The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/917835
JANUARY 2018 THE WOLVERINE 5 FROM OUR READERS My favorite example of that is one little overlooked item on his résumé, which is he was one of the very few Heisman trophy finalists (finished third in '86), who just happened to be an Academic All-American! Is there a better man to lead our young men? No there is not so Coach H for life! To the naysayers, ne'er-do-wells and talk show media who say his salary is too high, or he has too many losses this year, or he is all about himself and making news, well the nicest thing I can say is you aren't true Michigan men or women or that you are DAW (dead a-- wrong). Salary and compensation at this level of big business is a function of relative worth, experience, competi- tion and what you bring to the en- tire institution. At any level, he has earned what he gets and is likely un- derpaid as time will show. … Coach H will likely accomplish more this year for student-athletes than all the other coaches in the U.S. combined when he takes on the col- lective AD's in the Big Ten to force minimal medical care and equipment standards for all athletes regardless of home or away team. I would stay outta his freakin' way on this issue. So I say Coach H for life! Do you like an enthusiasm un- known to mankind? Well then Coach H for life! God bless the entire Michi- gan family and Go Blue. Paul Janiak Fort Worth, Texas Dear The Wolverine: Our society is now structured so that we can revel in being wronged or can be indignant and superior by pointing out the errors of others. The portion of the fan base that questions the record or the development of young men and women have an easy target and high expectations. The assembled Michigan fan base should also have compassion and a moral compass. We like to separate ourselves from the herd and get ac- cused of being superior because we publicize that being a Michigan Man involves honor and integrity. We need as a fan base to live up to those ideals. To John O'Korn, I personally thank you for your passion and effort. It was evident in your face and in your words that things did not work out as you wished, but it was an honor to have you play for us. To the entire Michigan teams, and especially the athletes of the more visible sports of football and basket- ball, thank you for your efforts on and off the field. There is a pride in doing things right. The academics scores are im- proving. The incidents are few and far between. You represent your- selves well almost without exception, and in postgame interviews you are articulate and self-deprecating, com- miserate with those who are attend- ing an institution of higher learning. When there is a scandal in college basketball, Michigan fans don't have to hold our breath. The same holds true to for the football program and the other programs. Thank you to the athletes, coaches and administrators. Those fans who question the re- sults in football after three years should be reminded that we cele- brate with reverence a coach whose bowl record was 5-12. To my recollec- tion, bowl games have always been considered big games and this is not a good "big game" record. We are not chanting, "the team, the team, the team" and "those that stay will be champions" based on those results; it is based on the quality of the man. The primary focus lately of the naysayers has been the develop- ment of QBs and offensive linemen. Two of the more complex positions where senior talent is usually a mea- sure of success. There are signs of improvement and potential, and the number of freshmen that look promising on the line is the proverbial double-edged sword. If we had a full stable they would have less chance to play and more time to develop. … For many years I have dreaded the arrival of the yearly Dr. J. Richard Jaconette letter that is published in The Wolverine where he goes game by game through the season with the accuracy of a surgeon and makes the games academic. It is the best counter argument that the games actually are played on pa- per and the action on the field is just the embodiment of these letters. I am looking forward to next year's predictions for the first time in quite a few years. If good predictions are confirmed by John Borton, who has in the recent past had to hide the truth in a bit of optimism, I will sit back and wait for the glory that will be. I am a patient man with belief in Coach Harbaugh. We all should be patient. I would hope for a better 17-year record in bowl games, but I would sign up for 17 years. And Coach you are right … Who has it better than us? Nobody. Andy Huctwith Via the Internet Dear The Wolverine: I have read the articles and listened to the podcasts. The conclusion that I have to come to is that the offensive line has problems that should be able to be corrected. Doug Skene has a list of break downs in technique that seem to be related to coaching. Jerry Hanlon echoes similar observations, though at a lower decibel level. The failure to not only win key games, but more importantly not compete for some type of champion- ship — related to winning key games — has become unbearable. Do not tell me that the talent has not been recruited, because that is on the coaches also! FIX the offensive line! NOW! Getting Ole Miss transfer QB Shea Patterson is great. However, to gain the maximum benefit, the O-line needs repair. This idea is not new news. Go Blue! J. Richard Jaconette, M.D. Battle Creek, Mich. Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters • P.O. Box 1304 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Or e-mail: ryantice@comanpub.com Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Landing Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson at quarterback was big for U-M, but for him to be successful the offensive line must play better. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM