GAME PREVIEW: MICHIGAN
BY ANDREW OWENS
A
s Michigan fans celebrated in The
Big House bleachers to the tune
of "The Chicken Dance" — a
swipe at Notre Dame for ending
the series between the schools — fol‑
lowing a 41‑30 victory over the Irish last
September, it appeared the Wolverines
were on the rise following a disappoint‑
ing 8‑5 campaign in 2012.
After all, head coach Brady Hoke de‑
livered an 11‑2 season and Sugar Bowl
victory in his inaugural season, so 2012
figured to be an aberration. Michigan,
however, never again resembled the
form it displayed in topping the Irish
in week two, going 5‑6 the remainder
of the way while squeaking past Foot‑
ball Bowl Subdivision bottom‑feeders
Akron and Connecticut.
In year four, it's time for Hoke to
prove that it wasn't his 2011 season that
was a fluke.
"I don't think there's a win require‑
ment for Hoke to keep his job," said
Chris Balas, who covers Michigan for
The Wolverine. "It's more of a feel. If
they have another year like they did
last year, I think they're going to take
At A Crossroads
Despite seeing its win totals decrease
the past two seasons, Michigan remains
optimistic with Brady Hoke
Hoke is on the proverbial hot seat after the
Wolverines produced a combined 15‑11 record the
past two seasons.
PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL
