History Lesson

Submitted by raleighwood on

As we head into the season, I'd like to share a perspective.  What do the great (or at least very good) seasons of 1985 (10-1-1), 1997 (12-0), 2006 (11-2) and 2011 (11-2) have in common?

Answer:  They were all preceded by crappy seasons.  1984 (6-6), 1996 (8-4), 2005 (7-5), 2010 (7-6).

The media (and a lot of fans) think that the previous system is predictive of what will happen in the next season.  I claim that is not true.  Want more examples?  OSU was 6-7 in 2011 before going 12-0 in 2012.  MSU was 6-7 in 2009 before going 11-2 in 2010.  They were 7-6 in 2012 before going 13-1 in 2013.

Michigan is going to throw more 4 star (or more) players with at least three years of experience on the field than anybody in the B1G except for OSU.  They have a fifth year QB.  The defense is deep and loaded with experienced talent.

I'll admit to having my concerns regarding Brady Hoke's ceiling as a head coach.  However, Michigan has an OC and DC who have won National Championships in the recent past.  They know what is required to get the job done.

I'm shocked, SHOCKED, to see how many people who are ready to concede the MSU game this year.  Another history lessson.......No Michgan coach (not named Rich Rodriquez) has lost consecutive games to Sparty in the last 40+ years!  There's no reason that has to change this year.  I don't even care that the game is being played in EL.

There is plenty of reason to be optimistic this season.....until the results show us otherwise.

 

 

Wolfman

August 30th, 2014 at 4:26 PM ^

is certain teams not among the elite build up to those "special" years.  MSU was down both years prior to having their great years. I just don't think they're at that point yet they can reload. They still have to rebuild, although they're doing it quicker than in the past. On the opposite end of the spectrum, this is a reintroduction of UM football.  This year's squad, with the introduction of those gaining experience this year, should just continue to get better each year until they are challenging themselves as in the past.  History, and that is why it's not called herstory because she'd go off topic somewhere.

rob f

August 31st, 2014 at 4:25 PM ^

your thought process on this!

Michigan has the coaches and the talent to do exactly what you seem to be predicting.  Will it happen?  Only time will tell, but I saw a LOT of good things happening on offense, defense, and ST's yesterday and remain cautiously optimistic, the "cautiously" being there only because our OL last season was so full of awful.

Yeah, I know, yesterday was only App State.  This coming Saturday night at ND should be a much better indicator of where the ceiling is this season.