I watched a lot of football yesterday, but all I really wanted to do was watch the Michigan game over and over and over. I loved hearing Chris Spielman say that Michigan just put the rest of the B1G on notice. And then, I turn on College Football Sunday and hear Kevin Carter recommend that Alabama do what Michigan is doing. Wait! What? Alabama, the golden child of college football, needs to do what Michigan, Michigan is doing. Could you say that again? For the past 7 years, minus that one 11-2 season, Michigan has been the laughing stock of college football. But now, we're the example of what top tier teams should do? That's right, cuz we got Harbaugh. And, This. Is. Michigan.
This is the Michigan of old. A traditional run offense from the power I formation with a defense that plays hard and gives up nothing. I saw a stat this morning that made me giddy. 2nd in overall YPG allowed. 5th in pass YPG allowed. 10th in rush YPG allowed. 4th in points per game allowed. That is what a Michigan defense is supposed to do.
I realize this is only one game, but that sure was fun to sit back and watch a relaxing rout of a ranked team. To say, 'We're back', might be just a bit premature, but we certainly are on our way back. The offense it's finding it's rhythm. The defense in clicking on all cylinders. The special teams are so close to getting one blocked. And that coaching staff, I just can't say enough about the job they've done in these first 4 games.
Go Blue!
~Bekki
My Pick 6 top plays from yesterday, in order:
1. Amara Darboh channeling his inner Odell Beckham Jr.
2. De'Veon Smith's amazing run
3. The double fake, then pass up the middle to Hill.
4. Peppers the screen destroyer
5. Ryan Glasgow getting off the block for a sack
6. Rudock throwing it away!!
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.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Fog clearing
So, keep in mind that I started this blog on Saturday. Then I got "The Book" aka Endzone: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Michigan Football, and have been consumed ever since. Forgive me. Or not. Nevertheless, here is my postgame analysis.
The fog, both proverbial and actual, has lifted. I can see clearly now that this year is going to be a process of growth. The past seven years were real. As much as I would like to forget them, pretend they never happened. They did. And they have left a lasting effect. It is going to take some time to rinse the Hoke off these players. They have been soft. They have been coddled. They have not been developed. But they will be.
That is where my hope lies on this Saturday morning while I watch College GameDay with my coffee in hand. I hope, no, I know, these players will get better. They will be coached. They will improve. They will not be coddled. They are not soft. All of these were evident if you watched closely Thursday night.
There were many positives to take away from the game, here are my Pick 6:
#1 Our quarterback never got sacked. Yes, there was pressure at times, but he never got sacked. I don't care to report, nor know, how many times Devin Gardner ended up on his back last year. This is progress.
#2 Given that the quarterback was never sacked, this gave Rudock time to progress through his reads and make plays. Yes there were some passes overthrown and some, 4 exactly, that shouldn't have been, but the pass protection was much improved. This is progress
#3 I like Jake Butt. Always have. Always will. And, who wouldn't love a tight end named Butt. It's storybook classic. The guy is just plain good and should have been used so much more in the past. I'm excited to see what the future hold for him. Being a regular target and a good one is going to pay off in the end. This is progress
#4 Jabrill Peppers is going to be a beast. On more than one occasion, he made great open field tackles while pushing his defender to the side. Simply because he was able to be on the field and do what he does best. Get after it. That's progress.
#6 The wide receivers. They were able to create space between them and their defender. And more than just breathing room. There was actual space there to make a move and make the catch. This is progress.
#5 In game and halftime adjustments. I've said to many people, "I don't expect to win every game, but I do expect we won't be out-coached." When things weren't working, changes were made. By the coaching staff and players. It was a thing of beauty. This too, is progress.
#6 Every play we had 11 guys on the field. Refer back to #1 when I say, I don't care to know how many times this didn't happen last year. This is just inexcusable. There is no reason to have that happen once, let alone, multiple times in one game. This is progress.
I'm excited for the season to come, there will be ups and downs, but for the first time in a long time, I'm confident I just watched the worst game they'll play all season. Time will tell, but I think I'm right.
Go Blue!
