From the Ashes

Submitted by Blue at SLU on

It is obvious Michigan's season hasn't started out the way we all would have
liked.  However, things were put in perspective for me today as I watched
the Dow take the largest dip since 1987 and GM's stock devalue by over thirty
percent.  Certainly we all can agree that the recent lag (substitute halt,
explosion, or absolute meltdown for the word "lag") in the American
economy is of much larger importance than the recent lag in Michigan's
offensive numbers.  But it got me thinking about commonalities in these
situations... I mean, let’s face it, the world and college football are both
changing rapidly.  This isn’t our grandparents America, just like it isn't
our Grandparent's Michigan.

There are a myriad of reasons for the recent struggles in the automobile
industry.  One such reason is the fact that companies are building and
selling 20th Century cars in the 21st Century.  The world we live in today
requires cars with better technology leading to increased fuel
efficiency.  In other words, the market has changed and so too must GM,
Ford, and Chrysler.  It’s not going to be easy.  Adapting to new
circumstances never is but adapt they must.  And it may even get worse
before it gets better.  But...they'll do it.  They just need to
commit to it.

Prior to this year our beloved Wolverines were much like the struggling
auto
companies.  We had a great team that we loved, but before we could even
realize it, the college football "market" passed us by.  Suddenly our run-run-pass-punt style of play wasn't as effective as it once was. Yes, we
are now in the process of adapting just like the auto industry must
do. 
Its terribly difficult and, at times, downright painful.  (Does anyone
else find themselves screaming out in the middle of the night?) And if
that wasn’t
bad enough, it may get worse before it gets better.  But they'll do
it.  They just have to commit to it. As fans its on us to be there
supporting them in this time of transition.

There was a time when Michigan was Champions of the West and America
championed industry around the free world.  Both will be back. Both will
rise from the ashes of what seems to be their lowest point in our lifetimes. 
So, how am i so confident? I don’t know. Maybe I feel like we need some
optimism in this world and around these boards.  But mainly, it’s because I believe in the
resiliency of this country and this team.  Thus, I concur with Coach Rod
that, Michigan football will be back.

 

Comments

VivaCommieFootball

October 10th, 2008 at 2:57 AM ^

That's some American optimism right there. Like Rich Rod himself, Michigan football will pull itself up by the bootstraps and by gum, it'll make something of itself. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

jamiemac

October 10th, 2008 at 8:29 AM ^

and an interesting compare and contrast.

Michigan's football rise back to the top will be faster as long as those who are freaking out dont control the coach's fate.

The auto industry has built in hurdles from management to union to the politicians that do their bidding as far as selling 21st century cars in the 21st century.....i feel like they might still need some dragging along to get with the times, whereas UM football is already taking the steps to get there.

To quote my pal Ninja: We will be a Machine!!