I joined host Ira Weintraub and Brian Cook of mgoblog in studio at WTKA this morning & we covered a variety of topics from Mudbowl, to a little analysis of the EMU game, linebackers, depth, the Mouton/Delany aftermath (the ‘One Year Idiocy’) and much more.  Audio: [display_podcast] . FYI – Dennis Quaid from the epic film shot in Bloomington, Breaking Away, thinking that he could play QB for the Hoosiers just like current starter and local boy (Cutter) Ben Chappell:

There’s a great line in the show Cheers where the older gent who works at the bar says he thought that called him “Coach” because he never flew first class.   Thanks to reader ‘Spartan Robert’, here’s Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan this morning leaving Detroit headed back to Florida, seated in coach(!):   @UFCoachBillyD : ‘some weird dude is taking my picture..can’t believe i’m in coach class’ Memo to Coach Donovan: this is Beilein and yes, Izzo country.  Beat it!

One of the homecoming traditions on Saturday morning is of course the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Mudbowl.  This year will be the 76th renewal of the annual battle held in the natural depression at the corner of South University and Washtenaw, but it won’t happen this weekend. Instead of the traditional homecoming schedule, the game will be held prior the Penn State game on October 24th.  SAE used to play the fraternity across the street (which used to be the Phi Deltas) but things changed in recent years.  As I understand it, now the True Gentlemen play the victor of the fraternity flag football league tournament and I’m guessing that’s one of reasons they need to play the game later on the schedule (since the school year just started).  I’m looking for verification on that. For you geology buffs (cricket, cricket), the hole in which the game is played is not the site of an old building or pool or whatever–it’s actually a bit of a natural oddity.  From this flickr page commentary by local historian “Wystan”, who was asked if something was originally built on the lot: No, the "Mud Bowl" actually is a kettle hole, which was left by the glacier when it retreated eons ago. To build there would be to invite problems — along with such amenities…

Fourth down and short in Michigan territory with time running out in the first half, Michigan punted. Despite the incessant ‘Goooo!’ calls from the crowd on any 4th-and-short situation, Rodriguez correctly chose to punt.   Question: what happened to the roll-out option punt that Michigan used very effectively last season?  We heard hints that Rodriguez might use Mesko more creatively this season but we haven’t seen it thus far through three games.  Wouldn’t that have been the perfect time for Zoltan to do the roll-out, take a peek and possibly go? 

An excellent new post on LostLetterman (HT: Dan at LL).  Former Michigan DB and national champion Marcus Ray talks about his relationship with Ron English, and the advice the EMU coach gave Ray as he pursues his goal of becoming a coach.  Check it out.  A snip: [English] told me to protect my reputation. Don’t say or do anything that would hurt you in the business. Don’t say anything negative about anybody who you have worked for or who can give you an opportunity. He told me to keep learning from as many people as I can. Keep reaching out and making new friends in the business. Stay positive. Keep coaching. Keep your blades sharp. And good things will happen. And he said never leave the defensive backfield. He said every coach is looking for the next defensive backs coach, especially with the spread offense and dynamic passing attacks. How do I remember Ray?  Obviously as a member of the 1997 squad.  I remember that Charles Woodson acknowledged him right after it was announced he won the Heisman.  But probably mostly for this: delivering the hit on David Boston that made for the greatest Sports Illustrated cover of all time: