Team 133 And Senior Day

This Saturday will be my last game in the Big House as a student.  It's shocking to write and even more shocking to think about.  After four years of making the trek to the Big House, my journey as a student will end with a game against Iowa.  It's been an interesting 4 years to say the least.  When I arrived on campus, Michigan was trying to recover from a 3-9 season and accusations of NCAA violations.  I can clearly remember being heckled by many people in the weeks prior to my freshman year about these facts.

Things of course got better.  Michigan limped to a 5-7 record in my freshman year, but they improved to 7-6 in 2010, won the Sugar Bowl in 2011, and still have the slight potential for a Big Ten Championship game this year.  To say I've grown with the football program would be cliche  but to an extent, it's probably true.  With Senior Day this Saturday, one can't help but looking back at how this team has went from offseason disaster to legitimate conference and national contender.

What's been even better have been the incredible moments that have came along the way.  My first game in the Big House was the Western Michigan game in 2009 when everybody got to see the first game of the high profile Tate Forcier and the incredible first play of Denard Robinson.  The next week we got to see an exciting upset of Notre Dame.  Sure, there were some depressing times later in the year, but I had the pleasure to come back for the re-dedication of the Big House for the opening game of 2010 along with the record-breaking performances of Denard in 2010.  Add in the 2010 Illinois game and there was more than enough excitement from most fans.

Student's Perspective: Should The Student Section Be Reduced?

Rumblings regarding Michigan's student section have went on for years, but only recently has it begun to receive media, blogger, and fan attention.  Many have been disappointed in student attendance and participation at football games.  There have been several games where there were some noticeable gaps in the crowd not only at kickoff, but also deep into the game.  Home field advantage is something that's very important to a team's success and when people aren't showing up, part of that advantage goes away.

I am a student myself and I believe I have a unique perspective on the issue.  There is no doubt that the student section hasn't been fully showing up to games.  It used to be a rare occurrence, but starting in last year's home game against Minnesota, it's become an expectation that many in the student section will show up late.  There have been some very poor showings and it's not something that makes me happy as a student.  There is an issue and the question needs to revolve around potential ways to address the problem.

I have heard several policies to either encourage or force students to get to the games on time.  They include shrinking the student section, moving to general admission (first come seating basis), and setting up some sort of point systems to encourage attendance.  All of these provide advantages and disadvantages and I don't think any one of them is a perfect solution.  Yes, they may encourage attendance, but considering student needs is also vitally important to any university policy.

Week 10 Notes and Predictions

College rivalries I understand...more so than most actually. Rivalry trophies I also understand...to a point. There is something celebratory about winning that Little Brown Jug, even poetic maybe. However, it's not what I would call an "eye-opening piece." Every storied rivalry in college football carries with it some sort of hardware and the Michigan-Minnesota version is no different.

The current line is Michigan over Minnesota by 12 points...and that's uncomfortably high. Michigan has not scored a touchdown in their past two games, having to settle for 7 field goals instead. A lot of the lack of production does fall on Denard Robinson's shoulders, and even a bit more on the running backs for Michigan. So, without further ado, here's my picks for Week 10:

Hot Topics: Should Michigan Put The #GoBlue On The Field?

On a regular basis, our writers will break down a "Hot Topic" among the Michigan fans and express their personal opinions regarding the issue. Topics cover everything from major athletic department decisions to team apparel. Writers have their own opinions and readers and their views may not necessarily represent Hoke's Mad Magicians as an entity.  Readers are welcome to comment below or contact our writers via Twitter with their own thoughts.

Bleeding Maize And Blue

I'm sure every fan has that moment in their lives when they became a Michigan fan. You might've grown up with your family having a history of Blue Bloods, or chosen to attend UofM out of high school. When it comes down to it, everyone has their own tale. So, for this article I'm going to give you a little background on mine, and hopefully some of you will share your stories below or via Twitter.

I grew up in Nashville, Michigan. Go ahead--look it up on Google Earth, and you'll see it does exist. That little village is in the prime area of Sparty country. It's located about 45 minutes SW of Lansing. Growing up I wasn't into any college sports, or sports at all for that matter. I remember kids being fans of the Tar Heels and Seminoles and Spartans but I didn't put much effort into caring. I do, however, remember watching Chris Webber during the national title game in 1993. I remember not so much of the time-out, but just the colors themselves. Keep in mind I was 13 at the time!

Fast forward to 2001, which is when I met my wife. I moved out to Howell in 2002 and got a job in a fireplace warehouse, and I met one of the staunchest Michigan fans out there. To this day, he is still my friend and fellow fantasy football player, but it is because of him that my passion has grown to what it is today.

In 2003, he took me to my first Michigan football game against Purdue. Walking in through the gates, and down into our seats; I knew I was hooked. I had chills going up my spine before the game even started. If you remember, this was the last year Navarre played and we lost in the Rose Bowl at the end. I've been to a few games since: the 3OT thriller against MSU, and Henne's first game as a starter against Miami of Ohio. A few games during the RichRod era (whom I loathed) and went to see the blowouts against Purdue and Nebraska's first game at the Big House. Through the ups and downs of the program, I have always remained steadfast in my support of Big Blue.

Now as I stated earlier, I grew up in MSU country. Went to school with a lot of their fans, and most I still consider friends to this day. Right now, I despise anything green. I hardly have any in my wardrobe and my own 5-yr old says "Yuck, I don't like green" (Yes, we've trained him well). I also don't own much red either but I guess since I grew up where I did, I dislike green a shade more than scarlet red. Not to say I have any kind feelings towards Ohio.

This is my story and why I bleed maize and blue.  So, tell us your story about when you started bleeding maize and blue.  Even fan has a story, let's hear yours!


Photo Credit: AnnArbor.com

Hot Topics: Is The Big House Loud?

Each week, our writers break down a "Hot Topic" among the Michigan fans and allow them to express their personal opinions on the issue.  Topics cover everything from rivalry games to team and fan apparel.  Writers have their own opinion and readers are welcome to comment or contact them via Twitter with their thoughts.

Kyle Curtiss - Representing Those That Believe The Big House Is Loud 

1)  We all know the Big House is the largest stadium in the country, right? Take out the fanfare of the Cowboys stadium, the obnoxiousness of Ohio's stadium, and the basicness of Penn State's. Nothing compares to Michigan Stadium (unless you went overseas). Size = Volume!

2)  With the luxury suites in place, as well as bigger scoreboards, the sound from the fans now reflects back into the stadium. Considering the bulk of the stadium was always in ground, the acoustics can travel up to the luxury suites and press boxes and bounce back in.

3)  Sure the stadium is kind of quiet while playing Eastern Michigan, or Western...but when Notre Dame, MSU, OSU, or any other conference foe come in to play, they know they're playing in THE BIG HOUSE. The fans, especially the student section, get more amped up for those games. Besides, don't we all love singing along to "Sweet Caroline"?

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Thomas Beindit - Representing Those That Believe The Big House Is Too Quiet

1)  The Big House does not have a great reputation when it comes to raw volume.  Sure, it's huge and can get loud at times, but I don't think anybody thinks it is even close to the loudest stadium in the conference or country.  To me, the most obvious example of this is during an defensive 3rd down situation.  Anybody who goes to the Big House could explain what happens.  Every section (excluding the student section) stands up to make noise in the hopes of stopping the other team on 3rd down.  Sure, they make noise on that play, but they sit down and are silent for the remaining plays.  Other stadiums stand and make noise on every play, not just the "important" ones.

2)  Fans in the Big House also refuse to participate in almost any fan activity.  Again, this excludes the student section, but when the "wave" goes around the stadium it almost dies instantly when it leaves the student section.  Along with this, many of the fans won't participate in the "chants" that are designed to intimidate opponents.  Even at the "best" points (Seven Nation Army during the Notre Dame game) many of the fans do not participate.

3)  Another clear example of the stadium's noise problem is during big plays.  Sure, the fans will stand up on 3rd down situations, but as soon as the players start waving their arms to get the fans to make noise there is a drastic difference in stadium volume.  If the fans were actually making noise this massive difference wouldn't be possible.  The fact is the majority of fans sit on their hands or simply stand up and make no noise (excluding student section).

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Final Points

Kyle - At no game that I've been to, whether it's been at the Big House or Comerica Park, Silverdome or even the Lansing Lugnuts---NO fans stand up and cheer the entire game. It doesn't matter if it's 3rd down and goal for the defense, or 1st and 10 from our own 5....the fans will always stand when it's appropriate. I've been to the Big House for the triple-OT win over Sparty, and against Miami of Ohio.  Fans cheer for the biggest plays. I've been there for the "wave", and I'm not the only one that thinks it's ill-timed during some games, and the "wave" itself gets kind of outdated after awhile. In the end, I wouldn't trade the Big House noise for anything. It's loud at the right times, and soft at enough times to be able to scream and be heard. It's just that electric!


Thomas - Sure, the Big House is the nation's largest stadium, but that doesn't mean it's the loudest stadium.  When about 75% of the fans make almost no noise on a play-by-play basis, having a ton of people doesn't really accomplish a lot.  Right now, there is one corner of the stadium that actually makes noise, the student section.  I do agree that the suites and scoreboards increased the stadium volume, but should the athletic department play crowd noise over the speakers too so that the new renovations can actually capture some noise?  If people don't make noise, the renovations won't capture anything.  I'm also willing to agree that the fans are louder for the "big" games like ND, MSU, and OSU, but shouldn't that be expected?  I could care less if the crowd is loud for Eastern, but in crucial situations in big games the Big House just doesn't get as loud as other stadiums.

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All writers are entitled to their own opinion and those may or may not represent the held beliefs of Hoke's Mad Magicians as an entity.  Readers are welcome to comment below or contact the writers via Twitter with their thoughts


Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit

Hot Topics: Should Michigan Have A Yearly Night Game?

Each week we have two of our writers break down a "hot topic" among the Michigan fanbase and express their personal opinion .  Topics cover everything from rivalry games to apparel.  Writers have their own opinion and if you agree or disagree you are welcome to comment below or contact them via Twitter.

Representing Those Against Michigan Hosting A Yearly Night Game

1) It should be a rivalry game only phenomenon.  The atmosphere was electric because it was a rivalry game between two old and storied rivals.  Would a non-Big Ten opponent that we don’t have a history
with really be worth the night game atmosphere and anticipation?  I know everyone wants to tailgate all day for a crazier game but I just don’t think a MAC team or some unfamiliar foe is worth the pageantry of a night game at the Big House.

2) It does come with a heavy price tag for the University with respect to health and public safety  oncerns.  The Big House is one of the only football stadiums in the country situated in a heavily
residential area and the ALL DAY inconvenience to the local Ann Arborites (who are not all football fans) in addition to the added police and safety personnel cost is just not going to be worth it some
years.  I can speak to this because I live a block from the Big House and I know how big a burden a night game can be.

3) Michigan has never had night games before.  The tradition at the Big House is to have a 12, 1 pm, or 3:30 kick and it has been that way forever.  You don’t just go about changing things up for the sake of the fact that “everyone else is doing it.”  Yeah, they have yearly night games at Michigan State and Wisconsin because that’s how those schools get their exposure.  Michigan doesn’t need to have night games unless it’s a top 25, College Gameday worthy matchup and that just isn’t going to happen every year so I don’t think it should be expected by the fans and I certainly don’t think it should be scheduled years in advance.  If it happens, it will happen and be special.  Don’t make it regular practice of the word “special” won’t be something that will apply anymore.

