Bowl Streak Snap: In Retrospect

So the Michigan Marching Band won't be playing "The Victors" this New Year. First time in 33 years. It's too bad, because the band sounded alright this season - it was the team that skipped a few beats. And now some records we once held so proudly - our 33 year bowl streak and Penn State/Michigan State/MAC domination - don't sound so sweet anymore. But I like what Rich Rodriguez said after the Ohio State loss when asked about the five-game losing skid: "I've been here for one of 'em ... they have one in a row against us from what I can see." We have to wipe the slate clean and forget about the past. The streaks start anew. And while we will miss some of 'em, there are plenty more I'd like to see Rodriguez break - namely that five game losing skid to OSU, and maybe another National Championship (Doesn't 1997 seem like just 3 years ago?). And maybe some Big Ten Championships? It's been four years. The 33 year bowl streak, while impressive, was ultimately pointless in my opinion. The only reason it really lasted was because so many low-level bowls were created, and teams that finished at 6-6 could keep the streak alive. I guess the point of my post is: let's forget about the bowl streak and focus on the big, very attainable stepping stones that lie ahead: beat Ohio State, start some new streaks against Penn State and Michigan State, and finally, win a National Championship.