The Change Curve: Sanity in Fanaticism
Here we sit, 7 games into a season fraught with BPONE.
You may be asking: 1) How did this happen? 2) Don’t we DESERVE better? 3) When will we get back to Michigan Football normalcy, whatever that is? 4) How do I find sanity amid chaos, re: Michigan Football
Answers: 1) You already know how we got here if you are a regular reader of this blog 2) You deserve/are entitled to nothing, just like everything else in life 3) Maybe never? 4) Let’s attempt to answer that in way too many words
These questions and answers have been pulling at me since the Rose Bowl in 2007; since I am like you in one way (a fanatic who cares way too much about the whims of 18-22 year old footballers) and unlike you in others (3.5 decade UM supporter and alum), I’ll posit a simple change curve that may ease the eternal torture that UM football brings, or it won’t! The stages of change are commonly used in leadership & sales consulting, which happens to be my line of work.
The stages of change simply laid out: Denial, Resistance, Exploration, Commitment, Adaptation
Let’s start with Denial. In real life, people deny that they must change. “I don’t need to lose weight”, “We don’t need to change our management structure”, “Everything is working fine”, etc. Whenever change or a contrarian idea is rolled out there is a certain segment of the population that will refuse to recognize its merit no matter the upside. It fundamentally contradicts their identity or comfort, perhaps both. At the conclusion of the 2006 season there were losses to Ohio State and USC; the state of recruiting was in a weird spot but boy, that 2007 starting lineup and a top 5 ranking to start the season were beacons of hope. Enter the Horror and Post-Apocalyptic Oregon and I questioned UM’s place in the College Football hierarchy. For the first time in a long time UM had lost 4 straight games… Denial of Michigan belonging to college football’s elite was no longer an option.
Resistance. In real life, people resist the idea of change. “I could lose weight, but that is a lot of work”, “We could change our management structure, but that is a huge challenge”, “We could mess with the idea of integrating new technology to position ourselves for success, but driving adoption would be nearly impossible”. 2008, 2009, 2010 happened. Resisting a tarnished college football legacy looked like this for me: “I cannot lower expectations because THIS IS MICHIGAN”, “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps; anything that has ever been rewarding in life has not come easy”, “Trust the coaches”. It became impossible for me to resist the thought that Michigan football was morphing into a circus. Try as one might to access the trite, stick-to-ititveness one-liners dripping with wisdom, there was no stopping the creep of doubt into the subconscious.
Exploration. In real life, exploration is the first step toward creating a new habit, breaking an old one, or building a new belief system. It does not guarantee success but it guarantees a start. “I’ll try it, but I am making no promises”, “I’ll do it, but it will probably suck”, “I’ve got the best of intentions, but I had the best of intentions when I created New Year’s resolutions for the last 10 years and we all know how those turned out”. 2011-2014 was its own special brand of hell as a Michigan fan. Three years of mediocrity on the football field after the revelation that was 2011 shook to the core the most ardent supporter. “Maybe I need other interests”, “It’s not worth the agony”, “Why do I keep doing this to myself?” I would say. The exploration of doing other things on a gorgeous fall afternoon actually happened in 2014 after the Minnesota game, once. It was awesome. It wasn’t enough to rip me away from fandom, but it was that dreaded word we’ve all come to anticipate in the aftermath of performances “Unbecoming of Michigan Men” that we see on the board in the Snowflake section, particularly after a loss: “Perspective”.
