The Perfect Storm

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​The game plan, the situation, the timing...There are those that put more time into the analysis of the game and to scrutinizing the recruiting process but if you watched Rich Rod's former team Wednesday night none of that information was required to be excited about what the future holds at Michigan.

It feels like the perfect storm. Lloyd gets the respect he deserves (and I'm at the front of the line despite my numerous critical posts) and the seniors finally put it together. The game plan and execution were amazing.

And as I watch the fiesta bowl I can't but think my god that's our offense! Our bowl game had me dreaming of yesteryear but I dream of more today.

The one prevailing thought? Jesus Christ those guys are fast!

No doubt there will be bumps on the road during our transition but if Rich Rodriguez can carry the program with half the class as Lloyd we'll be in good shape. However I'm a little concerned about what seems to be, at least publicly, a lack of enthusiasm for the job. No doubt Rich is playing both sides but I think it's too late. WV already hates him. He might as well show a little more enthusiasm for being at Michigan. Even if this is a stepping stone for the pros he seems too even keeled for what has happened over the last month. Maybe he needs to settle in first, hire his staff, and get things going his way. But at some point I'd like to know he's not just here to spite his previous AD. If it was so hard to leave wouldn't it mean taking the Michigan job would out-weigh any regret or sorrow that leaving created?

The posturing in the media by both sides is tiring and frankly pathetic, immature and self-indulging. It's understandable and I realize the feelings are natural when you have your heartbroken like West Virginia is portraying. But as far as Rodriguez is concerned, it might be more difficult to turn down love.

If I learnt anything in 2007 its that there's more to life than football. But when football is your life you better be sure you're surrounded by the necessary requirements to live...and I'm thankful for being able to say proudly, I have been given these. Family is defined by the individual. And individuals make the family. And fittingly, Lloyd Carr would always quote "The strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack."

So for 2008 I wish Bill Stewart and the Mountaineers the best of luck and may Rich Rodriguez find comfort and success for however long he decides to stay in Ann Arbor. Most importantly, a thank you to Lloyd, you made my experience at Michigan magical and my continued support honorable. Cheers.

It Makes A Difference

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​It doesn't matter what anyone says. Winning IS everything.

I can't really express my pre-game feeling in words. I guess "looking ahead" would be the best way to describe it. Looking ahead to the next regime. Looking ahead to the end of the vanilla offense. Pining for the spread, and dreaming that we'll find a way to stop it...next year. I was already dejected before the game was even played. Sad at the way Carr and this group of highly touted seniors exited the regular season, and dreading the way we were going to look on this New Year's Day against a team that we were grossly overmatched by. This was going to be Oregon. This was going to be App State. This was going to be a day to forget. And when a confused Brandon Minor fielded the hooking opening kickoff and stepped out of bounds at the seven, I wouldn't have argued if someone told me it was time to leave.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

For one day...one cloudy south Florida day, Michigan was everything you've wanted them to be for the last ten years. Fast. Unpredictable. Spread out. Florida looked confused on defense, couldn't keep up with our receivers, and had no answer for a balanced attack that came out in more formations in a single game than I have seen in the last 100. It was the football equivalent of a greatest hits album with a couple of obligatory "previously unreleased bonus tracks." We did it all, and we did it with a swagger that created more confidence with each passing tick of the clock. It was the most amazing offensive performance by a Michigan team that I have ever witnessed.

The defense was equally impressive. And again, gave you everything you have been clamoring for. They got to Tim Tebow on seemingly every play, forcing bad throws, getting some sacks, and not letting him out of the pocket. No one was left wide open. Tackles were made...and finished. On option plays, it was as if all 11 members of the defense shifted in unison to the point of the pitch, laying out both the pitch man and the option back. But the play of the day on defense, in my opinion came in the second quarter. After Michigan tied the game at 14 on a Henne keeper, Florida's first play from scrimmage saw Percy Harvin break free down the sideline, certainly headed for a touchdown. But he was caught from behind after 66-yards by Morgan Trent at the Michigan 14-yard line. Yes, Morgan Trent. And Percy...he stayed down for a bit, and wasn't the same the rest of the day. And while it was just one of many statements made throughout the day by the Wolverines, it was perhaps the most potent. Florida failed to get into the endzone on that drive, and saw their field goal attempt blocked. Then Michigan got a penalty for excessive celebration. We're here. We're as fast as you are. And we're gonna shove that fact up your ass until we get a 15-yard penalty.

Such a complete game. So many heroes of the conquering variety. This is what it feels like to see potential realized. This is winning. Winning despite turnovers. A winning gamplan.

Winning is everything, because on a day full of final performances, it is so much better to be able to say "goodbye" than to say "good riddance."

Goodbye Lloyd.

I'm Going to Disneyland

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​With all that holiday time off, I had so many plans. Multiple postings about the assistant coaching situation, the Capital One Bowl, recruiting...all in my head, but never came to fruition. Ah well. Hope it was relaxing for all of you as it was for me. This will no doubt be the busiest offseason for Michigan news we have ever had, so there are no plans for month-long lapses between posts. Plus, hockey looks to be something special, and basketball...well, they look to be something "special needs." Excitement either way.

Anyway, we're off to Orlando in the morning, and there will be a game to talk about when we get back. And while the only surprise we can truly hope for is to not look like completely inept idiots, there is always a chance at a miracle...right? Perhaps when we return we can have a season in review and a holiday roundup to get us all caught up before we start getting the troops together to rally behind Les Miles. Oh, and for those waiting patiently for the tailgate season in review video...it is in progress, and as usual, it's ridiculous. We're aiming for Groundhog Day shipping of the much anticipated masterpiece.

Happy New Year and GO BLUE!