From ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, mailbag, some of the Buckeyes are FREAKIN’ OUT, MAN: Ben from San Diego writes: Adam… Do you think that it could ever be possible for Jim Tressel to be on the hot seat if he keeps winning in the Big 10 and beating Michigan, but losing the big non-conference games? If so, how many more embarrassing losses will it take? Do you think there could ever be pressure from Jim Delaney [sic] to make changes on the OSU coaching staff, given that OSU is embarrassing not only themselves, but the Big 10 as a whole? As a Buckeye fan, I’d rather see us lose to Michigan than be blown out like this on the big stage again. It really hurts! I don’t care about Michigan anymore!! Save us…..Jim Delany???????
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Interview with Michael Rosenberg: Part I
Detroit Free Press sports columnist Michael Rosenberg’s first book, War as They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a time of unrest, will be released September 10. There have been a few reviews of the book out there already, and from what I’ve read it’s getting high marks. Rosenberg sent me an advance copy and I burned through the 330+ pages in a few days. It’s a wonderful read, well written and meticulously researched. A quick scan of the acknowledgments and book notes reveal the breadth of interviews, videos, books, and news sources that Rosenberg poured through to weave the tale of this period. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry certainly plays a key role in this book but it’s more of a backdrop. Rosenberg unveils how each man and their teams both dealt with and were affected by the social and political turmoil of this time. Mixed in are some new stories and a fresh, deeper look at some of the old legends. For me, the most interesting elements of the book: * Rosenberg’s accounts of the various protests in Ann Arbor and Columbus during the period. * The insight into the mind of Woody Hayes – the guy is completely off the charts. * And apologies to my English teachers/professors but I was also re-introduced to and…
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Braylon, the All-Time Favorite?
A few weeks ago College Football News ran a series a roundtable discussions with a set of journalists. One of the questions asked the panel to name their favorite college football players of all-time. Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune picked Braylon Edwards as his top choice – keep in mind this was for any college player on any college team, not last 10 years, not Big Ten only, etc. I wasn’t sure if it was half in jest (he had J Leman on his list) so I emailed him: Teddy, I noticed you named Braylon Edwards your favorite college football player of all time, then didn’t offer any explanation on that. I’d love to hear it. I don’t think even the hardest of die-hard M fans would put Braylon on such a list. I think Braylon’s mom put him third. What’s the deal? Greenstein’s reply: No, I’ve talked to Braylon’s mom. She’s a huge fan, as am I. Braylon had a phenomenal senior year, as you know, and had one of the best single-game performances I’ve ever seen vs. MSU. And he was an oustanding interview before the season and then when I did a profile on him for our Silver Football award. I’m actually surprised I appreciate him more than you do. I didn’t say I didn’t appreciate…
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Foote to MSU: “y’all always gonna suck” (audio)
Continuing the roll of Michigan athletes, coaches and beat writers on the WDFN 1130AM Stoney and Wojo radiothon is former Wolverine Larry Foote. As usual, Foote came hard and came raw. He hit on a variety of topics including what it’s like working out with Mike Barwis, his Steelers, and like Jalen Rose yesterday, took time to blast MSU. Notes:– Thinks this team will “shock a lot of people” based on the conditioning they are going through.– He confirmed Barwis is “a psycho”, “a freak”, is “nutso”, and has “some screws missing.”– Said Tyrone Wheatley’s been working out just “testing it out.”– Said he “had a dream” about the Detroit Lions’ season. “9-7 and they make the playoffs.”– When asked the obligatory Brett Favre question: “he’s definitely being selfish.” For your ringtones and tailgate mixtapes, here’s just Foote’s message to the Spartans as he signed off, “Go Blue and Michigan State, y’all always gonna suck.”
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Charles Woodson’s Wine
Found this on mgoblue.com today (there’s also an older piece from the Free Press). During his days in Oakland, Heisman trophy winner Charles Woodson apparently befriended someone at wine maker Robert Mondavi not too long ago and was inspired to deliver his own vintage. He calls it TwentyFour: Do you want to try it? Here’s the details on a tasting coming up: ….the Michigan debut of TwentyFour will take place with a wine tasting on Friday (July 18) at the Chop House in Ann Arbor. The event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with tickets available for $75 per person. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Mott’s Children’s Hospital and Woodson will donate $10 from each bottle sold to the hospital. I was getting sick of everyone’s definition of a Michigan Renaissance man starting and ending with Dhani Jones and his bowties. This is pretty cool – good for Chuck. What’s not so cool? One of Michigan’s greatest football players of all time feeling ok about this sweater, yikes: Update: A few folks indicate the wine is very good: a little Woody with a Chucky aftertaste. You can see more photos and learn more about Woodson’s wine at Twentyfourwine.com, official site.
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Woody Hayes’s message to you Poindexters
I’m mostly interested in Michigan-related memorabilia but of late there have been a few Buckeye beauties. Check this out. Up for bid on eBay is a collection of old letters from the great Woody Hayes. Here’s my favorite: It’s a missive crafted by Dr. Strangehayes himself with a recipe for success in this tough world: I LOVE THIS! With all respect for the late Buckeye legend and Bo’s mentor, old Woody was a true beauty. For students at Ohio State Woody’s advice might be spot on: don’t rest on the laurels of a degree from Columbus. If you love this as much as I do, here’s a pdf copy that’ll print nicely.
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A little thing called Style
As part of their NBA draft coverage, SI.com took a look back at some of the highlights and lowlights of draftee fashion. Unquestionably the freshest, Jalen in 1994 in his candy stripes: SI also signaled out Maurice Taylor’s icey blue suit in 1997.
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Brian Williams Teases You
Apparently, NBC News anchor Brian Williams took aim at this town and your Wolverines during his commencement address to graduating Buckeyes last week. One Ann Arborite wasn’t happy about it and his letter was published in the Sunday News: Memo to Karl: While your passionate defense of our team and city is admirable, I think you need to lighten up on Williams. Switch things around and you’d be laughing away at the Buckeye jokes. You can view a video of the address here, the speech is lackluster as were the jokes aimed at Michigan. Williams said the Ann Arbor jabs were supplied by Tom Brokaw and another friend in the business. I wouldn’t have taken credit for the jokes either. So he gets a pass on that one. If you want to take shots at Williams I’d start with:* His comments about bloggers whom he feels are “on an equal footing with someone in a bathroom with a modem.” Is that bad? Maybe Cook and company will add Williams to their no-holds-barred quiz bowl challenge.* His George Hamiltonesque penchant for tanning, including the bizarre white raccoon-like goggle lines around his peepers: * His profession. Does anyone watch network news anymore?:
