Podcast Directory

Episodes

1) The View From Section 17: Surprise! More national honors for Denard.

2) IU recap with Sean Yuille, Managing Editor of SB Nation Detroit.

3) Visitors Segment: Spartan Blogger LVS from The Only Colors joins us to preview this weeks clash.

4) Spartan Scouting Report: Sean Yuille discusses the game from a Wolverine angle.

5) Wolverine Post Game Notes: A final look back at the IU game.

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Thanks to our guests. Sean Yuille - Managing Editor of SB Nation Detroit - www.detroit.sbnation.com& Pride Of Detroit - For Lions Fans - www.prideofdetroit.com. Our Spartan guest was LVS from the fine Spartan Blog The Only Colors - www.theonlycolors.com

Join us next Wednesday for our MSU Review Show & Iowa Preview.

The Michigan Man Podcast is brought to you by Robin Lynn Productions. Offering narration and production services for corporate and training videos, radio & television commercials, documentaries, e-learning, and podcast promos. Visit us at www.mikefitzvoiceovers.com GO BLUE!

1) The View From Section 17 - Quick Hits from the UConn game

2) Interview: The Biscuit from ND Blog Her Loyal Sons joins us to preview this weekends game.

3) Wolverine Post Game Notes: Final thoughts on UConn game.

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Thanks to The Biscuit from ND Blog Her Loyal Sons for being our guest today. Check out his blog at www.herloyalsons.com

Coming up: Next Wednesday Jeff Contizano from The Fifth Quarter - A Michigan Football Blog, will join us to review the ND game and look forward to UMass. Frank Smith from The UMass Blog will stop by and get us up to speed from the visitors perspective.

The Michigan Man Podcast is brought to you by Robin Lynn Productions. RLP provides narration and production for Corporate Video, E-Learing, Documentaries, and Podcasts. Check them out at www.mikefitzvoiceovers.com

Credits: www.mgoblue.comwww.thewolverine.com

The View From Section 17: UConn fun facts

UConn Previews: Kevin Meacham from The UConn Blog and Brian Cook from MGOBlog join me to preview this weeks opener.

Website: www.themichiganmanpodcast.com - Email: themichiganmanpodcast@yahoo.com. Listner Line: 313 263-4842. Open 24/7 for your audio posts. Give us a call and we'll get you on a future show.

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Thanks to our guests today. Kevin Meacham from The UConn BLog - www.theuconnblog.com and Brian Cook from MGOBlog - www.mgoblog.com.

Coming up next week: Jeff Contizano from The Fifth Quarter - A Michigan Football Blog, joins us to recap the UConn game and preview the upcoming trip to South Bend. For the ND angle our guest will be blogger Biscuit from Her Loyal Sons. Ready for download next Wednesday September 8th.

Today's show is sponsored by Robin Lynn Productions. Contact them for all of your corporate, radio & television, podcasting, and e-learning narration projects. www.mikefitzvoiceovers.com  GO BLUE!

The View From Section 17 - Practice Updates

Interview: 2010 Defensive preview with ErochWolverine from the blog GO BLUE MICHIGAN WOLVERINE.

Wolverine Post Game Notes: Wolverine Hoop's takes to the hardwood in Europe.

Website: www.themichiganmanpodcast.com - Email: themichiganmanpodcast@yahoo.com  - Listener Line: 313 263-4842. Give us a call and leave an audio post with your prediction on this years season.

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Thanks to ErochWolverine for being our guest today. Get the latest Wolverine updates and news from Go Blue Michigan Wolverine. www.gbmwolverine.com

The Michigan Man Podcast is brought to you by Robin Lynn Productions. Check us out for corporate narration, radio & tv commercial voiceovers, and podcast promos. Visit www.mikefitzvoiceovers.com

Coming up next week: Our Uconn preview show with Kevin Meacham from The UConn Blog and Brian Cook from MGOBlog. Ready for download next Wednesday September 1st. GO BLUE!

The View From Section 17 - Wolverine contingent returns from Seattle NCAA hearing.

On today's show Dave from MaizeNBrew joins me to preview Michigan's offense.

Wolverine Post Game Notes: What's up with the Wingless helmet flap?

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Thanks to Dave from MaizeNBrew for being our guest today. Check out the blog at www.maizenbrew.com

The Michigan Man Podcast is sponsored by Robin Lynn Productions. Check them out for all of your Corporate narration, TV & Radio commercials, and podcast promos. For more info visit www.mikefitzvoiceovers.com

Big 10 Preview: Bob Agno from The Big House Blog breaks down the Big 10 race.

Michigan Post Game Notes: Michigan vs. Alabama in 2012? Lucas Oil Stadium to host first Big 10 Championship Game.

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Listener Line: 313 263-4842. Call us and leave an audio post we can use on the show.

