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
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.
Monday, February 24, 2014
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
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