Which would you rather NOT see?

So, with the new conference alignment and everything else going on in the world of CFB, two distinct possibilities have been brought up over the last year+.

1.) The ND series/rivalry may be put on a long, long hold.

2.) 'The Game', vs the idiots, could be moved up and no longer played as the season finale.

Of these two, which would piss you off the most?

I'm on the fence. Personally, the ND game is just as big as the Ohio game because of my roots. At the same time, one thing that makes the Ohio rivalry so big is that it's played on the final Saturday, more times than not deciding the Big 10 champ (I know, not really the case anymore).

I think, in the end, it would piss me of more of we moved The Game.

We could call it quits with ND from here on out and I'd be happy...we've beaten that ass pretty good since the turn of the century.

That's me.

What say you?

Since the turn of the century, we are 6-4 vs the Irish. I thought it was better than that. But, keep in mind, three of those wins were ass whoopings: '03 was 38-0, '06 was 47-21 (and they were ranked #2 that day) and '07 was another 38-0 drubbing.

I'll take 3 in a row and 5 of the last 6. I hate those people.

And I truly mean the word hate.

I definitely would be more irritated with changing "the game" from the last Saturday of the regular season. Anyone who grew up watching and/or listening to Michigan football on a Saturday with their Dad would be bothered by this change. I could care less about Notre Dame. We've owned them in recent years and they are continuing to show they are a program which is just grasping to hang on to their former place amongst the CFB elite programs. With many of the other changes that are likely to come down the pike in the next few years, it would not surprise me if Notre Dame becomes a full-time second tier program. Whereas, I see the Michigan-OSU game cementing it's legacy as the best rivalry in college football over the next decade.

Ok. I'll just say DITTO!

I lived without Notre Dame for the first 15 years of my M-mania, and can live with it again if need be. Ohio...don't mess with that!!!

Well said, bluenote. Well said indeed.

Agree with Bluenote and dwoody. Even though the Notre Dame game has produced three thrilling finishes in the last three years, I wouldn't miss it anymore. (And for the record, despite how very early it is to be making
predictions, I expect a more convincing M victory this year, South Bend or no South Bend. Hell, if RichRod could win there with a 7-6 team lacking
any semblance of defense...) (Postscript: I also buy Bluenote's inference that for all its tradition, Irish football may be about to slip into second tier, to judge by the last several seasons.)

But the M-OSU rivalry all but DEFINES college ball. At least in the Big Ten. AND, it's always been the
"Grand Finale" and ought to stay that way.

Their actual product on the field has been 2nd tier for many years. Hell, any time they're ranked high they get crushed. Their tradition and pageantry surrounding the Golden Dome is what has kept it a 'top-tier-looking' program, but if you sit and watch their tape, their pretty mediocre.

Go ahead and move THE GAME. Hopefully it will be played twice a year more often than not, so why not once at the beginning of the B1G season and once for the Championship.

I want to play ND every year.

Admin wrote:

Their actual product on the field has been 2nd tier for many years. Hell, any time they're ranked high they get crushed. Their tradition and pageantry surrounding the Golden Dome is what has kept it a 'top-tier-looking' program, but if you sit and watch their tape, their pretty mediocre.

That's pretty much what I was driving at, Admin. I guess my context ("will slip", as in future tense) stems from the fact they still have the REPUTATION (some way, somehow), most years, of being a powerhouse...only to fall miles short each time. (And I'm talking 'reputation' in the minds of the people at ESPN et al, not brainless jackasses like Draft-Horse's Fart from the now-defunct (!) MLive forum, who even predicted they'd play for the BCS crown last season...to speak to how much he knows).

I'm thinking that the EXPECTATIONS, too, which most everyone has for them will begin falling way, way down, matching their actual performance, in the very near future.

Or not. After all, "Don't Forget---We're Notre Dame!"

If we Dropped ND it would be no Big deal to me , they have had tne oppertunity to join the big and their I'm to good for that attitude has refused let them play a ACC or Big 8 team instead.

michmike wrote:

Admin wrote:

Their actual product on the field has been 2nd tier for many years. Hell, any time they're ranked high they get crushed. Their tradition and pageantry surrounding the Golden Dome is what has kept it a 'top-tier-looking' program, but if you sit and watch their tape, their pretty mediocre.

That's pretty much what I was driving at, Admin. I guess my context ("will slip", as in future tense) stems from the fact they still have the REPUTATION (some way, somehow), most years, of being a powerhouse...only to fall miles short each time. (And I'm talking 'reputation' in the minds of the people at ESPN et al, not brainless jackasses like Draft-Horse's Fart from the now-defunct (!) MLive forum, who even predicted they'd play for the BCS crown last season...to speak to how much he knows).

I'm thinking that the EXPECTATIONS, too, which most everyone has for them will begin falling way, way down, matching their actual performance, in the very near future.

Or not. After all, "Don't Forget---We're Notre Dame!"

I loved this post. Your style is awesome. Please post more!!!

Ahem, kind sir, thanks for the compliment...but post MORE? Better be from home after hours (or during just a sliver of my lunch half-hour)...TAXPAYERS might not like my spending too much PRIME time here!!!

Haha.....a civil servant CONCERNED about the use of tax dollars?

RE-ELECT this man!!!!!

(yes, post more dammit )

heart if we only played them once or twice a decade. In fact it might make the rivalry better.

Second, I was vehemently opposed to changing when The Game is played when the subject was broached last year on MLive. Since 1945 UM and Ohio have played The Game in the season finale. The only exception (to the best of my knowledge) was in 1986 when UM played Hawaii. There might have been one other time, but if so it slips my mind. I do remember '86, and while it was odd for UM to be playing after The Game, it was not all that bad. Also, with the B1G championship, I'm not sure that i would want to play Ohio back to back. I know it is a tradition and I know it is odd, since I am one of the older guys on here, but I would not be opposed to moving The Game. I wouldn't be a fan of it and I wouldn't do it to keep the ND rivalry alive, but I would consider it. It appears that UM and Ohio are prepared to agin own the B1G. Would it cheapen The Game if you knew you were going to play the same opponent in another week or so? The reason The Game is so great is because 9 times out of 10 it would determine the Big 10 Champ. Now that is not the case. I don't know if I would like to see UM play Ohio back to back.

So in reality, I am not sure. I will have to cast a vote another time.

michmike wrote:

Ahem, kind sir, thanks for the compliment...but post MORE? Better be from home after hours (or during just a sliver of my lunch half-hour)...TAXPAYERS might not like my spending too much PRIME time here!!!

what the taxpayers don't know wont hurt them (ha ha never mind). Your secret is safe with me so go on and post more during work hours if you feel it necessary.

I'm a software engineer, I post on here during the day during my lag time while I'm "compiling." ha ha.

UM also went to Hawaii in 1998. I remember it being the only UM game I've ever fell asleep watching. It was a blow out. I remember A-train ran wild, but I kept dozing because it was a pretty boring game.

We did the Hawaii thing back in 99 or something too.

Essentially two bowl trips for that team.

you do NOT move "thee game!"

Ok, ADMIN (et al)...I always accede to "popular request"...here's another post.

Actually, an addendum (or corrigendum) to my earlier one, regarding the
"permanency" of the last game of the season. IF---and only if---the divisions remain aligned as presently, with ourselves separated from that team down south I'd be in favor of moving it...as Fish (I think it was he) pointed out, it's kinda ludicrous playing each other in successive games...which will be the case when we both reach the B10 title game.

If ever the change is made to put us together---or, as in the case of the
"no postseason/no bowl" punishment being meted out in 2012 to the bad guys---and we play each other ONCE ONLY, I say keep it at the end of the regular season.

You? Anyone?

sandyeggo_blue wrote:

michmike wrote:

Ahem, kind sir, thanks for the compliment...but post MORE? Better be from home after hours (or during just a sliver of my lunch half-hour)...TAXPAYERS might not like my spending too much PRIME time here!!!

what the taxpayers don't know wont hurt them (ha ha never mind). Your secret is safe with me so go on and post more during work hours if you feel it necessary.

I'm a software engineer, I post on here during the day during my lag time while I'm "compiling." ha ha.

Actually, Sandi, so am I---of sorts. I convert 60s/70s code to Java for the IRS...and contrary to Admin's
assertion/assumption, am NOT a public servant. See now what I meant about "Taxpayers"?

But hell---it's Michigan, fergawdssake: FIRST THINGS FIRST!!!

michmike wrote:

sandyeggo_blue wrote:

michmike wrote:

Ahem, kind sir, thanks for the compliment...but post MORE? Better be from home after hours (or during just a sliver of my lunch half-hour)...TAXPAYERS might not like my spending too much PRIME time here!!!

what the taxpayers don't know wont hurt them (ha ha never mind). Your secret is safe with me so go on and post more during work hours if you feel it necessary.

I'm a software engineer, I post on here during the day during my lag time while I'm "compiling." ha ha.

Actually, Sandi, so am I---of sorts. I convert 60s/70s code to Java for the IRS...and contrary to Admin's
assertion/assumption, am NOT a public servant. See now what I meant about "Taxpayers"?

But hell---it's Michigan, fergawdssake: FIRST THINGS FIRST!!!

Well based on the way you framed your original post, yes, I though you were more of a civil servant. Java for the IRS? Why don't you write some type of code that lowers my freaking tax bill? Granted, I did get a veryyyy nice return about a week ago. So, on second thought, leave the code as is.

I would like to answer a question with a question. Where is this coming from? I know ND is scheduled for the next couple years. I also know keeping the Ohio/Michigan game at the end of the season was important when they did the realignment. So is this a real possibility or are you just trying get some conversation going.