Thanks again to Bob Agno from The Big House Blog for being our guest today. Check out his blog at www.bighouseblog.com

Today's show is brought to you by Robin Lynn Productions. For all of your podcast, corporate, and commercial needs. Visit www.mikefitzvoiceovers.com

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It's Time! Sean Yuille, Managing Editor of SB Nation Detroit joins me to talk Michigan Football 2010

Wolverine Post Game Notes: Coach Rich Rodriguez's opening comments from Big 10 Media Days

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Thanks to Sean Yuille for being our guest today. Check out Sean's work at www.detroit.sbnation.com and www.prideofdetroit.com. Coming up next week: Bob Agno from Big House Blog joins us with our Big 10 preview show.

The Michigan Man Podcast is sponsored by Robin Lynn Productions. For all of your corporate narration, radio and television commercial needs, and podcast promos...visit www.mikefitzvoiceovers.com  GO BLUE!

Part Two of our interview with Jeff Contizano from The Fifth Quarter - A Michigan Football Blog.

Wolverine Post Game Notes: Lloyd retires as Associate AD. Coach Beilein announces Michigan Basketball set to tour Belgium in August. The Big House open for visitors on July 14.

Website: www.themichiganmanpodcast.com  Email: themichiganmanpodcast@yahoo.com  Listener Line: 313 263-4842.

Come on MaizeNBlue faithful! This is your chance to be on the show. Call the listener line and leave a soundbyte we can use on an upcoming show.

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Thanks to college football writer Jeff Contizano for being our guest this week. Visit Jeff's site, The Fifth Quarter Blog at www.fifthquarterblog.net 

Demar Dorsey Denied Admission

Patrick Biondi earns Freshmen All American Honors in Baseball

Plus..all the latest Hoops, Softball and Baseball News.

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The next show will be published the week of June 28th. Go Blue!

Michigan Responds to NCAA allegations.

The latest news on Wolverine Baseball & Softball Tournament action.

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Listener Line: 313 263-4842. We invite you to call and leave audio posts on any Wolverine topic.

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Wolverine News & Headlines

Part two of our Interview with Eroc Wolverine from blog Go Blue Michigan Wolverine. Spring Football wrapup.

Softball & Baseball News.

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The Michigan Man Podcast is now available on Mevio. Check it out.

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Program Reminder: We will post shows twice a month from May through July. Weekly programming will return in August as we ramp up for Football season. Next show will be posted 26May. GO BLUE!

Three Wolverines chosen in NFL draft

Wolverine Quick Hits - No. 2 Softball - Baseball - Tix sales through the roof for The Big Chill at The Big House.

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What do you think? Will 8-4 or 7-5 make you happy this year? Let us know by leaving your audio post at 313 263-4842. Be a part of the next show.

Next week: Part two of our Spring Football Show. Eroch and I will discuss the defense, special teams, and kicking game. The show will post on Wednesday, May 5th.

GO BLUE!

Spring Football Game set for this Saturday, 17April.

NCAA snooping into West Virginia Football during Rodriguez era.

Interview with hockey blogger Yostmeister from Go Blue Michigan Wolverine. Part one of an interview wrapping up the 2009/2010 hockey season.

Wolverine Quick Hits: The latest news from Softball, Baseball, and Michigan hoops recruiting

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Coming up next week: Part two with Yostmeister wrapping up the Wolverine Hockey season. We'll begin the first of a two part series discussing Michigan Spring Football...and much more! Join us

GO BLUE!

Wil Bradley
UFR Sports Talk

Though I’m a huge Orlando Magic fan– Charlotte reigns as one of my favorite cities. So it’s fitting that my favorite professional franchise, will begin its attempt at becoming NBA champions with the team from the Queen City.

I read Hadarii Jones article about how the Bobcats could pull the upset. He and I agree that Head Coach Larry Brown can– and most likely will make this series interesting. As Coach Brown would say, if the Bobcats “Play the right way…” they can win games.

In terms of match-ups, the addition of Stephen Jackson coupled with the presence of Boris Diaw and Gerald Wallace gives the Bobcats some hope.

The key will be Jackson, Wallace and Diaw taking advantage of their inside game. Taking the game to Howard early, usually pays dividends for opposing teams. Two quick ‘cheap’ fouls, and the Bobcats will now have at least a quarter to play even basketball.

With Magic forward Matt Barnes most likely covering Jackson, Van Gundy will be forced to put Lewis on Wallace. That can help slow down ‘Sweet’s potential to put up quick points from 3pt range.

Both Jackson and Diaw can get hot from the arc. With good ball movement, the Magic have trouble closing out on second and third options on defense. A couple of outside shots could open up more opportunities on the inside.

By now we all know Orlando won the season series 3 – 1. In that loss the Bobcats out-rebounded the Magic by 12, shot 50% from 3pt range and shot more free throws than the Magic. Thirty-six percent of their 75 shots were taken in the paint. No coincidence Howard ended the game with 5 fouls.

So this makes sense, “Play the right way…”, rebound, limit turnovers and take good shots. Tyson Chandler doesn’t have to score huge points, but he’ll have to rebound to give the Bobcats a chance. Turnovers speak for themselves. Good shots could be three pointers, if someone gets hot.

Good shots work both ways. In the loss, the Magic attempted 32 three pointers. Get Howard in foul trouble, or pressure entry passes down low– and the Magic have a tendency to settle for long threes. Sometimes that works, other times it doesn’t.

