Michigan basketball gets creamed by Minnesota

Going in the prediction was Michigan -4.  I tuned-in to see why it was so little since the first one was not close.  I remembered it well--Minnesota has the gunner guard and 7-ft center who barely showed-up.

That one started with Liam Robbins smacking Michigan center Hunter Dickinson in the jaw while shooting at close range; Dickinson hit the deck.  The rest of the night was a runaway in Michigan's favor.

It is OK that Dickinson didn't have his best game.  You can't expect that every time from a freshman.  But the rest of the team didn't do much either.

On Jim Harbaugh

Why fire Don Brown if you are not staying?  

For those of us who will always follow Michigan football, there was a season this year.  Michigan was hardly involved.  I don't even know why their season ended after five or six games.

Despite the terrible, unmotivated team, the recruiting class held mostly together.  There are some large holes, e.g., defensive line, however.

The whole thing is about as stupid and lame duck as a president who doesn't give a shit about anyone else but himself.  The transition from John Beilein to Juwan Howard worked out fine.  If you don't want to stay, go.  The confirmed, real news (Detroit Free Press and Detroit News) is that another huge, multi-year and many millions contract is on the table.

NFL owners are bigger retards than college football fans.  Who knows if one will offer him.

So John U. Bacon says it is 80/20 Harbaugh will stay at Michigan.  I say it is 99/1.  Given his ego he may believe he could be successful again in the NFL.  That same narcissism, like Trump, will not allow him to accept defeat.  

He will not leave Michigan with a losing record (this season; 2020).  He knows that his legacy will be ruined and he would not be welcomed back.

At first I thought, if the NFL, there would be no better option than the Lions.  That would be impossible with Detroit fifty miles from Ann Arbor.

The clock, or the calendar, is ticking...  Every day he waits it looks worse.  If you are enthusiastic about it and are all in, do it.

Over the last five years under Harbaugh there have been some glimmers of hope, but generally the team has gone downhill since the first year with Jake Ruddock.  As the existing player talent departed, it got worse.  Coaching turnover has been high.  Can Harbaugh turn it around?

I doubt it.  That appears to be what is in store.

Right now the defense looks very thin for 2021.  Come to think of it, so does the offense.  There just are not a lot of stars.

Christmas (MBB and Harbaugh too)

UNFINISHED

Sports is way less important, as has been proven by the pandemic.  Less important than what?  The answer is just about anything.

Watching a basketball game for two hours, for instance, is not much different than viewing a movie, except that it is live.  Being a fan has few benefits.  Adulation of the players lost its glow long ago.

Merry Christmas,

Later today Michigan will play Nebraska in basketball.  They will travel to Lincoln.  Everyone else should stay where they are at but the players, the head coach, and everyone else who is nothing more than a hanger-on will participate also.

The game will give me more time to spew about Michigan football.  Firing Don Brown was predictable because blame-the-assistants has happened before.  Harbaugh runs a clean program and he is a .500 college football coach.

***

Bert Bielema to Illinois.  God what a business.  We'll have to wait three or four years to prove it was a failure.

Therein lies the problem with Jim Harbaugh  There is no one better.  

As for Don Brown, the problem was talent, in terms of recruiting, development, and attrition.  The latter two are less so--it is recruiting and talent that led to his downfall.  You have to go out and get the guys and a few dark horses from New England are not going to cut it.  It is like the corporate executive who wants to sit at his or her desk and direct things; sooner or later you have to get out and sell.  No one is that smart.

Specifically, there is a wide receiver recruit, via juco, starting at safety.  The two cornerbacks are not high-level Division 1 talents.  A walk-on is starting at middle linebacker and the two others--this was supposed to be a strength for the team--are not playmakers either.  

Carlo Kemp, a linebacker recruit from the 2016 recruit should not be starting or needed.  Paye was capable, as was/is Hutchinson, and after that there is nothing.

Harbaugh will always be a run-up-the-score guy.  Starters play the whole game.  There has never been any depth under Harbaugh.

Dylan McCaffrey Too

First I will write about something more positive but still out of the Top 25.  That is Michigan basketball.

Coach Howard is or was still trying to find the lineup and a clear part of it is Hunter Dickenson.  We learned from the UCF game that Johnny Dawkins and son have a Michigan connection and "scrappy" is a euphemism for not very good.  When Dickenson stayed in the game for a while Michigan slowly fought back by scoring every time he touched the ball combined with a few stops and bad shots.  

The supporting cast is just that with Isaiah Livers the most complete offensive and defensive weapon.  He is maybe the only money option when open.  

Brown, while capable, is not his equal (see post below) is capable but sometimes over-energetic; now I know why he transferred--I have seldom seen a player try so hard.  Mike Smith is a peg who is capable of disappearing or taking himself out of the game, something Zavier Simpson never did.  Wagner is so dangerous in his overall game it is hard to take him out, but senseless charges and stupid passes are limiting his time.  Terrance Williams--the second team along with Dickenson--is usually on the floor when good things happen and that is beginning to look like no accident.

Who else...  Eli Brooks:  turnovers.  It is a matter of time until Dickenson starts over Davis; Davis is better off the bench anyway.  Zeb Jackson looks athletic but out of control--potential who will benefit from experience.  Brandon Johns continues to show promise because of his size and game.  He is perhaps the second-best option at the 5 position.

The team does not look Top 10 at this point.  They may be Top 20 as they become more experienced together.  

Within the line-up, close to half are new faces, half freshmen and two transfers.  Howard rebuilt.  Harbaugh has not.

Penn State

 It was a shit show like no other.  The announcers weren't even there.

Who the hell is Adam Shibley?  

 

Help on the Way?

 

This is something I have never seen before.  I went to Grosse Pointe South.  For those who don't know, that is the high school for Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, and the City of Grosse Pointe.  

If you could characterize it, it is generally considered a spoiled rich kids place.  Usually their varsity sports teams are average or below, particularly for a large, public high school.  Occasionally they have some good teams but they never make it further than qualifying for real titles.  Same with, at times there are players who earn scholarships--Michigan has had players from Grosse Pointe on the roster--but they don't make it past that, just a roster spot.

Young Will Johnson is setting a precedent.  For those who don't follow, don't get too excited about the 100% Michigan prediction.  Johnson is in the next, next class.  But at least it isn't one of those 100% green forecasts.  The Alabamas and Clemsons are sure to swoop in.  Michigan has held them off before.

Despite the woeful on-field performances, Harbaugh and staff have held the 2021 recruiting class together.  It is the inverse team sucks national recruiting jump effect.  Kids want to play.

MBB

At least, unlike football, there is significant video.

On paper Michigan has two good, experienced players.  No, Austin Davis the starter, is not one of them.  They are Livers and Wagner.  Eli Brooks isn't quite up to that level and then there is Brandon Johns.

I like the point guard from Columbia--he is quick with good awareness and passing skills; maybe some driving scoring but not an outstanding shooter.  Hunter Dickenson is a big (!) recruit with a very high (!!) ceiling.  Seven footers just don't come around often and he too appears to have good court awareness and maturity for his age.  He is very much like Jon Teske--not a jumper, but a big kid who has always played center and expects to play and fight around the basket. 

Zeb does not look so mature on the court; no, that is Terrance Williams (#5).  Zeb is #3 and looks to have an unusual left-handed shot.  Chaundee Brown, from Wake Forest, received praise as a shooter and all-around player after the game.  I just have to wonder, why would he transfer?

I did not see Adrien Nunez and that is a good thing.

First game but...  Defense does not appear to be this Michigan team's forte.

I think that Michigan may be a better team than they were last year.  Dickenson (his first game) is already close to Teske's equal and may have more potential in that he makes his close-in shots.  Smith (PG) is likely an improvement over Zavier Simpson.  (Simpson and Teske were all-time winners at Michigan.)  Livers played almost the whole game and probably leads the team in "usage."  Wagner is capable--steals, blocks, rebounds, points.  Brown may turn out to be every bit as capable and as involved as Livers.  Brooks is a dependable ballhandler, scorer, and defender.

Johns looks a little heavy and slow, but we know he is a capable banger, rebounder, and at times scorer.  Austin Davis is a bench player who will hopefully be phased out.