Commitment. Commitment is when we declare I am doing this and it is non-optional. Commitment is when the dieter actually does the diet, the management structure actually changes, and the technology is purchased and implemented. It comes with hardship; it requires discipline, vitality, an open mind, resistance to apathy, refusal to go back to the old way. In fandom, commitment (to the belief that Michigan is not elite) happened after the 2016 Ohio State game for me. In a way, it was freeing. It was the opportunity to commit to things I had always asked yet had never done: “What if I went hunting on instead of watching the game?”. “What if I decided to spend Saturdays in the fall with my wife instead losing my mind bitching about something I have zero control of?” This wasn’t a swearing off of Michigan football altogether, but a shift in belief that “If I can’t control it, why am I so emotionally tied to it.” The answer is complex, of course. I grew up in Michigan, played football, went to Michigan, met some of my best friends there. A part of me is forever attached to that place, the most visceral being the football program and Michigan Stadium… and Bo, and Mo, LLo, and the countless traditions that prove to us yearly that we belong, that we are together in a united front against a common foe. The fundamental flaw in fandom, I’ve learned, is to confuse my Identity with the Role that I play as “Michigan fan”. It is ridiculous, it is irrational, it is the folly of man. We play many Roles in life. When we allow the performance of those Roles to bleed into the self-concept that is our Identity, we are doing it wrong. Strong Identity can take any assault from criticism of Role performance, knowing that it is only a Role and not the essence of “You”. Take poor damn Ronnie Bell. If Ronnie has a strong Identity, then any criticism of his Role as “Football Player” from the outside just doesn’t matter, unless he allows it to. If Ronnie has a weak Identity and allows external criticism of his Role as “Football Player” to affect his self-concept, or his worth, that is a problem. You, or I, are no different than Ronnie. When your Role of Michigan Football fan is called into question (Buckeye fan calls you a punk, MSU fan says UM is arrogant, UM Football gets blown off the field @ Wisconsin, someone is wrong on the internet), you can proactively choose whether or not you’ll allow that feedback to alter your self-concept, or your Identity. I’ve been guilty more than I’d like to admit. Others’ perception of you bleeding into how you perceive yourself is none of your business. As Taylor Swift says, the Haters gonna hate. It wasn’t until I put this principle into play with fandom that sanity started to return in a football context.
Adaptation. Adaptation happens when commitment is so strong, so consistent that effort is no longer required. Effort is no longer required because it has become a part of what you do, who you are, it has become standard operating procedure. The diet is no longer hard, it just is. The management structure is no longer changing, normalcy has arrived. Technology has not only been implemented; it would be weird to go back to the old way. I’m not claiming that Adaptation is for everyone, that we should all accept that Michigan is not elite, and let go of the expectations, the ENTITLEMENT that comes with those expectations. The thoughts and behavior tied to eliteness is up to the administration, the coaches, the players and the support staff. They are the ones responsible for building an elite program; you and I, not so much. There is, however, a large market for those of us who decide to allow elite expectations to persist. This market consists of people who make a lot of money. They are Paul Finebaum, they are Mike Valenti, they are Kirk Herbstreit, they are 11 Warriors, they are the Only Colors. They own your mind, and they pay their bills with your belief system.
If any of the above is true, it may lead to some conclusions: 1) You are not your roles 2) Support the players, question the coaches 3) It's OK to be emotionally invested; be at peace with the consequences of said emotional investment as it will lead to entitlement 4) Other fan bases definitely DO tie their roles as fans to their identities, maybe even because life outside of football isn’t very exciting or rewarding for them 5) We only get 12 guaranteed weeks of football/year, and we wait too damn long for said weeks. Enjoy them for what they are. Go Blue!
October 22nd, 2019 at 3:08 PM ^
Great diary. Puts words to a lot of similar feelings I've had regarding my Michigan football fandom over the last 10+ years. Thanks for posting.
October 22nd, 2019 at 3:19 PM ^
I felt the same way after the 2016 OSU game, but it really hit home after we lost last year. Now I causally watch, I am a fan, but by no means a fanatic like I used to be. I feel better and even more optimistic at times about Michigan sports in general.
There's more to life than kids playing a game. In the last year I have started my own small business, got into a serious relationship, and have moved. Sports aren't a priority in my life. Even when we lost last saturday, I called my dad and we talked bout the game like we used to and that was great to reconnect with dad. Always good to re-evaluate your priorities from time to time I guess.
October 23rd, 2019 at 10:31 AM ^
It hit home with me right before/during the PSU game. I was furious after the Wisconsin game. I realized I wasn’t even enjoying the games anymore.
Watched the PSU game with my 7 year old and instead of getting angry we were enjoying it. We kept making remarks from “Teen titans go to the movies” everytime PSU rubbing back, Slade, got a carry. Slade is the villain in the movie.
It’s the first time in a long time I just enjoyed the game. We lost and that part sucks but it didn’t ruin my night, next day and this week.
