Just sent to registered listeners from WTKA: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 9, 2008 In an effort to provide more localism in radio, Sports Talk 1050 WTKA-AM announces the return of a LOCALLY-based Afternoon Drive Program from 3:00pm – 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Titled “Ann Arbor’s Big Show”, the program will feature a stable of revolving local hosts including the return of Jeff DeFran and Ben Holden to the airwaves of WTKA. After the first of the year, renowned author John U. Bacon will also serve as a revolving host. The program debuts on Wednesday December 10, 2008 The focus of the show will be tight on the University of Michigan Athletic Programs, but will also expand outwards. Eastern Michigan University Athletics, LOCAL high school programs, and local lifestyle features will also have prominent roles.

I hate polls and the use of polls to determine championships and I just can’t believe the Big 12 thought it wise to allow the BCS to determine their teams in the league championship game.    But anyway, it’s fun to dig in and see how folks actually voted.  ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg responded to a question in his Mailbag post and suspects old Rich Rod took a shot across the bow at the Spartans: Matt from Midland, Mich., writes: How could Rich Rodriguez put Northwestern at 16 and Michigan State at 18 if MSU won by 17 at Northwestern, they both lost to Ohio State but Northwestern lost to Indiana who MSU beat, so MSU has a better Big Ten record too? Adam Rittenberg: It’s an interesting placement, to say the least. Michigan State also beat Michigan by more than Northwestern did (14 vs. 7). I know Rodriguez has more of a connection to Northwestern’s staff through his offensive system, which Northwestern implemented almost verbatim after former coach Randy Walker and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson visited Rodriguez at Clemson in 2000. But it’s hard not to see this as a dig at intrastate rival Michigan State. The answer is……whatever. He probably had Barwis fill the thing out anyway.

Wow, what a morning on WTKA this morning. Thankfully the full audio podcast is available on WTKA’s website here, please check it out. The former quarterback went OFF this morning on just about everything. The first half of the first segment, Leach talked about the great Adopt-A-Family program which I’ve publicized here, so please consider a donation. But check out the all the clips on WTKA if you didn’t have a chance (they’ve posted about 5-6 files already). Related: Leachapalooza: The Best of Rick Leach on WTKA 12-09

As posted here yesterday, WTKA is launching a new local, live show from 3-6 to replace The Huge Show. Jim Carty posted on his fine blog that the new show may include former morning host Jeff Defran.

I’ve heard and read the sentiments of a few M fans who are very bitter that Sims, Harris and the rest of Beilein’s ballers weren’t ranked in the AP or coaches top 25. Who gives a rip? It’d be kind of a milestone (I guess) but beyond that, let’s just play the games and things will fall where they’re supposed to fall.

Saw it first on UM Hoops: