Want to know how crazy this year has been? Ponder this question for a minute: When has the Michigan football program ever wanted to be like the Minnesota football program? The answer before this year was: Never. Fast forward to 2008 and the answer is: NEXT YEAR!
Yes, that is correct Michigan fans, we want our beloved historic program to be like the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2009. Minnesota last year were 1-11 under 1st year Head Coach Tim Brewser. This year Tim has lead one of the most impressive turn arounds in recent memory with his 7-2 bowl eligible football team. Before last week's last second loss to Northwestern on a "weird" interception, their only loss was to Ohio State in Columbus.
So there is hope out there Wolverine fans! Michigan has 100% more wins this year then Minnesota had last year!
So when it's all said and done, this game really doesn't mean much. Michigan hasn't won a road game all year and their only QB on the roster is probably out with a concussion. Minnesota is playing at home and will be ready to defend their "Dome" and take revenge for every loss they have ever had against dominating Michigan teams of the past.
So it would just make sense for Michigan to hand over the second oldest trophy in football history, "the little brown jug" before the game, so they don't have to witness the entire Golden Gopher team running over to the Michigan sideline to retrieve the trophy.
For those that are not familiar with this famous trophy: The Little Brown Jug rivalry was created after the two teams met up on October 31, 1903. The earthenware jug, originally used by Michigan coach Fielding Yost, is painted with the victories of each team. . After Yost took over coaching the Wolverines in 1901, the team went on to win 28 straight games. In the meantime, Minnesota assembled one of the best teams in school history, so Gopher fans were excited about possibly ending the Wolverines' streak. As Yost and the team came into Minneapolis, student manager Thomas B. Roberts was told to purchase something to carry water. Yost was somewhat concerned that Gopher fans might contaminate his water supply. Roberts purchased a five-gallon jug for 30¢ from a local variety store. Late in the 4th quarter a storm approached and the fans rushed the field with two minutes left with the score tied at 6-6. Due to the storm and the fans rushing the field the game was called before in could be finished. The Wolverines walked off the field and left the jug behind. Later, Yost wanted the jug back, and sent a letter asking it to be returned. LJ Cooke Minnesota Head Coach wrote back in response: "We have your little brown jug; if you want it, you’ll have to win it." Michigan did exactly that when the teams met up again in 1909 and 1910. Michigan has dominated the series going 65-22-3.
With all the history behind this match up, why do you think Michigan is history this year?Michigan's offense has struggled this year and the defense at times as won or kept them in games. Last weekend at Purdue the opposite thing happened, the offense scored 42 points and the defense gave up 48 running a new defense formation. The worse part is Michigan will be with out Stephen Threet the only QB that has shown to be able to move this offense at all. Michigan minus their QB and the defense struggling this will equal a very long day for the Wolverines.
How has Minnesota been able to turn the battleship in just one year?
Turnovers my friend, Turnovers. Last year Minnesota's QB threw 19 picks, this year just 4 so far. The Minnesota Defense is ranked #2 in the nation in turnover margin. Protecting the ball and getting turnovers have been the #1 difference in the record.
Minnesota doesn't do anything special on offense or defense except win football games. Michigan on the other hand does just the opposite: they turn the ball over, run a complicated spread offense, don't have their starting QB, and are changing defensive personnel and formations every week.
This game is going to be ugly for Wolverines fans.
Minnesota 28 Michigan 7
2 comments:
opposite!
and very happy it was!
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