We all deal with loss differently, whether it is the loss of a family member, a pet, a job, or even just a football game. So I'm not going to be critical of those who come here and express their emotions. But I usually try to avoid posting right after a game - especially a loss - to avoid letting my emotions get the best of me.
Now that it has sunk in ... a few thoughts:
1. Disappointed. Last night's loss ranks in my top three losses (or bottom three performances) along with the loss to Toledo and the 2002 home loss to Iowa. I just didn't see a team ready to play or any adjustments to account for the weather or the opponent. But like the loss in 2002, I don't think last night will define this team or where the program is heading.
2. Unlike some, I do not think Jim Harbaugh is overrated. Since his return to Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the top 15 teams in win percentage in the country. Except for Utah (first game of the Harbaugh era on the road) and Michigan State (in-state rival), their only losses are against teams that rank 1-16 in win percentage during the past 2 1/2 seasons. And while a loss is a loss, I take some solace in knowing it took a fluke fumble on a punt and a bad spot on fourth down for the Wolverines to lose a couple of those games.
3. I've also seen some say, "it is year three" and list other coaches who won a national title in their third year, including Urban Meyer and Nick Saban. I would argue the circumstances are not the same. Meyer won it all at Florida in 2006, led by a senior class that was ranked #2 nationally in recruiting. He won again at Ohio State in 2014, led by a senior class that was ranked #11 nationally when they signed. Nick Saban's 2009 title team - also was led by a #11 senior class. In contrast, the senior class Harbaugh has in year three was ranked #31.
4. I think when Michigan won 10 games in year one and two and nearly made the playoffs last season, a lot of people's expectations became unrealistic. I think most of us felt going into 2017 this was a 2 or 3 loss team and many thought they might have started the year 0-1. But the roster should have told us 2018 was the year to look forward to and I still think it is.
5. I'm not writing off 2017 just yet. This is still a team, with an elite defense, that could get to ten wins. Last night could be the type of loss that leads to change in personnel, game plan or whatever it takes to win. Or it could be a sign of more struggles to come. We don't know - nobody does - so it seems premature, for me anyway, to tear this team and its coaches down. MSU is behind us and l will move on to Indiana, hoping we see a better performance, hoping that this team continues to grow towards the program I believe Harbaugh is capable of building.
6. Did I mention that I'm disappointed. But I also know that my disappointment doesn't match that of the coaches or players. I watched some of the young men on the field, on the bench, after the game last night. It was obvious that it hurt them. How they respond will say a lot more about this staff than their win/loss record against rivals. They play 12 games a year and this was just one of them, they cannot allow MSU to beat them again.
Go Blue!
Now that it has sunk in ... a few thoughts:
1. Disappointed. Last night's loss ranks in my top three losses (or bottom three performances) along with the loss to Toledo and the 2002 home loss to Iowa. I just didn't see a team ready to play or any adjustments to account for the weather or the opponent. But like the loss in 2002, I don't think last night will define this team or where the program is heading.
2. Unlike some, I do not think Jim Harbaugh is overrated. Since his return to Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the top 15 teams in win percentage in the country. Except for Utah (first game of the Harbaugh era on the road) and Michigan State (in-state rival), their only losses are against teams that rank 1-16 in win percentage during the past 2 1/2 seasons. And while a loss is a loss, I take some solace in knowing it took a fluke fumble on a punt and a bad spot on fourth down for the Wolverines to lose a couple of those games.
3. I've also seen some say, "it is year three" and list other coaches who won a national title in their third year, including Urban Meyer and Nick Saban. I would argue the circumstances are not the same. Meyer won it all at Florida in 2006, led by a senior class that was ranked #2 nationally in recruiting. He won again at Ohio State in 2014, led by a senior class that was ranked #11 nationally when they signed. Nick Saban's 2009 title team - also was led by a #11 senior class. In contrast, the senior class Harbaugh has in year three was ranked #31.
4. I think when Michigan won 10 games in year one and two and nearly made the playoffs last season, a lot of people's expectations became unrealistic. I think most of us felt going into 2017 this was a 2 or 3 loss team and many thought they might have started the year 0-1. But the roster should have told us 2018 was the year to look forward to and I still think it is.
5. I'm not writing off 2017 just yet. This is still a team, with an elite defense, that could get to ten wins. Last night could be the type of loss that leads to change in personnel, game plan or whatever it takes to win. Or it could be a sign of more struggles to come. We don't know - nobody does - so it seems premature, for me anyway, to tear this team and its coaches down. MSU is behind us and l will move on to Indiana, hoping we see a better performance, hoping that this team continues to grow towards the program I believe Harbaugh is capable of building.
6. Did I mention that I'm disappointed. But I also know that my disappointment doesn't match that of the coaches or players. I watched some of the young men on the field, on the bench, after the game last night. It was obvious that it hurt them. How they respond will say a lot more about this staff than their win/loss record against rivals. They play 12 games a year and this was just one of them, they cannot allow MSU to beat them again.
Go Blue!