Terrance Williams looks like an energetic, tough small forward which is something Michigan has lacked.  He is a little out of sync, but he looks like that versatile contributor.

Yes, Mike Smith the point guard is all-around--shooter, dribbler, driver, and passer.  Without him there is a hole.

You can tell by the box score--the minutes--who the coaches feel are are the most important players.  More to the point, you can tell which newcomers fit in right away.  Smith, Dickenson, Brown, Williams, and Jackson, in order, made impressive debuts.

EDIT:  After paying attention to the video, the pounds on Brandon Johns are probably no accident.  The announcers said he can play the 4 or the 5.  That is smart and he looks capable in that role.  It is no secret Davis has to be a last resort for a really good team.

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, this is mostly a placeholder because I am anxious to take a look at the basketball team.  Last week Michigan won against Rutgers.  Saturday they play Penn State.

Michigan football looked a little better because they moved the ball and scored some points.  Throwing the ball 15 yards to a streaking receiver requires standing in the pocket, surveying the field, making good decisions, and throwing with authority and accuracy.  Michigan found someone who can do that in Cade McNamara.  That doesn't mean that they are a great offense, and it may not work as well against top defenses.  And, McNamara does not appear to be much of a running threat.

At this moment the Joe Milton experiment is a sad one.  Let's hope he can rebound.  He just takes too many plays off; one in five is not good enough.  

Rutgers is not a football power but they look improved and decent.  In this game they were pretty much the equal of Michigan.  They have some transfer players and there is talent in their area.

It was a several touchdown comeback for Michigan.  You could see the excitement and the confidence return when they took the lead.

The reason it was neck and neck and score and answer is the Michigan defense could not stop them.  The line lacks speed and quickness and the secondary cannot hold up.  Rutgers had a big day passing.  

Michigan has played a lot of old but new faces on the D-line.  There was a Mazi Smith sighting. 

It is hard to figure how and why Penn State is so bad.  Some recent browsing uncovered unanimous predictions of a relatively easy Michigan win.  We know that Michigan is not very good.  We will get a closer look Saturday.

Losers, Part 2

Was able to get to AA on Friday and ran into a few people close to the team.  Wanted to share what I was told, one of these guys played with coach in the mid 80's, and the other is the husband of one of the regents.  First and foremost, they both said unless coach takes another job he will not get fired, but that coaching changes were most likely coming to the staff.  They also said without hesitation that coach was close to a contract extension last winter, but the situation took a back seat to covid.  

On Dmac - He was neck and neck with JM and doing very well.  DM pulled himself out of practice and told the coaches he felt sick, although he didn't look sick, and was having a great week of practice.  Apparently this ticked off coach and showed "a sign of weakness".  Seemingly coach then tried to motivate DM to get after it and continue to practice and workout with his team.  When DM told his parents about the way coach was handling him feeling sick they got extremely upset.  As a family they decided to sleep on it for that weekend, the following Monday Mr. and Mrs. Mcc let the coaches know that DM was going to finish his scholastic year and transfer.  It sounds like DM might go play for his father next season, while also looking at Nebraska, and West Coast schools.  

The only thing I will add to this story is that 100% DM was QB1 at the practice I was able to watch last winter.  I was puzzled when all the smoke started to come out about JM, and how he won the job.  I do not believe this was the case any longer. 

The program seems fractured.  In another story, JH has lost almost all the support from previous players from the Detroit area.  Almost all of them have been very vocal with their peers, high school coaches, and circle that JH is a dictator who plays favorites.  I'm definitely missing some guys on this list but here are a few (LockDownLew, Dawson, Hill sr, Ambry, Bellville coach, DPJ, and others). in fact if you look at their tweets in the past 2 weeks, they have all taken shots at coach.

Need to hold onto our recruits for next year, sign some more, and beat Rutger.

It was a big mystery why Dylan McCaffrey left the team, not the school, and now that Joe Milton is fizzling this appeared from a self-appointed Michigan insider.

This is what is so fascinating and so frustrating at the same time.  It is why, whatever the fanbase, we are hooked.

You know those old jokes and plots in sitcoms where the rumor starts out as a VW bug and ends up as a Rolls-Royce.  Who the hell knows.  It is a logical and precisely-written summary.  

