Michigan was the cradle of coaches during the Bo-era

During his 21-year tenure (1969-1989) as the Head Coach at Michigan, Bo Schembechler always had excellent assistant coaches to help him with the team. Coach Schembechler was not only a great teacher to his players, but also to his assistant coaches. Under Bo, Michigan became the cradle of coaches. Twelve (12) of Coach Schembechler's assistant coaches went on to head coaching positions at major college programs. In fact, several of the coaches went on to achieve great success in their own programs. Three of the assistants have won a National Championship as head coach (i.e., Bill McCartney 1990 @ Univ. of Colorado; Lloyd Carr 1997 @ Michigan; & Les Miles 2007 @ LSU). Additionally, two others have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (i.e., Jim Young in 1999 & Don Nehlen in 2005). Following is a brief profile of each assistant coach under Bo who went on to be a head coach at a major college program:

• Jim Young (Michigan asst. coach: 1969-1972)

Coach Young was the first of Bo's assistant coaches to leave the Michigan program to become a head coach. Originally, Coach Young came with Bo to Michigan from Miami (OH) University in 1969. Coach Young was the Wolverines' Defensive Coordinator for Bo's first four seasons. Coach Young left to become the Head Coach at the University of Arizona in 1973. When he went to the Univ. of Arizona, he brought fellow assistant Larry Smith along with him to serve as his Defensive Coordinator. After four seasons leading the Wildcats, Coach Young returned to the Big Ten Conference when he became Purdue University's Head Coach in 1977. Coach Young led the Boilermakers from 1977-1981. Thereafter, he served as the Head Coach at Army from 1983-1990. Interestingly, Coach Young's first service as a head coach occurred while he was still an assistant at Michigan. Coach Young led the Wolverines in the 1970 Rose Bowl Game after Bo suffered a heart attack on the eve of the big contest. Coach Young was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

• George Mans (Michigan asst. coach: 1966-1973)

Coach Mans was one of only two assistant coaches from Bump Elliott's staff that Bo retained when he became the head man at Michigan in 1969. As a player, Mans had been the captain of the 1961 team. He served on Bo's staff for five seasons before becoming the Head Coach at Eastern Michigan University in 1974.

• Larry Smith (Michigan asst. coach: 1969-1972)

Coach Smith came to Michigan with Bo in 1969 from Miami (OH) University. He served on the Wolverines' staff for four seasons before departing for the University of Arizona to be the Defensive Coordinator under fellow Michigan assistant Jim Young who was hired to be the Wildcats' head coach. Coach Smith went on to become Head Coach at four major college programs [i.e., Tulane (1976-1979); Univ. of Arizona (1980-1986); Univ. of Southern Cal (1987-1992); and Univ. of Missouri (1994-2000)]. Coach Smith is best remembered for leading USC to three consecutive Rose Bowl games in his first three years as the Head Coach at USC. In fact, Coach Smith beat his mentor Bo Schembechler in the 1990 Rose Bowl Game which was the last game of Bo's storied career.

• Gary Moeller (Michigan asst. coach: 1969-1976 & 1980-1989)

Of all 36 assistants who ever worked under Bo at Michigan, Coach Moeller probably had the most long standing relationship. As a player, Moeller was the Captain of the 1962 Ohio State team on which Bo served as an assistant coach under Woody Hayes. In 1967 & 1968, Moeller served as an assistant coach under Bo at Miami (OH) University and Moeller came with Bo to Michigan in 1969. Coach Moeller became the Wolverines' Defensive Coordinator in 1973 after Jim Young left to become the Head Coach at the Univ. of Arizona. Moeller coached the Wolverines' defense to four stellar seasons before taking his first head coaching position. He became the Head Coach at the University of Illinois in 1977 and promptly lost his first game of his head coaching career to Bo when Michigan beat the Fighting Illini 37-9 to open the 1977 season. Moeller remained with Illinois for three seasons before re-joining Bo's staff at Michigan in 1980 as the quarterbacks coach. When Moeller returned, he brought with him one of his assistant coaches from Illinois. That assistant coach was Lloyd Carr. In 1982, Moeller resumed his duties as Michigan's Defensive Coordinator. In 1987, Moeller switched sides of the ball and became the Wolverines' Offensive Coordinator for Bo's final three seasons as head coach (i.e., 1987-1989). In 1990, Moeller ascended to the head coaching position at Michigan as the anointed successor to Coach Schembechler. Moeller led the Wolverines for five seasons and guided them to a win in the 1993 Rose Bowl Game versus Washington.

