Go Blue: Bowl Edition

Well look at what we have here, MI in the post season with a choice bowl selection... The Sugar Bowl.

Despite its dubious sponsorship, and the to the chagrin of others  a BCS bowl.

Its about to start... no matter what happens it is a honor for us to be here after what can only be called a tremendous turn around after the last few years.

MI needs to represent the BIG TEN with a win tonight and the Hokies want to show everyone that MI is early in the programs comeback... and wants to show there dominance with a W.

Here is looking forward to a good contest.

GO BLUE

*UPDATE*:

WHAT A HALF!

*UPDATE2*:

WHAT A 2ND HALF! OVERTIME.
I swear my heart is going to explode.

*UPDATE3*

WOW! JUST WOW.

GO BLUE!

Go Blue: Michigan vs. Iowa

  

Today the Wolverines travel to Iowa City IA to meet the Hawkeyes under another perfect fall day.

This will be the 57th meeting between Michigan and Iowa. The Wolverines hold a 40-12-4 lead in the all-time series and have a 16-5-1 mark at Iowa, including a 15-5-1 record at Kinnick Stadium. Michigan has won six of the last 10 games in the series, despite dropping the last two games. 

In a sport where momentum means so much, Michigan has it coming from a win over Purdue and a respectable 7-1 record this year. Iowa on the other had is coming off a loss falling to a not so impressive Minnesota last week.

Michigan is favored by 4 and are rated 13^th trying to hang in with the Spartans and Nebraska for the Legends division lead.

This game is not and should not be treated as an automatic win for any Wolverine fan.  Michigan has proven they can win on the road but a win away from home is always more difficult. Denard will have to be on his game today but MI does have enough weapons to put on a formidable show today in IA today.

Iowa on the other hands need so shake off last weeks  loss and pull themselves up and get some points on the board. The Hawkeyes have a few weapons of their own including WR Marvin McNut that MI should be looking out for. Score early and often will be the path for them to an upset win over the Wolverines. Will they we able to do it against the formidable Wolverine defense? Not likely.

Good luck boys.

GO BLUE.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Go Blue: Michigan vs. Purdue

 

This morning I awoke to the insistent urging of the dog to go outside. I threw on my Jersey and some Jeans and ran out the door where the cold slapped me in the face my nostrils stung with the sudden influx of bitter air. I should have known it was coming but I just wasn't ready.

This is what happen to Michigan when they took the field last time in E Lansing against state two weeks ago. They were over-confident, they got slapped in the face by a superior playing State team that put them back on there heals and kept them there. They thought they knew what was coming but the just were not ready.

This week will be different.

Don't thing for a second that this bye week meant extra time to relax. Hoke was likely deeply disappointing to go down against Dantonio's team even if they played a little like thugs (I'm talking to you Gholston) and just to set the record straight we are not complaining about it,  it is what it is, a loss. We need to move on.

Purdue will come here with some momentum. 

Winning two of the last three games they are showing some grit and the back up quarter back seems to be starting to click. They also won last time here at the big house so they can probably taste the upset. Will it be enough to win? Not likely.

Michigan is favored to win for a reason.

The will likely have put the time they were given for the week off to tighten back up the defense and generally sharpen up the skills on offense as well. Michigan will have to shake of the loss and win with authority today to right the ship and put everything back on course. 

 

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. MI State

This weekend, the Michigan Wolverines travel again this time to East Lansing to face arguably one of their biggest rivals the MI State Spartans. Adding fuel to the fire they both enter the contest ranked (11/23 MI/ MI State respectively).
To say this is an important game is an understatement from which all other understatements can only hope to be measured.

MI wants desperately to take the Paul Bunyan trophy back to Ann Arbor saving it from its shamefully long absence from its true home.The Spartans want nothing better then to stick it to Hoke's team knocking them down from their 6-0 start.
Although Michigan has lost the first game of the last two seasons to none other than MI State the feeling this year that the Wolverine program is on track and that winning is possible is pervasive all throughout Ann Arbor.

