Game 7—Western Michigan Broncos (2016)

[skip-zip]

Blue and Gold.  I pretty much felt the same way about it.  Regardless of the origin on that mantra, or how it was communicated, it's still their mantra.  And we mocked their mantra to motivate our own team.  I really don't see the problem.  I actually think that "rowing" associated with a football team in the middle of Michigan is what makes it so open to mockery.  And calling it "classless" is really going way too far.  

[zipsoutsider]

Agree. Come on. They are the Broncos, yet everything about them has to do with boats? The whole thing was crying to be mocked and it is what Fleck should expect when he uses his personal life to motivate his team. I highly doubt there was any intention to mock the loss of his son. This man is one boat load of walking cliches. The kids took a risk of mocking a high quality  opponent's maxim and I doubt they will do it, again, but hard to come down on a team for being motivated.

[skip-zip]

1 hour ago, zipsoutsider said:

I highly doubt there was any intention to mock the loss of his son.

 

I'll go one step further and say that I am certain that nobody was doing that.  

 

But since Fleck throws the word "classless" out there.  I'll call it classless that he has his starting offense in the game, in the final minutes, and tries to score another TD on 4th down in a 34-0 football game.  

[Captain Kangaroo]

You don't tug on superman's cape / You don't spit into the wind / You don't pull the mask off that old lone ranger / And you don't mess around with Jim.  

 

- Jim Croce

 

Don't go publicly busting oars when you're a 12 point underdog and starting your second string QB.

 

- Me

[zipsoutsider]

1 hour ago, skip-zip said:

But since Fleck throws the word "classless" out there.  I'll call it classless that he has his starting offense in the game, in the final minutes, and tries to score another TD on 4th down in a 34-0 football game.  

I was tempted to think the same thing but remembered, he is trying to get a NY Day bowl bid. Stats play a huge role in rankings and selections these days, so coaches have to compete for all 4 quarters, now.

 

3 minutes ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

Don't go publicly busting oars when you're a 12 point underdog and starting your second string QB.

 

- Me

I don't disagree.

[ZippyRulz]

I'll say it again, I would expect WMU players to do zero trash talking and commit zero personal fouls on the field if they're going to object to a little bit of acted-out pre-game hype. Maybe they don't, but I doubt it. Nevertheless, I agree that we stick to focusing on our in-game performance.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 19, 2016 by ZippyRulz

[Dr Z]

 

[zipsoutsider]

I read an article that indicated a lot of players and people around Michigan laughed at the whole cliché when Fleck first arrived and players admitted that they found the use of the cliché confusing. (Found the article.)

 

IT turns out that we did burn it, not break it and it looks like Gildersleeve was the initiator.

 

http://wwmt.com/sports/content/akrons-symbolic-oar-burning-smashing-blows-up-in-their-face-in-41-0-loss

 

Either way, it was probably a stupid thing to do, yet not intentionally disrespectful to Fleck's loss. I still can't stand Fleck - reminds me of a used car salesman.

Edited October 19, 2016 by zipsoutsider

[Dr Z]

 

#6 Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan While the volume hasn’t been there for Davis this season (61 targets through seven games), Davis remains perhaps the best wide receiver in the class due to his excellent route-running, body control and after-the-catch ability. He projects as a short and intermediate threat at the next level with just enough downfield ability to complete the package.

-------------------------------------

If we are lucky enough to play them again, I would shadow Davis with DeAndre Scott, I thought he did the best job with him because of his physical play. He should have been credited with the int against him. Tough call. 

[Dr Z]

On 10/16/2016 at 3:16 PM, zipsoutsider said:

I haven't seen John Rachal on the field in a couple of games - is he injured or benched?

 

[Dr Z]

20 hours ago, zipsoutsider said:

IT turns out that we did burn it, not break it and it looks like Gildersleeve was the initiator.

Correction printed yesterday on the story indicating no burning.  

[zipsoutsider]

2 hours ago, Dr Z said:

Correction printed yesterday on the story indicating no burning.  

The video does show it being lit on fire and then getting smashed.

 

 

[Captain Kangaroo]

From what I heard, and this is all on very good authority, this was simply a wood burning project that went awry.

 

Some of the Zips players were looking to surprise Coach Bowden with a customized canoe paddle as a Sweetest Day gift, and the damn gun tip overheated. Thankfully no one was injured. The players were embarrassed, and promised to never again undertake any craft projects prior to games. The pic below was taken just before the accident...if they wouldn't have added that last pine tree, everything would have been cool.

 

Much ado about nothing. Move along everyone.