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Thomas Beindit - Representing Those For Michigan Hosting A Yearly Night Game

1) First off, I think we all remember the night game from last season.  If you were fortunate enough to attend the game, or were just in town, then you know how exciting the game was for fans.  Not only is it something different for fans and players to get excited about, but there is also more time to build the suspense.  While the majority of Michigan's home season games start at noon, this would likely give fans and players over 8 hours to tailgate and discuss the excitement of the game (along with allowing the college students time to wake up).  Fans often seem fired up for traditional games, but ask any fanbase around the country.  Even if the opponent is a little weaker, which is not something I'm supporting, the excitement increases at night.  It's a primetime match-up.  That's a lot more exciting than being just another noon game among the many every Saturday.

2) Along with excitement, a night game virtually guarantees increased coverage for the program, team, and campus.  Since less night games happen on a weekly basis than traditional day games, the odds of landing a premier spot on a major challenge during primetime increase significantly.  Sure, Michigan gets great coverage now, but night games almost always get more coverage than a day game.  I can't remember how many times last season I'd be watching a football game and see ads for the night game on later.  Along with that, fans and media personnel will likely stay in Ann Arbor longer, since many simply drive up on gameday and leave afterward.  With 8 extra hours, there's going to be a lot of people that stay around, spend money, and check out the campus, which can be invaluable over time.

3) Finally, there's the purely economic perspective.  Selling tickets isn't too difficult for Michigan, but it's always something to be kept in mind.  Dave Brandon commented and said last year's night game was probably the most coveted ticket in Michigan Stadium history.  Think about that.  Not only did the demand come near the games with Notre Dame, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio, but it even topped those.  There have been some pretty huge games in the past, but this literally was the biggest (set NCAA attendance record).  Remember, we're talking about a game between two unranked opponents.  How does a game between two unranked teams get that much ticket demand?  Play it at night, plain and simple.

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Final Points

Those Against A Night Game - The only thing that I think is key to reinforce here, in response to Toms points, is that this is Michigan (fergodsakes)! The ticket was coveted but I think tickets are coveted for all Michigan games and I wonder how a night game against Air Force would really sell relative to a regular ND or MSU night game. It seems like the rivalry and the night game were the keys to the hype, the atmosphere, and it being so special. I'd hope that we can keep a night game reserved for a
primetime ABC worthy matchup, not just something that would be on TV because its at night. Michigan gets all the publicity in the world and when its a night game (and the RIGHT night game) it goes next-level amazing as only a rare, truly Michigan experience can. Keep it special... do it when its needed, not just because the calendar dictates.

Thomas - He brings up many valid points, but there are a few problems in his argument.  First, assuming the rivalry aspect is what made the night game great is invalid.  The rivalry aspect certainly helped coverage, but it didn't make the Under the Lights what it became.  Playing at night is what increased the demand.  More people watched Under the Lights than the Michigan - Ohio game.  If the attendance and excitement was all about the rivalry aspect, fans should have flocked to the Ohio game instead.  Second, I think that cost is far outweighed by the positives.  I can recall walking into several restaurants that were so packed I could hardly find a seat.  I don't think these groups would be opposed to a longer tailgate.  Along with this, there didn't seem to be any significant increase in arrests as a result of the longer tailgate.  Sure, it costs a bit more for security, but the gains are completely worth it.  Finally, I realize the noon games are tradition at Michigan, but what makes a tradition?  You have to take part in the tradition.  Noon games weren't tradition before we played them and they're still going to exist (Big Ten bans November night games).  Night games could easily become a Michigan tradition if we allow them.


Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit

Hot Topics: Whether The Winter Classic Should Be In The Big House

So the Winter Classic is on January 1, 2013 at Michigan Stadium.  Lots of people think this is a great thing and there is a minority, of which Joe is a part, that thinks it is NOT a good thing for the University of Michigan or the "Michigan brand."  So we decided to have a little debate to decide who is right about whether the Winter Classic should be held in the Big House or not.  So judge for yourselves:

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Representing Those Against the Winter Classic In Michigan Stadium

1) The biggest game for Michigan football is also on January 1 in Pasadena, CA.  "The Grandaddy of them All," the Rose Bowl, is that day and should have the full focus of the University, Michigan fans, and the larger Michigan community.  People might say "well, hockey fans will focus on the Winter Classic and football fans will focus on the Rose Bowl."  Well, I'm sure there is some overlap and its a shame that some people will have to choose between two great events.  A potential Michigan Rose Bowl berth coinciding with the Winter Classic might take away some of the glitz that comes from a Rose Bowl game.  There is a remote chance that it happens but, lets be serious, what a mess that would be.

2) Michigan hosted the largest outdoor hockey game in the world and holds the Guinness Book of World Records title that goes along with that achievement.  Michigan basically sold that record for $3M and might not be able to get it back.  Michigan Hockey did something special... they played an outdoor rivalry hockey game in the Big House and it was something unique.  However, as Michigan Hockey plays more and more outdoor games, it dilutes how special that game was and, surely, another outdoor game in Michigan Stadium (...one that has the potential to be bigger, with beer sales and NHL-level theatrics), will tarnish the grandeur of that once-unique event.  Person A: "I went to the Big Chill at the Big House", Person B: "Oh nice! I went to the 2013 Winter Classic. Biggest outdoor hockey game ever. Red Wings played!  Cool, huh?"

3) Michigan has the biggest football stadium in the country.  Nobody says the Big House is a huge event venue.  However, thats just what the Big House is being treated as...just another awesome event venue. Is the Big House a football stadium or is it just a venue for sale?  I guess we know now, don't we?  You can get married in the suites or on the field and now you can rent it out for hockey games?  Come on now. This is Michigan fergodsakes.  The Big House is a shrine to football and the visions of Yost surely didn't include the Big House having its occupancy rights sold to the highest bidder, as some are apparently willing to do (...and ok with??)  Leave the "special event" title to the occasional Michigan Football night game, The Game, and select other FOOTBALL related events that show off the ad-free football stadium, the history of Michigan Football, and what its like to enjoy a fall saturday in those hallowed stands.  Don't sell out to the NHL...


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Thomas Beindit - Representing Those For The Winter Classic In Michigan Stadium


1.  The first and perhaps greatest advantage of hosting the Winter Classic next year would be the economic benefits.  The clearest benefit is the $3 million check the university will be receiving from the NHL for "renting" out the Big House.  There's no designated purpose for this money at this time (or maybe I haven't seen it), but I'd assume that the money would be directed towards scholarships and the athletic department.  Those new scoreboards everybody loved?  Yeah, imagine what could be next with another $3 million in the bank.  Along with this, fans from both Toronto and Detroit will flock to Ann Arbor.This means that local bars, hotels, and merchandise outlets will be able to bring in thousands of new customers.  Plus, since many of the fans will be from the Detroit area there is a good chance that there will be return customers.  Many people might enjoy their experience so much in Ann Arbor that they will return to check out the sites again.  Sure, there are a ton of Michigan fans from the area who have already seen the city, but this will probably be the first real chance Sparties have to enjoy the city and the Big House.  There's no guarantee about how big an impact the game would be economically, but at the worst the university would still bring in $3 million.  That's not so bad, is it?

2.  Of course, the economic benefits will likely be fantastic, but the Winter Classic will also bring the spotlight to Ann Arbor and energize the entire community.  Typically, as soon as Michigan wraps up its last home football game the entire area almost enters some type of hangover hoping for another event that never comes.  I mean, think about it.  The Big House will be used eight times in 2012.  That means that stadium is used about 2% of the year.  In fact, if it wasn't so big one might almost forget it's there!  Granted, bringing one more event doesn't exactly make the Big House an everyday site to visit, but it's at least being used.  Think about if the Winter Classic was in Detroit instead of Ann Arbor.  The Big House would sit vacant and all the spotlight would be on Detroit (not that that's a bad thing).  I realize the stadium has a designated purpose (football), but it's already used for other things like lacrosse and graduation.  What's wrong with actually using it for something that will bring a lot of fun and money to the community?