Looking forward to watching a great traditional program play another one this Saturday. Mostly looking forward to watching it with my kids. If we win it’ll be an awesome celebration if we lose I can enjoy the time I spent with my little ones.
October 23rd, 2019 at 1:35 PM ^
That's hilarious. "MIND MANIPULATION"
October 22nd, 2019 at 3:59 PM ^
Expecting to get to Indy at least once in 5 years given the resources put into this program isn't entitlement.
October 22nd, 2019 at 5:52 PM ^
I am not going to say it will lead to entitlement for you. I will say that when those expectations aren't met, regardless of the changing environment around the program, the "Where's my trophy" brigade marches through town with their pitchforks clamoring for the next coaching change.
Like Mad Matt says below, we want three things: Athletes who can bear the academic load, no bagmen or steroids, and win some championships. It's almost impossible to do those things and win big to meet expectations
October 22nd, 2019 at 6:54 PM ^
Do you think Wisconsin or Penn State have bagmen? Do you think Wisconsin or Penn State have lower academic requirements for their football players than Michigan does? They've both been to Indy.
Are bagmen required to help out the $1m defensive coordinator who keeps covering the opponent's fastest receiver with players who have no hope of keeping up?
Are steroids required for the $7m+ a year head coach to make sensible game decisions like going for it on 4th and 6 in opponent territory in the first half instead of trying a 58 yard field goal attempt with a kicker who has zero - literally zero chance of making that kick?
October 22nd, 2019 at 10:35 PM ^
I don't know if they have bagmen, nor do I know if they use PEDs. I know Penn State is pretty corrupt, and I know Wisconsin has a proven system that they adhere to, and it works (and they play in the West).
We've traded blows with them pretty well since Harbaugh arrived. OSU, not so much. What do we do about the salaries and the less than stellar gameplans of our coaches? I don't disagree with your criticism. I was right there with you on Saturday, and many others over the past 20 years. Perhaps you and I got into the wrong business. Maybe we could do a better job? I'm sure Warde, like Dave, would love to hear our thoughts. I don't know man. Fuck it, lets go bowling
October 22nd, 2019 at 10:43 PM ^
Wisconsin has had almost a free pass to the B1G West if they play up to their standards. Remember the last season under the Leaders and Legends divisions, when they went to the Championship Game with damn near a .500 record because both OSU & PSU we're ineligible for the post-season?
Penn State has been to ONE Conference Championship Game because in their magic unicorns farting rainbows season they beat OSU and had only one Conference loss (us), while in our magic unicorns farting rainbows season (2011) we had two conference losses while beating OSU. Keep in mind that even including last Saturday's loss, we still have a winning record against James Franklin coached Penn State, including several games with Brady Hoke coaching our team.
My point is that they may be as clean as we are, but their good fortune doesn't mean we can rationally expect the same level of good luck.
Hey, I get that you have come by your BPONE honestly. I've made that argument myself. But as I said in my other post, you have to believe 4 consecutive head coaches had the stupidest episodes of their coaching careers, or there is something systemic holding us back. I'll go with Harbaugh to get as much as we can get from our situation.
October 22nd, 2019 at 4:14 PM ^
That was a lot of words, but well said. I've come to a similar point. For a long time my expectations for Michigan football were that they would "get back" to being Michigan again, which when I examine it was the best of the 90s, but without all the stupid losses to inferior teams that had them blowing out an unbeaten OSU, and an overmatched Arkansas in the Tidy Bowl in the same season because they lost 4 games inexplicably.
After going through the angst of the late-Carr, RichRod, Hoke and Harbaugh regimes, I have to conclude we have tried literally every approach in terms of hiring a head coach. Seriously, if we dump Harbaugh, name one realistic option that isn't a version of one of those four gentlemen. We have to believe that either each and everyone of them suddenly became stupid and put up the worst by far coaching jobs of their careers, or possibly (horrors) it's not them; it's us.
Right now, I'm at the point where I believe the program isn't fixable to our standards, and that's because it can't hold up under the weight of our expectations. Consider, we only want our football program to do three little things: compete cleanly (i.e. no payole <cough Alabama> or steroids <cough MSU>), with athletes who can hack a real academic load, and win championships.
