Energy is eternal delight

Michigan Wolverines having there first off year in quite some time December 30, 2005

Since birth, I have been raised as a University of Michigan fan because my Dad graduated from the university and was born and raised in the “glove” state. I have had it pretty easy being a Wolverine fan as the football team is the winningest program in college football history. The school also holds the record for most consecutive bowl game appearences at 31. I have yet to experience a down year from my beloved Wolverine’s, but this year was the first off year I have ever experienced. It was rough watching my team this year. Every game this season we had the lead going into the 4th quarter and lost it in the last minutes because we could not close out the game. This is a result of us playing much to conservative and playing not to lose the game rather then to win it. We lost four games by a total of 17 points! I can confidently say that every game Michigan lost, the opponent did not win the game, Michigan lost the game. What people do not realize is that Michigan was by far the most unfortunate team in the nation with injuries. I have never seen any team battle this many injuries…im not making excuses, im just making a valid point. Even with all the team went through, they still found ways to snap Iowa’s 22 game home streak and was the only team to beat Penn St. this year.

From ESPN.com:

“If Hart had not had to deal with hamstring and ankle problems, and had rushed for more than 588 yards and four touchdowns, then Michigan would have finished with a better record than 7-4, the Wolverines would have won the Big Ten championship, and fans wouldn’t roll their eyes at the mention of defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann’s name.”

Check out Hart’s numbers in the Wolverines’ losses:

Notre Dame: three carries, 4 yards.

Wisconsin: did not play.

Minnesota: 28 carries, 109 yards, one touchdown; one reception, 4 yards.

Ohio State: nine carries, 15 yards; two receptions, 11 yards.

I know everyone loves to finally get the chance to bash Michigan after its first 5 loss season in 21 years, but look for the Wolverines to make a serious run at the National Championship next year. They battled mass injuries all season in key positions, which allowed young guys to get valuable experience; they have every key position returning; and a host of talent at the skill positions (Manningham, Bass, Grady) that will step up next year. Its just a fact of college football that every team has an off year, Michigan’s just took 21 years to happen. Barring injury, the big blue should be a major contender…so all you haters better enjoy it now. Until then…GO BLUE!