Remembering Bo

I've been working a while on this one (on and off) because I wanted to give it the full attention that it deserves. Here goes...

I will never forget November 17. 2006. I woke up before class and checked to see if there was any news before the big game. That’s when I first found out. Bo Schembechler was dying. It was the day before the biggest game in the history of the biggest rivalry in all of sports… and one of the rivalry’s legends was dying. I called my mom, dad, and brother to see if they had heard anything. Everyone was calling everyone. About a half hour later, it was official. Bo had passed away. I’m not sure that I can put into words what Bo meant to me, to Michigan… but I’m sure going to try.

Non-Michigan fans just don’t get it. They don’t understand why so many people cared so much. That day, I cried for the first time in a long time. I felt like I had lost a family member. Suddenly, the next day’s game just didn’t mean as much. A national championship just didn’t seem that important anymore.

Sure, Bo was a great coach. He won 13 Big Ten championships and won 2 Rose Bowls. He went 5-4-1 against Woody Hayes and 11-9-1 against Ohio State. He put Michigan football back on the map. He pulled off the greatest upset in Michigan football history in 1969. But, he was so much more than that. Bo is Michigan football.

Michigan football is everything. It’s the winged helmet, the blue jerseys, and the maize pants. It’s tailgating at 8 am for Ball State, Eastern Michigan, and Appalachian State. It’s seeing the team run through the tunnel and touch the M Club banner. It’s 107,501 people cheering for a common cause on fall Saturdays. It’s a 235 member band marching across the field playing the Victors. It’s the claw, “You suck,” and (as much as I hate it) the wave. It’s Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, and Charles Woodson. It’s Dan Dierdorf, Elvis Grbac, and Jarrett Irons. It’s Dreisbach to Hayes, Biakabatuka for 313, and Braylon owning Michigan State. It’s Fielding Yost, Fritz Crisler, and Lloyd Carr. It’s 849 wins, 42 Big Ten championships, and 11 national championships. It’s Bo Schembechler.

Michigan football is something that hundreds of thousands of people have in common. It creates a connection between so many people. On a more obvious level, it gives us students of the university an amazing connection. Michigan football will keep me connected with some of the amazing friends I have made at Michigan. But, it goes much further than that. Other schools think they have it, but no one has the widespread fan support that Michigan has. Michigan football fans don't travel... they're just everywhere. Walking down Hollywood Boulevard a week before the Rose Bowl, there were people yelling “Go Blue!” from across the street. Go to people in California, Florida, Texas, or wherever else you want and ask them who their “second favorite” college team is. An overwhelming number of people will tell you it's Michigan. There's just this love of Michigan football all across the country. Some of it can be attributed to the largest alumni base in the world. Some of it can be attributed to the success of the program. And almost all of it, directly or indirectly, can be traced back to Bo Schembechler.

Bo's impact is lasting. There's so much evidence of this. The building which holds football practices along with the football coaches' offices is named after him. He was even allowed to keep an office in that building. Bo is a large reason that Lloyd Carr is the current head coach. And Bo is the reason that I will defend Lloyd Carr to the death. You see, Lloyd Carr continues to do what Bo began. Bo made Michigan football about so much more than just the game on the field—he made it an attitude. He instilled such passion within his coaches and players. They were passionate because he was passionate. He made each and every freshman he ever coached learn the Victors before they played a game, and made them earn the right to sing the same song after games by winning(two traditions that still exist today).

Bo coined several phrases in his time at Michigan. My two favorites, and the two that continue to have the most impact on the current program, are “Those who stay will be champions,” and “The team! The team! The team!” Needless to say, I was upset when I saw that a more prominent version of the latter was not voted onto the 2007 football shirt. In regards to the former quote, it is a large reason that Michigan football players don't seem to go pro early very often. The team/family concept is instilled in them as freshmen, and it is the reason that they don't have a desire to leave Michigan early. Sure, you get the occasional Alan Branch or Charles Woodson, but they graduate at the very least. And when they do leave early, they leave not just better players... but better men. Desmond Howard talked about this right after Bo's death when he said, “In 1988, I was an 18-year-old kid going off to college and leaving home for the first time. In just a few short years, Bo prepared me to be a man ready to take on the world.”