At this point I'm inclined to stick with Harbaugh no matter the results on the field. Maybe he'll win a championship; maybe he won't. But, I don't see any reason to believe any other realistic coaching candidate is more likely to succeed. And, if he can't, I'm OK with Kurt Ferentz East who is a Michigan lifer, and who believes in all the off the field standards we have for the University. There are worse things than being the Stanford of the B1G.
Speaking of a lot of words, sorry. I'm an '87 grad, and as anyone will tell you, "legal brief" is an oxymoron.
October 22nd, 2019 at 5:54 PM ^
Res ipsa loquitur, or “the thing speaks for itself,” but you speak for it well too.
Academics for real, competitive and ethical standards. Yep.
October 23rd, 2019 at 1:46 PM ^
The three things you mention are very honorable but I doubt are in concert with the desires of the majority of Michigan fans. I wonder how many of the 110,00 fans go the game on Saturday care about seeing athletes who can hack a real academic load versus winning the conference? If Jim moves on, I suppose the next hire and his salary will reveal the desires of the athletic department and the University of Michigan. Hopefully it's consistent with the desire of the fan base. So much of the revenue to fund other sports is earned by the football team so winning is important. I think if the football team's win/loss record is not a priority, all sports programs will suffer.
October 22nd, 2019 at 5:50 PM ^
Enjoy? Enjoy.
October 22nd, 2019 at 7:37 PM ^
I think that is well said and mostly accurate. However, the one thing that's has changed that I have trouble accepting is how good OSU has been post 2000. UM under JH is in many ways what UM has always been. The only difference is we can't win a conference championship because we can't beat OSU. And, it's not that UM is any worse than they used to be. It's that OSU is just a lot better.
The fact is OSU has more talent. So, unless we coach and scheme significantly better, which we don't, we can't overcome that. UM simply does not have the in-state talent that OSU does, and what they do have, they have more competition for in MSU. I don't see it ever going back to the way it was unless UM gets lucky and finds a generational type coach like Saban, OSU falls on some hard times like through multi-year sanctions, or something significantly in the landscape of CFB changes like player compensation.
And, while I can chose or not chose to be emotional invested in UM football, and if I do I'll surely be let down, it's still hard to accept something you've come to love is no more and may never be again, particularly if you continue to be a fan. You can forget and move on if you forget about CFB all together. But, it's incredibly difficult to accept it, while still tuning in, and not get frustrated and disappointed. OSU being so good that there is no longer any parity in the B1G has ruined my love for CFB. I simply don't enjoy it any more because OSU winning the conference and beating UM is a foregone conclusion for almost 20 years.
October 22nd, 2019 at 7:58 PM ^
nice work.
I go through many of those stages even when watching a single game or in one season. And yet I am also aware of them at the same time. I accept my personal flaws, but I do try to avoid entitlement and instead focus on ways to appreciate. This is a focus of mine for more than just Michigan football. I really do believe gratitude is the secret to being happy in your career, your marriage and in life in general. Probably works for Michigan fandom too.
Michigan football is just another form of addiction for me. I have many addictions. They all come from the same place, a desire to escape the dullness of ordinary existence I guess.
October 22nd, 2019 at 8:25 PM ^
And slowly, step by step, this is how people come to embrace mediocrity and slip into the long grayness
October 22nd, 2019 at 8:56 PM ^
For me it’s the opposite. I get closer to the light (in life) and get more enjoyment out of the mere 12/13 games by trying to appreciate them
crying about it or calling a sports radio show doesn’t change anything, except like the Op says, it makes Paul Fecal-bomb famous.
it also helped my perspective to coach all my kids in sports. It’s not that easy, and I couldn’t stand the sense of entitlement I saw in the parents.
The players and coaches want to win more than we do. And we don’t really matter that much.
So i don’t believe i have to sulk around all week or season to help the team win or help get the coach fired. I’ll leave that to you. That way you can say you are a stronger fan than I if you need it.
October 22nd, 2019 at 10:40 PM ^
I mean, sure, with college football. I don't hold much clout with the powers that be at my alma mater, maybe you do? Maybe your opinion carries water with big donors and the AD. Mine doesn't count for squat.