Here is another condensation:  Harbaugh had tremendous success early and he is having a lot of trouble dealing with failure.  There is no question he is a despot and tyrant.  Other people have positions with similar, absolute power and budget control, but they are not likely (unlike Trump) to lose it so quickly, completely, and publicly.  He is like a long sought-after felon who is paraded in front of the cameras.  He has nowhere to hide.

For Harbaugh the fall has been dramatic.  I cannot get the "interview" with jock reporter Charles Woodson.  'Hey, how you 'doin,' I have no idea how the nonsensical banter actually unfolded.  It turned into something about toolboxes and how all the tools are important.  Woodson came off as a ridiculous buddy-buddy reporter.  Harbaugh came off as someone who cannot relate to anyone.  We have seen these awkward interviews before.  Jim Harbaugh can relate, but only if he is in charge.

Why is the Michigan football team so short on leaders?  Because there aren't many people who can lead just like, and under, Jim Harbaugh.

Remember Nixon's fall, or more to the point, Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of him.  It is about a guy sitting there withering away drinking highballs.  Donald Trump is in a similar situation.  Nixon is the one who said "You have to know how to lie."

The exit of McCaffrey remains a complete lie and coverup.  You can't challenge the king, even if his team is lousy right there in primetime for all to see.  That too is a logical conclusion as far as Harbaugh goes.

This business of "they are both competing" is another insulting lie.  Why not tell the pool boy he is next in line to be chief executive?  The old saying goes that if you will lie for me, you will lie to me.  I too could talk about culture, or fractures, or even factions, Harbaugh is the problem in this kind of fear-based environment, not more coaching changes.  DJ Durkin was not that long ago.

I have written about Dylan McCaffrey before.  To me he was one of the best returning players.  His was a bold decision, and like the line from the movie Chinatown "he has to swim in the same water as the rest of us."  He chose to hunker down for the Fall semester and graduate.

B1G the Week of 150K Covid Cases per Day

 

As I read once on a Michigan football forum, at least we get to watch Big Ten football.  No question it is a great way to start or spend the weekend, particularly when things begin at 10 AM here in the Rocky Mountain zone.   Throw in snow and a fireplace and it is even better.

We are watching Penn State and Nebraska, online shopping, and writing about that because I do that.  It is commentary on the state of affairs.  Bloggers include screenshots (see above); that is weird, yesterday they were $54.

Maryland-Ohio State is canceled.  There are other games canceled including in the SEC and people everywhere are realizing the difference between games and real life.  Wisconsin is coming off a Covid-induced week off.

The choices today were Indiana-Michigan State, Illinois at Rutgers, and the aforementioned.  Before I get to the game I am watching, I will check in on Sparty and a very good Indiana.  What the Hell, this is the age of streaming video and there is no need for the box score.  My hunch is Indiana is dominating.

Because Michigan State is not good and Michigan lost to them.

Yep.  24 zip.  Enough of that.

The Penn State game is old fashioned, hardnose, Big Ten football.  NOT!  I mean, it is and that is what is a negative about it.  It looks like a bunch of thugs pounding on each other.  When I tuned it in it was something like 27-6 Nebraska.  Wow!  You must be pathetic to losing like that to Scott Frost and Nebraska.  Now it is 27-16.  Old habits.

We get to watch the games.

Penn State football is a lot like Michigan football.  The revenue is huge, the talent is always top ten or fifteen, and the fans are so devoted they are impervious to how dysfunctional they really are.   James Franklin is similar to Jim Harbaugh too.  They both stand on the sideline with the headset mostly by themselves.

The game began for me with "I don't like that, that's a dirty play."  Shortly thereafter a Nebraska player was called for an aggressive helmet to helmet hit against a runner that is still allowed.  Then everyone got to hear that Scott Frost says Nebraska is close.

The story of the game is that Nebraska, playing at home with cornboard fans came out blood/red-juiced and went out to a big lead.  Penn State, with all their talent and coaching and planning, finally started counterpunching.

