Michigan football at night will be a spectacle and other thoughts from Dave Brandon
The first football night game in Michigan Stadium is “going to be a great spectacle,” Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said.
“We could probably sell 150,000 tickets to that game based on the demand we have right now,” he said.
Throwback jerseys on the field and special events before, during and after the 8 p.m. game against Notre Dame on Sept. 10 are in the works, Brandon said. He announced plans for the prime-time game in March 2010, and permanent lights were installed at the stadium last year.
Brandon said Michigan would not schedule additional night games until after the inaugural game against the Irish.
Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon takes in a basketball game at Crisler Arena with his wife, Jan, in January.
AnnArbor.com file photo
“My commitment is: This is a one-off effort,” Brandon said Tuesday while speaking to a group of sports writers and editors at a Michigan Associated Press Sports Editors meeting in Midland Tuesday night. “We’re going to do it and see how it goes. And if it’s a positive experience and we manage it well, hopefully we’ll be able to, from time to time, repeat it.
“If we can’t manage it well, then it’s something we’re going to have to shuffle to the back of the deck.”
Why break with tradition and schedule night games? A national prime-time television audience is one more way for Michigan to enhance its brand, he said. And those throwback jerseys, which he said Michigan would unveil soon, should sell as well, if not better, than the Big Chill at the Big House Michigan hockey jerseys did.
Brandon spoke for nearly an hour Tuesday and touched on a number of topics, including scheduling, former football coach Rich Rodriguez and the ongoing honeymoon for Brady Hoke.
(See AnnArbor.com's previous stories about Brandon's take on the NCAA's investigation into Ohio State and his thoughts on Big Ten hockey.)
On Big Ten football schedules
Talk of Big Ten football teams playing a nine-game league schedule, up one from the current eight, has been strong since Nebraska joined the league last summer. Slow down, Brandon said. Such a change will take years.
“There are teams out there that are booked until 2015, 2016,” he said. “So when you start trying to go back and redo the schedule and basically trying to unwind games that have been contracted for, it begins to get expensive and problematic.”
On Big Ten division names
The Big Ten announced in December that the newly expanded conference would play in two divisions -- Leaders and Legends. Michigan is in the Legends division along with Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern.
Brandon didn’t declare a love or dislike of the names and said the initial negative reaction to the generic labels wasn’t unexpected.
“I found out what the names of the divisions were one hour before you did. So I got nothing to do with it,” he said.
Give it time, Brandon said.
“I’ll take the trophy no matter what they call the division.”
On ex-coach Rich Rodriguez
Brandon fired Rich Rodriguez in January after Michigan went 15-22 in Rodriguez’s three seasons. Since then, in the few interviews Rodriguez has granted, he’s mentioned that his staff could have succeeded at Michigan if he had more time and that moving from West Virginia to Michigan “wasn’t the best move. Easy to say now.”
“Of course he’s going to say that,” Brandon said. “Why wouldn’t he say that? That’s what he should say. That’s what he believes. He’s a proud guy who believes in himself. And I give him the space to do that.”
On Brady Hoke
The Michigan football community embraces new football coach Brady Hoke everywhere he goes, Brandon said.
“I’ve introduced him at a few events, and he gets this incredible, thunderous applause. His first line is, ‘Why are you applauding? I haven’t won a game yet.’”
Brandon said Hoke’s first request was for the recently-installed countdown clocks that tick off the time before the next Michigan-Ohio State game.
Before long, Hoke asked for another clock. “For that team that comes from East Lansing,” Brandon said.
“So now we’ve got two clocks. I’ll put up as many clocks as he wants.”
On the new scoreboards
New scoreboards at Michigan Stadium will be ready by September and should be installed soon, he said.
“They are very substantial. They are going to go a long way up into the air,” Brandon said.
Jim Knight is the sports director at AnnArbor.com. Contact him at 734-623-2551 or jimknight@annarbor.com.
Comments
Theo212
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 12:07 p.m.
Put the stadium back to the old way it was, lower ticket prices, and allow beer to be brought in. Bo did things best with the glorious option attack. I'm right about this (as usual) when I say: Change is dumb.
