MichiganCardinal

It was time.

I think that the thought that the league would fix games, or have a script is silly for two reasons: one practical and one personal. Practically, it would either be too big to succeed, or too small to matter. If there was some grand "fix" among all the NFL officials, all it would take is one (of hundreds) part-time officials to blow the whistle, or publish a book, or whatever, and it would all come crumbling down. Same if one MGM Grand employee came across the wrong name in their books and records. Ultimately, it would happen in the matter of weeks or months, not years... On the flip side, if it was one or two stray Tim Donaghy's, although that's more plausible to be lasting, they would be ineffective in the grand scheme of things. Donaghy was an NBA official for 13 years and only worked 20 playoff games. Mostly because he was really bad (which was probably related to his betting). Is it plausible there are bad actors in the NFL operations? Yes, but I don't think their bad actions are generally going to be relevant in the grand scheme of the season. Personally, I don't think it's healthy to consider this as even plausible. I devote way too much mental energy and time to this sport and to this team. If it's all fixed like the WWE, what's the point? I'm the stupid one in that equation, and I'd prefer to think of myself as smart (and devoted to a fault).

How does SF usually line up Bosa? I feel like if they just get stubborn and try to make him beat Decker or Sewell, he'll be in for a frustrating day. If they bully Awosika though and line Bosa up on the inside how the Lions will occasionally do with Hutchinson, Goff might be in for a frustrating day.

I think if Deebo is out, we may see CMC used as a Deebo replacement, in addition to his normal responsibilities.

Depends, which team is doing it?

I agree on offense. I'm not as sure on defense.

No one is saying Dan Campbell should go give Kyle Shanahan a ****ty handshake-shove postgame and start a fight in the tunnel, or score 70 points against a hapless Broncos defense, or run a fake kneel up 20+ points. I don't see how using a timeout that you have in your pocket with 38 seconds left in a one-score game is poor form. Maybe in a nine-point game. But in a one-possession game, I want to get the ball and somehow tie the game. Those are my only objectives. There are no politics or niceties to it. Taking that timeout will help me get the ball and tie the game. The offense taking a knee is them offering a hand to shake, it doesn't mean the defense has to shake it when it's not mathematically over, and I don't think not calling the timeout on 1st or 2nd down is shaking the hand.

I agree, it's possible. But I'm treating Jim leaving as an inevitability now. If I was told that if he stayed at Michigan this cycle, he would be here for life, I would want him to stay. But it's not if he goes to the NFL anymore, it's when. And it might as well be now, when the program is at its highest.

They're National Champions and haven't lost a game since 2022. I'm ready for Jim to fly the nest too, if for nothing else than to avoid this yearly episode of will-he/won't-he drama.... but let's not make the basketball thread title true again.

Have to think it'll be the all white unis this week?

He's 70. He probably would consider it if asked, but he I don't think he should be asked, unless maybe as an advisory role. Find a young up-and-comer who can recruit, cheat, and not get caught cheating.

You're talking to a guy who went to "Trouble with the Snap" and the Aaron Rodgers face mask non-penalty to Hail Mary in the same season. I only went to three football games that season, and the third was Michigan getting blown out by Ohio State. The more gut punches you take the nicer the view from the podium feels.

Is it really signaling? If he shouts over “hey good game Dan” I think I’d agree, but I don’t think it is necessarily better time management strategy to use the timeout right away rather than waiting for 4th down.

I think the “code” then is as silly as unwritten rules in baseball. If bunting gives me the best chance to get on base during a no-hitter, I’m going to bunt. (It won’t, I’m very slow). Ultimately it’s probably a moot point. I don’t think Tampa gets the ball and scores 8 points in ten seconds, or in 38 seconds.

I genuinely lol’d when I heard this live on Goff’s interview with Karsch and Anderson this morning.

But he would cut the best film in Super Bowl History

Wow a New Orleans hosted Super Bowl? How creative.

Now, now, everybody deserves 8th chances. Maybe the Packers, Bears, or Vikings will need someone?

I don't have a problem with Tampa saving the timeout hoping Goff/Campbell makes a mistake and takes the 3rd down knee with 38 seconds on the clock, like they did. It's their timeout to do with as they please, and I'm shocked they went into the offseason with it. Bowles' reasoning in the press conference afterwards was awful too, he just assumed Michael Badgley would make a 49-yard field goal?? Has he watched Michael Badgley kick a football?? On the replay you can even see the official look over to the Tampa sideline, seemingly anticipating the timeout before then jogging off. With 1:33 to go and Tampa having one timeout, you have to assume they will take it at any time. If they call timeout after the first knee, at 1:31, you can take the clock to about 5 seconds before you have to snap it on 4th down. Punting it to the 300-level, Goff running around while the offensive line holds everybody in sight (offensive penalty wouldn't extend the game) and then taking a knee or throwing it away when the clock expires, just taking an extra two seconds to take the knee in the first place, running the ball up the middle instead of taking a knee....... all of those do it too...... If they don't call the timeout, like they didn't, you can do the same thing, and they'd be calling the timeout with 5-10 seconds left anyway. Taking that knee with 0:38 left though was crazy. As low as the chances may have been, I'd be pretty pissed if I was a Bucs fan.

Last I looked the entire lower bowl was sold out and they were selling the home side club seats. If I had to guess, they're not selling the 300-level, and maybe not the Mezzanine 200-level either. Probably 45,000 or so capacity. I'm wondering if they're going to roll any movie theater sized televisions out there, or if it's just going to be on the Jumbotrons.

I noticed it live, but when a timeout wasn't called, I figured the graphic on the board was wrong. I was sure that was the case until I went and watched a replay. It's insane that Bowles didn't call a timeout.

I hope Goff realizes that the 49ers have one timeout left when we are taking knees in this game.

I feel like the general rule for away games is the same it as at your local bar. Don't look for trouble and you won't find trouble. I doubt you'll have any issues. I'd also be surprised if you don't have at least something of a contingent of Lions fans to have each other's backs up there.

I expect we see Houston finally activated this week. And I wouldn't be surprised if he's put 1x1 with Trent Williams and told to make his presence known.