2012 Michigan Sugar Bowl Uniforms

Here's a preview of the uniforms Michigan will be wearing when they play Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl on New Years Day 2012.

Thanks go out to Kaitlin Urka who sent the picture out via Twitter.

Michigan and the Sugar Bowl...Geaux Blue!

The Michigan Football team is headed to the 2012 Sugar Bowl, on January 3rd, in the Louisiana Superdome( OK, it's got a new name, but I don't care, it's the Superdome.)

The #13 Wolverines will be taking on the Virginia Tech Hokies, ranked #11 in the BCS, of the ACC.

Because the game is in New Orleans, I thought it would be a good thing to get a campaign going on Twitter to show our fan support for the Wolverines by using the #hashtag #GeauxBlue when Michigan fans are tweeting.

The M Den already has thes Sugar Bowl t-shirts for sale.

So, if you're on Twitter, follow me here, and let's get #GeauxBlue trending in support of the Maize & Blue!

Vote Coach Brady Hoke!

Vote Coach Brady Hoke!

Brady Hoke's got some cash coming his way

Michigan will owe Head Football Coach Brady Hoke a cool $200K for getting the Wolverines to a Bowl Game this season.

Michigan will pay Hoke $75K just for getting to a Bowl Game, and an additional $150K for being the 2nd, or 3rd Big Ten team selected, i.e., the Citrus Bowl, or the Outback Bowl.

While the contract doesn't say anything about a BCS Bowl bid, I think it's pretty clear that Michigan going to the Sugar Bowl this year, as part of the BCS, will be the equivalent of a 2nd place Big Ten selection.

Here's the coaches contract.

Meeechigan 40, Ohio State34

After 7 miserable years of losing to the dreaded Buckeyes, the Michigan Football team had their finest hour this past Saturday, defeating Ohio State, 40-34, in front of 114,132 rabid college football fans.

Hail to the Victors Valiant, Hail to the Conquering Heroes.....Go Blue!

Thanks to the Wolverine Historian for the footage. Check out his YouTube page, it's fantastic.

 

 

Meeeechigan beats the Buckeyes...Go Blue!

Photo courtesy of Jamie Edmonson...https://twitter.com/#!/jaimeedmondson

Newest edition to Schembechler Hall/ Michigan Football Museum

Wouldn't it be nice to have this Michigan football on display at your house.



http://twitpic.com/7hxk22

Go Blue!

Bo, Woody, Joe Paterno and the 1970s

The news coming out of State College, Pennsylvania this week hasn't been kind to legendary Nittany Lions Head Football Coach Joe Paterno.

With the revelations that former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky has been accused of molesting young boys during and after his time at Penn State have the walls of college football's once stoic institution crumbling down.

As I write this post, Coach Paterno had issued a statement today that this year will be the last year he roams the sidelines as Penn State's coach.

The Nittany Lions are playing their final home game of the season this Saturday against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

I wanted to write something a little different in my response to all that has already been written many times over all across the Internet.

My feelings about coach Paterno keep taking me back to my youth of the 1970s.

I started following college football in 1976.

My beloved Michigan Wolverines were the #1 team in the country, led by Bo Schembechler, in his 7th season as the Wolverines top football man.

I fell in love with the Wolverines, and college football, and would watch any and all college games on TV that I could.

Big time college football programs and their coaches ruled the 1970s.

Woody Hayes at Ohio State, battling Bo and Michigan every year...on and off the field.

Bear Bryant at Alabama, battling  Shug Jordan at Auburn, Fred Akers at Texas of the then Southwestern Conference, smashing heads against Arkansas and Lou Holtz.

Tom Osborne at Nebraska, Barry Switzer at Oklahoma, battling it out in the then Big 8.

Johnny Majors at Pittsburgh and the annual end of the year get together with Joe Paterno at Penn State.

I always rooted for Paterno and the Nittany Lions when they played.

Penn State was an independent in football in the mid '70s, still nearly twenty years before they would join the Big Ten conference, in 1993.

Independent football was big in the '70's.

Teams like Penn State, Pittsburgh, Florida State, and Notre Dame, always seemed to play a lot of big football games all over the country, filling up non conference games of teams from the SEC, the Big 8, the Pac 8, and the Big Ten.

I would watch many college games, after every Michigan game, and of course, many bowl game.

I would find one team from every conference that I followed when the Wolverines were not playing.

I chose to follow Maryland from the ACC...my Uncle moved to Bowie, Maryland...USC from the West Coast, and the Pac-8 Conference.

The Midwest was for Nebraska from the Big 8, Arkansas was my team from the Southwest, because my father was born in Evening Shade, and Michigan State from the Big Ten and my home state of Michigan...except when they played the Wolverines.

For some reason I never followed any SEC teams, although I would watch 'Bama play quite a bit.

Joe Paterno was as big a name as any in college football when I first started watching.

I'm not really sure why, but I just liked Penn State, and would watch the team play when college football was at the height of inter-conference games.

Today's non conference games are nothing like the 1970s and 1980s.

Alabama-Penn State...Notre Dame-Alabama...Michigan-Notre Dame...Penn State-Pittsburgh...Penn State-Nebraska(now a Big Ten game).

Florida State-Nebraska....Ohio State-Oklahoma...Penn State-Miami...Miami-Notre Dame.

Classic games from a classic past.

Joe Paterno was, and still is,considered one of the best college football coaches, and as of today, his 409 wins stands as the most in Division 1...now called the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Paterno has been Penn State and Nittany Lions Football since becoming an assistant under then PSU coach Rip Engle, in 1950.

In 1966 Paterno took over for Engle as the Head Football Coach, and the legend of Penn State Football was born.

Paterno had five undefeated seasons between 1966-1973, and yet the Nittany Lions never won a National Championship.

I guess, in a way, Paterno was, to me, a carbon copy of Bo Schembechler, and that made him and Penn State a team I could relate to.

I rooted on the Nittany Lions and felt bad for Paterno when, from the 3 yard line, Penn State failed on four downs to get into the end zone, losing the 1979 Sugar Bowl, and the National Championship, to the Bear an Alabama.

I cheered JoePa on as he continued to build powerful teams in State College, and when he and Penn State beat Georgia in the 1983 Sugar Bowl for his 1st NC, I clapped and smiled for him, his players, and their fans.

In 1986, when teams like Miami were changing the way players behaved on college football fields, I stood by Bo and JoePa, and would always root for Miami to lose, just like they did that night in January of 1987, when Penn State beat the Hurricanes, 14-10, for their 2nd title.

In both the '82 and '86 season, for 33 years, the Penn State defense was run by another Nittany Lion legend, Jerry Sandusky.

Penn State and Joe Paterno always stood for what was right about college football.

They never changed, never.

Penn State ran out the same offense for 45 years.

They ran out young men like Matt Millen, Jack Ham, and LaVarr Arrington at "Linebacker U."

The Nittany Lions ran out in the same uniforms...blue at home, white on the road, with the same white helmet with a blue stripe running down the middle.

They ran out on the field with the same white socks and the same black cleats...year, after year, after year.

And they ran out the same Head Football Coach for 45 years, Joe Paterno.

Never a blemish, never a whisper, never as much as a hint that anything was ever wrong in State College, Pennsylvania.

Year, after year, after year, after year.

And then, like a thunderbolt from the heavens, the once untouchable Penn State football program is coming apart at the seams.

Fans and Alumnus from Penn State can't believe what they're hearing.

Joe Paterno knew what was going on with Sansusky all those years, and yet he allowed Sandusky to continue to come to the Penn State football facilities, bringing young boys to practice.

Only Paterno, a few Penn State administrators, a few Nittany Lions assistant coaches, defensive coordinator Sandusky, and the victims themselves know what really happened in each and every one of those horrible, horrible days of abuse.

Why would Paterno, a man of substance and strength all those yeaars not demand the university do the right thing and report Sandusky to the police?

When Paterno reported what he was told to Penn State officials, why didn't those officials call the police?

The obvious answer is not the one we want to hear.

No one at Penn State wanted the scandal to go public, no one wanted their jobs at Penn State to go away.

No one wanted the legend of Penn State and Joe Paterno to come under such scrutiny.

They covered it up, and never reported Sandusky to the police.

Those Penn State administrators, athletic officials, and yes, Joe Paterno himself, were looking out for everyone but the innocent young men who trusted their lives to a friend, a trusted member of the community.

They trusted long time Penn State coach, Jerry Sandusky with their well being as a substitute parent.

Sandusky violated that trust when he did what he did, and every one in State College Pennsylvania violated the public trust when they let Sandusky continue un punished for his wickedness.

Amid all these allegations, coach Sandusky, through his lawyers, has pleaded his innocence, and in America, a person is indeed innocent until proven guilty.

Jerry Sandusky will have a chance to prove his innocence.

As for the victims, well, their innocence was taken away long, long, long, ago.

1973 #1 Ohio State #4 Michigan

I had never seen this game before, just old films of Dennis Franklin's game tying TD late in the game.

While discussing famous Top 5 meetings between undefeated teams, this game came to mind, and so I googled it, and found the game, divided up into the first half, and then the second half, on You Tube.

Here's the 1st half...10-0 Buckeyes.

Now on to the 2nd Half...all Wolverines, 10-0...Go Blue!

This infamous game, played in Ann Arbor before 105, 233 at Michigan Stadium, was, at the time, of course, a new NCAA record.

The 10-10 tie was supposed to send the Wolverines to the Rose Bowl, because the Big Ten had a no-repeat rule that didn't allow any Big Ten team to play in the Rose Bowl in consecutive years.

Ohio State had gone to Pasadena the year before, and every Michigan coach, player, administrator, and fan, knew the Wolverines were headed to the Rose Bowl.

In a vote taken after the game by the Big Ten Athletic Directors, the Buckeyes, by a vote of 6-4, were sent by the conference to the Rose Bowl.

The A.D.'s of the Big ten were afraid that Michigan starting QB, Dennis Franklin, wouldn't recover from from the broken collar bone he suffered in the game.

The controversy was devastating to Michigan head football coach Bo Schembechler, who never forgot what the conference did to his Seniors, who finished their 4 year careers 30-2-1...and never were allowed to play in a bowl game.

Because of the infamous vote the Big Ten changed the rule, eliminating the Athletic Directors from voting in case of a tie, and the conference also allowed other Big Ten teams to go to bowl games.

Ohio State won the Rose Bowl, 42-21, over USC.

In 1975, Michigan became the 1st Big Ten team not to win the conference championship play in a bowl game, the 1976 Orange Bowl against Oklahoma.

Enjoy the game...and Go Blue!

Wolverines on Twitter update

I like to follow as many Michigan players as possible on Twitter, and today one of the best Wolverine centers, David Molk, has joined the popular social media site.

You can find David Molk here...http://twitter.com/#!/dmolk

I will also be adding Molk to the Twitter list on the left hand side of the home page here on Maize and Blue Football.

If you know of any former Michigan players who are on Twitter, please feel free to share, I's really appreciate it.

Go Blue!

Wolverines will honor Jim Mandich

Tomorrow afternoon during the Homecoming game vs. Purdue, the University of Michigan will honor one of it's own, former TE Jim Mandich.

The link below is to the article from MGOBlue.com

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102511aaa.html 

Mandich, who passed away earlier this year, was Bo Schembechler's first Michigan Captain as a Senior in 1969, and was carried off the field by his Wolverine teammates after Michigan upset #1 Ohio State at Michigan Stadium, 24-12.

Mandich went on top a solid NFL career, including playing on the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the NFL's only perfect team in NFL history.

Mandich also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and after retirement he became a fan favorite as part of the Miami Dolphins radio broadcasts.

Mandich passed away this spring from cancer, at the age of 62.

It's time for the Boilermakers

After a bye week the Michigan Football team will look to rebound from the teams first loss of the season when they take on the Purdue Boilermakers at 12 Noon this Saturday at Michigan Stadium.

MGoBlue.com Gameday

Michigan leads the All-Time series against the Boilermakers, 42-14.

Last year in West Layfayette, the Wolverines beat Purdue, 27-16.

Michigan first played Purdue in 1890, winning 34-6.

Purdue's first win came in the next meeting with the Wolverines, a 24-0 shutout of Michigan in 1892.

The Boilermakers have won just 14 games against the Wolverines since that first meeting in 1890, with a high five straight wins from 1962-66.

The Wolverines longest winning streak is nine games, from 1985-1995.

Michigan Football so far in 2011

The Michigan Wolverines have played one game more than half of their 2011 football schedule, and are sitting at 6-1.

The last game, a loss to Michigan State at East Lansing, started out well with an opening drive TD rush from Denard Robinson.

After that the Wolverines simply played poorly on offense, including being stopped on 4th and one deep in Spartan territory, a drive that would have put Michigan back in the game.

Th defense played well, forcing two turnovers that the offense failed to turn into points.

After a bye week you can be sure the coaching staff will have the Wolverines well prepared against Purdue this Saturday.

To me the best part of Michigan's play in 2011 has been the half time adjustments by defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.

Michigan, after allowing points by the boat load last year is allowing just 14.2 ppg., and the Wolverine defense has only allowed 14th quarter points.

After watching last week's Illinois-Purdue game, Michigan is certainly capable of beating both teams.

If Michigan gets through the next three games, Purdue, @ Iowa, and @ Illinois, at 2-1, that would give the Wolverines a 8-2 record heading into the final two games, both at home, against Nebraska and Ohio State.

I have watched Nebraska a couple of times, and they will be tough to beat, and from what I've seen from the Buckeyes I think it's clear that for the first time in quite a while, Michigan will have the better QB under center in Denard Robinson.

I think the coaches have been the #1 reason for Michigan's turn around this season, and I believe the team will be ready to play the rest of the schedule, and they are certainly capable of winning every game if they don't turn the ball over.

Now, as fans, we all know that Michigan is probably not going to win the last five games, but I think they can go 3-2, 4-1 even.

Eight or nine wins before the Big Ten Championship and/or the bowl trip would, to this Michigan fan, be a fantastic first season of Michigan Football under coach Brady Hoke.

These Michigan Football players, possibly for the first time in their Wolverine careers, believe in themselves, the coaching staff, and most importantly, what their supposed to do on the football field.

So, OK, I'll say it, I believe Michigan will end the regular season 9-3.

Wouldn't it be great to see that record be 10-2, Legends Division Champions, playing for the Big Ten Championship, and a trip to the Rose Bowl.

Michigan Wolverines | 'Three and Out' is unfiltered look at the Rich Rodriguez era | The Detroit News

John U. Bacon, a renowned writer on Michigan Football, has a new book coming out Tuesday, and I cannot wait to read it.

The book will not hide anything that happened the past 3 years under Rich Rodriguez, and I'm guessing it will make some "Michigan Men and Women" very un happy.


The Detroit News will be running excerpts all week long.


Here's a quick over view from Angelique Chengelis...

Michigan Wolverines | 'Three and Out' is unfiltered look at the Rich Rodriguez era | The Detroit News

1903 Michigan Football

This is the 1903 Michigan-Chicago football game.

No sound, of course, and I have no idea which team is which.

The game, won by Michigan, 28-0, is from Thanksgiving Day, 1903.

Welcome to Twitter Denard Robinson

As if we Michigan fans weren't blessed enough after last Saturday's heart pounding win over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the most exciting QB in college football, Michigan's Denard Robinson, is now on Twitter.

Since joining last night, @Denard X has surpassed 10,000 followers, with 10, 068 as of this post.

One can only imagine if social media like Twitter and Facebook were around during the days of Anthony Carter, Jim Harbaugh,  Desmond Howard, and Charles Woodson's playing days in Ann Arbor.

How many followers would the many fantastic Michigan memories have created during Bo vs. Woody era, 1969-78.

I try to update the Michigan football players on Twitter as much as I can here on the blog.

You can find the updated list, including Denard Robinson, on the left hand side of the blog home page.

Go Blue!

Vote for Denard Robinson

The Davey O"Brien Award is asking fans to help choose the best quarterback in college football.

One of the choices is Michigan Junior QB Denard Robinson, one of college football's most versatile signal callers.

You can vote for Denard by going to the awards web site,  http://www.voteobrien.org/round1.asp

Michigan's weather shortened win over Western Michigan last weekend didn't give Denard a chance to get an entire game under his belt, so here's hoping the Notre Dame game this weekend will be a national showcase for the 2010 Wolverines and Big Ten Player of the Year.

Who wants a FREE Michigan T-shirt?

Wolverine fans, here's your chance to get a FREE Michigan "Dreads" T-shirt from the guys over at CHAT Sports.com.

How cool is that T-shirt!

The guys at Chat Sports will be giving out 50 of these great T-shirts...FREE!!! at the Notre Dame game on September 10th.

All you have to do is use the hash tags #ChatSports or #ChatWolverines when you tweet about Michigan Football on Twitter.

Here's the guy you need to follow on Twitter...chatsportsACE

So, head over to Twitter, tweet something about  Wolverine Football, and maybe you'll be a winner.

Go Blue!

Michigan to play Appalachian State to open 2014 schedule

The Michigan Wolverines have announced that the first game of the 2014 football season will be played on Saturday, August 30th, against the Mountaineers of Appalachian State.

Yes, that Appalachian State.

In one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history, Appalachian State stunned the #5 ranked Wolverines, 34-32, at Michigan Stadium, to open the 2007 football campaign.

"We look forward to facing Appalachian State again," said U-M Athletic Director Dave Brandon"...MGoBlue.com

You have to give it up to Wolverines  Athletic Director Dave Brandon, he surely isn't afraid to do what he thinks when it comes to Michigan Football.

From the hiring of Brady Hoke as Head Football coach, the scheduling of Alabama in 2012, and the 1st ever night game in The Big House, Brandon is putting his stamp on the Michigan program like no one since Don Canham.

I have to admit, when I first heard about the game I thought someone was making a joke on Twitter.

Appalachian State has nothing to lose, obviously, and will relish another trip to the Big House for a big pay day.

I don't expect any problems in the 2014 game, and I'm sure Brandon consulted Brady Hoke before they finalized the deal.

Hoke will accept any challenge, he believes in the Michigan program, and by 2014 the Wolverines should be powerful enough to challenge for the National Championship.

Every day is a great day being a fan of Wolverine Football/

Go Blue!

Wolverine Wednesday on the radio...August 24th

Tomorrow kis another addition of Wolverine Wednesday on my radio show, Big John on Sports.

My guest tomorrow will be Scott from "Everything Michigan and More."

Scott and his staff have put together one of the best Michigan football blogs, and I recommendthat you check them out.

Scott and I will be discussing several different topics relating to Wolverine Football, including the recent departures of WR Je'Ron Stokes, and OL Tony Posada from the Michigan football team.

10 days until Michigan kick off against Western Michigan! Go Blue!

Getting ready for Wolverine Football

The rock band "Pop Evil" has released a new song, "In the Big House," on YouTube.

Check it out, it's pretty darn cool.

Michigan announces player suspensions

Michigan has suspended sophomore punter Will Hagerup for the first four games, and junior receiver Terrance Robinson for one game, at the start of the 2011 Wolverine football season.

Hagerup will miss the opener against Western Michigan on September 3rd, then games against Notre Dame(Sept.10th), Eastern Michigan(Sept.17th), and San Diego State(Sept.24th.)

Robinson will miss the home opener against the Broncos along with Hagerup.

It was also announced that Senior wide receiver Darryl Stonum would be red shirted for the 2011 season.

Stonum had been suspended indefinitely after being arrested for impaired driving.

In June Stonum was given two years probation.

The red shirt is a blow to the Wolverine receiving core, as Stonum was assured to be a starter at wide receiver, a sure handed pass catcher for QB Denard Robinson to throw to.

Head football coach Brady Hoke told reporters that...

"While it would be great to have Darryl on the field this season, we feel it is in his best interest and the best interest of our program for him to redshirt."  "Darryl will continue to be an important part of our team and family. He has done everything we have asked him to do, but our number one priority is to help Darryl grow as a person."(Detroit News/Angeligue Chengelis)

Since becoming the Michigan coach, Brady Hoke has made it know, through his actions, that nothing short of perfection on and off the field will be tolerated at Michigan, and players aren't willing to toe the straight line will be punished for their transgressions.

Michigan will open the 2011 football season on September 3rd against Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium.

Wolverine Wednesday on the radio

Every Wednesday on my radio show, "Big John on Sports"," we talk Michigan Football on "Wolverine Wednesdays."

This week my special guest will be Angeligue Chengelis of the Detroit News, the papers beat writer for Michigan Football.

Topics will include the off season hiring of coach Brady Hoke, recruiting, and a look at what's going on in Ann Arbor as the team prepares for the 132nd season of Wolverine Football.

Michigan Stadium will host ESPN GameDay for first ever night game

ESPN has announced that it will travel to Michigan Stadium on Saturday, September 10th to broadcast it's College GameDay show, which will air live the morning of the Notre Dame-Michigan game, starting at 10 AM ET.

ESPN GameDay to visit The Big House

Michigan will also honor former All-American wide receiver, and 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, 20 years to the day of his game winning TD catch that beat the Fighting Irish, 24-14, and launched Howard to legendary status.

Howard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame this summer, and his new book, "I Wore 21: The Legend of Desmond Howard" will be released that day as well.

The Wolverines are 7-2 in ESPN GameDay games at Michigan Stadium, 13-7 overall in games in which GameDay has been on site, the last time being before the 2007 Ohio State-Michigan game in Ann Arbor.

This is going to be the biggest weekend in recent memory involving the Wolverine football team, another example of the continued efforts of Athletic Director Dave Brandon to bring passion and excitement back to college football's All-Time winning est program.

Big Ten Football Championship Game tickets go on sale

The Big Ten Conference has announced that tickets for the Inaugural  Championship Football Game will go on sale this Saturday at 10 AM.

Prices will range from $50-$125, depending on seat location.

The first ever Big Ten Championship Game will be played between the winner of the Leaders  Legends division champions on Saturday, December 3rd, with kickoff scheduled at 8:17 PM at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster @ ticketmaster.com, or @ 800-745-3000, or through the Lucas Oil Stadium ticket office.

Former Michigan QB Jimmy Maddock passes away at age 76

Very sad to hear of the passing of another Michigan football player, former quarterback Jimmy Maddock. 

 (thanks to the folks over at M Victors for the picture of Jimmy)

It's been a tough year for the Michigan family with the passing of former Wolverines.

Since September 11th, 2010, four former Wolverine's have passed away.

Ron Kramer passed on September 11th, 2010, the day of the Notre Dame game, and the team went out and honored the former All-American with a 28-24 win over the Irish in South Bend.

Former running back Rob Lytle, the 1st Wolverine player I ever liked, passed away from a heart attack on November 20th, 2010.

Vada Murray, a defensive back in the late 1980's before becoming a policeman, died on April 6th of 2011 form Cancer.

The Ann Arbor police department retired his badge #155 from active use on May 13th.

Michigan coach Bo Schembechler's very first Michigan Captain, TE Jim Mandich, died on April 26th form a bout with bile duct cancer.

I'll admit right here, I never hear of Mr. Maddock before I learned of his passing today, and as a Michigan fan, it's kind of embarrassing.

Yeah, I know it's hard to know about everyone who played football for the Wolverines, but I should've known the QB that passed to All-American Ron Kramer, right?

Jimmy Maddock was the starting QB for the Wolverines from 1954-56, playing at a time when Wolverine football was second best in the state to the Spartans.

From 1951-1967 the Wolverines won exactly 1 Big Ten Title, in 1964, and went to 1 Rose Bowl, beating the Oregon Ducks, 34-7, on New Year's Day 1965.

As bad as those years were, you're always going to find stories about terrific Michigan players like Jimmy Maddock.

I'm just sorry I had to learn about him through his passing.

May God Bless Jimmy Maddock and his family.

My Mailbox

After a battle with the post office, my mail is once again being delivered.

Wednesday in my mailbox, sticking out prominently among the pile of old mail was my copy of The Wolverine Football Preview Magazine. 

I know there all all kinds of web sites and blogs out there to find info on the Wolverines, but nothing will ever replace opening up an actual magazine and reading about Michigan Football.

The Wolverine used to be the only way I could keep up with the football team on a weekly basis before I learned how to use a computer, and to this day it's still one of my favorite things to read.

If you get a chance to check it out, go ahead, it will be well worth it just to read about the Wolverines new coach, Brady Hoke, who's very serious about returning the Michigan program back where it belongs.
It's very hot here in Jacksonville, and across the country this summer, and the heat always gets me thinking about the fall weather coming up, and that gets me thinking about Michigan Football.

September 3rd will be here before we new it.

Go Blue!

Those proud Buckeyes

Here in Florida the trial and not guilty verdict in the Casey Anthony murder of her daughter has been headline news every single day for three years.

Now, I don't know if she's guitly, or not, but it's very clear she's made several bad choices in her life.

The photo below says it all. (Courtesy of Twitpic)

Desmond Howard inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

On a beautiful New Year Day in 1991 I took my seat behind the Michigan bench to watch the  Wolverines play in the annual Gator Bowl game against Ole Miss.

Michigan is supposed to be arriving at the Rose Bowl over the holidays to play football, not the Gator Bowl.

It was only the second time I'd ever seen Michigan play football, the other was the 1988 Hall of Fame Game in Tampa, where Michigan beat Alabama, 28-24, in one of the great games in Wolverine history.

It wasn't the best of season, 1990.

For the first time since I started watching the Wolverines, Bo Schembechler wasn't my coach.

Because of continued heart and health issues, the winning est coach in Wolverine football had stepped down.

Gary Moeller took over for Bo and guided the Wolverines in that 1990 season, going 8-3, and the team was chosen to play on New Years Day in Jacksonville, Florida.

What I saw that day was one of the greatest offensive explosions in Michigan football.

Desmond Howard, then a Sophomore, was part of a Wolverine machine that tallied over 700 yards of total offense that day as Michigan whipped the Rebels, 35-3.

Little did I know I was watching a future Heisman Trophy winner, and a future inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Desmond Howard electrified Michigan fans with acrobatic catches, terrific runs, and brilliant punt and kickoff returns in every game.

Howard and the Wolverines had a spectacular 1991 season, going 10-1 in the regular season, including an un defeated 8-0 in Big Ten play, winning the Big Ten Championship and a berth in the Rose Bowl.

Howard did everything on the field that fall of '91, and he did it bigger, and better, than any other college player, becoming the Wolverines second ever winner of the Heisman Trophy.

He was drafted by the Washington Redskins, 4th overall, in the 1992 NFL Player Draft, played here in Jacksonville for the Jaguars in their Inaugural 1995 season, played for the Detroit Lions,the Oakland Raiders, and was the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XXXI, returning a record 99 yard kick off as the Green Bay Packers beat the New England Patriots.

20 years later Howard is now a regular on ESPN's College Game Day, a frequent speaker around the country, and as of last night, he's now the 30th Michigan Wolverine player in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Here's some cool things about Desmond Howard...

...he's great on Twitter, and you can find him here, @DesmonHoward ...

... he has his own web site with all his info, at Desmond Howard.com ...

...and there's also a new book coming out this fall, "I wore 21, The Legend of Desmond Howard."

Desmond Howard is another reason why I love being a Michigan fan.

Go Blue!

Detroit News Wolverine mascot contest winner

The Detroit News recently asked Michigan fans to come up with a mascot for the Wolverines.

Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon has said he'd like to see the school come up with an appropriate mascot. although he stated that no time table or ideas have been discussed.

Here is the winner, from Andrew Nyhoff, a 26 year old from my hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

I think it's pretty well done, very cool.

I like the way the Winged Helmet design was added into the Wolverines face and the fierce Wolverine is an absolute winner.

On the kids side, your winner was done by Brooke Minoske of Riga, Michigan.

Another fantastic job. 

You can see all 14 contenders here.

I would like to see Michigan come up with a mascot, and I even think they should bring a live Wolverine to certain home games, such as Homecoming, the Spartan game, the Buckeye game.

The mascot is just another in a line of ideas, such as the 1st night game this year with Notre Dame, the Legacy Jerseys, and the upgrading of the facilities across the Michigan campus, that is making the Brandon a great A.D.

Michigan Football is in a lot better shape today than it has been in several years, and not a single game has been played yet.

The 2011 season opener against Western Michigan cannot get here quick enough.

Go Blue!

Love the helmet stickers

Over on Maize and Blue Nation there is a poll asking Wolverine Football fans if they'd like to see the old helmet stickers return to the famed Winged Helmet of Michigan.

Lloyd Carr ended the practice of putting the football shaped decals on the Michigan players helmets when he became the Head Coach in 1995,

The decals/stickers were awarded to the players for outstanding plays and team participation under legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler.

I like the stickers.

The first time I ever saw a picture of a Wolverine player in the paper, or saw highlights of a Michigan game, the stickers were on the helmets.

That's how I grew up, with the stickers on the helmets.

I hope new coach Brady Hoke brings the decals/stickers back.

Michigan Football is #1

OK, I'll start by saying I'm really not a recruiting guy.

That said, when I get a tweet that the Wolverine football team is #1 in recruiting for the 2012 season, I will, of course, be very happy.

According to Max Preps, a site run by CBSSportsline.com, the Wolverines are #1 so far in the recruiting of football players for the 2012 college football season.

