• Man Cave Alert

    A repost, the seller informs me he still has some in stock. A must have for any man cave, Michigan shrine, office, garage and/or living room (if you aren’t married).   It’s a bunch of pre-locker room renovation lockers removed from Schembechler Hall.  Check it out:   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 – costs about $250 to ship or 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 got a few left to sell. How much?  The seller told me asking around $800 and willing to talk if you want more than one.   They’ll even deliver in the Detroit area. Interested to buying one of these to round out your shrine or for a gift?  Here are a couple higher resolution photos: For more info or to buy one if they’re still available, send…

  • A Nice Day for Football (Photos)

    A few shots from practice today: Troy Woolfolk looking fit working with the DBs   The boss was keeping a close eye on the kickers Open punting try-outs (not really)   Denard grabbing the snap   Denard hitting TE Steve Watson Related: Heading to the Third World Media/Fan Day – Photos   Follow MVictors on Twitter

  • The Sharps Don’t think Michigan is so Keen

    In last week’s WSJ, Darren ‘My Main Man’ Everson reported that the Vegas wise guys have pounced on the early release lines on two college football teams—Georgia, who they feel is underrated in the early lines—and your Wolverines for a different reason: Conversely, Michigan looks overrated to the experts, who are skeptical of teams that have a new coach. Of the five Michigan games on the list of available matchups, four have moved by at least three points because of action against the Wolverines—most notably the Notre Dame game. Once a two-point favorite, Michigan is now a four-point underdog. I just thought it was interesting, not a big deal.  And there are many reasons not to give a crap about this (and FWIW, the underdog in the U-M-Notre Dame game has a ridiculously good record in the past couple decades).  The bettors are reacting to the initial lines set by the book, so they are not necessarily saying Michigan is going to suck.   Even if they did, as we sit here before U-M has even had a fall practice, I’m guessing most fans wouldn’t care.  Check out the whole story here.

  • Do you have Anything in Light Bright Maize?

    Mgo-reader J.P. sent over this question into mgoblog.  Brian forwarded it my way for some level 2 support: Is it just me or is the ‘maize’ portion of Michigan’s uniforms–in all sports except Hockey–getting lighter?  I see old games on BTN and remember from watching Michigan for the past 30 years that the maize used to be a deep, rich, gold/yellow.  Over the past 10 years, the maize has gotten lighter and lighter to the point where it looks pastel now.  This drives me nuts.  I can’t stand the winged helmet that’s highlighter yellow instead of the richer maize.  The pants look canary in color!  This seemed to have started at the end of the Nike era and carried over to the Adidas unis.  I’ve attached some pics. So, is it just me and the color remained the same?  Is my eyesight getting worse?  Is it the setting on my tv’s over the years? After a quick read I escalated this to a Severity One ticket and dispatched Michigan uniform guru Steve Sapardanis to resolve this. Take it away, Mr. Dr. Sapardanis: Disclaimer Let’s get this out of the way first:  never, ever, ever go by the color you see of pics online, in mags/programs or even in photos – see these Harbaugh photos as reference: These two pics are…

  • Denny Fitzgerald and Winged Leather

    I recently received this note from a reader (and Buckeye) Larry: I am a huge Buckeye fan.  But I love the history of college football.  I love the history of teams uniforms and helmets too.  I know that Notre Dame was one of the last teams to use leather helmets.  The Irish wore “plastic” for a little bit in the early or mid 40’s but went back to leather until the late 50’s. Ohio State last wore leather helmets 1946 with a guy or so a little longer. I note that Michigan had several players wear leather in the 50’s.  But I saw one player, Denny Fitzgerald #18, wear a leather helmet and no facemask in 1960.  That may be one of the latest I have seen a player wear leather and then to have no facemask.  Maybe there was somebody else but I do not know who.  I know Bobby Layne wore no facemask for the Steelers in the early 60’s. I enjoy your site for the historical things. I wonder if you could find out why Fitzgerald wore leather that late and no facemask. Larry attached a few photos of Fitzgerald donning the winged leather helmet with no facemask.  I love this one: This is a man’s man and this is a tough man’s game. Fitzgerald’s athletic resume’…

  • Dirty Harry (WTKA audio)

    When I hopped in the car Friday morning I was happy to hear the discussion on the WTKA 1050AM morning show focused on the 1930s and in particular, former M coach Harry Kipke.   Ira took a few calls including a notable one from listener Don who broke down the whole discussion of “worst” three year stretch ever, and the fall of the Kipke era.   Here’s Don’s call: [display_podcast] Well done, Don. As far as Don’s online Michigan historian, I’m pretty sure that’s me and he’s correct that you can find a lot more on that era on these pages. Regarding the worst stretch ever, I started that discussion three seasons ago when local writers started calling RichRod’s first the worst of all time.  And despite what folks say (including our athletic department), by almost any measure the 3 year stretches from 1934-1936 and from 1935-1937 are worse, and Don adds some great points about our dismal performance against our rivals. It’s not so much that I care if you make a statement about the worst or best or whatever.  But out of respect for those who care about the history and traditions of this university, at least mix in a “one of the” or “among the” before you drop in the word “worst” or “best”, assuming you are not willing to…