Never met the man, but I’ve heard much about him from a few friends and acquaintances around campus including Captain Conley.  He was a dear friend to Bo, in fact, I’ve been told he was his best friend here in town.  Re-posting his obituary from AnnArbor.com/MLive: Howard really didn’t know every person in Ann Arbor. But as legendary University of Michigan Football Coach Bo Schembechler was quick to say: “Anyone from Ann Arbor who says they don’t know Howard Wikel must be living in a cave.” 

Last night in the quarterfinals of the CCHA tournament my mood lifted.  And it was a welcome lift, just hours after the dismal loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten tournament.   Freshman Jacob Trouba took the puck past the blue line, pump-faked a slapshot which froze both the goalie and a defender, and then blasted the puck in the net top shelf.  It felt good man. Michigan went on to win, continuing its hockey winning streak and I felt better. How much better?   A “tad” better. I like to say that most Michigan fans would trade almost anything positive that happens off the gridiron (in anything but hoops..maybe) for a third-down conversion.  I took a crack at summarizing how I feel about everything that goes on down on State Street and its corresponding impact on what I’ll call “The Mood”.  Consider this the beta: You probably have your own weights dictating how you feel as a Michigan fan, and admittedly I played around with these numbers before taking this first cut.   I’m guessing some of you consider hockey part of Everything Else.   I’m guessing many of you, in your heart of hearts, put less weight on basketball. Update 3/21:  A revision based on feedback and a few thoughts.  While I’ll despise some of our rivals who seem to thrive on…

1. Picks.  Bigger?  Left.  Better?  Right.   (Burke shot by Melanie Maxwell HT: mgoblog) Woodson’s snag really got the Heisman train rolling, and the Ohio State punt return probably sealed it.   Wonder what affect Burke’s pick has done for his POY chances. 2. Gardner’s return.  photo: Kelley Kuehne @ 2013 Outback Bowl HUGE.   The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced today (Tuesday, March 5) that quarterback Devin Gardner has been granted a medical hardship for the 2010 season and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. Quietly  this was the biggest question mark out there during the offseason—there was just nothing really to write about.  I think there was an general feeling in the media that the NCAA would indeed approve this, but it was still a question.  3. Jerry Montgomery.  I got to know the Montgomerys a little bit and they will be missed in town.  I don’t know the circumstances but I always found it a little unique that Jerry always seemed to have either Mattison or Hoke (or both during pregame) right over his shoulder: I’m guessing Oklahoma offered a clearer leadership role.   I know he felt strongly about his Iowa roots (as he should), and I’m sure that tie was a big emphasis for Stoops when he closed the deal.   Follow MVictors on Twitter

From postgame Michigan-Michigan State at Crisler twenty years ago this week, March 7, 1993: I’m back there somewhere in a painter’s cap with flaps. Since Michigan had nary a 3-pointer, here are three takes: Izzo blundered by calling the timeout on that fast break with under ten seconds to go.  At worst they had a high percentage shot coming out of that break, at best of course a bucket and/or a foul. While I’d love to see these teams play again, I’d give State the slight edge right now to go further in the NCAA tournament.  Burke was outstanding of course, but he needs to either keep his feet on the ground or get his arse off the floor and get back on defense after some of his drives. OK another:  the refs sucked—both ways.  They should just let instant Facebook polls decide calls.   Follow MVictors on Twitter