Something felt different as we got our first glimpse of Team 143 in action. A typical season opener seeps with feelings of hope and what might be. Well, as we enter 2022, the view from the top of the mountain is still fresh in our memory.
The defending champs stayed cool in the steamy conditions thanks to the comforting breeze of that Big Ten title at their backs. It was far from perfect, but we witnessed the array of weapons/options on offense and much evidence that we just might reload on defense. To the Sights and Sounds:
Historic debut
The team of Doug Karsch and Jon Jansen made their debut on the airwaves across the very-rich-with-tradition Michigan Football Network. The crew, who took the baton from Jim Brandstatter and Dan Dierdorf, did a great job in their first call. Rounding out the crew is former standout WR Jason Avant, and OL Jack Miller.
Looking Dandy
Speaking of Brandy, he was on-premise in the Champions Lot before the game and upstairs during the game–for the first time ever, in a non-working or playing capacity. I caught up with him before the game and yes, he looks great, feels great, and is rocking the beard like a pro. And just between us girls, he mentioned a new project he’s got in the works that fans of this site will gobble up. Stay tuned. Here’s the conversation between me, Steve Clarke, and Brandy as part of WTKA’s Fantastic Friday.
Fifty for Title IX
A large group on the sidelines, including these lovely ladies above, were rocking Title IX t-shirts, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the historic legislation. (You can bet we’ll be discussing this in my U-M course The History of College Athletics). It didn’t stop with t-shirts…
Uni Timeline
The team started off the season in the traditional home blue jerseys/maize pants, actually for the first time since 2020. Recall that last year the team wore different combinations at home with blue pants – because, you know, we kept winning.
The team also continued the 2021 tradition of donning helmet stickers of varying significance. I noticed a few new additions:
- A sticker with the College Football Playoff logo (signifying Michigan’s 2021 appearance, presumably worn by returning players from last year’s squad).
- A new EQUALITY sticker replacing the 2021 (circular) version of the decal.
- A sticker recognizing the 50th anniversary of the passage Title IX legislation.
Uniform Timeline updated.
Joe’s Garage
The long-running WTKA 1050AM Keybank Countdown to Kickoff moved a few feet north, now broadcasting from 1310 South Main Street (with an assist from friend-of-show attorney Joe Simon):
The new spot is bigger and roomier. You feel closer to the broadcast and the scene has a more traditional tailgate feel. Well done boys. Thanks to WTKA’s Miz and Skip for the pic.
Football and Media, that’s what Michigan does
CBS Sports analysts and Michigan alumnae Dana Jacobson and Tracy Wolfson served as honorary captains, well-done ladies!
Meanwhile, a dapper Jake Butt made his debut on BTN’s ubiquitous ‘Final Drive’ The former standout TE will call the Hawaii game next week for the network.
Mood
The weekly index measuring the emotional state of Michigan football fandom settles on 90 after today’s game. As usual look for me on Twitter after games if you wish to chime in. Also, I tried out a polling tool (nerd alert! results above) to better assess your feedback.
Charmed
I heard that Michigan issued the pendant above (left) in recognition of the 2021 victory over Ohio State. What I didn’t catch is the intent moving forward is to indeed parrot the Ohio State tradition of issuing a gold pants charm (right) to each player who happens to defeat TTUN.
This has been added to the list of U-M Traditions (in the bullpen section until we see it again).
History lesson: In 1934 Buckeye coach Francis Schmidt assured his OSU team that the two-time defending national champion Wolverines “put their pants on one leg at a time” like everybody else. And yes, the Bucks prevailed in 1934 like just about everyone else that season, and thus began this Ohio practice. It only took us nine decades to respond in kind.
Hoo. Hoo, hoo Go Blue!
If you have the means, get yourself in the Champions lot as the Michigan Marching Band completes its stroll from Elbel, and strolls through the crowd up to the Big House.
The Coveted Banner
This season marks exactly 60 years of the GO BLUE banner tradition. It’s not going away anytime soon, here’s a look up close from Saturday:
GOAT Watch – This Week in Michigan Football History
From 2016, when three GOATS strolled onto Canham’s carpet.
Take a cold shower
I just wish everyone would chill out about the QB situation, jeez. Just #BeatHawajj
