BACK-UP TO HENNE WILL GO TO DIVISION I-AA IDAHO STATE SALINE, MICHIGAN JANUARY 8, 2006 Somewhat surprising news this morning as back-up Michigan quarterback and high school phenom Matt Gutierrez has announced he will leave the Wolverines to play for I-AA Idaho State. Basically his comments were classy but left a sense of frustration with his inability to get some playing time. Gutierrez was reported to say, “I feel like in my four years I’ve done everything I could have done and was asked to do to earn an opportunity. Unfortunately the opportunity didn’t come when I was finally healthy and ready to play.” One has to assume that Gutierrez expected some playing time after Henne struggled early in the season, probably after starter Chad Henne’s performance against Notre Dame. Or at least given a chance. Certainly that was the sentiment of the sports radio callers and many M fans around the country. One has to assume that Gutierrez has a desire to go to the NFL, and without significant playing time (even on Michigan) feels that he’ll need some guaranteed snaps. Memo to the guy that thought he was in line for the Idaho State QB job: sorry Charlie. So this leaves many questions for Michigan regarding the back-up role. Should Chad Henne falter or be injured next season,…
-
-
Michigan Football Preview 2005
What you need to know about this squad SALINE, MICHIGAN AUGUST 18, 2005 Expectations are high once again for Michigan. Here’s this season’s look at the upcoming season and this team. Before Looking Ahead . . . – Any year with a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl berth can’t be look upon unfavorably. It was a great season. The Texas game in Pasadena was one of the all time greats. That said, the fact is the team lost 3 games, and easily could have lost five (Michigan State and Minnesota were squeakers at home). The lingering bad taste from the last four games is due to the inability of the defense to stop the run. M gave up nearly 275 yards on the ground in these games, and finding a cure for this is at the tip of the tongue of all of the preseason talk. Tickets – This year’s theme is ‘consecutive Big Ten championships’, featuring photos of old coaches, rings, etc., celebrating Michigan’s success in the conference. Michigan has won two straight championships and five in the last eight years. Replay of MSU game – The Michigan Ticket department did a good thing this year. For those who renewed their tickets using an ‘eCheck’, they supplied a free copy of the MSU 3OT game. I reviewed…
-
Michigan Football 2004 Preview
What you need to know about the 2004 Wolverines SALINE, MICHIGAN AUGUST 15, 2004 Update for you 8/31/04 – As predicted here (see below), Carr confirmed that Matt Gutierrez will indeed take the first snap at quarterback this year. Other tidbits – CB Marlin Jackson will be on the depth chart as kickoff returner, and Lloyd advised that high school standout Mike Hart will not be redshirted, and will get some carries. Unknowns right now – who is the back-up? Clayton Richard or Chad Henne? Will Henne be redshirted?? Stay tuned. Ah yes – it is that time of year. Here’s an insider’s look at the season: Marketing- This year’s theme is Michigan’s 125th Season. The tickets are adorned with M players throughout history. Tom Brady is notably displayed on one of the tickets. Despite an average QB career at Michigan, I guess two Super Bowl rings and pop-icon status will take you off the back page of the media guide right onto the ticket next to ‘ol 98 Tommy Harmon. (more info can be found on mgoblue.com – Michigan’s official site). QBs in NFL – With Drew Henson now a Dallas Cowboy, Michigan has sent its last 7 starting quarterbacks into the NFL. Navarre Gone – Everyone’s favorite excuse, John Navarre, is gone to the NFL. So to all…
-
It’s Official: Required Donations for Big House Tickets
Beginning in 2005, premium seat holders will pay $115-$500 per ticket SALINE, MICHIGAN MARCH 1, 2004 In what is being called a “preferred seating program”, starting in 2005 the M will start peppering folks with premium seats with up to $500 per seat. Even Endzone seats will be required to fork over $50 per ticket. This is expected to raise an additional $9.5 million each year. Athletic director claimed that if they didn’t institute the required donation they’d have to cut eight sports (right). Folks who don’t want to pay the donation will have the option to move their seats to a place where they aren’t required to plunk so much cash. 80% of the “donation” will be tax deductible.
-
Michigan Spring Scrimmage 2002
Quarterback question on everyone’s mind – Ticket application arrives ANN ARBOR, MI Saturday April 13, 2002 Supposed back-up quarterback Spencer Brinton received a big welcome from the 20,000 or so who came to watch the annual Michigan football spring scrimmage. The problem that plagued the Wolverines last year remains: lack of consistent play at quarterback. John Navarre played with what appeared to be the first unit, but Brinton looked a little more sharp. Continuing a tradition from last year, Scotty Mudbowl and I played the M course (across the street from a stadium) that morning. Despite a shaky putter, Geegs pulled teeth. Meanwhile, on Friday I received my annual renewal for my 2 endzone seats. After a steep price increase last year, they raised the price of each ticket in my section by $1, to an even $40. In his annual letter, Michigan Director of Athletics Bill Martin noted that poll data shows that most M fans don’t mind the current ticket prices. He also pointed out that many of Michigan’s “peer schools” have implemented seat donation programs (a required donation in order to buy tickets). FYI, the peer schools are Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. The required donation at these schools ranges from $100 – $3000. The Buckeyes charge $3K for seats between the 35 yard…
-
Highlights: Michigan Blue/White Scrimmage 2001
ANN ARBOR, MI. April 14, 2001 The Michigan football team competed in its Blue – White game on Saturday. The format was a modified game (with running clocks) and was held at Michigan stadium. I estimate that roughly 15,000 people attended. Items of note: The offenses struggled most of the game including throwing 7 interceptions – most of which were simply bad decisions by the quarterbacks. No one QB really impressed anyone but it seems Navarre is in position to start next year. Michigan has a very good staff that has produced several pro quarterbacks in the last decade. It is likely that they will have the team ready at that position. The defense was really flying around and hitting people. While the QB’s were primarily to blame for the 7 picks, the defense played very aggressive and deserves some credit. Hopefully this unit will be much improved this season, led by Cato June who returns from injury last season. Kays, Ron and myself played the UM Golf course before the game. Kays pulled teeth. We managed to get an 8:10am tee time and finished the round at around 12:30pm – just enough time to pack up the bags and head over to the game.