Other areas of my life, and likely yours, are anything but mediocre. I've just yet to see how all this angst pays off in the form of change on the gridiron
October 23rd, 2019 at 2:16 PM ^
I totally get what you and WW are saying (and it makes sense!)- I'm not so sure you get where some of us are coming from.
Those of us who complain aren't necessarily filled with anger or depression or ruined weekends- we just think things could be better. Hell, on a personal basis, I couldn't give a shit whether UM or ND wins this weekend- its just football. But I know a good coaching job when I see one and I don't see one (yet).
Why do you think so many spend so much time on this site? Bitchin's fun!
Don't take the game seriously (that's why its called a game) and don't take the fans seriously either
Happy weekends for all!
October 23rd, 2019 at 2:45 PM ^
It's all good. It sucks when we are already out the big ten picture. My response was too snarky.
I was thinking, for the first time I can remember our game isn't as important to us as the OSU game.
We need Wisconsin to pull through this week. I think PSU will lose down the stretch. This week is the only potential loss for OSU, besides the Game.
October 22nd, 2019 at 10:51 PM ^
I used to lose sleep before big games. Yes, I am a fan. I am older and wiser.
To win an NC, it takes some luck and some circumstance. No injuries and lots of upperclassmen. In 1997 the injuries were extremely rare. Later on we faced USC/Pete Carroll on two occasion where they were out of the hunt due to mid-season injuries and we were out of the hunt due to late season ending injuries. Since they were healthy and we were not, the results were not so good. They also demonstrated why our OC wasn't going to be the HC after Carr retired.
It takes program stability. Seniors make a difference (not so much today but more so in the past.) If you have a stable program that recruits well you will then have 4th and 5th year seniors. Dantonio had this formula down for a few years. Only Clemson has won the NC with less than 20 seniors and they have done it twice (so maybe times have changed.) Nick Saban inherited a flock of juniors and the next year when they were seniors he won his first NC at Alabama. When Iowa and Wisconsin make major runs it will be the years where they have an above average number of seniors (17 or more.) An o-line anchored by upperclassmen is very helpful. MSU is currently floundering for a lack of depth (lack of seniors). It is also nice to be able to substitute seniors to give your 4 or 5-star underclassmen a break (OSU.)
Injuries and lack of depth have hurt the Harbaugh program up to this time. Imagine if Speight and Newsome were healthy their entire careers. (I am thinking we have additional wins over Iowa, ND, OSU, and MSU in that time frame.) In the year where we have enough depth and talent, we get a new OC.
Just play well and I am satisfied. Life is more about effort than achievement. Unfortunately, we played South Carolina with our 7th and 9th best o-linemen and finished playing Florida with 7 defensive starters unavailable for the second half. Those games were horrible to watch.
October 22nd, 2019 at 11:22 PM ^
I think we are one big win from getting there. That could be OSU this year. It should have been OSU a few years back, but they gave them a first down. It killed our recruiting that year.
I think we aren't as far away as it feels. In college football success is a positive feedback loop with recruiting.
October 23rd, 2019 at 10:00 AM ^
Yes - I have been through all of those phases and have too often fallen back despite acknowledging their truth.
I have come to understand that Michigan's losses and wins have little to do with my identity even though I like the world better when our Wolverines win.
I have even discovered that I don't actually hate our opponents schools - I simply despise some of their fans. There are a few exceptions of course: Penn State, Michigan Staae, OSU, ND, Wisky, Iowa, Alabama, Clemson, USC, Oregon, Texas, LSU, Florida, Duke, North Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, Florida State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Arizona, BYU, Utah, Illinois, Clemson, Georgia, UCLA, Colorado, the Yankees, and of course OSU.
Those are the only ones that immediately came to mind. There may be others if I gave it any real thought.
Did I mention OSU? Okay.
I completely agree that there is a huge business in Sports talk and our program/coach is an easy target. We've unfortunately earned that right. But I do my best not to listen. Because then I feel the need to logically defend anything Michigan against trolls that will never listen to reason. One cannot win and only opens themselves to more personal attacks.
So... great article that reinforces my own experiences.
