The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1530730
4 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JANUARY 2025 BEATING THE BUCKEYES IS ALWAYS A JOYOUS OCCASION At the start of the season a co-worker warned me about letdown — meaning this year compared to last year would be a letdown losing Coach Harbaugh, J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum and the list goes on. Yes, we got some losses and some wins. Some wins were ugly, but a win is a win. Then the Northwestern game happened and I thought, "We're back!" Going into Columbus, nobody gave us a chance. I was watching ESPN College GameDay. That morn- ing Desmond Howard was the only one who pre- dicted a Michigan win. I was thinking, "Good for him." But the game was definitely "The Game." At 66, that by far was the best game I ever saw in my life! I never left the couch except to stand up and yell about something. So, a letdown? I don't think so! Thank you, Coach Moore and our 2024 Wolver- ines. Go Blue! Mike King Kevil, Ky. I am of course still basking in the glow of our historic win in the 'Shoe. No need to compare it to 1969. Coach Harbaugh's philosophy … "When you compare, someone/thing loses." So proud of how the undermanned, underdog Wolverines stayed the course, played with joy, made the plays and out-toughed the Buckeyes. Speaking of the Buckeyes, they played tight, con- servative and afraid to make a mistake, tentative. No way to win a football game. I am no philosophy major but they take this game way too seriously. To equate a loss to Michigan to a death in the fam- ily — really?? When the only thing that matters, in a season of 12 games and a playoff system, is beating us, then the pressure becomes suffocating and you get a performance like we saw on Nov. 30. So, we should hope the Buckeyes continue to be- lieve only beating us matters. If they do, then that reality will be very difficult to achieve. GO BLUE! Robert J. DeGange '67 Pinehurst, N.C. UNWAVERING SUPPORT In respect to Michigan's recent losses [Oct. 5 at Washington and Oct. 19 at Illinois], I think it's time to do a little deeper thinking and soul searching. I think Warde Manuel is well aware of how fickle fans can be when their team starts a losing streak. Now, fans want Sherrone Moore's head. Last year when Jim Harbaugh was suspended for six games, let's remem- ber 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, most of which 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 sopho- more 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 ... for a new QB to learn ... for a completely 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. Editor's Note: Mr. Craig, when we received your letter, U-M was 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten. Kudos to you for keeping the faith and not jumping off the bandwagon. MORE CUPCAKES, PLEASE Penn State plays a cupcake nonconference sched- ule every year and it got them into the College Foot- ball Playoff this year. Check out their nonconference schedules through 2028 — super cupcake schedules! Michigan has to play Ohio [State] every year. Why doesn't PSU play Oregon every year? I question why Michigan wants to face a ma- jor Power 4 team in the nonconference. Practice games are needed to prepare for the unequal conference schedule Michigan receives every year. The CFP committee proved this year that they value total wins way more than strength of sched- ule! So, if the idea is to win the Big Ten title and make the 12-team playoff, then it's time to position your schedule so these goals are within reach. Play the total wins game and don't penalize your team. Michael M. Yanuskiewicz Chesapeake, Va. ❱ Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters P.O. Box 2331 Durham, NC 27702 Or email: mark.panus@on3.com Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Letters & From Our Website: TheWolverine.com JOIN THE CONVERSATION! $1 FOR 7 DAYS January 2025 • Vol. 36, No. 7 ISSN 1048-9940 TheWolverine.com Senior Editor Chris Balas Senior Writer John Borton Staff Writers Clayton Sayfie Anthony Broome EJ Holland Drew Hallett Contributing Editors Stu Coman Matt Herb Cathy Jones Chris Riffer Steve Downey Layout And Design Jeanette Blankenship, Chris Miller Contributing Photographers Lon Horwedel Per Kjeldsen Dominick Sokotoff Cover Photo Courtesy Michigan Athletics Editor & Publisher Mark Panus Business Analyst Sarah Boone Circulation Manager Tristin Shears Advertising Sales Maria Taustine (502) 552-4390 Customer Service Lauren Gordon, Cathy Jones (800) 421-7751 The Wolverine is published monthly. A one-year (12 issues) subscription is $74.99. The Wolverine is printed at The Papers in Milford, Ind. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wolverine, P.O. Box 2331, Durham, NC 27702. Periodical postage paid at Durham, NC 27702 and additional offices. For advertising or subscription information, call 1-800-421-7751 or write The Wolverine, P.O. Box 2331, Durham, NC 27702. The Wolverine is a publication of Coman Publishing Co., a division of On3 Media, Inc., located at 905 W. Main St., Suite 24F, Durham, NC 27701. E-Mail Address: thewolverine@comanpub.com Subscription questions: lauren.gordon@on3.com Website: www.thewolverineondemand.com