• Chuck Stobart (Michigan asst. coach: 1969-1976)

Coach Stobart was another one of the assistant coaches who was on Bo's first Michigan staff in 1969. Coach Stobart worked under Bo at Miami (OH) University and followed Coach Schembechler to Michigan where Stobart worked on staff for eight seasons. In 1977, Coach Stobart became the Head Coach at the University of Toledo. His 1981 team went 9-3 and won the MAC title. The following season Coach Stobart became the Head Coach at Utah where he stayed for 3 seasons. He later became the Head Coach at Memphis where he coached from 1989-1994.

• Don Nehlen (Michigan asst. coach: 1977-1979)

Coach Nehlen was hired by Bo in 1977 to replace the departed Chuck Stobart who took the head coaching job at the University of Toledo. Coach Nehlen came to the Wolverines with head coaching experience as he helmed Bowling Green University for the nine previous seasons (1968-1976) where he compiled a 53-35-4 record. However, it was in the three seasons under Bo that Coach Nehlen would learn the techniques and philosophy that were an integral part of his approach in his next head coaching job. Coach Nehlen became the Head Coach at West Virginia University in 1980 and he had a tremendously successful 21-year run. Twice during his head coaching tenure at WVU, the Mountaineers went through the regular season undefeated (1988 & 1993). Of note is the fact that Michigan's new head coach, Rich Rodriguez, played for Coach Nehlen as a defensive back and won three letters (1982-1984). Coach Nehlen was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Coach Nehlen authored a book titled "Don Nehlen's Tales from the West Virginia Sideline" that chronicles his coaching career at WVU.

• Bill McCartney (Michigan asst. coach: 1974-1981)

Coach McCartney was hired by Bo to join the Michigan staff right from the high school coaching ranks. McCartney had been coaching at Dearborn Divine Child High School where his teams won state titles in both football (1971 & 1973) and basketball (1973). In 1977, Coach McCartney was named the Wolverines' Defensive Coordinator to replace the departed Coach Moeller who took the head coaching position at Illinois. Coach McCartney, a Riverview Community High School (RCHS) graduate, was only 36-years old at the time Bo tapped him to be the Defensive Coordinator. After a tremendously successful five year run as DC, Coach McCartney was hired by Colorado to be its head coach. Coach McCartney led Colorado from 1982-1994 and he guided his team to the AP National Championship title in 1990.

• Jack Harbaugh (Michigan asst. coach: 1973-1979)

Coach Harbaugh was in charge of the defensive backfield during his seven-year stint on Bo's coaching staff. Coach Harbaugh was later named the Head Coach at Western Michigan University in 1982 where he replaced Elliot Uzelac who then joined Bo's staff. However, Coach Harbaugh is probably best known as the father of legendary Michigan QB Jim Harbaugh. Back in the 70s, Coach Harbaugh would take his son Jim to Michigan practices and Jim even worked as a ball boy during games. Jim Harbaugh, of course, went on to be an All-American QB at Michigan under Coach Schembechler. Also, Jim is now the Head Coach at Stanford University.

• Elliot Uzelac (Michigan asst. coach: 1982-1986)

Coach Uzelac, like Coach Nehlen, was hired by Bo after having left a head coaching position at a MAC school. Coach Uzelac was the head coach at WMU from 1975-1981. Interestingly, Coach Uzelac was replaced at WMU by former Michigan asst. coach Jack Harbaugh. Coach Uzelac worked under Bo for 5 seasons before taking the head coaching job at Navy where he led the program for three seasons (1987-1989).

• Cam Cameron (Michigan asst. coach: 1987-1993)

Coach Cameron was on Bo's staff for Coach Schembechler's final three seasons. He remained on staff when Coach Moeller became the Head Coach at Michigan in 1990. Coach Cameron was on the Wolverines' staff for a total of seven seasons. He was named the Head Coach at his alma mater Indiana University in 1997 where he served from 1997-2001. Also, Coach Cameron has worked in the NFL as a head coach as he was the Miami Dolphins Head Coach in 2007.

