Way Back When-sday: September 11, 2001

​Though you may be at your limit for 9/11 rehashes this week, I couldn't help but make this week's Way Back Whens-day refer to the day America was attacked. Coming off of the only week where a game has been suspended due to weather, I would like to take you back to the only time a game has ever been cancelled...

A large contingency of UMTailgaters made their way out west to see Michigan fall to the Washington Huskies on September 8th. A disappointing game, yes, but it was a great trip to the great Northwest, filled with amazing mountain views and large portions of salmon. Most of us made our way back to Michigan on Sunday and Monday, but a few Wolverine faithful had a Tuesday flight. A flight that they would never take. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center, all flights were grounded, and the Godfather and friends opted to rent a car and make their way back to Michigan on the road. With two of our regulars hailing from New York City, we were all thankful that our group's tragedy was nothing but a bit of inconvenience.

In the aftermath of 9/11, the University of Michigan opted to cancel the weekend's game against Western Michigan. 

A team shift allowed for minimal changes to the schedule, and we all gathered the following week for the Western Michigan game, where we established the now famous Bin Lotto. The team flags had come down from around The Big House, replaced by half-mast American flags. In the stands, 100,000+ gathered and stood in silence and remembrance, and united in song for the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Case of the Mundys: Too Much Monday Night Football Edition

There's a game just starting right now at 10:30pm. Looks like a little overkill for the folks at ESPN in this opening weekend. But it's nice to have Brad Nessler in the background as I sit down to write this week's injury report. A little housekeeping first...

The game time for our next home game has been set. The Big Ten opener against Wisconsin will kickoff at noon EST, and will be nationally televised on ESPN. The tailgate theme for this game will be Tex Mex, which opens up the menu to a plethora of delicious delights, highlighted by rumors of a BBQ beef brisket from Fry Daddy Frank. I'm thinking of going with baby backs...but there's a lot of business to take care of before then. Feel free to chime in the comment thread on this post to tell us what you are bringing. We can adorn the tailgate with country cowboy deco, wear cowboy hats, and I'd appreciate it if someone could bring a mechanical bull. Oh, and a hot chick from Texas to ride it in chaps.

In typical pre-game media hype fashion, Notre Dame has moved back up to #2 in the AP poll and #3 in the USA Today Poll. Previews will come in droves this week, but I'd like to start by pointing out my lack of confidence in a positive outcome Saturday afternoon. It's perhaps my first taste of what everyone else seems to be already chewing on. I don't want to go to South Bend, where the pageantry and tradition matches the Big House, and where the Fighting Irish have owned us since 1994. It's the first road game of the season, and we haven't won the first road game of the season since a 1999 win at Syracuse. As everyone likes to point out, we've played a couple of patsies, and Notre Dame has played a couple of household names. They've got the genius Fat Bastard, we've got the hot seat.

Yes I know it's cliché, when in reality the most important game is the next one, but on Saturday we will reach a crossroads. The historical perspective and reputation of our coach, our team, and our legacy will be on the line... I just hope the team isn't cowering under the pressure the way that I am. Someone is returning to glory on Saturday, and I wish I could do more than just hope that it's Michigan.

Enough of that, on to the injuries...

• Antonio Bass: knee, out for season


• Mike Kolodziej: undisclosed, out for season


• Chris Graham: missed CMU with thigh injury, will return for ND


• Eugene Germany: missed CMU with undisclosed injury, will return for ND


• Tyler Ecker: was in street clothes for 2nd half of CMU, no word on if he will be back for ND


• Carlos Brown: strep throat, saw limited action against CMU, should be ready to run the Antonio Bass set against ND

That's all for tonight, you stay classy Columbus.

Wolverines Prevail Over CMU

​In what will forever be used as trivia fodder, Michigan sustained their longest drive in history on Saturday, a 6 play, 42-yard drive at the end of the first quarter that took over a hour and twenty minutes to complete. It was courtesy of a one-hour weather delay that lengthened a game that was already as stimulating as going to the dentist. The Wolverines maintained their perfect record against the MAC conference defeating Central Michigan 41-17 in a game that was eerily similar to last week's game against Vanderbilt. Modest, sometimes spectacular running and defense combined with a shaky, sometimes disturbing air attack. But the preseason is over now. It's time to unwrap the other 99 pages in the 100 page playbook. The next three weeks will put the Wolverines up against three teams that handed Michigan three of their five 2005 losses. None will mean more, and none will be bigger than this week's matchup against #2 Notre Dame.

