• Badgers and Bad Bleachers (1905)

    There is significance to this hard fought 12-0 Michigan victory over Wisconsin in 1905.  First, this was really the last real test for Yost and crew before the showdown with Chicago on Thanksgiving day, where Yost would suffer his first defeat. The game also made headlines because the Ferry Field temporary stands for the game collapsed and gave everyone a big scare.

  • Mental Prep for Wednesday

    You been there I’m sure.  You’re out of the country, or out of TV coverage or for whatever reason, you can’t catch of feed or regular updates from an important game.   You feel helpless & the bits of data you find are precious. I could be found refreshing the final couple minutes of the Iowa game on ScoreMobile, trying to piece together what was going on.  The stretch in the final seconds of reg to tie the game (that I later learned was Jordan Morgan at the line sinking free throws) took 14 refreshes and lasted a span of around five anxious Caribbean minutes.  With three games to go it’s hard to believe this young group is actually in the discussion for tournament bid.  Pete, I may need my account at BracketScience.com freshened up. The Michigan State game is always going to be huge for so many reasons but first it’s a huge one with the Badgers.   There’s plenty on the line but what gets you extra pumped up for Wisconsin on Wednesday?  Bielema and Ryan are easy to hate, but beyond that—what’s your beef with the Badgers and their fans? They get too pickled at games?  Maybe so, but it’s a loveable kind of drunk, like the charming Alison a.ka. “Puke and Rally Aly” who I saw on Wipeout…

  • Wisconsin (Pregame Photos)

    A few from pregame down on the field.  The crew from Slippery Rock – they got a huge welcome from the crowd:   I don’t have any audio but trust me, it sounded like exactly like this: “Wooooooooooo!”   Ladies Field Hockey champions, the “Woo” girls     The other champs—here’s Men’s soccer team captain Alex Wood with their new hardware:   Troy Woolfolk looking well; walking around   Ball!  Ball!  Ball!   This is your AD Dave Brandon, chatting with a few students about the new lights and the test he did this week. Always a great performance by the drum major – here with the leap.

  • Light ‘em Up

    I got an email this morning from reader David D. who tipped me that it appeared as though the permanent lights were going up already.  Brandon indicated earlier that the project would start after the Wisconsin game to have them ready for The Big Chill. Per Dave Ablauf of U-M Media relations, they have indeed started the project and don’t blink, they’ll be in and done by Saturday: “The permanent lights are in the process of being installed and will be in prior to this weekend’s game with Wisconsin.” That’s fast! I think most fans are ok with the concept of permanent lights but I’m sure there’ll be some reaction on the aesthetics once they are in place.

  • This Week in Michigan Football History – September 11, 1976

    As part of WTKA 1050AM’s Key Bank Countdown to Kick-off pregame show, I’m taping a new segment this season called ‘This Week in Michigan Football History’ sponsored by Wolverine Beer. Here’s Saturday’s version where we looked back to September 11, 1976 – the season opener against Wisconsin.  Ira had a few Bob Ufer calls from the game and we worked them in (I got chills), hope you like it: [display_podcast] Here’s where you can find Wolverine Beer, or check out the Beer Wench’s Blog (and yes, that’s a real thing). I’ll be posting each of the This Week… clips here.