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CBS's production is pretty good, but Nessler and Gary D are well past their expiration date.
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About ten years ago, as my son and I were leaving the stadium, we peered into an ESPN production trailer that had the doors open. It looked like the Jet Propulsion Lab inside. One of the jockeys invited us in and gave us a quick tour and equipment explanation. Obviously proud of his work/job. I recommend being nosy (post game) if you'd like a look behind the scenes.I don't watch Fox News for the same reason I don't eat out of a toilet.Comment
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NoShut the fuck up Donny!Comment
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So here's my truncated and overdue event review. It's positive.
If it wasn't evident on the broadcast, it was about 80% Michigan fans in attendance. Iowa filled their allotment of tickets for their official sections but the rest mostly went to Michigan fans. I was lucky enough that a couple tickets on the Michigan side opened up on the low end of the price spectrum. We were about halfway up in the 600 level but on the 20 yard line near the "Iowa" end zone. Lucas Oil Stadium has always looked like a really nice venue to me and it didn't disappoint. The view from our seats was outstanding. High up but very steep seating. For the sake of comparison, think of Michigan Stadium around rows 50-60 and then go straight up about 3 stories hovering 30 feet above those seats. It was like watching game film. The entire field was in clear view. I'll try to post some pics from my phone.
We were opposite the TV cameras so the Corum run and Edwards pass to Wilson were along our sideline and moving to our right. Once we got those two scores the party was on, it was a 67,000 seat sports bar at that point. The game also marked my first opportunity to enjoy alcohol sales during a Michigan football game. Fantastic! Before, during, and after, I say. Those who stay will be drunk. (We had transportation to and from the venue). The only thing that sucked was getting to the upper level reminded me a bit of MSU's ramp city layout. It took a good 10 minutes of climbing. Fortunately, we grabbed some Two Hearted to help us hydrate during the walk.
Pretty much all the pre-game analysis indicated a comfortable Michigan victory and that turned out to be the case. Going in, I would have been disappointed if we allowed an offensive TD. They had us dead to rights on the first drive with the halfback pass but their lumbering wide open TE fell on his ass in the end zone. It was a perfect microcosm of what was to come. Michigan's 3 and out to open the game followed by a nice drive by Iowa to set up what should have been a TD provided a brief moment of nervous tension. Maybe this will be a rock fight after all... Haha, NOPE. I didn't realize until I rewatched the game a couple nights ago that Iowa actually reached our 15 (or better) 4 times and walked away with 3 points. Their dismal red zone offensive ranking is well deserved. Iowa scored their 3 lone points after being turned away from a goal-to-go situation. As soon as they got the preceding first down, my buddy said to me "first and goal at the 9? They're screwed". That's pretty much the worst place on the field for Iowa's "offense" to operate.
The 4th quarter was amazing because all the action was at our end. 3 Michigan TD's, a blocked punt, and Kolesar's INT played out right in front of us. I have no doubt that the coaches wanted to impress the selection committee at that point and the Michigan faithful loved every minute of it. Down 21-3 with 13 minutes left, the Michigan side let out a roar when Ferentz surrendered and sent out the punt team, albeit his best unit. That's the moment I wrecked my vocal cords (voice is almost recovered). You see, I wanted to convey to Kirk Ferentz - or anyone within earshot - that he is a completely gutless surrender monkey. I yelled "YOUR COWARDICE IS UNAMERICAN!!" and the fans in front of us were laughing their asses off. They turned around for a round of high fives and revelry just as Johnson blocked the punt. It was perfect. That's what you get for playing to lose. Then we stuffed in the end zone again. And again.
We stayed for every bit of post-game festivities in the stadium and left our seats at 12:08 AM. It reminded me that the only other time I've been at a Michigan game that late was the 2011 ND game (first night game). I never thought I'd have more fun at a football game than that night 10 years ago, but this topped it. Mostly, because the outcome was never in doubt. We didn't spend 3 hours looking hopeless and then pull out a miracle win. We were in the stadium for about 5 hours and the entire time was spent celebrating a Big Ten Championship.Comment
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Oh I remember that play vividly. Two uncalled holds on Michigan, one hands to the face, and Harbaugh deliberately tripped a Hawkeye safety. All missed by the bought-and-paid-for officials.Comment
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Did you stay downtown or got driven in from farther out? Downtown Indy around the stadium is very walkable. It's a good convention city.Comment
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DSL, I stayed with friends a couple miles from the stadium. If it weren't for the other CCGs that we wanted to watch, I would have ventured around town a bit. There was a big fan-fest thing with streets blocked off from traffic and events at the convention center. Definitely a great host city. I hope that remains the primary location.Comment
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You should have asked me for tips. I have the Indy trip down pat. It's super-crowded in town, but we've found a great pizza and beer place in an alley that is perfect for setting up shop around 2p or so and hanging out for the enxt 4-5 hours.
And I'm also going to get shrimp cocktail at St Elmo on Friday night, but that requires a reservation well in advance. Gotta act quick.
I'm pretty sure Warren is going to fuck that shit up and move the title game from Indy.Dan Patrick: What was your reaction to [Urban Meyer being hired]?
Brady Hoke: You know.....not....good.Comment
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