I don't really know how to begin on this 23-20 overtime Michian win over Viginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. It was imperfect and unlikely. Michigan did not play their best. Virginia Tech was the better team for much of the night, but you know what? When it was all over, Michigan had more points than Tech, and that's what counts.
Michigan has been on the other end of these games before. In this Sugar Bowl, the breaks went their way. They made enough plays to score 23 points, and ther other guys only scored 20. I will not apologize for this win.
The job that Brady Hoke and his staff did this season was masterful. In this Sugar Bowl game it was the resolve and toughness of the players that was the difference. They never gave in. They fought to the final whistle. They held Virginia Tech out of the end zone on numerous Hokie trips to the red zone that won the game. This was a game that was won in the spring. When Brady and his staff came in and preached toughness, every one of these players bought in. Through the season, the attitude of toughness and perseverence grew. Every coach on the staff kept harping on it. Develop the attitude. Coach the attitude. More than the x's and o's, it was attitude that won in New Orleans.
Brady and his staff deserve huge credit for that. The players though, had to practice it, and do it when it counted. My hat is off to these players of team 132. The Sugar Bowl could have gotten away from them on a lot of occasions, but they wouldn't let it. They kept fighting. They knew it wasn't going their way. They knew it wasn't pretty. They knew they were struggling. But, they never lost faith, and they never lost that attitude, and in the end they prevailed.
Am I making too much of it? maybe, but, how many times have you heard about the "intangibles?" In the Sugar Bowl in my opinion, the intangibles were with Michigan.
"Was it a catch or wasn't it" for Tech in the overtime? It wasn't. Thats the ruling for now and history. That call will get a lot of talk in the next few days, but the reality is that what really matters is 23-20 Michigan.
It has been a great year. It ended with a win, the 11th of the season for Michigan. Clearly, the hiring of Brady Hoke is a huge success. But, let's not forget the job Brady did bringing this staff together. This staff is part of the fabulous turn around. Lets not forget that. This team over achieved in many peoples eyes. In the future, there will be rough spots. Next season the schedule is much tougher. Michigan graduates a very special group of seniors. But, never forget what this team 132 has accomplished. It has not only restored a faith and attitude in the team that Michigan is back, it has restored the faith and passion of the Michigan fans.
Enjoy and revel in this season. The young men of this team gave us one of the best autumns that I can remember. It's hard to finish this piece, because I don't want to say goodbye to this season. I guess I will leave it at this. This program is in great hands. Whatever the won and loss record is, I can guarantee you that this program will make you proud you are a graduate of Michigan or a fan of the team. As a former player, I am very proud of the kids of team 132. Thank you for your efforts. Thank you for your committment. Thank you for being Michigan men. Thank you for 2011. Your legacy is one of triumph over adversity and character. Well done! Your place on that wall of team pictures in Schembechler Hall is waiting, and it is a place of honor.
