Welcome to a beautiful game day in Lincoln itself, or at least on your TV. Michigan may be ranked 21st, but the atmosphere feels like something more. The pollsters, despite Cincinnati looking better than advertised since Arrowhead, have been taking a wait and see attitude in their voting.
Feels like they’re waiting for this one. We’ve been disappointed before and, of course, there’s every chance we’re setting ourselves up for it again.
But it feels different this year.
Have we finally got a squad who’s
ready to play to win instead of hoping they don’t screw up – a style of play which is often self-fulfilling? It feels like we do. As I said earlier today, they’re not just saying the right things; they’re carrying themselves like they believe it – like they’re living it.
So settle in wherever you’re watching and lock in. If you’re in Memorial Stadium, I expect raw throats on Sunday morning – the way Dylan Raiola said his was the morning after the Crawford fight. Scream your hearts out even if things don’t look good – help bring them back from precipice if and when it comes to that.
And by the way, the rumor-meter is at about a 99 on seeing a special guest captain leading the team on the field after the 1995 squad comes out. Three guesses as to who and Go Big Red.
- Let’s start with the availability report – No huge surprises – Malcom Hartzog, who has been battling nagging stuff is questionable, but Donnie Jones has proven he can step in and has a Blackshirt to back it up. Kenneth Williams is also questionable, but there are plenty of backs and return specialists to cover him as well.
- Honestly, who do you think will lead the team out?
- Welcome to Lincoln, y’all.
- Will is laying it on the line today – he’s putting the hair on his head and face, an admission Nebraska’s share of the 1997 title belongs to Michigan and $50,000 donated to the winner’s NIL fund by the loser on the line. Same goes for co-host Taylor Lewan.
- Trojan Football, we always loved you. 😁🫡
- I searched around a little and finally realized this Trotz dude encapsulates my feelings about ESPN’s Game Day being in Miami better than anything else I saw. (Whoops, Captain America just said, “Language!” 🦸♂️)
- Not for any reason in particular, but here’s Dylan talking some Bud Crawford.
- Coaches who did it right have players who love seeing them down the road.
- The boys are getting loose.
- And finally, here’s a few pre-game shots from Corn Nation photographer Stephen Bruce. Go Bi Damn Red.
