Memories of the "good old days" What a strange year this has been. Michigan hires their first "outsider" to lead the program in nearly 40 years. He brings a new offensive system, a top-tier strength and conditioning coach, and a top 10 recruiting class into Ann Arbor for the 2008 season.
Nobody expected this team to be world beaters this year. They lost their entire offense to the NFL and their top 4 tacklers on defense. The QB's on staff were either a walk on, a transfer, or a Freshman. None of them had any experience playing football at a Division 1 level. With all that said, we didn't expect 3-9, we thought this team could/should win between 5-7 games. That didn't happen. We expected loses to ND, Penn State, and Ohio State. It was just one of those years where we have to take our medicine and move on.
Saturday won't be any different. Michigan plays Ohio State and it's not even in the top 5 big games of the day, there are much more important games being played in Happy Valley, Utah, and Oklahoma to name a few.
Michigan's #1 QB is out with a separated shoulder and Michigan's walk on QB Nick Sheridan will get the start. Michigan's top running back Brandon Minor will play but missed last weeks loss to Northwestern due to a number of nagging injuries. The weather in C-Bus is going to be cold with a high of 35 degrees for the day. All signs point to a ton of pain for the Wolverines on Saturday.
Even the media this week has been running with a quote from Michigan's head coach Rich Rodriguez about the state of the economy and fans needing to "get a life". It's been running non-stop on ESPN for two days. Let's take a look at exactly what he said during his Monday press conference and see if you believe his quote was taken out of context:
On what he has learned about himself this year?... "I've learned. I think you've got to keep learning. There's probably a lot of fans that think I'm dumber than I was a year ago or two years ago, back when we were winning games. I'd like to think I'm smarter. We showed up on Saturdays. I think you've got to learn a little about personality, about your place. I've learned more about this place. I learned a whole lot more about our team -- which I think is important -- your team, your staff.
"Obviously you've got to learn to have thick skin, I learned that a long time ago with coaches. The last 10 months, even before I started the season, we've learned the effect it can have on your family, and the things that you've got deal with as a coach.
"This is a public position. It's not like a politician. I'm not running for office. I mean, God bless them. They choose to have that public scrutiny. As coaches, we know it's part of the job, but we don't choose to have it. Most of us would rather not.
"The biggest thing that is disappointing is when somebody, not necessarily the media, but when a fan or somebody would make it personal to your coach or to your players, especially to the players, because those guys are amateurs. When they would make a personal comment or say something that's not related to coaching or not related to playing.
"I don't get on message boards. I don't think anybody, any of our players or family should, but it's amazing some of the things that people would say or amazing things people will yell at you of a personal nature. You almost want to tell them get a life. I mean, there's a whole lot bigger problems. You lose a ballgame, and then you look at the economy or after every game I usually get to meet one of our veterans or somebody. To take it personal on a coach or player to me, I don't think it's ever right.
"I'm glad fans have passion, but it's still kind of, I guess, a lot more bolder. You all would know. It's a lot more bolder what people would say and write. Not you all, but bloggers or whatever, than it used to be. We've seen it coming for a few years."
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I think the media should get a life or at least do some damn research before they run with a story 24x7. Do wonder the newspaper industry is in a quick downward spiral.
With that mystery solved let's move on to game preview:
- Ohio State is a top 10 team, Michigan isn't
- Ohio State plays pretty good defense, Michigan does at times
- Both teams are lead by Freshman QB's: One was the #1 recruit in the nation, the other is out with separated shoulder, the Michigan starter is a former walk on
- Ohio State loses to Top 10 teams, Michigan lost to Purdue and Toledo and 6 others
- Ohio State's coach wears a snappy Vest, Michigan's coach doesn't
- Michigan's top offensive lineman hurt his knee in practice this week
- This game will be played in "chilly" Columbus
- Ohio State is a 20.5 point favorite
In every area, Ohio State is better. Wait, Michigan has a better punter, but how effective can you punt in freezing temperatures? I hate to say this but this game won't be even be close. Sheridan doesn't have the arm strength to keep Michigan's offense balanced. Odoms is experiencing his first winter weather, McGuffie is dealing with the loss of his Grandmother and a concussion, and most of the players on the team will be getting their first taste of playing in the Shoe.
Anyway you add it up, it will be a long day for the Wolverines. At least we have Basketball Season and recruiting for next year! Ohio State 34 Michigan 6
Does anyone have any Advil?
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