Yup. I did it. I made a silly bet a few weeks ago.
(Fortunately, for my sake, I won.)
Notre Dame vs. Michigan
I learned a few months ago that a friend and colleague of mine, a one Mr. Andrew Kordek, pulls for the Notre Dame “Fighting” Irish (quotes intentional). I hate ND. I mean I really don’t like them at all. I know that hate is a strong word, but it’s the truth. I can’t help it. When I see someone with ND gear on, I have to fight back the urge to boo them (I usually do boo under my breath, but have learned – thanks to my wife, the K-Dawg – that this not the “mature” thing to do).
Oh yeah, in case you somehow missed it, I’m a pretty die-hard University of Michigan fan. I spent 4 years there during college, attended nearly every football game, and watched my squad win the National Championship in 1997. Heck – I’ve even got a block M tattoo on my right wrist.
The Bet
When I met Andrew in Chicago (face to face) a few months ago, we talked about the upcoming season. Remember that Michigan was coming off of their worst season EVER in the 100+ year history of the program. 3 wins. 9 losses. One of those losses by a ton to ND at their place. ND was rolling into the Big House (Michigan Stadium) with high expectations. Many predicted them to have a double-digit victory year and possibly place in a BCS game. Either way, I’m a competitive person. Andrew and I agreed to bet. Below is a copy of the email exchange that made it official.
On Sep 6, 2009, at 9:24 PM, Andrew Kordek wrote:
Dude….I am ready to make a bet..
Tell me your terms…..
–
Andrew Kordek============
On Sep 6, 2009, at 10:48 PM, DJ Waldow wrote:
30 sec vid talking abt how much you love other squad. How you wish you went there. Hope your children get in there and how superior they are to other team. Etc. Etc.
Post to your blog with a (very) brief commentary.
Vid and blog post can both have small disclaimers mentioning “the bet.”
Sound good?
dj
============
On Sep 7, 2009, at 9:03 AM, Andrew Kordek wrote:
Sounds good to me.
It’s on dude…it’s on.
Go Irish!!!!!!
Sent from Andrew’s iPhone
The Outcome
Michigan won. I’ll spare you the details, but suffice to say that we beat ND on a brilliantly executed last-minute drive by a true Freshman quarterback, Tate Forcier. ND came into the Big House with a more talented team – a veteran (Junior, future NFL) quarterback and 2 wide receiver’s who will likely be playing on Sundays in the next few years (for those non-football fans out there, that means they’ll turn pro and play in the NFL). They left defeated, deflated, and questioning what could have been.
Andrew’s Video; My Reaction Video
Andrew wrote a blog post and produced a video (included in post) per our agreement.
While not really part of the original bet, I chose to produce a “response video.” This one’s for you, Andrew.
Go Blue!
DJ Waldow
@djwaldow
I don't usually throw my hat into the ring on these since I really have no allegiance other than to parity and equal opportunity for all conferences and all teams, but it has to be asked: Has Michigan left the Big House yet this year?
I'm a little tired of these so-called "Powerhouse Football Factories" getting 8 home games out of 12 total each year. When you PAY teams to come in and give you easy wins at home, you don't have a strength of schedule argument. And if you don't have the 6 home/6 away split, I don't think you have a strength of schedule argument either.
And yes, Notre Dame plays the service academies every year, and the tradition of late is that they are not good football teams. But to serve tradition means you have to stay with the times, and 30-40 years ago, Navy and Army were good football teams. Plus, Air Force has been a tough team of late, and Navy nearly took out Ohio State at the Horseshoe.
So the point is, you're both out of your minds. Notre Dame has to win 10 games at least to be BCS-bound (and even then, it's reputation-based), and they may, but that defense has to tighten up. And Michigan may win the Big Ten (doubtful--not if Eastern Michigan gives you a run at home), but the Big Ten looks like the ACC right now. Good teams, but none great. The advantage for Michigan is that Big Ten auto-bid into the BCS (and don't get me started on the POS that is the BCS).
I could go on and on. I enjoy the banter back and forth. Particularly when I know that a good Mountain West team could take you both out.
I've spoken my peace.
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