Cover of ‘Ohio Sports Forum’ magazine, December 1976 (on eBay now) Go Blue today in Columbus. (P.S. Nope, Woody couldn’t stop Bo in ‘76 or ever again).
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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…
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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.
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Schembechler Hall Lockers – Still Available
A must have for any man cave, Michigan shrine, office, garage and/or living room (if you aren’t married). Details: Full size locker, with combination. We have proof of authenticity, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the ultimate Michigan Football memorabilia collector. It could be a very long time before they change lockers again. Locker numbers still on them. Dimensions: 36? wide x 24? deep x 74-3/4? tall Weight: About 200 lbs – free pick-up in Detroit It seems a local demolition company cleaned out the locker room and was granted rights to take away the lockers. Get this—they actually crushed one of them before someone came to their senses. The company is based in Detroit and they’ve still got some to sell. Interested to buying one of these to round out your shrine or for a gift? The seller was asking $800 earlier this year but shoot me an email, he might do better: One recent buyer sent over this pic. He got the #7 locker and went with the Drew Henson theme. Looks great, although I think a few Ricky Leach and Chad Henne fans are scratching their heads:
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Tea Leaves into Divisional alignment (Dave Brandon audio 08-20)
WTKA broadcast live from Schembechler Hall this morning and Sam and Ira did a solid segment with AD Dave Brandon. Topics ranged of course, but Brandon also addressed some tough questions about divisional realignment, particularly where Ohio and Michigan might fall. You can hear these and all the WKTA podcasts here, or click below, in two parts. He gets into the division realignment questions in the second part: [display_podcast] Notes: A few key quotes on divisional realignment. When asked if he were making the decision, would he put Michigan and Ohio State in the same conference division? Brandon paused then answered. "No." Sam asked, "Why?" Brandon: "Because we’re in a situation where one of the best things that could happen, in my opinion in a given season, would be the opportunity to play Ohio State twice. Once in the regular season and once for the championship of the Big Ten. Sam asked about whether they would hold the tradition to keep that the last game of the season. Brandon: "I think there’s a distinct possibility that that game will be a later game in the season, but not necessarily the last game of the season. And that’s simply because…I don’t think the coaches, or the players, or the fans, or the networks or anyone, would appreciate that match-up to…
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Swing to Cure Diabetes Event (Recap, Photos)
Hewlett welcoming everyone to the event An excellent event put on by former Michigan QB Rich Hewlett as today he held his 2nd ‘Swing to Cure Diabetes’ event benefitting the U-M Comprehensive Diabetes Center and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Coach Lloyd Carr and Cathy Schembechler were the honorary co-chairs once again. Joining Carr and Schembechler amongst the golfing groups were coach Jerry Hanlon, broadcaster Jim Brandstatter, former NFL coordinator Sherman Lewis, and several of Hewlett’s former U-M teammates. A couple years ago Mrs. Schembechler donated a football that sat in Bo’s TV room signed by Bo and Don Canham for the silent auction. This year she brought something quite unique – a handwritten set of talking points (on a manila file folder) that Bo would use during public speaking events. It sold for nearly $1,000 and I was able to get a shot of it from the winner, here’s just a clip: Coach Carr made it around the course to meet and take pics with most of the golfing groups but not mine :( . A couple more photos from the day: Coach Hanlon donning his “We Stayed” lid Brandy with Cathy Schembechler before we teed off My favorite hole on the course
