Dateline: Sunday, October 10th, 2010
Wolverines Return was Inevitable
By: Michael Rosenberg, Free Press Staff
After a tumultuous first two seasons at the head of the ship in Ann Arbor, Coach Rich Rodriguez has the Wolverines (6-0) back on track after a thumping 42-17 victory over the Michigan State Spartans (5-1) yesterday at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The win marked Rodriguez's first in the storied rivalry, and basically assures the Wolverines of a return to the post season after their first two seasons since the 70's without a bowl trip.
In the end, it seemed inevitable, didn't it? Rodriguez has been a hugely successful coach at every stop in his career, both as a coordinator and a head coach. In each case, his first years have been slow, as he builds a custom offense from just the right players. And in each case, the end result was a thumping, dominating team that could and would win pretty much any game on their schedule. When all is said and done, didn't we all know that he would get U of M back to their rightful place in the upper echelon of the Big Ten? That he would put 'little brother' back in their place?
And it came not a moment too soon for Rodriguez, the players, the university and the fans. In a group so unaccustomed to losing, the rebuilding process seemed hard to take. And then, coupled with an NCAA issue that turned out to be much more bark than bite, and which actually began under Lloyd Carr, many fans and much of the media were calling for Rodriguez head.
All I can say is, Congrats Coach Rodriguez, and Godspeed through the Big Ten.
(You so know this is going to appear almost verbatim on Sunday. You just know it. The only question is, will Rosenberg's horns, cloven hooves and tail be visible in his new press photo next year.)
October 8th, 2010 at 9:50 AM ^
You better be knocking on all sorts of wood.
October 8th, 2010 at 9:57 AM ^
He could be knocking in my pants.
October 8th, 2010 at 9:58 AM ^
Michigasm.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:10 AM ^
is getting the 68th win and a vintage sparty collapse in the second half of the season.
October 8th, 2010 at 10:27 AM ^
Welcome back from the future. Anything else we should be aware of?
Great story btw. Can't wait for tomorrow afternoon. GO BLUE!
October 8th, 2010 at 10:54 AM ^
The dude tailgating at the game with a ton of sausage, inviting everybody over for one? He didn't wash his hands after visiting the restroom. Sunday will not be a pleasant day for about 200 tailgaters.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:30 AM ^
Why are there so few paragraphs?
October 8th, 2010 at 11:39 AM ^
send something through time?
You have to have Denzel Washington help and shut down the entire NYC power grid!
October 8th, 2010 at 11:55 AM ^
It just doesn't.
Look like a real newpaper story.
After all, they have trouble.
Filling column space with complete sentences.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:59 AM ^
I had to transcribe it to bring it back. I guess my inner not-sucky writer fixed it.
October 8th, 2010 at 11:46 AM ^
the anticipated tailspin for MSU