Mick
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 8:55 p.m.
Bottom line to me, Brandon is the best AD we've had since the legendary Don Canham. I will trust in him to make the tough decisions, not a bunch of guys like us on these threads. The guy knows what he is doing, for anyone to call him stupid, I ask you, what's your track record compared to DB? Huh? Show the man some respect and appreciate the fact that he is our AD! Also, I wish some people on here would just stop with the Carr-tel crap and move on. Let's look to the future and use the past as a learning experience, not something to whine about every chance you get! TiM Go Blue!!!
DonAZ
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.
Agree ... Brandon is doing things to advance the brand image of Michigan for the better. And that's something Canham pioneered. Brand image matters. It sells merchandise. And it creates a kind of zeitgeist that permeates the way Michigan Football is viewed. That matters. Brandon understands this.
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
Tru2Buu76. I think you are right about many of the decisions recently made, and the new scoreboards. I have also been thinking, that it may be a cool idea to jsts change the unfirms permanently, back to the 'retro' unifroms to be worn for the ND game. Namely why not go back to the 'numbers on the helmets', and 'NO names' on the uni- backs. If Hoke wants to re-establish the 'old toughness', this might be 'in character' with the idea of 'the team', rather than the individual. If it was good enough for Bo in '69, it's good enough for me! No one will think it 'foolish' after the Wolves have knocked them on their keesters a few times. Think about it......
DonAZ
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 8:47 p.m.
It's pretty clear there's some sarcasm involved in this. The retro uniform thing is a nice one-off gimmick to add a little zest to a game. But beyond that? I'd prefer the uniforms we've seen the last few yeras. What I see in your post is another attempt to tie Hoke's movement away from the "spread" to some notion of a plodding, old-fashioned game style from 40 years ago. That is, of course, not what's going to happen. In fact, name one team in the Big 10 that plays that kind of football today. Wisconsin? They were an offensive juggernaut in 2010. They racked up tons of rushing yards and scores because they COULD. They had such an outstanding offensive line they could establish the run game, control the clock and score a lot. I'm am quite certain Hoke, Borges and Mattison are going to surprise quite a few people this fall. There'll be more variation in the game that most expect. And that'll be a good thing.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.
At least Brandon and Hoke have established their ability to say the right things at the right times. That's not always the case for other schools - you can see the proof in the college sports news any week of the year. From my perspective, that ability just reflects their normal way of thinking - and that's reassuring, considering what we used to hear about and from the previous AD and head coach. I fully agree about former coach Rodriguez's comments to the press: without rancor, I still say he's just a guy trying to get past a bad experience. As AD Brandon says: give him some space. I think Michigan has made several great decisions about its football program since Brandon came on board. No one should deride this Michigan Man because, despite all the doubts and doubters, his decisions have been solid and we're already seeing the turnaround benefits. That night game against Notre Dame is one of those great decisions. It's going to attract huge amounts of attention. Hoke is honestly saying: he hasn't won a game with his team yet. But I think a lot of knowledgable fans already have confidence that Hoke's Wolverines show real promise. When they meet N.D., I think the game could be epic! The new scoreboards: I'm in a position to watch the construction / installation daily, if I want to. I don't think Brandon exaggerates: they are going to be huge. Already, several support pillars have replaced the two-each which supported the old scoreboards. This renovation will again make Michigan Stadium the number one stadium in college football: a suitable venue for what will become the number one team in college football (again).
