Weekend Roundup: Knight Rider Edition: February 18, 2008

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​I'm sure there will be a YouTube or BTN video clip of it soon enough, but head coach Rich Rodriguez addressed the crowd at halftime of the Michigan-OSU basketball game. It came off of an alumni weekend and a Friday event that had 300 plus in attendance. From the Sporting News:

During his remarks, several hundred Ohio State fans seated in the upper bowl of the arena began chanting "Tressel," referring to Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel, and held up a sign that said "1,548 days," which referred to the number of days since Michigan had defeated Ohio State in football.

Rodriguez turned to the Ohio State fans and told them, "I hope you guys up there enjoy your seats." Wolverine fans than began counter chanting, "Beat the Buckeyes." To that, Rodriguez said, "Amen. I hear ya!"


1548 days? Just threw up a bit in my mouth. Further quoting fun from the Detroit News...

"When you come in the Big House, when the maize and blue come out of that tunnel, I guarantee you they will play hard and they will play physical," said Rodriguez amidst cheers.

What if I just want them to be really really fast?

Michigan Hockey is on a serious roll. They swept Lake State over the weekend, solidifying 1st place in the CCHA and their #1 National Ranking. To summarize, I give you The Blog That Yost Built, which covers hockey like I cover Southern Omlettes in sausage gravy:

Michigan is now 5 points ahead of both Miami and Michigan State with all schools having 4 games left to play. Notre Dame is nine points back and has been officially eliminated from contention. That means that Michigan needs only split their last four to win the CCHA title outright, and can finish no worse than 3rd in the conference.

According to a Freep article, Amani Toomer isn't very friendly with Lloyd Carr:
The last time I heard a word from Lloyd was when I was playing in a (Michigan) game; it was my last play of my senior year. I caught a touchdown from Brian Griese, and I was walking off the field and Lloyd looks at me, looks at Griese, looks at me again, and goes, "Good throw, Brian." And that's the last thing he ever said in my direction.

Uhhhhhh. OK. Of note...is that a painting of Amani Toomer attached to this article?

Bullet points, baby, bullet points...

Never the Bride

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​She wore red tonight. The Buffalo Bills of college sports choked on another one, misrepresenting their conference and embarrassing themselves. A lot was said about the lightning fast SEC speed in the weeks leading up to this matchup, but it didn't come to fruition.

Too fast? Not really.

Too smart. Too strong. Out-coached. Out-battled.

The Buckeyes fall short again, making it 3 consecutive National Championship games (football, basketball, football) in which they couldn't get it done. They started quickly, jumping out to a 10-0 lead...and that would be it. From that point, Ohio State looked confused and frustrated. Costly, borderline retarded penalties kept drives alive. Missed assignments all over the place, missed tackles all over the place...unable to adjust to the trickeration from the Michigan Man that almost was, and unable to respond to the SEC strength.

The Buckeyes fall to 3-11-1 overall against the SEC, 0-9 in bowl games. Yummmm. Taste the tears. The Wolverines are 18-5-1 against the SEC...8-2 in bowl games.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to compare seasons here. We lost to a mountain town high school this year. OSU won the Big Ten title. I'm just giving you the final results...Michigan didn't win the National Championship, and neither did Ohio State. The rest of this is smoke and mirrors, ifs and buts. The only difference between us now?

We're on a winning streak.

There's a certain amount of satisfaction that we have the ability to do something that Ohio State cannot...beat the SEC. Our New Year's Day victory felt good and looked good. Now it's even better.

And now it's over in so many ways. The season is over. The reign of Bo has truly ended. Things will never be the same. We are moving on, moving forward. And you have to love it, all of it, even the bit of uncertainty about the new regime. These are exciting times my friends. Get on board.

Spring game up next. See you then...and at the reunion.

GO BLUE!

Just in Case You Are Waffling...

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​...I would like to remind you that you are rooting for Les Miles and LSU tonight. Big Ten loyalty is something you cherish if you are Northwestern, Indiana, or Michigan State. Ohio State is something you root against if you have any loyalty to Michigan at all. So, don the purple and yellow tonight, wear it with pride, and revel in The Ohio State University being known as The Buffalo Bills of college sports.

Eating It

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​Dumping gasoline on the fire...it's time for me to eat a little crow.

Back on 11/13, in the weekend roundup, I called out this post for being ridiculous, or in my words, "the definition of grasping at straws." Ohio State at the time had to A) Beat Michigan and B) Move up 6 places in the BCS...in 3 weekends of college football. Nuts right? Ya, Bucknuts.

A nod to the BBC for his ballzy prediction. My apologies.

GOD DAMMIT THIS SUCKS.

One Last Saturday

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​Freezing temps. 4:15am wake up call. In line at 5:45am. In a folding chair staking claim on the 7th hole green at 6am. Gates open at 7am. Tailgate.

It was a truly amazing turnout for a game with limited tickets and freezing rain in the forecast.

The tables were once again filled, this time with amazing Mexican themed recipes. Thanks to all that brought food, drinks, etc.

In lieu of a banquet, Godfather presented the yearly tailgate awards at the tailgate. There were so many awards given out, there was just no cataloging them individually. But everyone looks forward to the coveted birdhouse award, this year given to the most improved tailgater. This year's winner was Greg Bush. Greg, who is also known as "Greg not Craig," really stepped up his participation this year, and became an integral part of our tailgate. Thanks and congrats to Greg.