Whether you would have liked Bo. First, I think it’s important to recognize what Bo inherited. That ‘69 Team was a loaded football team in the days of 115 scholarships. Think about that—115 schollies! But over the years, Bo would have his share of hiccups to lesser opponents—Minnesota, Purdue certainly come to mind. We all know about his bowl record and losses in some of those bowl games to lesser teams. Wins in those games would have resulted in national titles. For me, my formative years were the 80s. Sandwiched around Bo’s 1980 win over OSU were losses in ‘79, ‘81 and ‘82 to Earle Bruce and the Buckeyes. The ‘82 Team although a Conference winner lost to OSU and UCLA (twice), one of those games coming at home. In ‘84, Bo lost his quarterback named Harbaugh early in the Big Ten season, but people fail to remember that Michigan was drilled by Washington after beating defending national champion, Miami. Michigan finished 6-6 that year. Many have talked about the ‘85 Team and the great year it had in going 10-1-1, but that tie was to a vastly inferior Illinois Team. In ‘86, Michigan finished the year 2-2, losing to Minnesota and Arizona St. Bo’s ‘87 Team was a 4-loss club losing to ND, MSU, Indiana and OSU. My point is that Bo was not infallible. He had “rebuilding” years after senior laden teams graduated. The ‘84 Teams and ‘87 Teams were very young. By ‘88, the youth began to grow, and by the end of the year, they were a strong team.
As for Jim and this year’s team, I wanted to believe this year’s team could reload and be fine. The reality is that this year is a foundation year. Let’s see how this team finishes. I very much believe this team can win every game left on its schedule (I’d like to think 3 of them are layups). We know Michigan has warts, but it’s time to start heal some of them. The line and creativity utilizing the personnel we have would be a good start. Last point, Jim will do what needs to be done. Anyone doubting that needs to have their heads examined.
As for Jim and this year’s team, I wanted to believe this year’s team could reload and be fine. The reality is that this year is a foundation year. Let’s see how this team finishes. I very much believe this team can win every game left on its schedule (I’d like to think 3 of them are layups). We know Michigan has warts, but it’s time to start heal some of them. The line and creativity utilizing the personnel we have would be a good start. Last point, Jim will do what needs to be done. Anyone doubting that needs to have their heads examined.
