Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines

The controversy regarding Brady Hoke continues. I guess the only thing that might stop the noise is winning. In fact, I saw an online poll that had to do with when Hoke might be terminated. Also, there was an article regarding the number of potential recruits that have decided to go elsewhere. All this noise although expected is not good to say the least. On the other hand, even though the San Francisco 49ers are winning, there is speculation that head coach Jim Harbaugh will leave the Niners at season’s end.

If coach Harbaugh leaves the Niners, I wonder if he would return to his alma mater. Jim was an All-American and a co-captain while playing there. In fact, the other co-captain for the University of Michigan was Andy Moeller, Gary Moeller’s son. Andy is currently coaching in the NFL. Jim Tombaugh has been a winner as a player in college football, and in the NFL. Further, he has been a winner as a coach in college and also in the NFL. Would he ever return to coach for the University Michigan? If he did, I know he would be a good fit. Incidentally, Jim’s father Jack coached at the University Michigan and for Jim to return as head coach would be something. What do you think?

Go Blue Go!

How Much Time Does Brady Hoke Have?

Unfortunately, the University of Michigan lost its third consecutive football game on Saturday. This time, the score was Rutgers 26 and the Wolverines 24. In their loss to Utah and Minnesota, they were simply outplayed and likely out coached. Although I didn’t see the Rutgers game, the score suggests that Michigan was in the game to the end. For the past few weeks, the media has been relentless, with its desire to remove Coach Brady Hoke and A.D. Dave Brandon. The apparent concussion to sophomore quarterback Shane Morris in the Minnesota game brought more negative criticism and media outrage. Should Brady Hoke, go along with Dave Brandon? If there is going to be a coaching change during the season, it would likely happen during Michigan’s bye week.

Let’s go back to 1968, when there was a coaching change. In 1968, the Michigan Wolverines finished the season with eight victories and two defeats. However, the last defeat of the season was to the Ohio State Buckeyes-the big rival. During that game, the halftime score was Ohio State 21, and Michigan 14. It seemed that Michigan was still in the game. By the end of the game, it was Ohio State 50 and Michigan 14. In fact, Coach Woody Hayes went for a two-point conversion on their last touchdown. When asked why he went for two points, he replied, “Because I couldn’t go for three.”

At the time, Michigan’s football coach was Bump Elliott. Elliott was an All-American, a Rose Bowl winner as a player, and in fact, even coached his Wolverine’s to a Rose Bowl win. Coach Elliott was loved by all, especially the players he recruited. He also impressed the parents of his recruits by being well-dressed, polite, sincere and speaking, impeccable English.

The athletic director was Don Canham, a track and field All-American, as well as a track coach, whose team set world records. Canham apparently had no difficulty in removing Bump Elliott, as head coach and replacing him with the rough and tough Bo Schembechler.

Perhaps, if Canham was A.D. today, he would have no difficulty removing Coach Brady Hoke. Everyone agrees that Brady Hoke is a nice guy. When A.D. Canham hired Bo, he wasn’t looking for a nice guy. He was looking for a no-nonsense tough as nails coach like Bo Schembechler. However, this is 2014 and not 1968. What is certain at this point, is the story goes on. Keep tuned for developments.

The Wolverines Are In Trouble

Last week, Linda and I were in Ann Arbor for our book launch. During that week, Mike Keller, Linda and I had a private meeting with Dave Brandon the athletic director. He seemed relatively calm despite the media uproar. Keller reminded Dave that the 1969 team’s record was two wins and two losses going into the Minnesota game. Not only that, Michigan was behind 9-7 at the half. And from then on the transformation of Michigan football began.

Also during the week, I presented along with Coach Brady Hoke for the Ann Arbor alumni and was on his and Jim Brandstatter’s radio show. There were a series of questions about the Minnesota offense. Coach Hoke made it clear that the Gophers had a formidable running attack, and really didn’t need to pass much for their victories. Also, the Gophers head football coach hadn’t announced, who would be their starting quarterback. Apparently one quarterback was a better passer and the other a better all-around quarterback. So, Michigan, was aware of their running attack. Coach Hoke declined to name his starting quarterback, and verbalized a lot of positives about his players.

Would Coach Hoke bench Gardner, and insert sophomore quarterback Shane Morris? It appeared that Morris was a better drop back quarterback, but that Gardner was much more athletic and explosive. Both Coach Hoke and AD Brandon appear to be likable. Is that enough in today’s football world of college sports?

Prior to Saturday’s game, Linda and I attended Richard Caldarazzo’s tailgate. Some of the players like Reggie McKenzie, Fritz Seyferth Mike Keller, Bruce Elliott, Jim Betts, and so forth where there along with Coach Dick Hunter and trainer Lindsy McLean. Then we headed to the game. There was a crowd of little over 102,000 which was below capacity. The biggest cheer was when it was announced that Michigan was ranked the number one public university in the country. Also, getting big applause was when the 1969 and 1964 teams were introduced along with the various Michigan conference champions, especially the basketball team.

There was not much to cheer about during that game. In the first half, the score was tied 7-7 and Minnesota had the ball on about their 2 yard line with a few minutes left in the half. They drove down the field, and kicked a field goal at the end of the half to take a 10-7 lead. Would the second half provide the same magic as did the 1969 team?

Well, the third-quarter was disastrous for the Wolverines. As I recall, they did not have any positive yardage either running or passing.  The game was clearly over by the end of the third-quarter. Michigan had serious trouble and difficulty either running or passing. The Wolverines also could not stop the balanced, Minnesota running the football or throwing the football attack.

Gardner entered the game in the fourth quarter when Morris was injured. And then when Gardner, lost his helmet on a play (according to the rules, the player has to leave the field) and Morris came in for one play. From the stands. It appeared that Morris had a possible leg injury, but now were told he had a possible concussion. More bad news for the Wolverines.

I must admit that I’m worried about tomorrow’s game with Rutgers. However, I’m still a fan.

Go Blue Go!

Go Blue

Linda and I just returned from Michigan, where we launched my new book, “Bo’s Warriors” Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football. We started with a Barnes & Noble book signing with Mike Keller in Grand Rapids, on 9/21 and from there headed towards Ann Arbor. On 9/22. I presented to the Ann Arbor, Michigan Alumni along with Coach Brady Hoke. I was joined by Mike Keller, Jim Betts, and Jim Brandstatter. The next day, on 9/23, I did a Barnes & Noble book signing in Shelby Township. On Wednesday morning Sam Webb interviewed Mike Keller, Jim Betts and I on his radio talk show. That evening I was a guest on Jim Brandstatter and the Brady Hoke radio show, and was joined by Mike Keller, and Jim Betts. Thursday evening I was joined by Thom Darden, Jim Brandstatter, Mike Keller, and Jim Betts for a book signing at the M Den in Ann Arbor. Earlier in the day Coach Gary Moeller signed books as well. On Sunday the 28^th, Fritz Seyferth joined me for a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in Northville.

The experience with the players was simply joy. I had a fun time and was on such a high. It is clear that these players from the 1969 historic Michigan team like each other. It is also clear that they bonded as a team and that connection is still strong. One memory was at the M Den signing. In my book, I titled Jim Brandstatter as the Duke. He is funny and quite the entertainer. The joy, the laughing was contagious. Jim does impersonations especially of John Wayne. He also initiated singing popular rock ‘n roll songs of the 60s. And of course, Jim Betts, Thom Darden and Mike Keller embellished along the way.

I am very blessed that I got the opportunity to meet and write about these guys. In the process, they have become friends. And that my friends is my real reward for writing this book.

Go Blue!

It Has Nothing To Do With Age Or Gender with guset George Parrott

Michigan 34 -Miami of Ohio 10

  Michigan 34-Miami of Ohio 10

Since Michigan lost big time last week to Notre Dame, there are some who want Coach Brady Hoke fired. They say, unless Michigan can beat both Michigan State and Ohio State, this year he should go. Well, it’s hardly a game anymore, instead it personifies big business, image, tradition, and of course, personal identification. Our identities can’t tolerate having lost a football game to our arch rivals. This is our state in 2014. Perhaps it’s a sad commentary about life today.

For a more upbeat version of Michigan football, I refer you to Bo’s Warriors. Bo is, of course, Bo Schembechler, the Michigan legend. In fact, he has his own statue, as well as the Schembechler Museum. This book is about him as seen through the eyes of his players: Jim Betts, Jim Brandstatter, Frank Gusich, Tom Curtis, Reggie McKenzie, Thom Darden, Fritz Seyferth and Mike Keller, along with one of his coaches Gary Moeller.

I have profiled each and tell their story from childhood to present. Although each attained unequaled athletic success, that doesn’t mean they were without challenges. They came from different socioeconomic and racial backgrounds and yet blended together in one mosaic.

I find their stories, heartfelt and marvel at their ability (mental toughness) to overcome lives challenges (bumps along the way). Was their disappointments? Sure! However, learn about these Michigan men, and how they became Michigan men through and through. Brady Hoke, too bad they are not playing for you. Even though Brady Hoke’s Wolverines won today (34-10), his job is still not safe.

Michigan 34 and Miami of Ohio 10. Don’t forget that before Coach Bo Schembechler became Michigan’s coach, he was Miami of Ohio’s head coach. Further, Woody Hayes was also was a Miami of Ohio, head coach and Bo Schembechler played for him at that school. 

Notre Dame 31-Michigan 0

 Notre Dame 31-Michigan 0

On 6th of September Michigan played Notre Dame in South Bend. In thinking about Notre Dame a couple of things comes to mind: 1. My brothers favorite Detroit Lions player back in the 60s, was Leon Hart, who played for Notre Dame. 2.  Also in the 60s, the nation’s two leading teams- Michigan State and Notre Dame played in a historic gridiron battle. Michigan State was leading. 10-7, while Notre Dame had a fourth-down decision to make. Notre Dame’s coach Ara Parseghian could go either for the victory or the tie. Many were unhappy as coach went for the tie.

Jim Betts, one of the players profiled In Bo’s Warriors told the story that he was recruited to play for Notre Dame. Jim played quarterback on offense and safety on defense at a parochial high school. At the Notre Dame dinner, Notre Dame’s line coach John Ray told Jim that they wanted him to play defense because they had this quarterback named Joe Theismann coming that fall. Incidentally, John Ray, a line coach for University of Detroit recruited me to play there for the Titans. When Jim talked to his high school coach Augie, the former Notre Dame player, about his treatment, he told Jim to play somewhere else. For more about Jim, I refer you to my book.

When Mike Keller was playing for Catholic Central High School, the Sisters wanted him to play for Notre Dame. Mike did in fact, visit and talk with coach Parseghian. Notre Dame’s coach told Mike that they did not have a scholarship him for at the moment but that he was sure they would find one for him. Even though there was pressure from the faculty at Catholic Central, Mike chose to attend the University Michigan.

Notre Dame clearly outplayed Michigan. It was embarrassing and the game was very disappointing to say the least. I would’ve liked to a heard what Brandstatter, and Dierdorf had to say about the pitiful line play on the radio. And, what Thom Darden had to say about the defensive secondary as well.

Well, Michigan’s next game is against Miami of Ohio. For those of you that don’t know, Bo Schembechler was head coach there before coming to Michigan.