Michigan has 16 total recruits for 2012, led by Tony Richardson, the Wolverines highest rated recruit, at #33.

Richardson, a DB from Cass Tech High School in Detroit, is listed as a "Tom Lemming Top Player"

Again, I'm not a big recruit guy, I just want to know who wants to be a Michigan Football player, period.

I guess I got my answer...no, let's get ready for a run to the Big Ten Championship in 2011.

Go Blue!

A little "Touch the Banner"

2011 Wolverine Football Poster Scedule

Michigan fans, there is a cool poster of the 2011 and 2012 Michigan Football Schedule over on the Wolverine Twitter page, @michigan_fball

Ohio State Shame

Much has happened over the past couple of months with the Ohio Sate football program.

I was trying to wait until all of the dust had settled before I wrote about the troubles with the Buckeye football program.

The dust may never settle, so here's my look at the Buckeyes, and how great it is to be a Michigan fan.

As a Michigan fan I believe that both Michigan and Ohio State must be strong programs for the Big Ten to succeed.

Yes, I know Nebraska is now a Big Ten member, and that Penn State is right there, but nothing makes Big Ten football like the Wolverines and the Buckeyes.

Michigan has won 42 Big Ten Titles, and the Buckeyes have won 35.

That's 77 of the 114 Big ten Titles since 1896.

The recent troubles at "The Ohio State"  are very alarming.

In reports by Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, and several other Internet posts, the Buckeye trouble can be traced as far back as the 2002 season, the year that Ohio State went 13-0, and won the National Championship.

The Buckeyes have ruled the Big Ten landscape for the past decade, going to a BCS Bowl every year, and playing for the National Championship in 2002, 2006, 2007.

The Buckeyes have also produced several All-Americans, including 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Troy Smith.

Maurice Clarrett, players getting cars, and the infamous "Tattoo Gate" have left the Buckeyes without their leader, Head Coach Jim Tressell.

Last night Terrell Pryor, who chose the Buckeyes over Michigan, has left the football team amid more allegations, including eye witness reports that Pryor made as much as $40,000 signing Buckeye memorabilia for cash.

Coach Tressell's miss steps apparently go all the way back to Youngstown State, where he coached the Penguins to championships.

I had always admired Tressell, a great football coach, hey, he beat my Wolverines like no Ohio State coach in my lifetime.

Tressell has written books on leadership, and that now seems comical.

So, here we are, Michigan fans, who just went through our own rule breaking problems during coach Rich Rodriguez three years, although the 200, or so, hours of over practice sessions hardly seems that big a deal any more, in disbelief of what has happened to Ohio State football.

We fans of the Maize and Blue have been giddy since the very first mention last fall over several Buckeye players, including Pryor, who traded their Big Ten Championship rings, Gold Pants, and other memorabilia for free tattoos.

To this Michigan fan, that always said everything to me about the players at Ohio State under Jim Tressell.

While I've never played a down of football for the Wolverines, I find it very hard to believe that a Michigan football player, a coach, or a staff member would ever trade anything they worked for to glorify the school they love for a meager tattoo, or anything else, for that matter.

As a 35 year fan of Michigan Football, Big Ten Championships are what we fans hang our hat on, and if I was honored to have played football under either Bo, Mo, Carr, Rodriguez, or now Brady Hoke, I would NEVER, EVER, give away, or sell, my championship rings, etc., for ANYTHING.

See, for me, that's what always separated Michigan fans from OSU fans.

Ohio State fans could care less how they win, they just want the Buckeyes to win, at all costs.

The proof of this is in the amount of fans who have still shown their support for Tressell, who, because of his LACK of leadership, has brought the dark side of college football to Columbus, and the Big Ten.

"I can assure you that you will be proud of your young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the football field,"

That speech at a Michigan-Ohio State basketball game in Columbus made Tressell an immediate legend with Buckeye fans.

Now that statement is on the tombstone of Tressell, and every coach and administrator who knew what was going on in the Buckeye football program, and turned a blind eye.

Michigan and Ohio State ARE Big Ten Football, but the Buckeyes have now dishonored a 107 year tradition of Wolverine and Buckeye football.

Win, just win, no matter how you do it.

That's what Ohio State Football was under Jim Tressell.

I am a Michigan fan, and I've never been more proud to say that than the past month, or so.

Go Blue!