Rich,

Posted on September 27, 2026 at 11:23:08 AM by jonpc

Don't go outside for December games.

Don't watch uncompetitive C.P. games, like a #1 v. #16 NCAA Tourney game.

The current CF NIL system puts Michigan on the cusp of the playoffs. History tells me that M will never spend in the elite tier of NIL. The elite tier is where I think M needs to spend to make the 12-team CFP regularly.

If I am right, expanding the playoffs gives M a better chance in a year like 2026 and likely 2027 to make the CFP. The more Michigan games I can watch, the better. If M consistently makes the CFP, they might catch lightning and win an NC. If M rarely makes the playoffs, their chances obviously diminish, as does their cachet in attracting top talent. See Euro Soccer and teams' ability to attract talent when they play in the Champions League, for instance.

I really don't get any M fan's aversion to 24 teams. If I were a Sparty fan, I'd be pushing for 32 teams.

Back to the board

Thread:

Day after Iowa random thoughts: playoff unlikely, Whitt, it's all about the money-----and my usual expand the playoff rant..... - By jonpc September 27, 2026 at 10:16:35 AM
- Agree with a lot. 3 comments though - By Rich September 27, 2026 at 10:20:54 AM
  - Rich, - By jonpc September 27, 2026 at 11:23:08 AM
    - This is Michigan. - By Rich September 27, 2026 at 11:38:39 AM
      - You are refusing to acknowledge that things have changed. - By jonpc September 27, 2026 at 11:45:07 AM
  - We won't be a top 8 spender and we (me & you, Rich) know it. - By jonpc September 27, 2026 at 10:47:20 AM
    - Looking at the quant gaps and being down 3 spots, apparently, I think marginal top 10 is a reasonable goal.* - By ftb September 27, 2026 at 10:49:41 AM
  - Aren't we a top 8 spender now? And, yes, Whitt on paper was not only good but great given the situation we were in and this is the hand we're dealt. Beck, OTOH.* - By ftb September 27, 2026 at 10:24:06 AM
    - More like 12-14 according to this chart - By Mark II September 27, 2026 at 10:43:10 AM
      - Thanks. We obviously need a multi-year view, but this is not encouraging.* - By ftb September 27, 2026 at 10:47:37 AM
    - I think people are way too hard on Beck and I’m encouraged - By y2wolv September 27, 2026 at 10:35:46 AM
      - One thing that's getting missed from yesterday is that Marshall went 5.4 YPC and the running plays were much more north/south. We've adapted and moved the ball well against an Iowa D. The penalties and execution (reps) are the issues.* - By Bluebuck September 27, 2026 at 10:51:35 AM
        
        I agree that a healthy Marshall is a win. Not sure if/when we get that. After the bye?* - By ftb September 27, 2026 at 10:52:46 AM
      - I'd love to see improvement. But the fourth quarter of the fourth game shouldn't look like that.* - By ftb September 27, 2026 at 10:37:45 AM
        
        People keep saying this. The 49 yard TD drive happened in Q4. The next series started on their 1 and they say least got a first down, then had another penalty. - By LewisBullox September 27, 2026 at 10:47:39 AM
        
        I like your big picture analysis, but am losing hope in the staff's ability to just clean up penalties. I also share the concern that the staff doesn't know how to improve the run game without more Rhino (perhaps our OL just isn't that good?).Wish I felt differently. * - By jim4blue September 27, 2026 at 10:55:45 AM
        
        I'm not even predicting they will clean up the penalties, but it seems reasonable, and if they don't, that's unacceptable and we'll see more mismatched yardage to points* - By LewisBullox September 27, 2026 at 11:02:48 AM
        
        "just need to clean up penalties and see more improvement in the non-Bryce run game." Well, if that's all.* - By ftb September 27, 2026 at 10:52:11 AM
        
        Yes that's all. Maybe it won't happen. Certainly doesn't seem crazy though does it.* - By LewisBullox September 27, 2026 at 10:53:29 AM
        
        Crazy, no. Likely, also no.* - By ftb September 27, 2026 at 10:54:03 AM