Revenge, Week 2 of 3: The Wisconsin Preview

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​Real quick before I start, a shout out to Jake from Motown Sports Revival, who had the dubious task of sitting in front of me at the ND game. He has a great post about "Lloydball plus risks," which a phrase he used several times throughout the game. The post includes this little gem...

Big props to my dawg from UMtailgate.com. I had the pleasure of meeting him on Saturday. He sat behind me at the game and it was enjoyable to have someone as passionate as I am to share in the joy of Michigan's monumental victory. He also whipped out a king kong sized version of one of mgoblog's shirts appropriately titled, "Notre Dame: Returning to Glory Since 1993".

Translation: "I sat in front of this nut. He was huge and donned a shirt that was so gargantuan that it could have been used for making a homeless shelter." Thanks for the shout out Jake...hope we bump into each other again.

Have you settled down yet from the weekend? Me neither. Wins like the one on Saturday stay with you for a while...weeks, months, sometimes years. At the same time, the feel good moment of the century can disappear faster than ND TV timeout (poor example). A letdown this Saturday would be, well, devastating. So here's to the boys keeping their focus for the Big Ten opener.

First of all, unlike last week, I don't hate the Badgers. I love their town. Madison, Wisconsin is a trip we look forward to every other year, and from the Essen House toState Street Brats, it never disappoints. And rarely do the Wolverines disappoint when they take the field at Camp Randall, boasting a 22-5 record there.

Michigan has the nation's leading rushing defense, the ninth ranked total defense, and is second in nation in turnover margin. So, why not relax? The unranked and overlooked Badgers have a top ten national ranking in passing efficiency defense, pass defense, and scoring defense. And they have basically the same team as last year, a team that crushed the hopes and dreams of the 2005 Michigan squad, breaking a 24-year-old Big Ten opener winning streak with a 23-20 win in Madison.

The School:

  • Enrollment: 41,169

  • Colors: Cardinal and White

  • Mascot: Badger (Bucky Badger)

  • Voted nation's #1 party school in May 2006 issue of Playboy

The records:

  • Michigan is 47-11-1 all-time against Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin is 3-0 with wins against Bowling Green, Western Illinois, and San Diego State

Watch Out For:

  • P.J. Hill, the nation's 7th leading rusher with 138 yards per game

  • John Stocco, who broke your heart with a 4-yard scramble into the endzone last year.

  • Bret Bielema, the first year head coach of the Badgers. Bret was a walk-on at Iowa before becoming a senior team captain under Hayden Fry.

Fun Facts:

  • Wisconsin is Michigan's most common opponent in Big Ten openers with 17 games. Last year was Michigan's first loss in those contests.

  • Famous alumni include Lynne Cheney (second lady), the Zucker brothers, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Charles Lindbergh.

  • Bret Bielema is the second youngest coach in D1A behind Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald.

Theme: Tex Mex

Don't forget to Maize Out.

Case of the Mundys: Still Pinching Myself Edition, 9/18/06

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​Which would you prefer, Big Ten offensive player of the week or Big Ten defensive player of the week? Relax indecisive Wolverine fan, this week you get both. That's right, high school teammates Mario Manningham and Prescott Burgess nabbed Big Ten player of the week honors on offense and defense respectively following Michigan's 47-21 pasting of the Fighting Irish in South Bend.

Highlights from across the rest of the Maize and Blue dominated internets this weekend...

Injury Updates

  • Antonio Bass, knee, out for season

  • Mike Kolodziej, undisclosed, out for season

Chris Graham and Tyler Ecker returned to action this week as expected. Mario Manningham's wrist scare in South Bend was just that...a scare. X-Rays came back negative.

Goodbye My Evil Friend: Michigan 47, Notre Dame 21

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​As Touchdown Jesus solemnly watched the setting sun in South Bend on Saturday, one of the last of the non-video-aided scoreboards in college football, an homage to the throwback atmosphere of Notre Dame stadium, was still illuminated with the evidence. Michigan was here. And it was not the Michigan of years past, who came in with quiet confidence and left with their heads hanging wondering what went wrong. In front of as much God as you find in a college football atmosphere, the Wolverines were "born again." They were loud. They were punishing. They were a sleek machine that moved with a speed and purpose. They were exactly what you thought they should have been...in every game since 1997.

From my Ten Yard Fight perspective, I watched in utter amazement. I saw Prescott Burgess set the tone with an interception return for a touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. I saw Chad Henne rebound under intense pressure after throwing a bad interception early to toss not one, not two, but three laser-guided balls to Mario Manningham for touchdowns. I saw the defense hit Brady Quinn nineteen times. And as hope dangled from the thinnest of strings for Notre Dame, down by 19 with under four minutes to play in the fourth quarter, I saw Lamar Woodley pick up a Quinn fumble and rumble down the sideline, stiff-arm a trailing John Carlson, and scamper into the endzone, ending any and all doubt that Michigan Football was back. 

