I've been smiling since Saturday afternoon about 3:30. A victory over Ohio State after 7 years must have that kind of effect. But, it wasn't just the victory. It was about improvement. It was about validation. It was about toughness, and so many things. All of these things are hallmarks of Michigan Football, and for a while, they may have been missing. Hey, we've missed some of these things before, but never to the degree or stretch it seems we've been through.
I have said this before, but I think it is important to repeat it. This team has gotten better every week. They played their best football in their last game, that hasn't been the case in the past 3 years. Michigan has always been that way, and it is again.
For those of you who were sure Denard Robinson would be a better wide receiver than quarterback. I'm glad you aren't coaching. Denard was the difference in that game. He also has improved every week. He is a play maker. He is a very dangerous quarterback. He should handle the ball on every play. Against Ohio State, he matched every play they made with one of his own.
For those of you who thought offensive co-ordinator Al Borges was out of his league. His red zone offense against the Buckeyes was outstanding. Did you see Kevin Koger wide open in the end zone for a score after a hard run action fake. Thanks, coach Borges, nice call. Remember also that two red zone touchdowns were called back or disallowed for some reason or another. Michigan put more yardage on Ohio State on the ground than any other team the Buckeyes played. Nice going Coach Borges.
For the first time this season, the defense gave up some big plays, but wasn't it perfect that they were out there for the final last gasp Buckeye pass? It was poetic justice that the defense of Greg Mattison put the finishing touches on this one. They may have made the furthest journey. From being one of the worst units in the country a year ago to stuffing and stoning teams along the way to a 10-2 record was nothing short of amazing.
Believe me, this victory over Ohio is a huge, but, let's remember it in the context of the season. Many thought Michigan might win 6, maybe 7 games. The idea of implementing a new system on offense and defense was going to take something away from their progress. As it turned out, that theory was wrong. In many ways, this team proved a lot of experts wrong. The same kids, for the most part, who won seven games total a year ago, and got blown out in their last two games appear to be on their way to a BCS bowl game a year later. Wow.
What's been the change? Easy, a coaching staff and an attitude. My hats off today to Brady Hoke, and his staff for the job they did as coaches. But, they also did a job as motivators. They convinced the kids that they inherited that they could win as many games as they wanted. They may have to work a little harder. They may have to pay more attention to detail. They may have to grow a little thicker skin and get used to enthusiastic coaching, and criticism. And to the credit of the kids on this team, they took it all in stride. They paid the price of spending more days in padded practices. Of coming in on their own to do prep work looking at film on the opponent. Give it up to the seniors on this roster who have gone through more than their share of change than any Michigan team in the last 60 years. They stayed with it. They fought through the doubt and disappointment. To me, where they have come from makes them one of the most significant classes in Michigan history.
Their legacy is that they got it back. When it was lost, they didn't quit fighting. They were determined to be Michigan again. Mission accomplished guys. You've left an example to all those who follow you what it means to persevere.
For Brady Hoke and staff, they certainly are a part of the turn around. But, what I love about Brady and his coaches is that they never talk about themselves. It's always about the kids, and how they did this, and how they improved here. I guess it goes back to what Michigan is supposed to be about anyway. The team, the team, the team.
Coaches and players working together as one. Pulling together in the same direction. Never wavering in support or committment to each other. That's Michigan. It's back. Ohio State knows it. They found out on Saturday in Ann Arbor. And, I'm still smiling.
