Maize n Brew - For Michigan Wolverines Fans

About Maize n Brew

Maize n Brew is a Blog devoted to the University of Michigan, its athletes, its sports teams, students and alumni. While primarily a Michigan Football Blog, Maize n Brew also follows Michigan Basketball, Michigan Hockey and all of its other athletic teams, with the devotion of a hungry puppy chasing a chuck wagon. Put simply Maize n Brew is a labor of love by its authors. While we have no inside information, connections or influence on Michigan Athletics, we like to pretend we do. So just about everyday we'll offer up our own unfiltered thoughts, opinions and insights into Michigan athletics. However, if you've got inside scoops, don't hesitate to contact us!

Thursday Happy Hour Knows That Other Than Michigan's First Night Game You're too Busy With NCAA Tournament to Care About Anything Else

by Maize n Brew Dave on Mar 18, 2010 1:32 PM CDT in Michigan Football Comment 0 comments

Maize n Brew gives you your daily (or semi-daily) rundown of all the Michigan Football, Michigan Basketball, College Football, and College Basketball news you need to get through the tedium of your boring desk job. For good measure we'll throw in a little irreverent information, comedy and commentary to help you salt away the time until the clock strikes 5pm. We're on a Facebook and Twitter drive, so be our friend or follow us! If you don't know what that means, you're old. If you want Maize n Brew in 140 characters or less, follow us on Twitter! Or you can friend us on Facebook for more links.

Stuff You Should Read Right Now

U-M to Play Notre Dame in Big House's FIRST EVER Night Game in 2011 - Holy bombshell Batman. University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon announced today that when the Michigan Wolverines next meet the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Michigan Stadium on Sept. 10, 2011, it will be the first-ever NIGHT primetime game played at home in the history of Michigan football. If you're looking for something awesome to talk about other than position switches or NCAA investigations, well, now you've got it.

Now With Luxury Boxes and Lights!

Brandon's decision to allow the night game comes at a great time for the Football Program, and I'm sure part of the timing of the release was intended to take a little heat off the coaching staff. Back in 2006, Bill Martin gave a flat out "no" to the prospect of there ever being night games at Michigan Stadium. At the time, I totally agreed with him. Frankly, I still do. I think this is just as salient a point now as it was back in June of 2006:

Martin also made this very valid point with regard to night games, "It's... an awful lot of tailgating going on for an awful lot of time." I can attest to the proposition that too much tailgating can be a bad thing. Driving out of a stadium parking lot, pro or college, after a night game is a dangerous thing. Most of us who tailgate get there early. You get a good spot. You fire up the grill. You enjoy an adult beverage, or two, or four, or ten. For those fans who go towards the end of that sentence, leaving the game in one piece can be a challenge. I've been forced to wonder too many times whether the camper next to me will a) take off my front fender, b) rear end the guy in front of him, c) run over the parking attendant, or d) run over the cop flaggin him down. While I've had my share of nervous moments after an afternoon game, night games are certainly the worst.

That said, it's impossible to deny the effect this will have on the national TV audience and the positive press that will come out of it. Michigan. Notre Dame. At night. THE ONLY PRIMETIME GAME ON. That's going to be pretty sweet.

It's nice to talk football again, isn't it? Well, maybe we'll talk a little hockey too.

Starting Hunwick an 'easy decision' for Wolverines - "It's a pretty easy decision," Berenson said before practice Tuesday afternoon. "I have to play Hunwick. He got us there. (Bryan) Hogan's skated at practice. He'll take shots today. He'll be our backup if he's ready to go."

Translation: "Hunwick's starting, Dumbass. Why would ask such a stupid question. He's the hot hand." I love Red. He should coach all Michigan sports.

More Michigan Football

Tate Forcier, Denard Robinson will get most QB work in spring - File under "duh."

6 Michigan players out for spring practice - List of the walking wounded.

Michigan simplifying things on defense - Get me the Ball Danny!

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez: Outside receiver, secondary areas of concerns - Personally, I'm more scared about the defensive backfield and Linebacker. Michigan will pick up yards on offense. The issue will be giving them up. Vlad Emilien was slowed by recovery from knee surgery, so we'll have to see what he can do. Right now, I'm not expecting much improvement from Mike Williams, but I'm hoping to be proven wrong. You have to figure Kovacs gets the starting nod for run support purposes, after that my money's on Demar Dorsey or Marvin Robinson stepping up. At corner look for Troy Woolfolk and J.T. Turner to start. I see J.T. Floyd as our Nickle-back.

More fun after the jump...........................