The Magic legitimately go 11 players deep. JJ Redick’s game has improved. Jason Williams directs the second team well, and can create points with his passing. Now that Brandon Bass has hit the rotation, the Magic better match up with big lineups. Bass even brings the threat of a 12-foot jumper on good nights.

All this to say, I don’t know if the Bobcat bench can match the output night-in-and-night-out over a seven game series.

The Bobcats have quietly been one of the better defensive teams all season. Their key stats differ very little from those of the Magic. Defense always plays a big factor in the playoffs. Who plays better defense consistently has the advantage.

Dwight Howard sometimes struggles when challenged by physical players. Jermaine O’Neal fought Howard hard in the post, getting five blocks to boot. Howard only scored 10 points with 11 rebounds. Both numbers below his season averages.

For the Bobcats, Ratliff and Mohhmed shouldn’t be afraid to challenge Howard with a hard foul. They will have to frustrate him, to help slow him down.

Larry Brown is a good enough coach to make things happen in the playoffs. Charlotte has good talent. The East looks to be much more competitive next season, with the Bobcats being a player.

In spite of what many people think, the Bobcats could win this series. They have to win one of the first two to do it.

The Magic are 22 – 5 since the All-Star break, that’s the best in the NBA. They are on a roll, and will be tough to stop. They are my pick to win the Eastern Conference.

When it’s all said and done, Charlotte will get two hard wins to push the series to six games.

Magic win the series 4 – 2.

Jimbo Fisher's first spring practice as Florida State's new head coach came to an end with Saturday's Garnet & Gold game. But what have we learned about Fisher's football team over the past four weeks?

If Christian Ponder, Rodney Hudson and Andrew Datko stay healthy FSU's offense will rank in the top 10 at the end of the season.There is just too much talent and experience, as well as excellent coaching, on this side of the ball for the Seminole offense not to flourish in 2010. 

What we don't know is how good the defense will be except that it should be better than 2009 (but that's not saying much).

What stuck out the most was how much progress the defense made in a short time with a new defensive coordinator and a totally new staff other than Odell Haggins. They picked up Mark Stoops' zone system like they have been doing it for years. Based on what transpired the past four weeks, expect to see more sacks, more picks, more PBUs and fewer big plays by opposing offenses.

Urban Meyer and the Gators Finding an Offensive Identity

The best thing about doing my weekly podcast, is the co-host Big Herc. As a Noles fan, it’s his duty to make sure I understand all the potential weaknesses of this year’s Gator football team. One of his perceived weaknesses, will be Meyer’s ability to adjust his offense to maximize his present talent.

I understand that Tim Tebow dominated any conversation about the Gators for the last four years. But Urban Meyer’s coaching career started long before Tebow. Some fans may have questions about the long-term, but Meyer will most likely do pretty well for a few more seasons without Tebow.

During the early weeks of spring practice, backup QB Jordan Reed had been taking reps at the TE position. Many believe true freshman Trey Burton may be part of a two quarterback system with Brantley. No one knew what the new Gator offense would look like– including Urban Meyer.Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel, quoted Meyer in his Swamp Things blog as saying,

“Who we are offensively? I don’t know,” said Meyer last Friday. “We don’t have an offense. I told you that five years ago. Are you guys going to change a lot? We have no idea right now. We’re going to do what we do well, if that’s I-formation, if that’s shotgun, if that’s Jordan reed at quarterback, if it’s throwing it all over the lot…”

We knew Brantley could throw. We wondered how much he could or would run. Trey Burton could run, so maybe the two-quarterback system would work. Meyer’s former backup QB Jordan Reed seemed destined to move to the TE position.

Then today in the Orange and Blue Debut spring football game, Jordan displayed the QB skills that earned him a scholarship at the position. Reed threw the 31 yard go-ahead touchdown to redshirt sophomore T.J. Lawrence. Reed showed the ability to run the option, as well as throw the ball, though not as gifted a passer as Brantley.

In the end we saw the I-formation, the Spread and the fullback actually factor into the offense.

Meyer learned a great deal from last season. One big thing he implemented even before 2009 ended, expose the QB less to big hits. Meyer also knows that Brantley doesn’t own the same physique as his predecessor. Meyer knows he can’t expect Brantley to play like Tebow– especially with a true freshman designated as the only backup for now.

That said, the Gators have moved forward. Meyer has the foundation in Brantley. Like teams in his past, he also has the ability to provide plenty of wrinkles to keep defenses off balance (they will need this against the Tide in Tuscaloosa). We’ll get to see more of the old creative Meyer, mixed with the Mid-Western Notre Dame trained fundamentalist that builds great teams.

The Gators will have to get better by August. Every team does. The defense still has to prove how good it will be. In terms of Meyers performance during spring practice– all seems to be going well. We don’t have the certainty coming in we’re used to.

But that’s part of the fun, if you trust Meyer as a coach. It’s not IF– but HOW he will get it done.

Related Links
Gators Orange and Blue Debut Recap

by Wil Bradley
UFR Sports Talk

Last Thursday– April Fool’s day no less, the NCAA held a press conference to discuss the potential expansion of the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament to 96 teams. The idea of expanding the tournament has gone over about as well as the new NFL overtime rules.