3.  Finally, the Winter Classic is a very unique event.  As of now, there have only been five of these games in history.  Of course, hockey used to always be played outside, but this new tradition is pretty unique for the NHL.  So far, no town has been able to host it twice and I highly doubt that trend will change anytime soon.  Do I think the Winter Classic will return to the area in the future?  Probably.  The Detroit Red Wings are a pretty storied franchise who have been competitive for a long period of time.  However, that doesn't mean it will be anytime soon and that doesn't mean they'd want to do it in the Big House by then.  The uniqueness of this event alone does not warrant support for Michigan hosting the Winter Classic, but it certainly should be considered.  If the Red Wings had asked to start holding their regular games in the stadium, that would be different.  However, because this isn't something that happens often, I think there should be an exception made.  If the Olympics came to Detroit and asked to hold an event in the Big House, would anybody oppose that?  The Winter Classic shouldn't be confused with the Olympics, but this event is still extremely unique and something fans will remember for a long time.

Final Points

Anti Winter Classic - My counterpoint to Tom is that I think assuming the $3M is going to do a ton of good for Ann Arbor is a little overstated.  Will the University or the NHL foot the additional cost of police and safety personnel?  If not, thats a huge cost for the city AFTER a long night of partying on New Years Eve.  Michigans Athletic Department has had a long running feud with the City regarding footing the bill for football game safety costs so I assume it will fall at the foot of the City (again...)  Also, I realize the FOOTBALL stadium is not used more than 6-8 saturdays a year plus the spring game and Fan Day but welcome to the reality that its a football stadium.  It is not an event space (as it apparently now is referred to) and just because the Big House is empty doesn't mean we should try and fill it with events.  The Winter Classic isn't even that special an event... how many times has it been done before?  We are going to lose our attendance record to an annual pro hockey game?  Thats not good.  Nobody remembers the UConn game when the stadium opened because BIG  games like the ND Night Game are what matter... why would we want to make the Big Chill a similar
footnote in Guinness Book/Michigan Stadium history?  I guess my take is that we are starting a trend of selling the "event space" to the highest bidder and thats wrong. Its a football stadium. It is hallowed ground in the history of major college football.  If  the Big House turns into a JerryWorld like sideshow event space, that would be really sad.  You don't see Bryant-Denny Stadium doing that... for good reason.


Tom - For my counter-point, I'd first like to bring up that those against the Winter Classic shouldn't attempt to jinx the Michigan football team (fingers crossed).  The city shouldn't attempt to plan it's events off of something that could potentially happen.  Sure, Michigan is a legitimate contender to make the Rose Bowl, but do we know if that's going to happen?  Nope.  Plus, the Rose Bowl is later in the day, so fans will be more than able to watch both I'd assume.  Would it take a little luster out of the game if Michigan played its bowl on the same day as the Winter Classic?  Probably a little, but it's not like anything will be going on around campus anyway.  All the students will be gone for break or in Pasadena.

Next, although that record at the Big Chill was something special and probably will be forever, I don't think the fact that the record will likely be broken means Michigan shouldn't host the game.  In fact, I think that adds to the game.  The Big Chill was and will still be a special event, even if the record is broken.  Tell me, was Michigan's opening game against Connecticut a few years ago any less special just because the record was broken against Notre Dame?  I certainly don't think so.  I had a great time at both games and I don't think breaking the record will be different in this case.  I completely agree that having too many outdoor hockey games dilutes the specialness of the event, but I think that's a different issue than hosting the Winter Classic.  The Red Wings were going to play that game regardless.