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
To be fair to Hoke, the program started to decline after he left, in 2001. And Brandon will 'say' nothing but 'good things' about BOTH, Carr and Rodriguez...as he should. But it is telling, that Carr left the department when Brandon took over. Suffice it to say, Carr's program was in steady decline, long before the Appy St debacle. Thankfully, former coaches Moehler and Hanlon, along with some players like Leach tried to step in and support RR, despite Carr. I give those guys a LOT of credit, for being 'real Michigan men'. And I have lost a great deal of respect for Carr. Look at the ridiculous comments from Boren, as he headed off to the sesspool in Cbus...c'mon folks! But that is all in the past now. And Brandon has to 'fix' a problem, without being 'specific' about it. I sincerely hope Hoke can turn this thing around. But to do that, he has to instill a long lost 'mantra' that was here from 1969 to 2000. The Bo/Mo toughness, that he experienced himself, as young asst coach...hired by Moehler, NOT by Carr.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
Yeah tbf, I'm sure that's what she meant. I quote: "Or are the rumors true that Bo himself, and Don Nehlen both supported Rodriguez for the new HC job, when LC left?" At: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/dave-brandon-michigan-football-team-must-return-to-business-as-usual/?plckFindCommentKey=CommentKey:962a0a68-205e-4eda-aabb-31376b1cf74c">http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/dave-brandon-michigan-football-team-must-return-to-business-as-usual/?plckFindCommentKey=CommentKey:962a0a68-205e-4eda-aabb-31376b1cf74c</a> Carr left in 2007. Bo died in 2006. Bo supported the hiring of the WCiMFH when Carr left. But let's try your spin. Bo died before the OSU game in 2006. No one--and I mean no one--was speculating as to when Carr would step down, much less as to who would replace him. Yet Bo had already expressed his belief that the WCiMFH would be a good hire? When? To whom? Yeah. Right. Just more MCC fairy tails. Good Night and Good Luck
Blu n Tpa
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
Whoa, I'm not prefict, perfact, per...right all the time, but it's nice that you think so. The Ghost, you might be right there, but how would we know since he is and we aren't. Let's move on to something we can ALL agree on. Is this next recruiting class going to be awesome, or what?! I love it. TiM Go Blue!
truebluefan
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Eddie -- it is known that Bo liked Rodriguez's offense. LS probably just phrased it incorrectly. After all, nobody can be as perfect as you or Blu n Tpa. The MCC has been made well aware of that time and again.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 10:01 a.m.
Lorraine has lots of opinions but she never has any facts to back em up. And don't forget the biggest whopper of em all: When Martin was looking for a replacement for Carr, Bo voiced his approval of the WCiMFH. Of course, that must have been an interesting conversation, since Bo had been dead for more than a year. Good Night and Good Luck
Blu n Tpa
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.
LS Are you kidding us? Coach Carr worked for over 30 YEARS at Michigan and never brought shame to the team or the University. He retired after working all those years. The WCiMFH did it at the start of his career at Michigan. Look up "Class" in the dictionary and next to it will be a picture of Lloyd Carr. Hey, how about you go to the big UM fund raiser and yell "Carr is a loser" real loud. I'd call 911 first though. TiM Go Blue!
bigblue
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:27 p.m.
the same year carr lost to app. st RR was contending for a NC! the defensive problems started when woodley and branch left not when RR arrived!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 7:16 p.m.
@tbf: We choose not to use his name because we'd just as soon forget him. But the MCC just won't let it drop. Virtually every post they make regarding Michigan Football has something to do with the WCiMFH, even on articles such as this where there is nothing about him Lorraine's posts are typical. For example: "The problem did not suddenly start in 2008. So my frustration is 10 years in the making! Sadly, RR was not supported here, which says much more about our former head coach." So, in one swell foop, she has defended the WCiMFH while, at the same time, has slandered Lloyd Carr. The latter is a common tactic with the MCC, and especially with Lorraine. It's the only way they can being to explain the failures of the WCiMFH. Or "the need to 'rededicate' the football program, goes back to about 2001. The problem did not suddenly start in 2008." As missionbrazil has shown, Carr's record after 2001 was marginally better than it was before. And yet the fiction continues. So, if the MCC tires of the discussion of the WCiMFH, and/or if they tire of the various names and acronyms that float around, let me suggest that they need to quit makin' it up and they need to quit bringing the WCiMFH into every conversation about Michigan football. Good Night and Good Luck
missionbrazil
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.
tbf ... are you trying to say that RR / whatshisname / whatever-you-want-to-call-him is the Osama Bin Laden of college football ? That seems a little extreme ... but if that's what you want to do, have at it. ps - I did call the OBL of college football RR in my comments above.