If nothing else, Bo brought integrity. And that integrity still exists today. It may be cliche, but Michigan does things the right way. Lloyd Carr continued this, which is another reason that I will defend him to the death. Michigan graduates players. Michigan recruits cleanly. Michigan expects as much academically as they do athletically. Like the commercial says, Michigan shows integrity “before, during, and after the game.” If that means an extra loss each year, so be it. I refuse to see Michigan turn into the “other schools.” I refuse to watch Michigan bend and/or break the rules for a high school player that may never amount to anything. I refuse to support a team that will give their star players beneficial treatment. Michigan does things the right way. Michigan does things with integrity. Michigan turns out Michigan Men.

I think the term Michigan Man is a Bo phrase as well. As far as I'm concerned, being called a Michigan Man is the highest honor an individual can receive. Michigan's basketball program has had trouble because they haven't had Michigan Men. They don't bring in the right guys. That was beginning to change with Tommy Amaker, who is the epitome of a Michigan Man. He was not the greatest coach, and he deserved to be fired, but he is and always will be a Michigan Man. He brought integrity to a program that needed it so badly. The next basketball coach will be a Michigan Man, as will Lloyd Carr's successor. I don't agree with a lot of the thing Bill Martin does... but bringing in Michigan Men is one thing that he does well. Bo was the original Michigan Man... and he is the standard by which all others should be measured.

I think the ultimate sign of success in a particular profession is gaining respect from your colleagues. If that is true, then Bo is the most successful coach ever. I'll never forget coming back from class the day Bo died. I turned on ESPN, and was treated to hours of other coaches and players (current and former) talking about the amount of respect that they had for Bo. I turned on the radio... same thing. Even Bobby Knight said that Bo had the biggest impact on him of any coach he had ever encountered. An Ohio State alum and basketball coach said that about the old Michigan football coach. Bobby Knight wasn't alone. Lou Holtz said it. Lee Corso said it. Kirk Herbstreit said it. Jim Tressel and Bobby Bowden said it. Hell, George W. Bush said it. Yeah, the President of the United States felt the need to comment on it. He said, “Bo Schembechler was a true legend of college football. I was saddened to learn of his death. He inspired generations of players and fans by insisting that his teams play hard, play fair, and bring honor to themselves and their school by finishing their educations and contributing to society. He was an extraordinary leader and role model who will be missed. Laura and I join fans of the Big Blue in extending our sympathies to his wife, Cathy, and his family and friends.”

People often wonder why we cared so much when Bo passed away. Sure, he brought integrity and success to a program that had been down at the time. He helped inspire the greatest rivalry in all of sports. But, he did so much more than that. He is, in all likelihood, the reason I am a Michigan fan today. Because of that love for Michigan football, I fell in love with the school. Bo is quite possibly the reason that I am attending the University of Michigan on a full scholarship. He is quite possibly the reason that I have made some amazing friendships in the past two years. All of this because one man took a job in 1968. I love Michigan because Bo loved Michigan. On November 17, 2006, I lost someone who had a lasting impact on my life. I will never forget him. Thanks Bo... for everything.

C-Webb back in town

I honestly feel bad for Chris Webber. He's really gotten the bad end of the whole Ed Martin scandal. Most people blindly call him guilty without knowing the true facts of the situation. Let me enlighten...

Webber began taking loans from Ed Martin at about age 13. This was far before Michigan was even in the picture. Ed Martin loaned money out to all kinds of inner-city kids. Some of them became great basketball players and some of them didn't. Ever wonder why 3/4 of the people accused in the situation were from Detroit?? Martin was well-known among Detroit inner-city youth as a very wealthy, nice guy. He gave money to families that needed it. He was ridiculously rich, and he loaned out money that he didn't need at the time, but knew he would need/get in the future. It was a pretty good deal for all involved, really. Ed Martin never once gave money to the University of Michigan, but he was a fan. The scandal began when Steve Fisher began leaving tickets for Martin. When he did this, Martin became classified as some sort of booster (there are different booster classifications). The ironic part is that had Webber gone to MSU, MSU would probably be in the same boat. Do you think the MSU Athletic Department wouldn't have given Martin tickets if he wanted them? Martin NEVER paid Webber to go to Michigan and anyone saying so is completely ignorant. If you're going to pay someone to pick your school, you give them a thousand bucks. You don't give them $200,000. That's way too easy to trace.

The situation is very complicated. People always complain that Michigan got off easy. The fact is that they could've easily fought the whole deal and probably gotten off without any sanctions. Martin really wasn't a booster. If there's anyone to blame in this whole situation, it's Steve Fisher. Fisher gave Martin tickets, probably fully-well knowing that he had given Webber money. Had he not done this, there would be no scandal.

So, needless to say, I'm cheering hard for Webber. An apology would go a long ways.. but I realize there's legal ramifications in doing so. Webber was the #1 player coming out of HS (by a mile), he had the chance to be a legend in Detroit. If he brings a championship back to Detroit, he will become one. Here's to hoping he does.

Missing the Seniors

Michigan football is everything to me. I've grown up going to games, watching games on TV, and living and dying with every win/loss. Because of that, I totally respect every player that puts on the famed Winged Helmet and the best jerseys in sports. I particularly respect those who stay all four or five years that they are eligible to. With that said, here's a tribue to this year's seniors.. who gave us 2 Big Ten Championships and 3 Rose Bowls.

Ross Ryan- Started off without a scholarship and eventually earned one. I'll never forget your tackle against Northwestern this year.

Darnell Hood- Simply the best special teams player in Michigan history. It was great to see him get a few carries at RB this year, even though everyone thought it was Brandon Minor.

Prescott Burgess- Came in as one of the best safeties in the country, moved to LB and finally turned into a great LB this year. Hard to forget his 2 INT's against Notre Dame, the first of which basically sealed ND's fate.

Jeff Kastl- 3rd string QB (at best) for his entire career... kudos for staying through it.

Steve Breaston- Hard to see Stevie B go. So many memories... your freshman year was simply amazing. You've changed tons of games with your special teams ability, and you played very well this year at WR despite all of the criticism. Go to the NFL and show Kirk Herbstreit he's worthless.

Carl Tabb- The speedster. Great special teams player.. but I'll never forget all of your clutch 3rd down catches against Ohio State in '03.

Willis Barringer- The Ohio State game this year proved how valuable you were. Michigan's safeties have sucked for a long time, but I don't put you in that group.

Alijah Bradley- One career TD, and I remember it well. Always came in and produced when asked to.

Mike Carl- One career tackle.. but you stayed.

Leon Hall- The best shutdown corner in the country this year. You made some unbelievable plays your entire career, your diving INT against ND this year was all effort. You're going to be impossible to replace.

Brian Thompson- You moved from TE to FB your entire career, depending on where you were needed. A true Michigan Man.

B.J. Opong-Owusu- Played special teams most of your career... you were just a total beast this year.

Garrett Rivas- You were highly touted coming into Michigan, and you didn't disappoint. You're one of those guys (like Navarre) that just couldn't do anything right in the minds of Michigan fans. You'll be missed.

Obi Oluigbo- You provided something at FB this year that has been missing since Kevin Dudley. I'm sure Michael Hart is going to miss you next year.

Jeremy Van Alstyne- Spot starter at DE, but you were a great guy coming off the bench. DE depth is invaluable, and you provided a ton of it throughout your career.

Mark Bihl- Another in the line of great Michigan offensive linemen. You stepped into arguably the hardest position in football (center), and played admirably.

Turner Booth- You can never have enough long snappers. Your claim to fame will forever be the "roughing the center" penalty in the Ohio State game.

Rueben Riley- I've never laughed harder when I read Kirk Herbstreit's "Best Players in a Uniform" before this season and you were on it. You're just a gutsy player, always playing through injury.

Mike Kolodziej- A promising career constantly hindered by injuries, you fought hard.

Tyler Ecker- You were an idiot for running out of bounds in the Alamo Bowl and staying in bounds in the Ohio State game last year. But, you caught a ball in the 2003 Ohio State game that gave Michigan some much needed momentum. I'll never forget your run and catch (running right past me) in the 03 Minnesota game to win the game. You were a solid TE despite your bone-headed plays.

Rondell Biggs- You have to be the most underrated player in this class. You didn't start consistently until this year, but you were very solid your entire career. Your energy and constant movement at the DE position didn't go unnoticed.

LaMarr Woodley- You came in as the best LB in the country, and you left as the best DE in the country. You were always all over the field. No way to replace a guy like you.

David Harris- One of my favorite Michigan Men of all time. You were finally given the recognition you deserved this year, but you were just as good last year. Your pursuit to the football is the best I've seen since Jarrett Irons. You will be missed tremendously.

BCS Bitching

I find Ohio State and Michigan State fans bitching about Michigan fans bitching hilarious. It’s one of the many ironies in this entire situation. The bottom line is this system sucks. There is no logical reason for the greatest sport in the world to have the worst system in place. I don’t really have a problem with Florida being in Glendale. Florida is a very good football team and they are certainly deserving. But, should I, as a Michigan fan, not be upset with how things went down? For every argument I hear from an Ohio State, Michigan State, or Florida fan… I have a perfectly logical reason why they are wrong. Let’s start with my own argument.

1. Michigan is better.
Are we trying to find the team that’s most deserving or the 2nd best team in the country? Michigan and Florida’s offense are both very efficient. Both have (eventual in Michigan’s case) four year starters at the helm who run the particular offense very well. Michigan doesn’t turn the ball nearly as much, but Florida has Percy Harvin. Call that a draw. Michigan’s defense is, simply put, better. They are more physical and more disciplined. Both struggle at times with stopping the pass but Michigan obviously stops the run much better. On special teams, there’s no comparison. Florida’s kicker is horrendous. Garrett Rivas is first-team All Big Ten. Zoltan Mesko can kick the ball almost as far as Ryan Mallett can throw the ball. Huge advantage to Michigan there. In terms of coaching, Urban Meyer gives you a great game plan but Lloyd Carr has won a championship. I’ll give a push there to be nice to Florida.

Here’s the arguments I always hear..

2. Florida’s schedule is better.
Is it really? The main argument behind putting USC at number two was that their OOC schedule was so tough. I completely agreed with this. This is the only part of the schedule that you can control. USC’s OOC schedule was brutal, and they would’ve deserved to go to Glendale. Now, compare Michigan and Florida. I hate Notre Dame as much as the next guy, but they are better than Florida State. Notre Dame is overrated… but the difference between the two teams is that ND beats up on the bad teams and FSU gets outgained (in yardage) by Western Michigan. The next best teams are probably Southern Miss and Central Michigan. Central won the MAC and Southern Miss was runner-up in CUSA… end of story there. Vanderbilt has to be a tougher matchup than UCF because they are in the almighty SEC. Ball State sucks in the MAC… but Western Carolina sucks in Div. 1-AA.

3. The SEC is way better than the Big Ten.
Again.. is it really? Both have played two very good teams. Michigan has played Wisconsin and Ohio State, Florida has played LSU and Arkansas. The jury is still out on the rest of the teams, as far as I’m concerned. Tennessee and Auburn have looked like world beaters at times, and at times looked awful. Every year we’re told how great the SEC is.. and every year they prove otherwise in bowl games. If the SEC is proven to be better in the bowl games, then so be it. But, the difference in quality isn’t as glaring as most seem to think.

4. Michigan had their shot.
You’re right, and so did Florida. Once you lose, you lose the right to bitch. I’ve always felt that way. But why does that only apply to Michigan this year? Florida lost their right to be guaranteed a spot in Glendale when they lost to Auburn.

I wouldn’t be as upset if Florida had jumped Michigan immediately. But, Florida jumped Michigan because voters didn’t want to see a rematch. Talk about taking the easy way out. Had USC beaten UCLA, Michigan would’ve remained #3. There’s no reason that USC’s loss should change which team is better/more deserving. Is there something in the voters’ contract that says on the last week of the year, they are supposed to vote against a rematch? Because in the other 12 weeks of the year, they vote for who they think deserves each individual spot. Nothing occurred in the SECCG to suggest that Florida deserved a spot ahead of Michigan.

The irony in this situation is ridiculous. Lloyd Carr advocates a playoff in 2005 and gets screwed because there isn’t one in 2006. Michigan’s last BCS opponent (Texas) was there because their coach kicked and screamed to the media. Michigan’s BCS opponent this year is changed because of a coach kicking and screaming. Michigan State fans bitch about something they will, in all likelihood, never realize. Ohio State fans bitching, but conveniently forgetting 1996 and 1998. Lloyd Carr, a professed whiner, losing a spot in Glendale because he refused to whine. And, what I feel the biggest irony… the only objective factor in this whole process—the computers—declaring a tie. Once again, the computers got it right. Let’s figure it out on the field.