The tailgate flourished as Fry-Daddy-Frank's Reuben Spring Rolls, Cajun Catfish, and various other "Sea" and "C"-food delights were packed on the tables, and not much was left when it was time for kickoff. In addition, we were able to have ourselves a middle-of-the-game tailgate, watching other game action via satellite during the weather delay.

Another tremendously successful week. We will take our momentum on the road next week to South Bend...lots to come in the next few days...but it's bedtime now.

Quick Weekend Roundup:

• Ohio State beat Texas...then became Michigan State. [USA Today]


• Terry Foster says "the audition is over" for Michigan. [Detroit News]


• The Angel gives us the obligatory thunder/lightning metaphor. [Freep]

Central Predictions

​The Hammer:

I can't wait for this game. I hope Dan Bazuin is as good as advertised

because we need to work out the kinks on the offensive line. And yes you

can have kinks after one game. We'll still win this one with what will

become our calling card this year...a well executed running attack. But it

will be a tough one in the big house.

Michigan 24
Cmu 10

OMVP: Mike Hart
DMVP: Rondell Biggs

Johnny Cleveland:

Due to his respect for his former team, coach DeBord plays it conservitive
and a couple sustained drives end in field goals. However a turnover and
some trick plays give Central an early lead 10-6. The D is scorned at
halftime and for the sake of the Chips hopefully their quarterback is able
to sustain life. A late touchdown run by Forcier caps a solid second half
preparing us for South Bend.

UM 35
CMU 13

OMVP: Chad Henne
DMVP: Alan Branch

The Webmaster:

I have a few statements to make that are totally non-game related:

1. I am offended by Central's use of an American Indian mascot.


2. Michigan State once lost to Central Michigan in back-to-back seasons.


3. I can't get a grip on these short weeks


4. Chad Henne might still win the Heisman

And then a few game related ones:

1. Mike Hart will get 175+


2. Steve Breaston will get a special teams touchdown


3. Central Michigan will not score

Michigan 45 - Central Michigan 0

OMVP: Mike Hart
DMVP: Legendary Leon

Excuses or Reality

by Tuba

Do you believe in the element of surprise or executing to perfect? I'm not sure practice is a fair assessment for a game. And I don't think coaches would disagree with me on that one. It is widely accepted that we run a simplified playbook to begin the season and more importantly against weaker opponents. I understand this, but in order to prepare for Notre Dame, wouldn't you feel more comfortable running plays that we actually plan on running against them? 

Certainly there is room for improvement after game one. However, I couldn't be happier. It's a lot easier to correct than to wonder and we have plenty to correct. Fans and the media alike were complaining about our lack of offense against Vanderbilt but we blew at least four potential scoring opportunities. Just listen to Lloyd...

"I think we had four opportunities to score touchdowns that we did not take advantage of. We missed (Mike) Massey down the sideline for a touchdown. We dropped a pass that was a certain touchdown. I thought (Mario) Manningham caught the ball on the two, that certainly would have given us an opportunity on first down there, at the 2-yard line. And we fumbled the football down I think on the 19-yard line. So we had four scorers there that we did not take advantage of, and we missed a field goal. Those are things that certainly we have to do better." (courtesy of mgoblue.com)

This quote makes me feel good. It takes my attention away from the score and puts it on the actual lack of execution. From our receivers, to our offensive line to at times our quaterback and tight end. Room to improve and time to do it.

On the other hand, I'm very excited about Brandon Minor and the running game. We'll rack up a ton of rushing yards and the score will be kept in check. Mike Hart should have another big day as well. The one thing about these rule changes involving the clock will put a premium on the running game and I like that. This gives us a decided advantage with a healthy Mike Hart. It will help us close out games. And if the team tries to cheat defensively we have the weapons to burn them through the air. I'm excited folks and you should be too. Can't wait for a true test. Don't look past Central though. CMU will test the right side of our line with their stud DE Dan Bazuin and I think that's a good thing. They'll play us tough but I think we'll be able to pull this one off as well. Prediction will come Friday. Droppin' it...