Blu n Tpa
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.
You call him what you want and please allow us to do the same. TiM BTW what's the connection with ObL and Michigan football??????
truebluefan
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
Why does everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, within the Rich Rod He Man Football Coach Haters Club refer to Rich Rodriguez as "whatshisname" or WCiMFH or anything BUT his name. What's the problem with calling him by his name, or RR. Don't you think it's a tad over the top? Folks, it's a game watched for our entertainment. It's not about life and death or national security. Seriously, do you refer to Osama Bin Laden as "the former evil guy in the Middle East that caused 9/11 whom we shall not mention by name?"
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:58 a.m.
"RR lost to pitt because pat white got hurt and wasn't 100%" Gee, sorta like Henne and Hart were hurt against Wisky and OSU in 2007? Love how the excuses the MCC used for the failures of the WCiMFH seem not to apply to Carr. Good Night and Good Luck
Blu n Tpa
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 2:48 a.m.
I second the motion. The Ayes have it. bb congrats, you are a member of the WCC/MCC. Just "go sit with Jug-dish, Lanny, " etc...at the Omega's house.
missionbrazil
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.
someone just won a free lifetime membership to the MCC.
Mick
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
Whatshisname's QB's always get hurt, that was one of many problem's, he ran them too much.What is your affinity with the previous loser of a coach? Your post is another example of the rampant excuses we've heard already. Are you a fan of his or a U-M fan?
bigblue
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 9:52 p.m.
RR lost to pitt because pat white got hurt and wasn't 100%
Blu n Tpa
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
Is there a new member for the WCC/MCC here? Or is someone travelling incognito?
missionbrazil
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 7:53 p.m.
Pitt was 4-7 when they beat RR's team ... ouch. At least Michigan rebounded and beat # 9 Florida in the bowl game. Check the facts bigblue ... we went from # 8 in 2006 and # 23 in the nation in scoring D in 2007 to 110th in the nation in the 3 years RR was our coach. That is a HUGE dropoff ... no way you can try to say that the problem wasn't with RR and his staff (which HE hired). But don't let the facts keep you from trying to argue.
DonAZ
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.
And RR lost to a Pitt team he had no reason to lose to. Complete coaching choke.
bigblue
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.
2007 app. st! all you need to know!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:56 a.m.
Almost as bad as losing 52-14 to the 5th place team in the SEC West--the 7th or 8th best team in the SEC. Good Night and Good Luck
Blu n Tpa
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
App State put how many non qualifiers and rejects from D-1 schools in the pros during their 3 year run of being the D-1A NC? Losing to a losing UToledo team by a losing UM team under the WCiMFH isn't any better, if not worse. So tell us bb, how did you like the defense and special teams last year? Bowl game leave you all fussy? TiM Go Blue!
missionbrazil
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.
15-22 and 6-18 in the BT ... all you need to know about having a losing record.
DonAZ
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.
Yeah, a dark moment to be sure. Kinda-sorta like losing to Toledo under RR.
missionbrazil
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
Lorain "the need to 'rededicate' the football program, goes back to about 2001. The problem did not suddenly start in 2008." The facts do not back up your opinion: * from 1995-2001 LC averaged 9.4 wins per season, 6-2 average BT record * from 2002-2007 LC averaged 9.3 wins per season, 6-2 average BT record * from 2008-2010 RR averaged 5 wins per season, 2-6 average BT record
missionbrazil
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
Well aawolve, maybe you are just alot smarter than the rest of us. For me, I prefer a guy who averaged almost 9 1/2 wins per season, whose teams consistently finished in the Top 25 in the nation , if not Top 10, and who ran the program cleanly and with class ... that is FAR better than what we had the last 3 years ... no matter how "complex" you SAY it is.
aawolve
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
Interesting figures. How about 1-6 vs. OSU, 0-1 vs. App State? The issue is too complex for many to understand, for some reason. Blame is to be shared, as Brandon said.
missionbrazil
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
DB is a sharp guy who handles himself and the AD job in a classy way. Like him or not, one thing is for sure - he got it right when he fired the old guy and hired BH. To me it sounds like some people are jealous of the success he has had in life, all of which he has worked hard for.