Playing along here's my opinion. I can take or leave the ND game. I know recently there was a couple years where we did not play each other and I was just fine with that. I also echo what someone else mentioned concerning them not joining the B1G. I think it comes off as arrogant that they do not want to join the B1G. I say cut them loose and let them find some other teams to schedule. That's just angry me talking though.

As for the OSU game I cannot imagine having them at any other time of the season. I think it would be really weird to see them in say week 5 or 6. My internal clock would not be able to handle it and I would be buying Christmas presents the week after the game. The B1G game does present the potential for both teams to play each other back to back. That does kind of suck. Still, I am not sure if you can arrange the schedule because you are trying to avoid teams playing back to back. I thought I read a while back that in the history of Ohio/Michigan that they only would have met in the conference title game like twice. I could be imagining things but I thought I saw that some where. If that's the case then I really would not change the timing of the game.

So if I have to pick 1-So long ND!

I would like to see UM/OSU open the season on a Monday night on Labor day. That would be great if you ask me.

Willie...

I ask because both are real possibilities/concerns that have been brought up in the past recently.

The biggest thing threatening either/both is the addition of an extra conference game. If we push to 9, we may see the B1G trend toward scheduling ALL cupcakes for the non-conf, instead of the 50-100% we see now.

Also, if Ohio and UM get back to where, I think, most of us see this thing going, with those 2 reclaiming the top of the conference and frequently meeting in the trophy game, will the conference in 8-10 years force a change to The Game to satisfy public outcry and back to back games between the two?

Just random thoughts I had earlier today.

i could care less about mediocre ND!!

WillieMfan wrote:

I think it would be really weird to see them in say week 5 or 6. My internal clock would not be able to handle it and I would be buying Christmas presents the week after the game.

Hey, that's a way we can stimulate the economy in Michigan!

fishgoblue22 wrote:

I would like to see UM/OSU open the season on a Monday night on Labor day. That would be great if you ask me.

Ok that would be cool.

Admin wrote:

Willie...

I ask because both are real possibilities/concerns that have been brought up in the past recently.

The biggest thing threatening either/both is the addition of an extra conference game. If we push to 9, we may see the B1G trend toward scheduling ALL cupcakes for the non-conf, instead of the 50-100% we see now.

Also, if Ohio and UM get back to where, I think, most of us see this thing going, with those 2 reclaiming the top of the conference and frequently meeting in the trophy game, will the conference in 8-10 years force a change to The Game to satisfy public outcry and back to back games between the two?

I think we are already seeing the cupcake scheduling. Fortunately, I do not think Michigan is partaking in the trend. See Ohio's 2012 and 2013 schedule. See Wisconsin (still pissed at Wisconsin's 2012 schedule) and 90% of the rest of CFB. They are not the only ones either. The current system pretty much guarantees you a spot in the NC game if you go undefeated regardless of who you play. So where's the incentive for teams to play anyone that may actually be on the same level or above?

Ohio and Michigan back to back too many times would not be good. I still do not think we would see that very much.

Good discussion regardless. I was just curious to see if these two things were actually being looked at by the AD department and the B1G.

WillieMfan wrote:

I think we are already seeing the cupcake scheduling. Fortunately, I do not think Michigan is partaking in the trend. See Ohio's 2012 and 2013 schedule. See Wisconsin (still pissed at Wisconsin's 2012 schedule) and 90% of the rest of CFB. They are not the only ones either. The current system pretty much guarantees you a spot in the NC game if you go undefeated regardless of who you play. So where's the incentive for teams to play anyone that may actually be on the same level or above?

Ohio and Michigan back to back too many times would not be good. I still do not think we would see that very much.

Good discussion regardless. I was just curious to see if these two things were actually being looked at by the AD department and the B1G.

Yes, Michigan does have a very difficult schedule this year and yes ohio's is easy. However, last year Michigan had an easy schedule and ohio has played tough teams in the past during their Non-Conference games. You can't really yell at them for taking a year off although it is fun though. And even if they go 12-0 they won't get anyone else, gotta love cheaters...

Sorry but I got to disagree with you there. Miami (Fl) was their supposedly marquee match up. Miami has not been relevant since 2003. They did beat OSU last year but they finished 6-6 with a first year coach surrounded by scandal. Fortunately, for Miami OSU was in even worse shape. I give Ohio credit for playing USC and Texas but it seems like more times than not they schedule patsies. I believe Gee call's them Little sisters of the poor.

With Michigan scheduling ND almost every year it is hard to say they ever have it easy. It is a rivalry game that usually goes down to the wire. It's not like they are resting starters by with 12:00 minutes to go in the game. SDSU did not end up being the team we thought they were (insert joke here). Still it looked like a formidable opponent, especially for the first game of the season. All teams schedule a couple of cupcakes and Michigan is no different. They always seem to have a couple of tricky ones too.