fredsaysbtdabks

Well,  I've got nothing left.  I watched that game and after three years of hoping that we would take the world by storm, I'm now just hoping that we'll win one more game.  I can't even believe it.

I know many of you are in exactly the same boat.  I like to tell my friends that at least understand sports that before 2008, the last time Michigan missed a bowl, I wasn't born.  I hope they understand that losing just wasn't part of my DNA, particularly when it comes to my college team.  Now it's been just about 3 years since we actually had a post season.  I don't know how I'd endure another absence.  I'm sure you've said something similar to your friends.

Don't you just want to punch the folks who don't think this is a big deal?  Or who decide they're going to be a fair weather fan so they can irk you?  I've got a bet with someone like that (yeah, I guess I asked for it) and I am not looking forward to paying it off because after 2 years of pain, I was hoping for a little redemption - I guess not.

So, back to present, it's hard for me not to think that the confidence of the team is now gone.  I'm glad they battled back, but I don't know how this will go.  I fear an implosion will lead to a loss of recruits, which leads to another 3 years of frustration.  Can we survive a coaching change without a "lost generation?"  Could this really go on 6 years?  is it possible that we won't beat OSU for a decade?  Is there any other option than to make a change after going 4-16 in conference?  I just want to be sick.

And I'm just some fan.  I can't imagine what it is like for a player.  To be somewhere between 18 and 22 and to have your heart stomped after being so close so many times.

I just want Michigan to win - it's all I want.  If I could go out and play to help them win, I would.  But I'm too old, slow, fat, weak to do that.  All I can do is cheer.  I guess that is what I want you to do - just cheer them on.  Make sure you do what you can so we have 5 more games instead of 4.  After that, the situation will take care of itself.

Thanks for hearing my rant.  I hope that, in some small way, it makes you feel better that you're not the only one wrecked over this football team.  Keep that hope alive - Go Blue.

Attached is the contents of a letter I just wrote to our AD in support of Coach Rodriguez

Mr. Martin,

As a proud Michigan graduate and individual who is responsible for guiding, coaching, and mentoring a team, I'd like to voice my support for Coach Rodriguez.  As you know from your sailing career, character is shown to the crew when sailing rough waters.  It's a lesson that I've learned personally and from observation.  It's clear to me that Coach Rodriguez has character that is second to none.  Through one of the most turbulent times in Michigan football history, there has been no wavering in his commitment to the players, coaches, and fans.  No excuses were given by him at any time.  Now, with accusations made regarding violation of practice restrictions, he has shown his character again and stands by his word in a public forum without placing blame or making attacks on the accuser.  I am proud to say he is the football coach of the team I support. 

Coach Rodriguez must produce results on the field.  But with the solid example he and his staff set for the student athletes and for the general public, I believe the good results are inevitable.

Please pass along my support to Coach Rodriguez, his staff, and the players.  And please remind them all -  It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine!


I'm sure the grammar police will be on this in 3... 2... 1...