~ Bekki
The fog, both proverbial and actual, has lifted. I can see clearly now that this year is going to be a process of growth. The past seven years were real. As much as I would like to forget them, pretend they never happened. They did. And they have left a lasting effect. It is going to take some time to rinse the Hoke off these players. They have been soft. They have been coddled. They have not been developed. But they will be.
That is where my hope lies on this Saturday morning while I watch College GameDay with my coffee in hand. I hope, no, I know, these players will get better. They will be coached. They will improve. They will not be coddled. They are not soft. All of these were evident if you watched closely Thursday night.
There were many positives to take away from the game, here are my Pick 6:
#1 Our quarterback never got sacked. Yes, there was pressure at times, but he never got sacked. I don't care to report, nor know, how many times Devin Gardner ended up on his back last year. This is progress.
#2 Given that the quarterback was never sacked, this gave Rudock time to progress through his reads and make plays. Yes there were some passes overthrown and some, 4 exactly, that shouldn't have been, but the pass protection was much improved. This is progress
#3 I like Jake Butt. Always have. Always will. And, who wouldn't love a tight end named Butt. It's storybook classic. The guy is just plain good and should have been used so much more in the past. I'm excited to see what the future hold for him. Being a regular target and a good one is going to pay off in the end. This is progress
#4 Jabrill Peppers is going to be a beast. On more than one occasion, he made great open field tackles while pushing his defender to the side. Simply because he was able to be on the field and do what he does best. Get after it. That's progress.
#6 The wide receivers. They were able to create space between them and their defender. And more than just breathing room. There was actual space there to make a move and make the catch. This is progress.
#5 In game and halftime adjustments. I've said to many people, "I don't expect to win every game, but I do expect we won't be out-coached." When things weren't working, changes were made. By the coaching staff and players. It was a thing of beauty. This too, is progress.
#6 Every play we had 11 guys on the field. Refer back to #1 when I say, I don't care to know how many times this didn't happen last year. This is just inexcusable. There is no reason to have that happen once, let alone, multiple times in one game. This is progress.
I'm excited for the season to come, there will be ups and downs, but for the first time in a long time, I'm confident I just watched the worst game they'll play all season. Time will tell, but I think I'm right.
Go Blue!
~ Bekki
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
'Twas the Night Before Football
'Twas the night before football,
when all through my mind
Were visions of winged helmets
and cleats of all kinds.
The uniforms were hung
in lockers with care,
In hopes that the players
soon would be there.
The fans were nestled
all snug in their beds,
While visions of touchdowns
danced in their heads.
My hubby in his jersey
and I in my shirt,
had just settled in
for a long season of smirks.
When out on the field,
the band loudly played
"Hail to the Victors",
as the flags proudly waved.
Down to my seat,
in row 22,
High fives all around
and "It's great to see you!"
The sun on the turf
Had given great light
To the dawn of a new season
With new battles to fight.
When what to my tear filled
eyes should appear,
But a team on the field
In their maize n blue gear.
With a brand new coach
The "chosen one"
Who had earned the nickname
the "prodigal son."
More ferocious than wolverines,
his generals they came
as he whistled
and shouted
and called them by name.
Now Wheatley
Now Baxter
Now Durkin
Now Mattison
On Drevno
On Fisch
On Tolbert
An Jackson
From the top of the bleachers
To the top of the wall
Now go coach them
And teach them
How to play football.
With the crashing and hitting
I heard during the game,
I knew how thankful I was
That he finally came.
Back to his home
Where he wanted to be
to coach the maize and blue
Like Bo wanted him, you see.
All dressed in his khakis
with his whistle and pen
And that block M sweater
Purchased from the MDen.
He sprang to his spot
With the play card in hand
Ready to get started
on this promised land.
For this place is so special
to this man and to all
Who fall in love with Ann Arbor
And can't wait till the fall.
The Buckeyes and Spartans
were at the top of the list
to find our redemption
and show them the fist.
And with that I smiled
and watched them do battle
It was finally time
to sit back in the saddle.
For the last seven years
have been less than fun
But those years are gone
It's now time to stun.
To cross the nation
they made a Harbus
and on it said,
"Who's got it better'n us?"
As they took the field
ready to play
I heard him yell,
"I'm hear to stay!"
Happy football to you
and to all Go Blue!
~Bekki
when all through my mind
Were visions of winged helmets
and cleats of all kinds.
