RichRod's Recent Adjustments: Adapting to Michigan Tradition

Since Sunday we've been witness to what I consider to be a fairly significant shift in how RichRod does business -- a shift toward Michigan football tradition.

• Exhibit One: Late on Sunday, reporters starting tweeting up a storm about how the first day of practice would be closed to the media.  After Monday night's presser, Dave Ablauf announced that would be the case for the remainder of the camp.  Now this was really a continuation of what happened last year when there were internet reports about plays that were being run in practice which caused a crackdown, but the late Sunday notice did seem to throw the Michigan press for a loop.  The Fort appears to be back, the gates are closed and the ramparts are manned.
• Exhibit Two: At last night's presser, RichRod announced that the seniors had recommended that he name permanent captains, that he had acted on their recommendaton (but would also have game captains) and the team had voted on their captains.  Later the announcement was made that Steven Schilling and Mark Moundros were selected and approved.
• Exhibit Three: Within the past hour, RichRod sent out this tweet.  You might be familiar with its sentiment: UM_CoachRod Getting ready for practice #2....THE TEAM.. THE TEAM ...THE TEAM......Keeping the MAIN THING the MAIN THING.

It certainly appears to me that RichRod has learned the value of greater incorporation of Michigan football tradition (most likely under the tutelage and strong encouragement of AD Dave Brandon).  Other than achieving a won-loss record that approaches the level normally associated with Michigan football, a more complete embrace of Michigan tradition is the most important thing he can do to win over the portion of the fanbase that is disaffected. 

That and pray that the NCAA doesn't add any additional penalties to Michigan's self-imposed penalties stemming from Practicegate.