• Les Miles (Michigan asst. coach: 1980-1981 & 1987-1994)

Coach Miles not only was an assistant under Bo but he also played for him in the mid-'70s. Miles was a two-year letterwinner (1974 & 1975). Miles had two coaching stints with the Wolverines totaling 10 seasons. Coach Miles was first hired as a head coach by Oklahoma State where he served from 2001-2004. In 2005, Miles became the Head Coach at LSU and in 2007 he guided the Tigers to the National Championship title. In doing so, Miles became the third former asst. coach of Bo Schembechler to guide a team to the national title.

• Lloyd Carr (Michigan asst. coach: 1980-1995)

Coach Carr had served as an asst. coach for Illinois Head Coach Gary Moeller for two seasons (1978 & 1979) before Coach Moeller re-joined the Wolverines' staff in 1980. Both Bill McCartney, who graduated from the same high school as Carr, and Moeller recommended to Bo that he hire Carr on staff. Bo hired Carr and the rest, as they say, is history. It is worth noting, however, that Head Coach Carr led the Wolverines to the AP National Championship title in 1997.

Go Blue!

Def. Coordinator Scott Shafer: First year excellence?

Michigan has had only four (4) Head Football Coaches since 1969 (i.e., Bo, Gary Moeller, Lloyd Carr, and Rich Rodriguez). During that time, however, the Wolverines have had twice as many Defensive Coordinators. Nevertheless, outstanding defense has been a hallmark of Michigan teams during this era. The Wolverines' philosophy under the previous three head coaches is that defense wins championships. However, new Head Coach Rich Rodriguez is an offensive guru and does not have the defensive mind-set of the previous three regimes. Therefore, it will be especially important for Coach Rod's Defensive Coordinator Scott Shafer to take care of that side of the ball. Shafer is the first outside hire to be named DC at Michigan since Jim Young was named the DC in 1969 when he came with Bo from Miami (OH) University. The past six Michigan defensive coordinators had all been on staff as a position coach before being elevated to the post of defensive coordinator. One remarkable fact about the Michigan defensive coordinators is that most of them achieved incredible success in their inaugural season in the post. Following is a coach-by-coach look at the rookie season of the Michigan defensive coordinators since 1969 and the high standards they have set for new DC Scott Shafer:

• Jim Young (Def. Coord.: 1969-1972)

Coach Young came with Bo from Miami (OH) University and inherited a Michigan team that had lost 50-14 to OSU the previous season. After an uneven start to the 1969 season, the defense kicked into high gear by week six. The Wolverines defense only yielded 22 points in 4 games heading into Ohio State week. The contest against the Buckeyes was going to be the big test for Coach Young's defense as Woody Hayes' Buckeyes were on a 22 game winning streak. As everyone knows, the Wolverine defense held the #1 ranked Buckeyes to a mere 12 points and Michigan won the game and went to the Rose Bowl. Bo had a heart attack on the eve of the Rose Bowl game and it was Coach Young who took over the head coaching duties during the 10-3 loss to USC.

• Gary Moeller (Def. Coord.: 1973-1976 & 1982-1986)

Coach Moeller also came over with Bo from Miami (OH) University in 1969. Coach Moeller handled the defensive ends from 1969-1972 and was promoted to Defensive Coordinator when Coach Young left the staff to take the head coaching position at the University of Arizona. Coach Moeller's inaugural season of DC in 1973 was a huge success. The "D" of the 1973 team yielded only 17 points in the season's first two games and then it played three (3) consecutive shutouts (against Navy, Oregon, and Michigan State). This defensive unit only allowed three of their 11 regular season opponents to score in double-digits and a mere 13 points was the most points it yielded in a game. The 1973 team finished the season 10-0-1 mainly on the strength of the performance of the defensive unit. This defense was led by two All-Americans: defensive tackle Dave Gallagher and defensive back David Brown.

• Bill McCartney (Def. Coordinator: 1977-1981)

Coach McCartney (a Riverview Community High School grad) was merely 36-years old when he took over as the DC in 1977 when Coach Moeller left the staff to become the Head Coach at the University of Illinois. Coach McCartney had been on the Michigan staff for the previous three seasons (1974-1976) as the Defensive End coach. Coach McCartney's 1977 defense held 8 of 11 regular season opponents to single-digits as Michigan amassed a 10-1 regular season record and won the Big Ten title to advance to the Rose Bowl.

• Lloyd Carr (Def. Coordinator: 1987-1994)

Coach Carr (a Riverview Community High School grad) became the DC when Coach Moeller ended his second stint as Defensive Coordinator (1982-1986) to become the Offensive Coordinator (1987-1989). Coach Carr had been on staff since 1980 as the secondary coach. Coach Carr's 1987 defense managed consecutive shutouts (Long Beach State & Wisconsin) in weeks 3 & 4 but it was a long season as the Wolverines labored to a 8-4 record and a 4th place finish in the Big Ten. The saving grace for the season was that the Wolverines were able to pull out a 28-24 win over Alabama in the Hall of Fame Bowl. The defense was led by All-American DT Mark Messner.

• Greg Mattison (Def. Coordinator: 1995-1996)

Coach Mattison took over the duties as DC when Coach Carr became interim Head Coach in 1995 as Head Coach Moeller suddenly resigned his position. Coach Mattison had been on the Michigan staff as the defensive line coach from 1992-1994. In 1995 under DC Mattison, Michigan ranked 11th in the nation in total defense (286.3 ypg) and 3rd in rushing defense (90.1 ypg).

• Jim Herrmann (Def. Coordinator: 12/17/96-2005)

Coach Herrmann took over as DC two weeks prior to the January 1, 1996 Outback Bowl. Although the Wolverines lost a close game, Coach Herrmann's defense led Michgan to an undefeated season and a National Championship the following season. For his efforts, Coach Herrmann was named the Frank Broyles Award winner given to the top assistant football coach in the nation. The defense was led by, of course, Heisman trophy winner Charles Woodson and All-American defensive tackle Glen Steele. The '97 "D" always came up big at the big moments. Through the first eight (8) games of the season, the "D" did not allow any second-half touchdowns or any 4th quarter points to be scored by its opponents. In fact, the Wolverines defense finished the regular season ranked #1 in the nation in scoring defense having allowed only an average of 8.9 pts./game. The "D" also finished the regular season ranked #1 in the NCAA both in Total Defense and Pass Efficiency Defense.

• Ron English (Def. Coordinator: 2006-2007)

Coach "E" was the secondary coach from 2003-2005 when Head Coach Carr tapped him to replace outgoing DC Jim Herrmann as the new defensive coordinator. Coach "E" brought an exciting and aggressive style of play to the field and the 2006 Wolverines won the first eleven (11) games of his tenure and were ranked #2 in the nation as a team largely because of the play of the defense. DC English's 2006 defense finished the year ranked #1 in the nation in rushing defense (43.4 ypg), #10 in total defense (268.3 ypg) and #15 in scoring defense (15.9 ppg). In recognition of his efforts, Coach English was named by Rivals.com as the 2006 National Defensive Coordinator of the Year.

New Defensive Coordinator Scott Shafer has quite a tradition of first year excellence to follow. I hope Donovan Warren and the rest of the defense is up to the task. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Def. Coordinator Scott Shafer (center) giving instructions to his charges during Spring Practice by JOHN T. GREILICK/The Detroit News

Football Art on display at U-M Hospital

Michigan announced that acrylic paintings depicting some of the greats in Michigan football history are on display through April 16 in the main lobby on the first floor of the University of Michigan Hospital. The display is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Artist Susie McColgan is a University of Michigan alumna from the School of Art and Design and the mother of John McColgan, a freshman fullback from Saginaw. The exhibit features large scale portraits of Coach Carr, Mike Hart, Chad Henne, Jake Long, Tom Brady, Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson. Admission to the exhibit is free and the portraits are for sale. I saw the exhibit last week and the portraits are amazing! Go Blue!!!

Coach Carr: A look back

There is a profile of Coach Carr in today's News-Herald Newspaper. Carr, a 1963 graduate of Riverview Community High School (RCHS), discussed his beginnings, his ascent to the top job of Michigan Football, and his emotional farewell game. We miss you already Coach Carr! Articles, such as the one Mitch Albom did in today's Detroit Free Press re: Coach Rod, make you realize what we had in Coach Carr. I think people will miss Coach Carr next season more than they think will. Go Blue!

Behind the scenes of Coach Carr's last days as Coach

The Associated Press got an all access pass behind the scenes with Coach Carr in the days leading up to the Capital One Bowl. Read about it here. It gives a good glimpse into events fans usually do not get to read about. Go Blue!

Riverview boy makes good

Coach Carr grew up in the Downriver community of Riverview and graduated from Riverview Community High School (RCHS) where he had played football under the legendary Ernie Mayoros. Coach Carr quarterbacked the Riverview Pirates to a State Championship in 1962. It was in the 'View that Coach Carr learned the life lessons that he would later impart to his players when he became Head Coach of the Wolverines. Coach Carr retired yesterday from Michigan with the third most wins of any football coach in school history. Yet, more important to Coach Carr than his wins (122) or his 1997 National Championship, is the number of players he impacted on a personal level during his thirteen (13) years at the helm of the Wolverines. Coach Carr is a tremendous credit to the University and his impact on his players will be felt for years to come. To think it all started in little old Riverview. Go Blue!

*Note: Top picture of Coach Carr (left) in Riverview letter sweater w/ friend Jessie Jenkins; Picture at right: High School Graduation photo of Coach Carr w/ his mom.

Michigan 41 #12 Florida 35

Playing inspired football, the Wolverines sent Coach Carr off into retirement with a bowl victory in an exciting back and forth contest over a talented Florida Gators squad. Following are the event recap, boxscore, postgame notes, the player participation chart and quotes. Much analysis to follow when I'm done mourning the end of the Lloyd Carr-era. Thanks Coach Carr!!! Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Coach Carr getting carried off the field by Doug Benc/Getty Images

Coach Carr to speak in his old hometown twice in upcoming events

The University of Michigan Club of Downriver is holding their Spring Scholarship Awards Dinner on May 29, 2007 and the keynote speaker will be Coach Carr. The event is being held at Arnaldo's Banquet Center in Riverview. The dinner is open to the public and tickets are $25 per person. A few days later, Coach Carr will return to Riverview to be the keynote speaker at another event. On June 1, 2007, he will be the main attraction at the fundraiser being held at the Orlando Familia Banquet Center in Riverview for the non-profit organization Ministering His Love. Tickets for this event are $60 per person. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Coach Carr by John T. Greilick/The Detroit News

Coach Carr to speak at charity function in Riverview on June 1st

According to an article in the April 18, 2007, print edition of the News-Herald local newspaper, Coach Carr will be the keynote speaker June 1st at a fundraiser for the non-profit organization Ministering His Love. The group is a christian organization that provides counseling and mentoring to families without insurance and at-risk children. The fundraiser is being held at the Orlando Familia Banquet Center in Riverview. At the event, Coach Carr will talk about coaching with the late Bo Schembechler, growing up in Riverview and being a coach of a championship team. There will also be dinner, dancing, an open bar and an auction. U-M items and guns provided by Randy's Hunting Center will be auctioned off. Admission is $60 per person and anyone buying 10 tickets will receive an autographed picture and have a photo taken with Coach Carr. The deadline for registration is May 15, with checks payable to Ministering His Love, 135 Riverbank, Wyandotte, MI 48192. For more information call 1-734-281-3805. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Coach Carr ministering his love to an official by Rashaun Rucker/The Detroit Free Press

Carr's Wash 4 Kids-June 9, 2007

The Carr's Wash 4 Kids has been set for June 9, 2007. This year the event is limited to 100 Carr Washes, so you will need to get your tickets fast. Tickets are $500 (maximum of 4 people per car). The donation is tax deductible and benefits the bone marrow transplant unit in the new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. A ticket to the Carr Wash includes:

*Exterior car wash by Michigan football team (maximum 4 people per car)

*Coffee and breakfast with Michigan coaches and players (autographs and pictures)

*Games on the field, tours of Michigan locker room and Junge Family Champions Center

*Silent auction - includes football experiences and memorabilia

*Carr's Wash For Kids t-shirt

Call 734-998-6589 to purchase your tickets before they run out!

Go Blue!

Coach Carr updates contract

As reported by John Heuser in the Friday, January 26, 2007, edition of The Ann Arbor News, Coach Carr signed an addendum to his contract on December 21, 2006. The addendum calls for the school to set up a deferred compensation account worth $300,000 within 15 days of July 1, 2007. Coach Carr will collect his money approximately a year later if he remains employed by Michigan "in any capacity, until July 1, 2008.'' According to the terms of Coach Carr's contract, he will be appointed an associate athletic director at the university and draw his base salary when he retires as coach. In a prior deferred compensation agreement that went into effect in 2005 and required $300,000 per year to be set aside for two years, Coach Carr was required to work as "Head Football Coach'' until July 1, 2007 as a condition for receiving that money. People are speculating that the change in the contract terms could be a sign that Coach Carr is preparing to step down as Head Football Coach after the 2007 season.

Besides the deferred compensation, Coach Carr is paid a base salary of $347,619 per year, plus $765,000 in additional compensation annually. He also receives a bonus equal to one month of his base salary when Michigan qualifies for a bowl game, or two months when the Wolverines reach a Bowl Championship Series bowl as they did this past season. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Coach Lloyd Carr by Rashaun Rucker/Detroit Free Press

Lloyd Carr's 12-year coaching tenure: A tale of two halves

Coach Carr just completed his 12th season as the Wolverines Head Coach. In the first six years, Michigan was 5-1 against OSU and 4-2 in bowl games. Michigan amassed four consecutive bowl victories during that span and captured the 1997 AP National Championship. However, for as much success as the Wolverines enjoyed during the first half of Coach Carr's tenure, it has endured that much heartache in the second half of his reign. Michigan has gone 1-5 against OSU the past 6 seasons and is 1-5 in bowl games with four consecutive losses. Michigan has lost its final two games of the season in four of the past six seasons including this year. Go Blue!

How Coach Carr ranked the teams

Coach Carr is one of the 63 coaches with a vote in the USA Today Coaches' Poll that comprises a 1/3rd component of the BCS Standings (along with Harris poll=1/3rd and composite computer rankings from six polls=1/3rd). Here is Coach Carr's final ballot in the USA Today Coaches' Poll:

• #1 Ohio State
• #2 Michigan
• #3 Florida
• #4 Wisconsin
• #5 LSU
• #6 Oklahoma
• #7 Louisville
• #8 Southern Cal
• #9 West Virginia
• #10 Auburn
• #11 Notre Dame
• #12 Boise State
• #13 Wake Forest
• #14 Arkansas
• #15 Texas
• #16 Virginia Tech
• #17 Rutgers
• #18 California
• #19 Tennessee
• #20 Brigham Young
• #21 Nebraska
• #22 Texas A&M
• #23 Boston College
• #24 Georgia Tech
• #25 Oregon State

Go Blue!

Game Management

Coach Carr is widely hailed as an outstanding recruiter and a great motivator but he has often received much undue criticism for his game management decisions. There has not been as much second guessing of Coach Carr's decisions this year but that is probably because the Wolverines are 6-0 and ranked #4 in the AP poll. The Wolverines have taken control of the majority of their games in the early going. In fact, Michigan has taken a lead into halftime in five of their six games (against Wisconsin they went into halftime tied at 10). Unlike last year, Michigan has been able to protect their early leads this season. Thus, Coach Carr has not had to make too many controversial game management decisions this season as they have been ahead comfortably in the majority of their games. However, there are a couple of game management points worth reviewing:

Taking points off the board

With time winding down in the first half against MSU and the Wolverines leading 17-0, Coach Carr was faced with a decision regarding whether he wanted to "take points off the board." MSU committed a personal foul penalty during Garrett Rivas' 40-yard field goal try that put the Wolverines up 17-0. The rule of thumb is to never "take points off the board." However, Coach Carr, not known as a huge risk taker, decided to take a calculated risk and take the points off the board. Michigan took the penalty and had a first down at State's 11-yard line with the score back to 14-0. Ultimately, the Wolverines only moved the ball 4 yards in three plays and had to settle for a field goal attempt from the 7-yard line. Garrett Rivas' kick was partially blocked but it still had enough on it and the kick was good and the score was once again 17-0. Coach Carr later explained that he decided to "take points off the board" because he wanted to run down the clock to limit MSU's opportunities on offense prior to the expiration of the half. I liked the call. It appeared to be a "riverboat gambler" type of coaching decision but really it was a smart, calculated risk. Even if the kick had been blocked, it was still the right decision to make under the circumstances. Nevertheless, I'm glad the kick went through the uprights.

Best defense is a good offense

Michigan has a fantastic defense but the most effective way to stop an opponent from scoring is to keep their offense off of the field. Michigan leads the nation in time of possession, averaging 34:15 per game, three seconds better than second place Alabama. Michigan has controlled the football for more than 33 minutes in four games this season. It held the ball for a season high of 37:39 vs. Minnesota as the Wolverines ran 69 offensive plays for 518 yards. Coach Carr's philosophy of establishing the run this season has the dual benefit of controlling the clock and opening up the passing game. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Coach Lloyd Carr by Rashaun Rucker/Detroit Free Press

Fantasy Camper Debriefed

The First Annual U of M Men's Fantasy Football Experience was conducted on August 3-4, 2006, and it gave the 100 or so fantasy campers a chance to experience from the inside what it's like to be a Wolverine. Fantasy camper Jon Chait was debriefed (as in he provided information about his experience not debriefed as in getting pantsed by Coach English during bed check) and has an article that was posted by the Dean of the M Blogosphere and WSOP hero: Brian of MGoBlog. Chait's article is a great read for multiple reasons. First, it is very well written and it provides an insider's view of what transpired at the fantasy camp. If you are debating whether it is worth it to plunk down the $2,500 entry fee for next year's camp then this article is a must read. It gives you all the scoop about the process the campers went through during the two-day camp. The second, and more important, reason that Chait's article is a great read is that it provides valuable insight into each of the Coach's tendencies and personalities. Chait's observations appear to be quite keen and thoughtful. If nothing else, they sure are entertaining.

Chait's observations about Coach Carr's philosphy regarding protecting the ball and the lead were particularly interesting. Coach Carr, and this is not surprising, appears to preach a strict adherence to the philosphy of conservative run play-calling late in the game when the team has a small lead. This is not surprising because we have all seen this philosphy put in action many times over the years. However, the success rate of this philosphy is open for debate. For some outstanding analysis refer to Vijay's July 8, 2006 post at his site iBlog for Cookies where he looks at 4th quarter meltdowns.

Chait also spends a lot of time discussing new defensive coordinator Ron English who Chait makes sound like quite a dynamo. Chait came away from the camp very impressed and the article left me intrigued about how English's defense may fare this year.

Chait is to be commended for this outstanding piece and I also appreciate the fact that Brian at MGoBlog posted it. Go Blue!

Coach Carr's charitable contributions do not go unnoticed

In the Sunday, June 11, 2006 edition of the Detroit Free Press there is an extensive article by Mark Snyder profiling Coach Carr and highlighting Lloyd's charitable activities particularly the car wash which took place the previous day. There is also a separate article by Mark Snyder regarding the particulars of the car wash which includes descriptions of how the players danced to the tunes spun by DJ Morgan Trent while they were washing cars. There is also a link embedded on that page which will take you to a series of Free Press photos from the car wash.

Although everyone involved in the car wash obviously had a lot of fun there was a serious purpose being served beyond merely raising funds for the hospital. Such events bring home to the players the responsiblitly they have in the community as it is a privilege to be a Michigan Wolverine football player. Rick Leach mentioned on WTKA-AM (1050) during the radiothon on Wednesday that Bo strongly felt this way and obviously this philosophy continues to this day. It is this kind of thinking that makes a player a "Michigan Man". Go Blue!

Wash Me!