Most opponents to expansion believe the 96 team tournament idea possesses two major weaknesses; the watering down of competition and it takes student-athletes away from the class room for too long. Yes, we know the additional revenue motivates the NCAA to make this move. This is America, and as a whole we believe in making money. Most of us would do the same, so we won’t fault them for that.

The second argument, while admirable in its principle, doesn’t carry much weight. Student-athletes quit being student-athletes a long time ago in the big two sports. If you believe otherwise, check the latest NCAA Graduation Rate Data. Plus, the NCAA only seems to subscribe to this theory when it comes to Div I football. All this to say, no one really buys this argument, so it holds little to no influence (Seems like a bad thing, and it is).

That leaves us to tackle the problem of diluted brackets. The NCAA in its wisdom, or need for more commas and zeros before the decimal point, may have gotten this one correct. They have seen something in the last few years in Mens’ college basketball– it’s called parity.

Every season, fans complain their team got shorted by the NCAA selection committee. This season, many thought that the Big East conference produced the best teams. Many argued that some smaller schools made the tournament, at the expense of better teams from the Big East. Once the tournament began to play out, we all realized the talent gap between the Big East and other conferences had shrunk while no one was watching.

The 96 team tournament alleviates that problem. In what appears to be the most probable format, the top 32 teams would be given a bye for the first round. The remaining 64 teams would essentially enter a play-in tournament for the final 32 slots in the bracket. Equating that to the tournament as it’s played now, that means the 8 through 16 seeds in every bracket would be tested. Bubble teams would in essence be given an opportunity to float their bubble into the tournament.

Smaller schools like the Butlers and St. Marys would be given the same opportunity as lower rated teams in bigger conferences. Like we’ve seen this season, the smaller teams can be competitive. Fans like the upsets, which makes for better TV ratings (this past weekend’s semifinal games garnered good ratings for CBS).

The system also rewards teams with more experienced players. Now smaller schools can compete with more developed players, over teams bringing in one-and-done freshmen. You have to think in the recesses of the NCAA power structure, some enjoy the fact that Calipari didn’t make it to the Final Four.

So before we cast away this new 96 team tournament as purely a money grab, give it a chance. Sure, we’ll see some ugly games in those potential first two rounds. In the end, we’ll get a few more upsets and a few more unknowns playing their way out of obscurity.

If for no other reason, fans should like the new format for one more very good reason. We get to listen to Gus Johnson call a few more tournament games!

Spring Football News

Women's Hoops ends season in WNIT semi-finals

Hockey team holds banquet

Softball no 2 in the nation - Baseball gets of to a good start in Big 10.

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Fan Feedback: call 313 263-4842 and record your audio post. We'll put you on the next show. You can email posts to themichiganmanpodcast@yahoo.com Come on Wolverine Fans! Let's hear what your're thinking!

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Your thoughts and suggestions for the show are greatly appreciated. GO BLUE!

Did Urban Meyer Take it Too Far!

University of Florida’s head football coach Urban Meyer put Gainesville, FL back on the map Wednesday. This time it wasn’t about football, but about a quote from a player and the reporter who used it in a story.

I have been surfing the comment boards of Gator and football fans in general. The consensus seems to be that Meyer did the right thing, in protecting his players.

The reporter involved, Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel printed the following quote, as part of a story on Deonte Thompson.

“You never know with Tim,” Thompson said. “He can bolt. You’ll think he’s running, but then he’ll just come up and pass it to you. You just have to be ready at all times. With Brantley, everything’s with rhythm, time. Like, you know what I mean, a real quarterback.”

Here’s Thompon’s comments on video:

Considering that among the ranks of Gator fans Tebow possesses iconic, almost saint status, this quote turned heads among UF and all football fans alike. Welcome to the post Tim Tebow era Gators.

Was Meyer right in dressing down Fowler on the practice field? Was Fowler wrong for printing a quote?

I would answer yes to both.

When the story broke, every major newspaper in Florda, and every Gator fan site carried the news. Thompson stated Tebow wasn’t a real quarterback. Fans commented, a few Tebow holdouts criticized Thompson. Some fans criticized Meyer for the rant– but most felt the situation justified Meyer’s response.

Meyer forms strong bonds with players. Though, his relationship with Tebow became front page news, he cares deeply for all his players. He always spoke well, and defended Chris Leake, even when the throngs demanded Tebow lead the team. He defended Brandon Spikes last season when heat came about the alleged “Eye Goughing” incident during the Florida vs. Georgia game. Good coaches protect their players.

Jeremy Fowler provided his side of the story on his Swamp Thing Blog for the Orlando Sentinel. His defense– and many reporters around the country have said the same thing, was it was a quote. Fowler even says this to Meyer in the video.

