Last week I talked about finding the “bottom”, that is, the end of the spiral of crappy things happening to this football team. I don’t know if we’re there, but out there before the game Saturday you felt a weight was lifted and the mood was actually a bit festive.
-
-
Reintroducing Dan Dierdorf, Michigan Man | Interview
You probably know that this season longtime U-M color analyst Jim Brandstatter shifts over one chair, replacing Frank Beckmann as the play-by-play man. Next to him will be Brandy’s former teammate and pal, longtime NFL broadcaster & Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf. Before the season I got to chat with these guys for a piece for the game program--so look for that each Saturday.
-
Big House English Football
Dave Brandon (center) and the folks responsible for the match at midfield today It’s official – Man U and Real Madrid will play August 2, 2014 at 4pm. Sounds like the delay in getting this announced was dealing with the pitch: how to get natural grass and how to get a field of adequate dimensions for a game. More details: Beer? Yes. Liquor license request is in the State Legislature but you can book it: Guinness will pour at the Big House on August 2. Field? They will bring in large chunks of natural grass 48 hours before the game and go through a process to weave a pitch. No platform. Team Benches? Likely somewhere in the stands (see below). Walls? Width of the field will bump right up to the perimeter so they’ll be padded. God forbid Giggsy cracks his melon open on the bricks. Tickets? For Michigan donors and season ticket holders, Monday April 7. Price Range: $45 – $189. Details. Other games? Unlike the hockey events at the Big House, unfortunately they won’t have any other matches on the pitch before or after the event. How will it look? Crude mock-up and yes, liberties taken with the field logo: Will you be there? Follow MVictors on Twitter
-
Final Four Photos
A few shots from Atlanta, first a few from the open practice session Friday afternoon: Dilithium throwdown Thunder Cologne by Mitch “Still got it…Never lost it” Misc: More to come! Go Blue Follow MVictors on Twitter
-
Brandon Laughs off “Pirated” Throwback Model (Audio)
[ed. A few updates including audio] AD DB joined Ira and Sam on WTKA this morning primarily to talk about the news that U-M adding varsity lacrosse. He discussed the process involved in getting to yesterday’s announcement; an interesting view into modern college athletics. Of course the WTKA boys didn’t let Dave Brandon leave without getting some other insight. Brandon reiterated his desire to add seating and a concourse in Michigan stadium—specifically in the South end zone—when the time was right and in particular, when there is clear demand to fill those seats. (It would take the stadium capacity up to around 119,000 he says). And can you spot the throwback uniform most likely to be on Denard’s back for the Notre Dame game this fall (1980s boy band vs. unofficially leaked model)? Say Word? Brandon chuckled at the suggestion that the “model” unveiled by the Freep last week was an actual real thing. Clip: [display_podcast] Brandon quotes, on whether it is an accurate representation of what Michigan will be wearing these when they face Notre Dame. “No. [laughs] That was some kind of a pirated picture. I don’t know where that came from but that’s not what the players will be wearing.” And along with Ohio State now being Ohio, Brian Kelly is officially now “the Notre Dame coach”:…
-
Dave Brandon joins WTKA and WDFN (audio 1-14)
AD Dave Brandon joined Sam and Ira this morning on WTKA. You can hear this and all the WTKA podcasts here. [Update, Brandon later joined 1130AM WDFN – second clip added:] [display_podcast] Funny, Brandon mentions in the second clip (WDFN interview) that he was impressed on how Hoke handled his appearance on Letterman:
-
The January Effect
I’ve maintained all along that the money involved in Rodriguez’s contract isn’t driving Michigan’s timeline for a decision. I think it was Mike Rosenberg who first pointed out that if Brandon decided to terminate RR and waits until January 1 to formally make that change, Michigan owes Rodriguez $1.5 fewer bucks. Article 3.01(b) defines the contract years: Article 4.01(a) defines the amount U-M must pay Rodriguez if he’s terminated without cause and note the drop in contract year four starting January 1, 2011. However, these terms require Michigan to provide 30 days written notice of the termination: Practically speaking if Brandon fires Rodriguez next week, Rich Rod is not going to hang around for 30 days. But it appears as though the contractual time table on the termination will stretch into January, providing another reason why the $1.5 million “savings” question doesn’t hold water. All this said and even without this 30 day notice clause, these matters are negotiated. Michigan could argue the NCAA violations provide an out “with cause”. If the NCAA finds wrong-doing by Rodriguez at WVU Michigan, per the contract, could again argue termination with cause. Above and beyond all this, there are other legal matters and requests by Michigan that will certainly be in play. Finally, Brandon’s not going to let $1.5 million drive the decision…
-
Dave Brandon joins WTKA (12-01 audio)
Great get by Ira Weintraub and Sam Webb on WTKA 1050am. Here’s their interview with AD David Brandon from this morning, helping promote the Adopt-A-Family program: [display_podcast] _ All of the WTKA podcasts are found here. While he spoke about the AAF program primarily, they did ask Brandon about the timeline for the coaching decision (about 6 minutes in). Update: Brandon’s response transcribed by BKFinest of mgoblog: "I have to look at the big picture thats what I do and approach things and the big picture is most important. Everything you do impacts recruiting…there’s all this firestorm about speculation and all that. What i try to be is infinitely consistent, we have our banquet tomorrow night, we have a bowl game to play, 15 practices to prepare for an undoubtedly a really fine opponent..the players and coaches have earned that right, get that experience behind them hopefully in a positive way. So all the firestorm that’s trying to move timetable is not going to work."
