Chewing on That

​The "little article that could" made the rounds today, in the end likely accomplishing what the author set out to do...piss off Michigan fans, stir up some shit, and get featured on mgoblog.  Brian was up to the task.  You know it's mid-summer in the football loving world when people are spending time on an article called "Chew on this one for a while."

Jaime Samuelson, who consequently, like, lost his job yesterday, blogged on the Freep about how WVA-RichRod will always be a hot topic.  "Always" might be a stretch.  I mean, if RichRod wins at Michigan, he will cease to belong in any way to West Virginia.  He will be Ann Arbor's native son.  His time in Morgantown will be long forgotten.  If time passes with continued success for RichRod at Michigan, you might even find some old Mountaineers re-claiming him for the sake of posterity...

"You speak of legendary Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez?  Well, he is from right here in West Virginia!  Made his chops right as a Mountaineer.  We are so proud of his success."

Ahhhh.  A man can dream.  Jaime reminds ye of little faith...

Rodriguez has won every single place he's gone. And every single place he's gone, there has been a period of transition. This never was about some Urban Meyer-esque overnight success story. This was about taking a program that was a perennial conference contender and turning it into a perennial national title contender. We all knew it was going to take time.

Change people...  Change.  Half of you idiots were all about it when it came to the country...but you're afraid of it now that it pertains to your football team.  Get on board.  You, me, a coach that is consistently on lists like this, and Hell's Bells blaring on 3rd down.

Go Blue!

Rich Rod's Last Year?

​A writer from West Virginia has decided that this year will be the last year for Rich Rodriguez at Michigan.  The whole article oozes ignorance.

Although most coaches get at least three years to prove themselves, I'm convinced Rodriguez is only going to get two

That's just not the way things are done here.  We don't have relations with our siblings, we don't have mullets, and we don't fire coaches that are about to have back to back top 10 recruiting classes without seeing what he is going to do with the talent.  He would have to solicit a prostitute on Hoover St (consequently a great street name to pick up a prostitute) to be fired this year.  The ripple effect and aura of instability would plague the program for 10 years.  No matter what you think of Rich Rod, you should know that we are going to ride it out with him.  Oh, and this just in...we're going to win games this year.  Hat tip to Freep, original article here (comments are great on this one so be sure to scroll down).

Summer Roundup, Find Us A New Home Edition: 7/13/2009

​Ya, we've (I've) been dormant for a while.  Not to make excuses, but the group is suffering from a little shell shock about recently becoming homeless.  With the new rules over at AAGO, we are actively seeking another venue to continue the traditions we've been building for the better part of 15 years in our spot by the green.  Fear not friends and fans, we will tailgate...you just might have to come and find us.  Maybe in this age of twitter and iphones we'll be able to figure it all out somehow.  In the meantime, if you have a spot you think might suit us, one with similar pricing, open space, and a location near the stadium, be sure to contact me at frank at umtailgate dot com.

During the layoff, I also neglected to mention the marrying off of the second of the Godfather's two daughters, affectionately known as the Princess.  It will certainly be a house divided, as the groom prefers the kelly green and gold over the Maize and Blue.  Congrats to the two of them...and to the Godfather who has finally alleviated himself of all financial burdens not related to football.  We expect big things, big tickets, more food, and more participation out of the Godfather now that he has nothing else to spend his money on. 

Internets, internets, internets:

• Dan O'Neill has decided on Western Michigan as the destination for his transfer.  Like all other transfer stories, this will be published as "another player transferred from Michigan" even though the news of his transfer was months ago and we were just waiting to see where he was going.  Sounds like he had some trouble with all the running necessary in the Rich Rod spread.  Another wuss.  You and Boren should spoon.


• A quick parking outrage roundup...  Mlive letter to the letter #1,  Mlive letter to the editor #2, Mlive article, MATW article, AAGOC rules page.


• After winning it's first game against Michigan since 2001, and it's first game against Michigan in Ann Arbor since 1990, Athlon has decided that Michigan State is no longer second to Michigan.  This just in, Stanford is no longer second to USC...andOle Miss is no longer second to Florida.  It's one win.  You've got to be kidding me with this Sparty-Dantonio media love fest.  I can't wait for Mark to take a real college football job somewhere.


• How do you know if your recruits are really good?  When they have to retake entrance exams to get minimum passing scores.  Welcome to one of the most prestigious universities in the world Jeremy.


• Another way to know if your recruits are really good?  If they get arrested.  Just ask Florida.  Or this guy.  It's coming to Ann Arbor kids...trust me.  Piped in music, advertisments in the stadium, arrests, and national championships.  Trust me, once we get the last part...you'll be jumping around in the fourth quarter at Amway Michigan Stadium like you were born in Madison.


• We're number 57!  ...which begs of a Heinz sponsership.


• And finally...Brian Ellerbe is a basketball coach again.  However, Tom Goss is not an athletic director.

Not Doing Wonders For My Tate Confidence Level

​I've always been a little uneasy about the QBForce website.  I remember looking at it for the first time back when Tate was scanning all of his offer letters and posting them on there.  Sure, there are players out there that think they are the shit, and they talk some trash or seem smug or arrogant when talking to the media.  But this whole Brothers McQuarterback dedication site is just a little on the creepy side.  Honestly, it seems to be only about a step away from having a picture of Dad Forcier's penis emblazoned across the top of it.

As reported on Deadspin, Chris Forcier is transferring from UCLA to Furman.  New coaching staff comes in, quarterback transfers...we know this story.  But what is particularly interesting is the press release is that it is a list of "facts" about Chris, about the UCLA situation, and his desire to wear #7 again like he did in high school.

Fact: I was practice player of the week as a freshman multiple times.

Fact: I want to be part of the "Greatness of Fuhman University" academic's.

I am really really hoping that the Forcier family is sitting in a room somewhere laughing their collective asses off.  I hope that they are being funny, putting a comedic spin on things.  Because if this is serious, and Chris is as in love with himself as he seems to be...then I would imagine that we've got our own version of this problem suiting up on Saturdays in less than 90 days.

Change You Really Can Believe In

Michigan bench warming quarterback turned sensational tight end Jay Riemersma has officially filed to fill Peter Hoekstra's congressional seat.  He's running on a platform that he had a great catch against Virginia in the 1995 Pigskin Classic.  Jay retired from the NFL in 2007 after a successful career with the Bills and Steelers, and believe it or not, is still listed in the top 25 for career receptions at Michigan.