Freedom
2. Choices
3. Health
4. Ability
5. Opportunity
6. Football
~Bekki
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Go Blue!
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