Here we are on the eve of Michigan football’s 2008 season opener. Many of you out there are no doubt assembling your tailgating gear, food, wares, etc., for the early start tomorrow. Part of this preparation includes your in-stadium provisioning, which is a completely separate exercise. A few thoughts: 1. AM/FM Radio. To listen to the play-by-play from Brandy and Beckmann. You’ll get injury reports, sideline observations and insight, statistics and analysis of key plays that are under replay review. Probably most critical: you’ll have a chance to block out the blabber from an idiot nearby that is giving his own play-by-play or screaming at coach Carr. As posted here previously I’d avoid the EARADIO thing. 2. M Lid. While not an absolute requirement, it certainly helps to keep that sun from beating down on you, especially for the noon games such as tomorrow’s tilt. For those in the North end zone or West side of the field, could be critical. 3. Digital Camera. You never know who you’re going to see at the game or what live action you might catch. Make sure you upload any vintage game video on YouTube for everyone to enjoy throughout the ages. 4. Tickets & Lanyard. Obviously you’ll need those tickets to get in but for the big games I always try to…
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EARADIO? I wouldn’t.
Many fans inside the stadium slap on the headphones and listen to the radio stylings of Jim Brandstatter and Frank Beckmann while they enjoy the game. I do this for a few reasons, but mainly to get data you just can’t get in the seats such as injury updates and stats. I also like to have the option to block out any nearby idiot who is bitching, screaming at coach Carr or doing his own personal play-by-play. After the game I try to receive transmissions from David Bowie. This season Michigan is offering a product called EARADIO. It is simply a small radio that you can hang on one ear. It says the device is no ordinary radio: Developed in the United Kingdom, the EARADIO® allows fans in the stadium to hear the live play-by-play without the time delay of the “regular” radio broadcast. First off, I’m not sure what they mean by tuning into the live play-by-play unless they’re talking about a special frequency. The device is just an FM radio so I’m not sure what they are offering is any different than what you could tune in our your regular radio and listen to on your higher quality headphones. Second, while I’ve heard 1050AM go on an annoying delay for one game recently, you can typically get the…
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Shirts Optional in Big House?
If it feels good, do it. The Game Notes were released this week for the Appalachian State game and it included a disturbing photo. Leading the section of Michigan Stadium facts is a pic that features one fan who decided to abandon the Maize Out and start his own White Out: After reviewing the Stadium guide there doesn’t seem to be any specific rule against “peeling”, but to any non-students, please, out of respect for the people around you…please keep your shirt on. If there must be a ‘gun show’ on football Saturday, can it please be in the parking lot or golf course?
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Good Reads
A few good reads out there: – Blue-Gray Sky’s Pick Six game for 2007, even though they stole my Bo-bblehead animated gif with no acknowledgement. Blue Gray sky fans, this is for you. – Michigan Football Saturdays on five players to watch in the opener this weekend. – A piece from last month in The New York Times on the power of college football forums and blogs especially as sources of recruiting watchdogs. – How Chad Henne learned to be a jerk, from the Detroit News.
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Super Drew’s Done?
Looks like the Vikings cut Super Drew Henson, perhaps this saga is done. His path took the high school phenom to some of the biggest stages on the American sports lanscape: Brighton High School, The University of Michigan, New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys and now of course he’s leaving Minnesota. The guy garnered constant attention – witness the full page piece on SD that ran in USA Today just two months ago. Other than some solid moments at Michigan, he’ll be remembered as a guy who couldn’t achieve the impossible expectations that were set for him. There are still many around Ann Arbor that are bitter at Henson for leaving Michigan to play baseball; there’s talk of a promise broken to Lloyd Carr about his commitment to stay. Not me. I don’t blame him for taking his shot. To think that he was ever obligated to remain at Michigan is either just not true or none of my business. If Carr or the coaching staff had ill will toward Henson they haven’t shown it recently. Last year SD showed up for the Minnesota game where Henne and crew reclaimed the Little Brown Jug. So what’s next for Henson? Perhaps another shot to catch on with an NFL team or maybe some more time in another league. Don’t know, but you’d…
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Team Survey Results
The Ann Arbor News posted the results of its annual team survey. They asked 18 players to answer a variety of questions and here are a few notes: Q. Will Lloyd Carr retire after this season? Don’t know – 11 votes No – 7 votes. Q: Best player in the Big Ten outside U-M (last year Troy Smith ran away with this): P.J. Hill (Wisconsin) – 4 votes James Laurenitis (Ohio State) – 2 votes Brian Hoyer (Mich State) – 1 vote Javon Ringer (Mich State) – 1 vote Q: What are you looking forward to most about the stadium renovation: More noise – 5 votes “Nothing” – 2 votes Q: Who’s the hardest hitter? John Thompson – 7.5 votes Q: Who should win the Heisman? Mike Hart – 9 votes Chad Henne – 1 vote Hart or Henne – 7 votes Chris Graham – voted for himself saying “I’m going to be a history-maker.”
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Mallett Mayhem: Fan Day 2007
Another year and another Fan Day, your brief window to meet the coaches and players that make up this year’s squad. Here’s what we learned: 90 MinutesWhile I appreciate the players and coaches making time to do stuff like this, am I the only one who feels like an hour and a half is not quite enough? It didn’t help that a) the MC announced how much time was left in the event while reminding folks of how important the team’s time was, and; b) the clock was counting down the time left for people to clear out. Found a Kicker?According to the Free Press and noted by mgoblog, looks like we have Rivas’s replacement. His name is Jason Gringell and count me as one person who: a) knows that it takes some luck and a few close calls to win championships, especially national championships, b) realizes that difference could fall on the foot of the kicker, and; c) is anxious to see how this guy looks. Elsewhere, looks like Carson Butler has cleared a path to contribute. Mallett ManiaFans couldn’t get enough of true freshman Ryan Mallett. Those planning the event anticipated the rage over the cocky Texan. He had a gated-off section of his own along with handlers. The line to get a piece of the future M…
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Weather to Threaten Fan Day?
The weather forecast looks a little grim for Fan Day tomorrow. Mgoblue.com released a presser that contained three key times: 7:30 AM: When, in the case of weather, they’ll make the call on whether to cancel the event. 8:30 AM: Gates open. 9:30 AM: Players and coaches arrive to start signing. 11:00 AM: Event Ends. Also from the official site is a map of where you can find everybody. The Fan Day is appreciated but you feel like it is a little bit like the 15 minute Caddy Swim.