Not so fast my friend. Yes, it was a quote, but not the whole quote. Fowler only quoted the part containing Tebow’s name. There was more said. Here it is the full quote from Palm Beach Post reporter Ben Volin:

Reporter: What’s the biggest difference between Brantley and Tebow?
Thompson: Brantley is a pure passer. He ain’t trying to run. He’s just going to straight pass.
Reporter: How is that better for receivers?
Thompson: ‘Cause Tebow, you never know. He’ll be running but then he’ll just come up and pass it to you, so you just gotta be ready at all times. But with Brantley, you know, everything with rhythm, time, like a real quarterback.

Big difference when seen in context.

Fowler in his response to the incident, never mentions the rest of the conversation. I question his motive in only printing the part of the conversation that he did. Fowler stated that the story blew up nationally. Yes Mr. Fowler it did, and I’m pretty sure you knew it would. Your editors knew this as well.

Reportedly Thompson became very distressed over the negative attention. Think about what he may be going through. My bet is that Thompson and probably his family have received many disparaging phone calls, text messages or what ever. The Gators Athletic Department wouldn’t tell you this, because it makes the fans and the program look bad.

So life without Tebow begins in Gainesville. When it comes to situations concerning the chosen one– Tebow, maybe players and reporters need to take advice from a young man at the NFL combine.

“Shut the F- Up!”

Few people thought Butler would go this far. And what About Cornell?

Now that Kansas and Kentucky have been eliminated, does that make Duke the favorite? We'll look at this past weekend's games, and take a look at the upcoming Final Four. 

Hopefully The Professor can tell us who will be the Mens NCAA Champion!

Wolverine Hockey Falls short! - Headlines from Spring Football

Manny heads for the NBA - Softball moves up to No. 2 - U of M Baseball headlines.

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Listener Line: 313 263-4842. Hey Wolverine Fans! Leave an audio post and be a part of the show. Email posts are also welcome.

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On Deck - In the coming weeks we'll get more in depth regarding Wolverine spring practice news. We'll also wrap-up the hockey season and chat with Yostmiester from the blog GoBLueMichigan Wolverine (GBMW)

Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. Please keep them coming!

UFR Overtime: Has MMA Surpassed Boxing?

Welcome to Upon Further Review Overtime.  In overtime, either Wil or I will continue discussions from Wednesday’s show.  This week I’ll be discussing my assertion that Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has surpassed boxing

There are several ways I could illustrate why boxing has been passed by MMA, but for the sake of this argument, I’ll just stick with the numbers and the eyeball test.

Household Names:

Currently, there aren’t 10 active boxers who are household names.  When I say household names, I mean names of boxers who would be recognized by the casual sports fan.  Not die hard boxing fans.  Let’s see, you have Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, The Klitschko Brothers.  I’ll even throw in Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jr and Evander Holyfield even though they’re in their 40’s and aren’t contenders for any titles.

So what is that…. 9 boxers who are household names.  3 of them are over 40 and on the last legs of their careers.  Of those 9 boxers, how many of them could sell out a major arena or do big numbers on Pay Per View (PPV)? Only 2: Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.

Let’s look at MMA, more specifically the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and count their household names: Georges St. Pierre, Anderson Silva, Brock Lesnar, BJ Penn, Diego Sanchez, Frank Mir, Rashad Evans, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Kimbo Slice, Cain Valesquez, Shane Carwin, Forrest Griffin, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Matt Hughes…..I’ll stop there.  That’s 15 household names.  Of those, I’d say about 9 or 10 could headline a card, sellout a major arena and do good numbers on PPV.

Speaking of PPV, before I forget, let’s look back at the biggest PPV numbers from 2009.  UFC took 6 of the top 10 spots including the number 1 spot.

1. UFC 100: Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir, July 11, 1.6 million
2. Boxing: Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto, Nov. 14, 1.25 million
3. Boxing: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, Sept. 19, 1.05 millon
4. UFC 94: Georges St. Pierre vs. B.J. Penn, Jan. 31, 920,000 buys
5. UFC 101: Penn vs. Kenny Florian/Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin, Aug. 8, 850,000
6. Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton, May 2, 825,000
T7. UFC 107: Penn vs. Diego Sanchez, Dec. 12, 650,000
T7. UFC 97: Silva vs. Thales Leites/Chuck Liddell vs. Mauricio Rua, April 18, 650,000
9. UFC 98: Lyoto Machida vs. Rashad Evans/Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra, May 23, 635,000
10. Wrestling: WWE WrestleMania 25, April 5, 582,000 buys

Did you notice a pattern in boxing matches?  All 3 matches in the top 10 featured either Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr.  By contrast, The UFC matches had 7 different headliners or co-headliners in their 6 PPVs that made the top 10

Let’s look at it with the eyeball test.

Compare the number of MMA training facilities in your area to the number of boxing training facilities.  What are there more of?

Clothing: How many TapOut and Affliction shirts do you see on an everyday basis?  How about IBF, WBF, and WBO shirts??  Going back to Tapout for a second, they sold over 100 million dollars worth of merchandise in both 2008 and 2009.

Continuing with the eyeball test:  How many of your local sports bars show PPV boxing matches?  Now think about how many local sports bars show UFC PPV matches.  There’s no comparison.

