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!
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, September 15, 2014
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!
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