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U-M's first home night game will be 2011 vs. Notre Dame

Wow. Didn't see this coming, especially after how adamant Bill Martin was about not having them. I guess the times they are a-changin'. Kick off will be at 8pm. Going to be a hard ticket to land.

about 15 hours ago Maize n Brew Dave 0 comments 0 recs

NFL Invites Tebow to Draft Day Festivities

Further proof that the NFL is a money grubbing whore of a conglomerate. At this point I really don't know what the allure of having Tim Tebow at the draft. Seriously, other than rolling out Seraphim's Bullwhip at his UF proday, there is nothing new Tebow can offer the viewing public at the NFL Draft other than wearing a sweet pin striped suit that makes him look like a cross between Jaws and Goodfellas. Oh, imagine if he wore spats and a fedora... and brought a "violin case" along. As soon as the Second round begins he whips out the Tommy Gun and all that pent up Combine Rage gets released ...... ratatatatatatat.....

Tebow at the Draft. Yeah. This will end well.

about 18 hours ago Maize n Brew Dave 0 comments 0 recs

St. Patrick's Day Happy Hour Doesn't Need Green Beer to Celebrate

by Maize n Brew Dave on Mar 17, 2010 10:02 AM CDT in Michigan Football Comment 3 comments

Michigan quarterbacks Denard Robinson (16), Devin Gardner (7) and Jack Kennedy (20) watch Tate Forcier, center, throw a pass on the first day of spring football practice Tuesday, March 16, 2010, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

More photos » Tony Ding - AP

2 days ago: Michigan quarterbacks Denard Robinson (16), Devin Gardner (7) and Jack Kennedy (20) watch Tate Forcier, center, throw a pass on the first day of spring football practice Tuesday, March 16, 2010, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

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Stuff You Should Read Right Now

As the name of this blog implies, we like booze. A lot. I assume I can safely speak for everyone here on this subject. It's a way of life. It's my way of life. And I intend to keep it that way. There are, of course, certain things I can't do anymore. I'm simply getting older. I'm married. My tastes are getting expensive. And, well, I tend to be a jackass. Under the terms of the Chivas Accord of 2008, I am no longer allowed to touch blended Scotch at weddings. The Gastro Summit of 2005 means Pabst Blue Ribbon is only consumable at tailgates or on ski slopes. And according to some Judge in Savannah I am required to wear long pants within the State of Georgia irrespective of how much liquor I put into my system. My lawyer in Atlanta is looking into this, but I'm not hopeful. Stupid pants.

Anyway, for the Irish people toady is a day of great revelry. Today marks the highest sales of beer and liquor of any day on my beautiful Island Nation. Ironically, St. Patty's Day is followed by the Day of Reconciliation where Ireland tries to explain why there are cars on top of buildings and sees its annual spike in purchases of the morning after pill. Thankfully, many of these great traditions have made their way over to America (mostly on the backs of Irish and Chinese railroad workers). However one "tradition" that must stop, and stop now, is the idiotic notion that putting green food coloring in Bud Light makes it more "Irish."

Stop it. Stop it now.

If someone is excited about "green beer" punch them in the side of the head, take their wallet, and buy yourself a real beer with their money.

So let'stalk about real beer shall we? Obviously, your drink of choice should be Guinness. Usually this is a little sophisticated for the American pallette, but for a mick like me, it's like drinking heaven. Grow a sack, put down that rice beer (Bud Light in particular /rech/), and drink something that tastes like beer. Next, if you need an ale, is Smithwick's Ale. A thoroughly enjoyable Ale without any hint of bitter hoppy aftertaste. Goes down so smooth you won't notice that it's now 3am and you've got to be at work in 3 hours. Beamish Irish Stout is a smoother, sweeter version of Guiness that tends to be a little chocolate-ish. Too sweet for me, but good on occassion. And Harp Lager, a favorite of Mrs. Brew which is the most "American" style of the Irish lagers. You'll probably like it.

In terms of Booze, my personal favorite and favorite of the Brew Family, is 10 Year Old Bushmills. You can have Jameson's, which is good in it's own right, but my preference of the Irish Brown Liquors is the Bushmills 10.

So armed with this knowledge, go forth and REVEL!

Oh Yeah, Sports Related Stuff

The Wolverine Blog was at the First Day of Spring Practice. Photos, Devin Gardner, and impressions of the new guys. Mgoblog also covers Rich Rodriguez' presser from yesterday.

Twitter is Useful - Red confirmed that Hunwick will start against Miami. Unless Hogan's 100%, doesn't make sense to play him with the way the team has responded to Shawn.

Zack Novak Cares about his Pi - When you can dunk and get your Pi on, the sky is the limit.

Bret Bielema is on to you Nzegwu - No tweets for you. I will enforce this decree for the "remainder of tweeting", or 15 minutes. Whichever lasts until I have a sandwich.

