I guess I can't say for sure where I'll be a year from now on the question of whether I think RichRod should stay. I know what I expect: I still believe he's going to have M kickin butt across the land. But of course I'm way less sure than I was in September. However, this is where I am today:

For so long, it had been easy to be a Michigan football fan. The wins came like the rising sun. The bowl games, the championships, the streaks: they were us. It was *easy* to be on that train.

But these days are different. Today it is hard to be a Michigan fan. These are days of difficulty, doubt and challenge. Yet it is precisely in these times of turmoil when our fandom matters most.

Will we blow with the wind, no foundation to keep us straight during this storm? Or will we BE the foundation: a source of strength and continuity, stability for the program?

We are the Michigan fans. Our job is to support the program, support the team when all is falling apart around us.

Michigan is about being the leaders and best. That does not necessarily mean wins. Wins are not what define the Michigan Man. It is effort, perseverance, commitment that defines the Michigan Man. Michigan is about "ALL IN."

And so in the world of fandom, our role is to set the standard, to show all the other programs what it means to be the best 12th man, all in for then team.

On this front, I thought we epic failed during the coaching search. The Haloscan domain – glorious as it was - was filled with panic during those dark days. As a fanbase we were wussified. When we should have been a rock, we were soft. But now is our time to get back on track, to be the source of stability.

I loved Bo. I loved Lloyd. I am all in for RichRod. None of these men were/are perfect, each made mistakes. But each gave/give their all for Michigan. And I will give my best in my role as a fan, for M. That means perseverance, commitment. Valuing the effort of the team, even more than the wins.

With a nod to Lloyd for his moving eulogy of Bo in the Big House (quoting Kipling’s "If"), here is my MGo Pledge of Fandom:

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I am a Michigan fan. I pledge allegiance to the team, to the program.

HAIL!

In the glory days of victory, I cheer with might and main;

In the dark days of turmoil, I cheer, again;

.

Yes

.

I will not panic. I defy the MSM.

I will keep my head, when all about me are losing theirs.

I will meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those imposters just the same.

I can watch the team I gave my heart to, broken;

Then stoop and cheer to build 'em up with worn-out will.

I can make one heap of all their winnings;

And cheer while they risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss.

And lose, cheer their start again at the beginnings;

And never breathe a word about their loss.

I will force my heart and nerve and sinew,

To serve their turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in me

Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

Win or lose, I cheer for their effort, I cheer for the team.

I am a Michigan fan.

Go Blue!