The Michigan section erupted in celebration and emotion, swimming in that feeling. The Irish faithful filed out, leaving only The Victors in the stands, and "It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine" echoed in the hallowed home of Notre Dame. The clock struck zero, Lloyd got a bath in championship fashion, and the team headed straight for the corner, helmets removed in celebration, to join the band in a rousing chorus of the greatest fight song ever written. The boys in blue offered up a salute to their traveling fans and made their way to the tunnel. But that feeling didn't go with them, it made its way to the concourses, and back to the cars in the parking lot. And it's sitting with me right here, right now. Magic happened, and there was nothing that anyone, not Charlie Weiss, not Brady Quinn, could do to thwart it. It was our time, our day.

As I exited Notre Dame stadium, soon after yet another humorous chant of "Rudy! Rudy!"...I saw him. He looked at me and pointed. Then he waived goodbye. Dejected and homeless, the monkey that had resided for so long on the backs of the Michigan team and the Michigan faithful went against the grain of the exiting crowd and made his way down towards the field. I turned to leave before seeing where he ended up, but I could swear he was heading for Charlie's office.

So what do we do now? We enter a Big Ten season undefeated for the first time in seven years. No goals to reset or evaluate. Everything is still intact. In a matter of four hours, Michigan went from backstory to front page news. The Wolverines moved up to #6 in both of the polls. The media is already looking forward to two 11-0 teams meeting in Columbus. But we cannot afford to look ahead, not even for a moment. Everyone will now see us coming, starting with Wisconsin.

15830Two UMTailgates were run simultaneously, one on location in South Bend, the other at the home of the Godfather. By all indications, including the level of intoxication of the guests I interacted with when we returned to the Godfather's house, both tailgates went very well. Another successful week on the field and off. As the Godfather says, "We're hitting our stride now....GO BLUE." See you all at home on Saturday.

The Staff Weighs In: Notre Dame

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​I'd like to start by sharing a link to a video of Chad Henne's former coach making a pregame speech. (Thanks to Kevin Cowbell for this one). OMG.

After this week is over, I'll have some kind of composite table showing the prediction prowess of the three prognosticators and the XBox. But for now:

The Hammer:

It is fair to say, Notre Dame has not faced a defensive line like Michigan's. Hopefully that matters. Someone who apparently gets paid to write about College Football for CSTV predicted Notre Dame 45, Michigan 17. He's a graduate from Lindenwood University, the NAIA powerhouse we all know and love. This maddens me. A link here to my disrespected article might be appropriate.

Needless to say I'll be the guy in the front row with the played out "we believe" sign. (Please don't tell ND about our secondary. Yikes!)

Michigan 24
Notre Dame 20

Lamar Woodley for Heisman, Mike Hart for NFL MVP.

Johnny Cleveland:

I am Irish. I am Catholic and my favorite all time quote is "Fuck Go Blue". This will be a mismatch, for once we are prepared. Contrary to the idiots who think the tougher ND schedule helped them, our light load has given us 3 weeks+ to get ready for this one. Of course our 2 touchdown halftime lead will require us to institute our prevent and Quinn will lead them all the way back. However little does the Hammer know, our secondary will eventually appear and J. Stew will get a late pick to make it 3 for the game for Quinn and we waltz with a 35-28 victory. Tough day for the Irish, no more #2, no more title hopes, and no more Heisman hopes.

Offensive MVP: Mikey Hart
Defensive MVP: Alan Branch

The XBox:

Notre Dame 33
Michigan 18

The Webmaster:

I've watched our games against Vandy and CMU ad nauseam. I saw ND vs. GTech in its entirety. Based on that alone, I can't see how ND can match up with us. Unfortunately, like Pavlov's Dog, when the bell rings and tells me that it's the first road game of the year, and that we're playing at ND, disappointment sets in before kickoff. Six straight road openers, and I attended each of them. As far away as Seattle and as nearby as South Bend, all with similar results. Should have won. Could have won. Fell apart in the end.

And that my friends is the balancing act when it comes to this year's football season, and predicting this game. Which way to go? Pack it in and swallow your pride...or believe. Believe that this year it IS different. Believe that zone run blocking and a stunting defense is the key to success. That somehow, someway, Magic will happen inour favor. Believe that this is our time. Can you do it? Can the Wolverines?

YES.

Michigan 35
Notre Dame 24

Offensive MVP: Chad Henne
Defensive MVP: Rondell Biggs

UM v. ND

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by Johnny Cleveland​

Whom can stop thinking about this one??? Well I sure can't so I figured I would give my memories of the recent UM v. ND history. By the way, if you read this and check out the links and videos, I gaurantee it will bring back memories (good and bad), give you the chills, and most importantly help Saturday get here faster! xoxo, JC

The History

With two schools so rich in History and Legends of Days of Yore, we would be remised not to explore our conjoined pasts. If you can think of a way to win a game, surely this rivalry has produced it. It appears to all of us that in the last 25 years we have been the defeated in more games than not against the aforementioned fish eaters, however the monumentality the Irish and National media make of them struggling to barely beat us is what I believe adds to this illusion. So without further ado, I give my personal history lesson on the highlights/lowlights of the feud.