The uniforms were hung
in lockers with care,
In hopes that the players
soon would be there.
The fans were nestled
all snug in their beds,
While visions of touchdowns
danced in their heads.
My hubby in his jersey
and I in my shirt,
had just settled in
for a long season of smirks.
When out on the field,
the band loudly played
"Hail to the Victors",
as the flags proudly waved.
Down to my seat,
in row 22,
High fives all around
and "It's great to see you!"
The sun on the turf
Had given great light
To the dawn of a new season
With new battles to fight.
When what to my tear filled
eyes should appear,
But a team on the field
In their maize n blue gear.
With a brand new coach
The "chosen one"
Who had earned the nickname
the "prodigal son."
More ferocious than wolverines,
his generals they came
as he whistled
and shouted
and called them by name.
Now Wheatley
Now Baxter
Now Durkin
Now Mattison
On Drevno
On Fisch
On Tolbert
An Jackson
From the top of the bleachers
To the top of the wall
Now go coach them
And teach them
How to play football.
With the crashing and hitting
I heard during the game,
I knew how thankful I was
That he finally came.
Back to his home
Where he wanted to be
to coach the maize and blue
Like Bo wanted him, you see.
All dressed in his khakis
with his whistle and pen
And that block M sweater
Purchased from the MDen.
He sprang to his spot
With the play card in hand
Ready to get started
on this promised land.
For this place is so special
to this man and to all
Who fall in love with Ann Arbor
And can't wait till the fall.
The Buckeyes and Spartans
were at the top of the list
to find our redemption
and show them the fist.
And with that I smiled
and watched them do battle
It was finally time
to sit back in the saddle.
For the last seven years
have been less than fun
But those years are gone
It's now time to stun.
To cross the nation
they made a Harbus
and on it said,
"Who's got it better'n us?"
As they took the field
ready to play
I heard him yell,
"I'm hear to stay!"
Happy football to you
and to all Go Blue!
~Bekki
Saturday, April 25, 2015
The Harbaugh Way
Things in Ann Arbor surrounding the Michigan Football team have been quite interesting lately. I thought after the hiring of Jim Harbaugh on December 30, things would die down a bit until Spring Ball. I was wrong. Then I thought after Spring Ball it would cool off and we'd have the summer to wait before any big news would come out of Ann Arbor......wrong again.
I came up with a new word, one that I am certain will find it's way into Merriam-Webster's. It describes a feeling, a total sense of faith, belief, and loyalty. An unabashed confidence in what the future holds. And even a dash of arrogance. My new word is Harb-awe.
I've come to a realization that this man, our coach, is at the very least, a football genius. Let me support my claim from the beginning of the hiring process through the present. My Pick 6 points will be embedded in this blog.
When it was inevitable that Michigan was going to be in the market for a new football coach, Jim was number one on the list. Yet, he wanted to finish his current job before thinking about his next move. He knew he was out in San Francisco, but that didn't change his approach to coaching his current team. He wanted Brady Hoke to be treated fairly, with integrity, and humility. Point #1
Then, upon the signing of his contract and the negotiations of his pay, he said he didn't want to be the highest paid coach in football, an offer that was on the table. He wanted to take less pay, so that he would have more in the budget to hire the best coaching staff possible. He knew the existing staff wasn't meeting the expectations and he would have to revamp the entire staff. Point #2
He knew the most important position on a football team was also the most lacking in talent development. So, what does he do? He accepts an unprecedented 7 scholarship quarterbacks on his roster to increase the competition and development. Quarterbacks are his specialty. Point #3
It is no secret to anyone that breathes, that there is a heated, intense rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State. It is often very difficult to lure the top prospects out of Ohio because, like us, they've been raised to hate the opponent. So, Mr. Harbaugh finds a creative yet genius way to increase his chances of landing such recruits. He hires one of the top Ohio High School coaches, and former coach of the one and only Jabril Peppers, as part of his staff. This gets a foot in the door with a familiar, successful, friendly face. Point #4
Realizing that SEC and Pac 12 territory is another place in the nation that has top talent, yet is so hard to recruit, Mr. Jimmah Harbaugh takes another unprecedented approach to get to the kids and show them what Michigan is about. He sets up several satellite camps around the country, focusing on these areas, so he can recruit and advertise Michigan for the great university it is. Genius, I tell ya. Point #5
Point #5 obviously didn't please the one and only Mr. Nick Saban, calling them ridiculous and calling for the NCAA to put a stop to them. Mr. Harbaugh reaches out like only he can do. The king of trolling in the "most sacred" land for football. He invites 2 representatives from EVERY, yes EVERY football college or university in the country to come to his camps at Michigan. This move is multi-faceted. It let recruits know so many things about the way he coaches. He doesn't hide from competition. He loves football and everything about it. He wants athletes to learn from the best and do it the right way. And he can tell the recruits, "Look, I invited_______ to come to this camp, but he didn't want to. I'm here running this show. Who do you want to play for??" Point #6
Sure, he rubs some people the wrong way. He's at peace with it, and I am too. Michigan fans have one of their own at the helm and we take the good with the bad. But let's be honest, there isn't any bad. If you hate him, these moves make you hate him more. If you love him, you love him even more. Which is why I declare myself to be totally in Harb-awed with the man.