The 3rd Annual Carr's Wash 4 Kids was held today at Michigan Stadium this afternoon and the event appeared to be very successful. It was great weather for it and the team was highly efficient in getting the cars through the line. This was the first time I had ever attended Carr's Wash 4 Kids and I was impressed with how they have this process down to a science. The other thing that struck me is that although the players were obviously having a lot of fun the coaches were still "on top" of the players even at an event such as this car wash. The event ran from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. and I arrived at almost exactly 1:30 p.m. and there was a steady stream of cars but no waiting. What follows is a blow-by-blow (or wash-by-wash) description of my somewhat surreal trip down the Carr Wash line:

• I pulled into the Stadium concourse through Gate 9 (North endzone) and headed for the east side of the stadium. I was immediately welcomed by Scott Draper (Assistant Athletic Director) who thanked us for coming and who sent me up the concourse to a bevy of helpful volunteers to part with my charitable contribution.
• Charitable contributions could be any amount but $25 got you a t-shirt w/ your car wash while $50 got you a hat, t-shirt and your car wash. I decided to be a big spender and give $50 meaning I got a hat and what they said was the last XL t-shirt.
• While driving on to the next station, I saw a series of signs that instructed patrons to "Please stay in their cars." I figured (correctly it turns out) that I was not really going to get a chance to take photos.
• On my right was the WTKA radio broadcast platform and while I was still looking back at it all of a sudden my Jeep was getting blasted by water from hoses on each side of the vehicle while my window was still down from when I had paid. I had driven into the first station (the hose down station) without even realizing it. Johnny Sears was on the driver's side of my Jeep and he accidentally nailed me with water through the open window as he didn't realize my window was down. I was scrambling to put my window up while he was laughing when offensive coordinator Mike DeBord came over and he was fuming at both of us. Man, I tell you what. I was scared and this was just a car wash. You NEVER want to make Coach DeBord mad.
• Coach DeBord led me to the next station where all of a sudden 6-10 players descended on every square inch of my Jeep and soaped it from top to bottom. He then told me to drive up to the next station. The only problem was that I couldn't see out my front window.
• I drove crawling along to the next station where Alan Branch guided me to a stop. I kept thinking, oh great, I'm going to hit Alan Branch and he is going to be out for the year with an injury he suffered at the car wash because I couldn't see out my soapy window. However, I managed to stop in time. While the other players proceeded to wash the soap off my Jeep, Alan stayed in front of my vehicle and he started dancing to the music that was playing. It was a sight to behold!!! Alan Branch is 6'6", 330 lbs. and that man can move. Before we drove to the next station I bumped fists with him which I think he thought was a little dorky but he went with it. (*Photos of Alan Branch from The Wolverine)
• As we proceeded to the next station Coach Carr came up to the car and shook my hand and thanked us for coming and we then drove to the final station (towel dry).
• As the players were towel drying my car they started hooting on my passenger for wearing a MSU t-shirt so I rolled down my window and Assistant Head Coach Erik Campbell told the players not to dry the side of the car the MSU person was sitting on but that they could dry the driver's side of the vehicle. The players were laughing hysterically. They loved it.
• Before we left the concourse, we bought some lemonade (which was quite good) at a lemonade stand and waved to a few final players who thanked us for coming.

So there you have it. My 5 or so minutes through the Carr Wash. I would recommend it to someone who is considering attending next year but I would caution you that this is not an event where you will be able to take a lot of pictures. I didn't take any as I had my hands full with driving. Nevertheless, it was for a great cause and everyone had a lot of fun. Go Blue!

*Note: The photos used in this post are from The Wolverine. I used them because they are representative of what was going on when I got my Jeep washed. I did NOT take these pictures. If you want to see great pictures like these and read fantastic articles about Michigan sports you should subscribe to The Wolverine (Rivals.com).

Carr's Wash 4 Kids

The 3rd Annual Michigan Football Carr's Wash 4 Kids is scheduled for June 10, 2006. The car wash event will be held at Michigan Stadium from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. to benefit the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in the new University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital. Donations of any amount will be accepted with all proceeds benefitting the new hospitals campaign. Donations of $25 will include a T-shirt and a car wash; donations of $50 will include an M Go Blue for Mott Baseball cap, a T-shirt and a car wash. Those planning to attend the event should enter the stadium at Gate 9 and drive to the car wash along the east concourse. Go Blue!