 

 

[72 Roo]

That third pine tree will get you every time. Happened me in shop class. I'm surprised P.J. and the boys took offense. We were only trying to get some extra credit work in before the game by making a present for Terry for use during his fishing trips. 

[zipsoutsider]

I see WMU is at #20 after struggling a bit to beat EMU. Is #20 the glass ceiling for them? Is it the glass ceiling for any MAC school? I see Boise State is #13. With fewer power 5 games being scheduled with group of schools, is it possible for a G5 school to hope to crack the top 10? 

[MDZip]

9 minutes ago, zipsoutsider said:

I see WMU is at #20 after struggling a bit to beat EMU. Is #20 the glass ceiling for them? Is it the glass ceiling for any MAC school? I see Boise State is #13. With fewer power 5 games being scheduled with group of schools, is it possible for a G5 school to hope to crack the top 10? 

I believe the highest rated MAC schools of all time were Miami and Marshall who each reached #10. For WMU I think its more a function that no one above them lost other than to other very highly ranked teams.

[g-mann17]

4 minutes ago, MDZip said:

I believe the highest rated MAC schools of all time were Miami and Marshall who each reached #10. For WMU I think its more a function that no one above them lost other than to other very highly ranked teams.

That and nobody they have defeated has beaten anyone of importance.  Only beating EMU by 14 isn't going to impress the pollsters either, even if EMU is having their best season in 30 years.  

[kreed5120]

I feel had Houston run the table, they would have been a very serious contender to make the CFP. What's holding WMU back is their best win is over 4-3 Northwestern. If they finish the season 13-0, they should find themselves somewhere in the top 12 I'd guess.

[LZIp]

It's time to start rooting against Boise State and start rooting for WMU (except against us of course). If WMU makes a New Year's day bowl, Akron stands to make approx. $1 million on top of the already $1 million (slight increase from last year now that UMASS is gone) we receive from the CFP.

http://www.collegefootballplayoff.com/revenue-distribution

http://www.herdzone.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112314aaa.html

http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/group-of-five-league-schools-could-see-1m-per-year-revenue-cap/

 

Edited October 25, 2016 by LZIp

[zipsoutsider]

18 minutes ago, LZIp said:

It's time to start rooting against Boise State and start rooting for WMU (except against us of course). If WMU makes a New Year's day bowl, Akron stands to make approx. $1 million on top of the already $1 million (slight increase from last year now that UMASS is gone) we receive from the CFP.

http://www.collegefootballplayoff.com/revenue-distribution

http://www.herdzone.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112314aaa.html

http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/group-of-five-league-schools-could-see-1m-per-year-revenue-cap/

 

That's a really valid point.

[skip-zip]

15 hours ago, MDZip said:

I believe the highest rated MAC schools of all time were Miami and Marshall who each reached #10. For WMU I think its more a function that no one above them lost other than to other very highly ranked teams.

 

Huh?  The Suckeyes just lost to Unranked Penn State.  

 

It doesn't look like WMU will lose again, so they will move up as far as the number of ranked teams above them lose enough to drop.  I think 5 more weeks could be long enough for a volatile Top 25 to allow WMU to get to #10 or better.  I really hope that it happens.  I really want to see what happens to a MAC team in the national picture that wins a MAC title, goes unbeaten, and has two Big 10 wins on their resume.  

[Balsy]

3 hours ago, skip-zip said:

 I really hope that it happens.  I really want to see what happens to a MAC team in the national picture that wins a MAC title, goes unbeaten, and has two Big 10 wins on their resume.  

 

The only problem with this is that WMU is going to lose to us in the MAC Championship game.  

[Blue & Gold]

AP Week 9 Top 25

 

1. Alabama (8-0)

2. Michigan (7-0)

3. Clemson (7-0)

4. Washington (7-0)

5. Louisville (6-1)

6. Ohio State (6-1)

7. Nebraska (7-0)

8. Baylor (6-0)

9. Texas A&M (6-1)

10. West Virginia (6-0)

11. Wisconsin (5-2)

12. Florida State (5-2)

13. Boise State (7-0)

14. Florida (5-1)

15. Auburn (5-2)

16. Oklahoma (5-2)

17. Utah (7-1)

18. Tennessee (5-2)

19. LSU (5-2)

20. WMU (8-0)

21. North Carolina (6-2)

22. Navy (5-1)

23. Colorado (6-2)

24. Penn State (5-2)

25. Virginia Tech (5-2)

[kreed5120]

In addition to needing Boise to win, WMU might also need Navy to lose 1 more time. 

[LZIp]

Boise and Navy both lost yesterday. I believe the initial CFP rankings come out this week, but it appears the path is all clear for WMU to get that New Year's Day bowl game.