Penn State is a lot like Michigan.  I'll get to Michigan as the day in football unfolds.  Michigan's games are in the same media space as Nebraska and Penn State.  The once-great Nittany Lions are 0-3 and it is now 30-16 23.  Talk about a hotseat.  It is a good game and I am pulling for Penn State.

The wind is blowing horizontally from right to left.  It is blustery and snowing in Colorado.  It happens.  It is a good time to put something on the big screen.

23 to 7 they just said to start the 4th quarter.  It is engrossing.  There is always a sidenote or storyline:  McCaffrey.  Another one and maybe the last.  Dad Ed, who is not unknown here in Denver, is a candidate for CTE.  What happened to that Nebraska QB who is the best option recruit since sliced bread?  I get it, people are really friendly and downhome, but why would anyone with other choices go to Lincoln, NE?  The only answer unless you are a short tractor or dually ride away is playing time.

If Kwitty Paye is a top pick in the draft I don't even know what time the Michigan game starts.  Chew on that for a while.  Lots of hurries but no sacks, just like the Michigan team.

As for Penn State at Nebraska, it was the battle of the winless losers.  Up next, Michigan. 

Ooops, this is the wrong one.

Creamed by Indiana (Part 2)

And we're back.  Center holding.  20-yard completion to Bell.  And another.  Don't know what Indiana did with the ball.  Well, they didn't score.  Nice catch by Roman Wilson, 24-14.

Here are, plus the 29 yards Indiana achieved in the second half, the stats.

"Tight coverage.  Incomplete.  But there is a flag.  Defense #4."  That actually is a quote.  And that was a huge, drive-extending penalty.  

Indiana now has 346 yards.  Michigan has 17 yards rushing.

That was nothing short of dominating.  Indiana just marched right down the field on Gray, Brown, and Michigan.  Indiana is a good team.  Michigan is not a good team.

Specifically, Brown's answer to the carnage has been blitzes and zone DB coverage.  They are putting some pressure on Michael Penix.  Brown's changes have failed.  

Let me see, there was an incomplete pass right through a Michigan receiver's hands.  Then Milton missed Bell all alone 30 yards down the field.  It is 31-14.  If the Hoosiers move the ball, I think I am going to take a break for a while.

Daxton Hill is all over.  

Andrew Stueber has been around for a while on the line too.  Zinter was in; he is new.

According to this, Michigan has 23 defensive backs on the roster (mgoblue.com doesn't work with an adblocker).

31-14 Indiana beginning the 4th quarter.  Michigan could win, but the only way is some defensive stops and or turnovers.  That was pretty fast!  31-21.

There is still a little suspense.  Let's take a moment to reflect.  Jim Harbaugh is in charge.  If Don Brown and the defense sucks, where does that leave Harbaugh?

Karsen Barnhart is the fifth offensive lineman.  He is a sophomore.  

I had a feeling Joe Milton would throw an interception in this game.

Indiana Wants Me

Just before the start Joe Biden was roundly projected President.

Then the complex set in motion.  Last week it was Fox and now it is FS1.  CNN has killed it with election coverage.  I didn't even know Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw were still on TV; I am certain I can't remember them doing a Michigan game.

The people are cheering in the streets of Philly and it is a far better story than the Michigan game.

First the news, two freshman starting tackles.  I don't even follow the roster anymore because 3 out of 4 of them never make it off the practice squad.  I would think that Michigan with their unlimited budget and 200-man roster is in a better position than virtually anyone else when it comes to injury or Covid.

Harbaugh on the headset looks engaged.  The rest of the cast is back.  I cannot believe Vincent Gray and Gemon Green are still starting.

Michigan looked atrocious on offense and defense to start the game.  Now it is 7-7 and I can catch up.

Joe was about to get creamed again and he threw a perfect pass to Cornelius Johnson.  Johnson caught it.

Anyway, the strong majority of the national predictions going in favored Michigan to win.  This despite Indiana playing much better this year.

Huge play right at Gray's head.  Michigan's corners suck.  Touchdown Indiana.

Don Brown sucks.  Any idiot knows when they are picking on you and winning you change.

So I'll take a break again.  I always like Brock Huard on the announcing team.  The play by play guy is calm and tolerable.  

Ouch.  There was one right off Roman Wilson's hands.  Then "woefully" late.

Indiana is going to win because they are going to score 50 points.  That will be the storyline.

Who the heck is Jaylen Perry?  I still do follow Michigan recruiting.  I mean, if they had a high 4-star I would know it.

Look at sophomore tackle Mazi Smith pushing the center into the quarterback!  Just kidding.

"There were 6 fouls on the play, all against Don Brown." 

OMG, the very next play!  "Michigan offsides.  The entire defensive line."  Sorry.

They're talking about not getting off the field and that is what Michigan is not doing.  I would throw it right at Vincent Gray's head every time.  Or, figure out a way to get a running back with the ball in front of him because he is not strong either.  I am not a fan of the guy.  If he does make a play (1 out of 20) he will jump up and down for 20 seconds.

Don Brown is no longer protected by the Popemobile.  He is on the field screaming.  Indiana just kicked a 90-yard field goal.

Giles Jackson is turning into Kekoa Crawford 2.0.

Erick All sucks too.  Look, if you don't want to, or can't, play on a big stage, don't go to Michigan.

Please, halftime?  Vastardis and Filiaga have been around for years.  I don't see that the O-line is that green.  It is hard to figure out because there is no depth chart--I suspect each of them has been in the program at least a couple of years.

Nearing the end of the first half, the Michigan defense cannot get off the field.  It is outstanding use of the clock by Indiana.  It is fun to watch.  Maybe there will be a spurt or exciting play by Michigan.  Don Brown sucks.  He has had years to recruit and coach stud players, but he knows better.  Speed and bracket coverage.  Remember, they are not playing against Alabama, Clemson, or Ohio State.

Anthony Solomon is #10 for Michigan.  

96 yard drive for Indiana.

Add Nate Eubanks to the list.  Big yardage sack...  The stats are going to be ugly.

Michigan has a lot of players who miss a tackle or drop a ball and then they jump up energetically to do it all again.  In terms of the outcome of the game, they are just going through the motions.

Baseball and Football

2:21 is left in the 3rd quarter, Michigan State vs. Michigan.  The score is  20-17 MSU.  The television sports media complex is back and it is annoying.

Wait, it gets worse.  If not for Covid distractions it would easily be called the worst defeat for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan, so first, the game.

It was 4th and 6 from the Michigan 24 with about 4:20 left, State up 10.  Michigan had not shown an ability to get it done.  It was pure desperation and with a lot of time left.  Joe Milton pulled-out a running first down.

But the running game led by Milton did not look good.  The Spartans were up to the task with losses or very short gains.  Unlike the more experienced Dylan McCaffrey, Milton, although capable, looks confused in option runs and most of his scrambles, draws, or planned runs failed.

He is riskier than just "raw" as his passing missed a lot of the time too.  There was the one deep ball to Giles Jackson that Michigan wanted a flag on that Milton threw virtually without looking.  I have never seen so many 3-yard passes to backs or receivers about to get creamed.  There were at least a half dozen drops too.  Overall, Milton is not there this year.

Jackson is the one who ran the boneheaded punt return from the endzone.  Why or how (see below) he remained in the game could have been a mystery in a different world.

Don Brown, grabby defensive backs, and a no push defensive line:  we have seen it all before.  Every year the Michigan Wolverines recruit them...

This year Michigan has been holding on to a stellar class.  A few days ago I think they were #7.  Harbaugh has had great classes before.  That provided optimism.

Those who know and follow know that the fire does not burn as hot with Jim Harbaugh.  

I always look to the losing coach to see what he has to say.  I can read it--with Michigan and Harbaugh I already had--but I wanted to see the video albeit muted with subtitles.  Harbaugh looks straight into the camera or someone's eyes and deals with it.

Fairly often football coaches don't last for decades and Harbaugh has.  He is a capable manager of a needlessly large and costly program.  All things considered he is very difficult to replace.

It has been quite a drought for sports.  I really enjoyed watching the baseball playoffs with nothing but the game and two announcers in the booth.  The strategy and the skill are really impressive.

College football isn't the same without the crowds and excitement.  You have to be good and excited yourself to warrant that kind attention.  I don't see it this year with Michigan football.

RE the sports complex, Desmond Howard, Charles Woodson, Kirk Herbstriet, and all the rest are no fun at all.  In the big games, or once in a while, they are tolerable.  Maybe it is that there is enough going on in those situations that you can avoid them.

The Fox telecast was completely off base in calling Michigan a top ten team and Milton an emerging star.  And Kwitty Paye is not one of the best defensive ends in the country.

The Jim Harbaugh-Charles Woodson interview is one of the things I remember.  It was awkward and I felt uncomfortable just watching it.  I don't know who that stuff is designed to impress.

If you have any investment in the team at all the Covid games are an unique opportunity to just watch the game, the players, and the coaches.  Imagine if Michigan had laid a turd like that in front of 110,000.  They were just going through the motions and the fans definitely would have let them hear about i.

Now they are up against a very good Indiana team on the road.  Harbaugh looks foolish on this one too:  you were protesting about wanting to play, some to play.  For Michigan, their backs are to the wall.  Another bricklaying performance at #13 Indiana Saturday and they, led by Harbaugh, are going get shellacked in the national media once again.  For Harbaugh it cannot be pleasant.  He knows it; everyone knows it, but the truth is he is the best man available to deal with it.

If you can take apart the complex (Brian Cook et. al. included) there are smart people and terrible investors at mgoblog.com.  A recent commenter wrote that it all starts with the leader and that is Jim Harbaugh.  It all started when he started giving way on the defense, then the offense, and finally the quarterbacks; somehow, and for some reason, he lost confidence in his way.

Another recent commenter wrote in reference to the Covid games "at least we get to watch them."  That, of course, overrides all.  The Indiana game will be a good one.

Clickbait

 https://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/something-doesn%27t-add-mccaffery

Dylan McCaffrey is the part of the team that I really wanted to see this year.  It was so rare, someone who would play only the most humiliating mop-up duty yet stick around for, gosh what is it, four years?

His brothers, and father, are big stars and he was a top recruit too.  It was for good reason:  he is big, he has a strong arm, and he can fly as a runner.

What would have happened?  These things aren't over until their over, so we may still see.  

As we see and learn over and over, these things are usually like the spouse spouse killed by the unknown intruder.  It is almost always the husband or wife.

In college sports it is almost always about playing time and being the star.  And it makes sense, these kids are all top recruits or players with major potential.  It is hard as hell to fit in and be pushed by a bunch of professional coaches.  At a college--that is another level too--that will not ignore academics the student athlete must progress there too.

Michigan football adds an entirely new obstacle that is close to unmatched for college age athletes.  McCaffrey, even with all his talent, always showed a risky side.  His fearless style made him susceptible to injury.  He sometimes seemed to throw the ball to virtually no one.  And his decision making was a question mark.

If he had failed at Michigan Stadium he would be booed mercifully.  After a loss or few more mistakes he would be raked-over in the press, trashed on places like Mgoblog, etc.  

And these are not just college football fans, they are 100K in the stands, one of the biggest alumni groups nationwide, and every game in primetime or national TV.  They are disgruntled fans because Michigan has not been in the college football playoff ever and they feel entitled.  They are educated, articulate, and vocal.

That was the question with Dylan McCaffrey.  Would he fail?  If he played, if he survived the whole season and they won, he would be a star.

As is usually the case, it seems to have been done with aplomb.  All is cozy and everyone did the right thing.  Of course anyone whoever attended the school knows that it is a hellhole, athletes are pampered, and the whole thing is probably a coverup.

According to 24/7 it is the 10th anniversary since McCaffrey graduated high school; just kidding.  He has survived in the hole for four years and will graduate in December.  While there is always room for a backup, Joe Milton is the starter.  McCaffrey leaves when he chooses in noble fashion.

The season is on, no one is going anywhere until December, so who knows.  Harbaugh too remains relatively above the fray.  His recent comments on Game Day or somewhere were 100% coach-perfect.  At least from a distance, the cold, heartless, and bureaucratic institution has avoided an uprising.  

Harbaugh, and just possibly the McCaffrey family too, continue to put an emphasis on graduation, and that is a fine way to remember Dylan McCaffrey.

 

Bucks Boycott

They are in a bubble alright.