• Full Postgame Presser: Beilein, Spike, Trey, Hardaway

    THE MODERATOR:  We’re joined by head coach of Michigan, John Beilein, and student?athletes.  We’ll start with an opening statement by Coach Beilein.COACH BEILEIN:  I’ve had a lot of really good teams over the years, some emotional locker rooms.  That one was as emotional, or most emotional we’ve ever had.The team unity that we had, the sacrifice we had from the five seniors that did not get to play very much, to these young guys just buying into the whole team concept.  I said to Tracy on CBS, I said, Team 96, there’s so many former coaches at Michigan, so many coaches around the country that would love to take my place and coach these guys, and my coaching staff.  For me to have this coaching staff and Team 96 was incredible.We feel bad about it.  We could have done some things better, every one of us, today and got a win.  At the same time Louisville is a terrific baseball team.  I have not seen that quickness anywhere, and we’ve played some really good teams.  The quickness is incredible and it got us a couple times today.THE MODERATOR:  Questions at this time for the student?athletes.Q.  Trey, thoughts on getting that close and the hurt of not getting over the top. TREY BURKE:  It hurts a lot.  Just to get to…

  • Sugar Bowl 2012 – Behind the Scenes

    A few random notes, pics and takes in the aftermath of a solid trip to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.    A few quick hitters: >> Hospitality.  File under you probably don’t care, but I’ll say it.  The media was treated first class by the Sugar Bowl folks.  Beyond being ridiculously courteous, they provided excellent communication, was quick with the transcription of the press conferences, offered good food/coffee/drinks, workspace, logistics, etc. They offered a couple of nice gifts as well—a Sugar Bowl jacket and luggage tags.  It was very cool to be a part of it all.  They also arranged for a 30 foot Po Boy (above). >> Dome View.  The press box in the Dome is all the way at the top, here’s a fairly accurate look at the view from up top: They did have video monitors rolling everywhere, along with a screen of live stat updates.  The ESPN feed appeared to be about 6-7 seconds behind the live-action. >> Fans.  I was surprised by the number of Virginia Tech fans that showed up for the game.  I thought Wolverine fans would overwhelm the joint but that didn’t happen.   There was still more Maize and Blue out there but to me, it was only a slight majority.  One thing I noticed wandering around town—Michigan definitely had more students just…

  • Bowling Green Postgame: Still Feeling Alright

    The favorites off my camera from the post game: Gardner feelin’ alright: Thumbs up from Shaw, who’s doesn’t dole out the thumbs up for anyone in my experience: Tate and Denard reflecting briefly on the big day: "How much of this stuff do he think we can stand?  So much rhythm, grace and debonair from one man?" (What, no ascot???): Denard chilling as the clock winded down: QB Force got a huge cheer from the crowd when he came in.  I asked him about after the game; he definitely heard it and appreciated it: Not too bad? Elsewhere: Nice shots from Brad at Maize and Blue Nation. Lon from AnnArbor.com got the shot of Denard leaping to check Gardner after the game. Dell’s shots from UMGoBlue

  • Full Rodriguez Press Conference (audio Purdue)

    Took 9 photos – this one was the most flattering Here’s the complete audio from Rich Rodriguez following the Purdue game.  I’ll add some notes and more in a bit: [display_podcast] – And it got a little chippy about midway through the presser.  Apparently when Rodriguez and Purdue coach Danny Hope met to shake hands, the Boiler coach brought LG Zach Reckman along with him to meet RR.  Why?  Reckman was suspended by the Big Ten the week after the Jonas Mouton suspension and Hope blames Rodriguez for the whole thing.   Hope wanted to put it in his face, officially dropping a match on the snake oil feud which had seemingly died. Reckman missed the Notre Dame the following week. Here’s Rodriguez explaining the encounter after the game, not happy and I can’t blame him.  Needless exhibition of childlike behavior on Hope’s part after their great win: For the record, I thought Rodriguez pushed the Mouton-Big Ten thing waaay to far, but that doesn’t excuse Hope’s postgame stunt. Other shots: Minor giving a local reporter the stink eye during the post-game, flashing a dizzying array of tats: Forcier, signing after the game, knee iced: