On the excellent WTKA 1050AM Countdown to Kickoff, host Steve Clarke remarked on the gameday weather. He noted that Saturday U-M fans would experience two seasons: a bit of crisp fall air in the morning, before getting hit with a blazing summer climate in the afternoon.
Looking at our schedule, we knew we were going to experience at least a couple of different seasons: this early light stretch where outcomes were assumed, then into the B1G play and more big tests down the road. Giddy up. The B1G title defense starts next week for Homecoming against the Terps.
Onto the Sights & Sounds, a veritable Triple Crown with a bit of everything: celebs, fanfare/tradition, and a huge win:
Mig House
There was quite a buzz when Tiger legend Miguel Cabrera strolled out of the tunnel rocking maize Jordans.
He stuck around a bit to take a few photos including here as he got dwarfed by Big Dick, U-M hoops center Hunter Dickinson:
Pre- and Postgame with WTKA
I noted the new WTKA Victors lounge last week. And this week the show took its outstanding postgame show to my neck of the woods, namely the wonderful restaurant Oscar’s Bar & Grill in Saline. It’s just a few miles south of the stadium off State Road (before you hit Michigan Avenue). I even shared a few live Sights & Sounds on air during the postgame show.
They’ll be there next Saturday again around 4:30 – would love to see you.
Two-Fifths Fab
Jalen Rose stayed chill in his sweatshirt, hanging with his man Juwan ‘Big Nook’ Howard before the game:
AC’s 62nd
This week in Michigan Football History noted the great Anthony Carter’s 62nd birthday on Saturday and told the wild tale of his recruitment. Naturally, we concluded with a little Bob Ufer and Wanger-to-Carter, this was a fun one:
AC to AJ
Earlier during the 1979 season (before Wangler-to-Carter), AC took a punt back for a TD. It happened again against UConn.
Here’s a unique view from the pressbox of AJ Henning’s return that he took to the house. Volume up if you want to hear three distinct waves of stadium reaction based on the trials and tribs of his journey to the north endzone:
Five times in the endzone – but there are others and more.
You know that Blake Corum tallied five TDs in this one. The official #1000SSS postgame notes wrote: “Only Corum, Ron Johnson (1968, Wisconsin) and Hassan Haskins (2021, Ohio State) have scored five times in one game in Michigan history.”
Well, there are certainly others so perhaps add the word “modern” before history. (And in fairness, the official game notes mention “modern” history in the previous bullet on Corum’s achievement). But notes like this get people running with it, like this from WXYT’s Brad Galli:
Famously Michigan’s Neil Snow also scored five rushing TDs in the first Rose Bowl (1902).
This very conspicuous feat landed Snow in both the college football and Rose Bowl Halls of Fame. (Snow is also in my personal hall of fame for being part of arguably the first verifiable instance of the use of Name, Image, and Likeness with a Detroit brewery).
And five is not the Michigan record. I believe this distinction belongs to Yost-era back Albert E. Herrnstein who tallied seven (7) TDs against Michigan Agricultural College (later MSU ofc.) in 1902.
Go ahead, Albert.
Dropping In
This hasn’t gotten old on me yet. As part of Military Appreciation Day fans were treated to the SOCOM jumpers. It’s still quite a spectacle to see people dropping out of the sky:
Veteran(s) of the Game
If you have the means, hit the Champions lot on the east side of the stadium for a chance to hear their story, and even meet these amazing folks. Here’s a shot of the presentation they do pregame and it’s very well delivered by my pal Kenny Magee:
Game Recognizes Game
The incoming 15th president of the University of Michigan was on-prem and thankfully the GO BLUE banner reappeared this week. He officially starts next month, and here’s proof that Dr. Ono gets it:
Speaking of the banner, a few of my thoughts on the decision to not take out the banner after last week’s weather delay are here, for your files. And speaking of our incoming 15th president, a wardrobe suggestion for his next visit (cc: Michigan equipment)
Black Dog
Historically speaking we’ve had many different beasts take the Michigan Stadium gridiron. Saturday saw this good boy completely dialed in, snagging frisbees toss out of the north endzone:
Some of you probably remember Whiskey & Brandy. During games in the 60s & 70s, these cute little guys used to chase a ball around on the field (BHL photo):
The Uni Timeline.
The only noticeable change to the uniform was the helmet sticker for program win #978. Peruse the full timeline here.
Four Digits?
Speaking of all-time win totals, doing the math it’s not inconceivable that we could play for #1000 against Ohio State in 2023.
Mood
HOLD! No change. Fans need to see a better opponent
Submitted without context
