[Ed. 9/3 An important note: I received an advance/uncorrected copy of the book this summer and wrote this review in early July and held onto it, waiting for clearance to pull the trigger. In the time since there have been several excerpts, interviews and reviews out there. I left my early July thoughts basically unchanged. Fourth And Long hits stores today. And P.S. I have questions from July (and now answers) into Bacon on the book – they are now posted here.] If you read this site you probably won’t need to be nudged to pick up pretty much any book John U. Bacon writes on sports. You won’t be disappointed with his latest. In 4&L Bacon walks you through 2012 Big Ten football season looking primarily though the travails of four teams: Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan and Northwestern. This passage from early on kind of sets the stage Bacon’s work and why he chose the Big Ten as his canvas: Given the Big Ten’s unique place in the pantheon of college football–the exemplar that has combined academic power, athletic prowess, and commercial popularity, with a minimum of miscues before 2010–the conference, its twelve-hundred-plus football players, and 17.5 million fans aren’t merely canaries in the coal mine. They’re the coal miners. Bacon defines the soul of college football from…
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Tom Harmon Exhibit at the U-M Bentley Library
A few hours after I published this post discussing how the Michigan Football Legends program has spawned fresh materials on these guys and their eras…I got this press release from the U-M Bentley Library: Harmon of Michigan The Bentley Historical Library is pleased to announce the opening of an exhibit, “Harmon of Michigan” focusing on the life and career of University of Michigan football legend Tom Harmon. The exhibition, in conjunction with the “unretiring” of Harmon’s famed number 98 jersey this season, highlights Harmon’s college career at Michigan, both as a student and an athlete. Using archival documents, photographs, and artifacts, including material recently acquired through Harmon’s son, Mark Harmon, the exhibit traces Harmon’s career as the University of Michigan’s first Heisman Trophy winner, World War II pilot and war hero, and a pioneering radio and television broadcaster. The exhibit is curated by Greg Kinney. The exhibit runs from September 3 to December 20, 2013. Exhibit Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Special Event: September 7, 2013, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On September 7, the day of the Note Dame game, at which Tom Harmon will be honored, the Bentley Library will have special exhibit viewing hours. There will also be repeated showings of the 1965 television program “One Saturday Afternoon.” Produced…
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The New 98 and on The Legends
It’s not a secret that I’m a fan of the Michigan Football Legends program because it’s forcibly re-introduced these names and these eras into the conversation, especially on the week they’ve been honored. I’ve also witnessed (and in many cases been a part of) the research and publication of fresh materials on these men as a direct result of the Legends program. That’s a good thing– and this stuff will be available for future generations to see. Speaking of that you might have noticed I’ve been plugging the commemorative Tom Harmon/Notre Dame game program this week. Call me a #1000SSS shill, but those who read this site understand that I aggressively support projects like that program because the athletic department invested resources to make this a big day, and again, to gather fresh material on Harmon. Great stories. New interviews. Digitization of epic footage. Enhancement of old photos (see the program cover). Et cetera. As a fan I think this is a case where a few bucks to grab the program is important. And I’m assuming a lot of what was produced will end up in Schembechler Hall. I also understand there are critics. I felt the Twitter flak when the #11, #87, #21 jerseys were re-introduced and I’m feeling a tad groundswell from those that think the #98 should…
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Calling Them Crisps – Sights & Sounds (Michigan 59, CMU 9)
A few sights and sounds from Michigan's 59-9 beatdown of the Central Michigan Crisps, err, Chips rather.
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Dr. Sap’s Decals – Season’s Greetings
Proud to confirm that indeed Steve “Dr. Sap” Sapardanis is back for 2013 with his postgame decal awards! Sap would do a backflip if coach Hoke decided to reinstate this tradition that Bo brought to the team in 1969. Until that day comes, Sap will bring you his game Champions who will be decorated, albeit virtually, with his stickers: OFFENSE FITZ TOUSSAINT – It was good to see #28 dancing in the endzone instead of showing off his dance moves in the locker room. Two touchdowns had to feel sweet after all that rehab work. Fitz has gotta be the Fitz of old to keep this offense strong & balanced against stronger competition in November. DEFENSE CAMERON GORDON – Two sacks and one pass break-up is a great start for #4 while Jake Ryan is out. I’m gonna say it right now – Gordon is poised to have a BIG year! [Ed. Also props and bonus points go to Captain Cam for addressing Bo’s famous 1973 team last week.] SPECIAL TEAMS DYMONTE THOMAS – Can’t tell you how great it was to see a punt block by a Michigan defender, and a freshman no less! It harkened back to the days of David Arnold. Keep bringing the heat! HUSTLER / SPARKPLUG JOE REYNOLDS – The punt block return for a…
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CMU Game Photos (Michigan 59, Central Michigan 9)
Game action from Saturday. Also check out pregame shots here, and sights/sounds here. A big thanks to photog Kelley Kuehne for the great work today. Leading off—we celebrate Michigan Football: And now you are blocked..setting up Joe R’s TD T Rawls and Freddy J talking about the 5 points of pressure on the pigskin Honey Funchess of Oats dropping the stiff arm as a Chip tries to strip the ball Spider-Chip, Spider-Chip, does whatever a Spider-Chip does. Do they make tearaway bicep bands? Fourth and Short…and you get NOTHING! GOOD DAY SIR! Capt. Gordon with the block – love this one More after the jump including Derrick Green, a greasy pigskin, Fitz and more:
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Sights, Sounds (CMU Photos)
More shots from the Central Michigan game – here’s a few capturing of the goings on off the field: Nicely done, that’s a ‘10’ Unauthorized little baby on the field? Naw, that’s a Mattison Don’t remember the Regents approving the purchase of the official pregame stadium trikes? Walking in, many of the players had this Coat of Arms-looking pin on their blazers – anyone know the deal? More after the jump including Beilein, Jake Ryan’s locks, QWASH clowning and more..
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Getting Started (CMU Early Pregame Photos)
Just a few from pregame. For starters, always great to see the old alums back in town…if nothing else to show the kids how they did it back in the day… Dang, Treezy!! New mural inside the Big House, outside the photo and opponent press conference rooms: DJ Hollywood warming up the students. Junior Doug Trusell was first in line, around 6:30AM EDT. The students also entertained themselves with a few Yost-style games. This was awesome: Lewan in the Navy Seals chains: Two guys that won’t “score” tonight. Well maybe–those are pretty good: Not the best shot of Harmon… This one is better. A sneak look at the special Notre Dame program for next week. Order it here. Gold embossed pic of Old 98, tried to demonstrate: Fresh..eat M&Ms with these and blow minds: DG in the #134 gear: More later.. Follow MVictors on Twitter Related: TWIMFbH: A Ticket to Michigan Football’s Valhalla (Washington 2002) Provisioning for Michigan Stadium – 2013 Style Family Business – Behind the Scenes of the 1973 Team Reunion Phil Brabbs & the Righteous Ratty Shoe
