Previously: Part One, Part Two, Part Three [West Regional vs NoDak, 1998/Kalmbach via Bentley Historical Library] The story is almost too perfect. You expect the details of a hockey story to flow from odd angles, to be all jagged edges and shoulders and elbows and yet this story is writerly and neat and almost formulaic. It follows the kind of structure script writers teach in their intro film classes: the protagonist runs through the gauntlet and passes a test that changes them, then uses their newly girded spirit to pass the ultimate test and reap a reward barely fathomable at the start of the journey. From humble beginnings, etc. The necessity of icing an unusually high number of freshmen dampened expectations at the start of Michigan’s 1997-98 season, but there were enough upperclassmen remaining Marty Turco, Bill Muckalt, Matt Herr, and Bobby Hayes, to name a few to keep them from falling off precipitously. Yes, skating four freshmen defensemen was different, but close games can
Things discussed: Chris Partridge: He knows how the SEC is doing NIL. Brian & Seth: He also knows how to coach linebackers. Oversigning Assistants: You know there's gonna be attrition. Everyone's expecting Helow to have a soft landing somewhere. LBs: I've been grading tough on the LBs but it's hard not to watch the TCU game and not think you need an upgrade there. Turning Junior Colson into an elite defender is how you make this into an elite group. They have depth there suddenly. Hoops on a run: Didn't play defense vs Nebraska Spike Albrecht vibes for Keisei Tomanaga. Turning the corner? We'll see against… Indiana: TJD has come into his own, uses his athleticism, doesn't get bumped off his game, knows where his teammates are. A lot of respect for their role players who've added to their games. IU is starting to look more like what they were supposed to be preseason. Lots of height is going to be tough on Dug, so need Hunter to win his matc