Michigan-Wisconsin: Big Comeback the Signature Win of Rich Rodriguez Era

Contributor Written on September 28, 2008

(Page 2 of 2)

2-10 with two picks and NEGATIVE seven yards passing in the first half?!?! Of course, his final numbers weren't much prettier, but it takes something special to endure that kind of performance and still have the confidence to continue to trot out to the huddle amidst a sea of boos.

Special commendation should also be made to the coaching staff for sticking with Threet. While Threet is most definitely the best QB on the roster, it couldn't have been an easy decision to stick with him.

I had to laugh when Threet busted through the left side of the line on their final scoring drive for that 58-yard gallop. It was so unexpected and so awkward, yet another symbol that fit the game perfectly.

Here was this 6'6", 230-lb. kid, who no one (including me) has had much positive to say about this year, in a breakout performance, breaking out of the pack and outrunning several defenders before slowing considerably to cover the ball on what was Michigan's longest play from scrimmage season to date.

He probably could have scored had he not been so wary of a potential fumble. However, Sam McGuffie punched the ball in a couple of plays later.

What does this win mean? It's obviously a confidence builder. This win has got to do wonders for all young kids they are trotting out there this year.

Probably more importantly, though, this win calms down nervous Nellies like me and will get the Michigan sports media off Rodzilla's back.

However, along with the praise come higher expectations. A win against Illinois, which seemed all but impossible until Saturday's fourth quarter, now looks like a possibility. If they had continued to play so poorly against Wisconsin, I'm not sure many would have had hope for more than one or two Big ten wins (Minnesota and Northwestern).

Now? I think they have a much better shot against aforementioned Illinois, Purdue, and potentially Michigan State...and who knows? Despite Penn State's success, I am still not a believer, and hey, Ohio State hasn't exactly set the world on fire the past couple weeks.

Lloyd Carr's first team in 1995 team did it. Why can't Rich Rodriguez's 2008 team do the same?

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This article is also featured on Shooting Blue - A University of Michigan Blog

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written on September 28, 2008 Game Recap

Bleacher Report has a featured columnist opening for Michigan Wolverines Football.

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