Now if you'll excuse us, we've got "work" to do.

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Tuesday Happy Hour Sweeps MSU, Gets Tazed, and Leaves the Basketball Program Alone (unlike the papers)

by Maize n Brew Dave on Mar 16, 2010 11:53 AM CDT in Michigan Football Comment 3 comments

Maize n Brew gives you your daily (or semi-daily) rundown of all the Michigan Football, Michigan Basketball, College Football, and College Basketball news you need to get through the tedium of your boring desk job. For good measure we'll throw in a little irreverent information, comedy and commentary to help you salt away the time until the clock strikes 5pm. Want it in 140 characters or less, follow us on Twitter! Or you can find us on Facebook! We're on a Facebook and Twitter drive, so be our friend or follow us, dammit!

If you're having any trouble posting comments, fanpost, fanshots, or even just logging in, please email me at maizenbrewdave@gmail.com. I think we've cleared this issue up, but just in case, please let me know if you have any problems. Alright, on the the Happy Hour!

Stuff You Should Read Right Now

Michigan football team's spring game will begin at 1 p.m. on April 17 - Thank God. Football to talk about.

How Bad Is It to be a Georgia Bulldogs Fan Right Now? - Our buddy Kyle over at Dawg Sports isn't too happy with the way things are going in Athens. To this I say, dude, I can get much, much worse. Stil, Dawg Sports wants to know just how bad it is to be a Georgia fan at this moment, and they've got a poll for you to vote on!

LSU wide receiver Terrance Toliver was tasered twice during a disturbance early Sunday morning - See. That's why LSU keeps winning for Miles. Those players simply won't give up!

Wonderlic QB Scores: Bradford 36, Tebow 22 - Former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford scored a 36 on the Wonderlic test at the NFL combine. Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow scored a 22. Awesome.

Random, Yet Awesome

Fett and Jennifer Aniston? - Boba'd hit that.

All-black penguin discovered - Will soon dominate penguin athletics.

Michigan Hockey

The Blog That Yost Built: On to the Joe! - Word.

That they came to bury Michigan, all dressed in maize and blue
The words were said, the prayers were read and everybody cried
But when they closed the coffin there was someone else inside
Oh they came to bury Michigan, but Michigan wasn't dead
And when the game was over it was someone else instead
Twenty Michigan Wolverines put on the skates of black
And as the students sang The Victors
To the Joe, we're headed back!

Sweet justice according to MGoBlog - Brian holds grudges. Some of them valid. His grudge against Corey Tropp is righteous, and this piece is awesome.

Mark Burns: My sincere apologies to Louie Caporusso - The Michigan Daily's Mark Burns writes a public letter of apology to Louie Caporusso for calling him a "ghost" early in the season. Capo hadn't necessarily been a ghost, but he hadn't lived up to his potential. It's amazing the difference in his play since Michigan's back went up against the wall. Keep it up, Capo.

Michigan Keeps NCAA Hopes Alive With Sweep of MSU - The hockey writing over at the Wolverine is pretty good, and I'm a big fan of their Original 6 +1 break down.

Hunwick, Caporusso jockey for top weekend effort - The Wolverine's got a great take on Michigan's CCHA Playoff sweep of LSSU.

Having a Seat Over There: Matia Marcantuoni and Some Goalies - The Blog That Yost Built has your hockey recruiting update. Apparently Matia Marcantuoni, the potential #1 draft pick in the OHL is eyeballing Michigan. Unfortunately, he hasn't mad up his mind on whether he's going to school or pro. Keep your fingers crossed.

More Michigan Basketball, Football and other Michigan related nonsense after the jump.....

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The NCAA Tournament Ain't Got Nothin' on Us! Bring on the 2010 Bitter Bowl Bracket!

by Maize n Brew Dave on Mar 15, 2010 4:32 PM CDT in Michigan Basketball Comment 30 comments

That's right folks, it's time for the real March Madness. The tournament to end all tournaments. None of this wrestling nonsense, because no one cares about wrestling that doesn't involve scantily clad women holding placards or hitting one another. This is a true, no holds barred tournament. Not of champions, but of anti-champions, to determine what BCS school possesses the bitterest fanbase in America.

So without further ado, Maize n Brew proudly unveils this year's field of twelve!

2010bitterbracket_medium

The Rules:

Yeah. That's right. We've got rules the same way you've got billables you'll have to make up as you read this, lawya. But you don't need a law degree to figure this out. It's simple really. Only BCS teams qualify, regardless of regular season or post season performance. Why only BCS teams? Because unless you're in a real conference, you have no right to hope or expectation. You're just along for the ride. Complain all you want, when was the last mid major or mini-conference to win a national championship? Know why? Because we keep it that way. So if you qualify, the second step is showing that your sports following lives as a fans of the Universities in this field suck. Suck hard. We're talking Mega Maid level of suck.

