Via the January 14, 1993 Michigan Daily: Indeed, “Payton” considered Michigan along with Florida and his dad’s alma mater Ole Miss before committing to Phil Fulmer at Tennessee right around signing day. Bagging Manning put the Vols on top of most recruiting ratings for 1994, while Gary Moeller’s Michigan crew finished in the top three. Dreisbach was joined by commits Marcus Ray, Sam Sword, Clint Copenhaver, Jay Feely, Chris Floyd, and Jerame Tuman. So how would have history changed had Manning selected Michigan? No idea, but I don’t think there are any regrets with either side. U-M of course took the ‘97 national title, Tennessee netted a Heisman runner-up :) and the BCS crown in ‘98. Related: Hoover Street Rag explored the What If? Manning scenario back in March 2012. Follow MVictors on Twitter HT: Buddy from Stunt3 – thanks for sending this over.
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The Coveted Seventy Seven
Shocked. Even the hardest cynics have to view this as evidence there still is something special and unique about the Michigan football program. I love that this happened. I like how Lewan described how he came to the decision and involved Jake Long. And FWIW, I like that our coach won’t be interviewing with the Eagles (ever). Now—while on the topic of cynicism–I do get the sense the Lewan likes to be in the spotlight and that might have had a little to do with this. He’ll get a lot of attention next season and probably more beyond. [Ed. 1/11 yes, he likes the attention:] "I like attention," he said. "I’m an attention guy. I LOVE the attention." How far beyond? If he builds on the Outback performance and is the consensus All-American and earns a top 5 NFL draft pick, you have to wonder if #77 is considered for a Legends distinction down the road—honoring Jansen, Long and Lewan. Either way, he’s got a chance to establish himself amongst guys like Long as a truly iconic Michigan vet—something you really can’t take away no matter what happens in the NFL. And that’s a special thing, especially at Michigan. Follow MVictors on Twitter
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The Shades of Sixteen
From a scan of the Outback Bowl crowd. Ironically no one was wearing the same jersey the real #16 was wearing on Jan 1: All the goods from the Outback here: Outback Outtakes Denard’s Message to U-M Fans Crumbled Cookie – South Carolina 33, Michigan 28 Outback Bowl 2013 – 2nd Half Photos Outback Bowl 2013 – Postgame Outback Bowl 2013 – First Half Photos Outback – Pregame Shots
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Herman Munster’s Crazy Leg
Check out this clip from The Munsters featuring Wisconsin and Michigan star Elroy ‘Crazy Legs’ Hirsch.
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Ricky Leach and the 1979 Hula Bowl – Storytime with Dr. Sap
The 1979 Hula Bowl featured three college legends: Joe Montana, Rick Leach and Chuck Fusina. Flint Michigan's own Rick Leach stole the show. More:
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Outback Outtakes
A few more from Tampa: Media Gift. The players’ bowl gifts are well publicized. The media typically get a little something at these games as well FWIW. The Sugar Bowl offered up jackets. The Outback Bowl gave out a set of four rocks glasses and a mini leather pigskin, not bad: Rolling through the rolls of photos, a few more from the game. Not exactly Gameday material. As if the 20,000 different shirts, hats, pins, etc. didn’t have the “Michigan Football” message covered Ace says see ya What? What? Big Clownin’ meets Denard Pee Wee taking on blocks. Roh takes an elbow to the monobrow Part 1: The game winner :( Part 2 Gallon go-ahead TD pass in flight Elsewhere: More from MVictors:
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Denard’s Message to U-M Fans
A quick clip from postgame from Outback Bowl 2013, a message to U-M fans: [display_podcast] Follow MVictors on Twitter From the Outback Bowl: Denard’s Message to U-M Fans Crumbled Cookie – South Carolina 33, Michigan 28 Outback Bowl 2013 – 2nd Half Photos Outback Bowl 2013 – Postgame Outback Bowl 2013 – First Half Photos Outback – Pregame Shots
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Crumbled Cookie – South Carolina 33, Michigan 28
Damn I wanted Denard, Treezy and crew to go out on a big note but it wasn’t to be. Michigan fans know this game can be brutal and there you have it. USC doesn’t convert on that fourth down late in the game, or even if we wrap up Shaw and bring him down on a couple late scrambles, and it’s surely over. I thought the defense was just inches away for sealing this game against a team we probably shouldn’t have beaten. Give Gardner credit for generally remaining cool and getting the team down the field for the go ahead score. Lewan overall did a fine job on Clowney. This game will be remembered for Clowney’s bomb blast, the back-and-forth nearly four hour battle and it being Denard’s finale. It was fun to be down there in the fourth quarter to watch it play out but it was just heartbreaking watching the team creep off the field and sulk during the postgame. For a team with no running back and a depleted secondary they still had the chance to do some great things this year but really didn’t. The highlight of the season has to be squeaking by a very mediocre Michigan State team and there’s no way 8-5 can be considered anything but a disappointment despite facing 4…
