I remember my first game so clearly. Running down the hill across Palmer Field, meandering around the ‘M’ in the Diag, I entered a unified mass on an emotional conveyer down State Street to the Michigan Mecca. The enthusiasm and energy of 100,000+ strong was overwhelming, as I emerged from the 32nd section corridor. Our team was infused with power and might, and the distance from deep freshman rows to the huddle hardly fazed any us. We defeated Miami (Ohio) that afternoon, and I recall the great pride in watching, in their first starts, our freshman quarterback Chad Henne’s focus and grace as well as Mike Hart’s resilient legs digging harder every time for extra yardage.

Fortunately we have been able to watch terrific Michigan teams and players under the guidance of Lloyd Carr, every game exceeding our highest expectations. But, what I saw on Saturday was nothing less than a farce, a joke, an anomaly. We committed 5 false starts, muffed 3 punts, yielded almost 400 yards, and had 2 kicks blocked. These mistakes mark sub-par concentration and preparation, not absence of talent.

Now I love what Coach Carr has accomplished; it can’t be denied. In 12 seasons, he’s lead us to 5 Big Ten titles, 6 AP Top 10 finishes, graduated countless players to the NFL, and won the National Championship. His teams are nationally revered and feared by all opponents, as he leads with an iron will. But, Michigan hasn’t won since the late Bo passed on, and I don’t think the motivation has been there since Bo’s death last November before the Ohio State game.



Nothing causes change more than humiliation. And in a word, Appalachian State humiliated our athletic program in our Big House. We can build from this letdown and respond with strength. Why is Mike Hart our leader and hero? He never stops running, never goes out of bounds, and will do anything to cross the goal line. It’s my hope to see that effort collectively from all—players, coaches, and staff. I know it will happen. Our team always assembles intelligent, skilled athletes. With the motivation from this game, collectively reinvigorated, the team will sprint with determination and speed for 60 minutes, 12 more times this season (that includes a bowl game).

Let’s all take the week to heal, and on Saturday, encourage our revitalized team to victory. Although this loss deeply hurts us all, there remain many goals for the season. One is the Big Ten title, another is making a statement against the Pac-10 next week and in a bowl game, and especially for us seniors, the true prize is triumph over Ohio State. Remember the most improvement is between the first and second games.

Go Blue!

This post was originally written by Utter Disappointment
University of Michigan · · 02 Sep 2007