Cordially yours in football, (he came up with that one, too)
Bekki
~Go Blue!
I came up with a new word, one that I am certain will find it's way into Merriam-Webster's. It describes a feeling, a total sense of faith, belief, and loyalty. An unabashed confidence in what the future holds. And even a dash of arrogance. My new word is Harb-awe.
I've come to a realization that this man, our coach, is at the very least, a football genius. Let me support my claim from the beginning of the hiring process through the present. My Pick 6 points will be embedded in this blog.
When it was inevitable that Michigan was going to be in the market for a new football coach, Jim was number one on the list. Yet, he wanted to finish his current job before thinking about his next move. He knew he was out in San Francisco, but that didn't change his approach to coaching his current team. He wanted Brady Hoke to be treated fairly, with integrity, and humility. Point #1
Then, upon the signing of his contract and the negotiations of his pay, he said he didn't want to be the highest paid coach in football, an offer that was on the table. He wanted to take less pay, so that he would have more in the budget to hire the best coaching staff possible. He knew the existing staff wasn't meeting the expectations and he would have to revamp the entire staff. Point #2
He knew the most important position on a football team was also the most lacking in talent development. So, what does he do? He accepts an unprecedented 7 scholarship quarterbacks on his roster to increase the competition and development. Quarterbacks are his specialty. Point #3
It is no secret to anyone that breathes, that there is a heated, intense rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State. It is often very difficult to lure the top prospects out of Ohio because, like us, they've been raised to hate the opponent. So, Mr. Harbaugh finds a creative yet genius way to increase his chances of landing such recruits. He hires one of the top Ohio High School coaches, and former coach of the one and only Jabril Peppers, as part of his staff. This gets a foot in the door with a familiar, successful, friendly face. Point #4
Realizing that SEC and Pac 12 territory is another place in the nation that has top talent, yet is so hard to recruit, Mr. Jimmah Harbaugh takes another unprecedented approach to get to the kids and show them what Michigan is about. He sets up several satellite camps around the country, focusing on these areas, so he can recruit and advertise Michigan for the great university it is. Genius, I tell ya. Point #5
Point #5 obviously didn't please the one and only Mr. Nick Saban, calling them ridiculous and calling for the NCAA to put a stop to them. Mr. Harbaugh reaches out like only he can do. The king of trolling in the "most sacred" land for football. He invites 2 representatives from EVERY, yes EVERY football college or university in the country to come to his camps at Michigan. This move is multi-faceted. It let recruits know so many things about the way he coaches. He doesn't hide from competition. He loves football and everything about it. He wants athletes to learn from the best and do it the right way. And he can tell the recruits, "Look, I invited_______ to come to this camp, but he didn't want to. I'm here running this show. Who do you want to play for??" Point #6
Sure, he rubs some people the wrong way. He's at peace with it, and I am too. Michigan fans have one of their own at the helm and we take the good with the bad. But let's be honest, there isn't any bad. If you hate him, these moves make you hate him more. If you love him, you love him even more. Which is why I declare myself to be totally in Harb-awed with the man.
Cordially yours in football, (he came up with that one, too)
Bekki
~Go Blue!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Signed. Sealed. Delivered. He's ours.
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
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
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
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