Unimaginable pain is now imaginable, and pretty much common place. High expectations must be met with heart breaking anguish, miserable failure and/or complete team collapse at the moment of truth. If you've got a proud athletic tradition that is now a punch line, bonus points in the seedings. That's how we roll.

Twelve Teams is Perfect

None of this Tournament expansion crap here. Besides, 12 teams is about all I have jokes for. Deal with it.

The Seedings

Four byes, four play in games. You're always going to have a No. 1 and everyone else. That's how it is here. So here's who we got.

No. 1 Seed - Washington St. Cougars

There aren't enough tears in the combined ocular glands of the Chinese population to cry the river Cougar fans deserve. Since Ryan Leaf left town back in 1998, Cougar football has been a complete non-entity in the PAC 10 and national scene. Their basketball team, Pullman's only real source of hope, crashed and burned this season. Despite reaching the Sweet 16 back in 2007-2008 and the NIT in 2008-2009, it looks like the Cougars are going backward. WSU missed on every golden opportunity it had to make the NCAA's and instead will tip off in the NIT. This further proves that false hope is the worst curse any man can be given. That or saying "Woo! I'm going to WSU!" when you received your ~~postcard~~letter of acceptance. But who am I kidding? Year in year out, there's no hope. So WSU get's the overall No. 1.

No. 2 Seed- University of Michigan Wolverines

A close No. 2 seed, but a two seed anyway. The Wolverines posted their first back to back losing football seasons at the conclusion of the 2009 season, including dropping rivalry games to MSU and OSU in ugly fashion. The Men's basketball team, despite being ranked #15 in the pre-season polls, finished the year under .500 and lost to OSU on a last second half court three pointer by the national player of the year. Did I mention he took the shot unmolested? The hockey team that hasn't missed the NCAA tournament in 16 years has to win the CCHA tournament just to qualify after a dismal year. Standing in their way? USCHO No. 2 Miami that throttled the Wolverines 5-1 early this season, at Yost. Then there's the pending NCAA football investigation, losing to Appalachian State, the whole Ed Martin thing, watching your rivals suceed at your expense, and so many other fun topics. If not for the sheer hopelessness of WSU, Michigan would've grabbed the top spot. Beat out again.

No. 3 Seed - UCLA Bruins

Up until this past year, bowl games for UCLA really weren't causes for celebration. They were reasons to throw things at your head coach. Personally I think Tennesse fans took their inspiration in nearly burning Lane Kiffin at the stake from the Bruins faithful. The Bruins constant underachievement on the football field can be creditted to Karl Dorrell and his inept coaching staff, which left UCLA's fan base with little hair to pull out. Until this years "triumph" over Temple in the Whogivesacrap Bowl (repeat the first part, "over Temple"), UCLA's last Bowl win was over Northwestern in the Sun Bowl (repeat that again, too). Then look on the harwood. Despite being a national power in men's basketball, UCLA ineplicably deteriorated into a 14-18 team. 14-18! This desptie receiving votes in this season's pre-season polls. Since John Wooden took over in 1948, UCLA had two losing basketball seasons (Steve Lavin's last year and Ben Howland's first). Basically, they were Michigan on the hardwood. After this season, they still are.

No. 4 West - Indiana Hoosiers

NCAA basketball royalty turned endentured servant. Jeeezus have the wheels flown off since Bob Knight was fired. Mike Davis. Run out of town Fail. Kelvin Sampson. Sanctions Super Fail. Tom Crean. Incomplete Fail. Tom is just 16-45 in two seasons at Indiana trying to deal with internal sanctions handed down because of Sampson's misdeeds. Six wins and Ten wins in two seasons. Ouch. Sadly, you'll probably never say that last sentence about the football team. The Hoosiers have been roadkill in the Big Ten joining the conference. Despite some promise, IU isn't anywhere near challenging for a bowl on a consistent basis and lost their heard coach to cancer in 2007. Seriously, cancer? Bitterness is almost as much a guarantee as losing.

We'll take a look at the first round match ups after the jump....

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Michigan Sweeps MSU, Moves on to CCHA Semifinals at the Joe!

Michigan completed a two game sweep of Michigan State in the CCHA quarterfinals at Munn. Coming back from being down 3-2, Michigan dominated the game launching 16 shots to State's 1 shot in the second period alone. Michigan faces the winner of the OSU v. #2 Miami (OH) series, which is presently knotted at one a piece. Ohio State tied the series up last night with an OT winner, keeping their season alive. Great job by Red and the kids to skate out of Munn with a sweep!

4 days ago Maize n Brew Dave 1 comment 0 recs