Michigan at Ohio State, Saturday, 12/12, Noo---- LOL NOPE!!!!

[Mike]

I'll gladly take win-win-push!

[iam416]

bastard

As these two teams prepare to play for a game that M will back out of at the last minute, it's worth revisiting the defections of Mattison and Washington. I remember, at the time, the M consensus or close to consensus was DON BROWN!!!!!! (even after the 62-39 pantsing). Now DON BROWN!!!!! seems like he's on the outs. I'm still pretty sure M doesn't care about losing Mattison, but maybe Washington counts. I dunno.

[Hannibal]

The coaching staff has been hit hard by the departures of good assistants. Losing Partridge stings.

[Hannibal]

The smoke signals seem to be pointing to:
1. Harbaugh returning
2. UM not playing this weekend.

[Tom W]

I agree with Hannibal. Leaking info through the Freep like the bit about third stringers and scout team players is meant to demonstrate the severity of the situation. Then after that stuff circulates for a couple days they put out the statement "For the safety of our players and all those involved.... blah blah blah, we quit".

Yeah, well they have "Science", and the administration in Lansing, on their side. After seeing how these characters have been playing for the last 9 months, I see absolutely no reason to think that they'll show any initiative to get this game played. It won't be because they want ot screw over Ohio (which I kinda like), but it will be because they've built their Sandbox of Pandhysterics and they are going to defended it at any and all costs.

[hack]

I'm even more convinced that this game is going to get played.

They're already setting up the reasoning behind it.

Some of you will remember the 1973 screw job where Michigan and OSU tied at 10-10, and OSU went to the Rose Bowl over Michigan, because MSU's AD voted for OSU.

Michigan was undefeated, and sat at home and could not go to a bowl because of MSU's vote.

Well, Michigan is not going to put themselves in that position. They don't want it to be said that their failure to show up cost OSU a berth in the CCG. "Michigan honor" is a phrase you may hear spoken about the situation.

They'll show even if they only bring the 3rd string, walk-ons and the scout team.

Bet on it.

I have no idea what they'll do, but I like this take. Could definitely see that logic applied.

[lineygoblue]

I'll still be surprised if they DON'T play. For reasons previously stated.

[Hannibal]

Today's press conference was cancelled. I take that to mean that they really want to play, but it's a close call and they need another day or so to suss things out.

[Mike]

I'll be shocked if they play. This could seriously be a 76-7 type beatdown. Gonna look pretty silly announcing Harbaugh's extension after that.

[Hannibal]

That's another thing. The smoke signals are saying, overwhelmingly, "extension". Warde must, at some level, be concerned about the optics of announcing an extension after Michigan loses by a record margin in the rivalry.

[Jeff Buchanan]

That's another thing. The smoke signals are saying, overwhelmingly, "extension". Warde must, at some level, be concerned about the optics of announcing an extension after Michigan loses by a record margin in the rivalry.

Actually, no. Warde has demonstrated he is tone deaf. My take is that he's getting his direction from the U administration which is formulating policy and strategy in consultation with legal advisors and the Regents. I don't think the people in positions to decide give a rat's ass about what fans think. They care about donors and maybe season ticket holders but by-in-large they are shutting out the noise coming their way from these two groups. With respect to the OSU game decisions are being driven by COVID politics - both state and BT Conference levels.

[lineygoblue]

The "extension" gives both Harbaugh and Michigan an easier way out than a straight-out firing. I get the impression that the very last thing Manuel wants to do is fire Harbaugh. So what this extension does, is it sends a message to Harbaugh that the poor performance of the team has been noted, and his results are being reflected in the money part of his contract. He will have to agree to a pay cut, with the ability to get more money based on results.

That gives Harbaugh the opportunity to say, "No thanks", and walk away to the NFL, where he'd likely get more guaranteed money.

It also allows Harbaugh to stay, make some coaching changes, and challenge himself to show better results for at least one more year. If Harbaugh really has no interest in the NFL, and likes living in Ann Arbor, he can take this route, and try to improve things in 2021.

I would almost be willing to predict that the Detroit Lions could offer Harbaugh their HC job, but I think they're going to go hard after Robert Saleh, who also has strong connections in SE Michigan.

No matter how badly they lose on Saturday, Harbaugh will be allowed to coach at Michigan in 2021, if that's what he wants. Its all going to be his decision.

[iam416]

I'm now completely with Hannibal -- zero way they play.

[Mike]

Brandon Brown has a piece in SI.com today that indicates Harbaugh would like to go back to the NFL but he doesn't have any strong interest at this point. Warde/UM is hoping an NFL team will "rescue" them out of this situation. Neither Harbaugh nor UM want Jim to continue as coach but they are trying to manage the optics the best they can.

If this is true, it really affects my ability to support this program. How inept can one AD be? This is why we have bigger issues than the head football coach. It's institutional malfeasance at incredible levels. I mean, we have early signing day on December 16, parents are calling wanting to know what the hell is going on. There's rumors for an extension for a guy who - in year 6! - has Michigan playing at a MAC level. But wait! It will be incentive laden! That will motivate a guy that's already taken $50 million from the university. And more money for assistants because the guy who has us playing at a MAC level should get to hire his 3rd and 4th set of coordinators.

JFC. Just take this horse out back and shoot it.

[lineygoblue]

I'm now completely with Hannibal -- zero way they play.

My personal feeling is, that I don't want them to play. If they do play, they're only going to have a handful of actual starters available. The QB is going to be a 3rd string (scout team) player who was playing HS ball a year ago. His back-up would be a LINEBACKER. With all the injuries, and those who will still be required to sit due to Covid, I'd prefer that they NOT play.

But

I still see them playing anyway. Big TV money is on the line, and so is Michigan's "reputation". If they don't play, they'll be labeled as cowards (as is seen here) and that can't help recruiting. They'll play. They'll get beaten by a record smashing score, .. and Harbaugh will sign his contract extension in early January.