Finally, I also detest the concept that the Big House could become some place you rent out for all the great family gatherings.  However, I think having something like the Winter Classic shouldn't be confused with having a wedding in the stadium.  Personally, I'm not a fan of the weddings, but if somebody wants to share their special moments there, I'm not going to complain.  If you started hosting random events nonstop, then yeah, it might diminish the stadium's specialness, but something like the Winter Classic is not going to remove that.  If anything, people should be against the other things that are in the stadium now, not the Winter Classic.

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Whether the Winter Classic should be in the Big House is a debate that will rage on, but it's now confirmed that it will take place on January 1, 2013 and should receive much publicity.  If you'd like to let us know your opinion leave a comment below.


Photo Credit: Paul Sancya

The Game 2011

When Braxton Miller lined up on 4th down and less than a minute to play, seven years of torture flashed before the eyes of Michigan fans. They could see the finish line. It was sitting there, staring them in the face. No more torture, no more misery, no more losing to "that school in Ohio" as many have started to refer to them. When Miller scrambled for a first down by about a football's length, it felt like Ohio State was going to drive for a touchdown and win 41-40. Another heartbreaking loss. If Michigan couldn't beat Ohio State here, when would they?

Why is this happening to us? Why can't good things happen to Michigan? Fitz Toussaint was in the endzone, they'd all scream, referring to the previous drive where a call was reviewed, a touchdown overturned. A few plays later, Michigan settled for a field goal when they could have delivered the dagger.

Inexplicably, Braxton Miller spiked the ball on 3rd down on his next series of downs, setting up another 4th down. With the crowd sensing another shot at ending their misery, the noise level rose to ear-piercing levels. Miller dropped to throw. The crowd waited. The ball sailed through the air. Michigan's Courtney Avery, an Ohio native, deflected the pass.

Images came flooding back, one after another. There was Jim Tressel, saying how proud Columbus would be of their Buckeyes in the 2001 version of the game. There was Lloyd Carr, punting the ball in the 4th quarter from OSU territory, with a lead and a chance to deliver a dagger in the 2005 game. There was Bo, passing away the night before the epic 3-point 2006 loss in the #1 vs #2 Game. Henne with his shoulder falling off, not literally of course, in the 2007 game. There was all of 2008-2010, perhaps the most humbled Michigan has ever been in a three year period of The Game.

Then the ball fell into Avery's hands. With that, a new image replaced those nine defeats in the past ten years. No more would we need to watch highlights of the 2003 Game to get a glimpse of Michigan defeating the enemy. That game could be put to bed, just a distant memory of victories past. No, we now had a new image to possess in our memories.

Fans leaping to the air in a joyous celebration. The Victors blaring all over the Big House. Players running to the student section to meet their classmates. Fans of all ages, young to old, running on the field in a spontaneous, emotional display. Michigan had finally vanquished its demons.

In 2011, Michigan wins The Game, 40-34.

Bullet Points

• Denard Robinson played a terrific game, completing over 80 percent of his throws and rushing for 170 yards.
• Fitz Toussaint and Denard both finished the regular season at over 1,000 yards rushing, the first Michigan duo to do so since 1975 and only the 2nd to ever do so.
• The defensive backs did not have a great game. Several times OSU receivers were able to get open deep. Fortunately, Braxton Miller doesn't possess the accuracy to hit them.
• Bo Schembechler, Gary Moeller, Lloyd Carr, and now Brady Hoke all lost to Michigan State in their first seasons while beating Ohio State.
• Michigan's 40 points ties for 4th all-time most that the Wolverines have ever scored in The Game trailing 1902 (86), 1943 (45), and 1946 (58).
• The 40 points was also more than Michigan scored in the last four editions of The Game combined (they managed just 27 combined points from 2007-2010).
• The "days since Michigan has beat Ohio State" clock at the Columbus Dispatch website went from 2,926 to non-existent.

Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus