Michigan Football: Disintegration of the Wolverines

Things have not been going well for the Michigan Wolverines this past year. First, there was that huge upset in the Big House against Appalachian State (no Michigan, I have not forgotten) that started a horrible skid. Then there was their fifth straight loss to rival Ohio State. And then they had to settle for Rich Rodriguez when what they really wanted was Les Miles. And that was just the regular season.

The off-season has proven even more tumultuous for one of the most storied programs in the country. Player after player has transfered out of Michigan to play else where after Rich Rod’s arrival. Then came the loss of heavily recruited Terrelle Pryor who decided to sign with the rival Buckeyes, leaving what seems to be nothing but unanswerable questions involving the quarterback position. Now, with the impending draft of their offensive line’s all-star, Jake Long, comes another blow. Former Wolverine OL Justin Boren has decided to cut his ties with the Maize and Blue to sign on with none other than the Buckeyes.

When asked why he was leaving the Wolverines, Boren said, “family values have eroded” under the new head coach, Rich Rodriguez. Now, we can debate the reasons for the departure of Boren. They could be simply sour grapes, and they could be exactly what he says they are. Either way, there should be cause for concern in Wolverine Country.

The Athletic Department for Michigan may think that they found their guy, but the players and recruits are thinking something else. Maybe it would have been better for the athletic department to, you know, ask the players what they would like. After all, they are the ones making the money for them.

Rodriguez is a good coach to be sure. But it may not matter if the good, talented players Michigan has (or had) will not play for the man. This is an “I told you so” moment for me. I knew this hire would cause problems for Michigan. I just thought it would be later instead of sooner. Well, here’s to being proven wrong.