Let’s go in the ring and octagon for a minute.  How many times recently have you watched an entire boxing PPV and left disappointed because there was little to no action and the main event failed to live up to the hype.  For those of you who watched the Pacquiao / Clottey fight a couple of weeks ago; what was your opinion of the fight?  Did you feel like you wasted 45 minutes of your life after watching it?

Boxing has gotten so bad that the announcers are having to resort to unnecessary yelling to try to hype the fights.

Sounds exciting doesn’t it.  Sounds like they were going at it right?

During that entire clip, Pacquiao beat up on Clottey’s forearms, shoulders and elbows.  Clottey stayed in a defensive position and only threw 2 punches in those 45 seconds.

Now think about MMA. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a PPV or a TV event.  You’re almost guaranteed to see a knock down, drag out fight: a spectacular knock out, some serious ground a pound, and probably a nasty submission or someone getting choked out.  Even if the main event fails to live up to the hype, you still leave satisfied because you’ve seen plenty of action from the other fights.

How about marketing and exposure?

This is where I think the UFC has cemented their place.  They are based primarily on Spike TV and PPV.  By turning down corporate money to appear on network TV they haven’t had to water down their product and they’ve been able to stay true to their core fans while bringing in new fans through the programming options they have on Spike TV.  They have their reality show: The Ultimate Fighter.  Unlike other reality shows that tease a fight in promos all week, only to have the actual fight be 5 seconds of edited material, The Ultimate Fighter has a fight every week.

They also have geared programming designed to keep the average sports fan interested: 100 best fights, Ultimate Knockouts and UFC Fight Night.

Outside of the PPV’s how much boxing do you see available on TV or Cable?

Tiger Pleads for Readmittance

After listening to Tiger’s apology speech this morning, I couldn’t get a Jackson 5 tune out of my head,

“Oh baby give me one more chance…”

In the run up to the speech, the media felt betrayed by Tiger, because he refused to answer questions. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, claimed via Twitter that, “He [Tiger Woods] wants to control the media.”

The general consensus post press conference seems to be the same. Many in the media have criticized the speech because he read it. Others questioned his sincerity. Ultimately all of this exposes the media vulture mentality, but that’s not the focus of this article.

I attempted to comprehend exactly why Tiger felt he needed to apologize to the media, his fellow PGA members and the public in general. He didn’t cheat on anybody but Elin. Unless your wife or girl friend works at the Waffle House, or in the Adult film industry, the issue really has nothing to do with you. In the end, I came to one conclusion, Tiger wants back “In”.

Not back in the PGA, but back into the fold of being the Black-White guy, the black guy white people accepted. Caucasian fans rooted for Tiger with all their heart. The loved him. They surmised that a guy this good at golf, must be white, right?

Tiger enjoyed this status as an honorary white guy. Few African-Americans attain this rare opportunity(one Mr. Orenthal J. Simpson comes to mind), accepted as one of their own. Getting in the club afforded him endless opportunity. He married the blond model trophy wife, got to do what ever he wanted, and was made to feel in his words, “that the rules didn’t apply to me.”

Then came that fateful car wreck. Suddenly a mini avalanche of women, who after long periods of silence, suddenly found a moral compass (or new source of income, but I can’t judge intentions). Finally came the admission that yes, he had cheated. Tiger lost his reputation, sponsors, almost his marriage and most important to him it appears— his membership in the honorary white guy club.

I say that because, if being considered an honorary white guy weren’t so important, why else would he explain anything, or apologize to anyone except his family? Are we to believe Tiger represents a very unusual case in today’s glitzy super-star athlete lifestyle? For that matter, Tiger’s story doesn’t even exceed the norms of many in everyday life. Infidelity happens every day.

Fact is, professional athletes in every sport cheat all the time. Fact is, most often it goes unreported or ignored. Fact is, Elin was blond haired and blue eyed. Fact is, that made all the difference.

Fact is, Tiger wants back in the club, at almost any cost.

My co-host said it best-- Allen Iverson is the biggest cultural icon in the NBA since Michael Jordan. Strong statement. Made stronger by the fact its true.

Before Iverson, how many players had tatoos? How many do you remember with corn rows? Most likely none.

Iverson existed in the NBA's initial super-star era. Those years post Jordan and pre Kobe. The league had lost its brightist star. A one man dynamo, who changed the game, american culture and the way we view sports. Not physically on big screen televisions-- but from a business perspective.

Not many in middle America would have spent more than $100 for a pair of shoes prior to Jordan. Jordan represented a gold mine. A gold mine the NBA sought to replicate in its up and coming super stars.

Enter Iverson-- brash young urban youth. He lived how he wanted, and did what HE felt it took to win. He even had a shot at a ring.

Then came missed practices, personal issues and injury. Now Iverson seems to be struggling to find his life after basketball. It doesn't appear to be going so well-- on both the business and personal front.

Here's hoping he finds his way.

Magic Look to Live Up to Expectations

Magic fans can feel it in the air– championship expectations. Those expectations will be validated or questioned Sunday afternoon at the Amway Arena.