Foundation

As we know two of the most recognized Football Programs as well as Universities in the World and easily 1 and 2 in the Midwest in overall recognition and support. Their traditions and fan base make them universal names in athletics and scholastics.

A. Prototypical Helmets

UM: Winged Tipped ND: Golden Domes

B. Famous Fight Songs

UM: Hail to the Victors ND: Notre Dame Victory March

C. Football History

UM: #1 Wins and Winning % ND: #2 Winning %

D. Stadium Lore

UM: "The Big House" - the largest capacity of any college football team.

ND: Home of the famous"Touchdown Jesus".

Games

I. Big Upsets 

You can take this as a compliment or as a continual underachievement thing but the big upsets of the past 30 years tend to only occur when ND wins since we are usually fairly evenly ranked or UM is supposed to win.

#1. 1993 - ND is a nine point dog and UM is ranked #3. ND assistant coach apparently gives pep talk that leads to win and then coach Lou Holtz proclaimsRockne's speech is now #2. ND 27 UM 23.

#2. 2004 - Although UM blew this one and it was in SBend, they were unranked and we were #7. Hart and Henne appear as Freshmen in their first encounter with ND and now they want paybacks, as does Steve Breaston, #15 for his fumble. ND 28 UM 20.

II. IT'S GOOD!! 

When teams are closely matched it's inevitable that special teams play a part.

#1. 1994 - Just after the Webmaster attends his last class at UM, ND scores with under a minute to play to take the lead on a throw from Ron Powlus. Then Todd Collinsrallies UM in range and Remy Hamilton etches his name in UM history with a buzzer to win it. Lou Holtz's participation in the rivalry ends on a sour note. UM 26 ND 24.

#2. 1980 - UM goes for two earlier in the game and misses, it later comes back to haunt them as Harry Oliver squeaks a 51 yarder over the uprights as the strong wind in his face miraculously disappears just as the ball is snapped. Touchdown Jesus? The ensuing elation of the south benders is labeled "The Wildest Celebration Ever". ND 29 UM 27.

III. Historic Contests 

With rich history, there are some unique events that transpire when these two rivals meet.

#1. 1992 - The last ever tie at ND stadium. A fabulous match up between #3 ND and #6 UM ends all square as the Irish's Reggie Brooks scores as he falls into the endzone after being knocked unconscious by would be/should be Michigan tacklers. UM 17 ND 17.

#2. 1982 - First ever night game at ND. #20 ND holds #10 UM to a measly 41 yds rushing. ND 23 UM 17.

#3. 1887 - As a friendly gift we generously allow Notre Dame to play us in their first ever game. And like any good mentor, we refuse to humiliate them and let them stay close. However we shut them out! UM 8 ND 0.

IV. R U KIDDIN ME! 

#1. 1989 - UM is in control of every aspect of this one, except for tackling a certain kick returner. Notre Dame struggled throughout this rain filled afternoon, but their"Rocket" did not. He becomes the first player to return a kick against UM in 32 years, then #25 does it again later in the game. ND 24 UM 19.

#2. 1991 - The blue prevail in this one that will forever be remembered for "The Catch". Desmond Howard gets horizontal with the big ball as he catches the oblong ball in mesmerizing fashion. UM 24 ND 14

#3. 1990 - With #4 UM leading by 10 points in the final quarter, #1 ND decides to allow young Rick Mirer to make his Irish debut. Elvis Grbac gets picked twice late and ND preserves its top national ranking with an astonishing comeback. ND 28 UM 24

V. Fairly Rare Ones 

#1. 1999 - A rare occurrence for Maize/Blue fans. UM is trailing late and future NFL Superbowl MVP (X2), Tom Brady leads UM all the way back to take the lead and defeat the shocked Irish faithful. UM 26 ND 22

#2 1978 - UM is running an option offense? ND gets a ridiculous 26 tackles from legendary linebacker Bob Golic but neither is enough. UM 28 ND 14


VI. NATIONAL CHAMPS! 

#1. 1997 - An early season test in the rivals' first meeting in three seasons boosts UM up the polls. Although don't get to excited it was Bob Davie's coaching debut against UM. The Wolverines slip by the Irish in route to a perfect season and National Championship! UM 21 ND 14

#2. 1988 - #9 Michigan v. #13 ND. Probably the most memorable for any ND fan. UM's stingy D allows no offensive touchdowns on the day. However Ricky Watters returns a punt 81 yds for a score to go along with the diminutive Reggie Ho's 4 field goals that included the game winner. Last minute heroics by Mike Gillette miss splitting the uprights and ND goes on to win the National Championship! ND 19 UM 17

VII. Futures

#1 2006- Story to be told: Saturday, September 16th beginning at 3:30 in South Bend, Indiana. Go Blue!!!!