The media met with Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison at midday today. My favorite portion was near the end, when someone cool asked him about why he wears his ‘M’ championship ring, then he talked about the Big Ten championship game & finally Angelique asked him about Denard. Clip: [display_podcast] _ * Photos from yesterday’s practice. And speaking of photos, one guy that Mattison likes (but admits he’s got a ways to go) is Cam Gordon. From yesterday’s practice:
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Hoke, Denard at Crisler
More later on Hoke and his comments, but thought I’d share a couple quick photos. Here’s Hoke emerging from the Crisler tunnel, his first public appearance before the Michigan crowd. After people figured out who he was he got a very nice reception. Hoke did not speak at the game and sat courtside with Dave Brandon and his wife and daughter. This man was also there and the camera panned on him during the break – the crowd went nuts. When he heard the crowd roar and saw his face on the big screen, I saw him mouth, “Aww mann,” and break out that huge smile. Here he is finishing off ‘The Victors’ with authority. While fans certainly wanted these two ships to meet and hug, it didn’t happen. Hoke did chat with Governor Snyder for what it’s worth. I was kind of hoping Hoke and Coach Tweet (Barcari Alexander) would get to get together a shout at each other about how much they love Michigan.
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Michigan State (Pregame – Photos)
I’ll post a few here, my favorite first: The legend Mark Messner no doubt recalling his epic battles with Tony Mandarich, here with his two sons before the game: 1964 team captain Jim Conley says ‘Hail!’ Off topic, it was an incredible day there for tailgating. Here two wild and crazy guys lost their football in the 18th hole pond and took an unprecedented means to retrieve it: The Screaming Eagle dropped in pregame:
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Bowling Green Postgame: Still Feeling Alright
The favorites off my camera from the post game: Gardner feelin’ alright: Thumbs up from Shaw, who’s doesn’t dole out the thumbs up for anyone in my experience: Tate and Denard reflecting briefly on the big day: "How much of this stuff do he think we can stand? So much rhythm, grace and debonair from one man?" (What, no ascot???): Denard chilling as the clock winded down: QB Force got a huge cheer from the crowd when he came in. I asked him about after the game; he definitely heard it and appreciated it: Not too bad? Elsewhere: Nice shots from Brad at Maize and Blue Nation. Lon from AnnArbor.com got the shot of Denard leaping to check Gardner after the game. Dell’s shots from UMGoBlue
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Denard’s Golden Pants
A pretty good shot of the game-winning touchdown Saturday from mgoblue.com. They also have a few thoughts from Denard on the play along with commentary from the photographer Eric Bronson: But upon closer inspection….damn our new athletic director is pretty slick. BRANDON!!! <shakes fist toward direction of State Street>: P.S. Speaking of shots of Denard, if you were hoping he’d grace the cover of Sports Illustrated this week, or perhaps a corner like Tate Forcier did last year after Notre Dame, no go. But there will be a Michigan Man on the cover.
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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…