The Spartans will not just rollover though, and will likely prove to be a formidable opponent with senior QB cousins craving a win in likely the last time he will throw against the Maize and Blue. This is the one game that draws strongly defended lines and school pride comes out in everyone. With only an hours drive separating these two instate rivals everyone knows someone that went to school at one of these schools and the pride in both programs always shows.
Tomorow
At noon.
In Spartan Stadium.
One of these teams will be pushed ahead and the other left behind to lick the wounds that can only come from loosing to a huge rivalry school.
Good Luck boys.

GO BLUE!

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. Minnesota

Today the rain is supposed to break and a cool fall day should unfold in Ann Arbor as The Wolverines will pay host to the Golden Gophers at Noon in the Big House.

Today we face another long tradition the battle for the little brown jug  the Wolverines fight to retain the right to hold the sacred jug and  the season moves forward with MI off to a fast start and heavily favored in this game today.
If the Wolverines prevail it will only continue to lay a strong foundation for coach Hoke's almost cult like following. Don't get me wrong I might just be a card carrying member.
This game could be dangerous however for the home team as Michigan is expected to win and Minnesota has everything to prove. They have upset us before (2005 I believe) in an eerily similar season and as you know anything can happen.

The first day of October brought in fall like it was flipping a switch. Cool dank weather that makes you crave a hot drink and a warm jacket.
PERFECT
FOOTBALL
WEATHER
The cool weather mixes with the almost palatable excitement in Ann Arbor and  big house will be packed in just a few hours.

Keep it rolling boys... you have the begining of a good season going.

GO BLUE.

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. San Diego State

The first full day of fall dishes up a cool day perfect for football as Michigan plays host to the San Diego State Aztecs.

The 4th game of the season has been hyped as an exciting contest, rightfully so. Michigan on paper is favored by 10 or more but paper does not show emotion and the emotions are running high.

As the season progresses so does the  pressure for Michigan and having Brady's old team as an opponent doesn't make it any easier. The fact that Brady informed his San Diego by text of his hasty departure and journey to MI has left a lot of bitter in the mouths of the fans and players alike from the Mountain West Conference and beyond.While here Brady Hoke can do no wrong, but out west he is the type of evil that can only propel your desire to win.

As annabbor.com says:

"There's a soap opera-like storyline surrounding Brady Hoke battling his old team that makes this meeting unique. Chip that away, and you still have a pretty good football game."

Not to mention that MI has way more to loose finally breaking back in to the AP poll and and loss at this point in the season could be a momentum changer. The repercussions could be bad casting longer shadows then those giant new scoreboards.

When you cut through all the hype it comes down to two teams both with good players (SDS has a great QB and other weapons at the ready) and in college ball anything can happen.

Here us to great contest, good luck boys.

GOBLUE

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. Notre Dame

Tonight.... Under the lights... Michigan will host the Fighting Irish in the second game of the season. The meeting of these two rivals is always a momentous event but tonight it has everyone on edge.  The second game and the second time this season that history will be made after last weeks third quarter weather cancellation this will be the first night gave EVER in the big house.

It promises to be quite a contest as Notre Dame would like nothing better to the stick it to Michigan in their house especially after the loss to South Florida last week that had to leave them with something to prove.
Michigan also has a chip on their shoulder as they have to show the program is back on track and  to prove they can live up to the promise that Denard and the Hoke hype machine have been selling to everyone.
Here, in Ann Arbor, at the Big House the rubber will meet the road as the is rivalry is both storied and passionate and both teams will be eager to prove themselves. Michigan is the underdog on paper but I feel this may be Notre Dame's toughest road game of the season.

Tonight, under the lights, we will see who emerges the winner.

Go Blue.

Tanner is super stoked

For the Michigan Ohio State Game.

MGOBLUE: Michigan vs. Ohio State

This Saturday the Wolverines are on the road to Columbus OH to take on the Buckeyes at the horseshoe. This will be the 107th meeting of these two teams.

Saying this game is important is the understatement of the year. Especially because we have not beat Ohio State since 2003. There is a reason Ohio is the last contest of the season, after all you don’t put a crescendo at the beginning.

Win this game and many sins of the past can be erased. I am not sure if it will be enough to save Rich Rod’s job but it will go a long way. Rumors are stronger than ever that this indeed will be Rodriguez’s last season but its more than that. In many ways Rich Rod was criticized somewhat unfairly at first. One thing that he did fail to grasp when we arrive was the importance of tradition. Michigan needs this win so bad they can taste it.

We might need some magic, as the Buckeyes are heavily favored by almost every measuring stick and yet… there is hope.

On the road is tough, don’t ever underestimate the home field advantage and Ohio hates us like no other and yet… there is hope.

Almost everyone expects Ohio to be on top, but rivalry games can defy all odds and sweet sweet victory would certainly taste good.

Tomorrow, on a crisp sunny November afternoon these two teams will meet for what will hopefully be a great contest and maybe just maybe a little magic.

GOBLUE

MGOBLUE: Michigan vs. Wisconson

Today the Wolverines host the Badgers at the Big House in Ann Arbor.

It is promising to be perfect football weather, sunny and low to mid 40’s conditions that are optimum for an upset here in A2.

This will be the 64th meeting between Michigan and

Wisconsin. The Wolverines hold a 49-13-1 lead in the all-time

series and have a 22-5 record in games played at

Michigan Stadium (27-6 all-time in Ann Arbor). U-M has

claimed victories in 17 of the last 22 games and 31 of the

last 37 matchups, including three straight home games.

With the season winding down Michigan can look back at a mixed bag. Looking at a 7-3 overall record and 3-3 in the Big Ten, will this be enough to assuage the fans uneasiness that has surrounded the Rodriguez program. Certainly another win would help ease everyone’s mind.

It will not be easy.

Wisconsin is good, and they are ranked #6 as a result. We have the home field advantage and we may need every advantage we can get today to pull out a win… and yet I think its possible.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: what makes college football so exciting it that anything can happen.

We will have to play almost flawless football, and get a few breaks that go our way but we have a better chance here the next week away at Ohio.

I really hope for a good contest, and today seems to be a good day for an underdog win!

GOBLUE

A Pleasant Suprise... Shooting for stress relief.

Saturday, my brother broke out the AR-15 and we shot a few rounds through it. In the Dark , but hell it was fun.

The real story, though, was on Sunday where my good friend Jeff introduced me to a sporting clay range... 8 Min from our house.

We loaded up the shotguns and went out there and had a great time... for $16. That is what I call inexpensive therapy.

MGOBLUE: Michigan vs. Purdue

Today Michigan is on the road to meet the Purdue Boiler Makers.

MI holds a 41-14 lead in the all-time
series with Purdue.

Michigan, off its overtime win over Illinois last week will be looking for revenge as the last two contest went to to Boilermakers. I have friends in West Lafayette so in recent years this contest has been more significant.

Purdue would like nothing more than to upset the Wolverines aspirations needing two more wins to be bowl eligible. MI wants to advance its Big Ten record and needs the win to help build the momentum for the rest of the season.

It is college ball, so anything can happen.

Here is looking forward to a good contest.

GOBLUE

MGOBLUE: Michigan vs. Illinois

*update* -

The sun is out now!

Wow what a game! A shootout!

GOBLUE

Dark clouds have failed to roll out as promised this morning, as if they were metaphorically projecting the mood here in Ann Arbor as Michigan prepares to talk on Illinois here at the big house.

While Michigan holds a commanding lead in the overall series this years season has entered an undeniable down-turn that makes this game a must win for the Wolverines. The Illini would like nothing better than to put Michigan deeper into its hole.

Rich Rodriguez must also be feeling the pressure as the murmurs of discontent have flooded into the valley rolling in like the cold weather that has gripped the area, that I can only imagine is giving him an extra shiver and a sense of urgency to get this program back on track.

It does not help that Denard has been less explosive than in the beginning of the season and chance of injury follows him like a lost puppy with every snap they take. The defense has been outright called a joke (I heard someone say they should put jerseys on pylons and let them try the defense) and execution of the basics seem to be something we still struggle with from time to time.

Today at noon we will square off, and hopefully find a way to win, bringing a small measure of redemption back to the team. The morale boost will be much appreciated by everyone.

Good Luck, boys.

GOBLUE

Sometimes a Picture IS worth a thousand words.

MGOBLUE: Michigan vs. Penn State

Tonight in a night game, away at Beaver Stadium Michigan faces Penn State in a much anticipated contest.

