• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-09-18

    Ha! RT @theonlycolors: New TOC! So who exactly was John Pingel? (OR “Gettin’ @MVictors with it”) http://sbnation.com/e/1458599 # UMass offensive line averages 309 lbs # Here’s a look at the Ron Kramer 87 helmet decals, nicely done in block style: http://bit.ly/9s9RMR #kramer #goblue # Remember when Mike Hart emerged as Carr’s go-to running back? Check out This Week in Michigan Football History Saturday on WTKA # Kids, 87 on M helmet NOT there to immortalize Denard’s South Bend TD run # Great, Michigan to wear 87 sticker on helmets in honor of Ron Kramer #goblue #kramerofmichigan # http://icio.us/rrrro3 # RT @LarryLage welcome and follow @noahtrister who is making his debut today http://bit.ly/ahehT1 as an AP Sports Writer in Michigan # On Carvin Johnson status, RR: “making progress, does not appear as he’ll play this week.” # LL from A2 asked if players are taking UMass seriously. “Focus is really good, seem to be into it…so far, so good” # RR on special teams “I just hope we kick better”..Will Hagerup had off-day but “will be fine” Kicker is wide open # RR weekly teleconference underway. Injuries: Junior Hemingway, still doubtful, Fitz probably will be ready to play # confirmed that a “handful” of guys made it out of the walk-on tryouts and will practice with the team. Details to come…

  • Historical Context of Denard Robinson, 2010 Notre Dame Game

    Given that John Kryk, author of the definitive history of the Notre Dame-Michigan rivalry Natural Enemies, is a mere email away, I had to get his thoughts and observations on the game. This marked the 19th time Kryk has watched the game in person and that’s exactly half of the 38 games played all-time between two schools.   A few thoughts from Mr. Kryk: The only Michigan players I’ve seen that are so potentially and routinely electrifying [as Denard] are Anthony Carter and Desmond Howard (in that order).  This is no fluke. The drive to open the second half vs UConn was mostly Denard completing 3rd-down after 3rd-down pass, not Denard running for first downs.  And the winning drive Saturday was almost all on Denard’s arm, not his legs. He’s a quarterback, not a deluxe running back who keeps defenses honest with his throw.   In fact, he tears ’em up with his throws. This game reminds me what Lloyd Carr once told me about the greatness of this series — that neither team will ever play its greatest game of the year, because it’s too early in the year, but because both teams play so hard in this game, and it’s early, you get more killer mistakes. Thus more momentum swings, thus more exciting games. It was the seventh time in…

  • Denard Robinson (audio from Sept-13 press conference)

    The man of the hour and here’s the audio: [display_podcast] The thing about Denard is that he’s highly likeable.   He’s clearly humble, there’s a bit of an ‘aw shucks’ thing going on and that huge smile just tops it off.  I think that extends outside the Michigan fan base too.  As you do, I know quite a few State fans who really couldn’t stand Tate especially after the "I don’t get nervous" comment.  I saw it differently of course, but I guess I understand. There were several questions about his workload running the ball, both at Rich Rod and Denard.  One interesting fact.  He was of course a quarterback in high school but most schools recruited him as a receiver or cornerback but did you know Denard only rushed for 462 yards his senior year at Deerfield Beach (while throwing for 1809)?  So he’s just seven yards away (read: 1 carry) from beating his rushing totals from his entire high school senior year. P.S.  They handled out an updated copy of the Michigan record book at the press conference today, haha, that’s never a bad thing.

  • Irish Bullets – Sights & Sounds | Michigan 28, Notre Dame 24 (2010)

    A few takes across the board from the trip to South Bend.   First off, most ND fans are very courteous and to me, it’s just a pleasure to go down there for games in this rivalry.  I love the trip and it’s a big reason I’m firmly behind continuing the contract with the Irish. One thing that does suck about the trip is the Turnpike.  It’s not so much the concern of paying the tolls—it’s getting through the tollgates.  On the return trip the wait to get onto I-69 north was like 20 minutes+ at 10 PM.  Going from the press box (with laptop, phone, TV and Fan Vision nearby) to sitting in Notre Dame stadium was quite a shock.  My cell phone didn’t get any reception (then died trying) and with a scoreboard that basically shows time and score.  I had no idea what happened to Crist and then rumors started to circulate around the crowd that he was poked in the eye.  Someone even joked he should wear an eye patch.  Above is a shot when the sun came out at the end of the game—I think there were about five minutes left when the clouds broke.  I haven’t seen the telecast yet but I hear they got really sappy with their description of the scene.   It was…

  • Who Voted for Michigan, AP Poll Week 3

    Again, this is effectively meaningless but interesting nonetheless.  Note that Lesmerises dropped the Wolverines from #8 last week to #9.  Fine by me—again, I think that’s way too high but I like the way the guy votes: Voter Rank Source Jon Solomon 8 The Birmingham News Doug Lesmerises 9 Cleveland Plain Dealer Chadd Cripe 10 Idaho Statesman Kirk Bohls 10 Austin American Statesman Brett McMurphy 12   Ray Ratto 13   Chip Cosby 14   Craig James 14   Kirk Herbstreit 14   Mike Hlas 14   Joe Giglio 15   John Niyo 15   Garland Gillen 16   Tom Murphy 16   Cecil Hurt 17   Chris Fowler 17   Doug Haller 17   Travis Haney 17   Dave Foster 18   Jack Bogaczyk 18   Kyle Veazey 18   Steve Conroy 18   Steve Sipple 18   Tom Mulhern 18   Wes Rucker 18   Bob Asmussen 19   Bob Condotta 19   Kyle Ringo 19   Kyle Tucker 19   Rob Long 19   Robert Cessna 19   Wade Denniston 19   Bob Hammond 20   David Jones 20   Desmond Conner 20   Ferd Lewis 20   Greg Archuleta 20   Greg Auman 20   Keith Sargeant 20   Matt McCoy 20   Tom Keegan 20   Jon Wilner 21   Lisa Byington 21   Manny…

  • This Week in Michigan Football History – September 11, 1976

    As part of WTKA 1050AM’s Key Bank Countdown to Kick-off pregame show, I’m taping a new segment this season called ‘This Week in Michigan Football History’ sponsored by Wolverine Beer. Here’s Saturday’s version where we looked back to September 11, 1976 – the season opener against Wisconsin.  Ira had a few Bob Ufer calls from the game and we worked them in (I got chills), hope you like it: [display_podcast] Here’s where you can find Wolverine Beer, or check out the Beer Wench’s Blog (and yes, that’s a real thing). I’ll be posting each of the This Week… clips here.

  • Laced

      My perspective of the Denard Robinson show yesterday at Notre Dame Stadium.  (Yes, Denard wears both a home jersey and a leather helmet in my mind’s eye).