You will have to forgive Magic fans for being a little leery. These same expectations existed in the past. With Shaq the expectations ended before they could really get started. Penny proved unable to carry a team alone. The Tracy McGrady era ended like it started, with McGrady never getting past the first round of the playoffs. Grant Hill as bearer of franchise expectations, failed due to injuries.

The Dwight Howard era took time to develop. He started as a gangly timid rookie, still finding his game. Magic fans watched, as he grew into the dominate player he would become. They all expect him to get better. They all hope he’s good enough now. The Lakers will help establish whether expectations for this Magic lead man are warranted.

True, one game does not make a season. But for Howard and the Magic, this game will help put theory into results. During last season’s playoffs, Howard pleaded for more touches on offense. With Howard getting a few more touches, and some hot three point shooting, they fought their way into the NBA finals. The Magic went cold from behind the arc, and couldn’t find offense for long periods in the finals. Howard lacked the post skills to pressure the Lakers on defense. He also lacked a supporting cast capable of finding tough shots.

Howard committed to improving his game during the off season. It would be his first off season without any commitment to the USA basketball team. Otis Smith, the Magic GM committed to making the Magic better. He brought in Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Jason Williams and others. But it wasn’t until after the All-Star break that the Magic committed to the inside-out style of offense dictated by Howard’s strengths.

After the All-Star break, Howard stepped up his offensive game, averaging 28 ppg in the first five games back. He demanded the ball in the post, and dominated opponents. As always, he continued to dominate the defensive end of the floor. The new look Superman’s first real test came against the King and the Cavaliers. Orlando won a playoff-style grind out match, in which Howard scored 22 pts 16 reb and had 4 blocks. For now, Magic fans felt like winning the Eastern Conference this season was a reasonable expectation.

Now fans hope Howard can lay to rest another demon. The Lakers completely outmatched the Magic in last season’s NBA Finals series. The Magic retooled, bringing in new pieces to better compete in the post season. Even so, everyone knows that Howard will be the key to any Magic success.

Beating the Lakers means Howard most likely played like a superstar. It means he played like a superstar against Gasol and Bynum– not an aging Shaq or undersized 76ers front court. It means Howard dropped 28 points, dominated the boards, blocked five shots and had four assists. It means Howard can carry this team when it counts the most.

It means expectations will rise even more

MJ will be successful– in spite of Kwame Brown

Take a look at this Jordan commercial. As soon as he starts to speak, you’ll remember it.

Michael Jordan found limitless success as an NBA player. He revolutionized how the game was played. More importantly, he introduced a new era in sports business. Until he came along, would you have ever seen a pair of basketball shoes priced at over $200? Furthermore, would you have ever seen them fly off the shelf in droves? Why wouldn’t he be a good NBA owner?

Our first introduction to Jordan as an exec came with the drafting of Kwame Brown. At the time, we still had complete faith in Jordan the player– translating into Jordan the exec. Then came the rumors of Brown stuffing $3,000 suits in corners of his million dollar condo. Brown came to camp out of shape and over weight. When asked about his preparation, Brown stated he had been eating at Popeye’s since signing the contract.

That first introduction ended with Jordan again as a player– a not so good one at that. He was then unceremoniously let go by Wizard’s ownership. Driving off with squelching tires in his black Mercedes. I can still see his face on the cover of the Washington Post, that picture of a Jordan who had failed. I hoped that my last public images of Jordan wouldn’t be that picture– and him in a Wizard uniform.

Jordan rebounded in a big way. Will he be more successful this time? I believe he will.

Jordan leads, not follows. If you possessed the gifts Jordan does with basketball– in your chosen discipline, it would be difficult to not call the shots. As the majority owner, Jordan can now call the shots.

Jordan learned the business of selling sneakers and started the Jumpman brand with Nike. As part owner, he now takes on the executive responsibilities. He better understands how the basics of big business work, from an owner’s perspective–not just from the player in an endorsement deal perspective. Now he better understands costs and real profits.

Jordan has experience as a franchise owner in sports. Before becoming a Wizard, Jordan owned a minority stake in the Washington Capital’s, the city’s NHL franchise.

Then he bought into the Charlotte Bobcats expansion team. We didn’t hear much from Jordan during this time. That was good. He was learning and he was preparing. Just like the old days when he shot jumpers all day. Now preparation meant reviewing business accounting reports, not scouting reports.

Jordan learned the team concept works in managing a business, just like it does in sports. In his tenure as Wizards executive, he brought in Doug Collins as head coach. The problem was, his eye for talent stunk. Then again, Jordan really wanted to be an owner, not a GM.

While as minority owner of the Bobcats, he brought in Larry Brown, a hall of fame coach. He let go of Okafur, and brought in good talent.

You have to believe he learned quite a bit from Bob Johnson, the former owner of the Bobcats. Not just about owning a franchise, but as an African-American, doing business with wealthy white men. He proved that he learned, and that he will let the best people do the right jobs.

The Michael Jordan of now, the NBA owner, represents the same guy we see in the commercial. A man who has failed twenty-six times, but for some reason, we mostly remember that he succeeded six. I’m betting MJ the owner will count as number seven.

