charblue.

November 1st, 2013 at 3:03 PM ^

to suggest Hoke. But the reference is actually to the RR hire. Michigan played MSU tough during Rodriguez three years. That first loss was actually a time when MSU was favored. The next year, Forcier led Michigan back from the brink in a wonderfully thrilling game in EL, the closest Michigan has come to winning there in recent years. The following year, Denard and the defense got overwhelmed by the now dominant Sparty defense, as Sparty fans spray painted the campus. 

Then came the trash tornado, a game of blood, guts and a personal foul parade that led to weeks of backbiting over unncessary roughness and Gholston's dirty tricks hat led to a one game suspension. 

Last year, was relief and redemption as Gibbons nailed the winning field goal to break the streak at home. 

This year, Michigan is remembering their treatment in 2011 and their intention is clear: they aren't going to back down. Not backing down, should always be a part of the gameplan. And this gameplan ought to reflect some major imagination, because I think its time to deliver a dong punch in EL, and reclaim some glory. 

 

 

 

UMMAN83

November 1st, 2013 at 8:56 AM ^

an article focused directly at spartoon sports. I think we win Sat. since there is so much motivational material out there. Then we continue to build a top team and actually win championships in football vs wrting articles. lol

adcough

November 1st, 2013 at 9:37 AM ^

i don't like what i am hearing from UM faithful before this game. they sound defensive, and dismissive. one of the above posts commented on the questionable use of commas rather than the content of the article in question. come on, man. admit it, they have had recent success. cool. and then figure out how to get your MOJO back.

if Hoke et al are the ones to lead UM back, they better show it this saturday. this november is a big test for them and the players. players need to show some toughness, nastiness, and need to will their team to a win. and not fold (players and coaches, collectively) like at penn state.

 

Don

November 1st, 2013 at 10:05 AM ^

"The players. players need to show some toughness, nastiness, and need to will their team to a win."

So who's more important—Michigan fans or Michigan players?

Don

November 1st, 2013 at 10:21 AM ^

Apart from an overenthusiastic use of commas, I don't think there's anything significantly off-point in this opinion piece. Any Michigan fan who thinks our smug and superior attitude toward MSU has disappeared is wearing maize-and-blue blinders.

However, the writer seems to be unaware of what the nature of the rivalry was in the twenty years from 1950 through Bo's first year in 1969. MSU dominated the rivalry, going 14-4-2, with many of those victories being thoroughgoing ass-kickings. Pendulum swings happen, and it seems has though the pendulum has swung back in MSU's direction. Hoke has recognized he needs to put a stop to that momentum, but he's not facing Darryl Rogers or Muddy Waters or Bobby Williams.