P.S. I may not actually hate Utah. But I would add Texas Tech, Baylor, VA Tech, Tennessee, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Stanford onto that list. And OSU.
October 23rd, 2019 at 12:43 PM ^
I think after the MSU game in '15 was when I had my 'I need to evaluate my priorities' moment. A game shouldn't upset me for several days, as crazy an ending as that one was, and so from then on, I think I just re-framed Michigan sports in my mind. They're there for fun, a diversion from the norm, and a good excuse to get together with friends and tailgate in the fall. Yes, losing to Penn State still sucked, but I got up and had a great Sunday afterward. I follow Michigan football as intently as anyone, but you can't let it actually detract from your life. At least, I couldn't.
October 23rd, 2019 at 2:53 PM ^
This season has been good for me, if anything. It's allowed me to reevaluate my priorities and become less emotionally attached to football. I'll always enjoy it, but the Ohio State game last year and this season have broken something in me. I no longer live and die based on Michigan football, and my overall well-being has improved. I'm no longer tethered to Michigan football.
Believe it or not, there are far more important things in life than football. I don't imagine that anyone reflecting on life has wished they watched even more football.
I've got a new girlfriend, I'm trying to finish up my Ph.D., I'm trying to read interesting books, and all the while I'm trying to balance those with a social life. I'll put the game on, but I don't feel bad just walking away if Michigan isn't doing well. It's better to not be obsessed with football.
October 24th, 2019 at 12:56 AM ^
My MGoWife was diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver cancer in late April. We have gone thru 7 cycles of intense Chemo and the main tumor in her liver has shrink by nearly 50%. There is no new cancer and nothing is growing. She has 3 months off treatment now. Not quite remission, but a major victory nonetheless.
I LIVE in Bpone every day. I used to stomp the floor when bad plays happened and cussed at the tv every Saturday. I'm grossly disappointed in the quality of play and coaching I see EACH Saturday now, but it doesn't rule my world or my day.
I watch every Saturday with high Hope's and a lot of reality in the back of my head.
Ultimately it matters very little to the true reality that cancer will most likely take the love of my life from me in the next few years...or months.
Perspective!
Go Blue
October 24th, 2019 at 7:56 AM ^
Good god, that is awful. Cheers to you and your MGoWife for battling hard, every day. Sending all the healing vibes and positive thoughts your way
October 24th, 2019 at 8:08 AM ^
Well said. It’s what I believe.
October 24th, 2019 at 10:27 AM ^
Nice job!
I'd say the team is about 75% through commitment and 30% into adaption.
Unfortunately, the fan base is still 90% denial and 90% resistance :)
Damn Ninnines.
October 24th, 2019 at 11:57 AM ^
Happy to read that you are satisfied with moral victories... very pleasant way to lead a very satisfying (fan) life.
October 24th, 2019 at 12:26 PM ^
HaHa, sure beats being a buck and only having immoral victories.
October 24th, 2019 at 2:35 PM ^
Nowhere in the post will you find "I am happy with moral victories", so I am not certain where your comment is coming from. It is quite possible to be a fan and not live and die by results, they are not mutually exclusive.
Happy Marine Corps birthday coming up in Nov to you
October 24th, 2019 at 1:33 PM ^
Couldn’t have described that journey for myself any better. I’d like to be a bit farther along, but there’s still time.
I will however go to my grave with the fervent unshakable belief that 2016 was outright stolen way before the infamous spot. The magnitude and frequency of officiating abuse in that game defied all probability. I wish I could let it go. Can’t/won’t.
October 24th, 2019 at 10:05 PM ^
Only reason many of us our depressed is because Harbaugh was the coach who was suppose to vault us back to being one of the elite teams. He came close, a play here or there, making that goal in his 2nd season. 2017 was a downer but our great QB turned out not to be that great at all. 2018 was our revenge year until OSU kicked the shit out of us. This season, we were hoping for the offense to take off and lead us to a B1G championship and now it looks like were headed for a 8-4 record and a garbage bowl game. I guess we expected better by year 5 of Harbaugh. I still want Harbaugh as our coach but I think it will take him much longer to reach the goals of beating OSU, wining the B1G and entering the playoffs.
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