Wolverine Quick Hits - Headline News from Michigan Football, Basketball, Hockey, Baseball & Softball

Part two of our interview with Sean Yuille from blog Michigan Sports Center. In part two we talk Michigan Football and the lingering effect of the NCAA probe.

Fan Feedback: If you would like to comment on the show, or just get your thoughts heard, leave an audio post by calling 313 263-4842. We also welcome email posts at themichiganmanpodcast@yahoo.com. Come on Wolverine fans....let's hear what you think!

Website: www.themichiganmanpodcast.com  Listener Line: 313 263-4842.

Thanks to Sean Yuille for being our guest on today's show. Visit his blog at www.michigansportscenter.com. For the latest Detroit Lion's news check out Sean's other blog Pride of Detroit at www.prideofdetroit.com

I'll be on vacation in sunny Gulf Shores next week (where I'm sure I'll OD on Crimson Tide spring footall coverage) but will post Episode 13 next Sunday when I return. GO BLUE!

Scoring roundup from this weekends Basketball, Hockey, Baseball & Softball action.

Part one of an interview with Sean Yuille from blog Michigan Sports Center. Sean is a Sophomore at U of M and brings a unique perspective to covering Wolverine sports.

Fan Feedback: Hey Wolverine Fans...are you out there? Be a participant on the show. We want to hear your thoughts on any Michigan subject of your choice. Leave a post by calling 313 263-4842. Or email themichiganmanpodcast@yahoo.com This invitation extends to any of the fine bloggers in our Michigan blogosphere. Plug your blog while your at it!

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The Michigan Man Podcast - Wolverine Post Game Notes Edition

The latest News & Scores from Basketball, Hockey, Baseball and Softball.

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Fan Feedback: What will it take for Coach Rich Rodriguez to keep his job after the 2010 season? Call your post into the listener line at 313 263-4842. Or email them to themichiganmanpodcast@yahoo.com

Coming up on this weekends show: Our special guest will be Sean from the blog Michigan Sports Center.

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Intro - A quick look at this weekends Wolverine Scores.

Part two of our Interview with Yostmeister, the fine Hockey writer from Blog GBMW, Go Blue Michigan Wolverine. We'll have Yostmeister back soon to recap the 2009/2010 season, and look ahead to next year in Michigan Hockey.

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Fan Feedback: This weeks question - What will it take for Coach Rich Rodriguez to hold onto his job after the 2010 season? Call your audio posts in at 313 263-4842, or email them to themichiganmanpodcast@yahoo.com

Thanks again to Yostmeister for being our guest the last couple of weeks. You can follow Yostmiester and his Wolverine Hockey Coverage at www.gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com

Coming up on The Michigan Man Podcast: Wolverine Post Game Notes will be posted midweek. A look back at Wolverine Hoops, Hockey, Baseball, and softball action from the past week GO BLUE!

The Michigan Man Podcast - Wolverine Post Game Notes Edition

Detailed coverage from last weeks Basketball, Hockey, Baseball & Softball action.

Coming up Next: Don't miss part two of our interview with Yostmeister from Blog Go Blue Michigan Wolverine. Yostmeister shares his thoughts on the 2009/2010 season. That's later this week on Episode 9 of The Michigan Man Podcast.

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Call our listener line with your audio posts or suggestions - 313 263-4842 

This weeks Fan Feedback question - How many wins will it take this fall for Coach Rich Rodriguez to keep his job? Does he need a Bowl appearance? Or if the NCAA levies penalties will that mean the end of his tenure in Ann Arbor? Call or email your posts

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The View From Section 17 - Four Wolverines Get NFL Combine Invites - U of M Baseball & Softball Get Started.

Part one of our Interview with Yostmeister, the fine hockey writer from blog Go Blue Michigan Wolverine.

Wolverine Post Game Notes: Hoops & Hockey action from the past week. Also..scores and highlights from opening weekend action for Wolverine Baseball & Softball.

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The View From Section 17 - Texas in the Big 10? - New DB Coach joins staff

Part two of our interview with Brian from MGOBLOG regarding the 2010 recruiting class.

Fan Feedback: Wanna be on the show? Call or email a post and we'll make you a part of our show.

Wolverine Post Game Notes: Basketball and Hockey recaps for the week of 8February10.

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Your comments and suggestions are appeciated. Let us hear from you! GO BLUE!

The View from Section 17 - Dorsey flap - Manny Harris..staying or leaving?

Part one of an interview with Brian from Mgoblog.com. This week Brian reviews our 16 defensive recruits.

Wolverine Post Game Notes: Hoops and Hockey action for the first week of February.

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Intro - The View From Section 17 - The Big Chill at The Big House - Spring Football game has a date - National Signing Day this Wednesday

Part two of our interview with MaizeNBrew Dave from blog MaizeNBrew.

Wolverine Post Game Notes: The latest scores and news on Wolverine Hoops & Hockey.

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Thanks again to MaizeNBrew Dave for being our guest. Check out Dave's great Michigna Blog a www.maizenbrew.com

Your comments and suggestions are appreciated. Come on Wolverine Fans..we need your interaction on the show. Call and email us with your posts and become part of The Michigan Man Podcast.

Go Blue!