This will be the 16th meeting between the two schools,
with Michigan holding a 10-5 series advantage. Penn State
has won the last two meetings after U-M won the previous
nine contests.

The shine seems to be off the apple for Michigan and all the talk of Denard and Heisman has all but dried up. This is exactly the time that the Wolverines needs to dig deep and find the strength to win, and do so away from home.

This is when winners can find a way to win. The team, the fans, the program can not afford to lose here.


Good luck to you boys.

GO BLUE!

MGOBLUE: Michigan vs. Iowa

Today is perfect weather again, and Ann Arbor is starting to buzz as the Iowa Hawkeyes are in town for Homecoming game.

I dont have any revelations... after last weeks poor performance Michigan needs a win. Michigan (25/26) faces an Iowa team (14/15) who is looking to put us down again.

No more predictions for me.. here are some game facts.

This will be the 56th meeting between Michigan and
Iowa. The Wolverines hold a 40-11-4 lead in the all-time
series, and have a 21-4-3 mark at Michigan Stadium (22-
5-3 all-time in Ann Arbor). Michigan has won eight of the
last 10 games in the series. Head coach Rich Rodriguez is
0-1 against the Hawkeyes.

Looking forward to a great contest.

GO BLUE

MGOBLUE: Michigan vs. Michigan State

Its Saturday!

Good luck to the Wolverines.

GOBLUE!

A view across the Pioneer High School parking lot prior to today's game.

MOGOBLUE: MI vs MI State

Saturday, in Ann Arbor, at the Big House the Spartans of MI State face the Wolverines in possibly the most anticipated game of the season.

Both teams are ranked (17th and 18th respectively) unbeaten and bringing with them to the realization that this one game alone could make,or break the season.

This battle of the Paul Bunyan trophy it will be the 58th time the two teams will hope to being home the trophy since State entered the Big Ten in 1953. Currently, the Wolverines hold a 34-21-2 advantage in the series. The weather should be perfect this weekend and the Big House will be swelling with pride as well as people creating a spectical that only 100,0000 people crammed into a single stadium can create.

There has been no lack of commentary this week on both sides. The Denard hype machine has been in full force with Heisman rumors lighting up twitter and the interweb like a Christmas tree soaked in napalm. MI surley knows that is is the best team they have faced so far and it will take more than the offense to win this game. The defense must step up and make some stops. On the other hand State hope to be able to cut through the hype and step up to the challenge and prove the have an offense AND a defense that can stand up to Denard and the yard making machine that is currently the Michigan Wolverinies.

This Saturday, in AnnArbor, I expect a great contest. Fall will take the day off and summer like tempatures will pour into the valley creating the best of all possible weather for the meeting of these two rival schools My prediction is Michigan will prevail in another high scoring shootout: 42-35.

GO BLUE!

MGOBLUE: Michigan vs. Bowling Green

This is only the second meeting of the Wolverines and the falcons. With two schools only separated by 75 miles, I am sure there will be some falcon fans in the crowd hoping for the upset win over a 21st rated Michigan team.

The odds on favorite is MI, but last week proved that we must be on our toes and a win is not a guarantee. The Wolverines do have an impressive track record against MAC schools but that only makes it more clear: a loss here could be devastating. This should be a showcase game where all our weapons are brought out to get ahead early and put this one to bed.

The Robinson offensive yard train was slowed last week but not put off track. Expect this week to see Robinson get back to putting up jaw dropping numbers against the Falcons.

On this cool overcast morning with the sun just peaking through the clouds, fall has set foot in Ann Arbor bringing with it a craving for apples and cider and an excitement for this afternoons contest.

GOBLUE

As you might have gleaned, I have a small fishing trip planned for next week.

As you might have gleaned, I have a small fishing trip planned for next week with a couple of old friends.

Not enough can be said about this trip as the we tend not to go fishing often and when we do we try and go big. * Next week we will be up in the Upper Peninsula, doing just that.

Today Paul D sent me this obvious photo shopped image simply titled "motivation" with our faces poorly wedged in the image.

This is not the first time, or the last I am afraid that photo shopped images appear on this blog. It takes telling fish stories to a different level don't you think?


* that link with the Muskie is an unaltered photo... for the record

***updated***

here are a couple of more photo shops of my own:

You know that I could not leave well enough alone.