The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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DECEMBER 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 15 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS REALITY CHECK We knew coaching would take a step back with an almost completely new staff. But two issues that haven't been addressed much so far need to be. One is the transfer philosophy. Even Jim Harbaugh brought in more starters annually through the portal than we had this year, and this is the year we needed them. For perspective, look at The Wolverine's as- sessment of our opponents' strengths in the 2024 preview. Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois and Washington, all teams that have beaten us or are ahead of us, had "Transfer Portal Haul" listed as one of their strengths. We have to accept that this is the new normal. Next year we should seek at least eight new starters through the portal. Two is the coaching staff's ability to assess tal- ent. We heard many times in the offseason that the staff was happy with the quarterback room and happy with the wide receiver starters, with us just lacking depth. That assessment has landed us arguably no better than the 15th best quarterback room, and the 18th best wide receiver room, in an 18-team conference. That's inadequate for a Rutgers or Northwestern, and completely unacceptable for a team expecting to contend for the title. Portal philosophy must change and talent as- sessment must greatly improve, or there should be some staff changes. Robert A. Murden Worthington, Ohio What a difference a year makes! My expectations were not super high because of the player and coach departures, but this? We went from a disciplined Natty team to a team of interceptions, fumbles, pen- alties and directionless [against Illinois] — after a bye week! This team has become almost unwatchable! My biggest concern is player evaluation. While numerous other teams used the transfer portal, we felt that we had a respectable quarterback on our roster? There was NOTHING in their past that could possibly cause one to think they were major college level quarterbacks. This team will most likely finish with a record of 5-7. Even Sparty can figure out we can't pass the football accurately for more than 5 yards. Every team will pack the box, and game over. I have attended games since 1963, and I'm a pa- tient fan, but this is hard to watch. I'm so thankful I experienced a National Championship. It seems so long ago! Michael Peuler Cranberry Township, Pa. In respect to Michigan's recent losses, I think it's time to do a little deeper thinking and soul search- ing. I think Warde Manual is well aware of how fickle fans can be when their team starts a losing streak. Now, fans want Sherone Moore's head. Last year when Jim Harbaugh was suspended for six games, let's remember Mr. Moore took over the reins and was at the helm for four of those wins, not to mention his role/s in taking U-M to its first national title in 26 years. Let's be reminded that when Harbaugh left, he took with him much, if not most of his staff including his defensive coordinator and most of his defensive assistant coaches. The entire starting offense also left, many of which, if not most, went to the NFL. Much of the defense also left and went to the NFL. Now, we have to rely on last year's reserves and new freshmen and sophomore players, including finding and breaking in a new quarterback. Even the kickers from last year are gone. It takes time to develop a whole new offensive line. It takes time for a new QB to learn. It takes time for a complete new offense to build chemistry and come together. Same for defense, though perhaps not quite as much. So, before we all jump on the bandwagon to rid the team of the current coach and staff, let's give them a break and give them some time to work their magic and turn things around. I expect next year will be a different story, and I expect more wins yet this year, and perhaps even a bowl game if things go right from here on out. It only takes 6 wins to be in a bowl game. Ever hear of the Awful Year Bowl? There's a LOT of talent on this team and even more in the next couple of years, so let's not throw them overboard just yet. GO BLUE!!! Gordon Craig Crown Point, Ind. FIVE YEARS AGO, 2019: Franz Wagner nailed 9 of 10 free throws and scored 18 points to lead Michigan in a 103-91 shootout victory over Iowa to open the Big Ten season on Dec. 6, 2019. The Wolverines saw five others score in double figures, getting 16 apiece by Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske and 14 from Isaiah Livers. They needed almost all of those points to hold off the Hawkeyes. Iowa's Luke Garza proved tough to stop, leading all scorers with 44 points while grabbing 8 rebounds and sinking 10 of 13 free throws. Only one other Hawkeye, Connor Mc- Caffery, reached double figures, with 12 points. The Wolverines shot 55 percent from the floor in the game, racing to a 50-38 lead at the half. Iowa fought back after intermission, chopping Michigan's lead to seven, 78-71, with seven minutes left on the clock. They could never catch up, though, with Teske swatting away 4 shots and Wagner allowing U-M to hit triple digits with a late slam dunk. "One thing we did not do was just walk the ball up the floor," Michigan coach Juwan Howard noted. "We just kept encouraging our guys that we have to stay in the moment, can't celebrate after a bucket, get back, and make sure you talk on defense. On the offensive end, we're able to get out in transition because we played off some misses, and that helped us out a lot." 10 YEARS AGO, 2014: John Beilein's basketball team secured a much- needed victory, beating Illinois in overtime, 73-65, at Crisler Center on Dec. 30, 2014. Freshman Aubrey Dawkins paced Michigan with a career-high 20 points, while Caris LeVert added 19. Dawkins stayed on fire all night beyond the arc, going 6-for-7 on three-pointers during the comeback victory. The sharpshooting of Dawkins and LeVert brought the Wolverines back from 13 points behind in the second half to force the overtime. Dawkins' fifth three-pointer triggered a 9-2 Michigan run that put the Wolverines on top, 56-55, with 2:29 left in regulation. U-M freshman Ricky Doyle made a free throw with 30 seconds left to tie the score, then Illinois' Rayvonte Rice missed a shot that would have ended it. Malcolm Hill gave Illinois a two-point lead to begin the overtime, connecting on a pair of free throws. Michigan ran off the next five points, capped by a Zak Irvin triple, and didn't trail again. Dawkins made his final three-pointer in the overtime, and the Wolverines tucked one away. "One of the most gratifying things is, many of the baskets in the last 10 minutes of the game were scored by Ricky and Aubrey," Beilein said. "It was big to have the freshmen be able to say, 'Oh, this is what it feels like.' It's good for Aubrey, but it's also good for the other young guys, like Kam [Chatman] and Muhammad[-Ali Abdur- Rahkman]. They see that and know what it's like." 25 YEARS AGO, 1999: Red Berenson's hockey crew pulled out a 4-3 overtime win against Lake Superior State in the Great Lakes Invitational on Dec. 29, 1999. Mark Kosick tucked away the game winner on a rebound of a shot that team- mate Scott Matzka fired off the goal post. Kosick began and ended the scoring for the Wolverines, giving them a 1-0 lead just 47 seconds into the game. The Lakers battled back, the teams playing to a 2-2 tie entering the final period of regulation. Michigan's Sean Peach gave the Wolverines a 3-2 lead on a goal from the right point, but LSSU tied it up with 3:11 remaining, setting up the overtime drama. — John Borton THIS MONTH IN MICHIGAN ATHLETICS HISTORY ❱ Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters P.O. 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