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
DonAZ ...I agree, regarding Hoke, only time will tell. But, the need to 'rededicate' the football program, goes back to about 2001. The problem did not suddenly start in 2008. So my frustration is 10 years in the making! Sadly, RR was not supported here, which says much more about our former head coach, some players and fans, than it does about Rodriguez. As for Brandon, it is one thing to be a 'grownup' and a strong executive, but any junior high student can raise ticket prices. Lets' see how the coaches, and programs flourish, or suffocate, under his management. Again, only time will tell.
DonAZ
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.
"Any junior high student can raise ticket prices" Well, there's a bunch we -- you, me, others on this board -- do not know about the financial state of the U-M athletic program. For instance: o I do not know for certain how much, if any, of the state-supported general fund is used for the athletic department ... and if so, to what degree decreases in state funding are allocated to the athletic department. o I do not know for certain to what degree Title IX mandates are affecting the cost structure of the athletic department overall. Football is the primary revenue engine for the university. If cost structures are rising then additional revenues are needed. o I do not know for certain to what degree ticket revenue is used to service the debt on the recent stadium renovations. If the athletic department has been called upon to contribute to that debt servicing (which is likely) then some revenue enhancement is necessary in lieu of cost cutting elsewhere. And cost cutting is not as easy as it seems -- again, Title IX imposes restrictions on what sports might be cut. So while it's easy for us to sit back and say we might know better, the simple truth is ... we don't know better. Brandon does -- he's the AD. And if he is in over his head then the Board of Regents will very soon determine that and fire him. But I don't think he is in over his head. I think he's a pretty savvy guy and understands the bigger picture of Michigan Athletics and general executive leadership.
Meangoblue
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.
There was once this guy that I know, He said Brandon was an es'tupido, Elitist was he, Ate his pizza for free, Big shot words was all he could crow! Hoke is a great hire I know, But Brandon should join curly and Moe , Flies jets to secret places, The media scurries and chases, For DB just another ego show. Pretty shtoopid DB!
Meangoblue2
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
I agree Mean. Thatgwas SHtoooopid!!!
DonAZ
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
I think I'd be more inclined to trust Dave Brandon's sense of executive management than anyone on this board -- including myself. He's a grownup and he knows what he's doing. Hoke gets applause because people sense something in Hoke they haven't seen in a while. Personally, I think the recruits are seeing the same thing, and raising their hands and issuing verbal commits. Time will tell and ultimately the win-loss record will determine Hoke's fate. But for now, people sense a rededication to Michigan principles of fundamental football.
heartbreakM
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 4 p.m.
What David Brandon says: "He's a proud guy who believes in himself"... What David Brandon thinks: "Thank goodness we have a coach in here who at least gets it and believes in defense, knows the Big Ten, and connects with the old football players"
truebluefan
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.
Brandon also stated that he sent the plane he used for the coaching search in different directions to throw off those following him. Brandon often times was not on the plane. Are you kidding me?! DB's common sense comes into serious question. This is just silly, borderline stupid, elitist, and a colossal waste of money. Does he think he's the president of the U.S.? Or The Beatles?
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
I agree with Coach Hoke...what are you applauding for, I haven't done any thing yet. Let's see if this guy can coach first... We just went through the RR period, when the headcoach was undermined by former coaches (LC) and many players, and alums. Now, we are expected to embrace a new coach, that comes in with a losing record. Only time will tell. I hope he makes it here, but I am NOT interested in three to five more years of mediocracy.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
"I hope he makes it here, but I am NOT interested in three to five more years of mediocracy [sic]." Yes, you were interested in three more years of disaster under the WCiMFH. But now that he's been fired, you raise the bar. Cute. Good Night and Good Luck
tater
Wed, May 11, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.
This was all quite diplomatic. It's almost as if he was getting ready to run for office. Gee, you don't think....