Ugh: Takes: Gilliam, the Badger:  Man, I hate Northwestern. I don’t even know what to say. Near the end of the game, the sideline reporter said that NU’s sideline had been up all game, but the Badgers were equally as quiet. When you’re a surprising 8-2, and have a chance to tie for the B10 title (until the Buckeyes won), tell me how you have a hard time getting up for the game on the sideline? That being said, with under two minutes to go, we’re driving for the go-ahead score. But turnovers, mistakes, and yet another NU QB that throws for 350 yards let most of the air out of Bucky’s New Year’s Day plans. Fortunately, the athletic department bought Bowl insurance this year, and everyone’s headed to Honolulu in two weeks to take on the middle of the WAC Rainbow Warriors. Lew:  I was proud of Michigan’s effort, especially on defense.  Brandon Graham has now equaled David Harris as the two best defensive players I’ve ever seen in a Michigan uniform (certainly the most fun to watch from a pure aggression standpoint).  Michigan didn’t seem to have any answers offensively, and our best plays all seemed to come off broken plays.  I can’t be too hard on Tate — he’s an exciting player and he should benefit greatly…

What can you say?  A big time effort put down by Brandon Graham, and more evidence of how critical the quarterback is in this offense.  It was really tough to watch Minor walk out in sweats, and I’m not sure why Brown didn’t get the ball.  They had their chances. Sights and sounds from during the 21-10 loss: Where should I start?:      Someone apparently used a text to this number to complain about the two ridiculously annoying and pickled Buckeye fans sitting behind me.  The gal was asking every single person walking up the aisle things like, ‘Do you know who’s going to the Rose Bowl?’ or ‘Do you know the score of the game?’.   Few actually reacted to her, but one guy responded to the latter question saying, “Yes, because I can read.” Much of the talk after the game was about all the Buckeyes in the stadium during the game.  As frequent MVictors commenter Chris put it: The idiots who sold all those tickets to the mouth-breathing, knuckle-dragging, inbred, sheep-f**ing, sweaty-yellow-t-shirt-wearing, PBR-swilling, wife-beaters from Ohio should NEVER be allowed anywhere near Michigan Stadium again. That was a freaking home game for tOSU. Listen, there are obviously exceptions to the rule – you have friends or family that are Buckeye/Spartan/Irish fans and you have them up for…

Various folks reiterated that Rich Rodriguez will return in season three which is the right thing to do and say.  But just like everything over the past few seasons, even a simple thing like a statement in support induced some drama.  Via Dave Birkett in AnnArbor.com, check this out: “Rich Rodriguez is our coach,” he said. “I and the administration fully support him, and you’ll see him in the future.” When asked if that meant next year, Martin said, “Absolutely.” Even if Michigan is found to have committed NCAA violations regarding excessive practice time? “He will be our coach next year, today,” Martin said. Ummm, wha? Asked to clarify what “today” meant, Martin said, “Well then delete the word today.” “He’ll be here next year, no question,” Martin said. Nothing is easy. I noticed Cleveland.com had it slightly different, with Martin affirming Rodriguez like this: "He will be our coach next year," Martin told media. "You’re asking me today if he’s going to be our coach. There’s no if, ands or buts about it. He is our coach and he has my full support. He’ll be there next year. No question about it." Recent Posts Ohio State Game Notes Hit CTRL-Z Ohio State – Pregame (Photos) 1969 Wolverines Take the field Fare Thee Well

A short video of 1969 squad, trotting out to touch the M Club banner once again.  A very cool moment along with a bit of levity tossed in, as many guys struggle to find their leaps:   Assume that’s Reggie McKenzie at the end there?   Great stuff. Recent Posts Ohio State Game Notes Hit CTRL-Z Ohio State – Pregame (Photos) 1969 Wolverines Take the field Fare Thee Well

Almost forgot to salute Hacker, the winner of my haiku contest from many moons ago. 

John Borton of The Wolverine chatted with former offensive line coach Jerry Hanlon about the Ohio State game and in particular, about a certain tradition he carries on each year. Hanlon scribes a letter to the team each year before the Ohio State game and Rich Rodriguez mentioned this tradition just prior to his Wednesday press conference. Borts convinced Hanlon to share his letter on air, here it is: [display_podcast] . You can check out all of Borton’s fine work here, or listen to the full Hanlon interview here. Go Blue!