The Wiz of Odds

Gator Bowl

The Wiz of Odds is conducting a comprehensive study of bowl game expense reports. All of the data collected — expense reports for 56 teams and bowl surveys for 40 teams — are being posted on the site. Here is the latest installment. For an overview of the project, click here.

The Gator Bowl, played in Jacksonville, Fla., is operated by the nonprofit Gator Bowl Association. The first game was played in 1946.

2011 participants: Michigan and Mississippi State.

Michigan expenses: There wasn't much enthusiasm for what turned out to be Rich Rodriguez's last game as Wolverine coach. The school reported 7,265 in absorbed tickets at a cost of $510,145. Download Michigan Expenses

Survey: Athletic director David Brandon gave a "neutral" rating to the number of tickets his school had to buy and the cost of tickets. Download Michigan Survey

Under areas of improvement, he wrote: "If possible, creating more opportunities downtown for the players. I recognize that is a city issue."

Mississippi State expenses: The school reportedly absorbed 3,766 tickets at a cost of $236,540. Other expenses of $46,813 included parking at hotel. Download Mississippi State Expenses

Survey: Athletic director Scott Stricklin gave the bowl high marks across the board. His only mild critiques were the proximity of the practice field and stadium to the hotel and cost of rooms. He gave both categories a "satisfied" rating. Download Mississippi State Survey

Currently at the Top of the Billboard Chart

Update: Turns out the billboard is the work of a Michigan State alum.

It has been 2,717 days since Michigan beat Ohio State, but troubles surrounding Buckeye coach Jim Tressel have helped rejuvenate the Wolverine fanbase. Here's an image of a billboard that is said to be near the Wayne Road exit on Interstate 94 west between Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Thanks to the Midwest Correspondent.

Is This Michigan's Man?

Back in 2008, Brady Hoke was coach of the Ball State Cardinals and appeared on "The Late Show With David Letterman" to read the top ten list. (FYI: Letterman is a Ball State graduate.) A few weeks later, Hoke was off to San Diego State. Now he could be days from being named coach at Michigan.

Thanks to The M Zone.

Rich Rod or Ditch Rod?

Rich Rodriguez is still Michigan's coach, but for how long? At least three of his assistants were on the road recruiting Tuesday, but it all could come to an end Wednesday when athletic director Dave Brandon has a second meeting with his coach.

In the meantime, here's where the situation stands:

Pete Bigelow, Ann Arbor.com: Rich Rod is receiving a raw deal from Michigan as the process drags on. He deserves the courtesy of an answer. And Michigan needs a coach, not another soap opera.

Bob Wojnowski, Detroit News: It's hard to imagine Michigan keeping Rodriguez now, with all the speculation on top of NCAA sanctions on top of blowout losses on top of an 0-6 record versus rivals Ohio State and Michigan State. Then again, it's hard to figure why nothing officially has happened. Grab a seat and settle in, because in this theater of the absurd, the show is never over until it's mercifully over.

The Animated Rich Rodriguez Evaluation

Rich Rodriguez should know his future at Michigan later this week, just as soon as athletic director Dave Brandon finishes his evaluation. Here is a simulated version of how it could end up for the coach. Thanks to Darren Rovell.

Who Will Be Michigan's Coach in 2011?

Jim Harbaugh, Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke. Why is Michigan in no hurry to name a coach for the 2011 season?

There are several reasons. Athletic director Dave Brandon, who will make the call on Rodriguez's future, won't make a decision until after the Wolverines' Jan. 1 Gator Bowl matchup against Mississippi State. The New Year is significant for another reason: After Jan. 1, the buyout of Rodriguez's contract decreases from $4 million to $2.5 million.

But money likely has nothing to do with the decision. In fact, terms of Rodriguez's contract call for him to have 30 days written notice of the termination, according to M Victors.

The root of the decision reaches all the way to California, where Stanford's Harbaugh and San Diego State's Hoke have used the uncertainty surrounding Rodriguez to negotiate bigger and better deals from their current employers.

Which doesn't guarantee that Harbaugh, a former Wolverine quarterback, and Hoke, a former Michigan assistant, would pass on an opportunity to return to Ann Arbor.