The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/544673
FROM OUR READERS READY TO RISE Dear The Wolverine: For many of us, I know that summer conjures up the expectation of success for the ensuing Michigan football season. The expectation of a successful season, defined by at least a bowl appearance, was a given for so many years. The inevitability of an end to the string of consecutive bowl games that began in 1976 became reality in 2008. We were perhaps reminded of that possibility in 2007, when Michigan started with a loss to Appalachian State, followed by the loss to Oregon. However, the 2007 team managed to post a more-than-respectable 9-4 record, with an impressive win in the Capital One Bowl against Florida, in Lloyd Carr's final season. The irony that change is one of the constants in life applies. It is fundamental, even in athletics. The football program changed directions, and with it, so did the results. We had experienced change before as we transitioned from Bo Schembechler to Gary Moeller, and Moeller to Carr. However, the results generally met our expectations. Subsequent coaching changes for multiple reasons did not. The anxiety that comes with waiting for the new college football season continues to build. The spring football game did not exactly alleviate that concern. Nor did the loss of Jack Miller, Blake Countess, the uncertainty over Dennis Norfleet, the transfer of Kyle Bosch and possibly others lower on the depth chart. Coaching changes bring anxiety to the players who have to adapt to the inevitable variations. But, we remain optimistic for improvement. There are additions to the program to offset losses. I anticipate a winning season, just like so many Michigan fans, with the hiring of Jim Harbaugh and what appears to be a superior coaching staff. I am tempted to throw water on this blazing fire of enthusiasm by pointing out that previous results are no guarantee of future success. That being said, the best measure of future success, ironically, is past performance. I remember the 2008 season, when there was no returning starting quarterback (Chad Henne had graduated), no returning All- American offensive left tackle (Jake Long) or U-M record-setting tailback (Mike Hart), and with it the first losing season in several decades. Michigan fell to 3-9 under Rich Rodriguez, who brought with him a history of earlier success. Brady Hoke followed and had a better-than-expected first year before failing to meet expectations. It is a new season with the coach that was everyone's first choice, a proven record of resurrecting programs and a strong commitment to success with even stronger Michigan ties. I like the fact that, in addition to his résumé (and I might add, his swagger when he was the Michigan quarterback), I know he will deliver his best effort as the