Wow, Just Wow
It's hard to believe a coach can make such a difference, but the Michigan Wolverines, 5-7 last year, are now a dominating presence in college football under coach Jim Harbaugh. Sure, he has great players, but so did Brady Hoke. The difference is they're now playing like a fearsome, cohesive unit.
The offense did a fine job, of course, as did the special teams, but the most impressive performance came from the defense. This was their third shutout in a row. This team reminds me of the great 1980 Wolverines, the first coached by Bo Schembechler to win the Rose Bowl. When you played that team, scoring a touchdown was an accomplishment.
After the opening day 23-17 loss to Utah, I felt the Wolverines had improved under Harbaugh, but that this would be a transitional year. Now, after five convincing victories in a row, I guess the transition is over. A few weeks ago I thought this team was good enough to be top twenty, but now I think they're top ten, knocking on top five.
The question, then, is how will they stack up against other top ten teams? Can they keep pressing when the going gets tough, or will they fold? We'll know in a week. Longtime nemesis Michigan State is coming to the Big House. Not too long ago, most figured this would be a win, even a blowout, for the undefeated Spartans. Now it's too close to call, and I'm guessing they're getting nervous in East Lansing.
After the way the Wolverines manhandled the Wildcats, anything is possible. And if they can beat MSU, I can see them winning all the way up to the final scheduled game against Ohio State. I don't think I've been this excited about a Michigan football team in over a decade.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. One week at a time.
posted by LAGuy @ 12:03 AM
3 Comments:
Quite a little jump, to No. 12. Might actually take time to watch that game.
The only teams above the Wolverines are mostly undefeated. If you are going to lose a game, it's best to lose the first one. Then it's nothing but up. But Michigan has proved something--five major victories, with only two touchdowns allowed. If the first game had gone the other way, Michigan might be #1 right now.
It's still hard to say if this is for real, so I'm glad that Michigan will be seriously tested in the rest of the season.
Harbaugh needs to win before the players turn on him
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