Funny How Things Change
As we approach another Michigan-Northwestern game, there are several things that come to mind.
Northwestern has always been the private school whose players are more likely to become doctors and lawyers after graduating, than playing in the NFL. As a result, and due to academic requirements, Northwestern has had to become very innovative offensively in order to compete in the Big Ten. During the late 80s, when Randy Walker was head coach, the spread offensive was taken to new heights. Caution was thrown to the wind and the point was to score at will, in order to make up for a rather soft defense.
Now Michigan has left the conservative Lloyd era and has adopted the same offense as their opponent. Michigan is now on a tremendous learning curve, and has yet to develop the consistence it needs to win a Big Ten championship.
The defense, thought to be the strong point with eight returning seniors, has become a major disappointment. They are 90th. In the country and the worst in the Big Ten, allowing teams to average 33 points per game.
My Point
Have we been mislead about the power of Michigan recruiting? Has Michigan, regardless of the coaching change, now entered a period of meritocracy, as Northwestern will be favored this Saturday? This has never happened in my lifetime.
No…I am not saying “Fire Rod” after this season. He will need at least three years to turn things around. However, the excuse of losing so many players and seniors is not valid.
Michigan has lost many players to graduation before. Also, implementing a new offensive with the talent that Michigan supposedly has, should not have sent the program to the embarrassing level this season.
Will Rod be the savior that Michigan hoped for?
