• The Uniform Timeline

    January 21, 2013 /

    The latest mini-project:  A descending timeline of changes to the Michigan football team uniforms over the years.   I’m still pulling it together but you can check out what I have so far here.  This will also be a regular ‘page’ that you can access from the toolbar above. A huge thanks to Dr. Sap (Steve Sapardanis) for much of the detail especially during the Bo years.   As always, ping me with any inputs Follow MVictors on Twitter

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  • The Jim Harbaugh Bio Plaque – Preserved

    January 18, 2013 /

    Phenomenal, via John Kryk, NFL beat writer for the Toronto Sun: As a “fun thing” to do, San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh this week arranged for plaques to be hung above each player’s locker. Each plaque contained a photo and bio of  the player from during his high school recruitment. What about one for Harbaugh? “They didn’t have the internet back in 1982 that I’m aware of,” Harbaugh said. Fortunately, however, the John Kryk Football Archives go that far back. As an unofficial college and Michigan football historian of sorts, I possess far too many musty boxes in my basement, to my wife’s chagrin. One produced the accompanying goods. And here’s the goods: Full story on Kryk’s blog, Kryk Slants.

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  • What If Denard had Decals?

    January 14, 2013 /

    Guest post by Steve “Dr. Sap” Sapardanis Last year, we kept track of the helmet stickers every game for each player deserving these awards based on not only the individual but team accomplishments.  After the Ohio State game, Denard Robinson led all players with 42 award decals. Ever since then I wondered what would Denard’s helmet look like if it had decals on it?  With a little PhotoShop work, wonder no more. Below are a couple of possibilities – one with all 42 decals on one side, and another with half, or 21 on one side. In order to fit 42 decals on one side of the helmet, the decal size would need to be reduced, but you get the idea.  That’s what happens when you are made of Dilithium! Think there are a lot of decals on Denard’s helmet? Mike Hammerstein in 1985 and Desmond Howard in 1991 were two former UM players that had a ton of decals on their helmets.  #66 sported 47 decals on his helmet in the 1986 Fiesta Bowl against Nebraska: #21 in the 1992 Rose Bowl and against OSU in 1991: To me, there was nothing like seeing Michigan and Ohio State clash at the end of the season. Having both teams’ helmets filled with decals just added to the spectacle. So I…

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  • Missing on Pay-dirt

    January 12, 2013 /

    Via the January 14, 1993 Michigan Daily: Indeed, “Payton” considered Michigan along with Florida and his dad’s alma mater Ole Miss before committing to Phil Fulmer at Tennessee right around signing day.    Bagging Manning put the Vols on top of most recruiting ratings for 1994, while Gary Moeller’s Michigan crew finished in the top three.   Dreisbach was joined by commits Marcus Ray, Sam Sword, Clint Copenhaver, Jay Feely, Chris Floyd, and Jerame Tuman. So how would have history changed had Manning selected Michigan?  No idea, but I don’t think there are any regrets with either side.  U-M of course took the ‘97 national title, Tennessee netted a Heisman runner-up :) and the BCS crown in ‘98. Related:  Hoover Street Rag explored the What If? Manning scenario back in March 2012.     Follow MVictors on Twitter HT: Buddy from Stunt3 – thanks for sending this over.

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  • The Coveted Seventy Seven

    January 10, 2013 /

    Shocked. Even the hardest cynics have to view this as evidence there still is something special and unique about the Michigan football program.   I love that this happened.  I like how Lewan described how he came to the decision and involved Jake Long.  And FWIW, I like that our coach won’t be interviewing with the Eagles (ever). Now—while on the topic of cynicism–I do get the sense the Lewan likes to be in the spotlight and that might have had a little to do with this.   He’ll get a lot of attention next season and probably more beyond.  [Ed. 1/11  yes, he likes the attention:] "I like attention," he said. "I’m an attention guy. I LOVE the attention." How far beyond?   If he builds on the Outback performance and is the consensus All-American and earns a top 5 NFL draft pick, you have to wonder if #77 is considered for a Legends distinction down the road—honoring Jansen, Long and Lewan.   Either way, he’s got a chance to establish himself amongst guys like Long as a truly iconic Michigan vet—something you really can’t take away no matter what happens in the NFL.   And that’s a special thing, especially at Michigan. Follow MVictors on Twitter

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  • The Shades of Sixteen

    January 7, 2013 /

    From a scan of the Outback Bowl crowd.  Ironically no one was wearing the same jersey the real #16 was wearing on Jan 1: All the goods from the Outback here: Outback Outtakes Denard’s Message to U-M Fans Crumbled Cookie – South Carolina 33, Michigan 28 Outback Bowl 2013 – 2nd Half Photos Outback Bowl 2013 – Postgame Outback Bowl 2013 – First Half Photos Outback – Pregame Shots

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