A Modest Attempt at Perspective

Here goes. First, the bad:

• The generally disappointing performance of the program over the past 10-15 years and persistent futility against our two main rivals should trigger some legitimate introspection.

• The way in which we lost the Outback Bowl, coupled with the disappointing 2017 season, dismal offense, and persistent weaknesses that date back to last season or earlier (e.g., poor offensive line play) raise legitimate questions about whether the issues plaguing this team are systemic.

• Jim Harbaugh’s failure to develop an elite QB so far legitimately tarnishes his reputation as a QB guru.

• Pep Hamilton, Tim Drevno, and perhaps other offensive assistants may need to be replaced.

• The above, coupled with the fact that Michigan has failed to finish better than 3rd in the B1G East three years into the Harbaugh era, raises legitimate questions about whether the Jesus-like hype surrounding Harbaugh and his antics is excessive and unwarranted.

Having said all of that, we ultimately need to keep the good in mind:

• This program was a complete and total train wreck when Harbaugh got here, and he doubled the team’s win total in his first season.

• For all of the issues on offense, the defense actually overachieved with another top 5 finish despite losing 10 of 11 starters from 2016.

• The defense returns 9 of 11 starters in 2018 and is poised for another dominant year.

• Many blue-chip recruits, like Rashan Gary, Khaleke Hudson, and Devin Bush Jr., have lived up to their hype and then some.

• What isn’t the product of hype is Harbaugh’s track record, having turned around two miserably underperforming teams, coached two Heisman Trophy runners-up, and molded a group of unknown recruits into the country’s best offensive line in 2010 at Stanford.


So that’s where we’re at. This will be a long, painful, and critical offseason. We have no choice but to take our lumps from Sparties and Buckeyes who will spare no opportunity to point out Harbaugh’s 1-5 record against them, our painfully long B1G championship drought, and the fact that Michigan was the lone blemish on an otherwise perfect B1G bowl record. HOWEVER, the light at the end of the tunnel is still in sight. It may be further off than we wanted, and the tunnel has had some unexpected twists and turns, but the light is still visible. All we can do is be patient and keep the faith. There are still plenty of legitimate reasons to do that. And it beats sky-is-falling hysterics or head-in-the-sand rehashing of old statistics that bear no relevance to the program today. Now neg away.