The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS No, It Is Not By John Borton Knocking off Florida in the Citrus Bowl isn't critical to Michigan's chances in 2016. Beating the Gators would make for a nice boost heading into the offseason, maybe help recruiting a bit and cap off a feel-good comeback season with a 10th win. But the success of the Wolverines next fall doesn't hinge on that game any more than other wins or losses this fall. Next year features a different team, with different leaders, different chem- istry, a different quarterback and a dif- ferent defensive coordinator. Plus, the Wolverines' weapons on both sides of the football will be more clearly identi- fied and prepared to enter next season, regardless of the bowl result. The Wolverines struggled defensively down the stretch, losing sophomore nose tackle Br yan Mone in fall camp, then redshirt junior nose tackle Ryan Glasgow for the final three games. They also saw Buck linebacker Mario Ojemu- dia hit the sidelines. Mone and Glasgow will be back, but fifth-year senior quar- terback Jake Rudock — who played ex- tremely well down the stretch — gives way to the next Jim Harbaugh appren- tice. It's a fluid situation, but one with plenty of upside. Again, the Wolverines would love to get win No. 10 and finish Harbaugh's de- but season with a bang. But they could lose the Citrus Bowl by two touchdowns and then reel off seven straight wins to open 2016, and nobody would be think- ing about a New Year's stumble. Yes By Michael Spath A win in the bowl game does not guar- antee success the subsequent season; after U-M's last 10 postseason victories, dating back to 1993, the Wolverines averaged 8.3 wins the next year. A win over Florida this year, however, could be critical because of its potential im- pact on recruiting. Against Michigan State and Ohio State, the Wolverines entertained both a high volume of quantity and quality 2016 prospects, with predictions of multiple commitments per weekend. Instead, after two tough losses, U-M walked away with a single pledge: three-star defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (after OSU). There was a prime opportunity to capi- talize on the program's momentum, and Michigan wasted it. Those recruits that visited officially or un- officially still might wear the winged hel- met next year, but when the reality failed to meet the hype, they at least delayed their commitments. On Jan. 1, U-M has another chance to de- liver excitement to a program with a bright future yet needing to land a few important difference-makers, especially at linebacker, for 2016 to be a potential championship campaign. With four recruiting weekends in January, the Wolverines could have a fresh wave of highlights to show off and a message of the promises to come that includes a 10th win, a strong finish and a victory over an SEC foe. That certainly makes for an easier sales pitch than if U-M limps to the finish line at 9-4. POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT IS A CITRUS BOWL WIN OVER FLORIDA CRITICAL TO MICHIGAN'S POTENTIAL IN 2016?