• The New 98 and on The Legends

    It’s not a secret that I’m a fan of the Michigan Football Legends program because it’s forcibly re-introduced these names and these eras into the conversation, especially on the week they’ve been honored.  I’ve also witnessed (and in many cases been a part of) the research and publication of fresh materials on these men as a direct result of the Legends program.   That’s a good thing– and this stuff will be available for future generations to see. Speaking of that you might have noticed I’ve been plugging the commemorative Tom Harmon/Notre Dame game program this week.  Call me a #1000SSS shill, but those who read this site understand that I aggressively support projects like that program because the athletic department invested resources to make this a big day, and again, to gather fresh material on Harmon.  Great stories.   New interviews.  Digitization of epic footage.  Enhancement of old photos (see the program cover).  Et cetera. As a fan I think this is a case where a few bucks to grab the program is important.  And I’m assuming a lot of what was produced will end up in Schembechler Hall. I also understand there are critics.  I felt the Twitter flak when the #11, #87, #21 jerseys were re-introduced and I’m feeling a tad groundswell from those that think the #98 should…

  • Dr. Sap’s Decals – Season’s Greetings

    Proud to confirm that indeed Steve “Dr. Sap” Sapardanis is back for 2013 with his postgame decal awards! Sap would do a backflip if coach Hoke decided to reinstate this tradition that Bo brought to the team in 1969.  Until that day comes, Sap will bring you his game Champions who will be decorated, albeit virtually, with his stickers: OFFENSE FITZ TOUSSAINT – It was good to see #28 dancing in the endzone instead of showing off his dance moves in the locker room. Two touchdowns had to feel sweet after all that rehab work. Fitz has gotta be the Fitz of old to keep this offense strong & balanced against stronger competition in November. DEFENSE CAMERON GORDON – Two sacks and one pass break-up is a great start for #4 while Jake Ryan is out. I’m gonna say it right now – Gordon is poised to have a BIG year!  [Ed. Also props and bonus points go to Captain Cam for addressing Bo’s famous 1973 team last week.] SPECIAL TEAMS DYMONTE THOMAS – Can’t tell you how great it was to see a punt block by a Michigan defender, and a freshman no less! It harkened back to the days of David Arnold. Keep bringing the heat! HUSTLER / SPARKPLUG JOE REYNOLDS – The punt block return for a…

  • CMU Game Photos (Michigan 59, Central Michigan 9)

    Game action from Saturday.  Also check out pregame shots here, and sights/sounds here.   A big thanks to photog Kelley Kuehne for the great work today. Leading off—we celebrate Michigan Football:   And now you are blocked..setting up Joe R’s TD T Rawls and Freddy J talking about the 5 points of pressure on the pigskin     Honey Funchess of Oats dropping the stiff arm as a Chip tries to strip the ball   Spider-Chip, Spider-Chip, does whatever a Spider-Chip does.   Do they make tearaway bicep bands?   Fourth and Short…and you get NOTHING!  GOOD DAY SIR!     Capt. Gordon with the block – love this one More after the jump including Derrick Green, a greasy pigskin, Fitz and more:

  • Sights, Sounds (CMU Photos)

    More shots from the Central Michigan game – here’s a few capturing of the goings on off the field: Nicely done, that’s a ‘10’   Unauthorized little baby on the field?  Naw, that’s a Mattison Don’t remember the Regents approving the purchase of the official pregame stadium trikes?    Walking in, many of the players had this Coat of Arms-looking pin on their blazers – anyone know the deal? More after the jump including Beilein, Jake Ryan’s locks, QWASH clowning and more..

  • Getting Started (CMU Early Pregame Photos)

    Just a few from pregame. For starters, always great to see the old alums back in town…if nothing else to show the kids how they did it back in the day… Dang, Treezy!! New mural inside the Big House, outside the photo and opponent press conference rooms: DJ Hollywood warming up the students.   Junior Doug Trusell was first in line, around 6:30AM EDT. The students also entertained themselves with a few Yost-style games.  This was awesome: Lewan in the Navy Seals chains: Two guys that won’t “score” tonight.  Well maybe–those are pretty good: Not the best shot of Harmon… This one is better.   A sneak look at the special Notre Dame program for next week.  Order it here.  Gold embossed pic of Old 98, tried to demonstrate: Fresh..eat M&Ms with these and blow minds:   DG in the #134 gear: More later.. Follow MVictors on Twitter Related: TWIMFbH: A Ticket to Michigan Football’s Valhalla (Washington 2002) Provisioning for Michigan Stadium – 2013 Style Family Business – Behind the Scenes of the 1973 Team Reunion Phil Brabbs & the Righteous Ratty Shoe

  • TWIMFbH: A Ticket to Michigan Football’s Valhalla (Washington 2002)

    Welcome to the first edition of the 4th season(!) of This Week in Michigan Football History. This time we step back to exactly 11 years this Saturday to the seesaw battle against the sweatervested Rick Neuheisel and his Washington Huskies in the 2002 season opener.   The wild events of the final couple minutes caused many a Michigan man to lose his hair, especially those enduring the brutal heat that day.  But in the end, coach Carr chose wisely and and the name Phil Brabbs is forever etched in Wolverine lore. Clip: [display_podcast] If you missed it, I chatted with Brabbs this week about the kick, kicking cancer’s ass and more. And P.S. I know old Ufe’ used to say “..to the coast of lake Huron,” but my boys Sap and Kryk we’re listening in Canada, ok?  So Lake Erie it is. Remember–You can catch all of the This Week in Michigan Football History clips here.   Listen to it live tomorrow on the KeyBank Countdown to kick-off on WTKA 1050AM or catch it live inside the Bud Light Victors Lounge.   Follow MVictors on Twitter script: To kickoff another year of This Week in Michigan football History we take a short, but glorious trip back to August 31, 2002 as Rick Neuheisel’s 11th ranked Washington Huskies marched into Ann Arbor to…

  • Provisioning for Michigan Stadium – 2013 Style

    My annual post outlining your checklist before entering Michigan Stadium on Saturday.  One addition right up front this season.  Thanks to my friends at MaraWatch I will be rocking this gorgeous beauty this season:  That’s a not a mere watch, people–that’s what you call a timepiece!  Details here. Here’s what else to bring: 1. Radio. Forget the latest incarnation of the radio that sticks on your ear, they are unreliable.  Bring in a radio you trust to listen to the play-by-play from Brandy and Beckmann on WTKA 1050AM. You’ll get injury reports, sideline observations, statistics and analysis of key plays that are under review (although Brandstatter always seems to think the replay will goes Michigan’s way).   You can also check out the entire pregame show and This Week in Michigan Football History as it plays.  Probably most critical: with the radio in your ears you can block out the blabber from the idiot nearby who won’t shut his Twizzler hole, as he gives his personal play-by-play and screams down to the coaching staff from row 87.  2. M Lid. While not an absolute requirement, it certainly helps to keep that sun from beating down on you.  For those in the North end zone or east side of the field it’s critical.  Especially if you are rocking my haircut. 3. Camera.…